BDU Badges and Velcro

[manfredvonrichthofen]

Has anyone tried sewing their badges onto velcro for their BDUs?

[SarDragon]

I considered it once, but thought that it would look odd, and non-uniform, so didn't.

[manfredvonrichthofen]

I am getting rather irritated about having to sew, take of, sew again. My CIB is expensive to order, five buck anytime i need one and they are starting to look horrible from being redone and redone. So I was thinking about maybe just doing velcro and leaving it at that.

[a2capt]

Why does it have to come off?

... you think that looks bad? Velcro is rumply, sticks out on the edges, adds a different kind of stiffness to that area, leaves the stuff raised off the surface as much as 1/4 inch. Measure it

If placing the badge is, I presume it's some kind of badge, is a pain, the velcro pile is the same pain.  Then the item will "move", and you'll still get gigged with the seamstress ruler.

[BGNightfall]

Velcro may not be the best approach, especially if you're leaving the normal name tapes sewn down.  If you're removing and replacing your badges this frequently, perhaps consider gluing or sewing the insignia to a thin magnet.  You can move your insignia at will without worry.  With sufficiently strong magnets you probably would not need to worry about insignia shift, and in cases where it would be covered/rubbed by equipment, it could just be removed.

[DC]

I've seen it done twice, one looked great, the other not so much.

The setup that was done well used thin, like 3/8" strips of velcro on the inside of the patch to be applied. This kept it attached, but did not noticeably add to the bulk of the patch as a full pad of velcro would.

Why are you continually attaching, taking off and reattaching your badges? 

[manfredvonrichthofen]

I've seen it done twice, one looked great, the other not so much.

The setup that was done well used thin, like 3/8" strips of velcro on the inside of the patch to be applied. This kept it attached, but did not noticeably add to the bulk of the patch as a full pad of velcro would.

Why are you continually attaching, taking off and reattaching your badges?

New badges, change from one to another, also learned not long ago that I can't wear all three of mine. Plus the CIB is hard to get straight with the gap between badges because it is so much longer than others.

[DakRadz]

A one-time investment in paying for someone else to do the job might not be a bad idea.

Figure out which badges you want, and then just leave it that way. Just a thought.

[a2capt]

Thats what I mean, you say it's a pain to line up, so you need to line up a piece of velcro pile the same shape, otherwise .. if the stuff is sticking out the sides ... the whole thing is pointless.

[manfredvonrichthofen]

Oh no, I would never give my uniform to someone else to sew. They do worse than I would. They don't know the Reg, even if I tell them how to do it they will mess it up no doubt. I did my own when I was in the Army when we were still in BDU and DCU.

I know I am picky and difficult

[indygreg]

I don't know where in Indiana you are, but there is a guy in Muncie that does GREAT work on patches(he was a rigger in the Army).  I can get you his info, if you'd like.

[manfredvonrichthofen]

I don't know where in Indiana you are, but there is a guy in Muncie that does GREAT work on patches(he was a rigger in the Army).  I can get you his info, if you'd like.

A bit far for me, I'm in Bloomington (no jokes please), and that is a bit of a far drive for me just for a patch. Especially since my badges are already off. Wouldn't it be nice just to wear the medal ones on the BDU?

[Hawk200]

New badges, change from one to another, also learned not long ago that I can't wear all three of mine. Plus the CIB is hard to get straight with the gap between badges because it is so much longer than others.

Which new badges? CAP ones? I know there's no upgrade on AASLT, or Pathfinder. CIB could change, but you haven't mentioned anything about getting a second award.

Once you get some on, leave them. If you want to wear everything you have across a few uniforms, that's allowed, you're just limited to two at a time per uniform. About the only thing that might change is your GT badge.

When I put insignia on, I use Witch Stitch to hold it in place, then sew from there. You don't have to worry about it shifting while sewing it.

[manfredvonrichthofen]

AALST now has stars for denoting combat ropes and rappels. But my issue is that I had two on before, then I got GT. So I thought ok, move CIB up and put GT between CIB and AASLT, now I know that I have to take off one, so I drop my AASLT, now I have to move them again being that this is the first chance I have to change them, so I am at it again before our meeting Thursday. Also I am almost done with my requirements for GTL and then I will have a star on my GT here in about two months. So then I will need to change it again and take both off and put them back on and I will need to order a new CIB, also by then I will hopefully have my orders changed for a CIB 2nd award for Afghanistan, being that now they give a second CIB if you have been in both Iraq and Afghanistan.

[manfredvonrichthofen]

Wow, taking them off just now, I ruined one CIB and a GT Badge.

[RiverAux]

Sewing them on in the right place once vs having to try to place the darn things right on velcro after every washing?  Seems like an easy call to make.

Can't believe anyone hasn't said this, but I'm not sure velcro is "CAP legal" on the BDU.  Might be able to get away with velcro that exactly matches the edges of your badge, but certainly not like on the current military uniforms with lots of extra unused space around the patch. 

[HGjunkie]

I use velcro for my flag patch and that's about it. Granted, the only reason I do that is because I inherited it from my dad who was in the Army, so it had the velcro already attached and ready to go.

[jb3]

No matter what you do with your badges, make sure that you know what you are talking about before you post information. I'm not sure who told you that you would be getting a second star on your CIB but that person was seriously uninformed. There are only four CIB periods and GWOT is one, not two. The "Republic of Vietnam Conflict Era" lasted until 1995 meaning that a Vietnam vet who earned a CIB didn't get a star for Operation Just Cause, Desert Storm, or any of the other conlicts of that period. I know your post was more about your CAP uniform but I wanted to stop your rumor before other young Soldiers read it and think that they are getting a star on their CIB as well. I hope I didn't ruin your day.

JB

[manfredvonrichthofen]

No problem, my information came from my old PL who is now a BN CDR (MAJ)  asked me if I wanted my star and I thought he was joking. He then informed me of certain changes that are arizing. So far as I know he is processing my paper work himself.

[Eclipse]

I have seen a few members do this - mostly with pockets.  You can get woodland camo velcro, but it doesn't look any better.

It always looks at least "strange", and usually pretty bad.

The only reason there is velcro on combat uniforms is so that if captured a soldier, aircrew, etc., can "sanitize" their uniform
to hinder unit identification, etc.

You'll notice that grade is sewn onto the flightsuits for all the services, even though they have velcro for other insignia, as grade
is one of the things a combatant must provide when captured, anyway.

This is not a factor in CAP - no senior member changes grade so often as to need velcro on any uniform, and cadets wear metal in the phases where they tend to change grade rapidly, so it is a non-issue all the way around.

Just sew it directly on.

[manfredvonrichthofen]

The only reason there is velcro on combat uniforms is so that if captured a soldier, aircrew, etc., can "sanitize" their uniform
to hinder unit identification, etc.

Velcro patches have nothing to do with sterilizing the uniform. Besides, we are trained that if we are captured to give our Last Name and Rank along with our unit. It has to do soley with ease of the uniform.

[Hawk200]

The only reason there is velcro on combat uniforms is so that if captured a soldier, aircrew, etc., can "sanitize" their uniform
to hinder unit identification, etc.

Velcro patches have nothing to do with sterilizing the uniform. Besides, we are trained that if we are captured to give our Last Name and Rank along with our unit. It has to do soley with ease of the uniform.

Maybe so, but the Air Force doesn't use it on utilities other than flightsuits. We follow their lead on them. It may be convenient initially, it ends up being a pain.

[manfredvonrichthofen]

Don't worry, I have since scratched the idea and found a way to turn the badges almost into a permanent patch. I took a really thin plastic and measured the badge, added 1/8 inch to each side and cut the plastic to size. I then used a fabric glue and glued the plastic into the badge and it hardened solid in about 20 minutes. Then just sew it on to the BDU and it won't come apart and holds shape very nicely. Don't worry about the iron on the plastic because you won't even have to iron the badge anyways. But all of my buttons (except for those at the cuff of the sleeves are velcro.

[Hawk200]

Don't worry, I have since scratched the idea and found a way to turn the badges almost into a permanent patch. I took a really thin plastic and measured the badge, added 1/8 inch to each side and cut the plastic to size. I then used a fabric glue and glued the plastic into the badge and it hardened solid in about 20 minutes. Then just sew it on to the BDU and it won't come apart and holds shape very nicely. Don't worry about the iron on the plastic because you won't even have to iron the badge anyways. But all of my buttons (except for those at the cuff of the sleeves are velcro.

I just use Witch Stitch (or comparable generic equivalent) for that. I use it to shape the badge, and then to hold it down for sewing. The thin stuff is best for this, it doesn't create bulk.

I have thought about modding a BDU shirt to have a zipper and Velcro front, just like the ACU shirt. If I do it right, no one will ever know unless they see me removing it. It is one feature I do like about the ACU shirt.

[manfredvonrichthofen]

I didn't even use a zipper, I just used a one inch wide strip of velcro all the way down the buttons.

[Hawk200]

I didn't even use a zipper, I just used a one inch wide strip of velcro all the way down the buttons.

Seems like it would be a pain to line up, I'd probably suffer some anxiety from worrying about it. It would be simpler, material wise. But, if you can make it work.

[manfredvonrichthofen]

I have no issue with it, just make sure the top of your velcro are square angles to the sides and it is easy to line up if you use one long solid strip.
[img alt=]http://captalk.net/MGalleryItem.php?id=355[/img]

[shorning]

Besides, we are trained that if we are captured to give our Last Name and Rank along with our unit.

Um...no!  Not your unit.  Name, rank, service number, and date of birth.  "Big four and nothing more".

[The CyBorg is destroyed]

Don't use Velcro on BDU's...it would make you stick out like a sore thumb and eventually someone with more knowledge of uniforms than you or I would call you on it.

I get this fabric glue from Hobby Lobby, use it to secure the ragged ends of grade insignia and nametapes underneath, let dry 24 hours, glue onto clean BDU's, let dry 24 hours and then sew over it.  Very easy, and looks almost as good as a professional tailor.

[Hawk200]

Don't use Velcro on BDU's...it would make you stick out like a sore thumb and eventually someone with more knowledge of uniforms than you or I would call you on it.

Only if you can tell. If there is no indicator whatsoever that the uniform is modified when worn, it doesn't matter.

[manfredvonrichthofen]

I remember my training very well, also I still have my 7-8 and my BCT manual plus many more. Even the manual says to give your unit.

There is no way to tell that it has been changed when it is worn. I have had nothing but compliments on them either.

[shorning]

I remember my training very well, also I still have my 7-8 and my BCT manual plus many more. Even the manual says to give your unit.

Re-read Article V of the Code of Conduct...

[SARDOC]

I remember my training very well, also I still have my 7-8 and my BCT manual plus many more. Even the manual says to give your unit.

There is no way to tell that it has been changed when it is worn. I have had nothing but compliments on them either.

Name, Rank, Service and Date of Birth...That's it  See Below AR350-30 Sec 4-14

http://www.fas.org/irp/doddir/army/ar350-30.pdf

Giving your unit identity can place other members of your unit at risk.  It also hints at what your Military Specialty is and can lead the enhanced interrogation techniques...

[manfredvonrichthofen]

Wow, hey I stand very corrected, I am sorry for arguing so hard. I was sure that we were required to give unit also. Again I apologize for being such a donkey.

[Stonewall]

... and my BCT manual plus many more.

Did your BCT manual look like this?



With my ugly mug on in?

On topic...I've been in CAP for 23 years (24 in February) and have done all my own sewing since being a cadet.  Several Army and Air Force badges as well as, I think, 4 CAP badges.  I have never considered using velcro nor have I had issues with ripping or fraying badges when having to remove them.  It's called a seem ripper.  And when used properly, you'll have a fresh patch/badge removal every time.

Home Econmics class, 1987.

[Persona non grata]

uda the man!!!!!!!!

[Eclipse]

^ Yep - one of the best things that happened to me was frustration with not being able to get the tailor or my betrothed to
sew things "just right".

Forced me to figure out the machine, now I do everything myself, plus for others, and now the kids are in Cub Scouts...

[manfredvonrichthofen]

No, mine was black and white, the only picture on the cover was an M-16 and a K-pot. Now, is that really you on the cover?

[Stonewall]

Now, is that really you on the cover?

The answer:  Yes.  Picture was taken by Dennis Steele, from AUSA in July 1997. 

[manfredvonrichthofen]

Nice, did the Army pay you for that photo?

[Stonewall]

Nice, did the Army pay you for that photo?

Nope.  It was on the 1997 Army Green Book and then spent 9 years as the main Army Values poster.

[smg id=357]

[smg id=358]

[manfredvonrichthofen]

Nice, I didn't know you were in the Army before the Air Force.

[Stonewall]

1991 - 1995:  Active Army
1996 - 2001:  Army Guard
2004 - Present:  Air Guard

Served in every position in the Infantry up to Squad Leader.

[manfredvonrichthofen]

I was everything up to squad leader as well, the bad thing about this is no one takes an E-4 squad leader seriously at all. I was also my CO's RTO and "body guard" (even though he wasn't allowed to have a body guard). My personal favorite was being a SAW gunner.

BTW I was only a squad leader for about one and a half months.

[manfredvonrichthofen]

What made you decide to transfer into the Air Force Stonewall?

[Stonewall]

What made you decide to transfer into the Air Force Stonewall?

I got out of the Army Guard in August of 2001, a month before 9/11.  I had just picked up a lucrative job in DC toting a gun, carrying a badge and circling the globe in a learjet while protecting a powerful dude.  The Guard just didn't jive with being gone all the time.  In 2004 my wife joined the Air Guard (at age 30) and I refused to have a dependent ID card so I joined the Air Guard which is a little more forgiving with missing drill weekends.  I went 6 months without attending a drill once.  I have since left DC and the fast paced life of lawyers, guns and money.  My only action these days is one weekend a month with an occasional trip to the AOR.  That and finding dead bodies, mobile meth labs and the random millionaire who wants to drink themself to death.

[manfredvonrichthofen]

Nice, sounds like loads of fun.

My dad went back into the ANG after being out for about 18 years when he found out my brother went in after I had.

[manfredvonrichthofen]

Thinking about it, I was an E-3 squad leader. We were standing the unit back up at Ft. Campbell when the 506 was returning to the 101st from Korea. We didn't have enough NCO's to go around so a bunch of us were asked a few questions and whoever got the most right were added as squad and team leaders.

[dogboy]

I don't know where in Indiana you are, but there is a guy in Muncie that does GREAT work on patches(he was a rigger in the Army).  I can get you his info, if you'd like.

A bit far for me, I'm in Bloomington (no jokes please), and that is a bit of a far drive for me just for a patch. Especially since my badges are already off. Wouldn't it be nice just to wear the medal ones on the BDU?

Since you're in a college town, cal,l the ROTC unit and ask them where they get their patches sewn on.

[manfredvonrichthofen]

I don't know where in Indiana you are, but there is a guy in Muncie that does GREAT work on patches(he was a rigger in the Army).  I can get you his info, if you'd like.

A bit far for me, I'm in Bloomington (no jokes please), and that is a bit of a far drive for me just for a patch. Especially since my badges are already off. Wouldn't it be nice just to wear the medal ones on the BDU?

Since you're in a college town, cal,l the ROTC unit and ask them where they get their patches sewn on.

I have gotten it taken care of. I can sew pretty well, I just have issues seam ripping to change something. I decided to use a thin plastic sheet and glue it inside the badge, makes it nice and stiff. Plus it holds the badge a little bit thinker and makes it easier to rip the seam.