STAND UP: Patches

You will most likely see a USAF pilot accessorizing his/her flight suit with several patches. The purpose of these patches is unit morale. The patches uniquely identity a unit, class, flight, and/or squadron. An interesting fact that I learned just the other day is that they DONT wear them in flight because if something were to happen- it would provide to much information to others!! But when they arent in the air and not in the jet, they are fully accessorized with them!! :)

These Patches were the first ones Matt received. These were from IFS in Colorado. The illustration of the fire-hose in the rear is to express how much information was shoved in them in such little time. (patch illustrations arent always delightful):

As Matt started UPT, these were the patches he wore during T-6 track. The name tag has the Eight ball (represents the 8th squadron) and the T-6. The one below it represents the 71st operations group (it too represents the 8th flying training squadron). The patch on the right is the class patch that is actually designed by the 11-07 class.

When Matt switched to T-38's he began wearing these patches. The name tag has a T-38 on it and the crew chief insignia that represents that Matt was a seven level (thats the star on top) crew chief prior to UPT. The bottom left patch is the T-38 class designed patch- T-38 on a 38 caliber bullet. The bottom right patch (K-Killer) is their T-38 Flight (K flight) patch.

Now this patch he has worn the whole time. It represents that he is in training. When he finishes training, he will wear a similar one that says air combat command (as seen in next set of pics).

When Matt is done with pilot training and back with the 184th in Fort Smith, he will be wearing these patches:
Matt has acquired several patches throughout UPT and will continue to add to his collection as time goes on. So what will we do with all of these patches when they are no longer of use??? Well there are several options but Matt has decided that I will sew them onto his helmet bag as he has seen other pilots do.

Hope you enjoyed this tid bit of information!! I have really enjoyed learning all these military traditions/cultures and hope that I am able to share them in a way that you can learn to appreciate and admire them as well!! I have made a list of many more Stand up topics and hope to share them more often! Until next time- at ease:)