OCP Patch Placement for Military Uniforms: A Complete Guide

OCP patch placement may seem simple, but putting a patch in the wrong place can affect the overall look of a military uniform. Each patch has a specific purpose and position, from the unit patch on the left shoulder to an authorised combat patch on the right.

OCP stands for Operational Camouflage Pattern and is used on the U.S. Army Combat Uniform. Army Regulation 670-1 and DA PAM 670-1 provide the main rules for wearing Army uniforms and insignia. Before wearing any patch, always check the latest Army and unit guidance.

What Is an OCP Uniform?

OCP is the camouflage pattern used for the U.S. Army Combat Uniform. The uniform includes hook-and-loop areas for several authorised insignia, making it easy to remove or change patches when required. If you need durable patches for uniforms, units, or military-inspired gear, consider custom military patches.

Common OCP uniform patches include unit patches, combat patches and U.S. flag patches. Name tapes and rank insignia are also placed in specific areas. Knowing the purpose of each patch makes placement much easier.

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OCP Patch Placement Guide

The shoulders are the main areas used for OCP units and combat patches. The left and right sleeves have different purposes, so patches should not be placed randomly.

The left shoulder generally displays the Soldier’s current unit or organisation. The right shoulder may display an authorised combat patch for qualifying service. Other items, such as the U.S. flag, name tape and rank, have separate placement requirements.

Left Shoulder Unit Patch

The left shoulder is generally used for the shoulder sleeve insignia, or SSI. This patch identifies the Soldier’s current unit or organisation. The patch should fit correctly on the designated hook-and-loop area and sit straight on the sleeve.

Its size and design should match the authorised insignia requirements. Not every military-themed patch can be worn as a unit patch. Soldiers should check their current unit guidance before ordering or wearing one.

Right Shoulder Combat Patch

The right shoulder can be used for an authorised combat patch. This is also known as the Shoulder Sleeve Insignia for Military Operations in Hostile Conditions, or SSI-MOHC. A combat patch represents qualifying service with a unit during an authorised operation.

Eligibility depends on Army rules and the soldier’s service history. A personal or decorative military patch should not be treated as a combat patch. Always confirm eligibility and authorisation before wearing one.

U.S. Flag Patch Placement

The U.S. flag is another common patch on an OCP uniform. Army guidance states that the full-colour flag is worn on utility and organisational uniforms, while a subdued tactical version is used in deployed or field environments.

The flag’s star field faces forward. This gives the flag its traditional forward-facing appearance when worn on the sleeve. When ordering a flag patch, make sure you choose the correct style for the intended uniform and situation.

Name Tape and U.S. Army Tape

Name tape and U.S. Army tape are placed on the front of the OCP coat. They are designed to fit the specific hook-and-loop areas provided for them. The name tape identifies the soldier, while the U.S. Army tape identifies the service.

If these items are sewn onto the uniform, Army guidance should be followed consistently. Check the current regulations before choosing between sewn-on and hook-and-loop versions. If you want bold patches for jackets, vests, or riding gear, consider custom motorcycle patches.

Rank Insignia Placement

Rank insignia is another important part of the OCP uniform. The type and position can vary depending on the Soldier’s rank and uniform setup. Use the correct authorised insignia and follow the latest Army instructions for placement. If you are ordering rank patches, confirm the required rank, size and colour before production.

Can You Wear Custom Patches on OCP Uniforms?

Custom does not always mean authorised. A patch made for an OCP uniform must still meet the applicable military rules if it will be worn as part of the official uniform.

Morale patches and personalised designs may be suitable for jackets, bags, clubs, events or other non-uniform uses. Official uniform use is different and should follow Army and unit requirements. If you are replacing an official patch, confirm the design before ordering. This can help prevent mistakes and unnecessary costs.

Velcro or Sew-On OCP Patches?

Hook-and-loop backing is widely used for OCP patches because it makes patches easy to remove and replace. This can be useful when authorised insignia changes. Sew-on patches provide a permanent attachment and can give the uniform a clean finish.

The Army permits sewn-on versions of certain authorised items when its requirements are followed. The best backing depends on how the patch will be used. For removable patches, hook-and-loop backing is a practical choice.

Final Thoughts

Correct OCP patch placement helps keep a military uniform neat and compliant with applicable rules. The left shoulder generally carries the current unit patch, while an authorised combat patch may be worn on the right shoulder.

The U.S. flag, name tape and rank insignia have their own placement requirements. Since military regulations can change, always check the latest Army guidance and your unit’s instructions before wearing a patch.