The Army has approved soldiers deployed to the Middle East and Africa in support of Operation Epic Fury to wear combat patches.

Authorization to wear combat patches, showcasing that the soldier was in a combat zone, is considered an honor in the military. With the authorization, soldiers will switch the insignia of their deployed unit from the left to the right shoulder of their Army combat uniform and Army green service uniform, Task and Purpose reported. The authorization was given by Army chief of staff Gen. Randy George in a March 26 memo.