Red Patch - Current Usage

Current Usage

The red patch measures 3 in × 1 in (7.6 cm × 2.5 cm) on the trousers, worn 2.5 in (6.4 cm) below the cargo pocket, centered, and 1 in × 1 in (2.5 cm × 2.5 cm) on the front of the eight point cover, centered. A 1 in × 1 in (2.5 cm × 2.5 cm) patch is supposed to be worn on the front and rear of the Kevlar helmet, but this practice has fallen into disuse.

Beginning in the late 1990s, Landing Support Battalions (which at the time were the only units authorized to wear the red patch) and their respective Motor Transport Battalions merged to create Transportation Support Battalions (TSB). 1st LSB and 7th MTB merged to create 1st TSB, 2nd LSB and 8th MTB merged to create 2nd TSB, and 3rd LSB and 9th MTB merged to create 3rd TSB. 4th Landing Support Battalion, a reserve unit, remained under the command of 4th Force Service Support Group (FSSG). Subordinate units such as Transportation Support detachments and Landing Support detachments attached to MEU Service Support Groups (MSSG) were also authorized to wear the patch.

In June 2006, the three Force Service Support Groups and their respective Transportation Support Battalions were disbanded and fell under the command of various Combat Logistics Battalions (CLB) and Combat Logistics Regiments (CLR) under the command of the newly created Marine Logistics Groups (MLG). While other Marines dropped the use of the red patch, the patch continues to be worn by Landing Support Platoons or Companies and remains on the uniforms of 0481s and various MOS attached to a landing support company. The red patch also continues to be worn by Marines assigned to the Landing Support Detachments or Transportation Support Detachments assigned to MEU CLBs (formerly known as MSSGs).