Deployed SFS troops earn Army combat badge Published April 23, 2007 TIKRIT, Iraq -- Security forces Airmen from the 366th Security Forces Squadron currently deployed with the 732nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron in Iraq earned the 149th Armor Brigade's combat patch in a ceremony earlier this month. The Army-unique ceremony recognized 43 Airmen from Mountain Home and three other Air Force bases who deployed to Tikrit in November to take on Army military police duties under the tactical control of the 25th Infantry Division's 149th Brigade Combat Team. The Airmen performed around-the-clock military police duties, including fielding a special reaction team and criminal investigations element. The Army credited these teams with identifying suspected bomb makers, black marketers and anti-Iraqi Forces involved in planning targeted ambushes on coalition forces. In addition, they were the first responders to several rocket attacks, aggravated weapons assaults and major traffic accidents. "Our Airmen have exceeded the expectations of our Army commanders," said Maj. Matthew Boschert, 366th Security Forces Squadron commander currently deployed as the garrison provost marshal. "It was a great moment to see the 'joint' aspect of this deployment. We integrated and became a cohesive part of the 25th Infantry Division mission." The Army combat patch originated with the 81st Division in 1918. On its way to France, the unit adopted the figure of a wild cat and granted permission to wear it with their uniform. Recognizing its value to build morale and help troops assemble under their officers, the American Expeditionary Force directed its organizations to adopt similar insignia. After World War II, the Army approved its soldiers to wear a unit patch on the uniform's right shoulder to denote combat service with that unit. "You're a part of us now ... and always will be," said Col. Charles Jones, garrison commander. "This patch is more than a piece of cloth [and] more than a symbol of serving in a foreign land. From this day forward, you will always be an integral part ... a veteran of the brigade combat team. You've just made history." "What an incredible and significant event for both myself and my younger Airmen," said Tech. Sgt. James Hairston, one of the Airmen deployed from the 366th SFS. "We realize the Air Force prohibits us from wearing the patch, but it will always sit center stage of significant moments in our careers." "You just can't help yourself standing a little taller; chest out a little further," added Tech. Sgt. Robert Byrnes who deployed from the 1st SFS at Langley Air Force Base, Va. "It means a lot; more than many others in the Air Force will ever realize." The base's security forces troops are scheduled to return here in coming months.