Time in country for a Combat Patch

Few items on the uniform garner as much attention as the awarding of a combat patch. While it seems everyone has a different answer, the standard has changed in the past couple of years.

Soldiers should first reference AR 670-1, Appendix F (3 Feb. 05) for information about the Shoulder Sleeve Insignia-Former Wartime Service (SSI-FWTS).

In 2007, the ALARACT 055/2007 message gave additional information including, "implementing instructions for changes to the wear policy outlined in AR 670-1."

5. THERE IS NO TIME-IN-THEATER REQUIREMENT TO BE AUTHORIZED TO WEAR THE SSI-FWTS.

and

10. SOLDIERS AUTHORIZED TO WEAR MORE THAN ONE SSI-FWTS MAY CHOOSE WHICH SSI-FWTS THEY WEAR. SOLDIERS MAY ALSO ELECT NOT TO WEAR THE SSI-FWTS.

I just can't quite figure out who authorizes which patches one can wear.