DoD considering awarding CAB to anybody involved in combat as far back as WWII

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 19 Dec 2014 11:23:08 -0500

The CIB and CMB has been around since WWII. The CAB has only recently come into existence. The DoD has started to consider awarding the CAB to any serviceman who was directly involved in combat without a combat MOS as far back as WWII. Should this or should it not happen? I personally think it should because those individuals do deserve the recognition for their actions. Even if they weren't a direct combat MOS, they deserve recognition for their actions in combat.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Jan 28 at 2015 1:30 AM

SFC Mark Merino — Wed, 28 Jan 2015 01:30:16 -0500

The CAB is steadily becoming devalued and poked fun of by many members right here on RallyPoint even. It's a shame because so many units aren't eligible for a CIB or CMB yet EARNED theirs many times over. As with anything worth debating, there are plenty of reasons pro and con. I see a nightmare for many legit service members from wars past who are going to have an uphill battle finding witnesses and documentation for their just rewards. That will lead to a lot of hurt feelings and embitter many. I was content with a combat patch myself.

Response by SP5 Michael Rathbun made Jan 28 at 2015 1:40 AM

SP5 Michael Rathbun — Wed, 28 Jan 2015 01:40:42 -0500

When thinking about MOSs related to combat, remember that Signal were the original battlefield whackitudinal crazies.

Who else would stand on top a hill in full view of combatants while waving orange (or red) and white flags? And then drift over enemy lines in balloons taking photographs at low levels?

Or, come to think of it, sit in a really hot hut with a huge antenna stuck up above the trees and a generator whining away day and night in an area known to be not all that well pacified?

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 28 at 2015 7:39 AM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 28 Jan 2015 07:39:13 -0500

I will admit that bling looks nice on the uniform. However, I won't wear something I don't feel I've earned.

Response by SSG Robert Burns made Feb 20 at 2015 2:52 AM

SSG Robert Burns — Fri, 20 Feb 2015 02:52:25 -0500

Wait a minute. What about WWI? That one wasn't good enough?

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Feb 15 at 2016 11:26 AM

CW3 Kevin Storm — Mon, 15 Feb 2016 11:26:31 -0500

If we look at in the grand scheme of things, why shouldn't we. But if they do this, I expect the Cold War Service medal to be passed as well. As the "expense" which is often cited for not following through on something that has approved by Congress on more than one occasion, would be close to the same. What other justification could they come up with? Now for the service member, coming up with the documentation will be a nightmare.