The Combat Action Badge, should it be retroactively awarded to those who have served in previous wars and conflicts?

CW4 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 26 Jun 2015 16:18:36 -0400

If the criteria was met and documented, should Army personnel be awarded the CAB for any combat service prior to OEF/OIF?

Response by COL Charles Williams made Jun 26 at 2015 4:23 PM

COL Charles Williams — Fri, 26 Jun 2015 16:23:48 -0400

I believe this was already posted. Yes it should, in my view.
https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/what-are-your-thoughts-on-the-combat-action-badge-and-it-becoming-retroactive-to-1941

What are your thoughts on the Combat Action Badge, and it becoming retroactive to 1941? |...

The Combat Action Badge was created in 2005 to honor those who'd engaged or been engaged by enemy forces during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan but weren't eligible for similar awards available to medics or infantrymen. It was made retroactive to Sept. 18, 2001, but since shortly after its founding, lawmakers and veterans groups have pushed to send it back much farther — to the outbreak of World War II. As Maneuver Support Soldier, I know...

Response by SGM Matthew Quick made Jun 26 at 2015 4:24 PM

SGM Matthew Quick — Fri, 26 Jun 2015 16:24:55 -0400

Why wasn't it retroactively available in the first place?

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 26 at 2015 4:38 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 26 Jun 2015 16:38:51 -0400

As long as it is legit, yes!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 24 at 2015 11:25 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 24 Dec 2015 11:25:51 -0500

I never got one. Never. Then I see 4 star generals wearing them.......how did they get a combat action badge?????? This award is a buddy buddy award. So at the end of the day I don't want it because there's a lot of jokers out there wearing it just because they heard an explosion in the distance.

Response by SGT Jack Stevens made Oct 23 at 2017 9:27 PM

SGT Jack Stevens — Mon, 23 Oct 2017 21:27:49 -0400

Because the paper shufflers in the Crystal Palace wanted something just for them. They would go TDY to Iraq or Afghanistan and say they were shot at and get awarded the CAB.

Response by SSG Bryan McDougal made Jan 26 at 2018 4:57 PM

SSG Bryan McDougal — Fri, 26 Jan 2018 16:57:44 -0500

As a ODS, OPH, And OIF soldier I agree.

Response by CSM John Ross made Jan 26 at 2018 5:59 PM

CSM John Ross — Fri, 26 Jan 2018 17:59:03 -0500

Yes those of us who serviced in Vietnam , should get a little recognition,

Response by CSM Guy R. Niles made Jan 27 at 2018 8:23 PM

CSM Guy R. Niles — Sat, 27 Jan 2018 20:23:12 -0500

Short and sweet, Yes! Should have already happened!

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Jan 30 at 2018 10:04 PM

SSG Edward Tilton — Tue, 30 Jan 2018 22:04:03 -0500

They didn't have those in my Army, what does it do?

Response by Lt Col George Roll made Apr 22 at 2018 4:40 PM

Lt Col George Roll — Sun, 22 Apr 2018 16:40:56 -0400

I concur previous accomplishments should earn this. It recognized the same accmplishments by troops on active duty now. Documentation should be required.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Apr 22 at 2018 9:57 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Sun, 22 Apr 2018 21:57:30 -0400

Why- not joking here- but the award comes with certain dates/standards. There was a time when if you fought in 3 conflicts (11 series) you were awarded the CIB with 2 stars. But then they went to era awards- so no one from Vietnam forward gets any stars.

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Jun 25 at 2018 4:11 PM

CW3 Kevin Storm — Mon, 25 Jun 2018 16:11:25 -0400

I am going to be honest, I think the USMC got it right with a service ribbon. Badges just bring out the worst in some units admin people.

Response by SGT Christopher Combs made Sep 15 at 2018 9:36 AM

SGT Christopher Combs — Sat, 15 Sep 2018 09:36:10 -0400

Remember the C.A.B. was just a badge for other soldier's that always ended up doing Infantryman battles. So I am not positive but I believe that's part of the reason they even started that award. No offense but if you're a Major or Captain and end up being a full bird or General then I'm sure Officers wanted to show that they were in battle also..

Response by SFC Mark Klaers made Jun 14 at 2019 1:24 PM

SFC Mark Klaers — Fri, 14 Jun 2019 13:24:29 -0400

I don't have a problem with it.

Response by SSG Danny Anderson made Aug 13 at 2019 11:56 AM

SSG Danny Anderson — Tue, 13 Aug 2019 11:56:42 -0400

Why Not? It's long overdue

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 21 at 2020 9:11 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 21 Feb 2020 21:11:57 -0500

My understanding is that the CAB is for individuals who were engaged by the enemy, and in turn engaged the enemy. I think that all those who have served and meet this should be awarded the CAB. I feel that too many undeserving people have been awarded it as I witnessed in Afghanistan (people in circumstances where rounds happened to land near us end up with a CAB which is not the intended purpose).

Response by SSG Alan Bynum made Feb 25 at 2020 3:07 AM

SSG Alan Bynum — Tue, 25 Feb 2020 03:07:47 -0500

The ones that earned it!

Response by SSG Kenneth Ponder made Mar 4 at 2020 12:51 PM

SSG Kenneth Ponder — Wed, 04 Mar 2020 12:51:37 -0500

No it should be revoked and banned from wear