Army Announces Combat Action Badge
Army News Service
May 04, 2005
WASHINGTON - A Combat Action Badge will soon be available to all Soldiers who engage the enemy in battle.
Although the Close Combat Badge was once considered an option, Army leadership created the CAB instead to recognize all Soldiers who are in combat. They said the decision was based on input from leaders and Soldiers in the field.
"Warfare is still a human endeavor," said Gen. Peter J. Schoomaker, Army chief of staff. "Our intent is to recognize Soldiers who demonstrate and live the Warrior Ethos."
The CAB may be awarded to any Soldier, branch and military occupational specialty immaterial, performing assigned duties in an area where hostile fire pay or imminent danger pay is authorized, who is personally present and actively engaging or being engaged by the enemy, and performing satisfactorily in accordance with the prescribed rules of engagement.
Commanders at the rank of major general will have award authority the CAB.
The CAB is distinct from other combat badges, officials said. The Combat Infantryman's Badge, or CIB, and Combat Medical Badge will remain unchanged, they said.
The Army will release an administrative message outlining exact rules and regulations for the CAB in the near future, officials said.
Although the final design of the CAB has not yet been released, officials said the award should be available this summer through unit supply and for purchase in military clothing sales stores.
For more information on the CAB, see the soon-to-be-operational CAB Web site at www.army.mil/symbols/combatbadges.
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