A few months back we had a lively discussion by all the snake-eating, bog-sleeping dyed-in-the-wool Army Infantry guys about the Combat Infantry Badge and how (and why) it was awarded. Ultra-sharp reader and correspondant 'L' sent me a story about the newest award for soldiers who are not designated infantry who are in combat. It's not a replacement for the CIB, but a new award to recognize combatants who take many of the same risks but have an MOS of say, Motor-T or Cook.
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.
...
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.
As long as Beloved Leader doesn't make a special trip to Iraq to give'm-turkee to get himself a CAB as C-in-C (since he seems to have a uniform fetish of some sort anyhow), I think it's a good thing to see recognition of soldiers for their valor in battle, and the CIB/CMB are still maintained for their original recipients.
Being a sailor, tell me...am I right in assuming this is a good thing or am I just a full of shit squid?
posted by Jo Fish on 05.08.05 at 06:28 PM
Comments:
As a fellow ex-squid (glow in the dark bubble head type) I can say it sounds pretty damn good.
As a former Marine infantryman (peace-time), I can say it's a good idea. The medics and infantry don't have to "share" their badges that belong to their specific MOSs, but those in other MOSs who are in combat situations performing duties as assigned--as many are in Iraq--will get the MUCH deserved credit they deserve. In addition, it will help the VA more fairly adjudicate PTSD disability claims. Receipt of the CAB will soon become accepted as proof they were exposed to danger. Sounds crazy but on the VA thing, I know what I'm talking about. PTSD claims are not always cut and dry and the reason is that the disability rater is looking for some kind of "official" proof that they experienced a stressor--the CAB helps feed the red tape monster.
posted by: mando on 05.08.05 at 08:51 PM [permalink]
Sounds like a good thing this ex-jarhead too. I would like to see people like Gin (http://www.livejournal.com/users/ginmar/) get the recognition they deserve.
posted by: Grotesqueticle on 05.08.05 at 09:58 PM [permalink]
It is recognition that Rummy, et al. having been using people as infantry without awarding them the recognition. The CIB/CMB are tied to your MOS, not the job you are given. They have been using truckers and gunners as infantry for some time, but with nothing but the "tourist" ribbon to show for it.
Retired Air Force C-130 navigator here. This IS a good idea for all the reasons y'all have cited. Mando's point re the VA is well taken.
As a related but separate topic, I'll be interested to see if the 1000+ Airmen that the Air Force offered up to drive Army convoys and provide security will be awarded this badge, too. Understand the Navy's sent a good number of Sailors to the Army as well for similar usage.
posted by: Mike on 05.09.05 at 12:14 PM [permalink]
I was wondering too if the squids involved in combat will also get it. I know my dad was very proud of his 3 CIBs.
posted by: merlallen on 05.09.05 at 03:32 PM [permalink]
It's an excellent idea. The CIB and CMB are designated MOS awards and obviously were established for a purpose. This CAB award will fill a need. As an aside - how did they miss naming it the Close Combat Badge? It would so nicely continue the meme comparing the new, streamlined 21st century America with Germany of the 1930s/40s?
I mean, after all, we already have the "Fritz" kevlar helmet, a political department in the Army (CENTCOM) and are emulating the German Army in occupied Russia by destroying towns villages and cities that resist.
posted by: Lurch on 05.10.05 at 12:57 PM [permalink]
It's a great idea. Former 10th Mountain infantry officer here. It's 2005, and there are no more front lines. If you're out the dodging bullets, putting your life on the line, the least your country can do is give you a badge and that piece of cloth for your BDUs.
