Combat action badge

[MikeL]

Found on Wikipedia: "The CAB is not awarded unless the soldier is engaged in direct enemy fire."
Is there a story behind his medal?

Maybe a mortar round landed in the base he was staying in,  or IED went off near a convoy... number of other possibilities.

CAB awarding Requirements from an official source
http://www.army.mil/symbols/CombatBadges/action.html

Resources Command and will be announced in permanent orders.
1.The requirements for award of the CAB are Branch and MOS immaterial. Assignment to a Combat Arms unit or a unit organized to conduct close or offensive combat operations, or performing offensive combat operations is not required to qualify for the CAB. However, it is not intended to award all soldiers who serve in a combat zone or imminent danger area.
2.Specific Eligibility Requirements: a.May be awarded to any soldier.
b.Soldier must be performing assigned duties in an area where hostile fire pay or imminent danger pay is authorized.
c.Soldier must be personally present and actively engaging or being engaged by the enemy, and performing satisfactorily in accordance with the prescribed rules of engagement.
d.Soldier must not be assigned/attached to a unit that would qualify the soldier for the CIB/CMB.

3.May be awarded to members from the other U.S. Armed Forces and foreign soldiers assigned to a U.S. Army unit, provided they meet the above criteria.
4.Award of the CAB is authorized from 18 September 2001 to a date to be determined. Award for qualifying service in any previous conflict is not authorized.

 

[bick]

It is a little ironic that he is wearing a CAB when he was the CDS that cancelled the Cdn CAI.  The CAI was such a hot topic, people either loved the idea or hated it.  In the end, we are not a military that believes one trade is more deserving then another.  Many groups within the US Army over the yrs have tried to bring in Combat Armor, Cav, Engineer and Arty Badges. 

 

[cupper]

It is a little ironic that he is wearing a CAB when he was the CDS that cancelled the Cdn CAI.  The CAI was such a hot topic, people either loved the idea or hated it.  In the end, we are not a military that believes one trade is more deserving then another.  Many groups within the US Army over the yrs have tried to bring in Combat Armor, Cav, Engineer and Arty Badges.

But if you read the qualifications, it says the award is branch or MOC immaterial. Therefore all trades are eligible as long as all other requirements are met.

 

[bick]

Roger, the branches rangling for their own version of the CIB ended when the CAB was announced.

 

[RubberTree]

CDS wearing it on Pde in Ottawa:

http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/article/452646--canada-s-top-general-takes-command

Unless I'm missing something I'm pretty sure that is the Commanders badge of the Order of Military Merit he is wearing.

 

[dogger1936]

Unless I'm missing something I'm pretty sure that is the Commanders badge of the Order of Military Merit he is wearing.

:facepalm:

Yup. My mistake.

 

[my72jeep]

CDS wearing it on Pde in Ottawa:

http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/article/452646--canada-s-top-general-takes-command

In that pic hes not wearing a CAB just his wings.

 

[Fishbone Jones]

In that pic hes not wearing a CAB just his wings.

Whoa, whoa there big guy. Let's not deprive everyone of their sour grapes so soon. :

 

[Journeyman]

Whoa, whoa there big guy. Let's not deprive everyone of their sour grapes so soon. :

:rofl:

 

[Tow Tripod]

Really? Who cares?

 

[Towards_the_gap]

About the Canadian Combat Action Badge? I certainly don't. However, as others have pointed out, it's kinda hypocritical of him to wear it when he kyboshed the Canadian equivalent, and, how on earth did he earn it as a Deputy Corps Commander in Iraq? As it should only be awarded when rounds are incoming and you are popping them back to the bad dudes, either someone wasn't doing their job for him to get in a TIC or it was an old boys kinda thing, like thanks for coming out walt, this will impress the boys back home.

 

[cupper]

actually, if you read the qual's it says engaging or being engaged by the enemy. So it covers both incoming and outgoing.

 

[OldSolduer]

About the Canadian Combat Action Badge? I certainly don't. However, as others have pointed out, it's kinda hypocritical of him to wear it when he kyboshed the Canadian equivalent, and, how on earth did he earn it as a Deputy Corps Commander in Iraq? As it should only be awarded when rounds are incoming and you are popping them back to the bad dudes, either someone wasn't doing their job for him to get in a TIC or it was an old boys kinda thing, like thanks for coming out walt, this will impress the boys back home.

I think you should re think what you just said. I am not impressed with your logic, nor your characterization of the CDS.

But you are entitled to your opinion.

 

[Rifleman62]

Agree.

 

[392]

However, as others have pointed out, it's kinda hypocritical of him to wear it when he kyboshed the Canadian equivalent, ....

You do understand that the CDS doesn't decide on CF dress matters alone? The National Defence Clothing and Dress Committee is but one body who advises his on all matters dress....

 

[Pusser]

You do understand that the CDS doesn't decide on CF dress matters alone? The National Defence Clothing and Dress Committee is but one body who advises his on all matters dress....

Furthermore, the only picture I have seen with him wearing the CIB is where he is also receiving his US Legion of Merit.  As stated before, this is within the regulations and would be entirely appropriate at an American ceremony.  To not be wearing it could be considered rude under the circumstances, notwithstanding a Canadian policy decision for a proposal that never did garner complete support. 

I don't see any hypocrisy at all.

 

[Towards_the_gap]

Ack on all points above, and in retrospect agreed. Talked out my *** on that one, just was having a bad day I guess. Consider my comment retracted.