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Since boondocksaint eloquently presented his argument for a "combat action" badge, I'll present my counter argument.
Germaine to the original topic (and this is a very personal thing), I'm getting tired of seeing all the bright ideas stemming from the US. I can virtually guarantee that this conversation isn't happening in the UK. We've had suggestions for battle streamers, a Canadian Purple Heart, a "combat action" badge, and even a (serious) recommendation that we change the pronouciation of Lieutenant to "lootenent" - all originating from an extremely pervasive US influence. I'll go back to my old line: we have valid traditions that have functioned extremely well through two World Wars, Korea and a host of other operations. Why change it, simply because we've seen "Purple Hearts" too often on TV and regard what we do as meaningless as a result?
All IMHO, of course.
- It's devisive. As I've said before, we already have far too much "us and them", "BTDT vs numpty", without adding to it. A CAB indicates in bold, shiny letters, that the CF values one type of service more than others. You might argue that it should - I'd argue that we can't afford to.
- The criteria are almost impossible to define and enforce. This is the problem the Americans have with the CIB. Who gets it? The kneejerk answer is to give the badge to someone who "engages the enemy". Well, how do you define that? The guy kicking in doors in a section is one thing. What about his OC, who may not fire a round in anger? What about the FAC? What about the tanker, sitting sipping coffee 1000m away, lobbing HESH at the enemy? What about the trucker, defending his/her convoy against an ambush? Does firing your weapon meet the criteria? How do you enforce that? We could easily have a scenario (already present with tour medals) of people trying to get into the action just to get a badge.
- What impact would a CAB have on career progression? Will you need one to be promoted? What if you don't have one and your soldiers do? Where's your credibility? This is the same reason we got rid of the stupid graduated "Warrior" badges years ago.
- Is this an infantry thing? If so, your cap badge and tour medals should suffice. To this day, if I see someone from 3 PP wearing the SWASM, I know he was on APOLLO. If not, where are you drawing the line? After all, the very distinction you wish to make would soon be lost. The Australians merely require that the infantry be present in a combat zone to earn a badge; is that enough? Sorta defeats the purpose.
- Define "combat". Is it retroactive? Do the guys from OP HARMONY, OP CAVALIER qualify?
Germaine to the original topic (and this is a very personal thing), I'm getting tired of seeing all the bright ideas stemming from the US. I can virtually guarantee that this conversation isn't happening in the UK. We've had suggestions for battle streamers, a Canadian Purple Heart, a "combat action" badge, and even a (serious) recommendation that we change the pronouciation of Lieutenant to "lootenent" - all originating from an extremely pervasive US influence. I'll go back to my old line: we have valid traditions that have functioned extremely well through two World Wars, Korea and a host of other operations. Why change it, simply because we've seen "Purple Hearts" too often on TV and regard what we do as meaningless as a result?
All IMHO, of course.
