The long, bureaucratic battle to recognize non-infantry combat heroes
In short: For decades, only infantry and medical personnel received official recognition for direct combat. This changed in 2005, ending a long history of disparity where non-infantry soldiers often received only handshakes for similar actions. The new award finally honors those across all branches who personally engage the enemy in ground fights.
The Combat Action Badge (CAB) was established on May 2, 2005, to recognize non-infantry soldiers who personally engaged or were engaged by the enemy. Ground combat's main awards were previously the Combat Medical Badge (CMB) and Combat Infantryman Badge (CIB). While other branches like Armor and Engineers lobbied for similar recognition as early as the 1980s, senior leadership repeatedly rejected these requests, leading to a disparity where some units received badges while others received only handshakes for the same actions. The award serves as a companion to the CIB and CMB to acknowledge the expanded roles of non-infantry personnel in ground fights. It is specifically granted to those who perform satisfactorily under prescribed rules of engagement. This distinction ensures that actions against noncombatants, such as detainees or rioters, do not qualify for the honor. Furthermore, the badge is unique because it can be awarded to any rank, including general officers.
The push for the CAB gained significant momentum during the Global War on Terrorism. In 2003, Captain Shawn Monien reignited the debate by highlighting historical inequities, noting that during WWII, Korea, and Vietnam, it often took 30 days of combat to earn a CIB. He argued that soldiers in Bradley Fighting Vehicles or mortar tracks deserved equal recognition. The badge was eventually approved as a The badge was originally intended to be a ribbon called the Combat Recognition Ribbon before being upgraded to a badge status. This change occurred because ribbons are often viewed as less prestigious than badges. A specific question from a female military policeman in 2005 regarding military police inclusion helped shape the final criteria. The badge was retroactively granted to those who faced combat after September 18, 2001.
companion The emblem features an M9 bayonet and an M67 grenade set within an oak wreath. It is one inch shorter and has a silver backing compared to the blue backing of the CIB. Since 2013, Navy sailors who previously earned the CAB are generally restricted from wearing it on their uniforms. In mid-2025, a new Master Combat Action Badge was introduced for those who also hold specific expert qualifications.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Combat Action Badge
- Also: Wikidata — Combat Action Badge · CC0
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