ALCON: How could an 11B enlisted guy get a CAB instead of a CIB? My only thought is that the guy was working at a BDE HQ.

I was asked by my Team OIC if I wanted him to recommend me for a CAB for combat operations while I was on a Iraqi National Police Transition Team. I am an Infantryman but was not assigned to an Infantry unit and participated in direct action against the enemy. I refused the award as I had already earned a CIB from a previous deployment. It's definitely not unheard of for an Infantryman to receive a CAB instead of a CIB due to the modular capability of our Army.

I was attached to a tank company back in 2006. I was put in for a CAB. Being the prideful grunt that I am I threw it away and told them I wanted my CIB. Well that never happened. I didn't get my CIB until my next deployment. Which was only a year after.

Any MOS can be awarded the CAB if, and only if the individual/s are attached to a separate unit that doesn't have an MTOE for either combat line medics or infantrymen. At that time all persons in said unit are eligible for a CAB if criteria is met.