Can you wear a CAB (Cat 1) and EFMB (Cat 2) together?

SPC John Cummings - Yes, but wrong MOS. As an MP, you aren't eligible for CIB. However, because the Infantry (right MOS) were in country (right place), during a conflict (right time), they received CIB. Had the CAB been authorized, then your duty would have met the requirement and should have been recognized. Not because you were right place and right time but more importantly, right activity. My gripe is about the activity (and I believe you have a similar gripe). The REMFs passively receiving recognition, because someone submitted the recommendation should not have received CIB or CAB. Whereas, those actively performing a mission should. That is the distinction I am making in this entire post.

It’s unfortunate you think of it that way. CW4 Steve Moran OIF,OEF Inherent Resolve

One problem with the awards system is that SR leadership are more concern with the success rate of recommended awards and how that improves their promotion status. An award should be an identification of personal sacrifice. As the grade if the soldier goes up the requirements should go up. 19year olds risking their lives just for a sense of purpose. Where as the brass spent their career during peace time.
On a similar subject the SCOTUS declined to hear a case against KBRs role in burn pits exposure. I sure would live to see the brass do some heavy lifting for the JR Enlisted they had manning the pits.

SPC John Cummings - Well, there are a few observations about your comment that I would like to point out. First, there are self-serving leaders in every organization and it is one reason I chose to retire. Senior leaders, managing the outcomes to suit their own career needs is not new (recommend reading 'About Face' by Hackworth). It is a systemic problem that ebbs and flows over generations. Second, Napoleon is famously quoted, that with sufficient cloth for medals, he could conquer Europe. He, like many leaders, understood that there are soldiers, who are motivated by recognition and approval instead of mission outcomes. As a result, the award system serves a purpose of motivation of that group of people and may have no influence on others, motivated by something else (promotions, pay, time-off, etc.). So, our award system and in part, our promotion system serves to motivate a specific type of soldier, not necessarily the best. Finally, as a soldier, who started as an E-1, worked to become E-5(P), then crossed over to the dark side (becoming an officer) and working through promotions from O-1 to O-6, I can attest to the fact that not all brass is corrupt or complicit in corruption. There are senior leaders, who balance mission, men and career in a matter that reflects Army values. Many get fed-up with the badge hounds, ribbon chasers, ladder climbers, butt kissers, etc. and leave early. Others stay and try to balance out the system. It doesn't mean that there aren't issues within the senior ranks (I left because of it) but it corrected by good soldiers remaining in and true to our values. Because politics is a corrosive influence on the military. But, at the end of the day, we operate in a political environment are led by elected officials and the higher one climbs (Enlisted, Warrant or Officer), politics becomes more apparent in promotion decisions, assignments, awards and badges.

1SG, why don't you send that via email to the TRADOC CSM Tim Guden? Tell him his LRS mates wish him well.

How about let's not add anymore badges ... or other stuff ... I already feel like a boy scout ... the marines and maybe the navy limit it two awards ... ... I would be on board for 1 cat 1 and 1 cat 2 though

I agree with the idea of having a Master badge. I think it would be simple: An EIB would look just like it does now. A CIB would be just how it is now, except with no blue. In other words, it would be shaped like a CIB, but all silver like the CAB. The Master (denoting both an EIB and CIB) would look like the current CIB. So the color represent the Expert and the Wreath represents the combat.

MAJ Thorbjorn is correct about the CAT 1 and CAT 2. The July 2002 version of AR 670-1 allowed wearing one each from Categories 1, 2, 3. So a CIB and EFMB could be worn together above the ribbons.

I agree with you. The change itself doesn't make any sense. Why even have two categories if you can't pick one from each. They should just place all 5 badges in 1 group as you are not allowed to wear more than 1 out of these 5 badge anyways.