Has anyone ever heard of getting a CAB changed to a CIB?

SGT Darin Hayhurst — Sat, 08 Aug 2020 09:49:34 -0400

Long story long...following a deployment to Kuwait, I volunteered to attach to a unit in Iraq. It ended up being a Combined Arms Battalion (2 INF, 2 Armor) My MOS is 11B20, but I was snatched by the Armor Company. We were doing the same mission as the INF Companies (engaged by enemy, returned fire, etc), who all recieved CIBs, but I was told since I was taken by the Tankers and was slotted as "loader (19K)" on the paperwork (even though I never saw a tank), I am only eligible to recieve the CAB. I understand I may be judged as badge chasing, but, in my defense, I did a 20 month consecutive deployment (after training) as an IRR recall only to have the CIB dream pulled 2x. Thanks!

Response by SGM Jeff Mccloud made Aug 8 at 2020 10:25 AM

SGM Jeff Mccloud — Sat, 08 Aug 2020 10:25:50 -0400

Short answer: no.

The CAB, CIB and CMB do not convert to each other.
The Soldier is awarded what they are authorized at the time.
You weren't the first 11B to get a CAB for being in the wrong place at the right time, and you won't be the last.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 8 at 2020 11:04 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 08 Aug 2020 11:04:51 -0400

Just so you know, the Sergeant Major of the Army has a CAB. (Which makes sense because he's arty). My point is, having our not having the CIB is not necessarily a reflection of a Soldier's career. Just think of how many don't have any sort of Combat badge.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 8 at 2020 12:01 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 08 Aug 2020 12:01:44 -0400

https://www.hrc.army.mil/content/Combat%20Infantry%20Badge%20CIB

HRC Homepage

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Response by SGT Christopher Hayden made Aug 8 at 2020 12:24 PM

SGT Christopher Hayden — Sat, 08 Aug 2020 12:24:08 -0400

My Infantry heart bleeds for you, brother.

Response by SPC Joseph Kopac made Aug 8 at 2020 12:30 PM

SPC Joseph Kopac — Sat, 08 Aug 2020 12:30:24 -0400

Dang. I guess since you were temporarily assigned a 19 MOS, you were not entitled to a CIB. You kinda got screwed, and I am not bad mouthing a CAB which is a honorable award. The CAB wasn't even invented when I was in. When the CIB was created, it was only for those who had a 11 MOS. My friend who was a artillery Forward Observer in Nam was upset because he was never awarded one, even though he was with the Grunts and basically doing the same job. He didn't have a 11 MOS. My other friend volunteered to be a Door Gunner. They kept his MOS as 11B and they never changed his MOS to a aviation MOS. Go figure.

Response by SSG Watis Ekthuvapranee made Aug 8 at 2020 12:46 PM

SSG Watis Ekthuvapranee — Sat, 08 Aug 2020 12:46:59 -0400

Well, no CIB for combat, no Purple Heart for concussion, downgraded Bronze Star to ARCOM for lack of narration, but what matter most was doing one's duty. Those under one's care were taken care off and came home alive. Some golden boys got award submitted 2 to 3 times for the same thing through different Division. Saw some of one's actions on those boys' paper. Was threaten, "my word and yours, you will loose." For a week that one was mad as hell and forgot why he signed up and stayed in that long, and it ain't for the medal to begin with. He was where he was needed and was doing what he was told by the proper chain of command, which is what he was hired and sworn to do. So, be aware that you are not the only one. There are those in the same shoes or worse of than you.

Bottom line is let it go. That's life. However, if you were there to earn medals, then you have the right to be mad as hell. If you are there, is to do what it take so that Uncle Sam will have another competent Soldier in his rank or to win the war a little faster, reduce fewer casualties, look out for your brothers and sisters combat in arms; then you should not feel bad about it at all.

Remember US Army crest what the snake says, "This we'll defend."

Response by SFC James Cameron made Aug 8 at 2020 12:49 PM

SFC James Cameron — Sat, 08 Aug 2020 12:49:48 -0400

I feel you brother. I was awarded a Combat Action Ribbon in the Marines and my Leadership automatically assumed I had a CIB on my first Army deployment. I had to deploy again and make it known that I didn’t have one when it came paperwork time after our first big TIC.

Response by SPC Erich Guenther made Aug 8 at 2020 6:53 PM

SPC Erich Guenther — Sat, 08 Aug 2020 18:53:31 -0400

The rules of the award say performing in 11 series MOS within an Infantry unit. So no you do not get a CIB for that. I don't have a CIB. Tried for the EIB. The CIB, well no wars so could not help that but to be honest happy I do not have a CIB with all the CIB pissing contests of whose CIB is better. You don't need to go through that.....at least I don't.

Response by SGT Justin Anderson made Aug 14 at 2020 2:44 AM

SGT Justin Anderson — Fri, 14 Aug 2020 02:44:02 -0400

Buddy, you can chase that rabbit down the hole if you feel it's worth it. To be frank: you, me, and every other mother in the military has experienced something to this level. If you did your job or at least performed your duties that were expected of you, be proud.