How can a veteran get a CAB put onto his DD214?

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 16 Dec 2020 21:02:53 -0500

Long story so strap in.
Soldier was in my platoon in 2005 in Iraq, firefights, mortars, you name it. All 20 of us qualified for a CAB numerous times over. Paperwork was lost a couple times, and he ETS'd. Where do we need to petition/ask/whatever to get it awarded to him. We have plenty of contacts who can do sworn statements, etc...

I get it's been a long time...

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Dec 16 at 2020 9:41 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Wed, 16 Dec 2020 21:41:39 -0500

There is an after the fact process in AR 600-8-22. I think the key issue will be the 5 year rule. If there was say a sworn statement where a senior submitted it, and it was lost, that should get it going again with fresh docs. Packet is listed in the AR

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Dec 16 at 2020 9:43 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Wed, 16 Dec 2020 21:43:43 -0500

Also, was he awarded it with the 10 others? Many S1s did group CAB orders by event. So is he listed on yours, all he needs is a copy of your orders (Format 200)

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 17 at 2020 1:28 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 17 Dec 2020 01:28:05 -0500

Qualified for a CAB or earned a CAB?

He earns a CAB and that's a DD215 to amend the DD214..

He qualified for a CAB and that's a whole long process of awarding a CAB for actions 15 years ago.

I'm actually in a similar situation. I was in plenty of situations while deployed in 2004-2005 that merited a CAB. But I joined the AD right after. My peers received CABs and since I left the unit, I was forgotten. An NCO contacted me and asked for some statements to do what you're trying to do now. It's not easy and the more time that passes the harder it gets. I actually have up after a year because it doesn't affect me any more than a little bling on the uniform. If you're really determined, expect it to take months or years and you'll need the support of several other leaders to help push it. Good luck

Response by MSG John Duchesneau made Dec 17 at 2020 11:21 PM

MSG John Duchesneau — Thu, 17 Dec 2020 23:21:22 -0500

First, you have to be awarded the CAB before it goes on your 214. I know that many units dropped the ball when it came to getting CABs for their soldiers. You need to find a an "admin guru" (preferably a brother Warrant Officer) who can tell you what needs to be done to get CABs awarded years after the fact. Once you get the orders awarding the CAB you can go to the Board for Correction of Military Records to get a DD-215 showing you have been awarded a CAB. Having a CAB will be helpful if you put in a PTSD claim with the VA.