How can former Soldiers be awarded the Combat Action Badge?

2023-03-24T23:26:08-04:00

Some Soldiers I know were in Iraq in 2010-2011 and the bases they were on received IDF. CABs were recommended/submitted, but denied. What is the process for former Soldiers? I was asked and I do not know. I've read the regulation but it's clear as mud.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Mar 25 at 2023 1:58 AM

2023-03-25T01:58:02-04:00

From what I read, retroactive requests for this award will not be accepted without justification why the award was not awarded down range, or if there is injustice involved. Read the link:
https://www.hrc.army.mil/content/Combat%20Action%20Badge%20CAB

HRC Homepage

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Mar 25 at 2023 7:00 AM

2023-03-25T07:00:56-04:00

SGM Dawson is correct. If it was denied, the burden of proof is on the service e ever to collect all of the data. Having said that the what type action that warrants a CAB is largely decided at the MAACOM for specific MOS densities ie. 12 series, 13 series etc. I have first hand experience where awards were submitted once E8’s and E9’s were sent to attent the SGM program at the USASMA. WHEN THEY REACHED MY DESK 3 of the four did not meet the criteria as laid out in the policy. However,since I not anyone else was on the ground it was recommended by JAG that I contact the major HQ, so I contacted MEDCOM, and others to hear what they had encountered and approved. 3 of the four did not meet their given criteria and the fourth did, I and our panel disagreed, non the less the major command said it read as they would support the award.

I will state that multiple units received indirect fire, usually denied unless there was a physical action in both the offense, and return fire in the defense (which does not occur as a response to indirect fire, which is counter fire usually by mortar or artillery). If you were in a fire fight, hit by an IED, rammed by a vehicle, etc.

The one I denied, and later supported based on the MACOM’s guidance, was week to me but maybe not other. An IED WENT OFF after one convoy passed and another approached. No shrapnel hit anything, the force of the blast cause the trail vehicle, the unit 1SG, to leach from the blast. The percussion of the blast was deemed enough by this MACOM.

So as not to disparage the MACOM, they will remain nameless.

For most units it requires direct conflict with small arms or other fire, individual or vehicle being hit and taking evasive maneuver and return fire on an identified enemy combatant.

The CAB, the little brother to the CIB, is intended to recognize the modern battlefield (non linear), one where anyone can be in the fight at anytime. In order for it to carry any weight the requirements should remain stringent, as much so as Infantry, on a smaller scale.

Sorry I ran off, this medal has been the source of much frustration for me over my last few years serving.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 25 at 2023 9:29 AM

2023-03-25T09:29:15-04:00

Were they recommended/submitted, but denied at the time in 2010-2011, or after they got out?

And how close were they to the IDF?
For example, you could be in the GREEN ZONE when mortars land in the GREEN ZONE, and still be over two miles away from the impact, which would not typically be considered personally under hostile fire...

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Mar 25 at 2023 11:05 AM

2023-03-25T11:05:20-04:00

The Military Awards regulation has a retroactive process in the beginning. It ends up going through HRC for a determination. It lays out requirements.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 25 at 2023 4:53 PM

2023-03-25T16:53:04-04:00

I think the retroactive process through HRC states that you need to have two witnesses write a statement to the validity of the request in addition to other supporting documents.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 30 at 2023 12:44 PM

2023-03-30T12:44:13-04:00

I would reach out to LTC Private RallyPoint Member. He had helped review my packet for the same thing (request for retroactive award of a CAB). The process is slightly different depending on whether the Soldiers are out or still serving.

(I was not retroactively awarded a CAB.)