Posted on Jan 10, 2020
Is there a way to receive a Combat Action Ribbon for actions during military service after you've been discharged?
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On my first deployment, many of us in my unit saw combat but were not awarded a Combat Action Ribbon. This was partly due to the process in place for receiving the award, and also because of lackadaisical and apathetic leadership. During this time, the requirements for receiving the CAR was to receive and return fire, which we did. In many instances, Marines who were involved in the same engagements as others who received the award, did not receive the award themselves. Is there any way to petition for a CAR after service, or am I out of luck?
Ribbons
Awards
Combat
DD214
Posted 5 y ago
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The instructions to submit a retroactive CAR are here.
https://www.marines.mil/News/Messages/Messages-Display/Article/895299/revised-eligibility-criteria-for-award-of-the-combat-action-ribbon-car-and-upda/
https://www.marines.mil/News/Messages/Messages-Display/Article/895299/revised-eligibility-criteria-for-award-of-the-combat-action-ribbon-car-and-upda/
REVISED ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR AWARD OF THE COMBAT ACTION RIBBON (CAR) AND UPDATED...
R 171515Z JAN 13UNCLASSIFIED/MARADMIN 038/13MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC WASHINGTON DC MRA MM//SUBJ/REVISED ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR AWARD OF THE COMBAT ACTION RIBBON (CAR) AND UPDATED COORDINATING INSTRUCTIONS//REF/A/MSGID:MSG/SECNAV/151534Z NOV,
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There is in the Army, I've helped several soldiers get their CAB after they left the service.
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LTC (Join to see)
Can you tell me how you went about it? I’m not out but getting close to the end and, after 6 tours through Iraq and AFG, I’ve been blown up a bunch of times but never had leadership interested in doing the paperwork. It’s just be nice to have.
I’d appreciate any assistance. Thanks in advance! F.
I’d appreciate any assistance. Thanks in advance! F.
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You can file a request with the Board for Correction of Military Records. (Look them up on the net.) They will ask you present some form of proof of your entitlement. (ie. Documentation your unit was in combat, buddy statements etc.) I am not familiar with procedure for awarding the CAR but bear in mind it might be a "You have to be recommended for it" award like the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal rather than a "I checked the box and therefore I am entitled to it" award like the Iraq Campaign Medal. If you have to be recommended for it by your unit commander and he didin't - well, you are out of luck. Good luck!
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MCPO Bernard N.
Agree! All the officers in my unit in Iraq gave themselves a Bronze Star while they never left their trailer within the wires! Enlisted going out in the red zone didn't get anything.
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