Posted on Feb 9, 2014
Should the Army do something to represent two same-class badges such as EIB/CIB and EFMB/CFMB?
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For instance, if a Soldier earned both a CIB and EIB, they are not able to wear both. I believe we should either be able to wear both or have some other way to distinguish someone who has both. Maybe a full color badge with the ACU if you earned both badges? Just a thought.<div><br></div><div>I actually never wear my EIB, despite the fact that only about 10% of my MOS has one. The CIB is considered a more "esteemed" badge. <br><div><br></div><div>The EFMB and CFMB medic badges also fall into this category.</div></div>
Uniforms
Expert Infantryman Badge (EIB)
Expert Field Medical Badge EFMB
Edited 11 y ago
Posted 11 y ago
Responses: 30
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I earned both the EIB (as a 19 year old private in Korea) and the CIB (as a 20 year old Sergeant outside of Fallujah). To be honest, I don't feel that this is a question of great importance, but I will throw my 2 cents into the ring and see what happens.
I have never been one to admire awards. Too often I saw higher ranking SM's with a chest full of awards and school badges hiding behind walls and failing to lead their men. Conversely, the Private with little experience, no schools, and no awards would be the ones charging into the breach without a moments hesitation.
After being awarded (and legitimately earning) my CIB, I chose to wear my EIB on my dress uniforms (much to the irritation of senior enlisted). I wore my EIB because I felt I had to work harder for that recognition than I did for my CIB. My CIB simply required me to do my job better than the enemy and, hopefully, survive. The other reason I treasure my EIB more than the CIB is because of the outrageous number of people I saw running and screaming to S-1 to put in their paperwork because a mortar round landed 500 meters away just outside the FOB or an IED hit the last vehicle in their convoy while they sat in the first vehicle (a mile away).
In the end I don't put too much stock into awards until I meet the person and find who they really are under their chest plate of thin metal strips and pulled colorful fabric.
Just my 2 cents.
I have never been one to admire awards. Too often I saw higher ranking SM's with a chest full of awards and school badges hiding behind walls and failing to lead their men. Conversely, the Private with little experience, no schools, and no awards would be the ones charging into the breach without a moments hesitation.
After being awarded (and legitimately earning) my CIB, I chose to wear my EIB on my dress uniforms (much to the irritation of senior enlisted). I wore my EIB because I felt I had to work harder for that recognition than I did for my CIB. My CIB simply required me to do my job better than the enemy and, hopefully, survive. The other reason I treasure my EIB more than the CIB is because of the outrageous number of people I saw running and screaming to S-1 to put in their paperwork because a mortar round landed 500 meters away just outside the FOB or an IED hit the last vehicle in their convoy while they sat in the first vehicle (a mile away).
In the end I don't put too much stock into awards until I meet the person and find who they really are under their chest plate of thin metal strips and pulled colorful fabric.
Just my 2 cents.
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SFC (Join to see)
Exactly my thoughts. We had Soldiers quickly drafting CAB paperwork for IED and small arms attacks on our convoys in which, thankfully, nobody got hurt. Technically I qualify for one but I never bother. I thought it was pretty stupid. Especially since grunts, EOD and others where the ones doing the real dangerous stuff.
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I've heard talk in the past about his subject also. I think a simple answer to this would be to make the musket and/or the wreath on the CIB gold, denoting both the EIB, and CIB have been earned. Just my thoughts though.
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SGM Gregory Tarancon IV
Great idea! I like the fact that it would distinguish both honorable accomplishments!
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SGT Richard H.
SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA 4th through 8th awards of the CIB only exist in Heraldry. They can only be awarded up through the 3rd award now.
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CW4 (Join to see)
I have been hearing thoughts echoing the same...a gold wreath showing that you have both and the same guidelines could be used for medics with CFMB and EFMB. Maybe it's time to actually submit the recommendation. I mean a SFC at Fort Campbell's Air Assualt school recommended a retirement medal with different devices for years serviced and it got a write up in the Army times.
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I'll probably get jumped for this but oh we'll. The EIB is earned, the CIB is awarded, just like the EFMB is earned and the CMB is awarded.
I know dozens of people who EARNED their badges and dozens more that we're awarded them merely for being there.
I know dozens of people who EARNED their badges and dozens more that we're awarded them merely for being there.
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MSG (Join to see)
My CIB orders lay on my table for 3 weeks as they were cut due to harassing small weapons fire. . . . . all the officers had their CABs on the next day. Several weeks later while I was driving, an IED detonated on the driver's side front wheel. We all survived the explosion & the MAT-V was considered a total loss. I think that you statement is too generalized and has a slight veil of resentment.
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