What are some of the most absurd incidents you have witnessed of an individual or group being awarded the Combat Action Badge (CAB)?

2014-01-25T23:24:22-05:00

So, what are some of the most absurd incidents you have witnessed of an individual or group of Soldiers being awarded the CAB?

During our Iraq deployment in 08-09, our Battery was attached to the TX NG. We were in the lead vehicle literally feet behind the trail vehicle of one of their convoys and we were sitting at the entrance to BIAP. Monitoring their radio frequency, we overheard their trail vic come up on the net and say they were receiving small arms fire. So, being RIGHT behind their bumper we looked around and saw nothing, heard nothing. I sent a message back to their TOC via MTS and stated in a professional way, that they were full of shnitzles. The whole truck was given CAB's. Ahhh, that feeling they must have had going home as heroes,,,

Response by SFC James Baber made Jan 26 at 2014 12:21 AM

2014-01-26T00:21:11-05:00

I have one to top them all, while conducting a TCP near a few miles away from Taji in'05, we had a mortar attack inbound to our point and a soldier who was in a porta-potty was hit while taking a crap and was awarded a CAB for the incident. Now that was what I called being in the "shit", I had to do it, you know I did.

Response by 1SG Steven Stankovich made Jan 26 at 2014 5:15 AM

2014-01-26T05:15:00-05:00

Here is my take on it SSG Broadbent. At the end of the day, it is that Soldier who will have to tell the story of how they earned that award. They will be the one sitting across from another group of veterans swapping "war stories" and they will have to tell their story. If they are proud of how they earned their award, then there is no issue. If they are not, then their story will change so that they can "save face" with their audience.

Much the same way that you and SFC Baber recall the same incident in Iraq from 2005. You guys remember the same sequence of events. The same story. Hopefully for integrity sake, the person who was in the latrine and was hit by shrapnel tells the same story.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made May 13 at 2014 8:11 PM

2014-05-13T20:11:10-04:00

The magic EOD theory., I witnessed one officer in a vehicle in a convoy awarded one, the NCO he put in for it refuse it because they thought the "incident" was BS and the 2 other occupants of the vehicle deemed ineligible to receive it.

Things that make you go WTF!!

Response by MAJ Steve Sheridan made May 13 at 2014 11:25 PM

2014-05-13T23:25:09-04:00

I think so, I've seen so many get one for being near an incident, but not really in danger.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2014 11:50 PM

2014-05-13T23:50:00-04:00

When I first got to my unit they had just returned from OIF 5, and pretty much every person in the Battalion got a CAB for mortar attacks. When we deployed in 06 the requirements changed, and even though we were attacked during a recovery mission (Rockets and Small Arms), we didn't get ours.

Response by MAJ Ron Peery made May 15 at 2014 9:24 AM

2014-05-15T09:24:40-04:00

Each engagement is different. I was with my team, returning from an op and passing thru Shewan, Afghanistan....a notoriously unfriendly town....and an individual took a pot shot at the gunner in the vehicle ahead of mine. I won't call him a sniper, because his shooting skills were abysmal. No one saw him, few heard the shot. I had my first TIC 2 weeks after arriving at my post. It was an ambush by 5 guys who were tactically challenged. That engagement lasted about 30 minutes. Lots of ammo expended. End result, no friendly casualties, 5 PUCs, and I did not get my CAB for that TIC. Mine came later, after a gunfight at Farah, max range was about 7 meters, with small arms and grenades. Result was two dead bad guys and a shot up house. I will not second guess someone who has a CAB just because someone else did not see the bad guys or hear the shots. Combat is confusing, and no two people see the same event the same way.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 11 at 2014 12:10 AM

2014-06-11T00:10:20-04:00

I knew a soldier (S6) who was on the roof fixing an antenna that received a CAB because of indirect fire (1 round) was fired over the FOB.

Response by MSG Lance Kelly made Jun 21 at 2014 2:11 AM

2014-06-21T02:11:26-04:00

I was assisting a Soldier with a CAB who had a mortar round hit in his vicinity while walking to the shower point. He had pictures showing shrapnel damage to a semi trailer. Other members in his unit from that incident received the CAB so he was trying to get what he felt he was due. Unfortunately, he was no longer in that unit nor in a deployed environment. The more I looked over the supporting documents and the repeated kickbacks from higher command, the less I felt the award was earned. I had no problem assisting him, I wasn't there, I didn't feel any sense of danger he may have felt. I could only go by my brother, deployed several times, that mortar attacks were routine and seldom resulted with any significant damage and minimal injuries, if any. The Soldier failed to provide all of the supporting documentation and he transferred to another unit prior to seeing if he would get the award from a separate command than he deployed with. My issue is are we using overkill with awards like these? When I think of a Combat Action Badge, I think of someone engaged in combat with the enemy, not walking to a shower point where you take cover for a minute and then continue about your business. I am not trying to take anything away from anyone, like others have said, it is what the indivual felt they went through and having the local commander approve the action at that time. This Soldier came to a unit that wasn't there with him and was unable to see it as a real action, instead we just read statements and saw some pictures. I did put my personal opinion aside and continued to assist this Soldier until he departed the command.

Response by SGT Alicia Brenneis made Aug 2 at 2014 10:15 AM

2014-08-02T10:15:11-04:00

I was on CAF waiting to go on leave. Some one came in the tent screaming "get to a bunker, INCOMMING" . I didn't hear a thing. not an alarm, the whistle or the resulting impact. Nothing. But they made us get in the bunker anyway. I took my kit to use as a pillow. still in the bunker I get woken up again because they "wanted my name" to submit for a CAB with everyone else! I told them I already had one, the response..... you don't want another one? -_- I have no idea if they actually got CABs , I left the same day. apparently the "round" hit the flight line. If you have ever been to CAF you know how far away that is from the transient tents.

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Feb 15 at 2016 11:23 AM

2016-02-15T11:23:15-05:00

Our BDE HQ was in Talil, for the whole year they heard two mortar rounds go off. Surprised how many qualified for being close to it, as it was out in the middle of nowhere.

Response by SGT Sean Hitchcock made May 3 at 2016 9:22 AM

2016-05-03T09:22:29-04:00

I had a soldier tell me he received his CAB because the FOB he was on received IDF. I couldn't believe my ears! He told me he was nowhere in the vacinity of the impact.

Response by SGT Timothy Rocheleau made May 3 at 2016 4:00 PM

2016-05-03T16:00:23-04:00

I think everyone in here questioning the award of a CAB should truly take a look at who is eligible and what must occur in order to be awarded the CAB. It's shameful that so many senior NCOs haven't a clue. I could understand the confusion if we hadn't been in combat for the last 15 years. But with being in combat for the last 15 years all senior leaders should be aware of what awards their troops are qualified and eligible for. Recognize your troops if you want them to stay and feel like they are an integral part of your team.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2016 1:10 PM

2016-05-13T13:10:58-04:00

There also those who found themselves in a shitty situation and didn't qualify for such badge. Why? OEF-P is not on the list for the regulation. No big deal but kinda funny...

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2016 1:19 PM

2016-05-13T13:19:05-04:00

My unit was tasked with the deconstruction of FOB Tillman back in 2012. The FOB was hit with IDF at least once a day with the occasional 2 or 3. Of the 30+ troopa who were involved in the decon, only 2 were give CABs. Personally, i believe you have have a good NCO support system for something like that. I didnt and here i am almost 4 years later wondering why only 2 recieved it. Is there a way to try and resubmit?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2016 2:07 PM

2016-05-13T14:07:41-04:00

Dental technician receiving a CMB for a mortar hitting the fob while he was doing a dental exam. Orders stated "provided medical care while under enemy indirect fire"

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2016 2:09 PM

2016-05-13T14:09:12-04:00

It's like any other award, a lot of people abused it. Sad but true.

Response by MAJ Andrew Ready made May 13 at 2016 2:44 PM

2016-05-13T14:44:40-04:00

CAB is a senseless badge that should never have been created.

Response by SSG Joseph Henderson made May 13 at 2016 5:46 PM

2016-05-13T17:46:18-04:00

I'm kind of mixed in my opinions . I think the CAB originally had good intentions but it was twisted. Kinda seems like the "everybody gets a trophy" mentality.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2016 5:57 PM

2016-05-13T17:57:39-04:00

A group of about 40 of us Navy people were issued CAB's in '07 @ Bucca. Huge detainee riot at an Air Force compound that they couldn't control (mind you, they got low tier suspects). TOC sent Navy in to secure them and place them into holding. Funny thing is.. Air Force ran QRF too.. hmmm. Anyway, Army put us in for CAB's. Do Chia-rocks, fece-rocks, pee-poo water bottle bombs count for direct or in-direct fire?

Response by SPC Kortney Kistler made May 14 at 2016 3:46 PM

2016-05-14T15:46:25-04:00

Is getting a CAB for being near an incident any worse than automatically getting a Bronze Star for being E6,E7,01,02,03 and deploying? The criteria for getting a CAB hasn't changed, only the Asshats signing the orders. I have been recommended for numerous awards and told I was being recommended them, but the 638's never hit my 201file. Three times in Iraq I was pulled aside by an NCO/Officer and told I was getting recommended for an ARCOM. The paperwork probably ended up in the shredder.

I did get a CAB though.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 24 at 2016 9:56 PM

2016-08-24T21:56:35-04:00

NY NG unit was attached to a base that received a couple mortar rounds. No one injured, no rounds land anywhere near their guys, not even close. Whole unit gets CABs.

Response by SGT Alicia Brenneis made Aug 26 at 2016 2:02 PM

2016-08-26T14:02:34-04:00

RPG on the flight line at CAF. Didn't hear shit, see shit or feel shit but everybody's getting a CAB. I'm in transit going "nope, don't put my name on that". Tell me how I'm getting yelled at cause I won't write a statement detailing the event! Thank God I flew out that day.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 26 at 2016 4:35 PM

2016-08-26T16:35:49-04:00

My last deployment to Afghanistan, I was the Gunner, and we had a POG in the backseat that was there for little more than holding down a seat, and to get a CAB. we went to an area we knew we would be getting shot at (because Command thought it was a good idea). I, being behind the M2, returned fire, very briefly, but had to write a sworn statement on my actions and the truck crews actions so that the seat warmer could receive his CAB.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 26 at 2016 6:26 PM

2016-08-26T18:26:38-04:00

There are so many unjust awards...but I think more people get denied awards because they didn't roll with the right people. All in all, I am proud of my service and I know what I accomplished. The recognition is appreciated, but a lack thereof isn't breaking my heart.

I love you all! Thanks for your opinions on this and so many other subjects.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 5 at 2016 7:53 PM

2016-11-05T19:53:58-04:00

I am having a problem right now about getting CABs for me and my Soldiers. A rocket was Shot down over our living area and no CAB. But the guy in the port a john gets one that right out side of the same building. Because we were in a building we can not get one.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 4 at 2017 10:41 PM

2017-04-04T22:41:38-04:00

I've got about a hundred stories, but I will just put up this graphic. It says it all.

Response by SGT Jim Ramge, MBA made Jul 16 at 2017 11:17 AM

2017-07-16T11:17:48-04:00

It's funny, you have individuals that have earned the MOH that are more humble than those that pick at what they deem underdeserving! They raised their hand and got sent somewhere no one wants to go. Have to call Bullshit on this post - anything else to complain about, run for a seat in the House of Representatives!

Response by SFC Ricky Fraley made Aug 7 at 2017 10:47 AM

2017-08-07T10:47:59-04:00

Seen a bunch get CABs because the DIFAC was hit by small arms fire while they were standing around in there PT uniforms waiting for it to open

Response by SP5 Peter Keane made Aug 7 at 2017 11:41 AM

2017-08-07T11:41:36-04:00

How is this any different from saying you are a combat medic if you don't have the CMB ?

Response by SFC William Stephens A. Jr., 3 MSM, JSCM made Aug 7 at 2017 12:44 PM

2017-08-07T12:44:37-04:00

First whoever wrote the article should get the picture right because that is CIB pictured not CAB. then we can talk about how the CAB is disrupted within the commands when the entire command is AUTH to wear it and where to find it.

Response by SPC Ross Temple made Aug 27 at 2017 2:43 PM

2017-08-27T14:43:08-04:00

Omgosh, person in my unit didn't pull proper maintenance on his vehicle. During war the tanker gas line popped off got fuel all over him and vehicle. He obviously quickly turned off the flow and was awarded a BRONZE STAR. But me I was a machinist, vehicle taken away because of the sand. So I was placed as generator mechanic, not my field and didn't even get an Arch for the whole war! I had a black platoon Sargent that was outing every white guy he could. Ssgt Parker. If anyone has the ability to look this ass hat up. Yeah I'm bitter. I wanted to kill this guy because of how hard he rode me. Lying about me. Had an E8 apologize to me for miss treating me because the things he said. I believe I became an alcoholic because of trying to deal with his shit. Looking back is 20/20.

Response by SP5 Peter Keane made Aug 31 at 2017 12:56 PM

2017-08-31T12:56:41-04:00

I would say, being pinned with a CIB.

Response by MSG David Johnson made Jan 17 at 2018 1:48 AM

2018-01-17T01:48:20-05:00

When we did our change over when we arrived in Ramadi we were warned about units that would send people for 'CAB Rides'.
They would go out on a route clearance mission with us in the hopes of having an IED go off close enough to qualify for a CAB, but not hit their vehicle. They were mostly put in the Buffalo, which took a lot of hits when they were interrogating an IED.
Most of the time it would be an officer from a unit that would not otherwise have ever gotten close enough to any action, unless their chopper was shot down, to qualify.
Now we didn't mind taking the mechanics and other support troops out, at least the ones who busted ass to keep us mission ready.

Response by PFC George Gillenwater made May 28 at 2018 6:54 PM

2018-05-28T18:54:02-04:00

Wow really things that make you go humm

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 20 at 2018 9:09 AM

2018-06-20T09:09:23-04:00

Whole awards system messed up. I was third vehicle back in convoy. Lt's vehicle was first for some stupid reason. They get hit with a Vbied. Windows destroyed, tires flat but everyone unharmed. LT gets out and starts cussing at vbied which is just an engine sitting on ground. He then starts to pull out driver who was holding door closed because that was SOP for small arms fire. It was a tug of war with door. The gunner who was in turret on knees starting randomly shooting in air at nothing. After patrol was over the LT wrote it up that he pulled driver from a burning vehicle and directed gunner to take out machine gun nest. He was awarded a bonze star. To everyone else it was a keystone cops moment and deserving of nothing. If i was LT I would be embarassed to even wear it.

Response by MSG Mark Stinson made Sep 12 at 2018 10:27 PM

2018-09-12T22:27:11-04:00

Oh, it gets worse. While in the Nam I served on A-401, B-40 IV Corps Mobile Strike Force C-4, 5th Special Forces Group. We ran 30 day combat operations with our Cambodians 43rd Company ABN. The Detachment Commander came out to visit for a few days. On his second night we were hit by a NVA force in a human wave attack. If it weren’t for the OP/LP they would have wiped us out. During the 3 hour battle I was calling in CAS, artillery with adjustments and walking the perimeter to ensure everyone was up. At one point I assisted in the recovery of a wounded Cambodian OP/LP. When the last shots were fired I met with SSG Greg Skougland the other NCO (each indigenous company was commanded by two USSF NCOs’) i asked Greg if he’d seen the Captain, no he responded. As we walked past the center of the perimeter a head popped out of one of the three fighting positions meant for the 60mm Crew. I called out “is that you Captain XXXXXXXX?” he nodded has and then I said, “sir, you can come out now it’s all over, the NVA withdrew.” Now the BS. The B-Team commanded put Greg and I in for the BSw/V mostly for the recovery of the wounded Cambode while under fire. The Captain filled out his own 638 for the BS w/V and the new B-Team commander non the wiser signed and ordered Greg and I to sign as witnesses. We protested saying that he hid at the bottom of a foxhole to no avail we were ordered to sign. The Captain tore up my 638 I’m assuming that 3 awards would be to many. Yes he received the award. During a phone call with the original B-Team Commander he asked me if I’d received the award. I told him what happened and he went ballistic then took the time to resubmit the 638 through Sen Kholes office for I was stationed at Ft McCoy at the time. It was approved and awarded at my graduation from the Battle Staff Course (2S ASI). It also made ‘Soldier Magazine’ with photo. My certificate has a date of 1997 as in the posted photo, the battle happened in February 1970. The photo of me was taken the morning after the protracted firefight. The group photo are the Cambodian soldiers of 43rd Company all Airborne qualified.

Response by SP5 Michael Cates made Feb 27 at 2019 7:31 PM

2019-02-27T19:31:40-05:00

I remember one day after TET had started in 'Nam '67-'68! The night was FULL OF FLARES and TRASERS! The VC were testing our Perimeter it seemed forever! The next morning one of the guys in my Platoon ran into our Hooch and SAID HEY WANT TO GO DOWN TO CHU LAI the VC and NVA tried to take the main Hdqts located there and only thing was they had A QUAD 50 AND so there was a lot of VC/NVA Bodies still on the Perimeter Wire and I said NO THANKS thinking I was just glad that I wasn't there last night! Just watching and hearing it the night before was enough for a life time!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 25 at 2019 11:44 PM

2019-09-25T23:44:39-04:00

Camp phoenix. Afg. 2012. 4 kids on perimeter wall throwing rocks at us. My saw gunner pointed his weapon there direction and they jumped off the wall. 15 feet or more. Don't know there condition. Tried to put him for a SCAB. Simulated Combat Action Badge. Got to have a sense of humor. Command did not.

Response by SSG Max Goodman made Nov 16 at 2019 9:04 PM

2019-11-16T21:04:12-05:00

How about service member getting a PH for a explosion that happened 5 trucks ahead. But I got hit from a IED we got nothing. army medals don't mean shit to me anymore

Response by SSG Jason Penn made Nov 7 at 2020 4:42 PM

2020-11-07T16:42:39-05:00

During OIF III in 2005, while at FOB Prosperity, we received a rocket attack (just one rocket), it hit a wall near the maintenance BN. Two soldiers were wounded from debris from the explosion (minor injuries, but wounded none the less). Those two soldiers deservedly received Purple Hearts, and their entire BN received CABs, even soldiers in the BN that were located on other FOBs, but none of the other units at FOB Prosperity received a CAB for the incident!

Response by Sgt Dale Briggs made Nov 7 at 2020 4:58 PM

2020-11-07T16:58:53-05:00

Maybe that’s why there doesn’t need to be a badge for that, just sayin.