Posted on Jan 25, 2014
What are some of the most absurd incidents you have witnessed of an individual or group being awarded the Combat Action Badge (CAB)?
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So, what are some of the most absurd incidents you have witnessed of an individual or group of Soldiers being awarded the CAB? <br><br>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,,, <br>
Awards
Combat
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Posted 12 y ago
Responses: 40
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Suspended Profile
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.
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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.
I did get a CAB though.
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CPT Erik Spike Thiesmeyer, Sr.
In my unit, you had to be an O-4 or above, E-7 or above, and warrant officers did not get Bronze Stars at all. I was the S-2, and my NCOIC got one, but I got my fourth ARCOM.
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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"
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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?
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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...
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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.
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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.
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SGT Sean Hitchcock
My issue with this CAB thing is the incident. The "one" time. Almost all the grunts I served with who earned a CIB were in TICs on a very regular basis throughout our deployments.
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LTC Darryl Hamilton
SGT Sean Hitchcock - I don't disagree, however I remember back in the 80's Vietnam Vets were talking trash about guys getting CIB's for Grenada and Panama. So it's all relative.
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