What is the criteria for a Combat Action Badge (CAB)?

2022-10-13T13:34:02-04:00

I have been retired for 7 years and served a tour of duty in Iraq from 2004 to 2005. I wasn't awarded a CAB even though I was in Baghdad, Karbala and all over the MSR doing various missions and came under hostile fire. I was a combat engineer. I was talking to a recruiter the other day and he admittedly said he never left his FOB (42A) he never fired his weapon nor did he take any hostile fire. So my question is what is the criteria? How do I apply for a back dated CAB?

Response by COL Randall C. made Oct 13 at 2022 1:49 PM

2022-10-13T13:49:20-04:00

You'll want to look at AR 600-8-22, chapter 8 and see the FAQ on HRC's website about applying for it.
https://www.hrc.army.mil/content/Combat%20Action%20Badge%20CAB

From your statement, it sounds like the key criteria for you are met:
- Personally present and under hostile fire while performing satisfactorily in accordance with the prescribed rules of engagement
- Must be performing their assigned duties associated with the unit’s combat mission
- In an area where hostile fire pay or imminent danger pay is authorized

However, the steep hill you'll have to climb is retroactively having it awarded (you'll have to give a solid justification why it was never awarded in theater at the time you became eligible and will have to show evidence of injustice in not being awarded it)

HRC Homepage

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Oct 14 at 2022 7:32 AM

2022-10-14T07:32:49-04:00

You may have waited too long. Submit as recommended by others, they will seek corroboration from your former unit and the Operations records which are filed. Each units combat deployment tracks all operational, intelligence, and logistical related records which are kept by the unit TOC, and often at Company level depending on unit type.

If the go that far you will have to hope that your recollection and that of the deployment documents align. Point is, if you were under fire, that met a radio transmission and was transferred to the duty log.

Good luck.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 14 at 2022 8:10 AM

2022-10-14T08:10:23-04:00

from HRC:

Q1: I have separated from the Army and I am now a veteran. Who do I need to have my CAB recommendation endorsed by?

A1: CAB recommendations for Veterans and Retirees require the same documents as listed in question 2 below, with the exception of a DA Form 4187. A memorandum is submitted in lieu of the DA Form 4187 and an endorsement by a General Officer is not required. Requests for retroactive award of the CAB will not be made, except where evidence of injustice is presented. In addition, retroactive requests must be accompanied by a justification explaining why the CAB was not awarded in theater.

Q2: What documentation must be submitted for Active Duty Soldier requests for the CAB

A2: Requests must be submitted on a DA Form 4187, Personnel Action Request, endorsed through the first general officer in the Soldier's chain of command, and must include the following documents: assignment, attachment, or operational control (OPCON) orders; copy of the Soldier’s Record Brief or DA Form 2-1; no more than a one-page narrative description of the qualifying incident; certified copy of DD Form 214, Military Discharge (If applicable); and supporting documentation which substantiates enemy engagement and eligibility for the CAB (for example: official unit reports; casualty report; line of duty investigation, two or more eyewitness statements from Soldiers who participated in the same ground combat action, (if applicable)).

https://www.hrc.army.mil/content/Combat%20Action%20Badge%20CAB

HRC Homepage

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 14 at 2022 9:13 AM

2022-10-14T09:13:47-04:00

You can send me an email at [login to see] and I can send you some information. I have helped people get retroactive CABs in the past but no one lately has been successful, the process has been made more difficult but I will provide whatever help I can.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 17 at 2022 9:27 AM

2022-10-17T09:27:56-04:00

Why do you need it now? It is going to be a long fight to get it, but if anybody from your unit got it back then then probably you can borrow the info from that person then see if you can find your commander so he can submit it.

Response by SPC Roger Dunn made Oct 17 at 2022 4:09 PM

2022-10-17T16:09:51-04:00

I got mine in 2004 for actions in 2003 all my papper work says i have ingaged or been ingaged by the enemy