Posted on Dec 30, 2017
When did the Army change the rules for CIB awards to include everything up to 1995 in "Vietnam Era"?
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I recall some of my NCOs who had been in Vietnam and the DR (Operation Power Pack) saying they were originally given a 2nd award, then it was taken away. Then there were some Panama and Desert Storm guys given a second award, which I assume was taken away after they lumped everything in with Vietnam. Has anyone else seen this happen?
And as a funny aside, I think it's kinda hilarious that I, having enlisted in 1989, am now a "Vietnam Era Vet". Only the Army...
And as a funny aside, I think it's kinda hilarious that I, having enlisted in 1989, am now a "Vietnam Era Vet". Only the Army...
Posted in these groups: 
Awards
Combat Infantry Badge (CIB)
Awards Combat Infantry Badge (CIB)
Edited 7 y ago
Posted 7 y ago
Responses: 6
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According to the US Department of Labor, the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 (VEVRAA) states, "A Vietnam era veteran is a person who
served on active duty for a period of more than 180 days, any part of which occurred between August 5, 1964 and May 7, 1975, and was discharged or released with other than a dishonorable discharge.
was discharged or released from active duty for a service connected disability if any part of such active duty was performed between August 5, 1964 and May 7, 1975.
served on active duty for more than 180 days and served in the Republic of Vietnam between February 28, 1961 and May 7, 1975."[1]
In 2004, the US Census Bureau reported there were 8.2 million Vietnam veterans who were still in the country,[needs update] 2.59 million of them being reported to have served "in country."
More than 58,000 U.S. military personnel died as a result of the conflict.[2] That includes deaths from all categories including deaths while missing, captured, non-hostile deaths, homicides, and suicides. The Department of Veterans Affairs recognizes veterans that served in the country, then known as the Republic of Vietnam, from February 28, 1961 to May 7, 1975, as being eligible for such programs as the department's Readjustment Counseling Services program, also known as the Vet Centers. The Vietnam War was the last American war with conscription.
served on active duty for a period of more than 180 days, any part of which occurred between August 5, 1964 and May 7, 1975, and was discharged or released with other than a dishonorable discharge.
was discharged or released from active duty for a service connected disability if any part of such active duty was performed between August 5, 1964 and May 7, 1975.
served on active duty for more than 180 days and served in the Republic of Vietnam between February 28, 1961 and May 7, 1975."[1]
In 2004, the US Census Bureau reported there were 8.2 million Vietnam veterans who were still in the country,[needs update] 2.59 million of them being reported to have served "in country."
More than 58,000 U.S. military personnel died as a result of the conflict.[2] That includes deaths from all categories including deaths while missing, captured, non-hostile deaths, homicides, and suicides. The Department of Veterans Affairs recognizes veterans that served in the country, then known as the Republic of Vietnam, from February 28, 1961 to May 7, 1975, as being eligible for such programs as the department's Readjustment Counseling Services program, also known as the Vet Centers. The Vietnam War was the last American war with conscription.
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Joe, it's simply a qualifying "Era". The military isn't considering you a Vietnam era veteran in the traditional or colloquial sense. The qualification eras are largely to avoid the ostentatious number of multiple awards (stars), that would be required for someone serving from, 1985 - 2005, for example. They could ostensibly have been part of 8 separate engagements. I was awarded a CAB in 2004 in Iraq. Ten years later, in Afghanistan I didn't qualify for another CAB even though the theater, and decade were inextricably different.
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