Why do so many infantrymen say they don't like to wear their CIB because it is a free award (I earned mine in Logar so I am proud of it)?

2016-02-29T16:53:03-05:00

Response by SPC Andrew Griffin made Feb 29 at 2016 5:00 PM

2016-02-29T17:00:50-05:00

They say that! But they appreciate it!

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 29 at 2016 5:00 PM

2016-02-29T17:00:50-05:00

If I had one, I would wear it. But the only people I have ever met that say they won't wear it are operators. My old man said, and I quote "It doesn't matter. All this says is that I popped off two shots after someone stuck their head out at me. Not something for me to be proud of. I don't want a flashy badge that says I took someone's life. That's why I won't wear a purple heart either."

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 29 at 2016 5:02 PM

2016-02-29T17:02:59-05:00

It has been handed out as a blanket award too many times. That decreased its value in the eyes of many

Response by Capt Tom Brown made Feb 29 at 2016 5:07 PM

2016-02-29T17:07:26-05:00

Good question. It always chapped my butt when, the one time I was sent on a errand back to division hq at Da Nang, I noticed all the HQ Marines wearing starched utilities and spit-shined boots, while my clothes and boots were rotting away. No doubt the rear warriors received their CAR too the same as I and my fellow grunts. At the time I wondered if all that was fair, but heard they did get rocketed or mortared from time to time on their way to the base theater.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 29 at 2016 5:14 PM

2016-02-29T17:14:35-05:00

I recall right after the invasion of Iraq that everyone got handed a CIB for just being there. Some of us were in gun fight but not all. To them it was a give me. They didn't value the award but I wouldn't let them devalue the award. It is like when you are handed 1,000 dollars versus actually working for it. You will appreciate it more if you worked for it but if you are just handed it you won't really appreciate what it took to get it. The money is the same but it is about the perspective on it. Personally I don't agree with anyone that doesn't want to wear their awards. I can't make anyone sew on their badges but I encourage them to wear their badges. I will always wear mine if the situation permits.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Feb 29 at 2016 6:43 PM

2016-02-29T18:43:09-05:00

You wear that CIB with pride, and keep your DD214 handy for anyone who doubts it. If you were an infantryman serving in an infantry unit in combat your deserve it. I would have loved to have earned one. I could have easily cut orders awarding myself inasmuch as I was Chief of Awards and Decorations for the 9th Infantry Division for a time in Vietnam. Yep, could've gotten away with it easily. Many begged me for one. Some senior officers tried to strong arm me into issuing one to them or a friend. My refusal is part of the story of why I was RIF'd at the first opportunity. Another infantry division in Vietnam wasn't as careful and gave them away like condoms at a whore house. They were caught and had to rescind every order. That made me smile.

Response by SGT Justin Anderson made Feb 29 at 2016 6:46 PM

2016-02-29T18:46:01-05:00

It only matters what you think of your award. I am proud of my CIB and anyone who says that it's Cracker Jack prize can kiss my ass. I proudly display that shiny blue bastard on my hat and on my tie. You and your brothers know how you earned it. Its like those guys that say you weren't on a real deployment because you didn't take casualties or kill a lot of people. It's just a bullshit thought and statement. Some people are just bitchy people and will find a way to cheapen everything.

Response by SGT Travis Deuley made Feb 29 at 2016 8:05 PM

2016-02-29T20:05:58-05:00

I didn't wear my CMB...

Response by COL Mike Humphrey made Feb 29 at 2016 8:11 PM

2016-02-29T20:11:37-05:00

I didn't win mine, I earned it, and was proud to wear it.

Response by CPT Chris Newport made Feb 29 at 2016 9:37 PM

2016-02-29T21:37:24-05:00

I regret to say that during my time as a Plt. Leader, I found my NCOs essentially useless in the compound and out and they all wore CIBs (Nam). Even when doing drill or practicing for a parade, mine would complain openly in front of their/my squads about the weather; I expect more from a CIB, an example for all of us, including me, since I never had the opportunity to earn one. Having to correct their behavior became routine. I hope others have not shared my experience. Am I wrong?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 29 at 2016 11:18 PM

2016-02-29T23:18:08-05:00

Many who have both CIB & EIB will wear the EIB. Just due to the extreme effort and training it takes to earn it.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 29 at 2016 11:43 PM

2016-02-29T23:43:44-05:00

My old 1SG was a Group guy almost his entire career, and he never wore his badges on his ACUS. He told me that it is better for someone to underestimate you rather than overestimate you.

Dude's military education and awards blocks on his ERB could have filled a freaking book. It was insane.

Response by SSG Ryan Moore made Mar 1 at 2016 9:59 AM

2016-03-01T09:59:35-05:00

SSG Private RallyPoint Member This is the first time that I've heard of an 11B who isn't proud of his CIB. Most of the 11Bs I have encountered in my 17 1/2 years have always been proud of theirs as to them it's like a Rite of Passage similar to when they get their EIB. If they're not proud of it, it makes me wonder why they aren't...

Response by SSG Kevin Kronemeyer made Mar 1 at 2016 10:15 AM

2016-03-01T10:15:58-05:00

Earned mine in Panama, 1989 - Operation Just Cause. For starters, we landed on a dark runway in the early morning with tracer rounds lighting up all ends of the runway. That same morning we set out to relieve the 82nd that had jumped in less than 24 hours before. The next day, we moved out and pushed forward to a Panama military base and set up a perimeter around the airstrip on the base. My squad was tasked with setting up a road block/LPOP 300 meters to the front of the Battalion. Pulling 50% security, 4 hours on/4 hours off, our orders were to shoot anyone with a weapon, not wearing a US uniform. After making it through the night with a battalion of itchy trigger finger soldiers lighting up the night sky, right over our head, we encountered a patrol coming at us from our 12 o'clock. Needless to say, my squad opened up on them. They took off the side of the road into the jungle and my fire team was tasked with pursuing them. We grabbed some provisions to last a day or so and headed out. We had to chop our way through lots of vegetation and occasionally had to clear run down buildings . After a few hours, the trail was cold so we headed back. That was all within 36 hours of being in country. The next 50 days was filled with similar experiences but all different.
The point behind that story is everyone's experience varies just a bit. I know the CIB is awarded individually, but it was issued to our entire unit for the duration of our time in country, and I am not sure if it is intended to be issued in that manner. After I got out and joined the guard, I switched MOS. When I deployed with the guard, I earned my CAB. I would have rather had a star on my CIB but such is life. One more point is, only infantry can earn a CIB. Think about all the units out there that cant earn one. There are more people without it, in the civilian world. So really, we are a select few.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2016 11:31 AM

2016-03-01T11:31:20-05:00

I got mine in Logar when a recoilless rifle hit 30m from me. Then I transferred to the guard and there's dudes with CIBs from IDF on the fob 500m away

Response by MCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2016 11:30 PM

2016-03-01T23:30:03-05:00

In OP Just Cause (Panama), there was ONE battalion from the 82nd that went in, locked and loaded. TWO battalions were loaded on to C141's and flown down there after the bullets were done flying (but before "hostilities" were declared over). The 141's landed, every Infantryman on the planes debarked, walked across the tarmac on red carpets, and boarded new C141's. At the bottom of the boarding stairs were two Army Captains - one handing out 82nd Combat Patches, the other handing them all nice, shiny, new CIB's. I spoke with SEVERAL folks that gave up their Airborne status after that - and BECAUSE of that.

If you've done more than that - wear the thing with pride. Wear it because SO many others aren't entitled to it. Wear it because you EARNED it - even if you were never involved in combat ops.

Response by LTC Jason Carter made Mar 2 at 2016 9:07 AM

2016-03-02T09:07:16-05:00

I earned mine and I wear it with pride. 22 September 2007, Sar Hawza, Afghanistan.

Response by SGT Richard H. made Mar 2 at 2016 1:13 PM

2016-03-02T13:13:06-05:00

Funny, when I think of my CIB, the last word that comes to mind is "free".

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 2 at 2016 1:44 PM

2016-03-02T13:44:11-05:00

The EIB is hyped up to seem as though it is better. It is more of a Boy Scout badge for garrison dog and pony shows.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Mar 2 at 2016 8:47 PM

2016-03-02T20:47:57-05:00

SSG Private RallyPoint Member The kid brother re-upped in Germany for a tour to Nam. It was short, 26 days Los Angeles to Los Angeles. A CIB caught up with his casket while it was above ground! It was important to us two surviving brothers!

Response by SSG David Younce made Mar 10 at 2016 11:52 AM

2016-03-10T11:52:26-05:00

I left the Infantry in 1989. The CIB was held in aw and respected. I came back in post 9/11 and EARNED my CAB. Did not hold the same aw as a CIB would have, but mine was earned.
I know of a few general officers that were stationed on a very large FOB when there was IDF and now wear CABs, though the were Knicks away from any shrapnel. I engaged, was engaged by, the enemy over a very prolonged period of time. Don't get me started how the Bronze Star is so watered down I have no "instant" respect for the wearer. Unless I see a V device, the wearer is a pog that probably never left the FOB.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 9 at 2017 8:29 PM

2017-01-09T20:29:58-05:00

I've had multiple guys in more recent years get their CIB "easier" than others. Some get a "Free infantrymans badge" as they call it. But the way I see it is if you were awarded it, you earned it.

Response by SFC Ricky Fraley made Aug 7 at 2017 10:55 AM

2017-08-07T10:55:34-04:00

With the invention of the "I was there too where's my badge" it has cheapened the meaning of the CIB. The CIB was created as a way for the infantry to stand out above all others because during WWII nobody wanted to be a grunt. The CIB lifted the spirits of these fighting men and the badge was worn with pride because they were recognized as being the ones who did the fighting. Now everyone gets a trophy so it cheapens the award.

Response by PVT Raymond Lopez made Aug 7 at 2017 3:09 PM

2017-08-07T15:09:46-04:00

I like to say it is the only shooting badge that counts because where you earn it people are shooting at you. The sound of a round whizzing past your ear really helps you focus your mind.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 9 at 2017 4:11 PM

2017-08-09T16:11:31-04:00

It could very well be that the guys that think of the CIB as a free award did nothing to truly earn that reward and they do not feel worthy because of that fact. I have a CAB and am proud of it. The only thing that burns my ass is I know they gave them away to people that did not earn them and I even witnessed a faked combat story in an effort to get one. Sad. I however am proud that I have this award I was in combat and I earned it to the letter. Be proud of your award and to hell with the other a$$hats.

Response by SFC Sean Berryman made Aug 9 at 2017 4:29 PM

2017-08-09T16:29:04-04:00

Likely due to the "participation award" status it has come to represent. At the end of my first deployment, it was "blanket awarded" to everyone in the brigade who was 11 certified but had not earned it through actual combat.

Response by SSG Chris Hall made Aug 9 at 2017 4:47 PM

2017-08-09T16:47:23-04:00

I'm not sure where the poster got the idea that any infantryman isn't proud to wear their CIB or even if he's an 11B. I've yet to meet a single one that earned a CIB and didn't wear it.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Aug 9 at 2017 6:40 PM

2017-08-09T18:40:01-04:00

Once the wars kicked off, it basically became a glorified unit award...

Response by SGT Jose Perdelia-Torres made Aug 9 at 2017 7:04 PM

2017-08-09T19:04:11-04:00

Never earned one, chalk it up to luck because as an Infantryman you know what the risks are when you sign up for this MOS. I'm not part of the club but I respect my Brothers and Sisters that do become Infantrymen and earn the CIB.

You wear it with pride, and never forget those that sacrificed it all!

Response by SFC S.t. Helms (Ret) made Aug 9 at 2017 7:08 PM

2017-08-09T19:08:47-04:00

Retired Active duty/Guard guy here. Army Aviation mechanic/supervisor by trade. I (knowing many infantry men during my time) Put alot of "weight" on the EIB. I put more weight on the EFMB. Those guys know their stuff. In regards to the CAB... that is what the patch is for. Granted i was in an up armored Hummer while bullets bounced off. Or... had a mortat land 20' infront of me in 05' that didnt detonate. Dont believe i should have got a CAB. Leave that to those non-grunts like supply, logistitians and truck drivers that engaged the enemy. Got in trouble once during a Class A inspection for not wearing it (CAB). They also reprimanded me for not wearing my chains, stars and leafs.

I enjoyed my career in my service. I just found that the Army handed out awards and decorations... just to do it.

I don't put alot of faith in "everyone gets an award/badge".

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Aug 9 at 2017 8:13 PM

2017-08-09T20:13:26-04:00

SSG Private RallyPoint Member "Why do so many infantrymen say that they don't like to wear their CIB because it is a free award?"

A: You answered your own question. "because it is a free award?"...What ever that means.

B: No one here can answer your question unless one of them reading and responding is in your group of "infantrymen say that they don't like to wear their CIB because it is a free award"

I have two, Just Cause And Iraqi Freedom , though had it not been Iraqi Freedom , it could have been new Dawn or Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.

I can't speak for "infantrymen say that they don't like to wear their CIB because it is a free award" Im not one of those, nor have I met one.
So I think you'll have to ask one of them to get your answer...

Response by SPC Donn Sinclair made Aug 9 at 2017 9:50 PM

2017-08-09T21:50:54-04:00

When my son was C.O. of C co, 2/28 in Iraq, some of his guys who were awarded CIB's insisted their EIB meant more because they had to earn it. ??? Going to a school means more than contact with a hostile enemy trying to kill you? Curious.

Response by SSG Jimmy Cernich made Aug 9 at 2017 11:14 PM

2017-08-09T23:14:58-04:00

Frist of all the badge is not a freebie.If you can't take pride in wearing the award you don't deserve it.Lets erase the reason you got it.

Response by SFC Jim Ruether made Aug 10 at 2017 12:02 PM

2017-08-10T12:02:53-04:00

If they feel guilty its maybe because they didn't earn it. I saw a lot of Btry Commanders put in for CIB's for their whole unit and many never say a minute of combat but apparently were in a combat zone and were approved? Is that against any regulations?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 14 at 2017 11:32 AM

2017-08-14T11:32:50-04:00

SSG Credit,
Soldiers who claimed the CIB is free, must said so because they did not earned it. Meaning, they where in Balaad inside the green zone, within the green and the AO got rocketed by mortars... circa 2003-2007 most anyone inside the FOB would have automatically received the CIB or CAB. Much Like you, I earned my CAB in Afghanistan, alongside MARSOC. So, yes I am proud of my CAB and much like those who have earned it, the last word that comes to mind is "free".

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 14 at 2017 12:33 PM

2017-08-14T12:33:31-04:00

I earned mine Tagab Valley, A-stan in 2006. I am very proud of it. as far as why some don't wear it ,well it could be a number or reasons. One I think is that it could be a reminder and a trigger with PTSD and stuff.

Response by SGT Charles Rutchick made Sep 6 at 2017 7:42 AM

2017-09-06T07:42:55-04:00

Sgt Charles Rutchick I'm going to be 70 on my next birthday and free COB I'd fight the a__hole that tells be that still were a mini one on my hat everyday garryowen

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 6 at 2017 11:31 AM

2017-09-06T11:31:50-04:00

Why, where, and how did you arrive at that conclusion the SO MANY don't like to wear it??? Is this opinion or observation of yours based upon what??? BTW, no military award is free. Every one required some activity or participation level of some sort.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 25 at 2017 9:46 PM

2017-09-25T21:46:05-04:00

LMAO

Response by SPC Cody Ward made Oct 17 at 2017 7:37 PM

2017-10-17T19:37:22-04:00

I would have to guess it's because of how "easy" it can be to get. I know an NCO with a CIB that's never fired a shot from his rifle, outside of the qualifying. He was in a convoy with a CSM, and they hit an IED. No injurys, no combat, blanket CIB says CSM.

Response by PFC Adam Murray made Dec 22 at 2017 11:30 PM

2017-12-22T23:30:19-05:00

Free, my lily white ass.
It remains the proudest piece of metal I have ever had.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Dec 23 at 2017 9:20 AM

2017-12-23T09:20:17-05:00

You must be serving with, near a much different bunch of Servicemen than I did if you have heard that even once, never mind "a bunch"

I earned both of mine, they were not "free" and of all those I wrote justifications for, they earned them as well.

Did someone who only heard a IED go off get presented a CIB? Of course... Just as many who only read about PTSD were awarded VA compensation for it in this days Vet pool, and unspecified back pain in the generation of dead beat Vets from the last generation. There will always be fraud, some of it individual, some of it assisted.

Response by SSG Shane Shepherd made Dec 24 at 2017 5:04 PM

2017-12-24T17:04:09-05:00

I was a medic and spent a few months in Iraq during operation provide comfort. We got no CMB or CIB because it was a humanitarian mission. I still think tell that to my friend who nearly lost his leg and the soldier who stepped on the mine who did die

Response by SFC Mark Biggs made Dec 26 at 2017 9:06 AM

2017-12-26T09:06:31-05:00

My son who is now a CSM, was attending an Army school when he was a Staff Sergeant. On the 1st day, he showed up wearing only his novice airborne wings. The second day, he added his EIB. One of the cadre questioned him about it, so the next day he wore his 173rd combat patch, CIB , Combat Jump Wings, pumpkin patch, and Drill Sergeant Hat. He said he didn't want the POGs to be overwhelmed.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 26 at 2017 1:42 PM

2017-12-26T13:42:15-05:00

Sadly, the same thing happens with the MOVSM...

Response by SPC Jimmy Cusick made Dec 26 at 2017 5:02 PM

2017-12-26T17:02:10-05:00

Earned mine in 70 RVN. Proud to wear it. Like Jump Wings, you earn by doing. Not a "freebie".

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Dec 26 at 2017 5:42 PM

2017-12-26T17:42:27-05:00

Because over the years it's become a glorified unit award requiring next to no actual combat...

Response by A1C Alan Wilbar made Dec 27 at 2017 8:39 PM

2017-12-27T20:39:24-05:00

With his saying it is "free", might he have been referring to the CAB?

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Dec 27 at 2017 9:42 PM

2017-12-27T21:42:24-05:00

I've never heard about anyone complaining about wearing a CIB

Response by MSG Loren Tomblin made Dec 31 at 2017 10:11 AM

2017-12-31T10:11:11-05:00

I display my CIB and EIB on my cap. I think I earned them both through perseverance and difficult positions.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 31 at 2017 3:17 PM

2017-12-31T15:17:02-05:00

You earned it. Wear it with pride.

Response by SSG Will Phillips made Jan 1 at 2018 2:48 AM

2018-01-01T02:48:16-05:00

I earned my EIB, my Master Parachutist Wings and my CIB. Earning a CIB is kind of like earning an EIB or completing Jump Master school. You are either a go or a no-go. In coming green tracers and your ability to still function and continue the mission while under fire is the ultimate "go or no-go" situation.
Just my humble opinion. Heh!

Response by MSG Tony Hughes made Jan 1 at 2018 6:06 AM

2018-01-01T06:06:41-05:00

You wear that CIB with pride if you earned it. I never heard of anyone saying they didn't have pride in wearing it and I never heard it called a free award. If exchanging bullets, watching your buddies die in a fire fight is FREE award then those idiots more than likely were not infantryman. In peace time we work hard, train hard to earn the EIB, some people in t he infantry never earn it but get the CIB for combat, two different criterias

Response by 1SG Don Grinsell made Jan 2 at 2018 10:52 AM

2018-01-02T10:52:50-05:00

I served with a former Ranger who only wore his CIB on his class A. He wore the EIB on his fatigues. His reasoning was that he worked harder for the EIB. The Ranger scroll on his right shoulder and no CIB always raised eyebrows amongst people who didn't know him.

Response by SSG Kenny Church made Jan 2 at 2018 3:49 PM

2018-01-02T15:49:20-05:00

I can see why people think less of their awards (CIB or otherwise). We often compare our actions/service to others when it comes to awards, when they should in fact be subject to the requirements only.
A CAB awarded for a mortar landing 100m away should make us mad. Mine was awarded when my vehicle was destroyed out from under me by an IED, so I'm proud of mine. My BSM has no "V", but 300+ missions outside the wire and all that happened makes me proud of it.
Point is, did YOU earn YOUR medals/awards? If so, who care about those who didn't...

Response by SGT Robert Marinez made Jan 2 at 2018 4:32 PM

2018-01-02T16:32:44-05:00

I’ve heard stories of units getting blanket CIB’s, so if one were apart of that then I would understand not wanting to wear it. I earned mine in Iraq’s Triangle of Death and I can assure you that there was nothing free about it.

Response by SFC Jim Ruether made Jan 2 at 2018 5:11 PM

2018-01-02T17:11:52-05:00

Maybe Capt. Credit the ones not wishing to wear them never earned them in their opinion?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 2 at 2018 5:53 PM

2018-01-02T17:53:27-05:00

I'm not an infantryman but I do respect those who earned the CIB. I was attached to infantry units my entire career. I was part of 3rd ID, 1st ID, and unfortunately 1st CAV.

Response by PFC Adam Murray made Jan 3 at 2018 10:31 AM

2018-01-03T10:31:13-05:00

I dont even think thats true.

Response by MSG Edward Flint made Jan 3 at 2018 12:31 PM

2018-01-03T12:31:34-05:00

I was not an 11B as I was a 92Y supply sargeant I was assigned to a Light Infantry Company while in Iraq (OIF ll-lll).

Response by SPC Burke Easter made Jan 3 at 2018 7:55 PM

2018-01-03T19:55:42-05:00

Might be something about guys earning it who were stationed in an office for a year and never saw combat, I don't know. My father was a Vietnam Vet and a LRP attached to a Cav unit even though he was an Infantry MOS. He was a career soldier, he was a Drill Instructor at Knox layer in my childhood. He always wore his CIB, and his DS This Will Defend patch. He never wore his unit combat patch on his uniform.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 3 at 2018 9:45 PM

2018-01-03T21:45:27-05:00

I have worn my CIB everyday since I got back from my first deployment. I finally earned my EIB last year and haven’t worn it once. CIB will always mean more to me than any other award or decoration.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 4 at 2018 8:37 PM

2018-01-04T20:37:39-05:00

Good old logar province that is where i earned my CIB too. In regaurds tp the question I think it depends on how it was earned. It sounds dumb but technically a majority of my company where "given" their CIBs for a drive by the enemy did and no one really shot back for a few reasons. Many of us earned it later but not everyone and i think those people feel they are not worthy of it.

Same with the purple heart with the changes they made for TBI alot of our company hit IEDs and recieved PH but did not feel like we deserved it because we all thought it should be life or limb. Then we see a female soldier sprain her ankle running for the bunker during IDF and was given a PH.

Response by CPL Edward Shouse made Jan 4 at 2018 9:51 PM

2018-01-04T21:51:11-05:00

Im sorry to hurt some feelings but Im a 25Uniform and I earned my Cab with my Infantry brothers after an IED attack smalls fire and we fought our way out of the Valley of Death no one just gave me an award. I was attached to an Infantry unit the whole time i was in the Army. Those guys earned their CIB and they should be dam proud cause they are my Brothers.

Response by SPC Donn Sinclair made Jan 6 at 2018 11:35 AM

2018-01-06T11:35:56-05:00

1) Every one of my fellow vets who earned it say their CIB is the award they're most proud of. And, 2) Free? I didn't know making contact and getting shot at is being viewed so casually these days.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 8 at 2018 3:45 AM

2018-01-08T03:45:42-05:00

I think this is because allot of them got it from IDF or the company gets blanketed because a platoon went and actually got their cib so I understand for some guys not wanting to wear it because they didn't exactly earn it

Response by SFC Alan Payne made Jan 19 at 2018 8:48 PM

2018-01-19T20:48:53-05:00

Mine was awarded June 6 2004 in Iraq, it’s the highest award I have despite what the regs say

Response by SSG Daniel Brewster made Feb 16 at 2018 8:03 PM

2018-02-16T20:03:47-05:00

Well, I see this is an old thread - but I got an email from Rally Point promoting this thread, so here's my two cents. I never served in combat. I was an 11B and did about 10 years - half active, half reserves. I served in about the only ten years in the last 50 in which we haven't been at war. I earned the EIB as a young PFC and was inordinately proud of it at the time. Still am, actually. But if I'm honest with myself, I do wish I had "tested" myself and served under fire. Maybe a stupid thing to say, said the guy who wasn't there & didn't do that. But it's one award that I admire and earns my instant respect when seeing a solider with a CIB. When I served, back in the 80s, the CIB was rare. For the most part, it was a grizzled E7 or E8 Vietnam vet. Not the case any longer, I know, they're all over the place. But I seriously doubt anyone wearing the CIB isn't proud of his service.

Response by FN Charlie Spivey made Feb 19 at 2018 10:25 AM

2018-02-19T10:25:44-05:00

I was a Coastie Vietnam vet, but I wouldn't consider it "FREE". Far from it. My uncle was awarded the CIB twice, once in Korea and again in Vietnam ( was award the PH both times too ). I saw it once, when he retired. He had gone to Germany after VN and then brought back to Ft. Hamilton in NY for retirement. The ship I was on was in, so I went over for that. I noticed his CIB had a Star and I asked him about it and he said second award. As for his retirement, pretty nice ceremony, bout a bit uncomfortable being a single Coastie in a sea of Army.

Response by SPC Brian Bates made Feb 22 at 2018 2:12 AM

2018-02-22T02:12:43-05:00

What made me mad was that as an O5B20 (Radioman) I did not qualify...I took just as much fire as the squads I was with but because I was signal corp I did not qualify...That was a long time ago, 70's,and I got over it long ago..But I will admit I was pissed about it back then...

Response by SPC Steven Sprague made Feb 24 at 2018 11:29 AM

2018-02-24T11:29:44-05:00

I earned mine in Vietnam and I’m proud of it Steve Sprague

Response by Sgt Werner Cottrill made Feb 25 at 2018 8:27 PM

2018-02-25T20:27:30-05:00

As Sgt. Fraley said "Now everybody gets a trophy, so it cheapens it". Not having been Army Infantry ( I was Air Force) My opinion doesn't count. I just know how proud my father was of his CIB.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Feb 26 at 2018 11:37 AM

2018-02-26T11:37:48-05:00

Gee, free?- Every damn time I got my CIB awards, I normally had to bury one of my folks and put theirs in the shadowbox for their NOK. Free my ass- what nobody shot at them, or nobody died?

Response by LTC Stephen Franke made Feb 26 at 2018 6:15 PM

2018-02-26T18:15:46-05:00

Surprising and curiosity-arousing comment that any -- much less "so many," as cited = where and when, please? -- self-described infantryman would ever make such a statement about the CIB being a free (?) award.

CIB was definitely not free nor easy to earn in my airborne infantry battalion of the 101st in VN in 1968. The 101st had one of the most-stringent and exacting policies about awards and decorations in force at that time.

Regards,
Stephen H. Franke
LTC, US Army Retired
San Pedro, California

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Feb 26 at 2018 6:23 PM

2018-02-26T18:23:50-05:00

Because at the height of combat operations it was treated like a glorified unit award...

Response by SGT Alfred Cautiverio made Mar 2 at 2018 8:47 AM

2018-03-02T08:47:15-05:00

I am a 92G certified cook.in 2004 I was called to duty Operation Iraqi Freedom lll, I was attched HHC 184th inf. ARNG AND attach to 3rd Batt. Army inf.
I was given an important job ,Sgt. Platoon Leader, From my Captain,and First Sgt. Command , I did my job well givien A High evaluation at end of my tour.I was up for field promotion, a couple of soldiers were field promoted. But if you look up at they’re evaul. They didn’t come close to mine.? You figure it out???? NOT mad just happy my guys and I made it home and we and I can. Talk about our time Called To Dutyit goes like this>>
The President calls you to active duty. and your Goverment leaders Has ALWAYS said, you are a Soldier First, before your MOS.....So you Better be Ready, you never know what orders or assignment will be given. I was READY.
We were reminded Your MOS is just a job in the military.
If given orders remember its time to step up to the plate. And own up to becoming a Soldier.
I finally put all my skills together that I learned Through out the years.
1972 I am a Vietnam Era Veteran, US Navy Engineering Certified Welder, Certifed Heavy Equipt. Operator, Dozer on a DZ9 tractor with the SeaBees Regular reserved US Navy, (I enlisted in the ARNG.I entered the ANG 1998, picked up a new MOS and got Certified as aCook, But always payed attention to details of my Army field training
THE Head of Government took care of most MOS like contracted our cooking job. Unless we were out in the field, So then we were in charge of the cooking, we handed out MRE’s.yummy , no one complained , but trading there MRE with each other trying to get the one they liked >>>>>
So really I should have been Field promoted ? earned an INFANTRY RIFLE Badge BUT They awarded US the New CIB ????THIS New Badge was made up for Soldiers and Commanding Head that never came out behind they’re desk job? But is also an important Jobs
We were a Bunch of HHC SUPPORT Soldiers 9-12.put together Who did the same as an infantry A,B,C companies.
ThESE HHC Soldiers Should be given respect, we did not lose any HHC Soldiers, we did patrols, assit in raids, did radio communications black out 24hrs, so raids can be accomplish and no IED could be actives ,came under fire, protected township meeting of officials, we entered Bagdad.ate dust storms, dawn mask, shot at enemies, protected city of Sadar City Electric power plant.
WE weren’t cooks and paper pushers.
(We were SOLDIERS CALLED TO DUTY) but for now I WILL wear my CIB PROUDLY. and in just maybe in the near future I hope they will recognize who we were in HHC SOLDIERS FIRST.)

Response by SFC Charles Kauffman made Mar 4 at 2018 12:21 AM

2018-03-04T00:21:41-05:00

I’ve never heard anyone who earned it say that. Anyone that does say that, probably isn’t authorized one, and they’re just butthurt.

Response by MSG John Duchesneau made Mar 4 at 2018 11:56 PM

2018-03-04T23:56:34-05:00

Any award means as much or as little as the recipient want it to mean. Those that don't value the CIB should look at the 95 percent, or more, of the Army who doesn't have one. Infantrymen do a job few others are willing or able to do and should be proud of it.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 6 at 2018 10:08 AM

2018-03-06T10:08:23-05:00

I fully recognize that some Infantrymen had a harder go of it that others. But having recommended about 60 of them, I can confidently say it's not a gimme. I wear mine with pride and question no man who stands in that circle.

Response by SFC Jonathan Riley made Mar 6 at 2018 5:36 PM

2018-03-06T17:36:11-05:00

I think most of them that didn't earn the EIB prior to going to combat thinks that it's just a free badge. Not thinking that it they could have lost there life in the defense of the country. That's the only thing I could think might make them think that way..

Response by SP5 Pat Hughes made Mar 8 at 2018 4:25 PM

2018-03-08T16:25:04-05:00

I wear my CIB, they only thing that means anything to me. The rest including my BSM with V.
I know what I did to get my CIB.
You keep the rest

Response by CSM David Porterfield made Mar 19 at 2018 10:04 PM

2018-03-19T22:04:13-04:00

If you believe you got your CIB because "it was a free award" you shouldn't have received one in the first place. I understand some got it without engaging the enemy and personally know a few NCO's and O's that admit it and some that won't. Anyway, if that's your case you have some soul searching to do. If you "earned it" wear that CIB with the utmost pride. At the end of WWII every Infantryman who earned a CIB was also awarded a Bronze Star. That attests to what level the badge is held at.

Response by MAJ Frank VansEvers made Mar 19 at 2018 10:11 PM

2018-03-19T22:11:20-04:00

not free, you have to serve in a combat zone for 30 days(was anyway) I am sure there is still a time period requirement. If you are in a combat zone you do not know when it will happen, even if it doesn't. Or you can be in a combat zone and be wounded, my case. No time requirement (in 1967 anyway), what is the requirement now? Frank W. Vans Evers, SP4 when I received my CIB and purple heart. Received combat commission to 1st LT based on recommendation of platoon SGT during that period.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 19 at 2018 10:27 PM

2018-03-19T22:27:11-04:00

They say they don’t like to wear it but they do. Tell them to just wear their EIB- if they have one.

Response by MSG Thomas Currie made Mar 20 at 2018 2:07 AM

2018-03-20T02:07:52-04:00

I've never known an infantryman who actually earned a CIB (as opposed to simply having been awarded one) who didn't like to wear it EXCEPT those who also have an EIB. I've met plenty of infantrymen who consider the EIB superior to the CIB.

I suspect a lot of people's attitudes about the CIB have to do with how they got the CIB and how they saw others get the CIB. From what I've been told by folks who have been deployed, there are some units that still play games with the UMR to give the CIB to people who don't even know where "outside the wire" IS, much less having ever been there.

There have been abuses ever since the CIB was first authorized. Every few years the Army changes the criteria to try to reduce abuse and every time some unit figures out a way to work around the intent of the rules.

Response by SFC Chet Crowell made Mar 21 at 2018 5:45 PM

2018-03-21T17:45:44-04:00

My first CIB was awarded after Just Cause in 89’. I was a teenager and I really didn’t appreciate the significance of it at the time. I’ve now had years to experience the Brotherhood of the CIB. Fast forward 15 years and I found myself in Iraq for OIF III. After that deployment, I tried to explain to some of the guys that were getting their CIB for the first time the importance of the Brotherhood they’ve just entered. Having my CIB 2nd Award pinned to my chest was icing on the cake! One day these young Service Members will understand and appreciate the significance of their CIB, often it takes time.

Response by CPL Gregory Witham made Mar 24 at 2018 8:47 AM

2018-03-24T08:47:58-04:00

EIB. Why bother wearing an Everyone In Brgade badge.

Response by SPC Josh McCoy made Mar 24 at 2018 10:05 AM

2018-03-24T10:05:23-04:00

Maybe because CIB, CAB, and CFMB got thrown out like candy in certain units during OIF/OEF without meeting the actual criteria for the award. That can’t happen with EIB and EFMB. I wore my CIB with pride. Still sport my license plate to.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 24 at 2018 11:57 AM

2018-03-24T11:57:03-04:00

From my personal experience as an Infantryman the CIB was blanketed to the whole convoy even though the Gunners were the only to engaged the enemy so there fore they were the only ones who have received the CIB. Now a days even the awards are not earned anymore due to political agendas of higher up for their OER/NCOERs. It’s sad and it ruins the validity and merit of what the CIB is truly meant to be.

Response by SFC Johnathan Severs made Mar 24 at 2018 12:52 PM

2018-03-24T12:52:13-04:00

I’ll play this one.

So I’m one who wears his EIB over his CIB. Personally, it was ‘earned’ and that can’t be taken away. I was ‘awarded’ by CIB 1/13/2016 in Baghdad and I can recall every moment of that engagement. But the reality is I saw 30 to 50 fellow Infantryman come back from that deployment with BLANKET CIB and everyone knew it.

You need no justification - wear what you feel you should.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 24 at 2018 3:43 PM

2018-03-24T15:43:46-04:00

I’m late on this post, but first, I don’t consider any of my awards as free. I earned very damn one of them and I’m not shamed to wear any of them. They’re on my DD-214 and my word is my bond. I don’t have to prove anything to anyone.

Response by PO2 Peter Klein made Mar 24 at 2018 4:40 PM

2018-03-24T16:40:53-04:00

You should be proud. And it is not free, it is hard earned!

Response by SSG Jeffrey Leake made Mar 24 at 2018 5:53 PM

2018-03-24T17:53:28-04:00

Those that say it's a "free" award, must not have earned it. I earned mine in Iraq in 04. It definitely was not free.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 24 at 2018 11:34 PM

2018-03-24T23:34:10-04:00

If they are saying that but still wear it then they are just some sorry, lying SOBs. Nobody is forcing them to wear it! I went about six years with wearing nothing but my name, is Army, unit patch and tab. Nobody forced me to wear anything. They can request to have the orders revoked. Until then, tell them to shut the hell up!!

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Mar 25 at 2018 12:25 AM

2018-03-25T00:25:42-04:00

Perhaps they did not have an 11series MOS at the time. Just like the "lost" Purple Heart. I retired an 11B because I had several MOSs, most of which were obsolete. I guess some POG figured anyone can be an Infantryman

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 25 at 2018 2:45 PM

2018-03-25T14:45:54-04:00

This is the stupidest thing I’ve heard in a long time. Anyone who says it free is a damned chum, poser who probably got it for IDF. They are free to leave it off their chest. I’ve got zero insecurities about mine.

Response by SPC Casey Ashfield made Mar 25 at 2018 6:29 PM

2018-03-25T18:29:22-04:00

I am proud of my CIB. When submitting awards, our company commander did not believe in awarding one for indirect fire or just being in the area of a firefight. As a result, the reports that made it to battalion were as genuine as you could get for being awarded a CIB. I was a proofreader for many award nominations and I saw very little "fluff." As a result, 100% of my company was awarded CIBs (or CABs for our non 11B attachments).

Response by SPC Paul Missick made Mar 28 at 2018 7:47 AM

2018-03-28T07:47:50-04:00

if you were awarded it, you are entitled to wear it. It is one of the highest Awards the Army has specifically for the Infantry. If you have an issue with wearing it then don't.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 31 at 2018 12:24 AM

2018-03-31T00:24:11-04:00

Some units are blanketed. I received mine along with my whole battalion. Some folks see more action than others. Some see none at all. I'm proud of my CIB. Hard to think anyone wouldn't be honored.

Response by SFC Ralph E Kelley made Apr 6 at 2018 6:53 PM

2018-04-06T18:53:06-04:00

WOW! Blows my mind.
Wear yours with pride and tell them they should go back and earn theirs.
Maybe throat-punch them BEFORE you tell'm that :D
.
FIDO - You decide what is value to you. Someone is gonna rag you about
something so you might as well do it your way.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 7 at 2018 10:49 AM

2018-04-07T10:49:31-04:00

CIB is routinely handed our as a decoration not an award. When I was down range my SGM went out on every mission just in case something happened and it did when a Soldier was struck with a spent round. Everyone on the team received a CIB, their is no fact checking when awards are requested, then those that truly deserve them have to fight to get what should have been awarded. To me bronze stars is a gratuity award.

Response by PFC Jason Richland made Apr 10 at 2018 9:01 PM

2018-04-10T21:01:32-04:00

The CIB is nice but I'd rather wear my EIB

Response by MSG Frank Kapaun made Apr 15 at 2018 4:32 PM

2018-04-15T16:32:16-04:00

Never heard any Infantryman that earned a CIB say that.

Response by SSG Thomas Stone made Apr 17 at 2018 1:44 PM

2018-04-17T13:44:25-04:00

none that I know

Response by 1SG Ronald Perry made Apr 22 at 2018 4:46 PM

2018-04-22T16:46:10-04:00

I think that a lot of it boils down to pride. To many soldiers don't like to be identified as service members. From 1977 to 2000 I serviced in the Army and retired as a 1SG. I'm proud of that fact I will share it with anyone who will listen to my old ass

Response by Frank Godek made Apr 29 at 2018 1:26 AM

2018-04-29T01:26:40-04:00

I don't know if things have changed but a good friend of mine who served as an Infantry officer in Korea and Vietnam felt that the CIB was one of the most meaningful badges you could earn. He always said that it meant you had served your time in combat. I don't think that he thought much of Infantrymen he saw who didn't have a CIB. Either they hadn't had a chance to serve in combat yet or they had managed to avoid it.

He passed away a few years ago but shortly before he died, he volunteered in the Coast Guard Auxiliary. When he found that he could wear awards from other branches of service on Coast Guard Auxiliary uniform, he wore his CIB.

Response by SGT Mike Moschkin made Apr 30 at 2018 9:21 AM

2018-04-30T09:21:22-04:00

It must be something new because all the 11 Bs I know are proud of the CIB it is our most cherished award we know what it took to earn it and earne we did !

Response by MAJ James Givens made May 1 at 2018 12:35 AM

2018-05-01T00:35:46-04:00

Free award my ass! You began to earn it the day you first set foot in an infantry unit. It just took awhile to get to the point you were awarded it.

Response by LTC Dick Bulova made May 2 at 2018 1:49 PM

2018-05-02T13:49:01-04:00

My dad won his CIB during WW II fighting in Germany. It definitely was deserved but he never spoke about it to me. In his old age, I took him to visit his old platoon leader. For the first time, he felt free to relive some of what happened because he was with someone who had been there. I sat quietly in the corner, but the hair on my neck did stand up. Some years later around 1980, I read that the Army was giving out Bronze Stars (w/o V) to any WW II vet who had a CIB. I sent in his divisional CIB award certificate (36th Inf-Texas-Div) and soon received the BS which I presented to my dad. He wasn't impressed.

Response by SSG Harry Outcalt made May 14 at 2018 9:09 PM

2018-05-14T21:09:51-04:00

Since Grenada many felt that Dod was handing out Cib like candy ignoring the criteria for which it was intended which was sustained combat action , and so it does not have the respect it once had and few will compare new Cib's with those earned from WW2 through Vietnam to today's awards

Response by CPT Alec L. made May 17 at 2018 7:37 AM

2018-05-17T07:37:36-04:00

Everyone I served with was extremely proud to get their CIB. An acknowledgment that one was truly experienced operating as the tip of the spear. It was earned by those with an infantry MOS serving in an infantry unit after either A) 30 days in the field facing a hostile force in ground combat or B) when one was wounded or killed before 30 days elapsed. It was earned through mud; rain; booby-traps; danger; bugs; snakes; C-Rations or LRRPs; endless boredom; smelly, unbathed bodies; filthy, ill-fitting "uniforms;" times of stark terror; relentless sweat; flowing blood; heart-pounding nights; sometimes death and more. Obviously, if someone is wearing one they got for "free," times have really changed.

Response by SPC Jim Collins made May 30 at 2018 9:27 PM

2018-05-30T21:27:51-04:00

I know some people look down on the CAB, but I am proud of mine. I was 16 months in Al Anbar Province Iraq. I engaged hostile insurgents with my SAW, My vehicle was blown up by a IED. Still picking pieces out of face to this day. Every Soldier has a different story behind their awards. Not everyone that has CAB was in the rear with gear and a mortar shell went off 500 meters away. Love all my fellow Combat Veterans!

Response by SGT John P made Jun 1 at 2018 7:33 AM

2018-06-01T07:33:15-04:00

If you earn an award you need to wear it . Back in 76 the infantry was a tough job, we spent most of our time in the field training to keep the country safe

Response by SSgt Boyd Herrst made Jun 11 at 2018 10:51 AM

2018-06-11T10:51:30-04:00

Proud of you Captain Durish for standing your ground ! And you got a bonus when hearing of gthem other illegal CIBs being rescinded...
I didn’t earn a CIB and it was late in coming.. didn’t get it until my last tour of Service.. A Services Badge recognizing my specialty as a AF Cook. I also had earned my Chef Paper (Associate in Applied Science[Culinary/Restaurant Mgt.]. It means a lot to me becsuse I earned that Degree via the Vo-tech through the VA while I recuperating and going to Culinary classes, Restaurant working{applying what I learned in culinsry classes and the leadership training in the AF and AFJROTC}. I also had credits from the CDCs[Career dev. Courses].... On the Job training counted
as apprentice training , so I didn’t have to repeat that and awarded 6 credits for that but the community college only recognized 4 credits.. My Service in the AF helped me as did all those supervisors that mentored me in my years in the AF.
The Badge was held up one year(they didn’t have enough to issue to everybody.
Mine came in the mail a year and a half later and retroactive to my date of award of my 7 level, and I had asked my V.F.W. Post Commander to award it to me..
he went one better and arranged for a AF Reserve Officer to be part of the presenting ceremony. He wasn’t my actual cmdr. Just standing in for him..
Some People would say big deal, every other 7 level Cook/Baker Supervisors and Cook/Bakers got one .. big deal, whoopee!
Well, they don’t understand and I don’t expect them too.. if they ask I explain it.
I don’t push it on them.. some think I do, just by wearing it. for some years I wore the miniature(like for the summer uniform). On my Chef jacket at work....
I finally a few years ago got a few cloth
Ones on Velcro that so I could wash one if needed.. I had another professional Chef pin that a Chef association I belonged to that recognized my Degree certification..
Some Of my fellow Associate Chefs said I could only wear that Association Pin on my Jacket.. I was, as they said “out of uniform”... I paid them no mind.. I was st a Restaurant / Culinary show and wore my my Chef outfit and card in my neck badge case and had both my military badge and the professional Chef badge .. I seen one other AF brother that had the same AF Services badge with his Chef Assoc. pin ..
So I met up with him and we went around checking out the Ovens, stoves, Smokers, and other restaurant gear.. it was nice to know I wasn’t the only Prior Service Airman that was proud to wear their specialty badge(actually it was for any one in Services who had earned it for their skill level. ). I was surprised that some years later the AF quit authorizing it for later Services people. So it had a short run.. too bad.. I don’t know the reasonn’g, it doesn’t matter.. I got mine .
It was authorized at the time..

Response by 1SG Robert Rush made Jun 17 at 2018 8:53 AM

2018-06-17T08:53:22-04:00

A CIB is not a free award. This looks like want someone who has never been in combat would say. As a veteran of Vietnam and Iraq, I can tell you, the life of the Infantry in combat is not as easy as some people may think. You don't go out for a walk and come back to a shower and a nice bed everynight. I have been in the Armor woith the 11th Cav in Nam and worked with some 101th Cav, infantry in the jungle, their mission is probable one of the roughest ones in the military. I am not trying to compare them to Rangers or Seals, who have the toughest roles.

Response by CPT Stephen Smith made Jun 21 at 2018 3:18 AM

2018-06-21T03:18:41-04:00

If you are an Infantryman on active duty and received the CIB and know you didn't earn it and was only awarded the badge due to your unit's "loose" award SOP's, I can understand your reluctance to wear the decoration. However, if someone wants to demean the decoration and those that wear it, by asserting that "everybody got one in their C-Ration box," is (IMHO) SO WRONG and that individual likely bears some kind of grudge against the Army. The vast majority of professional Infantry soldiers I knew were very proud of having earned that award. While my medal collection doesn't rival Audie Murphy's achievements, the one award of which I am, by far the most proud, is my CIB that I won as the result of my service as a MACV RF/PF Advisor in the Vietnam Delta in '67/'68. As an old Vet, my Vietnam War baseball cap is adorned with the image of my CIB and I am very proud to wear it.

Response by MAJ Jim Woods made Jun 24 at 2018 10:41 PM

2018-06-24T22:41:13-04:00

Interesting. Sometimes it's the only one I wear. It says Been There, Done That, Got The Shirt. And I have many other qualls and awards. CIB was not free...... it came with Purple Hearts and "V" Bronze Stars (4).

Response by PO3 William Villalpando made Jun 26 at 2018 12:36 PM

2018-06-26T12:36:21-04:00

How about if you were a USN Combat Corpsman serving with a Marine Infantry unit?

Response by SPC Tomfitzgerald33 . made Sep 12 at 2018 4:44 PM

2018-09-12T16:44:11-04:00

Because they were not awarded it

Response by MSG James Devereaux made Feb 13 at 2019 1:16 PM

2019-02-13T13:16:54-05:00

I’ve never met an infantrymen that didn’t want to wear his CIB. Additionally, I’ve never met an 11B that spent time in combat and didn’t have at least one incident that warranted him earning it. Other awards sure, but not the CIB.

Response by MSG James Devereaux made Apr 11 at 2019 2:35 PM

2019-04-11T14:35:58-04:00

I’ve never met an infantryman that thought his CIB was free..... If you feel it wasn’t earned please let me know here so I can fix that for you.

Response by SGT Jim Wiseman made Apr 29 at 2019 1:01 AM

2019-04-29T01:01:07-04:00

I honestly was awarded mine in an incident that would arguably be a justification for it's awarding. I received mine in 2010 where many were being awarded it like it was candy being handed out. After being wounded in an RPG attack on our MRAP, I was wounded and awarded a Purple Heart, so I damn sure earned it in that incident.
I think, whether it was a conscious decision by some Infantry commands, but with the stories of POG MOS's receiving CAB's while being on superFOBs on opposite sides from where any eligible acts of award should have disqualified them from being awarded. I get it when you're outside the wire and you're non-infantry and you were in a situation where combat was close and there was real danger that you may have been injured or killed, the CAB is a valid award. But if you feel left out because you didn't get an award, you should go dry your tears somewhere else. To me, it's like officers and senior NCO's that, because of their rank, are awarded (at least during my time of service) Bronze Stars as a tour award. The wording is vague and the word "meritorious" is used a few times, but from what I've seen, aforementioned officers awarded the medal for their time in country basically did their job, which may well be worthy of merit, but by virtue of rank, it's more meritorious than the performance of lower enlisted who may have spent a good deal of his time outside the wire in a region such as Kunar, Afghanistan vs. an officer who, while deployed in Afghanistan may not have been in much danger relatively. The same enlisted may have only received an ARCOM or AAM. That was depending on what year you went in and Big Army decided to "lower the standard," but I'm not sure if that was done for officers and senior NCO's as well.

Response by SN Mike Duffy made Jul 20 at 2019 4:59 PM

2019-07-20T16:59:32-04:00

Lots of guys and gals with holes in em don't have those.

Response by SGT Donald Croswhite made Aug 14 at 2019 5:02 AM

2019-08-14T05:02:12-04:00

Who says that? I earned mine. Happiest day in my life when I got blood pinned. Maybe these guys feel that they got group awarded. Sorry John Wayne, you didn't get to take on the taliban single handedly.

Response by 1SG Dennis Hicks made Dec 12 at 2019 7:24 AM

2019-12-12T07:24:12-05:00

This is just my opinion mind you, I think a small group feel that way because they were exposed to badge hunters. With every award there is a small yet sneaky group of badge hunters that attempt to manipulate the system into awarding them a particular award. They scheme and warp qualification regs so that they can be awarded what they covet. That crew of knucklheads sometimes makes other Soldiers that have earned the CIB feel they are unworthy of the award because he doesn't feel like he didn't do enough to qualify for it. I was awarded mine when my unit had many Vietnam veterans who made assorted comments about mine having a blank adapter on it or that I didn't spend a whole year "IN COUNTRY" etc. I just smiled and went about my business but part of me kept asking myself did I deserve it.
When the CAB came out I had a, lets say a Soldier that made multiple attempts to be awarded the CAB that failed to meet the requirements. He did all sorts of bullshit stuff. Me and my commander kept investigating and denying the award with help from the supported unit. After we got home and this Soldier went to another unit, this POS managed to bypass anyone that knew the real story and get awarded the CAB. When we found out we notified his new COC and to this day this worthless POS still walks around with an unearned CAB.

Response by MAJ Ron Peery made Jan 14 at 2020 7:32 PM

2020-01-14T19:32:53-05:00

They probably don't wear it because they think they got it too easily, like a participation trophy in a California tetherball championship. It's perception, not reality. in most cases. Others don't wear any badges or awards. It's a matter of personal choice. It doesn't impact the value of the award. Wear it with pride.

Response by SPC John Decker made Jan 15 at 2020 7:21 AM

2020-01-15T07:21:03-05:00

I thought that the CIB, like the EIB, had certain pre-requisites. Being a medic, I was more aware of the standards for the EMB/CMB. I had never heard of a medic being awarded the CMB simply for being in a combat environment.

Response by MSG John Duchesneau made Sep 26 at 2020 2:35 AM

2020-09-26T02:35:24-04:00

My observation is that most CIB recipients are very proud of it and for good reason. While the Army has many awards - only a few of them are only for combat service. However, there are cases where the CIB gets awarded too cheaply. For example - Back in 2005 there was an Infantry battalion of an unnamed Airborne Division (name withheld to protect the guilty) which was serving as the security force for a detention center in northern Iraq. The area they were serving in as so safe that the troops were allowed to do PT outside the wire. During their tour of duty they were never attacked nor had a combat casualty. Guess what? At the end of their tour they all got CIBs. Apparently, they didn't want to go back to "Fort Boastful" after serving in Iraq without their CIBs. I can see why some of them might be ashamed to wear it.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 9 at 2021 3:46 PM

2021-02-09T15:46:27-05:00

https://www.hrc.army.mil/content/Awards%20and%20Decorations%20Statistics%20by%20Conflict
CIB's weren't handed out like candy. Go to the graph that shows Grenada through Kosovo, and you will see the number of CIB's that were awarded. HRC showed that less than 80,000 received CIB's for GWOT (Iraq, Afghanistan, and other areas) before they removed it. The badge is rarer than you think and I'm glad that I got mine.

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Response by PO1 Darren Martin made May 16 at 2021 9:47 PM

2021-05-16T21:47:49-04:00

Be proud of the CIB they are becoming increasingly rare now that we are winding down in OEF

Response by MSG Thomas Currie made Sep 2 at 2021 4:35 PM

2021-09-02T16:35:30-04:00

The only infantrymen I've seen who don't want to wear a CIB are some who have also earned the EIB and consider it more prestigious.

I suppose there could be someone somewhere who feels guilty after being inappropriately awarded a CIB for holding an infantry MOS in a "combat zone" while not actually serving as an infantryman, but my experience with such soldiers has generally been the opposite. They either revel in having gotten a CIB while detailed to some sham job or invent war stories that only POGs believe.

Perhaps there are a few infantrymen who choose not to wear a CIB because they have seen some unit devalue the CIB by sham awards to people who held the MOS or were shuffled through "infantry" slots on the roster. As CPT Durish mentioned, this has been common in some units in the past, and I have no doubt that it still occurs today.

The only thing I can say to anyone about the CIB is the same thing I would say about any award -- if you don't feel you earned it, OK don't wear it; but if you earned it wear it with pride regardless of what you think about anyone else. There is no Army regulation that requires you to wear every award or badge you have received.

Response by SPC Lyle Montgomery made Sep 3 at 2021 8:37 AM

2021-09-03T08:37:51-04:00

I wear mine proudly on a hat and on a windbreaker. The CIB is not a free medal. I won mine as an army infantryman in the jungles and hghlands in Quang Tri Viet Nam in 1970.We definately were not on a picnic. It was combat. Good men were injured and died. It was definately earned

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Sep 3 at 2021 9:41 AM

2021-09-03T09:41:53-04:00

The first qualification is an Infantry MOS. I don't see how that is "free"

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Sep 3 at 2021 9:45 AM

2021-09-03T09:45:22-04:00

An Army that is fixated on individual awards, not unit readiness

Response by SGT Wayne Grindstaff made Sep 3 at 2021 10:15 AM

2021-09-03T10:15:52-04:00

My guess is those that say it aren't authorized to wear it and are just wanna-bees. I might ask why is the CIB displayed above all other ribbons if meant little. What I don't like is the placement of the ribbons. In my case I feel the PH should be above my Bronze Star. JMO
Just as a side story I just got a C.A.R. ribbon issued to my Dad who was WWII Navy armed guard on merchant ships. Wounded at Anzio Beach and later spent 13 days in a life boat thanks to a U-boat. My Dad has been gone a long time but figured it was owed to him.

Response by MAJ Matthew Arnold made Sep 3 at 2021 12:29 PM

2021-09-03T12:29:29-04:00

I have pictures of my father, a WW2 veteran with just his CIB on. He had a SSM, BSM, all the campaign ribbons and usual awards for a WW2 veteran (4 rows) and yet he sometimes wore just his CIB. That says it all.

Response by SGT Ruben Lozada made May 22 at 2023 12:55 PM

2023-05-22T12:55:00-04:00

Good afternoon SSG Private RallyPoint Member. Excellent post. Thank You for sharing this. I think the Soldiers that are saying that should go on another deployment to earn it. I'm sure they will change their minds about saying that again. I earned Mine in 2011 in Ghazni Providence and still have it on My Class A's. This medal by far isn't free, and in fact earned.

Response by CPL Larry Frias Jr made May 22 at 2023 2:59 PM

2023-05-22T14:59:44-04:00

When I think of my CIB I think freedom too !!!!

Response by CPL Larry Frias Jr made May 22 at 2023 3:10 PM

2023-05-22T15:10:43-04:00

I was a grunt in Vietnam …wolfhound with the 27Th Infantry of the 25Th Infantry Division …the CIB is just another award …I’ve never worn mine …along with my National Defense and Vietnam medals …..quite possibly because it was too much of a sacrifice and it took its toll on this young 18 year old …I’ve moved on

Response by CPL Larry Frias Jr made May 22 at 2023 9:58 PM

2023-05-22T21:58:06-04:00

My DD214 is just that …mine …I keep it in a deep dark place with all my other awards medals and memories ….still trying to forget that time ….

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 24 at 2023 11:44 AM

2023-05-24T11:44:22-04:00

I prefer my EIB

Response by LTC Myron Opfermann made May 26 at 2023 10:57 AM

2023-05-26T10:57:55-04:00

"FREE" award? It was only 'awarded' after so many days (varies by conflict) in a combat zone when assigned to an infantry unit by an infantry soldier. Exceptions for being shot or killed in said combat zone. Tankers, Artillery and other MOS soldiers were always jealous (rightly so) until some of them got their own combat badges.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 21 at 2023 7:03 PM

2023-07-21T19:03:28-04:00

Thats because during a period CIB was earned just by being in the vicinity of indirect fire and without ever firing your weapon to engage the enemy in the field of battle, while on the other hand the requirements for a CAB became substantially harder, you had to be shot at and engage the enemy with your assigned weapon in the field of battle. So, many infantrymen became disenchanted with the CIB. For background references I served as a USMC 0311/0341 (Infantrymen and 81mm Mortartman) and later in the US Army as 11B, 11C, and 11M prior to commissioning. As officer I am a Civil Affairs officer and have supported conventional and unconventional forces (SF).

Response by SPC Steven Nihipali made Jul 23 at 2023 1:37 PM

2023-07-23T13:37:43-04:00

I think it comes down to those who like to think awards mean anything. 7 years and all I got was a few that I still don't acknowledge... it's my job to do what we did. I didn't do it for recognition... we did it cause a life was in danger, our country asked us to put my life before someone else... that's all.

Response by Sgt R Scott made Aug 13 at 2023 9:56 AM

2023-08-13T09:56:20-04:00

I wear my CAR, Combat Action Ribbon with pride more so than any of other awards. I’ll be damn someone questioning my honor! After a couple of questions they’ll realize I definitely earned mine. As Marines we don’t put up with that shit! Semper Fi my brothers

Response by SGT Bob Straub made Aug 15 at 2023 7:09 PM

2023-08-15T19:09:04-04:00

I Earned mine in Vietnam and everyone in our platoon wore their CIB with pride and would be honored to display it today.

Response by SGT Victor Negrete made Aug 17 at 2023 11:46 AM

2023-08-17T11:46:20-04:00

I'm proud to wear mine . 9th INF DIV MEKONG DELTA 68/70 COMBAT RTO. RECONDO.