Would I have a possibility for consideration for my CIB after deploying to Iraq as part of a Division Mitt team of 35?

1SG Dave McWilliams — Tue, 15 May 2018 19:55:28 -0400

All right I have question even though I know the answer .. according to AR 670-1 the CIB is awarded to infantry soldiers at BDE or
Lower . Ok background for my question
. While in Germany I worked at 1AD at the division commandant in Wiesbaden Germany from 2006-2009 but in that time I also deployed to Iraq . Prior to going I was part
Of. Division Mitt team of 35 men at FOB Dagger in Tikrit. Being I was detached from the division and working decentralization from the HQ do you think I would have a possiblity for consideration for my CIB?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2018 8:06 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 15 May 2018 20:06:39 -0400

Don't know the answer but, on the DMZ Korea 1973, we got shot at and received Hostile Fire Pay, some even died. We were never authorized to wear the CIB because the area wasn't considered a war zone area.
But we were authorize to wear the 2nd Inf. patch on the right shoulder, best thing was the $55 for the hostile Pay.

Response by SFC Ralph E Kelley made May 15 at 2018 8:07 PM

SFC Ralph E Kelley — Tue, 15 May 2018 20:07:09 -0400

Army Regulations 670-1 Uniforms and Insignia, badges are categorized into marksmanship, combat and special skill, identification, and foreign.[1] Combat and Special Skill badges are further divided into five groups.[2]
Soldiers are authorized to wear a total of five badges from the marksmanship and combat and special skill categories; no more than three can come from the marksmanship category, only one badge each from Groups 1, 2, and 3, three from Group 4, and two from Group 5.[3] And only two identification badges are authorized over each pocket.
These badges are worn in order of precedence (Group 1 the highest). Marksmanship badges are worn after any special skill badge. Badges within the same group may be worn in any order.[4]
.
Additionally Eligibility requirements
A Soldier must meet the following three requirements to be awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge.
YOU MUST -
1. Be an infantryman satisfactorily performing infantry duties.
2. Be assigned to an infantry unit during such time as the unit is engaged in active ground combat.
3. Actively engage the enemy in ground combat.
Note:Campaign or battle credit alone is not sufficient for award of the CIB.
.
Sorry - based on what you told us the answer is NO.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2018 8:09 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 15 May 2018 20:09:03 -0400

MSG when you were detached did your orders say you were with that HQ that wasn’t apart of the DIV as in you were assigned to that HQ if so you were in sole TICs then you should qualify. Start the paperwork 4187 and get your stuf in like supporting docs etc and submit it up.

Response by SGT Christopher Hayden made May 15 at 2018 8:37 PM

SGT Christopher Hayden — Tue, 15 May 2018 20:37:11 -0400

I'm going to say no based on what you've said. CAB though, at least, if you saw action. Though I'd never wear one of those as an 11 series.

Response by SSG Craig Thompson made May 15 at 2018 9:07 PM

SSG Craig Thompson — Tue, 15 May 2018 21:07:08 -0400

Were you shot at? Did you shoot back?

Response by SGT Glenn E Moody made May 15 at 2018 10:21 PM

SGT Glenn E Moody — Tue, 15 May 2018 22:21:12 -0400

I don't know for sure but I would say yes. check your paper work or check with the command you ware attached to if they earned it then you should to. I had the same thing happen to me I got attached from my unit & division to a Mech infantry Division both was the 26th Yankee Division. it was for reforger 1985 I was attached as a Mechanic and had my Military Drivers lic.. so I was allowed to ware the badge with Driver-W bar & Mechanic bar & then my weapons Badges with every weapon I Quilified EXP with. the 1st photo is in the CZ republic 2013 on the Liberation tour in 1945 my unit removed the Nazi's from the town's there. 2nd photo is the Salem Muster in Salem MA. 11 APRIL 2015 with the Governor & a better view of the badges I ware the photo was taken by the A.G. of MA MJR GENERAL Scott Rice about a year after this photo was taken Gen. Rice left to earn his 3rd STAR his replacement is MJR Gary Keefe

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made May 16 at 2018 8:36 AM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 16 May 2018 08:36:41 -0400

Regs vary with time and organization, so I'll be cautious.

As a member of a Navy ETT team, downrange for twelve months embedded with the ANA, we regularly took fire; rockets mostly...but we had convoys hit with VBIEDs. In one such attack, I saw the truck in front of me get hit, and was involved in the response. At various times, I was running around with Infantry Soldiers as a "volunteer" gunner and was present during at least one direct action. Pretty sure, though I never pressed the point, that I was being directly targeted by small arms during the same. However, I was never in range, or in a tactical situation that required me to fire directly back (in that incident, it may have actually impeded the response being coordinated by the on scene commander)....though I was certainly in many situations with the weapon red/free and looking for a target.

In the Navy's logic (or at least the local command's) at the time, that must have meant I did not rate the CAR-because I was never awarded one, and it isn't on the DD-214...and I didn't push for it either. I realize this discussion is about the CIB, but since that wasn't available to "us", the CAR is about the only physical thing a non Naval Special Operations/Warfare Sailor or Corpsman can show that they were "combat".

I know that my personal feelings at the time were that I knew what I had/had not done, and that was good enough. I wasn't Infantry, and most of the time when I was "outside the wire"...I was acting voluntarily, beyond the strict mandate of my assigned task. Against all of those Soldiers/Marines deploying three or even four times, fighting building to building in Iraq, or living for weeks out on the KG in Afghanistan...pushing to "get my CAR" seemed superfluous, silly, and maybe even borderline "Blue Falcon" material.

Now, I'll admit that I sometimes regret not looking into it further-it does mean I have to be "selective" about what stories I tell. We live in a hyper-introspective society, and no one wants to have their honor smeared by questions that can only be answered with, "well, that's how it happened".

Were I an Infantry Solider, even more so...since such things matter in promotion/progression.

Response by CPT Andrew Wright made May 16 at 2018 12:01 PM

CPT Andrew Wright — Wed, 16 May 2018 12:01:48 -0400

Reading your narrative and position its sounds as if the Combat Action Badge would be more appropriate. However, I once met an Army Reserve LTC who was awarded the CIB for working in the Iraq Ministry of Finance. Best of Luck!

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 16 at 2018 12:08 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 16 May 2018 12:08:31 -0400

I can not answer all of your question, but I can tell you that in certain cases, you could have received it at the time under certain circumstances. I belonged to First Army (we were an Observer/Controller-Trainer unit) and we were sending teams into Iraq as MiTT and NPTT. The first team was sent in early 2004 specifically to train Iraqi military and was made up of Soldiers who held a 11B mos. From my understanding, they were not attached to an infantry unit while they were there. They did engage in combat operations countless times and returned fire. All received the CIB.
I was sent in 2006 and was attached to several MiTT and NPTT teams. Prior to arrival, we were told that it would be difficult to receive any award based on guidance given at the time from higher headquarters in Iraq. The CAB was fairly new and the rules for the CIB and CAB were being strictly enforced. There were numerous reports of people faking incidents to receive an award including claiming to be in the vicinity of a mortar round detonation when in fact, they were much further away..
We received small arms fire and mortar rounds during the missions I was out on, but did not return fire due to locations and inability to locate the source. I did not receive a CAB.
Issues specific to the awarding of the CIB and CAB included 1) receiving fire 2) returned fire 3) documentation and eye witnesses 4) approval through appropriate authority within a specific narrow time.
I would say that it would be very difficult for you to receive one at this late of a date.

Response by SPC Michael Smith made May 16 at 2018 12:16 PM

SPC Michael Smith — Wed, 16 May 2018 12:16:30 -0400

when i deployed for my 2nd tour in 08-09 i stayed on a jcob near Taji and a mortar hit somewhere on the base amd they blanket awarded everybody who was on base the cib or cab which is completely wrong

Response by SSG Jeffrey Leake made May 16 at 2018 4:13 PM

SSG Jeffrey Leake — Wed, 16 May 2018 16:13:51 -0400

Code of Federal Regulations
Title 32 - National Defense
Volume: 3
Date: 2008-07-01
Original Date: 2008-07-01
Title: Section 578.69 - Combat Infantryman Badge.
Context: Title 32 - National Defense. Subtitle A - Department of Defense (Continued). CHAPTER V - DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY. SUBCHAPTER F - PERSONNEL. PART 578 - DECORATIONS, MEDALS, RIBBONS, AND SIMILAR DEVICES. - General.
§ 578.69Combat Infantryman Badge.
(a) Specific eligibility requirements. There are basically three requirements for award of the Combat Infantryman Badge (CIB):
(1) The Soldier must be an infantryman satisfactorily performing infantry duties.
(2) Must be assigned to an infantry unit during such time as the unit is engaged in active ground combat.
(3) Must actively participate in such ground combat. (Campaign or battle credit alone is not sufficient for award of the CIB.)
(b) The specific eligibility criteria for the CIB requires that:
(1) A Soldier must be an Army infantry or special forces officer (SSI 11 or 18) in the grade of colonel or below, or an Army enlisted Soldier or warrant officer with an infantry or Special Forces Military Occupational Specialties (MOS), who, subsequent to December 6, 1941, has satisfactorily performed duty while assigned or attached as a member of an infantry, ranger or special forces unit of brigade, regimental, or smaller size during any period such unit was engaged in active ground combat. Eligibility for Special Forces personnel in MOS 18B, 18E, 18F, and 18Z (less Special Forces medical sergeant) accrues from December 20, 1989. Retroactive awards of the CIB to Special Forces personnel are not authorized prior to December 20, 1989.
(2) A recipient must be personally present and under hostile fire while serving in an assigned infantry or Special Forces primary duty, in a unit actively engaged in ground combat with the enemy. The unit in question can be of any size smaller than brigade. For example, personnel possessing an infantry MOS in a rifle squad of a cavalry platoon in a cavalry troop would be eligible for award of the CIB. Battle or campaign participation credit alone is not sufficient; the unit must have been in active ground combat with the enemy during the period.
(3) Personnel with other than an infantry or Special Forces MOS are not eligible, regardless of the circumstances. The infantry or Special Forces SSI or MOS does not necessarily have to be the Soldier's primary specialty, as long as the Soldier has been properly trained in infantry or Special Forces tactics, possesses the appropriate skill code, and is serving in that specialty when engaged in active ground combat as described above. Commanders are not authorized to make any exceptions to this policy.
(4) Awards will not be made to general officers or to members of headquarters companies of units larger in size than brigade.
(5) On or after September 18, 2001, the following rules apply:
(i) A Soldier must be an Army infantry or special forces (SSI 11 or 18) in the grade of colonel or below, or an Army enlisted Soldier or warrant officer with an infantry or special forces MOS, who has satisfactorily performed duty while assigned or attached as a member of an infantry, ranger or special forces unit of brigade, regimental, or smaller size during any period such unit was engaged in active ground combat, to close with and destroy the enemy with direct fire.
(ii) A Soldier must be personally present and under fire while serving in an assigned infantry or Special Forces primary duty, in a unit engaged in active ground combat, to close with and destroy the enemy with direct fire.
(iii) Soldiers possessing MOS of 18D (Special Forces Medical Sergeant) who satisfactorily perform special forces duties while assigned or attached to a special forces unit of brigade, regimental, or smaller size during any period such unit was engaged in active ground combat may be awarded the CIB. These Soldiers must have been personally present and engaged in active ground combat, to close with and destroy the enemy with direct fires. Retroactive awards under these criteria are not authorized for service prior to September 18, 2001.
(iv) Those Soldiers possessing MOS of 18D who qualify for award of the Combat Medical Badge from September 18, 2001 to June 3, 2005 will remain qualified for the badge. Upon request any such Soldier may be awarded the CIB instead of the Combat Medical Badge. In such instances, the Soldier must submit a request through the chain of command to the Commander, USA HRC (see § 578.3(c) for address), for conversion of the Combat Medical Badge to the CIB.
(v) Service members from other U.S. Armed Forces and foreign military (infantry and Special Forces equivalents) assigned or attached as a member of a U.S. Army infantry or Special Forces unit of brigade, regimental, or smaller size may be considered for award of the CIB. The specific eligibility requirements listed in § 578.69(a) must be met. Retroactive awards under these criteria are not authorized for service prior to September 18, 2001.
(c) The CIB is authorized for award for the following qualifying periods:
(1) World War II (December 7, 1941 to September 3, 1945).
(2) The Korean War (June 27, 1950 to July 27, 1953).
(3) Republic of Vietnam Conflict (March 2, 1961 to March 28, 1973), combined with qualifying service in Laos (April 19, 1961 to October 6, 1962).
(4) Dominican Republic (April 28, 1965 to September 1, 1966).
(5) Korea on the DMZ (January 4, 1969 to March 31, 1994).
(6) El Salvador (January 1, 1981 to February 1, 1992).
(7) Grenada (October 23 to November 21, 1983).
(8) Joint Security Area, Panmunjom, Korea (November 23, 1984).
(9) Panama (December 20, 1989 to January 31, 1990).
(10) Southwest Asia Conflict (January 17 to April 11, 1991).
(11) Somalia (June 5, 1992 to March 31, 1994).
(12) Afghanistan (Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, December 5, 2001 to a date to be determined).
(13) Iraq (Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, March 19, 2003 to a date to be determined).
(d) The special provisions authorized for the Vietnam Conflict, Laos, and Korea on the DMZ are outlined in paragraphs (d)(1) through (5) of this section.
(1) During the Vietnam Conflict, any officer whose branch is other than infantry who, under appropriate orders, has commanded a line infantry (other than a headquarters unit) unit of brigade, regimental, or smaller size for at least 30 consecutive days is deemed to have been detailed in infantry and is eligible for award of the CIB notwithstanding absence of a written directive detailing that Soldier in the infantry, provided all other requirements for the award have been met. Orders directing the officer to assume command will be confirmed in writing at the earliest practicable date.
(i) In addition, any officer, warrant officer, or enlisted Soldier whose branch is other than infantry, who under appropriate orders was assigned to advise a unit listed in paragraphs (d)(2) and (3) of this section or was assigned as a member of a White Star Mobile Training Team or a member of MAAG-Laos as indicated in paragraphs (d)(4)(i) and (ii) of this section will be eligible for award of the CIB provided all other requirements have been met.
(ii) After December 1, 1967 for service in the Republic of Vietnam, noncommissioned officers serving as Command Sergeants Major of infantry battalions and brigades for periods of at least 30 consecutive days in a combat zone are eligible for award of the CIB provided all other requirements have been met.
(2) Subsequent to March 1, 1961, a Soldier must have been—
(i) Assigned as advisor to an infantry unit, ranger unit, infantry-type unit of the civil guard of regimental or smaller size, and/or infantry-type unit of the self-defense corps unit of regimental or smaller size of the Vietnamese government during any period such unit was engaged in actual ground combat.
(ii) Assigned as advisor of an irregular force comparable to the above infantry units under similar conditions.
(iii) Personally present and under fire while serving in an assigned primary duty as a member of a tactical advisory team while the unit participated in ground combat.
(3) Subsequent to May 24, 1965, to qualify for the CIB, personnel serving in U.S. units must meet the requirements of paragraph (b)(1) of this section. Individuals who performed liaison duties with the Royal Thai Army of the Army of the Republic of Korea combat units in Vietnam are eligible for award of the badge provided they meet all other requirements.
(4) In Laos from April 19, 1961 to October 6, 1962, a Soldier must have been—
(i) Assigned as member of a White Star Mobile Training Team while the team was attached to or working with a unit of regimental (groupment mobile) or smaller size of Forces Armee du Royaume (FAR), or with irregular type forces of regimental or smaller size.
(ii) A member of MAAG-Laos assigned as an advisor to a region or zone of FAR, or while serving with irregular type forces of regimental or smaller size.
(iii) Personally under hostile fire while assigned as specified in paragraphs (d)(4)(i) and (ii) of this section.
(5) In Korea on the DMZ. The special requirements for award of the CIB for service in the Republic of Korea are rescinded. Army veterans and service members who served in Korea on or after July 28, 1953 and meet the criteria for award of the CIB outlined in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section, may submit an application (to include supporting documentation) for award of the CIB to the Commander, USA HRC, (see § 578.3(c) for address). Retroactive awards under these criteria are not authorized for service prior to July 29, 1953.
(e) Subsequent awards. To date, a separate award of the CIB has been authorized for qualified soldiers in any of the following four qualifying periods:
(1) World War II (December 7, 1941 to September 3, 1945).
(2) The Korean Conflict (June 27, 1950 to July 27, 1953).
(3) The Vietnam Conflict. Service in the Republic of Vietnam conflict (after March 1, 1961) combined with qualifying service in Laos (April 19, 1961 to October 6, 1962); the Dominican Republic (April 28, 1965 to September 1, 1966); Korea on the DMZ (after January 4, 1969); El Salvador (January 1, 1981 to February 1, 1992); Grenada (October 23 to November 21, 1983); Joint Security Area, Panmunjom, Korea (November 23, 1984); Panama (December 20, 1989 to January 31, 1990); Southwest Asia (January 17 to April 11, 1991); and Somalia (June 5, 1992 to March 31, 1994) is recognized by one award only regardless of whether a soldier has served one or multiple tours in any or all of these areas.
(4) Global War on Terrorism. Operation ENDURING FREEDOM (November 20, 2001 to date to be determined) and Operation IRAQI FREEDOM (March 19, 2003 to a date to be determined).
(f) If a Soldier has been awarded the CIB in one of the qualifying periods outlined in paragraph (c) of this section, that Soldier is not eligible to earn the CMB in the same period.
(g) Who may award—(1) Current awards. Current awards of the CIB may be awarded by the Commanding General, USA HRC and any commander delegated authority by the Secretary of the Army during wartime.
(2) Retroactive awards. Retroactive awards of the Combat Infantryman Badge and the Combat Medical Badge may be awarded by the Commanding General, USA HRC to active duty Soldiers and Reserve Component Soldiers. Applications for retroactive award of the CIB and CMB will be forwarded through command channels to the Commander, USA HRC, (see § 578.3(c) for address). Retirees and veterans should address their application to the NPRC, (see § 578.16(a)(3) for address). Retroactive award of the CIB and CMB are authorized for time periods specified above to fully qualified individuals. Such awards will not be made except where evidence of injustice is presented.
(h) Description. A silver and enamel badge 1 inch in height and 3 inches in width, consisting of an infantry musket on a light blue bar with a silver border, on and over an elliptical oak wreath. Stars are added at the top of the wreath to indicate subsequent awards; one star for the second award, two stars for the third award and three stars for the fourth award.

Response by 1SG Dave McWilliams made May 23 at 2018 11:33 PM

1SG Dave McWilliams — Wed, 23 May 2018 23:33:16 -0400

Thanks for all the feedback . I’m
Retired and happy and if it isn’t meant to be I’m good with it .

Response by SGT Justin Bailey made Jun 2 at 2018 12:41 PM

SGT Justin Bailey — Sat, 02 Jun 2018 12:41:51 -0400

The CIB isn't a blanket award. It's a Combat Infantry Badge. Meaning you needed to see combat and engage the enemy.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 31 at 2018 12:07 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 31 Oct 2018 12:07:58 -0400

From Army HRC CIB FAQ:
Q10: Is an Infantry/Special Forces (SF) Soldier assigned as an advisor to an Iraqi Infantry unit authorized to earn the CIB since he is not assigned to an Army Infantry unit?

A10: Yes. The Soldier is eligible to earn the CIB. Infantry and SF personnel assigned as advisors, trainers, or liaisons with formed Afghan or Iraqi Infantry/SF units or Iraqi specialized Infantry type units of brigade, regiment, or smaller size, or assigned as advisors to a foreign Infantry/SF unit comparable to the above Infantry units may earn the CIB as long as the basic criteria are met.

Note that the Iraq unit must have been an Iraqi SF, Infantry, or Specialized Infantry unit that you were training, in addition to the present and engaged in active ground combat requirement.

https://www.hrc.army.mil/content/Combat%20Infantry%20Badge%20CIB

HRC Homepage

Toll-Free: 1-888-ARMY-HRC (1-888-276-9472) DSN: 983-9500 AskHRC

Response by SSG Marshall Paul made Oct 31 at 2018 2:23 PM

SSG Marshall Paul — Wed, 31 Oct 2018 14:23:02 -0400

We're you seriously doing grunt work, patrols, ambushes, firefights? If you have to look up in a book, you may not deserve it.

Response by CPT Andrew Wright made Nov 16 at 2018 11:13 PM

CPT Andrew Wright — Fri, 16 Nov 2018 23:13:05 -0500

If memory serves, you have to be a member of an Infantry Battalion or Brigade sized element or smaller (but there are exceptions). Once met a LTC who worked in the Iraqi Ministry of Finance balancing spreadsheets who received the CIB in Iraq. Also knew a Mechanic who was at Balad when some mortar rounds landed about a klick away and got the CAB. Do like the SSG said and submit it and see what the PTBs (Powers That Be) say. Best of Luck!

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 6 at 2019 1:34 PM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 06 Jan 2019 13:34:01 -0500

MSG, negative. AR 600-8-22 is very clear. Regardless of your MOS, a MTT Team is not and Infantry or SF unit.

Response by SFC Melvin Brandenburg made Jun 28 at 2019 8:00 AM

SFC Melvin Brandenburg — Fri, 28 Jun 2019 08:00:37 -0400

I would think it would matter if you were attached on orders or assigned on orders to a bed or lower echelon. If on paper you were assigned at div level I don't think it would go in your favor. I could be wrong, but worth thinking about.

Response by SSG Marshall Paul made May 17 at 2020 3:37 PM

SSG Marshall Paul — Sun, 17 May 2020 15:37:51 -0400

If you were a grunt in combat, you knew it. Given what you related, would you be comfortable wearing it around other grunts?

Response by CPT William Jones made Oct 27 at 2020 4:48 PM

CPT William Jones — Tue, 27 Oct 2020 16:48:11 -0400

There are three requirements to be met before anything else. You must be mos qualified 11or18 series, be in an infantry unit(brigade or smaller) engage in a direct fire combat you shoot at enemy and recieved fire in declare hostile fire zone.

Response by LTC Russ Smith made May 25 at 2021 9:18 AM

LTC Russ Smith — Tue, 25 May 2021 09:18:11 -0400

You have to be a Col(06] or below, 11 series Mos in an 11 series MOS slot and assigned to a unit at the Brigade level or below.

Response by CPT William Jones made Jun 23 at 2021 10:31 PM

CPT William Jones — Wed, 23 Jun 2021 22:31:29 -0400

First question have you been awarded a 11 or 18 series mos? If no you can not be awarded a CIB second question does the mitt team have slots designated for 11 or 18 mos. thirdly did you engage the enemy in a fire fight environment. If you answer no to any one of those questions you have not met the requirements to be awarded a CIB