Can Air Force members wear the Army's Combat Action Badge if they are former Army?

COL Thomas F. — Mon, 24 Sep 2018 15:06:15 -0400

I've seen some prior Army service members go Blue over the years. I've even met a former 75th Ranger Rgt officer wearing his CIB and Ranger tap on his Air Force combat uniform (whatever they call it). Can a CAB earner wear the CAB on an USAF uniform as well, or do they "trade it in" for the Combat Action Medal? In comparison, I've met a few Marines come to the Army side and trade in their Combat Medal for a CIB - which I know is a no-no.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 24 at 2018 5:08 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 24 Sep 2018 17:08:39 -0400

Yes

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Sep 24 at 2018 6:49 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Mon, 24 Sep 2018 18:49:12 -0400

There is a guy in the Springs I run into on Veterans Day that is an USAF Officer. He has a CAB...right? No idea. Heard part of his story. It was prior to the USAF Combat Action Medal, attached to Army Special Operators in the early parts of Afghanistan.

I was looking for the governing AFI, but found this. https://www.stripes.com/news/airmen-receive-army-combat-action-badge-1.61579

Airmen receive Army Combat Action Badge

RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany — Army Col. Michael MacNeil initially had his doubts about a group of Air Force vehicle operations deploying to Iraq last year with his soldiers from 37th Transportation Command.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 21 at 2018 3:54 AM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 21 Nov 2018 03:54:44 -0500

AFI 36-2903. I am prior Army as well.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 26 at 2020 2:55 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 26 Feb 2020 14:55:43 -0500

Per AFI 36-2903 Feb 2020 publication paragraph 9.5 the CAB is authorized for wear on Air Force Uniforms

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 26 at 2020 2:56 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 26 Feb 2020 14:56:39 -0500

Per the current updated AFI released this year in section 9.5 the CAB is authorized to wear