What are the requirements for a Combat Action Badge versus a Combat Medical Badge?

2018-01-05T15:10:08-05:00

In 2009 I was awarded a CAB as a medic organic to an infantry unit. It's my understanding that this is a no no, and I rated only a CMB or nothing at all. My question is, my unit didn't think I earned the CMB because we only took small arms and indirect fire, with no injuries... But the requirements for CMB state "performed medical duties while under fire" that could mean a plethora of things.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 5 at 2018 3:13 PM

2018-01-05T15:13:08-05:00

Too add to the top, basically. Performing medical duties is something you could argue i did that day, by just being the medic, or getting a sitrep on everyone's health during and after... when I asked HRC if there was anyway to initiate a review to retroactively change the award, he basically told me to shut my mouth and be happy I got an award, and that he could pull it from my file if he wanted to be a dick... should I just drop it and get over it? Anyone else have stories of medics either getting a CAB or shafted while their infantry buddies get awarded the CIB for just being engaged?

Response by CPL Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 5 at 2018 3:48 PM

2018-01-05T15:48:35-05:00

I was put in for a CAB when my truck got hit by an IED and for various firefights. It made its way up the approval chain. A few months later I treated a casualty while under direct fire and was awarded the CMB.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 5 at 2018 3:51 PM

2018-01-05T15:51:29-05:00

I wouldn’t consider it a no no. The CAB, while it was originally intended for individuals who were not eligible for the CMB/CIB, can be awarded to anyone that engages or is engaged by the enemy. This of course includes indirect fire. It’s not common, but not unheard of to have both. I personally have both the CAB and the CMB. It could be argued as you said that you performed your medical duties while being engaged by the enemy. As for it being retroactively changed I’m unsure if this is possible. I do know that you can’t be awarded both for the same qualifying events. In my opinion if you feel that you should have been awarded the CMB instead or better yet, if you have a different qualifying event that would be even better. I don’t know who you talked to at HRC, but that isn’t soldier care. You might request to talk to someone else.

Response by SPC David Willis made Jan 5 at 2018 3:53 PM

2018-01-05T15:53:31-05:00

The way our medic explained it to us was he could come up to one of us and just ask if we had been hit and that would be performing medical duties.

I hold the CMB in the highest regard, followed by the CIB and then CAB.

Response by SSG Carlos Madden made Jan 5 at 2018 3:56 PM

2018-01-05T15:56:39-05:00

Following b/c I'm curious. This is an interesting question.

Response by CPL Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 5 at 2018 4:08 PM

2018-01-05T16:08:41-05:00

After reading AR 600-8-22, it appears that if a medic is assigned to a combat arms unit, they are not eligible for the CAB. They have to perform their medical duties satisfactorily while actively engaged in order to be awarded the CMB. Depending on who interprets that, a medic being in a firefight does not qualify for any type of badge assuming they are attached to a combat arms unit.

8–7. Combat Medical Badge
(6) The sole criterion that qualifies medical personnel for award of the CMB is to be assigned or attached to an
infantry, combat arms, or combat aviation unit engaged in active ground combat

8–8. Combat Action Badge
"(4) Soldier must not be assigned or attached to a unit that would qualify the Soldier for the CIB and/or CMB. For
example, an infantryman (MOS 11B) assigned to Corps staff is eligible for award of the CAB. However, an
infantryman assigned to an infantry BN is not eligible for award of the CAB."

Response by CSM Richard StCyr made Jan 5 at 2018 4:12 PM

2018-01-05T16:12:08-05:00

8–7. Combat Medical Badge a. Eligibility requirements for the Combat Medical Badge (CMB) are as follows: (1) The CMB may be awarded to members of the Army Medical Department (Colonels and below), the Naval Medical Department (Captains and below), the Air Force Medical Service (Colonels and below), assigned or attached by appropriate orders to an infantry unit of brigade, regimental, or smaller size, or to a medical unit of company or smaller size, organic to an infantry unit of brigade or smaller size, during any period the infantry unit is engaged in actual ground combat on or after 6 December 1941. Battle participation credit alone is not sufficient; the infantry unit must have been in contact with the enemy. (2) Award of the CMB will not be made to general or flag officers. b. The following individuals are also eligible for the CMB: (1) Effective 19 December 1989–Special Forces personnel possessing military occupational specialty (MOS) 18D (Special Operations Medical Sergeant) who satisfactorily perform medical duties while assigned or attached to a Special Forces unit during any period the unit is engaged in active ground combat, provided they are personally present and under fire. Retroactive awards under these criteria are not authorized prior to 19 December 1989. (2) Effective 16 January 1991–Medical personnel outlined in a (1), above, assigned or attached to armor and ground cavalry units of brigade or smaller size, who satisfactorily perform medical duties while the unit is engaged in actual ground combat, provided they are personally present and under fire. Retroactive awards under these criteria are not authorized prior to 16 January 1991. (3) Effective 11 September 2001–Medical personnel outlined in a (1) and b(2), above, assigned or attached to or under operational control of any ground Combat Arms units (not to include members assigned or attached to Aviation units) of brigade or smaller size, who satisfactorily perform medical duties while the unit is engaged in actual ground combat, provided they are personally present and under fire. Retroactive awards under these criteria are not authorized prior to 11 September 2001. (4) On or after 18 September 2001: (a) Medical personnel assigned or attached to or under operational control of any ground Combat Arms units (not to include members assigned or attached to Aviation units) of brigade or smaller size, who satisfactorily perform medical duties while the unit is engaged in active ground combat, provided they are personally present and under fire. Retroactive awards under these criteria are not authorized for service prior to 18 September 2001.
101AR 600–8–22 • 11 December 2006
(b) Effective 3 June 2005, Soldiers possessing a MOS of 18D are no longer eligible for award of the CMB (see para 8–6b(5)(c) above). c. The CMB is authorized for award for the following qualifying wars, conflicts, and operations: (1) World War II (7 December 1941 to 3 September 1945). (2) The Korean War (27 June 1950 to 27 July 1953). (3) Republic of Vietnam Conflict (2 March 1961 to 28 March 1973), combined with qualifying service in Laos (19 April 1961 to 6 October 1962). (4) Dominican Republic (28 April 1965 to 1 September 1966). (5) Korea on the DMZ (4 January 1969 to 31 March 1994). (6) El Salvador (1 January 1981 to 1 February 1992). (7) Grenada (23 October to 21 November 1983). (8) Joint Security Area, Panmunjom, Korea (23 November 1984). (9) Panama (20 December 1989 to 31 January 1990). (10) Southwest Asia Conflict (17 January to 11 April 1991). (11) Somalia (5 June 1992 to 31 March 1994). (12) Afghanistan (Operation Enduring Freedom, 5 December 2001 to a date to be determined). (13) Iraq (Operation Iraqi Freedom, 19 March 2003 to a date to be determined). d. The special provisions for Vietnam Conflict, Laos and Korea on the DMZ are as follows: (1) For service in the Republic of Vietnam: (a) Subsequent to 1 March 1961, a Soldier must have been assigned to a Vietnamese unit engaged in actual ground combat or as a member of a U.S. Army infantry unit of brigade or smaller size, including Special Forces Detachments, serving with a Republic of Vietnam unit engaged in actual ground combat. The Republic of Vietnam unit must have been of regimental size or smaller and either an infantry, ranger, infantry-type unit of the civil guard, infantry-type unit of the self-defense corps, or of the irregular forces. The Soldier must have been personally present and under hostile fire while assigned as specified. (b) Subsequent to 24 May 1965, Soldiers serving in U.S. units must meet the requirements of a, above. Soldiers who performed liaison duties with the Royal Thai Army or the Army of the Republic of Korea combat units in Vietnam are eligible for award of the badge provided they meet all other requirements. (2) For service in Laos. From 19 April 1961 to 6 October 1962, the Soldier must have been— (a) 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. (b) 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. (c) Personally under hostile fire while assigned as specified in (a) or (b), above. (3) For service in Korea on the DMZ. The special requirements for award of the CMB for service in the Republic of Korea are rescinded. Army veterans and service members who served in Korea on or after 28 July 1953 and meet the criteria for award of the CMB 8–7c, may submit an application (to include supporting documentation) for award of the CMB to the USA HRC, ATTN: AHRC–PDO–PA, 200 Stovall Street, Alexandria, VA 22332–0471. Retroactive awards under these criteria re not authorized for service prior to 29 July 1953. e. Second and subsequent awards of the CMB are indicated by superimposing 1 and 2 stars respectively, centered at the top of the badge between the points of the oak wreath. To date, a separate award of the CMB has been authorized for qualified Soldiers in the following four conflicts: (1) World War II. (2) Korean War. (3) Republic of Vietnam Conflict. Service in the Republic of Vietnam conflict combined with qualifying service in Laos; Dominican Republic; Korea on the DMZ; El Salvador; Grenada; Joint Security Area, Panmunjom, Korea; Panama; Southwest Asia Conflict; and Somalia, regardless of whether a Soldier has served one or multiple tours in any or all of these areas. The Republic of Vietnam Conflict Era officially terminated on 10 March 1995. (4) War on Terrorism (Afghanistan, Operation ENDURING FREEDOM) and (Iraq, Operation IRAQI FREEDOM). f. Subsequent awards of the CMB is not authorized for the same qualifying period, as outlined above. g. The award approval authority for the CMB is the same as the CIB (see paragraph 8–6f above). h. The following is a history of the CMB. Originally established as the Medical Badge, the CMB was created by the War Department on 1 March 1945. It could be awarded to officers, warrant officers, and enlisted Soldier of the Medical Department assigned or attached to the medical detachment of infantry regiments, infantry battalions, and elements thereof designated as infantry in tables of organization or tables of organization and equipment. Its evolution stemmed from a requirement to recognize medical aid-men who shared the same hazards and hardships of ground
102 AR 600–8–22 • 11 December 2006
combat on a daily basis with the infantry Soldier. Though established almost a year and a half after the CIB, it could be awarded retroactively to 7 December 1941 to fully qualified personnel. (1) Like the CIB, the Regimental Commander was the lowest level at which the CMB could be approved and it also carried with it a separate provision for enlisted badge holders to receive a $10 per month pay stipend. (2) The CMB was created as a "companion" badge to the CIB with criteria for its award intended to parallel that of the CIB. It was designed to provide recognition to the field medic who accompanies the infantryman into battle and shares with the experiences unique to the infantry in combat. There was never any intention to award the CMB to all medical personnel who serve in a combat zone or imminent danger area, that is, a division-level medical company supporting a maneuver brigade. (3) As with the CIB, the infantry unit to which the medical personnel are assigned or attached must engage the enemy in active ground combat. Since inception, the intent of the Department of the Army regarding this requirement has been that medical personnel must be personally present and under fire in order to be eligible for the awarding of the badge. So stringent was this requirement during the Vietnam era that recommending officials were required to document the place (in six digit coordinates), time, type, and intensity of fire to which the proposed recipient was exposed. This fact naturally precludes the awarding of the badge to those medical personnel who accompany infantry units into a potential engagement area but do not come under enemy fire. (4) Over the years, there has been some confusion concerning the phrase "...in direct support of an infantry unit...". The CMB is intended for, and awarded to, those medical personnel who accompany the infantryman into combat. The Army has never approved of deviations from this purpose and its restrictive criteria. During the World War II era, medical support for infantry units in combat was provided by the medical detachments and companies of battalions and regiments. These medical personnel and units were termed direct support. This concept lasted until Vietnam. Today, medical personnel are assigned as organic personnel to infantry companies and are regarded as participants as opposed to being categorized as those providing direct medical support. For example, medical personnel serving in divisionlevel medical companies, ground ambulance and medical clearing companies, mobile-Army surgical hospital (MASH), combat-support hospital (CSH), field hospitals, and aero-medical evacuation units are not eligible for the CMB. The sole criteria that qualifies medical personnel for award of the CMB is to be assigned or attached to an infantry unit engaged in active ground combat. Medical personnel other than those medics organic to infantry units may qualify only if they serve as medical personnel accompanying infantrymen. Conceivably, this could occur if an infantry unit lost all its medics and as a temporary or permanent measure medical personnel were attached to an infantry unit, but remained assigned to a hospital or other non-infantry unit.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 5 at 2018 4:47 PM

2018-01-05T16:47:34-05:00

The CAB is for all members that served in combat but don't carry one of the special MOS designators such as 11 series or 68 series. The CMB is very specifically for 68 series and medical corps that serve in that capacity in a combat zone. Before the war it was very specifically for infantry medics only, but that all changed.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 5 at 2018 4:47 PM

2018-01-05T16:47:38-05:00

It all comes down to who wrote the award because the criteria is different performing medical duties and being a medic in combat are two different things on paper. At the risk of sounding a bit of an asshole but speaking from experience you kind of luck out getting a CAB first because most units will still allow you to earn the CMB. This allows you to earn both which is almost impossible to do the other way around. If it means that much to you I would recommend to fight for it the worst they can say is no

Response by SPC Erich Guenther made Jan 5 at 2018 5:07 PM

2018-01-05T17:07:43-05:00

If you want an official reading and answer from the Army on medals awarded and criteria used. You can submit your case to the Army Board on Correction of Military records. I am not sure this will help you now for a medal awarded in 2009 but submission is free and if it is really bothering you, why not spend a few minutes and fill out the form. The downside is of course is I am not sure they can do award swaps, so it might be if they agree with you........you lose the CAB without a replacement. Maybe they can........I have no idea and it is your risk to take.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 6 at 2018 7:49 PM

2018-01-06T19:49:11-05:00

Dont worry about it man you got a badge worth 30 points it doesn't define you or what you have done.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Jan 7 at 2018 10:03 PM

2018-01-07T22:03:51-05:00

The key for CMB is to be a medic assigned to combat arms unit that was engaged with an armed enemy of the United States, whether you had to do your job under fire or not. The CAB is for anyone not authorized a CIB or CMB. As an example - Medics in MP units, for example, who do their job under fire, are not authorized the CMB, just the CAB. We had plenty of Combat Medics who rendered significant life saving aid under direct fire... But, since they were not in an Infantry unit (and now SF, Armor, Cav), they were not authorized the CMB; they only were authorized the CAB. The Unit is the key... Strange, but true. The regs need to be updated to accommodate Medics in unit like Engineers, MPs etc... Many units are in the direct fight these days. SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member. Thanks for your service. Medics Rock!!!!

https://www.army.mil/symbols/CombatBadges/medical.html

- The following medical personnel, assigned or attached by appropriate orders to an infantry unit of brigade, regimental, or smaller size, or to a medical unit of company or smaller size, organic to an infantry unit of brigade or smaller size, during any period the infantry unit is engaged in actual ground combat are eligible for award of the badge, provided they are personally present and under fire during such ground combat:
1. Subsequent to 6 December 1941 – Army Medical Department (Colonels and below), the Navy Medical Department (Captains and below), the Air Force Medical Service (Colonels and below), assigned or attached to the Army, who have satisfactorily performed medical duties.
2. Subsequent to 19 December 1989 – Special Forces personnel possessing military occupational specialty 18D (Special Operations Medical Sergeant) who satisfactorily performed medical duties while assigned or attached to a Special Forces unit during any period the unit is engaged in actual ground combat, provided they are personally present and under fire. Retroactive awards are not authorized.
3. Subsequent to 16 January 1991 – Personnel outlined in (1) above, assigned or attached to Armor or ground Cavalry units of brigade or smaller size, who satisfactorily performed medical duties while the unit is engaged in actual ground combat, provided they are personally present and under fire. Retroactive awards are not authorized.
4. Subsequent to 11 September 2001 – Personnel outlined in (1) and (3) above, assigned or attached to or under operational control of any ground Combat Arms units (not to include members assigned or attached to Aviation units) of brigade or smaller size, who satisfactorily performed medical duties while the unit is engaged in actual ground combat provided they are personally present and under fire. Retroactive awards are not authorize

Combat Medical Badge

Soldiers wear a wide assortment of insignia, ribbons, medals,badges, tabs and patches. Yet, each device represents a Soldier's accomplishment or that of his or her unit and is a great source of pride and accomplishment, along with the flags, streamers, guidons, and three versions of the U.S. Army's song, 'The Army Goes Rolling Along.'

Response by SPC Esteban Nava made Jan 8 at 2018 12:21 AM

2018-01-08T00:21:09-05:00

I was in a similar situation on the deployment I was on last year. There were previous times we had taken direct fire and obviously a lot of IDF on a FOB and off the FOB, I hadn't needed to render any aid to any of my guys at the time thankfully but I was put in for a CAB nonetheless for participating in the fun. The CAB was denied seeing as I was attatched to the infantry and the only badge I could earn by doctrine is the CMB.

Response by CPL Chris Palmberg made Jan 8 at 2018 11:56 AM

2018-01-08T11:56:43-05:00

As the regs were initially written, the CAB was for any person participating in combat action who doesn't qualify for a CMB or CIB. The assignment qualifications are straightforward... since Desert Storm, assignment to a regimental or brigade (or lower) combat arms unit. For the CMB, the duty phase is more arduous. You must have rendered treatment to a combat casualty while being engaged by enemy combatants.

This means that if you are pulling sick call on a diarrhea patient and get incoming, you don't meet the duty requirement. Members of a division medical unit who gets shot up and treat casualties also don't qualify because of the assignment (although a brigade Charlie Med would.)

Both organic and attached personnel qualify, incidentally. My regiment had additional wheeled ambulances attached from a Guard unit, and because they were attached at the squadron/battalion level, they were eligible of the situation dictated.

Response by Sgt Dale Briggs made Jan 8 at 2018 9:54 PM

2018-01-08T21:54:18-05:00

Much respect to the Docs and Medics out there I wouldn't do that. Is the award for being under fire as a medic or actually having to administer aid? Seems silly IMO to be neglected because fortunately no one was hit. You were engaged in ground combat , or mortared , or rocketed, and no one was hurt. You were there willing to do your part. Seems arbitrary.

Response by SGT Ken Hillyer made Mar 1 at 2018 5:02 PM

2018-03-01T17:02:27-05:00

I was a 91B Airborne medic attached to the 19th Combat Engineer Battalion, 18th Brigade, in Viet Nam. I was awarded the Bronze Star with the "V" for action on 12/29/69. We had 2 KIA that day along with 14 wounded. Mortars, B-40 rocket, machine gun fire plus AK-47. I got out 4 guys that day. Later in the year I was wounded on March 6, 1970 and received a Purple Heart. According to the new rules in 2005, I was with a combat arms unit. I always felt I should have been eligible for the CMB but my unit I was attached to was a "Combat Engineer Unit." Any feedback would be helpful. Thanks. SP5 "Doc" Hillyer

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 26 at 2018 10:02 PM

2018-06-26T22:02:05-04:00

As a medic you can be awarded a CAB (current in AR600-8-22) - I got one in Afghanistan in 2017 so it is a thing. Just cuz you’re a medic doesn’t mean you cant get one.

however, if you are awarded a CMB, you cannot wear both awards on your uniform - as far as i am aware, the CMB will supercede the CAB, though if you prefer the CAB I doubt anyone will argue with you about wearing it over a CMB...not that any self respecting medic would but just saying.

Response by SPC Brian Mason made Jun 26 at 2018 10:12 PM

2018-06-26T22:12:07-04:00

No it doesn't.
For the CMB you must render medical aid under fire; explosion and gunfire. You think being a Medic is stressful then doing so with rounds hitting near you is far worse. The rest of the squad is supposed to lay down covering fire, the PS or LG on the radio while giving instructions, and the Medic covered or behind something to treat the wounded. The reqs for both are online.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 27 at 2018 3:52 AM

2018-06-27T03:52:41-04:00

Downrange, our medics earned their CMB while rendering AID to wounded while the rest of the PLT was in the fight. They were put in for CMB specific not CAB. It is though entirely up to the unit to read the bullets of the award and then decide if it signifies the right action for a CAB or a CMB. Most medics I know have their CMB. all medics I know, have received their CMB while rendering AID though since that's what is in the reg. A medic who just helps to engage the enemy and suppress the enemy without rendering aid isn't carrying out the MEDICAL portion which is in the CMB.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Jun 27 at 2018 10:08 AM

2018-06-27T10:08:46-04:00

As a Medic (Thank You Doc), in any conflict doing your duty as a medic while under fire rates the CMB- it's requirements parallel the CIB

Response by SGT Ford Pulley made Jul 4 at 2018 6:07 PM

2018-07-04T18:07:31-04:00

I believe the CIB is only given to those in MOS: 11B