I don't think I'd have a problem with the CAB as it is described in the Stars & Stripes article.

Originally Posted by DTop

To get a CIB, you must have spent at least 30 days in a combat zone

Ahhh this I didn't know.
But let's give the example of an artillery forward observer or an air controller attached to an infantry unit. Certainly if they were in the same combat zone for at least 30 days they should be eligible for it, no?

Besides, from some stories out of Iraq, it seems an MP's job can be just as dangerous as an infantryman's job depending on the nature of the conflict. Iraq would be a place where it would be very dangerous to be an MP. The Brits lost a few of their red caps when they got ambushed in a city doing their work.

Originally Posted by the_13th_redneck

Ahhh this I didn't know.
But let's give the example of an artillery forward observer or an air controller attached to an infantry unit. Certainly if they were in the same combat zone for at least 30 days they should be eligible for it, no?

Besides, from some stories out of Iraq, it seems an MP's job can be just as dangerous as an infantryman's job depending on the nature of the conflict. Iraq would be a place where it would be very dangerous to be an MP. The Brits lost a few of their red caps when they got ambushed in a city doing their work.

You missed the point a little I think. The "I" in CIB stands for Infantry. You must be an Infantryman to qualify. An MP or Artilleryman even though he may be in the same place, is not an Infantryman. That's why I think the CAB is appropriate for non-Infantry types.
The fact that the CIB requires 30 days in a combat area also differentiates it from the proposed CAB requirements in a big way. These will be (are) totally different awards.
BTW, why would an Infantry unit need an air controller?

Originally Posted by DTop

Well 03USMC, I found this quote.

http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?...2&archive=true

I don't see how the CCB/CAB could be the equivalent of a CIB regardless of what Higher wants to say. Two different awards two different criteria. Of course my hearts with the Infantry and whatever stand they take.

As far as Air Controllers maybe he means USAF Tac Air Control Party, or USMC ANGLICO attached to an Army Infantry element. Ethier way that wouldn't come into play for ANGLICO the CIB isn't authorized for them according to both Army and Marine Corps regs. Don't know about the Air Force.

I see the CIB as a unique award to the Infantry. If a tank commander gives and takes fire in a shootout, the crew should receive an award unique to the type of warfare involved. The design should be designed around armor. The bayonet should be a dagger for Special Ops. Artillery should have an enemy engagement with an appropriate design just as helicopter pilots should be awarded one of their unique design. This is long overdue for anyone who takes enemy fire but the design is too fake and cheap looking.

Originally Posted by DTop

BTW, why would an Infantry unit need an air controller?

Originally Posted by 03USMC

As far as Air Controllers maybe he means USAF Tac Air Control Party, or USMC ANGLICO attached to an Army Infantry element. Ethier way that wouldn't come into play for ANGLICO the CIB isn't authorized for them according to both Army and Marine Corps regs. Don't know about the Air Force.

Yes this is the type of unit I mean. Many countries have their own equivilents of these.
I just wasn't sure what you call them.

Troops deserve recognition for doing front line activity when they are Infantry, but give them a medal... not a badge.

This is taking away from both the CIB and CFMB.

Originally Posted by hicks

Troops deserve recognition for doing front line activity when they are Infantry, but give them a medal... not a badge.

This is taking away from both the CIB and CFMB.

Really man I don't see how it takes away from the CIB/CMB. Everybody who matters will know the difference. What ever the Non Infantry choose to tell their peeps back on the block or each other back in Garrision doesn't matter or wouldn't to me. I look at it like a Overseas Ribbon it says I was there.

I think the Combat Action Badge is a great way to give out recognition. I would however say that I prefer monetary compensation, but hey, I will take the 15 promotion points and just go on my merry way. I like getting a badge for doing my job, also it assists me in making me more equal with my peers who are 11B and reclassed. If it were not for this I would be 15 points behind them. All though our boards the CIB still will hold much higher prestige. It is only natural that everyone that gets shot at or blown up should get something too.

With that being said. To earn the CAB you need to have at least two statements of the event that took place and you need to submit it to the first MG in your chain of command.

On the other hand, you could be an 11B assigned as TOC guard in a war zone, never even fire your weapon and you can get your CIB.

So I will have no problem wearing my CAB amongst the Infantry units that I may work with in the future. I will be able to look them in the eye with pride and state that I did indeed shoot my weapon in combat and I have been "blown up" so to speak by an IED.

This badge is not on a par with the CIB. Take a look at the requirements. I'm not against anyone getting recognition for what they do but I think this badge is about as close to a CIB as a CIB is to a Purple Heart.
The CIB has always been an Infantry badge and unless you are Infantry, forget about it.
The CAB will stand on its own merit as will the CIB. They're just not equal.

Originally Posted by greenarmy1980

So I will have no problem wearing my CIB amongst the Infantry units that I may work with in the future.

Just curious, your profile says you're Civil Affairs, how did/will you get a CIB?