Combat Badge authorized for all

[Tux of Borg]

First they gave away the rangers beret. Then they opened up ranger school to all MOS. Now they want to give combat badges to pouges. What's next, special forces tabs for those who graduate basic training. How about a purple heart for those who scrap their knee. This is exactly what is wrong with the "feel good" army of today. Lower standards and no recognition to those who excel.

 

http://www.armytimes.com/story.php?f=1-292925-827144.php

 

Combat Badge authorized for all

 

By Brian MacKeil

Times staff writer

 

In a reversal of plans, almost everyone who comes under hostile fire will be eligible to wear a new Combat Action Badge.

The Army announced today that in response to soldier comments from the field, the service has decided to expand the pool of eligibility to “justly recognize the actions of deserving soldiers in combat,” according to an Army press release.

 

The newly dubbed Combat Action Badge “may be awarded to any soldier — branch and military occupational specialty immaterial — performing assigned duties in an area where hostile fire pay and imminent danger pay is authorized, who is personally present and actively engaging or being engaged by the enemy.”

 

Back in February, the Army unveiled plans to recognize combat beyond what the Combat Infantryman’s Badge already honored. And while the rules had yet to be finalized, it was clear that personnel outside combat arms MOSs were unlikely to be eligible.

 

Only enlisted soldiers of officers below colonel were to be eligible for the CCB if they “satisfactorily performed duty” while engaged in ground combat for any length of time with an infantry, Ranger or Special Forces unit no larger than a brigade or regiment.

 

“This is not for just coming under fire,” Lt. Gen. Franklin L. Hagenbeck, the Army’s chief of personnel, said in February. “This is for doing an infantry job and enduring the daily endeavors that come with that job.”

 

But the new CAB is far less restrictive, and is open to most soldiers who are fired upon or who fire at an enemy, said. Col. Joe Curtin, an Army spokesman.

 

The CAB replaces the CCB, but leaves the rules intact for the Combat Infantryman’s Badge and the Combat Medical Badge, according to the release.

 

The CAB will be retroactive the beginning of the global war on terrorism. The effective date of the award is Sept. 18, 2001, said Maj. Elizabeth Robbins, Army spokesperson.

 

“It is going to be a huge morale booster for soldiers in theater,” said Curtin.

[Crap Throwing Monkey]

First they gave away the rangers beret.  Then they opened up ranger school to all MOS.  Now they want to give combat badges to pouges.  What's next, special forces tabs for those who graduate basic training.  How about a purple heart for those who scrap their knee.  This is exactly what is wrong with the "feel good" army of today.  Lower standards and no recognition to those who excel.

 

http://www.armytimes.com/story.php?f=1-292925-827144.php

351687[/snapback]

 

So let me get this straight...if you're a REMF who ducks when some stray bullets come his way, you get the new CAB. But if you're a REMF who forgets to duck, you get a Purple Heart?

 

Though I do consider this to be one of those "I've never been in the Army so I shouldn't judge" issues...the Army of the past half-decade or so seems to me to have become progressively weirder and even pussified. It all started with Shinseki's BS decision to give everyone the Special Forces beret because "We're all special in the Army". That, the "Army of One" campaign ("Army of One"? Warfare's about teamwork, you dolts), and now "We all deserve medals because we're all heroes." At least, as far as I can tell, the guys at the pointy end of the stick still laugh at all this Mickey Mouse BS.

[Ghost of BiB]

So let me get this straight...if you're a REMF who ducks when some stray bullets come his way, you get the new CAB.  But if you're a REMF who forgets to duck, you get a Purple Heart?  

 

Though I do consider this to be one of those "I've never been in the Army so I shouldn't judge" issues...the Army of the past half-decade or so seems to me to have become progressively weirder and even pussified.  It all started with Shinseki's BS decision to give everyone the Special Forces beret because "We're all special in the Army".     That, the "Army of One" campaign ("Army of One"?  Warfare's about teamwork, you dolts), and now "We all deserve medals because we're all heroes."     At least, as far as I can tell, the guys at the pointy end of the stick still laugh at all this Mickey Mouse BS.

351696[/snapback]

 

Yup. Most do. I never begrugged anyone their CIB. In the spirit of the point of the thread, this is just another dishonor. Yes, everyone is getting shot at. But the Army infantry are the ones who take, and hold the ground. They get the hard part.

 

Between the combat (unit) patch I wore on my shoulder, and the cavalry brass I wore on my collar, and the three and a half rows of ribbons I earned (Army doesn't hand them out like the Air Force, or the Navy), anyone who cared to pay any attention knew what I had been up to. That said, what I was up to often times was supporting the guys with rifles who had to go face to face. Glad it wasn't me.

 

I'm sure that there will be some well informed opinion forthcoming, though. Specialist Sally Peterson heard a mortar round once.

 

They still have "Good truck driver" badges?

[SD Jarhead]

Yup. Most do. I never begrugged anyone their CIB. In the spirit of the point of the thread, this is just another dishonor. Yes, everyone is getting shot at. But the Army infantry are the ones who take, and hold the ground. They get the hard part.

 

Between the combat (unit) patch I wore on my shoulder, and the cavalry brass I wore on my collar, and the three and a half rows of ribbons I earned (Army doesn't hand them out like the Air Force, or the Navy), anyone who cared to pay any attention knew what I had been up to. That said, what I was up to often times was supporting the guys with rifles who had to go face to face. Glad it wasn't me.

 

I'm sure that there will be some well informed opinion forthcoming, though. Specialist Sally Peterson heard a mortar round once.

 

They still have "Good truck driver" badges?

351704[/snapback]

 

I'm sure glad you didn't include the USMC in your quote. I'm not trying to dog the Army, but they give bronze stars away like candy.

 

As far as the issue of Soldiers who engage the enemy in combat, I personally see no problem with awarding a badge or ribbon distinguishing the fact that they saw combat. In the Corps, we have the combat action ribbon. It does not matter what your MOS is, if you took and returned fire, you are authorized to be submitted for the ribbon. The Commander has to request the award for a Marine. When you see someone with one, you know they were in the sh--.

 

Because every Marine is a rifleman, we don't have petty squables over who should or shouldn't receive the recognition because of the job they do. I read the May 26th edition of the Marine Times where they detail an ambush that Marine cooks and motor 'T' guys guys fought through and kicked ass. Why shouldn't they receive recognition for their actions?

 

As far as the Lewinsky's (berets(...don't get me started...

[Berg]

I'm sure glad you didn't include the USMC in your quote. I'm not trying to dog the Army, but they give bronze stars away like candy.

 

As far as the issue of Soldiers who engage the enemy in combat, I personally see no problem with awarding a badge or ribbon distinguishing the fact that they saw combat. In the Corps, we have the combat action ribbon. It does not matter what your MOS is, if you took and returned fire, you are authorized to be submitted for the ribbon. The Commander has to request the award for a Marine. When you see someone with one, you know they were in the sh--.

 

Because every Marine is a rifleman, we don't have petty squables over who should or shouldn't receive the recognition because of the job they do. I read the May 26th edition of the Marine Times where they detail an ambush that Marine cooks and motor 'T' guys guys fought through and kicked ass. Why shouldn't they receive recognition for their actions?

 

As far as the Lewinsky's (berets(...don't get me started...

351756[/snapback]

 

I agree with you, and honestly don't see what the fuss is about. Then again, I've never been one to give a sh-- who had what medals and why they might have gotten them. Pretty much akin to an "I love me wall", which I've never had nor ever really understood. All of my stuff is boxed up and in the crawl space of my house. But, for those who get bent about what stupid hat they wear or how colorful and heavy their breast pocket is, I guess it would be upsetting. Seems rather self-serving and inane to me, but what do I know. I'm in the Air Force...

[Ghost of BiB]

I didn't mean that the Navy or AF casually handed out medals...it just seems like they have a lot more ribbons for all kinds of things. I've seen E-4's with two rows of ribbons behind their NDSB. What are they all for? The question here is tradition. I still think there is a lot of difference between the infantryman who has to do it full time, and the truck driver or clerk. The military, the Army anyway used to have a lot of tradition-everything seems to be getting homogonized. Does that help or hurt?

[Pine Barrens Mafia]

If you take fire, you're in combat. Seems pretty straightforward to me.

[Ghost of BiB]

DISCLAIMER:

 

You guys are right. I mis-read the piece. I thought they were doing away with the CIB and replacing it with. That was my issue with the subject, and I was wrong.

[Crap Throwing Monkey]

Because every Marine is a rifleman,

351756[/snapback]

 

Key difference.

 

Of course, now every Army grunt is part of the "Special" forces and gets to wear the beret. And now, every member of Jessica Lynch's unit - who didn't even maintain their weapons in a ready state - earn a combat action badge. Yeah, that makes a lot of sense: "Your weapons jammed in combat because you didn't keep them clean...here's some medals for you..."

[SD Jarhead]

Key difference.

 

Of course, now every Army grunt is part of the "Special" forces and gets to wear the beret.  And now, every member of Jessica Lynch's unit - who didn't even maintain their weapons in a ready state - earn a combat action badge.  Yeah, that makes a lot of sense: "Your weapons jammed in combat because you didn't keep them clean...here's some medals for you..." 

351864[/snapback]

 

No argument here...I agree completely with your post. Because of our culture in the Corps, we don't have these concerns.

 

The whole Beret issue to me is pure comedy. "Hey. instead of changing our culture, let's give everone a beret...that'll improve their self esteem. Yea...That's the ticket!"

 

While I can't honestly say I've never met a ass kisser in the Corps, I can say that when I see a Marine with a Bronze Srar or greater, I know they earned it. I can't say the same for the Army or other services.

[/dev/null]

Key difference.

 

Of course, now every Army grunt is part of the "Special" forces and gets to wear the beret.  And now, every member of Jessica Lynch's unit - who didn't even maintain their weapons in a ready state - earn a combat action badge.  Yeah, that makes a lot of sense: "Your weapons jammed in combat because you didn't keep them clean...here's some medals for you..." 

351864[/snapback]

 

they give out medals for re-enlisting

[Crap Throwing Monkey]

they give out medals for re-enlisting

352359[/snapback]

 

An ex-girlfriend - a Marine, no less - got some sort of ribbon for cleaning out the office refrigerator.

 

As SD Jarhead says, the Marines don't do that as a general rule...but apparently, if your CO is a total lameass who thinks kitchen maintenance is meritorious, it can happen.

[Johnny Coli]

An ex-girlfriend - a Marine, no less - got some sort of ribbon for cleaning out the office refrigerator. 

 

As SD Jarhead says, the Marines don't do that as a general rule...but apparently, if your CO is a total lameass who thinks kitchen maintenance is meritorious, it can happen. 

352379[/snapback]

Depends what was in the fridge.

[Ghost of BiB]

Depends what was in the fridge.

352386[/snapback]

 

Gawd...I can only imagine what yours must look like, Germ Boy...

 

Tupperwear or Petri dishes?

[Johnny Coli]

Tupperwear or Petri dishes?

352394[/snapback]

Sometimes whole organs

[Crap Throwing Monkey]

Sometimes whole organs 

352403[/snapback]

 

Human?

[erynthered]

Depends what was in the fridge.

352386[/snapback]

 

 

You really friggin kill me, really. Good stuff, damn

[SD Jarhead]

An ex-girlfriend - a Marine, no less - got some sort of ribbon for cleaning out the office refrigerator. 

 

As SD Jarhead says, the Marines don't do that as a general rule...but apparently, if your CO is a total lameass who thinks kitchen maintenance is meritorious, it can happen. 

352379[/snapback]

 

Granted there are idiots in every service...mine included. As an example, I offer the book Generation Kill. It's an outstanding read on the reality of the Iraq invasion and the feelings and attitudes of those who executed it (specifically 1st Recon Bn). I've talked to folks who were in 1st Recon at the time and they feel it accurately portrays much of what they went through. It also describes how fugged up some of the leadership was. If you are interested in OIF, this is a must read.

[Alaska Darin]

Granted there are idiots in every service...mine included. As an example, I offer the book Generation Kill. It's an outstanding read on the reality of the Iraq invasion and the feelings and attitudes of those who executed it (specifically 1st Recon Bn). I've talked to folks who were in 1st Recon at the time and they feel it accurately portrays much of what they went through. It also describes how fugged up some of the leadership was. If you are interested in OIF, this is a must read.

352518[/snapback]

Thanks for the recommend...

[Crap Throwing Monkey]

Granted there are idiots in every service...mine included. As an example, I offer the book Generation Kill. It's an outstanding read on the reality of the Iraq invasion and the feelings and attitudes of those who executed it (specifically 1st Recon Bn). I've talked to folks who were in 1st Recon at the time and they feel it accurately portrays much of what they went through. It also describes how fugged up some of the leadership was. If you are interested in OIF, this is a must read.

352518[/snapback]

 

Thanks. Though I don't usually go for memoirs, I've seen it and it's intrigued me (though I've avoided it because the title made it seem like sensationalized anti-war crap worthy of the friggin' Guardian...and I've got something like a dozen books in the "to read" stack as it is). I'll check it out on your say-so, particularly if the 1st Recon guys say it's accurate.