What Class Is the Combat Action Badge?
The Combat Action Badge was approved on May 2, 2005 by then United States of America's Chief of Staff, General Peter Schoomaker, and the U.S. Army as a special recognition for soldiers on active duty.
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Combat Action Badge
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The Combat Action Badge is awarded to any soldier who is assigned to a Combat Arms unit where close and/or offensive combat operations occur, and who performs duties within the combat zone or imminent danger area.
Description
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The Combat Action Badge is two inches in width, and consists of a oak wreath combined with a rectangle mounting a bayonet and surmounting a grenade. The badge is all silver, and the wreath can be topped off with stars depending on how many CABs a soldier is awarded. The first award is left blank, and the second award consisting of one star, the third has two stars, and so on.
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Symbolism
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The bayonet and grenade symbolize the soldier's duty in active combat, while the wreath stands for strength and loyalty.
Eligibility
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Soldiers who engage or are engaged in active combat in accordance to the rules of engagement, while in a hostile territory, and not assigned to a unit that would qualify for the Combat Infantryman Badge or Combat Medical Badge. Only one badge can be awarded during a qualifying period.
Ceremony
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The Combat Action Badge is awarded by a commander who has the authority of the Secretary of the Army. The first Combat Action Badges were awarded on June 29, 2005 by Schoomaker during a ceremony at the Pentagon.
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