Photo By Sgt. Emily Knitter | Col. Roger Cloutier (standing, center), commander of 1st Advise and Assist Brigade,...... read more read more
Subscribe
BAGHDAD—Combat in Iraq and Afghanistan has introduced a new generation of service members to the abstract and unpredictable world of asymmetrical warfare. There are no longer clear front lines with defined and uniformed enemies, and support personnel are not confined to the rear.
The fight against terrorism requires the U.S. armed forces to win not only physical territory, but the minds and support of the local citizens. In order to garner their support, service members of many occupational specialties fill important roles outside the perimeter of forward operating bases; developing schools, handing out humanitarian aid and providing medical care.
As well as providing assistance to the local populace, soldiers not in traditional combat specialties have been asked more frequently to perform combat-related duties. Even female soldiers have served as drivers and gunners for convoys during deployments.
Prior to the Global War on Terrorism, the Army only offered combat badges to those in the infantry and Special Forces and those serving as medical professionals. But reflecting the shift in battle tactics, combat badges can now be awarded to any soldier engaged in combat.
The Combat Action Badge was created to recognize military personnel not in combat specialties, but who have been personally involved in direct or indirect combat with the enemy after Sept. 18, 2001.
The Combat Medical Badge, while it has been awarded to medical military personnel since Dec. 6, 1941, has been expanded to include any medical personnel assigned or attached to brigade-size or smaller units when the unit is engaged in direct combat while the medical personnel are present.
The Combat Infantryman’s Badge has been awarded to infantry or Special Forces personnel who, as a member of an infantry or Special Forces unit, brigade-sized or smaller, perform their duties while engaged in combat since Dec. 6, 1941.
Each of these badges is represented by different symbols, capturing the reason for the award. Yet all three are surrounded by an oak wreath, which represents steadfastness, strength and loyalty.
The CAB is symbolized by a bayonet and grenade, which are representative of active combat.
The CIB has a blue bar, symbolizing the infantry, and a musket that was adapted for the badge from the infantry branch insignia.
The CMB shows the Medical Corps branch insignia with the addition of a Greek cross, representing the Geneva Convention, between wings and entwined serpents symbolizing the recipient’s skills and expertise. This design is placed on top of a stretcher to symbolize medical field service.
Gen. Peter Schoomaker, who served as Army Chief of Staff in 2003-07, awarded the first Combat Action Badges to Sgt. April Pashley and four other soldiers on June 29, 2005.
| Date Taken: | 08.23.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 08.23.2010 09:29 |
| Story ID: | 55028 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 115 |
| Downloads: | 5 |
This work, Combat badges reward soldiers for vigilance, response, loyalty, by Jared Eastman and SGT Emily Knitter, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
