Awards and Recognition
Combat Badges of the Iraq War
In a war without front lines, the military had to rethink how it recognized combat.
The problem
In Iraq, convoys, checkpoints, and bases were attacked as often as patrols. Truck drivers, military police, engineers, and cooks fought alongside infantry. Older awards, designed for wars with defined front lines, did not recognize all of them.
The badges
| Award | Service | Recognizes |
|---|---|---|
| Combat Infantryman Badge | Army | Infantry and special forces soldiers who engaged in active ground combat |
| Combat Medical Badge | Army | Medical personnel assigned to units engaged in ground combat |
| Combat Action Badge | Army | Soldiers not eligible for the CIB or CMB who personally engaged, or were engaged by, the enemy |
| Combat Action Ribbon | Navy and Marine Corps | Members who participated in ground or surface combat |
The Combat Action Badge
The Army created the Combat Action Badge in 2005. Its creation was a direct response to the experience of Iraq and Afghanistan, where soldiers in every branch faced the enemy. It was made retroactive to the start of the post-9/11 conflicts.
Why it matters
Combat recognition is not only ceremonial. Documentation of combat service can be relevant evidence in VA disability claims. Make sure your awards are recorded correctly.