The Combat Action Badge — awarded to soldiers in non-infantry and non-medical MOSs who personally engage the enemy in active ground combat. Recognizing that every soldier, regardless of MOS, may find themselves in the fight.
The Combat Action Badge is available to any soldier whose MOS does not qualify them for the Combat Infantryman Badge (CIB) or the Combat Medical Badge (CMB). This includes signal soldiers, truck drivers, engineers, artillerymen, logistics personnel, military intelligence, and every other non-infantry, non-medical MOS.
Prior to the CAB's establishment in 2005, these soldiers had no combat badge to recognize their direct engagement with the enemy — a significant gap given the nature of modern warfare where every soldier is a potential combatant.
Soldiers who hold or are eligible for the CIB or CMB cannot receive the CAB. You get one combat badge, never two.
The core requirement for the CAB is personal presence and active engagement with the enemy in ground combat. The soldier must be directly involved — not simply in the vicinity of combat, but actively engaging or being actively engaged by hostile forces.
Qualifying actions include direct fire engagements, IED strikes, ambushes, and any situation where the soldier is personally present and under hostile fire or returning fire. The key word is "active" — passive proximity to combat does not qualify.
Importantly, indirect fire alone (mortars, rockets landing on a FOB) does not qualify unless the soldier takes direct, active engagement action. V-BIEDs without direct engagement are also excluded.
Award processing for the CAB requires thorough documentation of the combat action. A commander must initiate the recommendation with supporting evidence including after-action reports, SIGACTS, and witness statements from soldiers present during the engagement.
The burden of proof is on the soldier and their chain of command. Many deserving soldiers miss the CAB because the paperwork was never initiated in the chaos of combat operations, or because key witnesses PCS'd before statements were collected.
Retroactive awards are authorized back to 18 September 2001. Soldiers who engaged in qualifying combat actions during OEF, OIF, or subsequent operations can still apply through their current chain of command with supporting documentation.
The Combat Action Badge has no class schedule — it is a combat award earned in theater. Below is a timeline of key milestones since the CAB's establishment in 2005.
| Year | Event | Detail | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | CAB Established | DA approved the Combat Action Badge | Milestone |
| 2001 | Retroactive Date | Awards retroactive to 18 Sep 2001 | Retroactive |
| 2005 | First Awards | Awarded to OEF/OIF combat veterans | Milestone |
| 2014 | Subsequent Awards | Policy allows up to 3 CABs (one per conflict) | Update |
There is no course, no school, no graduation. The CAB is earned in combat — the most unforgiving classroom on Earth.
Every question about the CAB has an answer. We built a guide for each one.
Three combat badges, three different eligibility requirements. Understand which one you qualify for and why you can only earn one.
Every MOS outside of 11-series infantry and 68W combat medic is eligible for the CAB. That covers hundreds of specialties across every branch.
Direct fire, IED strikes, ambushes, and CQB all qualify. Indirect fire alone does not. Know the difference before you submit paperwork.
DA Form 638, after-action reports, SIGACTS, and witness statements. Missing paperwork is the #1 reason deserving soldiers never receive the CAB.
The CAB is retroactive to 18 September 2001. If you had qualifying combat action during OEF, OIF, or subsequent operations, you can still apply.
One CAB per qualifying conflict. Up to three total may be awarded. Subsequent awards are denoted by superimposed stars on the badge.
Key Takeaway: The CAB filled a critical gap in recognizing combat service. In modern warfare, every soldier — regardless of MOS — may find themselves in a direct fire engagement. The CAB ensures that service and sacrifice is formally recognized. If you had qualifying combat action since September 2001, start the paperwork now.
Soldier's Creed
I am an American Soldier.
I am a warrior and a member of a team. I serve the people of the United States, and live the Army Values.
I will always place the mission first. I will never accept defeat. I will never quit. I will never leave a fallen comrade.
I am disciplined, physically and mentally tough, trained and proficient in my warrior tasks and drills.
I always maintain my arms, my equipment, and myself. I am an expert and I am a professional.
I stand ready to deploy, engage, and destroy the enemies of the United States of America in close combat.
I am a guardian of freedom and the American way of life.
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