Army Unveils Design for Combat Action Badge

The Army’s Chief of Staff, Gen. Peter Schoomaker, approved the design of the new Combat Action Badge (CAB) May 27. It features a bayonet superimposed on a grenade, with an encircling laurel wreath. Originally planned for award only to members of the combat arms who have actively participated in combat, eligibility was expanded on May 4 when Gen. Schoomaker decided to include any member of the active duty forces or Reserve Components who is “personally present and actively engaging or being engaged by the enemy, and performing satisfactorily in accordance with the prescribed rules of engagement.” The actions must take place in an area where hostile fire pay or imminent danger pay is authorized. The Army expects to issue criteria governing the CAB’s award shortly, and plans to have the device available late this summer or early fall at military clothing sales stores.