Navy Task Force Alters IA Thinking

The special 25-member task force charged with studying the Navy’s Individual Augmentee policies has reversed its opinions about special IA badges and a ban on combat-zone advancement exams. Last September, Rear Adm. Edward “Sonny” Masso, head of Task Force IA said they were considering a badge or other award to recognize current and former IAs for their specialized duty in combat zones. However, the group has unanimously decided against such special recognition, citing numerous awards already available to IAs, such as the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, and Combat Action Ribbon in certain instances. The task force also will recommend removing the ban on taking advancement exams in war zones in order to support Sailors who want to be considered by a promotion board while in combat status.