Top Marine Clarifies CAR Eligibility

The Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. M. W. Hagee, has clarified the eligibility requirements for the Marine’s Combat Action Ribbon to authorize issuance in connection with improvised explosive device (IED) attacks. To be eligible, an individual must participate in a “bona fide” ground or surface combat fire-fight or action while under enemy fire, and the performance while under fire must be satisfactory. Hagee wrote in a Marine directive (ALMAR 010-06) that the use of the word “or” in the phrase “fire-fight or action” clearly allows a commander considerable leeway in determining eligibility beyond the scope of just a fire-fight engagement. He stated, “I consider exposure to a detonated IED as being under enemy fire. Therefore, Marines who take appropriate actions during such an engagement meet both CAR eligibility requirements.” He signed off with, “Keep Attacking.” The guidance is retroactive to Oct. 7, 2001.