Should people get combat badges if they are a support element?

Question

Seems to me that alot of soilders are getting combat patches just handed out to them. I am a support soilder to and i feel that it should be earned but this is just my opinion. anyone else care to wiegh in?

Answer 1

The three combat badges - the Combat Infantry Badge, the Combat Medic Badge, and the Combat Action Badge, are definitely deserved by the folks that get them, because you have to actually have been in combat - a shooting match - to be awarded them. The only one you're eligible for - the Combat Action Badge, was recently created for just the situation you're talking about - recognizing support (non-Infantry, non-combat Medic) Soldiers who actually have been in true combat.

Combat patches are a level down in recognition. Actually, "combat patch" is a slang term. Army Reg 670-1 officially calls them "wartime service insignia." Officially, "wartime service" doesn't have to equate to actual combat operations. The reg says you get to wear them by being in a unit that participates in OR SUPPORTS combat operations in a combat theater, with specific requirements generated by the Army for specific combat operations.

This multi-tiered recognition system makes good sense. Soldiers and units that deploy to a combat theater should have some way of standing apart and above the units who stay back in CONUS. The Army does have a way to recognize Soldiers who actually engage in combat - the combat badges. The patches are pretty good way to designate folks who have at least made the trip to the war zone.

Answer 2

Being in theater is enough and should be enough. How would you determine if someone should get one or not? What defines "combat?" Does a soldier have to face an equally strong force in order for it to be considered combat or is having an IED blow up within 100 ft count? Support elements are just as important as the actual combat forces. Without the support troops, the combat troops would be like a body without a head.

Answer 3

All soldiers who are assigned to a combat zone are eligible for a right shoulder combat patch upon 24 hours of being in theater.

Infantry soldiers who have been in contact with the enemy are awarded the Combat Infantryman's Badge. Soldiers who are in contact with the enemy who are not infantry are awarded the Combat Action Badge.

http://www.tioh.hqda.pentagon.mil/badges/CombatActionBadge.htm

You have to take direct or indirect fire from the enemy.

I earned mine within 60 days of getting here.

Answer 4

a combat patch is also known as a Shoulder Sleeve Insignia - Former War Time Service (SSI-FWTS).

The regs state that you pretty much just have to show up in theater to get it.

If you're looking to see the difference if someone is a pogue or a trigger puller, look for the CIB/CAB...

Answer 5

Combat units need support. If you are part of a support unit, serving in a combat zone, then yes, I believe a combat badge should be awarded for this service. After all, support units see combat too. (Jessica Lynch is one example.)

Answer 6

A CB and 2.40 will get you a beer at the Double L lounge in Va Beach..