ARNEWS has the story of the new Combat Action Badge design, which is set to go into production this summer:
Who qualifies? From the article:
[A]ny Soldier performing assigned duties in an area where hostile fire pay or imminent danger pay is authorized, who is personally present and actively engaging or being engaged by the enemy, and performing satisfactorily in accordance with the prescribed rules of engagement, according to its authorizing language. Award is not limited by one's branch or military occupational specialty.This addresses the fact that soldiers other than infantry are actively engaged in combat in the asymmetric warfare model currently being used. Infantry have historically been eligible for the Combat Infantry Badge. I've heard the badge will be awarded retroactively to 2001.
However, it seems that Congress doesn't want any more women earning the award. Apparently, they've earned too many Purple Hearts already.
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UPDATE: "MilBlogs on Tee-Vee" at The Mudville Gazette.
UPDATE: "Senior Marine Officer - Operations New Market and Mongoose" at BlackFive.
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