Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR) for CIB or CAB
Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR) for CIB or CAB Qualification
COMABT INFANTRYMAN BADGE
For Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR), a Combat Infantryman Badge (CIB) can be awarded if the Soldier meets specific requirements.
Key Requirements for CIB Qualification in OIR:
Must be an Infantry/Special Forces soldier: The soldier needs to be in an infantry or Special Forces role (e.g., CMF or AOC 11 or 18).
Assigned/Attached to a unit engaged in active ground combat: The soldier's unit must be actively involved in ground combat operations.
Directly participated in active ground combat: The soldier must have personally taken part in the combat.
In summary, simply being involved in Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR) does not automatically qualify a soldier for a CIB. The specific details of the individual's role, unit type, and their direct involvement in combat actions are the determining factors.
COMBAT ACTION BADGE
Yes, Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR) does qualify for the Combat Action Badge (CAB) for some service members, but not all. To qualify, service members must have been personally present and actively engaged with the enemy while performing their assigned duties, and the engagement must have occurred in an area where hostile fire or imminent danger pay is authorized, according to Army Writer and Army HRC (.mil).
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
1. Qualifying Actions:
Active Engagement:
Service members must have been actively engaged with the enemy, either by returning fire or being directly targeted by enemy weapons.
Hostile Fire Area:
The engagement must have occurred in a location where hostile fire or imminent danger pay is authorized.
Personal Presence:
The service member must have been physically present at the location of the engagement.
Satisfactory Performance:
The service member's actions must have been in accordance with the rules of engagement.
2. Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal (IRCM) and CAB:
The IRCM is awarded for service in Iraq and Syria during OIR, and qualifying actions can also lead to the CAB.
However, not all IRCM-eligible service members will qualify for the CAB.
For example, those who qualify for the CAB must have been actively engaged in combat, while the IRCM can be earned for 30 days of service in the area of operations.
3. MOS and Unit Considerations:
The Combat Action Badge is not tied to specific Military Occupational Specialties (MOS) or branches of service.
However, if a service member is assigned to a unit that would typically qualify for the Combat Infantryman Badge (CIB) or Combat Medical Badge (CMB), they may not be eligible for the CAB while serving in that unit.
For instance, an infantryman assigned to an infantry battalion would not be eligible for the CAB, but an infantryman assigned to a non-infantry unit could be.
4. Retroactive Awards:
The CAB is authorized for qualifying service from September 18, 2001, to a date to be determined.
Retroactive awards for previous conflicts are generally not authorized.