An Overview of the Combat Action Badge

A current resident of Gilbert, AZ, Colt Bulot is a veteran of the US Army, spent 35 years in the Airborne Infantry division, and received numerous commendations for his service. In addition to a Purple Heart and an Operation Iraqi Freedom Medal of Honor for his combat missions in Operation Iraqi Freedom, Colt K. Bulot also earned a Combat Action Badge.

Created in 2005, the Combat Action Badge (CAB) designates soldiers who personally engage with or are engaged by an enemy. The badge is not limited to any specific branch or military occupational specialty, although individuals who qualify for a Combat Infantryman Badge or a Combat Medic Badge are not eligible.

Eligibility requirements for the CAB include performing duties in an area where soldiers are eligible to receive imminent danger pay or hostile fire pay. During enemy engagement, the soldier must perform in accordance with all rules of engagement, and the event must have happened after September 18, 2001. CABs may be awarded by any commander who has been delegated that authority by the Secretary of the Army.