What They Mean – Combat Action Ribbon

In the grab-bag of ribbons that a Stolen Valor participant would be putting on his uniform, if he were to be representing a Marine or Sailor, the Combat Action Ribbon is a must have. Why this one? Why this modest ribbon of blue, gold and red? It isn’t even a medal after all.

First a bit about it.

The Combat Action Ribbon, affectionately called the CAR was authorized under SECNAVNOTE 1650 of 17 February 1969 (If you are searching for it, it is important to include the date). It was awarded to members of the Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard (until the Coast Guard created their own in 2008), or units falling under the control of the Navy. It also retroactively awarded it to those who who had met the requirements in prior engagements.

This ribbon was awarded to those who had seen ground combat, and performed satisfactorily. That is the beginning of why this ribbon is so special to those who have earned it. It is the base of all higher awards for valor in combat, and is not even a requirement to receive the Purple Heart. An individual can receive the Purple Heart but not the CAR.

The CAR signifies not only that a person was sent to war, but they had the opportunity to fight. And they did. At least satisfactorily, which is all anyone can ask. It isn’t glamorous, it isn’t publicized, but it is coveted. I was too young when I first got mine, none of my Senior Marines had theirs before I did. But that was early on in Iraq. Since no one had it around us there was no one to be envious of.

I remember my Sergeant Major talking to several young Marines and myself when I first arrived at my unit. I had been in for just over six months at the time, he over 22 years. He told us that he had never had the opportunity to see combat, and here we were just showing up and getting the chance. 22 years before he had the opportunity to try. That was what this ribbon meant to him. It is the culmination of everything we did at home. All the training, all the sweat and time in the field. It was preparation for the opportunity to be under enemy fire, and to perform satisfactorily. That is what it is all about after all. If we aren’t in combat it is just practice.

That is what the CAR is, a simple ribbon of fabric to say that we were tested, and our “performance under fire was satisfactory.”

That is why someone who hasn’t earned this ribbon, wears it, they disrespect it. They didn’t pass the test, they didn’t even show up. But that is also why, if they are going to grab some ribbons and medals to throw on their chest, the Combat Action Ribbon is a must have.

Category: Politics