CAB chasing....

The Combat Action Badge (or CAB) is a military badge worn in the U.S. Army. The emblem features both an M9 bayonet and M67 grenade. The Combat Action Badge may be awarded to any soldier after the date of September 18, 2001 performing 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. Award is not limited by one's branch of service or military occupational specialty, but is only authorized for wear on U.S. Army uniforms. 

The above information sports fans is a clear definition of what the CAB is and what qualifies as getting one.  I do not have one, but I have seen many deplorable incidents of idiots trying to get one.  These stupid people are known as CAB chasers.  These vile service members actually go out of their way to put themselves or their unit's (which is ridiculous) in harm's way.  There were several members from the last Liaison Officer group that would go out on mission's simply because they knew that they would be in a hostile area.  Simply going outside-the-wire because they have not been out yet is one of the most foolish things you can do. 

We go out on missions because we have to.  The PRT before us would go out and sit in the same spot for hours to make sure that they got shot at.  We do not do that.  As our deployment comes to a close, there are those individuals who are upset that they have not seen action yet.  Most people in Army feel like they have not done anything while deployed if they have not received a CAB. 

This is the wrong mindset and bad for your families.  Everybody plays their part over here and it all counts toward the fight.  It just disgusts me every time I hear about CAB chasers, or if someone hears shots fired and thinks that they get a CAB.  Shots fired 300m away where you hear no hisses or snaps near or around your vehicles is not combat action.  You get that in Juarez...believe me I know.  This badge has been tarnished by soooooo many CAB chasers that real combat veterans (like 16 yrs experience whose time overseas has amounted to five years in the last ten) do not wear their CAB anymore.

Just another rant, but I feel that it is warranted. 

WINNING!
Joe