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Introduction: Air Force Combat Action Badge

The Air Force Combat Action Badge (often referred to in connection with the Air Force Combat Action Medal) is awarded to honour airmen who have fought hostile fire during combat and taken an active part in combat. It represents courage among the officers, the strength to fight, and the Air Force’s recognition of its valuable members who have fearlessly served in direct conflict zones. Along with the Air Force Combat Badge, the USAF Combat Action Badge, and the Army Combat Action Badge, the Air Force uniform is an award that signifies direct engagement in high-risk combat situations and is worn with immense pride and honour.

Where did the Air Force Combat Action Badge originate from?

The Air Force Combat Action Badge, the badge of pride, is also officially known as the Air Force Combat Action Medal (AFCAM). It originated when the Secretary of the Air Force approved it on March 15, 2007. It was initially intended to fill a lack of appreciation and the recognition gap for Airmen who actively risked their lives or even came under hostile fire during combat operations after the events of September 11, 2001.
Before this, a branch-specific award was lacking, especially for recognizing the actions of airmen who fought alongside Army or Marine units in combat zones. The establishment of the AFCAM finally provided that honour.
The respective organizations awarded the first six medals on June 12, 2007, and Susan Gamble created the designs for these in collaboration with the U.S. Army Institute of Heraldry. However, the medal was later made retroactive to September 11, 2001, to recognize earlier combat participants for their contributions.
Air & Space Forces Magazine, June 2007 — Air Force Combat Action Medal Retroactive to 9/11 (airandspaceforces.com)

Why Was The Badge Granted For?

The Air Force Combat Action Badge was granted in an effort to recognize those Airmen who faced the enemy directly one-on-one or were directly exposed under hostile fire while performing their assigned duties. It appreciates the service members who showed exemplary skills and displayed heroism, kept their composure, and maintained their commitment during combat, whether through defensive action to protect themselves or through survival under suffering circumstances, such as indirect fire, such as rockets.
The primary purpose of this badge of recognition is to ensure that Airmen who served in intense battle conditions and gave their absolute best receive the due acknowledgement they deserve, just like other service branches. And rightly so, the Air Force combat action badge recipients of this honor have proven their courage and commitment beyond questioning whether they served on convoy duty, defended a base, or operated an aircraft under attack.
However, a fixed number is not specified for how many Air Force Combat Action Medals have been awarded yet, but thousands of Airmen have been recognized with these awards since the beginning of the year 2007.

How To Make an Air Force Combat Badge 

The Air Force Combat Action Badge is produced only under the supervision and approval of the Department of Defense and the Army Institute of Heraldry officially.

• The material used is either nickel-silver or bronze for good strength and a durable finish.
• The three designs included in this making are crossed sabers, a laurel wreath, and the most popular, the Air Force star, each symbolizing excellence and success.
• For a smooth professional military finish, each badge is engraved, polished, and coated piece by piece.
• Then a pin is attached as backing to give support and hold the badge for proper wear on the Air Force uniform.
• However, only authorized military manufacturers can create official versions. At the same time, replica badges for display purposes must adhere to all rules and regulations and can NOT be worn in service.
  

What Qualifies You for a Combat Action Badge?

There are specific rules to qualify for the Air Force Combat Action Badge or Air Force Combat Action Medal that an Airman must adhere to, such as:

• To have been exposed to hostile fire directly or indirectly while providing their services at respective missions or duties.
• They have taken defensive action to protect themselves and fellow soldiers during combat and have put up a fierce fight against the opposing forces.
• To have fearlessly served in challenging combat zones where high-level risk and hostile contact are expected.
• Lastly, have consistently been courageous and professional, as per Air Force standards.
• Air Force Combat Action Medal Badge requirements are similar to the Army Combat Action Medal Badge, which recognizes soldiers exposed to indirect fire and those who faced direct fire during combat. 
  

How to Get an Air Force Combat Action Medal?

An Airmen must submit an official request through their chain of command to receive the Air Force Combat Action Medal.
The procedure is also mentioned in the steps below:
First, prepare a well-described combat incident report about their engagement or hostile fire event.
Support the designed report with additional claims, such as documents, mission logs, witness statements of the incident, or other reports.
Then they must submit the report to the unit commander for review.
Once the entire package has been validated, it is sent to the base awards office for initial approval and later forwarded to the Air Force Personnel Center (AFPC) for final approval.
And at the end, all approved medals are issued in the Airman’s permanent record as proof.
Veterans who served after the September 11, 2001, incident can retroactively apply if they meet the Air Force Combat Action Medal criteria announced by the Department of the Air Force.

Can the Air Force Wear a Combat Action Badge?

Yes, the members of the Air Force who earned a Combat Action Badge while serving under Army command are permitted to wear it ONLY on their Air Force uniform. According to DAFI 36-2903 (Dress and Appearance Regulation), any Army Combat Action Badge Air Force uniform award that was lawfully earned must be worn by the recipient.
Is a Combat Action Ribbon the Same as a Combat Action Badge?
The U.S. Navy and Marine Corps primarily award the Combat Action Ribbon only to members who have actively participated in combat or been encountered by enemy forces. While, on the contrary, the Air Force Combat Action Badge (or Air Force Combat Action Medal) is explicitly awarded to those brave Airmen who faced direct or indirect fire in combat zones while risking their lives.
The Army Combat Action Medal and Army Combat Action Badge are also similar because they serve the same purpose within the U.S. Army, while the Navy Combat Action Medal and the USMC Combat Action Medal honour and encourage members of their respective services for commendable acts of service.
Although the names are similar, the Combat Action Ribbon, Combat Action Badge, and Combat Action Medal are distinct honours issued by different branches at varying levels. However, each badge/medal carries immense equal respect and represents the same principle of encouragement.

Combat Action Medal Navy, USMC, and Army Comparison

The Navy Combat Action Medal serves the same purpose as the USMC Combat Action Medal within its own departments, recognizing direct encounters with enemy forces. Similarly, the Army Combat Action Medal is awarded to those involved in combat operations in the air or on the ground and is to be worn with respect ONLY by authorized members.
Together, these awards simply unite all service members around a shared value: recognition for standing bravely under fire, no matter the uniform worn.

Conclusion

The Air Force Combat Action Badge and Air Force Combat Action Medal are considered highly important and stand as everlasting tributes to Airmen who have faced and survived combat as warriors. These were introduced in the year 2007. This award is to make sure that no act of bravery goes unnoticed and neglected, and that Airmen receive equal honour alongside their Army, Navy, and Marine colleagues, and should never feel any less.