Five Common Badges Soldiers Wear on Their Uniform

Combat Infantryman Badge

The CIB is an award given to any member of an infantry unit who sees direct combat. The CIB, as seen in the picture, can also have a second, third or fourth award, which would display either a star or two stars or three stars at the top of the badge. This award is only infantrymen only whether enlisted or commissioned.

Combat Action Badge

The CAB is a badge awarded to any soldier not in an infantry position that sees direct combat from the enemy. It is a new badge, first awarded in 2005, but very friendly to the soldiers currently deployed throughout the Middle East who are not infantrymen but are still seeing the same type of combat.

Combat Medical Badge

It is awarded to any soldier serving in a medical position who serves their position while under direct fire. This badge is exclusive to only those in medical positions. Medics and doctors who are under direct combat have the option of receiving the Combat Action Badge instead since it is a higher award. Nonetheless, a soldier may receive and wear only one of the badges.

Parachutist Badge

This badge is awarded upon completion of the Airborne School at Fort Benning, GA. Those awarded the parachutist badge or commonly known as Airborne Wings are mainly to be found in Airborne or Light Infantry Units.

Air Assault Badge

The Air Assault Badge is awarded upon completion of Air Assault School at Fort Campbell, KY or Fort Benning, GA. The school is known to be more intense than its rival, Airborne, yet not near as popular among the general population of soldiers as Airborne Wings have far more history.