Combat Infantryman Badges

Qualification Badges

View Larger Image First Award	View Larger Image Second Award
View Larger Image Third Award	View Larger Image Fourth Award

Description

A silver and enamel badge 1 inch (2.54 cm) in height and 3 inches (7.62 cm) in width, consisting of an infantry musket on a light blue bar with a silver border, on and over an elliptical oak wreath. Stars are added at the top of the wreath to indicate subsequent awards; one star for the second award, two stars for the third award and three stars for the fourth award.

Symbolism

The bar is blue, the color associated with the Infantry branch. The musket is adapted from the Infantry insignia of branch and represents the first official U.S. shoulder arm, the 1795 model Springfield Arsenal musket. It was adopted as the official Infantry branch insignia in 1924. The oak symbolizes steadfastness, strength and loyalty.

Award Eligibility

See Army Regulation 600-8-22, Military Awards.

Date Approved

The Combat Infantryman Badge was approved by the Secretary of War on 7 October 1943 and announced in War Department Circular 269, dated 27 October 1943. On 8 February 1952, the Chief of Staff, Army, approved a proposal to add stars to the Combat Infantryman Badge to indicate award of the badge in separate wars. Under this change in policy, the badge was no longer limited to a one-time award, but could now be awarded to eligible individuals for each war in which they participated. The policy was expanded to permit award to Command Sergeants Major of infantry battalions or brigades, effective 1 December 1967. On 11 February 2005, the Chief of Staff, Army, approved changes to the CIB policy. Further changes were approved by the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Manpower and Reserve Affairs) on 24 June 2008.

Subdued Badges

Subdued badges are authorized in flat black metal finishes.

Miniature Badges

(a) Dress miniature badges are authorized in the following sizes:

First Award: 7/16 inch (1.11 cm) in height and 1 1/4 inches (3.18 cm) in width

Second Award: 1/2 inch (1.27 cm) in height and 1 1/4 inches (3.18 cm) in width

Third Award: 1/2 inch (1.27 cm) in height and 1 1/4 inches (3.18 cm) in width

Fourth Award: 9/16 inch (1.43 cm) in height and 1 1/4 inches (3.18 cm) in width

(b) Miniature badges are authorized in the following sizes:

First Award: 13/16 inch (2.06 cm) in height and 1 3/4 inches (4.45 cm) in width

Second Award: 61/64 inch (2.44 cm) in height and 1 3/4 inches (4.45 cm) in width

Third Award: 61/64 inch (2.44 cm) in height and 1 3/4 inches (4.45 cm) in width