U.S. Military Combat Action Badge Criteria

U.S. Military Combat Action Badge CriteriaU.S. Military Combat Action Badge CriteriaIn June 2005, the United States Army officially announced the eligibility requirements for its Combat Action Badge (CAB). The requirements are laid out in a Department of the Army letter that also discussed changes to the Combat Infantryman Badge (CIB) and the Combat Medic Badge (CMB). Performance Requirements The CABs creation was approved by Army chief of staff Gen. Peter J. Schoomaker on May 2, 2005, to provide special recognition to Soldiers who personally engage or are engaged by the enemy. Warfare is still a human endeavor, Schoomaker said. Our intent is to recognize Soldiers who demonstrate and live the Warrior Ethos. The CAB, whose plan features both a bayonet and grenade, may be awarded to any Soldier performing assigned 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 performi ng satisfactorily in accordance with the prescribed rules of engagement, according to the specific eligibility requirements. Award of the CAB is not limited by ones branch or military occupational specialty however, to receive the CAB, a Soldier must not be assigned or attached to a unit that would qualify the Soldier for the CIB or CMB. The Global War on Terrorism and its associated operations will be the first era of conflict considered for this award, said Lt. Col. Bill Johnson, Human Resources Command chief of military awards. September 18, 2001, is the effective date for the new award. That is when President Bush signed Senate Joint Resolution 23, authorizing the use of military force against those responsible for the recent attacks launched against the United States. Combat Action Badge On May 2, 2005, the Chief of Staff, Army approved the creation of the CAB to provide special recognition to Soldiers who personally engage, or are engaged by the enemy. Intent. The requirem ents for the award of the CAB are Branch and MOS immaterial. Assignment to a Combat Arms unit or a unit organized to conduct close or offensive combat operations, or performing offensive combat operations is not required to qualify for the CAB. However, it is not intended to award all Soldiers who serve in a combat zone or imminent danger area. Specific Eligibility Requirements (a) May be awarded to any Soldier. (b) Soldier must be performing assigned duties in an area where hostile fire pay or imminent danger pay is authorized. (c) Soldier must be personally present and actively engaging or being engaged by the enemy, and performing satisfactorily in accordance with the prescribed rules of engagement. (d) Soldier must not be assigned/attached to a unit that would qualify the Soldier for the CIB/CMB. (For example, an 11B assigned to Corps staff is eligible for the award of the CAB. However, an 11B assigned to an infantry battalion is not eligible for award of the CAB.) (e) Other Services and foreign soldiers. May be awarded to members of the other U.S. Armed Forces and foreign soldiers assigned to a U.S. Army unit, provided they meet the above criteria (that is, KATUSAs in 2d ID). (f) Qualifying periods. Award of the CAB is authorized from 18 September 2001 to a date to be determined. Award for qualifying service in any previous conflict is not authorized. Subsequent Awards (a) Only one CAB may be awarded during a qualifying period. (b) Second and third awards of the CAB for subsequent qualifying periods will be indicated by superimposing one and two stars respectively, centered at the top of the badge between the points of the oak wreath. Retroactive awards Retroactive awards for the CAB are not authorized prior to 18 September 2001. For service on or after 18 September 2001, applications (to include supporting documentation) for retroactive awards of the CAB will be forwarded through thefirst two-star general in the chain of command to CG, USA HRC, A TTN AHRC-PDO-PA, Alexandria, VA 22332-0471. Wear Policy The CAB is categorized as a Group 1 badge (see AR 670-1). Multiple Awards Soldiers may be awarded the CIB, CMB, and CAB for the saatkorn qualifying period provided the criteria for each badge is met. However, subsequent awards of the same badge within the same qualifying period are not authorized. Who May Award the CIB, CMB, and CAB They may be awarded by any commander delegated authority by the Secretary of the Army during wartime or the CG, USAHRC.

Wearing these 2 colors together will make you happier

Wearing these 2 colors together will make you happierWearing these 2 colors together will make you happierIn the brilliant film Four Weddings and a Funeral the jovial yet sadly cursed Garreth comments on his friend Scarletts sartorial choice to wear the bold combination of purple and orange.He says, Scarlotta Fabulous dress. The ecclesiastical purple and the pagan orange symbolizing the mystical symbiosis in marriage between the heathen and Christian traditions? She answers, Thats right.Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moreWhen one pairs two bold hues together, they are often questioned or even criticized, but really they should be celebrated. And usually, the addition of these two colors equates to something quite symbolic and in the following case, quite fashionable.Bold pinks and reds were seen all over the red carpets this awards season(everyone from Helen Mirren to Julia Roberts sported a bright pink dress) so why not take the both of best worlds and transform them into one ensemble?A winning kofferverstrkerThough wearing colors in the same family can be considered a fashion sin (some people will leave the room if you wear navy and black) there is something so aesthetically pleasingwhen red and pink are paired together. The partnership also connotes a sense of evenness. Red is, of course, associated with power and can be seen as very sexy while pink, though it is strong in its own right (heck, it became the symbol for an entire generation), it can be labeled as princess-chic and weak.But together they produce a multi-faceted stylish and bold but not overwhelming look. The combo will also make you happy as these are mood-brighteningcolors. Abby Hepworth of PureWow, who spotted the trend early, wrote, Worried youll look like a walking Valentines Day card? Fear not Bold red actually helps to tone down any unwanted Barbie vibes, while sweet pink balances reds inherent sexy factor.Constance Hart, a color therapy expert from Conscious Colors, told Vogue, If you arent feeling centered or secure, black can feel like a security blanket. For that reason, we see a lot of black in cities. In my work, I try to help people move away from black because it can have a depressive quality to it. Color has an effect on our psyche, its always affecting us whether we are aware of it or not.As for how to wear the two colors together, especially in a work setting, fashion bloggerPam Hetlinger of The Girl from Panama, says try mixing different shades of pink and red as well as different materials.What I love most about the red and pink color trend is that asofter pinklooks beautiful withoxblood. Or you canmatch dusty pink with bright red. Fashion is all about experimenting so dont be shy about wearing items and colors you have never worn before, she writes.If you are a bit timid about it, try breaking up the look with metallic or neutral pieces or start with something small like your shoes and your top.You might also enjoyNew neuroscience reveals 4 rituals that will make you happyStrangers know your social class in the first seven words you say, study finds10 lessons from Benjamin Franklins daily schedule that will double your productivityThe worst mistakes you can make in an interview, according to 12 CEOs10 habits of mentally strong people

10 small habits that have a huge return on life

10 small habits that have a huge return on life10 small habits that have a huge return on lifeOver the years, Ive adopted many different positive habits.To me, a habit is positive when it improves the quality of my life. A lot has been written about forming habits.How hard is? How long does it take? Whats the best way to break habits? How do we adopt new habits?My experience is that everyone can adopt any habit they want. Theres only one condition though You need a good reason to make a change(I talk about that in-depth on this podcast episode).And in 99% of cases, the reason to change comes from personal suffering, sadness, and hurt. At some point, you cant stand your current behavior anymore.Dont worry abouthowyou will change. Focus onwhathabits you want to form andwhy.After one of my friends recently asked me about my current habits, I decided to share them here - with a brief explanation of what the habits are good for.1. Do a full-body workout with weights 3 times a weekStrengt h training has several benefits. It protects bone health, muscle mass, keeps you lean, increases energy levels, and prevents injuries.Ive been lifting weights since I was 16. Its the only habit on this list that Ive been doing for that long. Like many people who lift weights, I started with split routines.That means you work out different muscle during every session. With most routines, youre training a specific muscle only one time per week. It turns out that muscles need more stress to become stronger.Ideally, you want to train all your muscles, 3 times a week. Thats why Ive been doing full body workouts. Its simple, practical, and it works.2. Set 3-4 daily prioritiesThis is one of the best productivity strategies there is. We all know that focus is what brings us results.No focus? No results. So how do you focus? By limiting your options and tasks. Elimination is the key.Be very clear about what you want to achieve every single day, week, and year.Every day, work on 3-4 essential (and small) tasks thatwill bring you closer to your weekly and yearly goals.3. Read 60 minutes a dayI get it, youre too busy to read. Or maybe you just dontliketo read.Well, youre leid getting off that easily.Reading is essential for your cognition. But you already knew that. How about this? Reading will also turn you into a better thinker and writer.But I still dont like to read. Well, there are many things in life we dont like, but we still do them. Instead of telling yourself you dont like to read, learn to enjoy it by doing it every day.And like magic, one day, youllloveto read.4. Sleep 7-8 hours a nightI never sacrifice my sleep for anything. I recently canceled a meeting in the morning because I slept late. The night before, I was reading a good book that totally consumed me.After reading, I started taking notes. And before I knew it, it was 2 am. I had to wake up at 7 am to make the meeting.I canceled the meeting. Im not going to sleep for 6 hours so I can make a meeting whe n I know that Ill be tired the whole day.Some people can perform well with 5 hours of sleep. But most of us need more. If youre part of the latter group, make sure you get enough sleep. And be dead serious about it. If youre not in a position to cancel meetings etc, sleep early.5. Walk 30 minutes a dayIf you cant MAKE the time to go for a daily walk, youre not in control of your life. I dont even walk for the health benefits. Sure, walking keeps the body moving and is good for you.But I go for a daily walk because it breaks the pattern of our mundane lives. Look, we cant deny that life is routine. And theres nothing wrong with that.But when you walk outside, youre forced to be one with the world. It heightens your senses. You can go alone or with someone else. You can have a good conversation. Or you can simply enjoy the surroundings.6. Follow the intermittent fasting eating patternI dont eat anything after my dinner. And I skip breakfast. That means I fast for 15-16 hours every day .There are some health benefits associated with intermittent fasting. But we have to be careful with making claims.The reason I like it is that it makes me feel and look better. Plus, I can eat whatever I want during the day without gaining any weight.I dont eat junk food. I stick to whole foods with high nutritional value. Also, my first meal contains a lot of unsaturated fat and protein. And finally, make sure you consume the calories your body needs to operate (2000 for women, 2500 for men, on average).7. Be presentWere so focused on our goals that we forget to enjoy the present moment. This is one of my biggest pitfalls.I really need to remind myself EVERY SINGLE day that I should enjoy the now.Were alwayswaitinguntil we achieve something. I will be happy then.Nope, you wont if youre always stuck in the future. Find a trigger that brings you back to the present moment.For example, I recently bought a new watch. During the same time,I was reading a lot about this spiritual stuff. Now, every time I look at my watch, I say, What time is it? NOW.8. Practice kindness loveWe all treat our love like its a depletable resource. Thats false. Love is unlimited and never runs out. You can give it away as much as you like.But your ego stops you from doing that. You always want something in return.So give this a try. Realize that you have an unlimited resource. Give some of your love and kindness away every day. Dont worry about keeping score. You have enough love anyway.9. Journal or write 30 minutes a dayI need to get my thoughts in order every day. I do that by writing. That helps me to focus on what matters to me. Thats why I journal.Even when Im not writing articles, I sit down and journal - only for myself. I dont write in my journal for others. Journaling is also an excellent tool to become a better thinker and person.10. Save 30% of your incomeIf you cant save 30%, save 10%. Saving is not about how much. Its about howoften.You save by cutting out useless things you do daily or weekly. You dont need to buy a latte every day. You also dont need to buy organic cashew nuts for $10.Save on the small things. They will turn into big lumps of cash in time.Especially if you invest that extra cash.And that is also the secret to these 10 habits. They are all small. And the daily progress you make seems insignificant.You will only see the return it has on your life over time. You must stick to these habits until your life gets better.And when that happens, youll keep going - not because you have to, but because you want to.Thisarticlefirst appeared onDarius Foroux.