Quote:
Originally Posted by JJ_BPK
The Infantry was created to prepare for and fight wars. There are times that we have no wars, so the EIB gives a sense of well deserved accomplishment. BUT,, It is secondary to the CIB.
Our job is to engage the opponent in mortal combat and help him die for his cause.
Unfortunately, these days there is a me me me generation where no-one finishes 2nd..
My $00.000002..  |
I disagree JJ, and while you are right that it is a peacetime award for excellence in one's job as an Infantryman. My disagreement is that the EIB is something you earn by expert knowledge and effort in the MOS (11/18/19.) The CIB is simply awarded to 11-series and 18/19-series for surviving while deployed in combat. Not to take away from the award but come on, since it was created, the dumbest, weakest conscript/drafty in a rifle squad could just be lucky long enough to complete his tour and come home.
At least that's how I remember one of my CSMs explaining it to me as young SP4 who had earned his EIB.
How many returning Infantrymen have been awarded a CIB simply for being there?
Plus I think this MIB is stupid. Wear what you got and know you "earned" either one.