Can an army medic wear the combat action badge?

No he cannot because medics are authorized to wear the Combat Medic badge while serving in units (i.e. infantry units) who are authorized CIB's. A medic could be authorized a Combat Action badge if he was attached to a unit that did not qualify for a CIB.

Answer

I think you mean the "CIB" Combat Infantry Badge. The CIB is awarded by a set of orders just like any other decoration. To be awarded the CIB a person hast to serve in a combat zone and be under fire they do not have to be infantry. So, yes a medic can be awarded a CIB. I know of a sailor who served in communications that assisted an army unit in an operation in Vietnam. He proudly wore his CIB awarded him by the US Army.

No, they mean the Combat Action Badge, which was authorized for wear on May 2, 2005 for any MOS in the Army. It is only retroactively awarded as far back as Sept 18, 2001. Go here: http://www.army.mil/symbols/combatbadges/Action.html for requirements.

FYI: The CIB is only authorized to someone who was under fire, in a combat zone, AND assigned to a US Army infantry unit.

First answer by Gouch53. Last edit by Skunkmaster XXV. Contributor trust: 82 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 7 [recommend question]