Reply #12: The CIB isn't a ribbon [View All]

It's a blue bar about 3" wide x 1/2" high. In the middle of the bar is a musket; around the bar is a wreath. (If there is no wreath it's an Expert Infantry Badge--you take a test, and if you get all the answers right you earn the EIB. You are authorized to wear both awards as they mean different things.)

You'll also see CIBs with one or two stars across the top of them. A CIB with one star denotes the wearer has been to two wars; two stars is for three wars. Once you've been in your third war there is no further award--no three-star CIBs for fourth wars.

What you must do to earn the CIB:

1. Be in the Infantry or Special Forces as an enlisted man or as an officer in grade of colonel or below.

2. Personally engage the enemy in combat while serving in a unit smaller than brigade size.

The CIB is the only award in the Army that is worn above the Medal of Honor.