Cold War Veterans Blog

New Combat Action Streamer Now Available

Army units that have been deployed in support of combat operations now have a new way to be recognized: the Combat Action Streamer (CAS).

Army Secretary Pete Geren approved creation of the streamer Oct. 13 for units that have served or are serving in a theater of combat operations. The award is retroactive to Sept. 18, 2001, for units meeting the criteria.

If 65 percent or more of the soldiers in a unit have been awarded the combat action badge, then that unit can display the CAS with its distinctive flag or guidon.

The qualifying percentage is based on the unit's authorized strength, officials said.

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For the war on terrorism, only one streamer will be authorized per unit, regardless of the number of times a unit deploys, or whether it deploys to Iraq and Afghanistan, officials said.

In the future, a streamer will be awarded to a unit for each separate war or military operation in which the criteria for the award have been met, they said.

Commanders of battalions, groups, regiments and brigades are authorized to award the CAS to companies under their commands.

Requirements and restrictions for displaying streamers are governed by Chapter 9, Army Regulation 840-10, Flags, Guidon, Streamers, Tabards, and Automobile and Aircraft Plates, Nov. 1, 1998.

Other regulations containing award criteria are AR 600-8-22, Military Awards, Dec. 11, 2006 and AR 870-5, Military History: Responsibilities, Policies, and Procedures, Sept. 21, 2007.

Copyright National Guard Association of the United States May 2008