Air Force Member Awarded New Army Master Combat Badge

A senior master sergeant from the Iowa Air National Guard has received the Army's newly established Master Combat Infantryman Badge (MCIB), a prestigious honor designated for a select group of the military's most distinguished infantry soldiers. The recognition given to Senior Master Sgt. Greg Cleghorn signifies a notable accomplishment for an airman and underscores the collaborative efforts of military personnel from various branches.

Cleghorn, a supervisor in the security forces of the 132nd Wing, received the MCIB on August 18. He has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first air guardsman in Iowa to receive the badge that the Army introduced in May. The newly introduced badge pays tribute to a rich history of skill and valor in combat. To be eligible, recipients must have previously obtained both the Combat Infantryman Badge (CIB) and the Expert Infantryman Badge (EIB).

"While it is currently an individual accolade, I take pride in wearing it and representing the Iowa Guard," Cleghorn stated in a release. "Wherever I venture, it will stand out and highlight the state of Iowa, especially as I sport my Iowa Guard patches."

Cleghorn's journey to the MCIB started in 1998 when he joined the Army. In 2000, he achieved his EIB during his time in Germany with the 4th Infantry Regiment. Subsequently, during his time with the Iowa Army National Guard's 194th Long Range Surveillance Detachment, he was awarded the CIB in Iraq in 2004, acknowledging his participation in active ground combat.

The MCIB was established to address a persistent uniform problem. Both the CIB and EIB are displayed in the same esteemed position on the upper left breast pocket, and military regulations have historically prohibited the simultaneous wearing of both. The MCIB, with its distinctive gold oak leaves, allows soldiers who have earned both honors to display their dual accomplishments on a single badge.

Infantry soldiers who have directly engaged and experienced hostile fire receive the CIB, one of the Army's most prestigious honors. The EIB represents a prestigious achievement attained through an intensive multi-day evaluation that encompasses marksmanship, land navigation, and a challenging 12-mile ruck march.

While Air Force personnel are not eligible to earn the CIB, those who have received it and later join the Air Force are permitted to wear it on their uniform. This allowance enabled Cleghorn to gain recognition for his past service, solidifying his position within an esteemed group of soldiers now qualified to don the new MCIB.

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