| "C" Device | |
|---|---|
| 👁 Image Bronze "C" device | |
| Type | Ribbon device |
| Awarded for | Meritorious service or achievement in a combat environment. |
| Presented by | United States Armed Forces |
| Status | Currently awarded |
| Established | March 15, 2017 (2017-03-15) |
| Precedence | |
| Next (higher) | "V" device |
| Next (lower) | "R" device |
The "C" Device, or "Combat Device", is a miniature bronze C that may be placed on certain individual awards of the United States Armed Forces to denote meritorious service or achievement while in combat. Being established on March 15, 2017, the "C" device is one of the newer military devices.[1]
Criteria
[edit]In order to receive the "C" device, a soldier must have done at least one of the following:
- Engaged in action against an enemy of the United States;
- Engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or
- Served with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.[2]
The awarding of this device is retroactive to 7 January 2016.[2][1]
Appearance
[edit]The appearance of the "C" device varies when an individual receives it multiple times (per award):
| "C" Combat Devices[3] | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bronze C
|
Silver C
|
Gold C
|
Bronze C with Wreath
|
Silver C with Wreath
|
Gold C with Wreath
|
1st Award
|
2nd Award
|
3rd Award
|
4th Award
|
5th Award
|
6th Award
|
Authorized awards
[edit]
The awards authorized to receive the device are, in order of precedence, as follows:[4][5]
- Distinguished Service Medal (Defense, Air & Space, Army and Navy & Marine Corps)
- Defense Superior Service Medal
- Legion of Merit
- Distinguished Flying Cross
- Air Medal
- Commendation Medal (Joint, Army, Navy & Marine Corps, Air & Space and Coast Guard)
- Achievement Medal (Joint, Army, Navy & Marine Corps, Air & Space and Coast Guard)
Gallery
[edit]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b "C and R Devices". U.S. Army Human Resources Command. 8 November 2023. Retrieved 7 July 2023.
- ^ a b "Implementation of Department of Defense Guidance for the Newly Established 'C' and 'R' Devices". akamaihd.net.
- ^ "AF releases criteria for new valor "V", combat "C" and remote "R" devices". Air Force. Archived from the original on 4 August 2025. Retrieved 18 December 2025.
- ^ Panzino, Charlsy (9 April 2017). "Soldiers may be eligible for the new 'C' or 'R' devices on 12 awards. Here's how to apply". Army Times. Retrieved 7 July 2023.
- ^ "Defense Superior Service Medal". Air Force's Personnel Center. Archived from the original on 11 November 2025. Retrieved 2 January 2026.