[Melchior]

I don’t believe that officers wear the Combat Infantryman’s Badge? Even if they did, I do not believe that Powell would have been eligible. Most of his military history was spent behind a desk.

[TADSLOS]

Wrong on both counts.

[OldCorps]

I don’t believe that officers wear the Combat Infantryman’s Badge?

Only if they served in combat in an infantry position, i.e., platoon leader, company commnder or battalion commander of an infantry unit.

During the Vietnam conflict it was not uncommon for officers from other branches to serve as infantry platoon leaders. Thus you might occasionally see a field artillery officer with a CIB.

If i recall correctly, General Powell attended the infantry officers advanced course at Ft. Benning; makes me think he was an infantry officer. If he was a platoon leader or company commander of an infantry unit in Vietnam, he would have been awarded the CIB.

Hope this clears the discussion.

Regards,