The "C" Device, or "Combat Device", is a miniature bronze C that may be placed on certain individual awards 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]
| "C" Device | |
|---|---|
 Bronze "C" device | |
| Type | Ribbon device |
| Awarded for | Meritorious service or achievement in a combat environment. |
| Presented by | Department of the Army |
| Status | Currently awarded |
| Precedence | |
| Next (lower) | "R" device |
In order to receive the "C" device, a soldier must have done at least one of the following:
(1) Engaged in action against an enemy of the United States;
(2) Engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or
(3) Serving 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 January 7, 2016. [2] [1]
There are six awards that are authorized to receive the device, [3] in order of precedence:
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Steven E. Foster is a former major general in the United States Air National Guard and mobilization assistant to the commander of North American Aerospace Defense Command. Previously assignments include commander of the 115th Fighter Wing of the Wisconsin Air National Guard. He has acquired more than 3,800 hours flying in a Cessna T-37 Tweet, Northrop T-38 Talon, Cessna O-2 Skymaster, Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II, and General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon. As a civilian he pilots a McDonnell Douglas MD-11 for FedEx Express.