"C" device

"C" Device
Bronze "C" device
Type	Ribbon device
Awarded for	Meritorious service or achievement in a combat environment.
Presented by	United States Army
Status	Currently awarded
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 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

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 7 January 2016. ^{[2] [1]}

There are six awards that are authorized to receive the device, ^[3] in order of precedence:

1. Distinguished Service Medal
2. Legion of Merit
3. Distinguished Flying Cross
4. Air Medal
5. Commendation Medal
6. Achievement Medal

"C" Combat Devices [4]
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

• Example Images of Authorized Awards
• 
  Army Distinguished Service Ribbon with "C" Device
• 
  Legion of Merit Ribbon with "C" Device
• 
  Distinguished Flying Cross Ribbon with "C" Device
• 
  Air Medal Ribbon with "C" Device
• 
  Army Commendation Ribbon with "C" Device
• 
  Army Achievement Ribbon with "C" Device

See Also

• United States military award devices

References

1. "C and R Devices". U.S. Army Human Resources Command. 8 November 2023. Retrieved 7 July 2023.
2. "Implementation of Department of Defense Guidance for the Newly Established 'C' and 'R' Devices". akamaihd.net.
3. 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.
4. "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.