Texas Congressman Troy Nehls, a member of the Republican Party, has been embroiled in controversy regarding his military honors.
After an investigation, it was affirmed that Nehls incorrectly wore a Combat Infantryman Badge, which he did not earn.
According to the Washington Examiner, Rep. Troy Nehls was mistakenly awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge (CIB) while serving in Afghanistan as a civil affairs officer with the 101st Airborne Division in 2008.
This error in military awards came to light following a CBS News investigation in 2023, leading to a formal review by the Army.
The Army's investigation concluded that the congressman was not eligible for the CIB, a badge usually reserved for infantry or Special Forces. Instead, Nehls was deemed appropriate for the Combat Action Badge (CAB), which recognizes soldiers who have engaged with the enemy but not as infantry.
"The Army got it wrong," stated Nehls, asserting his belief that he did qualify for the original distinction. Nonetheless, the official correction to his military records has been made permanent with the issuance of a revised DD215 form in 2023, which notably excludes the Combat Infantryman Badge.
Rep. Troy Nehls has also been at the center of disputes regarding the number of Bronze Stars he received, declaring he was awarded two. In defense of his claims, he provided evidence, including medals and associated documents dated 2004 and 2008.
The circumstances surrounding the issuance of Nehls' military awards have sparked discussions on administrative oversight and the criteria for combat recognition in the military.
Army spokesman Bryce Dubee stated, "The Army reviewed the record of Rep. Nehls in 2023 and issued a DD215 to correct the record. The DD215 did not include a Combat Infantryman Badge."
Rep. Nehls’ military service and the subsequent corrections have highlighted the complexities and need for precision in military award protocols. According to Lt. Col. Tony Hoefler, spokesperson for the 101st Airborne Division:
The 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) follows the Army’s regulatory guidance prescribed in the service’s guide on Military Awards, also known as AR 600-22. For specific award discrepancies involving former Soldiers, I would refer you to the team at the U.S. Army Human Resources Command.
The distinction between the Combat Infantryman Badge and the Combat Action Badge lies in the specific roles and direct involvement in ground combat. The CAB can be awarded to a broader range of Army personnel, reflecting their exposure to hostile actions or threats of enemy action.
Texas Congressman Troy Nehls, a Republican, has been involved in controversy over his military honors. An investigation confirmed that Nehls incorrectly wore a Combat Infantryman Badge, which he did not earn while serving as a civil affairs officer in Afghanistan.
The Army's review corrected his records, indicating he should have received the Combat Action Badge instead, and issued a revised DD215 form in 2023, excluding the Combat Infantryman Badge.
