Its different for different awards.  

If you're in a combat theater, you get a combat patch.  

If you've "participated in active ground combat," and you are an Infantryman, you get a Combat Infantryman's Badge (C.I.B.).  

If you parachute into a combat operation, you are awarded a combat parachutist's badge.

And yes, I've witnessed B.S. badges too.

After we parachuted in and neutralized all resistance at the Omar Torrijos International Airport (in Panama - OP Just Cause) I was sitting on the runway , eating my MRE and taking it easy before the follow-on missions started.  We had about an hour or two of nothing to do - sun was up, and planning was taking place - we all looked up and saw a C-141 flying overhead.  We thought, "oh, they must be getting ready to land," but lo and behold - jumpers started exiting the aircraft - WTF was it?

REMF officers getting their Combat Jump Wings.  Damn cheap way to get those!  And the mail delivery personnel (if they actually stepped off the aircraft) were awarded combat patches.  

I'll bet those are the same guys who have a lot of "stories" to tell back home.

Guys, just so you know, this man is the "real deal" who has BTDT.  Listen to him.  "Rambo" is a crock of crap--this man knows whereof he speaks.  I wish I knew more detail, for my own edification, but I know enough to know he is a true hero, who served in Vietnam, and is too damned modest about it.  I have not read this entire thread (yet), but I hope no one has defamed our troops.  Please give them our utmost respect.  Their lives are on the line daily while we spew b.s. at our computer keyboards.  Heroes all.

[USA]

I don't give a [b]damn[/b] which--they are doing it for me, and the likes of you.  In your case, I can't imagine why.  [rolleyes]

P.S. Occasionally I really hate being a Mod, and therefore unable to speak my mind.  This is one of those times.  [pissed]

I agree with you wholeheartedly sir.  Don't take my post as a sign of disrespect towards the troops.  I have wished many times I was over there in A-stan or the battlefield du jour, so that some soldier with a wife and kids could be here with them.  I should be there patrolling with a rifle, not them.  They should be hugging their family.
However, do not make the mistake of believing that anything but "image" matters to most people who aren't in the military.  People don't have any idea what is required to reach combat efficiency/effectiveness, and what's more they can't bring themselves to even consider the subject, because "killing is bad". [rolleyes]  You apparently took my post in the spirit it was intended - as informational sarcasm a la Imbroglio.
I salute you sir, and I am proud every time I see you post.

Full beards prevent proper sealing of gas masks.  In the event of use of inhalatory agents by the enemy, masks might be more useful than beards, don't you agree?
In lieu of beards, the troops will have to find other ways to capture the "hearts and minds" of the Afghans.  I'm sure there are ways, especially if the troops let the Afghans know that they have been [b]ordered[/b] to shave as a military measure.  I think the Afghan soldiers would respect that.  

They've been doing this for a while now (some of them for many years in different theaters of operation).  

You don't think they've already established a contingency for this beard / protective mask obstacle?

What's the contingency?
When somebody calls "GAS GAS GAS!" instead of reaching for the promask, they reach for the razor first? [:D]

Oh no, I'm sure you guys are 100% right.  They have contingencies for everything BUT this.  I'm surprised we're just sitting here, doing nothing - we need to get this info to them lickety-split!

Every Private Joe Snuffy knows facial hair impedes pro-mask seals - I wonder why they haven't told our Special Operations guys?  Those rats...

Grab a razor when someone yells GAS?  Geez, you KNOW they'll have at least 2 razors...

(hee-hee... I'm happy to see everyone's maintaining their sense of humor)