Navy and Marine Combat Aircrew is earned by aircrewmen who have participated in aerial flight in combat. Also serve in aerial combat in a nontechnical position and must be a volunteer. This badge displays oxide silver finish wings with a gold circular shield with the words AIRCREW under the wings and shield. This is an official issue badge that is ready to be worn on an official uniform. This badge is regulation size and made in the USA. Miniature sized, anodized finish Marine Combat Aircrew Badge.

For those who have participated in actual combat missions, gold service stars are worn pinned to the top of the decoration. Upon earning more than three gold stars, silver stars are awarded in recognition of three gold stars, meaning three silver equates to nine gold plus the initial award of the combat aircrew device.

The Marine Combat Aircrew Badge can be issued to service members of both the Marine Corps and United States Navy (while serving in a Marine Corps aviation squadron). Current regulations require a set number of combat ‘points’ to be earned before wear is authorized. It is not authorized to wear both the Combat Aircrew and Naval Aircrew pins at the same time. If an individual service member has been awarded both badges, they may decide which pin to wear on their uniform. A sailor who has qualified for the Combat Aircrew Badge and at least one gold star places the initials “CAC” in parentheses after their rate and rating; for example, a Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class (HM2), after having qualified for their CAC Badge, is identified as a HM2(CAC).