The Army is in the process of creating a new combat badge and officially creating a mountain badge. The U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command published the following in their November newsletter:
“All three badges (Master Combat, Army Mountaineer, and Mariner) are currently at The Institute of Heraldry (TIOH). The Master Combat Badge did not require a complete redesign; therefore, it can be released within the next few weeks. TIOH anticipates the Mountaineer redesign and the Mariner design to be completed by the last week of November / first week of December. …, Once redesign-designs are complete and approved, next step is to manufacture and place on shelves. Each badge will have its own ALARACT message. The ALARACT will highlight each individual badge and elaborate on the criteria Soldiers had to meet to earn the badge. Somewhat of a “spotlight” on the Soldiers who earn the badges.”
