DoD Award To Recognize Drone Operators (securityweek.com)

wiredmikey writes: According to a Pentagon memo due out today, the US military will create a new way to recognize drone operators and other service members who contribute to America's fighting efforts from afar. The military is set to introduce a new "R" designation — known as a "device" — that can be attached to medals given to drone operators and other non-combat troops, such as cyber warriors who hack enemy networks. Former defense secretary Chuck Hagel nixed a proposed new combat medal for US troops who launch drone strikes or cyber attacks, after a torrent of criticism from veterans and lawmakers. Drone pilots have complained of low morale, long hours and of the psychological impacts stemming from killing people remotely.

Comments

Re:Recognize them???

[CrankyFool]

Actually, incorrect. While some awards (e.g. the Bronze Star, Medal of Honor) are given for unusual behavior (e.g. heroism), the military has the worlds' original badge system. There are badges for everything. For example, you can get the Silver Chevron if you've served in a war but stateside for at least six months (see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/...).

So it's entirely reasonable to say "there's something distinctive about this group that merits its own device" -- most devices have nothing to do with heroism.

Re:Recognize them???

[dwillden]

His safety is not a criteria. He was there dong the job as needed. The pilot of the AC130 that could have been circling overhead instead of the drone would get an award for flying in circles while others aimed the guns and fired all at no more risk than any other flight. Further the AC130 pilot is just flying in circles over a spot, the Drone pilot is not only guiding the drone but targeting living human beings and blowing them up. Something that is psychologically damaging to do day in and day out, knowing it's not just a video game but real humans whose lives are being violently terminated.

The actions performed that shape and affect the battlefield are what matter, no matter how they are performed. The intel analyst sitting on a secure base that connects the dots revealing the enemy plans in time for the combat troops to thwart them gets rewarded, so should the drone pilot. There are various levels of awards. Yes some do or at least should involve some personal risk. But there are instances for just about every award but the CHM where it is awarded without direct combat involvement.

Napoleon was not wrong when he declared, "give me enough ribbon and I can conquer the world." Recognition is a key component in morale and promoting future efforts to excel. I agree that they should not be handed out like tic tacs, and they should never be rank based (sadly some units have determined combat medals based on ranks) but they do in fact need to be handed out for all aspects of the war fighting effort.