Pentagon creates medal for cyber, drone wars

[nhboy (Premo)]

Link to original source.

"WASHINGTON — They fight the war from computer consoles and video screens.

But the troops that launch the drone strikes and direct the cyberattacks that can kill or disable an enemy may never set foot in the combat zone. Now, defense officials say, their battlefield contributions may be recognized.

Defense Secretary Leon Panetta is expected to announce Wednesday that for the first time the Pentagon is creating a medal that can be awarded to troops who have a direct impact on combat operations, but do it from afar.

The Associated Press has learned that the new blue, red and white-ribboned Distinguished Warfare Medal will be awarded to individuals for "extraordinary achievement" related to a military operation that occurred after Sept. 11, 2001. But unlike other combat medals, it does not require the recipient risk his or her life to get it.

The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because the announcement had not yet been made.

A recognition of the evolving 21st Century warfare, the medal will be considered a bit higher in ranking than the Bronze Star, but is lower than the Silver Star, defense officials said.

The Bronze Star is the fourth highest combat decoration and rewards meritorious service in battle, while the Silver Star is the third highest combat award given for bravery. Several other awards, including the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, are also ranked higher, but are not awarded for combat."

LOL! Ranks above a Bronze Star!

[aps45819]

Bravery in the face of carpel tunnel syndrome

[BOP]

Which one does the Won get for ordering the hits?

[thurley42]

Originally Posted by aps45819

Bravery in the face of carpel tunnel syndrome

You do realize there are special operations teams that operate uavs forward deployed in direct combat actions don't you?

[aps45819]

Originally Posted by thurley42

You do realize there are special operations teams that operate uavs forward deployed in direct combat actions don't you?

Reconnaissance drones, not the ones that launch missiles and certainly not the guys that do cyber attacks.

[thurley42]

Originally Posted by aps45819

Reconnaissance drones, not the ones that launch missiles and certainly not the guys that do cyber attacks.

Incorrect on the first point, correct on the 2nd. I think they should have merged certain uav actions in with the air medal instead of making this medal with cyber warfare. The idea that a guy sitting in a room hacking it defending hacks can be awarded something over a bronze star is ridiculous.

[Rt235]

How stupid is that?????

If they do that, then give a medal to ALL troops behind the lines that contribute to the war effort!!
Another fine example of our growing debt!!!

[MMDad]

[glhs837]

They also serve who also sit and click.......

[MMDad]

The current crop grew up in a culture that said everyone had to get a trophy. It's not surprising that it is now necessary to make sure that everyone gets a medal.