Pentagon creates new Combat Medal......

[PegLeg45]

....... for cyber, drone wars:

Pentagon creates new medal for cyber, drone wars

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 their battlefield contributions may be recognized.

Defense Secretary Leon Panetta announced 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.

"I've seen firsthand how modern tools, like remotely piloted platforms and cyber systems, have changed the way wars are fought," Panetta said. "And they've given our men and women the ability to engage the enemy and change the course of battle, even from afar."
The work they do "does contribute to the success of combat operations, particularly when they remove the enemy from the field of battle, even if those actions are physically removed from the fight," he said.

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.

Officials said the new medal will be the first combat-related award to be created since the Bronze Star in 1944.
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.

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more at link:

http://news.yahoo.com/pentagon-creates-medal-cyber-drone-wars-165609753--politics.html

[Pathfinder]

Well, those who earn it probably got sports awards for finishing last place in school, or maybe just for showing up, so this is a logical (? ? ? ) extension of that mindset. Kinda like bho winning the Nobel Peace prize for what he might possibly, someday kinda do.

[tombogan03884]

Well, those who earn it probably got sports awards for finishing last place in school, or maybe just for showing up, so this is a logical (? ? ? ) extension of that mindset. Kinda like bho winning the Nobel Peace prize for what he might possibly, someday kinda do.

You're wrong Path.
These medals are no more unearned than aircraft crews who never get closer than 2 miles to the actual fighting eat 3 hot meals every day and sleep in clean sheets every night.

[jnevis]

That's all the AF

[tombogan03884]

That's all the AF

What about the guy's in Marine squads with the little hand launched ones ?

[Sponsor]

[kmitch200]

What about the guy's in Marine squads with the little hand launched ones ?

At least those guys are still in danger range.
The guy sitting in a trailer in Nevada bouncing signals off satellites? Not so much.

[tombogan03884]

I don't see why any one has a problem with this.
They give out medals for being in the area without actually killing the enemy, why not give a medal for killing the enemy with out actually being there.
Seems a heck of a lot more deserved if you ask me.

[Timothy]

I'm with Bogan on this one!  There a few ribbons awarded that I never received because there was no conflict during my four year hitch.  The National Defense Service Ribbon is given to anyone on active duty during a conflict whether they're in the theater of ops or not.  I don't have one, no big deal!

Combat is combat, plenty of squids have ribbons for defense of their country and never left the confines of the ship they served on.  This is no different!

[Jrlobo]

I agree with Tim and Tom as long as some validation is required. The guys to receive this new medal may serve in secrecy and in classified units. Identifying them publicly for the medal may endanger them, their families and their co-workers. The Pentagon better handle this with some sensitivity before they blow cover on NSA, DIA, Service and SOF personnel who may be deserving of the award but not of the public recognition. Just a thought.

[tombogan03884]

I agree with Tim and Tom as long as some validation is required. The guys to receive this new medal may serve in secrecy and in classified units. Identifying them publicly for the medal may endanger them, their families and their co-workers. The Pentagon better handle this with some sensitivity before they blow cover on NSA, DIA, Service and SOF personnel who may be deserving of the award but not of the public recognition. Just a thought.

There is already a protocol in place for the award of medals such as the CIA' Intelligence Star .