Posted on Mar 4, 2016
Distinguished Warfare Medal - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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For many within the cyber and UAV communities, this medal was thought of as a way to recognize them for their efforts in military service. So I ask these questions: What is your view on this matter? Do you feel it is justified with the changing landscape of military operations? Does the creation of the "R" device for remote ops, lead to a watering down of other awards?
This concept has been debated within my circles, for and against, since its original announcement. One premise we all agree on is that its precedence was set too high. We agree that it should be set along with the Meritorious Service medals (i.e. Air Medal, MSM, etc.), but not above Bronze Star. Another aspect is the first and secondary effects, both good and bad, that Cyber and UAV's create, which is often overlooked with battlefield operations. We all agree this does not need to be an award "so everyone gets a trophy." I want to get everyone's view on this issue, seeing as this award is being looked at again, with possible changes.
This concept has been debated within my circles, for and against, since its original announcement. One premise we all agree on is that its precedence was set too high. We agree that it should be set along with the Meritorious Service medals (i.e. Air Medal, MSM, etc.), but not above Bronze Star. Another aspect is the first and secondary effects, both good and bad, that Cyber and UAV's create, which is often overlooked with battlefield operations. We all agree this does not need to be an award "so everyone gets a trophy." I want to get everyone's view on this issue, seeing as this award is being looked at again, with possible changes.
Distinguished Warfare Medal - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Posted from en.wikipedia.org
DoD
Awards
Cyber
Posted 9 y ago
Responses: 6
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How does a peacetime/combat operation differ when it's conducted from a building in the US? If you performed admirably operating a UAV during a combat op, then you can be awarded an Achievement or Commendation medal. Why should there be a new medal or award? The award of an AFCM or AFAM reflects both the act and the level of danger or personal sacrifice, which is none by the way.
I understand that pilots don't want to be selected to fly UAV's vs other fighter aircraft, there's no glory in it. But we shouldn't "create" glory so that they can be highlighted at promotion boards against their fighter pilot peers. At the end of the day, if the AF deems UAV ops important, then their pilots should get the recognition they deserve when it comes time for promotions.
I understand that pilots don't want to be selected to fly UAV's vs other fighter aircraft, there's no glory in it. But we shouldn't "create" glory so that they can be highlighted at promotion boards against their fighter pilot peers. At the end of the day, if the AF deems UAV ops important, then their pilots should get the recognition they deserve when it comes time for promotions.
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TSgt (Join to see)
While I do agree with you to some extent, it should be noted that cyber and UAV operators do not qualify for the Air Medals or Aerial Achievement medals, which would be akin to the award this was trying to create. The DoD has created specific awards for certain groups in the past (pilots), to which this award is attempting to recognize. Personally, as a cyber operator, I have deployed out with special ops and forward units, doing missions that the AF said were not combat awarding actions, as I was not assigned to a combat billet number. That type of award would recognize that, as the AFCM and AFAM may be seen as lower precedence for actions in duty. Then again, I have been wrong before, and this could be the "Nintendo" medal so everyone feels good about themselves. Either way, thank you for your perspective.
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MSgt John Taylor
TSgt (Join to see) - There's a difference between piloting and flying, air and Aerial medals are for flying. The AF has a huge problem with awards and decs. Too many commanders want to highlight their folks with decs vs awards or even EPRs. It's gotten to where it was so abused, that now they have quotas that limit medal and types of medals downrange. If you have one of those jobs that's conducted in the safety of the CONUS, then good for you. I don't think less of you or your accomplishments. Your rack won't be as large as mine, but you don't compete against me for promotions either.
I didn't have a job riding shotgun in a convoy or kicking in doors, but my job in Afghanistan did put me more in harms way than a UAV pilot at Creech Field. If we're to be rewarded for our actions, that has to be reflected.
I didn't have a job riding shotgun in a convoy or kicking in doors, but my job in Afghanistan did put me more in harms way than a UAV pilot at Creech Field. If we're to be rewarded for our actions, that has to be reflected.
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I'm not an award chaser by any means and no I don't feel everyone deserves awards. However, I do feel that those that perform extraordinarily while doing remote ops do deserve something.
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SSG Derek Scheller
SGT William Howell - When ARCOMs are given for pcs then no they shouldn't be used for remote warfare.
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SGT William Howell
I have got them for going above and beyond what was expected. That is what they should be given for. They have morphed into the PCS award which is BS.
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I have been very vocal about combat patches for serving in Kuwait. It is total bullshit. An award for sitting in AZ and flying a drone in Afghanistan, why? They are not risking anything. What about the guy in Kuwait loading ammo in a plane for a war zone? He doesn't deserve a combat patch, but he does deserve recognition as much as a drone pilot (who is at the house drinking a cold one at the end of the day). They are directly supporting combat troops and without them a war fighter is useless. Where is their medal? MEDALS FOR EVERYONE!!! We can all look like the French.
Just some food for thought. Never in modern history has the side with the most medals ever won a war.
Just some food for thought. Never in modern history has the side with the most medals ever won a war.
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