I am not as offended by this drone medal as some might be. Its not like the drone pilots are getting a silver star, thus watering down its meaning. Its a distinct medal, as I understand it. And don’t we want the drone pilots to do a good job? You can’t give a soldier a pay raise or a spot bonus - but you can give medals. I’m ok with rewarding good work with a medal.
When I was in the Army, I was awarded the National Defense Service Medal (NDSM). Its essentially a participation medal, which meant I was on active duty during the first Gulf War. I wasn’t in the combat zone, or anywhere close to it...just on active duty. I felt silly, quite frankly...but we all got it, and it is what it is. The NDSM has been around since the Korean war; and, in my opinion its worse than a drone medal. So its not like the drone medal is the first of its kind.
So I say go ahead and give the medal. I’d like to think it would be reserved for soldiers who do a really good job - I imagine some soldiers are better than others at identifying targets, etc.
Now please excuse me while I put my Nomex underwear on.
There is nothing in this medal that can’t be covered by a Commendation Medal. There is simply no need for it.
All they need if they do something that can be measured as above and beyond, or as super competent when compared to the other guys and gals in the office, is a framed document for their wall and an award in their file, they don’t need a medal for their dress uniform.
Nomex? How racist of you :).
I agree with your excellent post.
We’ve only seen the beginnings of this trend.
I suspect 20 years from now a huge amount of combat will be done in this fashion.
The medal shouldn’t have a higher status then a purple heart and bronze star. I think that goes a little too far.
I’m with you. The military has tons and tons of awards for various thing, ranging the incredibly minor to the awe inspiring. I mean really, doing a tour of duty as a recruiter gets you a ribbon, why shouldn’t drone pilots (who let’s face it in our modern age of warfare are probably killing more enemy combatants than anybody else in the service) get something. Obviously it shouldn’t be considered one of the big ones, it’s not a distinguished anything or heroism, but they are killing bad guys.