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Government

Controversial Service Medal for Drone Operators Might Actually Not Happen Now

Mar. 13, 2013 9:03am Liz Klimas

In February, the now former Defense Secretary Leon Panetta introduced the Distinguished Warfare Medal, a non-combat medal, for those engaging in cyber warfare.
The medal was quickly met with backlash from vets and lawmakers and the new Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel has pulled back on the medal for review.
“[To] pin something on a guy’s chest that ranks higher than the purple heart like you mentioned for sitting in an air conditioned trailer playing with a joystick doesn’t sit well with me at all.” -Retired Lt. Col., USAF, Dan Hampton

Distinguished Warfare Medal for Cyber Warfare Being Reviewed After Complaints

This image released by the Defense Department shows the reverse view of the newly announced Distinguished Warfare Medal. The military has stopped production of a new medal for remote warfare troops _ drone operators and cyber warfighters _ as it considers complaints. (Image: AP)

WASHINGTON (TheBlaze/AP) — The military has stopped production of a new medal for remote warfare troops – drone operators and cyber warfighters – as it considers complaints from veterans and lawmakers over the award, which was ranked higher than traditional combat medals like the Purple Heart and Bronze Star.

Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel has ordered a review of the Distinguished Warfare Medal, which was to be awarded to troops who operate drones and use other technological skills to fight America’s wars from afar.

Pentagon press secretary George Little said Tuesday that Hagel ordered another look in light of concerns by lawmakers and veterans groups over the fact that the new medal was ranked above medals for those who served on the front line in harm’s way, such as the Purple Heart given to wounded troops.

“He’s heard their concerns, he’s heard the concerns of others,” Little said of Hagel.

If the review agrees with those complaints, the medal would likely have to be renamed and new medals manufactured, a government official said on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak on the record. It was not immediately known how many had been produced.

Veterans of Foreign Wars spokesman Joe Davis called Hagel’s action “a very encouraging sign” but noted that fixing the problem is “not yet a done deal.”

Watch this report from WZTV earlier this month regarding the controversy over the medal:

In WZTV’s report, retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Dan Hampton, who TheBlaze has reported on before regarding his new book, said “to pin something on a guy’s chest that ranks higher than the purple heart like you mentioned for sitting in an air conditioned trailer playing with a joystick doesn’t sit well with me at all.”

(Photo: Gerald Nino, CBP, U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security/Wikimedia)

Hagel’s decision “shows exactly why we supported him” for defense secretary, said VoteVets.org, a progressive political action committee that has been lobbying for a change in the medal. “Having a former grunt who served in war at the top in the Pentagon means a deeper understanding of those who are serving our nation right now.”

Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-Ca., said fixing the issue is one thing, but the Pentagon also should “admit this was a bad idea” in the first place.

In ordering a new look at the medal, Hagel said Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Martin Dempsey would lead a review of how the medal is ranked among others – where it is in what the military calls “the order of precedence” of the medal, Little said.

Hagel is going to work with Dempsey, the service secretaries and the service chiefs to review the ranking. He wants Dempsey to report back in 30 days.

In addition to vet concerns, there is a practical side to the rankings for currently serving troops. There are grades of medals – commendation, merit, distinguished – that affect not only the name but promotions for those still in uniform. Each grade gives troops a certain number of points needed for promotions.

Former Defense Secretary Leon Panetta announced the new medal last month, saying it was meant to recognize battlefield contributions in a world of changing warfare.

“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.”

Over the last decade of war, remotely piloted Predator and Reaper drones have become a critical weapon to gather intelligence and conduct airstrikes against terrorists or insurgents around the world. They have been used extensively on the battlefields in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as in strikes in Pakistan, Yemen and northern Africa.

Over the same time, cyberattacks have become a growing national security threat, with Panetta and others warning that the next Pearl Harbor could well be a computer-based assault.

Officials said in announcing the medal last month that it would be the first combat-related award to be created since the Bronze Star in 1944. And, they said that in recognition of the evolving 21st century warfare, the medal would be considered a bit higher in ranking than the Bronze Star, but lower than the Silver Star.

The VFW and other groups say that ranking it ahead of the Bronze Star and Purple Heart is an injustice to those who served on the front-lines.

John Bircher, a spokesman for the Military Order of the Purple Heart, has said the veterans groups are not objecting to the medal – just the ranking. He said some medals ranked ahead of the Purple Heart are achievement medals that can be earned outside of war time. What bothers many veterans is that the new Distinguished Warfare Medal appears be a war-time medal that trumps acts of valor, which he finds insulting.

The backlash to the Pentagon’s announcement included an online petition to the White House signed by thousands of people. The petition called the medal “an injustice to those who served and risked their lives” and asked that it not be allowed to move forward as planned.

Hunter said the decision to rank the new medal “so high represents everything that’s wrong with the awards process.”

“Acts of valor in Iraq and Afghanistan have been underrepresented, with only 11 Medals of Honor awarded,” he said in a statement, naming troops who he said “have been failed by the awards process” and calling on the military to correct their cases.

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Comments (32)

dynaboy
Posted on March 14, 2013 at 10:10am
These guys that do the drones should all be locked up for murder like the NAZI”S,,,yah they are in danger sitting on their fat ass’s probably smoking a little pot while master baiting to porn on internet

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Secret Squirrel
Posted on March 13, 2013 at 8:47pm
Hey, drone pilots can get injured too.
Carpal tunnel syndrome.
I see a purple heart.

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garbagecanlogic
Posted on March 13, 2013 at 7:02pm
After having served 20-yrs in the military, this was one of the stooooopidist things I’ve heard. Some guy sitting in a compy chair, far from the battlefield, sippin on a coke – and he gets a medal for playing a glorified video game!!

Praise Be To Obama. Psalm 109:8

The U.N. Out Of The U.S.
The U.S. Out Of The U.N.

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JoeFromSidney
Posted on March 13, 2013 at 6:55pm
The idea of a medal is just wrong. A service ribbon would have been appropriate.

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spinelessdave
Posted on March 13, 2013 at 6:22pm
When I was in the military I deployed a few SCUD missiles
in the crapper, where the fetch is my medal ?

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- EricStoner
  Posted on March 13, 2013 at 6:43pm
  When we played similar video games all we got were some free tokens and a cheap teddy bear. If like in this vid they are in the combat zone I don’t know I have a problem with it but sitting in a trailer in Nevada out of harms way? I love the services and you find your fun where it is but ….
  
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BannedByHuffpo
Posted on March 13, 2013 at 6:20pm
This comes as no surprise.

This is the same Army that awarded Iraq veteran PFC Jessica Lynch the Bronze Star for getting lost, wrecking a government vehicle in sandstorm, and getting captured by the enemy. She was also awarded the POW medal for her stay in an Iraqi hospital recovering from her traffic accident wounds, for which she was also awarded the Purple Heart.

WWII, Korea and RVN vets are disgusted that DoD has cheapened our service with such phony BS awards.

Just a note to any young American contemplating enlistment; These are the same frauds you’ll be reporting to. Are you sure you wanna’ go through with this?

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101stIraqVet
Posted on March 13, 2013 at 4:06pm
Do they also get an Afghanistan Campaign Medal for their drone being over Afghan airspace?

It wouldn’t surprise me.

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Tin Bender
Posted on March 13, 2013 at 3:58pm
Think the drone operators should get some recognition, like three Kelloggs Rice Crispy’s box tops and a letter of appreciation for standing in harns way. Seriously, a commendation would be OK, but to strike a new medal for these guys is nits.

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Cavallo
Posted on March 13, 2013 at 10:22am
Don’t worry, soon they will develop a Party Loyalty Medal. For Loyal and Dedicated Service to the State and to our Beloved Leader, Barack Obama.
First up to receive such an award might be the @ssclown we have in charge of some of our Pacific Theater operations (Navy Admiral Samuel J. Locklear III) who is more worried about Global Warming Cult Junk Science than the threat of a nuclear North Korea or Chinese Military expansion.

http://weaselzippers.us/2013/03/10/commander-of-u-s-pacific-forces-says-global-warming-is-our-top-threat/

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- ozchambers
  Posted on March 13, 2013 at 10:32am
  They’ve decided to just award them all BRONZE STARS now.
  
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- RayOne
  Posted on March 13, 2013 at 11:50am
  Any award by the WhiteHouse of basketball diplomacy is cheap by the history books.
  
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Dismayed Veteran
Posted on March 13, 2013 at 10:21am
The Aerial Achievement Medal is currently in being awarded to UAV operators. It in the category of “Medals for non-combat heroism”. It is ranked below the Purple Heart. Why create a new medal.

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- Cavallo
  Posted on March 13, 2013 at 10:45am
  They want to increase the loyalty of these men so they are less likely to object when they are called on to kill American Civilians.
  
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Kjz
Posted on March 13, 2013 at 9:46am
So how much money did we waste on this medal? What Congressional Districts got this pork through?

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walnutportconservative
Posted on March 13, 2013 at 9:43am
Lieutenant Commander Lyndon B. Johnson, a Texas congressman temporarily serving in the U.S. Navy, received his nation’s third-highest combat decoration while on a 1942 fact-finding mission. The future president was so proud of his award that he wore the silver lapel pin for the rest of his life.
LBJ biographer Robert Caro Johnson received the nation’s third-highest combat medal for what amounted to taking an airplane ride and spending :a few minutes under fire.” But the under fire part of the story never happened. Facts being, LBJ never got within sight of Japanese forces. His mission, like so much of his life, was a lie. LBJ’s “heroism” was fabricated from the start.
(Barrett Tillman and Henry Sakaida

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loveoursoldiers
Posted on March 13, 2013 at 9:42am
Hagle was just following orders. Didn’t waste any time did he? A stupid white Republican ? Vietnam war hero a reallly good choice if you want to mock whites, republicans and REAL war heroes. And because of his service don’t you dare criticize him!
Glenn is now outraged about the bronze star for bravery being awarded to a person who made an ‘especially good’ power point presentation about how to treat the Koran.
Now Glenn, can you connect the dots? Do yout think SWM Hagle thought this up all by himself ro do you think a Muslim in charge tell him to do this?
Every single day it is MORE obvious that Hussein is a Muslim.. honoring Muslim traditions….inspiring ( COing) ‘atheists’ against Christians, pushing all things Muslim…. financial support to the ME..while US citizens are not allowed into the people’s house. etc..
Ahh.. you thought it was the sequester.. poor excuse at that.. but it is NOT.. it is a veiled anti-American action.. think about it.. what better way to mock/slam Americans than barring them from their house occupied by a Muslim… more mockery in using their money to support enemies while Americans endure hardships.
Waketf up.. EVERYTHING this man does is a mockery of America/Americans and a high five to Muslims. Always look for the deeper meaning for his actions and you will always see he misses no opportunity to mock us through veiled references and actions.
And, BTW, is the Easter egg roll in jeopardy? I bet that costs a lot. get it now?

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- Dismayed Veteran
  Posted on March 13, 2013 at 10:28am
  The Bronze Star is awarded for valor or meritorious service. I suspect the Chaplain is being awarded the Bronze Star for Meritorious Service. If his act contributed towards saving American lives, I guess he is deserving of a medal. I personally believe he should get a Commendation Medal.
  
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- richauthor
  Posted on March 13, 2013 at 10:37am
  Obama ABANDONED our heroes in Benghazi.
  
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RayOne
Posted on March 13, 2013 at 9:34am
The people in charge must first trivialize not only history before themselves, but the work done.
The BeghaziDECEPTION continues in the low information age, http://www.wnd.com/wnd_video/benghazi-gate-seven-agents-remain-hospitalized-since-the-attack/

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Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
Posted on March 13, 2013 at 9:33am
Bad idea across the board.

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RANGER1965
Posted on March 13, 2013 at 9:20am
How does the military award achievement?

With medals.

Their should be a medal for distiguished service regarding drone operations. They are finding and killing the enemy, and contributing to the success of the military. In some cases they are the only success.

This medal should not rank higher than any of the courage/valor medals, or a purple heart, but there should be a medal for their activities.

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- Fubared
  Posted on March 13, 2013 at 1:10pm
  An ‘I was there in spirit’ medal?
  
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- TyrannyNoMore
  Posted on March 13, 2013 at 1:42pm
  How much courage, or valor does it take to play a video game? I understand the results of this game are deadly, but that is the point. That is to say, these operators don’t have to face the enemy on the battlefield, nor do they have to walk over the body of some insurgent, who’s skull has been splattered by a .50 caliber round. Rather, they sit in an air conditioned room sipping coffee while they rain death upon the enemy from the relative comfort of their easy chairs. Does this save soldier’s lives in the theater of combat ? Yes, undoubtedly it does, but that does not make these drone operators more brave than your average marine, who rarely gets such recognition for doing their job so well.
  
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- RANGER1965
  Posted on March 13, 2013 at 2:44pm
  about 90% of Military medals have nothing to do with courage or valor. Civilians always assume that miltary medals are all for bravely facing enemy fire. Hell, they even have good conduct medals, which is as far as I can figure a medal for not screwing up.
  
  In that spirit there should be medals for achievement in Drone Warfare. It’s that simple folks.
  
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- BannedByHuffpo
  Posted on March 13, 2013 at 5:53pm
  Agreed. Somewhere between ARCOM and Army Achievement medal.
  
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starman70
Posted on March 13, 2013 at 9:18am
COMMON SENSE FINALLY PREVAILS!!!!!!! This was, is and will be the stupidest idea ever.

When you can sit in a plush chair in an air conditioned room and just “PLAY” an enhanced video game and then be considered for some medal, well this is the most extreme form of pandering ever created.

Medals should be reserved for those who risk their lives in service to their country or their fellow citizens, not armchair pilots.

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progressiveslayer
Posted on March 13, 2013 at 9:17am
Since you’re at zero chance of losing your life there shouldn’t be a medal and it should be obvious. If your actions must be recognized then just make it the lowest medal on the scale,problem solved.

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- RayOne
  Posted on March 13, 2013 at 11:42am
  The agenda’s objective is to redefine HONOR. A first step is trivialize heroes.
  
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smokeysmoke
Posted on March 13, 2013 at 9:12am
lets not pretend that the whole next geneation has already been learning how to use controllers like this and many have logged thousands of hours, building skills which the fuhrer will need in his future drone army

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eat-more-bacon-USA
Posted on March 13, 2013 at 9:09am
And … what about this?

“An Air Force chaplain has been awarded a Bronze Star for his service in crafting an especially good PowerPoint about how to treat islamic religious materials with sensitivity …”

http://www.barenakedislam.com/2013/03/12/warning-viewer-discretion-advised-for-active-duty-military-and-veterans/

“Sometimes there are no words. Just disgust and horror at what Obama has done to the United States military. And what he still plans to do.”

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- walnutportconservative
  Posted on March 13, 2013 at 9:54am
  My son was hit in one of the sandbox warzones and he was given a purple heart. He was not seriously injured… We Thank GOD For That. Listen…. he has just been told (he’s now out and just a citizen) he could not purchase a gun. PTSD will be another way to control people… the very ones who went out to fight for the constitution and B.O.R.s this stinking administration kicks around.
  
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