Distinguished Warfare Medal

[DA SWO]

Part of me wants to laugh, I predict 2-3 "Warfare Medals", so the UAV/RPV Guys/Gals will soon have their special eye candy:

The Department of Defense announced today the creation of the Distinguished Warfare Medal to recognize a service member’s extraordinary achievements directly impacting combat operations.

Modern technology enables service members with special training and capabilities to more directly and precisely impact military operations at times far from the battlefield. The Distinguished Warfare Medal will be awarded in the name of the secretary of defense to service members whose extraordinary achievements, regardless of their distance to the traditional combat theater, deserve distinct department-wide recognition.

“I have seen first-hand how modern tools like remotely piloted platforms and cyber systems have changed the way wars can be fought,” said Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta. “We should also have the ability to honor extraordinary actions that make a true difference in combat operations, even if those actions are physically removed from the fight.”

Based on the order of precedence, the Distinguished Warfare Medal will sit directly below the Distinguished Flying Cross. It may be awarded for actions in any domain but not involving acts of valor.

“This new medal recognizes the changing character of warfare and those who make extraordinary contributions to it,” said Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Martin E. Dempsey. “The criteria for this award will be highly selective and reflect high standards.”

 

[Marauder06]

Brother, this IS the UAV medal. Them and cyber warfare.

 

[AWP]

I'm starting to think we should only award medals for wars we win.

 

[SkrewzLoose]

I'm starting to think we should only award medals for wars we win.

We're all winners, Free.

 

[Kraut783]

"The new medal will rank just below the Distinguished Flying Cross. It will have precedence over — and be worn on a uniform above — the Bronze Star with Valor device, a medal awarded to troops for specific heroic acts performed under fire in combat."

http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/new...for-drone-pilots-outranks-bronze-star-021313/

Interesting.......and insulting.

 

[RackMaster]

Merged.

 

[Kraut783]

Crap...sorry guys didn't see this thread and had posted in General Discussion

 

[RackMaster]

Crap...sorry guys didn't see this thread and had posted in General Discussion

No problem... :-" But don't let it happen again... or else... :dead:

 

[Kraut783]

I know...I know...pushing them out now

 

[8654Maine]

I don't know whether to cry or laugh.
Why not give 'em Purple Hearts if the UAV gets damaged?

 

[AWP]

Un-fucking-believeable.

Do a great job in a war zone, but without engaging the enemy? Bronze Star, no V. Alright, that's garbage, but fine....

Do a great job in an air conditioned van on the other side of the world...and your award can rate HIGHER than a BS w/ "V"? Madness.

 

[Teufel]

This is ridiculous. What's wrong with the other medals in our inventory? Does everyone need a medal? People won't give this medal any value, it's just going to be a big joke. If the guy did such a great job then give him an MSM or a commendation medal. Problem solved. Most infantrymen on the ground are getting shot at day in and day out and won't walk out of country with ANY medal on their chest, and if they do it will probably be an achievement medal. Actually they will usually walk out with a combat action ribbon, a campaign medal and a purple heart.

 

[Red-Dot]

Where can I puke.....

 

[Red-Dot]

TACP: We are getting our asses shot off, your target is the two-story rectangular house. We are taking fire from the roof and second story window on the northeast corner.

UAV dude: (While sitting in California and in his comfortable pilot chair) Roger, tally target, making my turn in two mics, will be in from the south-west. So how goes it down there? When I get off my wife and I are driving up to Northern CA for a wine tasting.... Oh yeah I see you guys are taking some heavy fire...

TACP: Mother#$@#$%!!! I need effects on target NOW!!!

UAV dude: Roger.... I am closing as fast as I can... Man, I heard it is hot as hell there...

TACP: Mother#$@#% ....... (well you get the picture)

 

[DA SWO]

I predict this will become a O-6 and up award. (using Distinguished in the title), which is why I think we will see 2-3 additional awards come down, note: this is an across the board award (maybe even a Joint Award).

I want to read the admin track on this.

 

[Karoshi]

Must've been a recommendation by some UAV pilot from the Air Force, since the Army will now be deploying it's Grey Eagle operators into theater to support the fight. Shit is getting out of hand over at the head shed in DC as of late... the good idea fairy has run rampant all over the Pentagon lately.

 

[DA SWO]

Must've been a recommendation by some UAV pilot from the Air Force, since the Army will now be deploying it's Grey Eagle operators into theater to support the fight. Shit is getting out of hand over at the head shed in DC as of late... the good idea fairy has run rampant all over the Pentagon lately.

Sadly, I agree, or an intel guy at a fusion center, spac guy, etc.

I don't disagree, per se, with a "warfighting" award like this; I just think it ranks pretty high on the food chain, which is why I think it's designed for Senior Officers.

 

[Squidward]

I think a service award as mentioned before would've sufficed. Surely not one that sits higher than valor awards given for actions during direct participation in combat. Starting to think I should get a medal for the crazy shit I did playing PS3 last night.

 

[Karoshi]

The situations seem like the are appropriate times to award an MSM... except that the only good an MSM does is to watch it get downgraded to an ARCOM, by the same people who think awarding this makes sense.

 

[Karoshi]

It gives me great pleasure to announce the creation of the Distinguished Warfare Medal (DWM). The DWM provides distinct Department of Defense (DoD)-wide recognition for extraordinary achievement, not involving acts of valor, directly impacting combat operations or other military operations, such as operations authorized by a Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Execute Order, as approved by me.

The DWM provides an avenue to recognize appropriately extraordinary direct impacts on combat operations warranting recognition above the Bronze Star Medal. Since September 11, 2001, technological advancements have, in some cases dramatically changed how we conduct and support combat and other military operations. Accordingly, the DWM award criteria intentionally does not include a geographic limitation in award, as it is intended for use as a means to recognize Service members who meet the criteria, regardless of the domain used or the member’s physical location. Given the DWM’s level-of-precedence, immediately below the Distinguished Flying Cross, the member’s actions must have resulted in an accomplishment so exceptional and outstanding as to clearly set the individual apart from comrades or from other persons in similar situations.

The DWM may not be awarded for actions prior to September 11, 2001. Each Military Department Secretary is the approval authority for award of the DWM. This authority may not be delegated. Subsequent to the date of this memorandum, each Military Department Secretary shall establish procedures for processing requests for award of the DWM within their respective Military Department.

Award criteria are attached and will be incorporated in the next revision of DoD Manual 1348.33-V3, “Manual of Military Decorations and Awards,” Volume 3.

Link to actual memorandum