I think this is a bad idea. Its equating people who have been profoundly damaged or killed in battle with people who are Nintendo masters.
H/T Fjordman
Atlantic Wire:
Pentagon to Start Awarding Medals for Drone Strikes and Cyberattacks
The Defense Department is reportedly inventing a new medal designed to reward soliders who fight battles from the safety of their computer consoles. The Associated Press says the Pentagon is creating a new ribbon, called the Distinguished Warfare Medal that will be given for “extra achievement” related to a military operation. That would include drone pilots operating unmanned planes from halfway around the world, or even hackers who launch a successful cyberattack on an enemy. Unlike all other combat-related medals, this would be the first one that you can be awarded without actually putting your life on the line.
Not all medals are for valor, some are awarded for good work if they start awarding valor awards they are very wrong.
the moral implications for killing from afar appear to be underestimated by the public; people still die at the press of a button, even if that button is not directly attached to a weapon system.
is stands to reason that the potential for psychological damage to the combatant (and moral damage) might also be underestimated.
Bilbo:
I accept that. However it is not comparable to placing yourself in mortal danger in the exorcize of your duty. Very close friends of mine have taken massive damage at the hands of the Taliban. Physical and psychological. I can tell you that they do not believe that operating from a safe location is equivalent. Definitely different medals would be in order.
Medals, no! Some sort of achievement award, yes!
I’m all for the drone program but it doesn’t involve valor. I’d say the people who set it up deserve medals though.
I think a point system is warranted in these situations. Then the operators or ‘button pushers’ could redeem their points for gifts such as trips, cars, etc. Killing bad guys is the name of the game and that’s how most games are rewarded . . .
I agree Eeyore, although an Army Commendation medal would fit for all soldiers.
One thing most civilians don’t understand is that the ribbons and medals tell the other soldiers where the recipient has served and to a lesser extent how well he served. I know several decorated soldiers who say the only medal that means much is the Combat Infantry Badge that is awarded for sustained bravery, specific combat branches are awarded the badge after a certain amount of time in combat. When I was serving it was I believe 6 months, or less if the war lasted less.