Medal of Honor Recipient: New Drone Medal is ‘Ludicrous’

U.S. Naval Institute ^ | 3/14/2013 | U.S. Naval Institute

[Saint X]

The creation of the new medal honoring unmanned vehicle pilots and cyber troops, “is a telling and sad commentary on the judgment of those who are responsible for the creation and approval of this award,” Jack Jacobs, Medal of Honor recipient and Vietnam veteran, told USNI News on Wednesday.

[martin_fierro]

[Lonesome in Massachussets]

New Drone Medal is ‘Ludicrous’

He's being far too charitable.

[wesagain]

What a simple way for the “One” to slap down the military!

[lacrew]

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.

[Little Ray]

There is nothing in this medal that can’t be covered by a Commendation Medal. There is simply no need for it.

[ansel12]

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.

[Dan(9698)]

I was in the Army from 1958 to 1961. I spent two years in Germany.

I received the Good Conduct Medal.

[dfwgator]

Did you see Elvis?

[Hardraade]

Drone Medal. Something you get for distinguished drinking and pronounced lisp at the Drone Club.

[Hardraade]

Nomex? How racist of you :).

[ansel12]

People can make their arguments for a medal indicating that a soldier is among the good during a years long period of service being on his uniform.

I don’t see the use of a special medal for the guy who does(what exactly???) one day while sitting at his desk, he is still eligible for the good conduct medal.

[musicman]

[Dan(9698)]

No.

Elvis was in a tank outfit in the middle of the country.

I was in a Nike Hercules Anti-aircraft unit on the border with France.

[krunkygirl]

In your face disrespectful-—and meant to be

[nascarnation]

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.

[lacrew]

I can’t argue with you - an ARCOM could cover this. However, I remember ARCOM’s being given out like candy. Our commander made a big deal out of giving one to our clerk, when he PCS’d to a new post.

Another guy got one for doing a real good job selling hot dogs and candy at the gunnery range.

I don’t really know what a drone pilot does, but I assume it involves landing the thing successfully, identifying targets, intepreting the situation, and they are probably given the responsibility of being the last fail safe against a friendly fire or civilian casualty incident. To me its ‘ok’ for them to have a seperate adornment, which can’t be confused as a ‘hot dog selling’ medal.

When I was in the Army, I liked being able to ‘know who I’m dealing with’ when I met a person....and the medals and awards were very helpful. Airborne wings, Ranger Patches, branch insignia, unit badges, etc could let you know where a guy had been, etc. This would be no different - if I saw a guy in dress uniform, I would instantly know that he had been a drone pilot.

Anyway, I’m certainly not lobbying for the medal...but it doesn’t really bother me. Remember, I had to wear my ‘nothing medal’ NDSM around - at least a Drone medal would have more meaning than that.

[Bob]

I received the Good Conduct Medal.

I refer to mine as my "Didn't-get-caught" medal. :=)

[BerryDingle]

There is nothing in this medal that can’t be covered by a Commendation Medal. There is simply no need for it.

There already is a medal called the Army Achievement Medal, it's basically a certificate of achievement worn on the uniform. It was designed for new soldiers to "have something to wear" besides their NDSM and Good conduct (road guard and fireguard ribbons).

[Bob]

I don’t really know what a drone pilot does, but I assume it involves landing the thing successfully, identifying targets, intepreting the situation, and they are probably given the responsibility of being the last fail safe against a friendly fire or civilian casualty incident. To me its ‘ok’ for them to have a seperate adornment, which can’t be confused as a ‘hot dog selling’ medal.

Whatever he does, the medal for doing it shouldn't rate above the Purple Heart (and many other combat awards).

If they want to have such a medal for drone pilots, fine. Just rank it appropriately. -- Doing that would eliminate most people's objections to it.