I have full respect for the Joes and Janes that served in the military around the world. Since growing up in the US, I have followed some of the military's actions (not war or police actions), but the silly things that happen to and in the military.

For example, this link was brought to my attention. Had to read it twice to fully understand what the military is trying to impose here.

Basically, the military has created a medal for cyber warriors and drone pilots... OK, can deal with that, futuristic battlefield and all... BUT, the hammer is, this new medal, called "The Distinguished Warfare Medal is ranked ABOVE both the Bronze Star with Combat "V" and the Purple Heart. Medals typically awarded for combat in which the servicemember's life is at risk."

Luckily, the VFW jumped in and is demanding the decoration's ranking be lowered.

This takes my impression of the US military decision makers to a new low

For what it's worth, here is the link @ www.military.com
JC

+1 to JC's opinion. UAV pilots and cyber specialists have a huge impact on military operations, just like intel analysts, logistics specialists, and the good folks at the NSA. But how can any rational person believe that an award for rear echelon operations should be more prestigious than a bronze star?

Awarding medals to people piloting remote drones to kill so-called "suspect" people located in their own countries from a comfortable armchair 10 thousand miles away has got to be a new low for humanity. Groan away.

Looks to me like some nerd who couldn't do a push-up but was super at video games is finally getting his back for all those miserable years at school ....

If anyone is interested, here is a link to the petition to lower the rank of the new medal (on the White House website). So far a little over 10,000 signatures.

Yes, the medal awarded here should be for having a yellow streak down the back and being a XXXX.

I think I found my perfect part-time job.

"There should be a medal for pilots & controllers of UAVS."

Agreed. There are numerous medals, citations, and awards for individuals not serving on the frontline. There is no reason to leave UAV controllers out of this mix.

"This medal should not rank higher than a Bronze Star (with combat "V") nor Purple Heart."

Absolutely agreed. Unless the controlling facility is under direct attack by hostile forces, the controller is not risking his or her life in the same manner as the grunts on the frontline. If the facility DOES come under attack, then don't existing awards, like the Bronze Star and Purple Heart, serve to recognize this type of heroism?

Could there possibly be room for a medal awarded when a UAV controller directly and demonstrably is responsible for the saving of lives of US servicemen (and women) and the servicemen (and women) of US Allies in a combat operation? Might this possibly be addressed by an existing medal?

Medals should be giving to 'battlefield' soldiers/airmen/sailors not soldiers who 'fly desks'.
They should be giving one medal for going to war and anything else should be given for going that little bit further on the brave front.

The whole medal thing in the US forces is poor, members of the US forces seem to be given medals for 'blowing their noses'.

A better way of grading medals would be to add gold equal to the number and potential of those killed; those killing the most children - for instance-(thus preventing the forming of future enemy armies) should go right to the top. Their families will be so proud when they relate the good day they had 'at the office'.

Let's bring back Napalm.

That should get a few more heroes up on the rostrum.

You are mean person What you propose ,means PRINCE Philip and all the other royas would go naket

Saw a news story today, saying that, due to controversy over this medal's ranking, it is being reconsidered.

http://news.yahoo.com/controversy-sp...162840130.html

Do I get a medal for winning a round of CoD Team deathmatch then?

Sure... Its at the bottom of the Cornflakes box.

I have read that this medal for drone warriors was already called Chairborne Medal and the Purple Buttocks