To the Editor,
The Department of Defense has announced the creation of the Distinguished Service Medal (DMW), which will be awarded to those who pilot UAVs (known colloquially as drones) or conduct cyberwarfare. I have concerns over this medal, as do many of the veterans and active duty service members to whom I’ve spoken. I do not object over the creation of a medal that recognizes the valuable contributions made by these service members, but I do have strong objections over the placement of the DMW in the order of precedence. Currently, the DWM ranks higher than the Bronze Star with Valor. Even a cursory glance at the criteria for these medals should inform the observer that all is not right with the rationale of those creating this medal.
The Bronze Star with a “V” device denotes that the wearer was brave in combat despite great personal risk and danger. I take nothing away from UAV pilots, but I do not see how a medal recognizing their contributions could in any scenario be placed higher than those of a man or woman who is actively engaged in combat operations, by which I mean is being fired upon by the enemy, and performs valorously in that situation. Pilots flying drones from a room at Creech AFB in southern Nevada face no such dangers. It is an entirely different category of achievement. Further, a strong argument could and should be made that awards already exist that are capable of adequately recognizing the achievements of drone pilots, and I point to the Air Medal and Aerial Achievement Medal as examples.
I’ve already written Congressman Tom Reed on this matter, and I hope that you will take the time to voice your opinion as well. How about a little rational thought from those who lead our military?
Halen Allison
Avoca, NY
To the Editor,
The Department of Defense has announced the creation of the Distinguished Service Medal (DMW), which will be awarded to those who pilot UAVs (known colloquially as drones) or conduct cyberwarfare. I have concerns over this medal, as do many of the veterans and active duty service members to whom I’ve spoken. I do not object over the creation of a medal that recognizes the valuable contributions made by these service members, but I do have strong objections over the placement of the DMW in the order of precedence. Currently, the DWM ranks higher than the Bronze Star with Valor. Even a cursory glance at the criteria for these medals should inform the observer that all is not right with the rationale of those creating this medal.
The Bronze Star with a “V” device denotes that the wearer was brave in combat despite great personal risk and danger. I take nothing away from UAV pilots, but I do not see how a medal recognizing their contributions could in any scenario be placed higher than those of a man or woman who is actively engaged in combat operations, by which I mean is being fired upon by the enemy, and performs valorously in that situation. Pilots flying drones from a room at Creech AFB in southern Nevada face no such dangers. It is an entirely different category of achievement. Further, a strong argument could and should be made that awards already exist that are capable of adequately recognizing the achievements of drone pilots, and I point to the Air Medal and Aerial Achievement Medal as examples.
I’ve already written Congressman Tom Reed on this matter, and I hope that you will take the time to voice your opinion as well. How about a little rational thought from those who lead our military?
Halen Allison
Avoca, NY
