Former Defense Secretary Leon Panettas announcement last year that a new Distinguished Warfare Medal had been created for drone pilots and cyber operators drew heavy fire from veterans, politicians and others who objected to it being ranked above the Purple Heart and other decorations earned in direct combat.
Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel canceled the medal soon after taking office and said DOD would instead create a new device to affix to existing medals. But that decision is being revisited as part of an upcoming study of the militarys decorations and awards system that Hagel ordered Thursday.
The comprehensive yearlong review, to begin June 1, will be led by acting undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness Jessica Wright, and she will work closely with Joint Chiefs chairman Gen. Martin Dempsey, the services, and the combatant commanders, according to Kirby.
[The study will] determine the best way to recognize servicemembers who use remote technology to directly impact combat operations, such as through cyber and remotely piloted aircraft
That's part of the review, whether or not we should have a special device to go on another ribbon or [a new] medal, Kirby said.
The review team will also look at how the awards program is structured to see whether its too service-centric, as well as examine the processes and procedures by which medals for valor are nominated in order to determine whether they can be improved, according to Kirby.
Pentagon: Drone pilots, cyber warriors might get medals after all - U.S. - Stripes
