I don't agree with the placement of the medal; however; I do agree that the UAV operators deserve something. I have 4 tours, and I have seen what these Predator drones, and other un manned aircraft can do and on several occasions saved mine and my platoon's ass. I believe it's okay for troops in a been on the ground to p*** and moan about this award, however; these UAV operators I really do have a huge impact on the war. They deserve some sort of recognition. Just my 2 cents.
Distinguished Warfare Medal SMH
- Thread starter jerrad
- Start date
JetMech, have you asked any of your 3D maintainers how they feel about this? lololololo
My feelings on this are the same as my feelings on if we deserved a ribbon for being Marine Security Forces for nuclear security. Do they deserve one? Well in comparison of the importance of the mission compared to others that receive medals then probably yes. Our security at our nuclear bases are a higher priority than the wars in the Middle East. There's no real physical threat, but if the day comes that there is it's most likely a lot of friendly forces will be lost. If we ever got one though I don't think it should be placed very high because the risk of the job is so low. The idea was even brought up multiple times for one and they just shit on them and say they don't rate because they are 03s and haven't seen combat yet.
To me the comparison is very similar. Both have their own importance, but both share an equally low risk to the operators.
To me the comparison is very similar. Both have their own importance, but both share an equally low risk to the operators.
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Decorations are a joke.
So they are getting a new medal? Whoopty dooo! ..... Its the highest 4th? Whoopty doo! Real SM's dont need a stinking medal!
On a serious note, I wouldnt concentrate on how high they rank the medal. Most of the respect/recognition given to someone in the service will be based on squadron/unit and MOS/AFSC. MOS/AFSC, in my opinion, would be what carries the most weight.
Who will you respect/recognize more a UAV operator or a Jet fighter pilot? A Combat Medic or a Nurse? A Ranger or Personel Specialist?
Everyone deserves recogniton as everyone is supporting the mission but some go the extra mile and contribute to the mission by engaging and being in imediate danger with the enemy.
So they are getting a new medal? Whoopty dooo! ..... Its the highest 4th? Whoopty doo! Real SM's dont need a stinking medal!
On a serious note, I wouldnt concentrate on how high they rank the medal. Most of the respect/recognition given to someone in the service will be based on squadron/unit and MOS/AFSC. MOS/AFSC, in my opinion, would be what carries the most weight.
Who will you respect/recognize more a UAV operator or a Jet fighter pilot? A Combat Medic or a Nurse? A Ranger or Personel Specialist?
Everyone deserves recogniton as everyone is supporting the mission but some go the extra mile and contribute to the mission by engaging and being in imediate danger with the enemy.
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No, I love my job.
If I wasn't doing what I'm doing being a UAV operator would be high on my list.
I'm very grateful and appreciative for what you do, having someone overhead is an invaluable asset. :beer:
The feeling is mutual!
We (my squadron at least) are good at recognizing those that stand out with the current available awards/decs. I agree with your statement, stay safe when you're over there!
Haha I don't think I want to know what they think about it! My second choice was crew chief, but luckily I got my preference since I jumped on the pred wagon early on.
Well said, I agree with this too.
Most of our UAV pilots are prior fighter jockeys. Hell the pilot I work with the most flew A-10s and F-117s for 15 years. Your last sentence is completely correct, at least I do half of your "extra mile" reasoning!
I definitely do not want anyone to think I'm being disrespectful of anyone's military contribution, I respect the hell out of you guys that go outside the wire.
the medal is a joke. there's nothing more to say.
:beer:
Really? I get 150 for demo pay.
+1. I really don't care about medals. The best recognition I receive comes from my subordinate soldiers. When they tell me that they have full confidence in me as a leader and have my back that means far more then a small square I place on my dress uniform. At the end of the day I'm defined by what I do for my men; accomplishment of my mission and the welfare of my soldiers.
Now should UAV pilots get some recognition for what they do? Sure. I even support them having their own unique flight wings. Its much better then some people in the AF EOD community who were trying to get a tan beret authorized for their MOS. As if that crab on the uniform wasn't enough.
wonder if they will be able to claim PTSD from seeing people being blown apart on thier computer screen? or carpal tunnel from gripping thier joy stick to hard?
I fly 40 plus hours a week and am deployed. No flight pay, and no air medals for me. The Air Force is totally ass backwards, but it has become something I expect. Maybe a crosstrain is in order.
You appear to be a sound leader. :beer:
Haha... Thats funny.
Actually, yes. They would be able to claim PTSD and carpal tunnel too. ;-)
With the type of luxuries that you get in the AF as opposed to the other services I wouldnt complain too much. :thumbsup:
In what capacity do you "fly".
Flight deck denial, flight line security... that stuff.
Had to look that up. So if you're FAST you don't get flight pay? That sucks. Our JICOs got flight pay and never left the damn ground.
Although in all honesty I don't believe in flight pay at all.
Oh yeah, I'm not saying it's a legitimate thing, just feel if others get it, well so should I damnit.
Where are you deployed or are you TDY?
For every 1 that wanted it 5 didn't give a shit. lol
I'd much rather have the option to take off our CE badge and just have the crab.
I also think that the only people that were worried about the beret were guys trying to "protect" the regiment guys color. That was the only argument I heard that was against it.
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I would say protecting the 75th RGR beret color is a pretty legitimate argument. I could go on and on about this beret topic but that is for another day.
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