New Medal for Drone Pilots
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Maybe this has more to do with Senior US Air Staff Officers needing a gong to get their star?
I have upmost respect for the lads taking heavy rain and dealing with life on the ground, as I do for the ones staring at a screen for long hours to PID the dude hiding in a cave who only pokes his head out long enough for a hellfire, it was a good shot and I still have the video I took.
What we wear on our chest is irrelevant, it is what we did for our brothers and their respect that means something. Knuckleheads may not got the last point as it is not about them!!!!
Charlie sends
From low enough to get shot at high enough not to smell pongoes.
I have upmost respect for the lads taking heavy rain and dealing with life on the ground, as I do for the ones staring at a screen for long hours to PID the dude hiding in a cave who only pokes his head out long enough for a hellfire, it was a good shot and I still have the video I took.
What we wear on our chest is irrelevant, it is what we did for our brothers and their respect that means something. Knuckleheads may not got the last point as it is not about them!!!!
Charlie sends
From low enough to get shot at high enough not to smell pongoes.
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MQ9
Am interesting topic however a few points If I may. Lots of chat about RAF /39 SQN. Im sure they are sat back in Creech crinching whilst watching this topic. Its the USAF UAV crews not the RAF MQ9 guyes that this ''medal'' is being awarded to. 39 Sqn have without a shadow of a doubt done more to support the Army/Marines on the ground in Helmand than any other A/C in our inventory (in the kinetic sense of course, sorry chinook dudes). I'm all for them get a campaign medal and I'm actually disappointed that they dont all ready. Every time I have controlled them they have been outstanding. The fact that they knock off shift and have the ability to head down the strip for a few ''jager bombs'' is just a perk of the job. Beats heading outside the camp gates to the Indian Casino.
I suppose its the yanks way of suppressing their troops yet again. If it moves and salutes - give it a blue peter badge. Keeps them happy.
Nothing more embarrassing than seeing yanks in uniform absolutely dripping in badges and spaghetti only to find they turned up for work on time and were smartly dressed.
The real heroes out there - the bronze/silver/purple stars, the DFC's, et al, must be absolutely hopping mad. And did the guy who thought this up, ever talk to the real heroes for advice?
Campaign medal - of course, no question. Anything else... a bit of overtime perhaps
I've heard it all now - armchair X box 360 nerds winning medals....God help America.
Nothing more embarrassing than seeing yanks in uniform absolutely dripping in badges and spaghetti only to find they turned up for work on time and were smartly dressed.
The real heroes out there - the bronze/silver/purple stars, the DFC's, et al, must be absolutely hopping mad. And did the guy who thought this up, ever talk to the real heroes for advice?
Campaign medal - of course, no question. Anything else... a bit of overtime perhaps
I've heard it all now - armchair X box 360 nerds winning medals....God help America.
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StormShadow DFCs
Easy Street
You highlighted that the crew that received DFCs for StormShadow operations on Night One of Op TELIC were in the threat zone but you did underplay their actions somewhat.
With RHWR indications of a SAM locked on they performed a defensive manoeuvre including "punching-off" the tanks but retaining the weapons. Having sucessfully defended themselves they reassessed their situation; they now had enough fuel to RTB but insufficent to reach the launch point and still make it back to their operating base. A quick assesment of options identified an alternative base they could land at post weapon release for a splash and dash. They pressed to the launch point, got the weapons off on time and then diverted. The fact that this crew was instrumental in the training of all the crews that operated with StormShadow from AAS and, in the days leading up to Night One, were the first RAF crew to fly with a live round probably also helped in their being recognised with a well deserved award.
A painting of the Nav now hangs in the Student Ante Room at College Hall.
You highlighted that the crew that received DFCs for StormShadow operations on Night One of Op TELIC were in the threat zone but you did underplay their actions somewhat.
With RHWR indications of a SAM locked on they performed a defensive manoeuvre including "punching-off" the tanks but retaining the weapons. Having sucessfully defended themselves they reassessed their situation; they now had enough fuel to RTB but insufficent to reach the launch point and still make it back to their operating base. A quick assesment of options identified an alternative base they could land at post weapon release for a splash and dash. They pressed to the launch point, got the weapons off on time and then diverted. The fact that this crew was instrumental in the training of all the crews that operated with StormShadow from AAS and, in the days leading up to Night One, were the first RAF crew to fly with a live round probably also helped in their being recognised with a well deserved award.
A painting of the Nav now hangs in the Student Ante Room at College Hall.
JustT
Curious as to which airfield they diverted to as there wasn't much available on Day 1 - Iraq bases were still in 'enemy' hands, Saudi was considered a no-no for combat aircraft (unless you wanted to sit (with your jet) on the sidelines for a time [far longer than a 'splash and dash' and I don't recall this crew doing that]) and everything else was 'south' or as close to AAS to make no difference.
Certainly in the first week or two I don't recall any crews diverting from AAS (plenty came in from further south [normally 'winchester' and testing the accuracy of the fuel gauges]) and even the Goldstars QWI-crew managed to tank in time (just) - although there wasn't a divert option for them
Of course, 11 years down the line and memories blur, so please do put me right!
and then diverted
Certainly in the first week or two I don't recall any crews diverting from AAS (plenty came in from further south [normally 'winchester' and testing the accuracy of the fuel gauges]) and even the Goldstars QWI-crew managed to tank in time (just) - although there wasn't a divert option for them
Of course, 11 years down the line and memories blur, so please do put me right!
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#66 (permalink)
Thomas coupling
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I suppose its the yanks way of suppressing their troops yet again. If it moves and salutes - give it a blue peter badge. Keeps them happy.
Nothing more embarrassing than seeing yanks in uniform absolutely dripping in badges and spaghetti only to find they turned up for work on time and were smartly dressed.
The real heroes out there - the bronze/silver/purple stars, the DFC's, et al, must be absolutely hopping mad. And did the guy who thought this up, ever talk to the real heroes for advice?
Campaign medal - of course, no question. Anything else... a bit of overtime perhaps
I've heard it all now - armchair X box 360 nerds winning medals....God help America.
Thomas coupling
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: UK
Posts: 2,287
I suppose its the yanks way of suppressing their troops yet again. If it moves and salutes - give it a blue peter badge. Keeps them happy.
Nothing more embarrassing than seeing yanks in uniform absolutely dripping in badges and spaghetti only to find they turned up for work on time and were smartly dressed.
The real heroes out there - the bronze/silver/purple stars, the DFC's, et al, must be absolutely hopping mad. And did the guy who thought this up, ever talk to the real heroes for advice?
Campaign medal - of course, no question. Anything else... a bit of overtime perhaps
I've heard it all now - armchair X box 360 nerds winning medals....God help America.
I've heard it all now - armchair X box 360 nerds winning medals....God help America.
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This a politically-motivated medal promulgated by the civilian, i.e., political leadership of the DoD. And another in a long line of such items. This administration thinks that remote warfare is the way of the future and those that conduct it - without getting killed themselves and causing awkward moments for those politicians - are to be rewarded.
There already are (too many) medals for doing one's job or for being there for a set amount of time - higher rank needing less time - but the thought of this being set higher than a Bronze Star with 'V' is disgusting. But this is for more than UAV crews, it encompasses cyber-operators as well.
And yes, the U.S. (and we who wear them know it) awards far too medals so that we look like Qaddafi-wanna-be's.
There already are (too many) medals for doing one's job or for being there for a set amount of time - higher rank needing less time - but the thought of this being set higher than a Bronze Star with 'V' is disgusting. But this is for more than UAV crews, it encompasses cyber-operators as well.
And yes, the U.S. (and we who wear them know it) awards far too medals so that we look like Qaddafi-wanna-be's.
I don't own this space under my name. I should have leased it while I still could
Brick, I asked the question before but SASLess chose not to answer.
Can you actually read all those medals on someone's chest?
As an aside, when we had exchange officers on the sqn they tended not to wear medals.
Can you actually read all those medals on someone's chest?
As an aside, when we had exchange officers on the sqn they tended not to wear medals.
Some US medals were explained to me by a USAF Lt. Col once upon a time. I do remember that he had a "medal" that showed he used to be an enlisted man i.e. commissioned from the ranks, and also a 'sharpshooter' or 'marksman' "medal". Seems that a lot of them are actually proficiency badges.
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I can read USAF and the DoD ones. Some Navy and Army ones escape me as I'm not that familiar with the specific service medals and ribbons (ribbons signify medals and for specific accomplishments, like expert marksman as noted, or for a short ((1 yr)) or long ((2 or more yrs) overseas that aren't medals.)
Enlisted who later commission can wear medals/ribbons earned in that status as those are for all the individual's accomplishments and/or service. Same as those who switch from one service to another.
I believe most US personnel with any experience glaze over the medals/ribbons as many are "I was there" and we all know it.
Seeing a DFC or higher, or a 'V' on a medal that has that designator is an entirely different matter.
Enlisted who later commission can wear medals/ribbons earned in that status as those are for all the individual's accomplishments and/or service. Same as those who switch from one service to another.
I believe most US personnel with any experience glaze over the medals/ribbons as many are "I was there" and we all know it.
Seeing a DFC or higher, or a 'V' on a medal that has that designator is an entirely different matter.
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Before you make an opinion on this medal, I think you need to see what goes on behind the scenes...
Last edited by bakseetblatherer; 18th Feb 2013 at 06:12.
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Brick
Agree with your summary.
Although some will put more emphasis on have the rifle and pistol "E" medals.
Where would you put Legion of Merit ?
It doesn't seem to be handed out to everyone ?
Agree with your summary.
Although some will put more emphasis on have the rifle and pistol "E" medals.
Where would you put Legion of Merit ?
It doesn't seem to be handed out to everyone ?
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What a lot of extremely offensive, ill educated and ignorant posts on this thread.
On topic, I agree with the general consensus that no such medal should rank higher than that given for an act of valor under fire. I think that's a given.
Why this topic should turn into a general bashing of men and women doing an effective and well regarded job by the plain ignorant and those with an out dated Cold War mind set is beyond me.
This is too close to the Bomber Command bashing by pacifists with glorious hindsight that has gone on for decades now for my liking, although I'm sure some of the people who have posted unnecessary bile on here would disagree.
BZ 39 and XIII, although I hope none of you are reading this crap.
On topic, I agree with the general consensus that no such medal should rank higher than that given for an act of valor under fire. I think that's a given.
Why this topic should turn into a general bashing of men and women doing an effective and well regarded job by the plain ignorant and those with an out dated Cold War mind set is beyond me.
This is too close to the Bomber Command bashing by pacifists with glorious hindsight that has gone on for decades now for my liking, although I'm sure some of the people who have posted unnecessary bile on here would disagree.
BZ 39 and XIII, although I hope none of you are reading this crap.
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Pontius, they're explained here
Awards and decorations of the United States military - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Awards and decorations of the United States military - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
I don't own this space under my name. I should have leased it while I still could
NL, thank you.
The US also places much store on 'personality' of the month etc with photos etc. It extends to US firms in other countries too such as McDonalds (I think). It is not always accepted as seriously however. In Geilenkirchen, in billeting I think it was, there was a room with framed photos of employee (or whatever) of the month around the room. Each and everyone was of the same Lieutenant, female naturally, so I think someone was having a joke.
The US also places much store on 'personality' of the month etc with photos etc. It extends to US firms in other countries too such as McDonalds (I think). It is not always accepted as seriously however. In Geilenkirchen, in billeting I think it was, there was a room with framed photos of employee (or whatever) of the month around the room. Each and everyone was of the same Lieutenant, female naturally, so I think someone was having a joke.