A drone pilot at a base in upstate New York. Credit Heather Ainsworth for The New York Times
Reuters: Pentagon creates award for U.S. drone pilots, cyber warriors
New military awards will recognize U.S. troops who have directly affected battles as drone pilots or in cyber operations, the Defense Department said on Thursday.
The changes follow an 18-month review which made broader recommendations including standardizing criteria for awards recognizing valorous conduct across all services.
The new award for drone pilots or cyber operators will be a letter "R" device to be affixed to existing service medals. Intelligence officers are unlikely to be eligible for the award, officials said.
"It is for those who have a direct and immediate impact who don't incur the risk of combat," a defense official said.
U.S. Drone Pilots And Cyber Operators Will Now Have Their Own Awards/Military Decorations
Pentagon Will Extend Military Honors to Drone Operators Far From Battles -- NYT
US officials: Pentagon creating awards for drone pilots, others who have direct impact on fight -- AP
Pentagon to award ‘R’ pin to ‘remote’ troops, including drone pilots -- Washington Times
Drone pilots to get medals for killing from thousands of miles away -- The Times
Pentagon creates awards for DRONE pilots as they plan major shake-up of medal system which could see more soldiers become eligible for the Medal of Honor -- Daily Mail
Pentagon introduces military decorations for drone pilots, cyber fighters -- ITNews
Pentagon's Drone Pilots Get a Nod, But No Medals -- Foreign Policy
