UAV pilots now eligible for Distinguished Flying Cross

We have for some time been following the competition between the Army and Air Force over operational control of UAVs — most recently in evidence when the Air Force established a UAV air wing, the first of its size. Now the Army has a response. The service has announced that the troops who fly and control the drones will now be eligible for the Aviation Badge, Distinguished Flying Cross, and Air Medal. This is not exactly what Napolean meant when he referred to the extreme things men would do for little pieces of ribbon, but the decision reflects the growing prestige and importance of UAV crews in military planning. Under the recently approved rules, UAV warrant officers and enlisted men will be eligible for medals “if they are physically located on the aircraft (system) during the cited period, and all criteria for the decorations have been met.” The decision has also prompted debate here about whether it is appropriate to award medals given to fighter pilots to “a bunch of joystick jockeys.”