The Pentagon Will Review More Than 1,100 Medals Issued Since 9/11 For An Upgrade

Image: Top three U.S. military medals of valor. US Defense Department

USA Today: Pentagon may upgrade hundreds of troops to possible Medals of Honor

WASHINGTON — The Pentagon will review more than 1,100 medals issued since the 9/11 terror attacks for possible upgrade to the Medal of Honor, the country's highest award issued for valor in combat, according to documents obtained by USA TODAY.

The sweeping review ordered by Defense Secretary Ash Carter would represent one of the most significant steps in decades to honor troops who have displayed extraordinary courage in combat. It stems from a study of military decorations and awards that was ordered in March 2014 by then-Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel "to ensure that after 13 years of combat the awards system appropriately recognizes the service, sacrifices and action of our service members."

More News On The Pentagon Reviewing 1,100 Medals Issued Since 9/11 For An Upgrade

DOD: Medal review prompted by lack of recognition in Iraq, Afghanistan -- Stars and Stripes
Military considering upgrades to Medals of Honor -- CNN
Pentagon to overhaul how it recognizes heroism, review cases for modern veterans -- Washington Post
DOD to review 1,100 Iraq, Afghanistan medals to determine if they were awarded appropriately -- Stars and Stripes
New US military medals policy: What is the meaning of valor? -- Lucy Schouten, CSM

U.S. Drone Pilots And Cyber Operators Will Now Have Their Own Military Awards

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