New medal carries too much stature

Peter McMurran, Henderson

Saturday, Feb. 23, 2013 | 2 a.m.

The new Distinguished Warfare Medal, which will be awarded to drone operators and those in cyberwarfare operations, is the product of wrongheadedness at the top level of the civilian leadership in the Defense Department, many of whom have never served in uniform other than a Brooks Brothers suit.

There are medals currently within the services that may be awarded to drone and cyberwarfare operators.

You may receive a service achievement or commendation medal for outstanding service in support of ground operations today. An air medal may also be appropriate for the demanding job of operating drones.

I believe, as a decorated combat veteran, that recognizing enlisted service members and officers for exemplary service is of tremendous value. Recognition contributes to morale and celebrates individual achievement.

Most all logical service members have no issue acknowledging the contributions of drone pilots, cyberwarfare specialists and their community.

Having said that, the precedence of the DWM is where the defense secretary has erred. The DWM should not be ahead of the Bronze Star nor the Purple Heart in order of precedence.

Those who receive this medal in the future will be embarrassed to wear it. One thing about the men and women in uniform, past and present, we recognize civilian political buffoonery in a New York minute.