http://www.nextgov.com/defense/2013/02/pentagon-takes-heat-elevating-cyber-warrior-medal-above-other-honors/61415/ By Bob Brewin Nextgov.com February 20, 2013 Pentagon plans to create an award for drone operators and cyber warriors that ranks above medals earned in physical battle is drawing fire from combat veterans, a former high-ranking Defense Department official and an advocacy group. But a Pentagon spokesman told Nextgov that Defense has no plans to reverse that order of precedence. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said the award, the Distinguished Warfare Medal, will recognize high tech warriors -- personnel who operate “remotely piloted platforms and cyber systems [that] have changed the way wars are fought.” Panetta, speaking at a Feb. 13 press briefing, said the new award “recognizes the reality of the kind of technological warfare that we are engaged in, in the 21st century. “ The Defense chief said he recognized that the “military reserves its highest decorations obviously for those who display gallantry and valor in actions where their lives are on the line, and we will continue to do so.” But, he added, “We should also have the ability to honor the extraordinary actions that make a true difference in combat. And the work that they do, the contribution that they make, does contribute to the success of combat operations, particularly when they remove the enemy from the field of battle, even if those actions are physically removed from the fight.” [...] ______________________________________________ Visit the InfoSec News Security Bookstore Best Selling Security Books and More! http://www.shopinfosecnews.orgReceived on Wed Feb 20 2013 - 22:20:42 PST
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