In 2013, David Hambling reports (in Swarm Troopers), the Pentagon abandoned plans for a “Distinguished Warfare Medal” that would be awarded to drone pilots who had an impact on combat operations while not actually serving on the front line:
Congress had attacked the new medal, which would rank higher than a Bronze Star or Purple Heart, as “a disservice to our service members and veterans who have, or who currently are, serving overseas in hostile and austere conditions.”
I’m reminded of how militaries have always lionized stalwart heavy infantry, who held the line, rather than skirmishers.
On what chest will they pin their medals to lionize stalwart heavy industry (of tiny $10/kill swarming drones)?
Pretty ribbons and baubles have never seemed particularly appealing to me. A pay bonus perhaps, or a nice bottle of scotch? But jewelry? No thank you.
The only sound reason I’ve ever found to attend a secular ceremony of any sort is good food and free booze. I am highly suspicious of anyone who does not readily avail themselves of these when at such an event, in fact I believe it borders on immoral.
I don’t know much history, but I had an inordinate interest in the history of mounted knights and early cavalry. Europe’s cavalry had a certain lofty attitude, perhaps derived from their aristocratic heritage. I do know that Napoleon was very interested in giving out medals; “Men will give their lives for a bit of ribbon” was a Napoleonic quote. I do not know whether Napoleon’s medals were given out mostly to infantry, or mostly to cavalry, or to some assortment of branches including artillery.
It would be interesting to collect evidence on social class distinctions between infantry and cavalry, and corresponding differences in attitudes toward medals, in the centuries after Napoleon.
Frogg wrote: “A pay bonus perhaps, or a nice bottle of scotch? But jewelry? No thank you.”
My understanding was that medals were tied to social class and promotion in the American system, and that the most decorated American officers are all just contestants in the real struggle, obtaining a lucrative defense lobbyist position after retirement.
As far as I could tell, medal-gathering is a competition designed to weed out the patriots from the careerists — and then give the high-paying defense jobs to the careerists.
” medal-gathering is a competition designed to weed out the patriots from the careerists — and then give the high-paying defense jobs to the careerists.”
Yes, and promotion points for the enlisted.
Stan, Chotchkie’s Manager:
We need to talk about your flair.
Joanna:
Really? I… I have fifteen pieces on. I, also…
Stan, Chotchkie’s Manager:
Well, okay. Fifteen is the minimum, okay?
Joanna:
Okay.
Stan, Chotchkie’s Manager:
Now, you know it’s up to you whether or not you want to just do the bare minimum. Or… well, like Brian, for example, has thirty seven pieces of flair, okay. And a terrific smile.
Joanna:
Okay. So you… you want me to wear more?
Stan, Chotchkie’s Manager:
Look. Joanna.
Joanna:
Yeah.
Stan, Chotchkie’s Manager:
People can get a cheeseburger anywhere, okay? They come to Chotchkie’s for the atmosphere and the attitude. Okay? That’s what the flair’s about. It’s about fun.
Joanna:
Yeah. Okay. So more then, yeah?
Stan, Chotchkie’s Manager:
Look, we want you to express yourself, okay? Now if you feel that the bare minimum is enough, then okay. But some people choose to wear more and we encourage that, okay? You do want to express yourself, don’t you?
Joanna:
Yeah, yeah.
Stan, Chotchkie’s Manager:
Okay. Great. Great. That’s all I ask.
Only the Chair Force would consider making a “valor” award for someone who never left an air conditioned office, nowhere near danger.
Mech,
I hadn’t considered that, but it tracks with my understanding of the culture within the military regarding advancement.
I’ve often heard that the last real fighting men of worth are typically found at the rank of the Colonelcy, and that beyond this, “Thar be politicians.”
A view years ago, a commenter called Kirk observed that
“The US military is more a heavily armed bureaucracy than it is anything else.”