tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3293152265787061341.post7716538740926837948..comments2024-03-03T05:11:57.603-05:00Comments on Wings Over Iraq: UAV operators gain new respectStarbuckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02013102906896853767noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3293152265787061341.post-45160354381759323742010-09-24T02:28:28.813-04:002010-09-24T02:28:28.813-04:00USAF UAV operators aren't leaving the service ...USAF UAV operators aren't leaving the service because they CAN'T. I know I would leave the service and get a job flying airplanes or at least join the reserves/guard. Most UAV operators are forced to stay in until they serve their 10 year commitment from pilot training and are forced to leave a manned cockpit to operate a UAV. If you take the flight pay from these guys you will only further exacerbate the manning problems the Air Force has keeping pilots in the UAV community. Nobody wants to stay in that career field.. it's a black hole right now. The air force currently has a assignment freeze that prevents UAV operators from leaving.nrodgsxrnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3293152265787061341.post-46907830128974163182010-03-06T18:14:50.336-05:002010-03-06T18:14:50.336-05:00I agree with the above comment on the Valor device...I agree with the above comment on the Valor device. I can't imagine what sort of corruption of the military's definition of valor would have to be attempted to even begin to justify giving these out to UAV pilots.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02829099244720310423noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3293152265787061341.post-71748878983375492742010-03-02T13:00:09.090-05:002010-03-02T13:00:09.090-05:00Air Medals are just like Bronze Stars, though. Yo...Air Medals are just like Bronze Stars, though. You can get them for service, as opposed to valor.<br /><br />The Air Medal is one of those awards that's subject to interpretation. Some Vietnam-era pilots got an Air Medal for every mission they flew, or for every x many hours. Today, some organizations limit pilots to one AM per tour. Some AMs are given for achievement during a mission. <br /><br />You can even get an air medal for sitting in the back of the C2 aircraft during an air assault.Starbuckhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02013102906896853767noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3293152265787061341.post-38233720307488369842010-03-02T12:52:42.963-05:002010-03-02T12:52:42.963-05:00Okay, Bronze star for exceptional actions, but no ...Okay, Bronze star for exceptional actions, but no V for valor device. They don't meet the criteria if they're not in theater and exposed to danger. As for Air Medals? Come on. Hard to imagine.J.https://www.blogger.com/profile/01031567700911395326noreply@blogger.com