IrishGunner Posted October 21, 2014 Share Posted October 21, 2014 The Air Force has released nomination criteria for the new Nuclear Deterrence Operations Service Medal. Service members may be awarded the new medal if they were assigned, deployed or mobilized to a wing, center or below in support of the nuclear enterprise for 120 consecutive days or 179 nonconsecutive days. Eligibility for the medal is retroactive to Dec. 27, 1991. Nominations for currently serving Airmen will be processed through their respective chain of command. Retired or separated Airmen and family members of deceased Airmen can submit a request submitted to the Air Force Personnel Center recognition section for validation. Let the discussion begin.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hugh Posted October 22, 2014 Share Posted October 22, 2014 Oh, my! What's next; a medal for attending Reserve drills? Oh, wait, we already have one of those. Where will it end? Gresham's Law is taking over. H Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisW Posted October 26, 2014 Share Posted October 26, 2014 Given all the recent press about poor morale/conditions amongst USAF nuclear personnel, one wonders about the motivation for this medal... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JBFloyd Posted October 27, 2014 Share Posted October 27, 2014 One official release about this medal referred to it as an incentive. If anyone is going to strive harder in his/her job in the nuclear field for this thing, they're too dumb to be there in the first place. The Combat Readiness Medal was originally a decoration for just this kind of service, but it quickly deteriorated to a "time served" award. This one will be the same in short order. The time will soon come when the absence of this award after a tour will be a black mark on your career. So, join the nuclear force -- you can get bad jobs, in bad locations, with bad OERs, but we might give you a 30-cent medal just before we pass you over for promotion. Just once I'd like to see a thoughtful and reality-based response to a genuine problem. But that requires thought and being in touch with reality -- so not likely. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ulsterman Posted November 10, 2014 Share Posted November 10, 2014 Hear, hear. The Air Force boards are aflame about this medal. Guys who spent a lot of time in dangerous and remote locations got nothing, because they did it during the Cold War. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul R Posted November 14, 2014 Share Posted November 14, 2014 I was thinking the same thing... It should be retroactive to the beginning of the Cold War. It even looks stupid. http://soldiersystems.net/2014/05/29/usaf-established-nuclear-deterrence-operations-medal/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IrishGunner Posted November 14, 2014 Author Share Posted November 14, 2014 (edited) I wonder if anyone told the Air Force that the real nuclear deterrent force is SSBNs... Edited November 14, 2014 by IrishGunner Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Liontas Posted December 6, 2014 Share Posted December 6, 2014 I would love to say this surprises me. The air farce is once service bound and determined to make sure everyone feels like they belong. Soon I'll be able to apply for disability and a Purple Heart for the sun burn I got in Kuwait. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
juvatwad Posted December 27, 2014 Share Posted December 27, 2014 (edited) I know of an AF guy who received a purple heart for a TEMPORARY partial hearing loss at Khobar towers. I was USAF, too, btw.... Edited December 27, 2014 by juvatwad Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Liontas Posted December 28, 2014 Share Posted December 28, 2014 I know of an AF guy who received a purple heart for a TEMPORARY partial hearing loss at Khobar towers. I was USAF, too, btw.... What stinks about that is I had a SSGT that had permanent hearing loss and situational vertigo from Khobar and could get nothing for it. Disability, PH, hardy hand shake....nothing Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul R Posted December 28, 2014 Share Posted December 28, 2014 Nice to see the Purple Heart cheapened in a manner I never thought possible. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IrishGunner Posted December 28, 2014 Author Share Posted December 28, 2014 What stinks about that is I had a SSGT that had permanent hearing loss and situational vertigo from Khobar and could get nothing for it. Disability, PH, hardy hand shake....nothing Did he apply for disability? Sounds like he needs to contact a Veteran's Service Officer (VSO) at either the American Legion or VFW (he doesn't need to be a member); they can guide him through the claims process. I am certain he'll get service connected disability for the hearing loss at least. If you have questions PM me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Boonzaier Posted December 29, 2014 Share Posted December 29, 2014 . I am certain he'll get service connected disability for the hearing loss at least. . Ahhhhh.... A Gunners pet theme and excuse for not hearing the wife.... "Hearing loss" !! :-) "did you take out the trash?" "Sorry Honey, can't hear you.... all those 155s you know..." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ulsterman Posted December 29, 2014 Share Posted December 29, 2014 Did he apply for disability? Sounds like he needs to contact a Veteran's Service Officer (VSO) at either the American Legion or VFW (he doesn't need to be a member); they can guide him through the claims process. I am certain he'll get service connected disability for the hearing loss at least. If you have questions PM me. i agree. I used to work as a Senators aide and used to process claims like this all the time. If heres any documentation of his hearing loss, he'd be ok. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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