USAF Releases Criteria For New Valor, Combat And Remote Devices

[Hugh]

I found this interesting.  Among other things, it seems to take the use of the "V" device back to the WW II concept, "distinguished acts of combat heroism",  which seems appropriate.  I got a "V" on my Navy Commendation Medal in Viet Nam, but I can assure you there was no heroism involved.  Terror perhaps, but no heroism.  

H

 

USAF Releases Criteria For New Valor, Combat And Remote Devices

 

Air Force officials released criteria for the new Valor “V”, Combat “C” and Remote “R” devices, following Obama’s Secretary of Defense Jan. 7, 2016, authorization.

 

Following a comprehensive Military Decorations and Awards Review in 2015, the secretary of Defense implemented several changes to ensure the Defense Department’s military decoration and awards program continues to appropriately recognize the service, sacrifices and actions of service members.

 

“As the impact of remote operations on combat continues to increase, the necessity of ensuring those actions are distinctly recognized grows,” DOD officials explained in a memo released Jan. 7, 2016.

 

The “R” device, which may be affixed to non-combat performance awards, was established to distinguish that an award was earned for direct hands-on employment of a weapon system that had a direct and immediate impact on a combat or military operation. These actions can be performed in any domain but must not expose the individual to personal hostile action, or place him or her at significant risk of exposure to hostile action while engaged in military operations against an enemy of the U.S.; or involved in a conflict against an opposing foreign force; or while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in military operations with an opposing armed force in which the U.S. is not an aggressive party.

 

“Airmen assigned to cyber operations and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance operators would be examples of those eligible for the ‘R’ device,” said Lt. Gen. Gina Grosso, Deputy Chief of Staff for manpower, personnel and services. “These members create direct combat effects that lead to strategic outcomes and deliver lethal force, while physically located outside the combat area.”

 

Standardization of the “V” device as a valor-only device will ensure unambiguous and distinctive recognition of distinguished acts of combat heroism.

 

The new “C” device was created to distinctly recognize those service members performing meritoriously under the most difficult combat conditions. To further emphasize the value placed on meritorious service under combat conditions, the “C” device may be affixed to several performance awards earned while serving under combat conditions. Unlike the “R” device, the “C” device may be authorized for sustained performance or service, provided the criteria of personal exposure to hostile action or significant risk of hostile action are met.

 

All devices may be awarded retroactive to Jan. 7, 2016, the day the secretary of Defense established the devices.

 

(Source: USAF news release)

 

FMI: myPers.af.mil

[ostprussenmann_new]

50 minutes ago, Hugh said:

I found this interesting.  Among other things, it seems to take the use of the "V" device back to the WW II concept, "distinguished acts of combat heroism",  which seems appropriate.  I got a "V" on my Navy Commendation Medal in Viet Nam, but I can assure you there was no heroism involved.  Terror perhaps, but no heroism.  

H

 

USAF Releases Criteria For New Valor, Combat And Remote Devices

 

Air Force officials released criteria for the new Valor “V”, Combat “C” and Remote “R” devices, following Obama’s Secretary of Defense Jan. 7, 2016, authorization.

 

Following a comprehensive Military Decorations and Awards Review in 2015, the secretary of Defense implemented several changes to ensure the Defense Department’s military decoration and awards program continues to appropriately recognize the service, sacrifices and actions of service members.

 

“As the impact of remote operations on combat continues to increase, the necessity of ensuring those actions are distinctly recognized grows,” DOD officials explained in a memo released Jan. 7, 2016.

 

The “R” device, which may be affixed to non-combat performance awards, was established to distinguish that an award was earned for direct hands-on employment of a weapon system that had a direct and immediate impact on a combat or military operation. These actions can be performed in any domain but must not expose the individual to personal hostile action, or place him or her at significant risk of exposure to hostile action while engaged in military operations against an enemy of the U.S.; or involved in a conflict against an opposing foreign force; or while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in military operations with an opposing armed force in which the U.S. is not an aggressive party.

 

“Airmen assigned to cyber operations and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance operators would be examples of those eligible for the ‘R’ device,” said Lt. Gen. Gina Grosso, Deputy Chief of Staff for manpower, personnel and services. “These members create direct combat effects that lead to strategic outcomes and deliver lethal force, while physically located outside the combat area.”

 

Standardization of the “V” device as a valor-only device will ensure unambiguous and distinctive recognition of distinguished acts of combat heroism.

 

The new “C” device was created to distinctly recognize those service members performing meritoriously under the most difficult combat conditions. To further emphasize the value placed on meritorious service under combat conditions, the “C” device may be affixed to several performance awards earned while serving under combat conditions. Unlike the “R” device, the “C” device may be authorized for sustained performance or service, provided the criteria of personal exposure to hostile action or significant risk of hostile action are met.

 

All devices may be awarded retroactive to Jan. 7, 2016, the day the secretary of Defense established the devices.

 

(Source: USAF news release)

 

FMI: myPers.af.mil

Yes, this is true.  The original source of this article came into effect this past January across all services.  The Navy and Marine Corps used to give a "V" device in two ways:  1) For a Combat Distinguishing Device, now like the "C" device; and 2) for actual Valor.  The Navy and Marine Corps could actually get one on their NAMs (Navy Achievement Medal) also.  That is why you see the current CJCS with a "V" on his Legion of Merit.  He got it as a Regimental Commander for a Combat Achievement during the Invasion of Iraq, not for Valor.

The USAF, would give out for Valor, but they also have some unit award that could get a V.

The Army would only give out a "V" for VALOR ONLY and this would only go down to the Army Commendation Medal.  (I have one of these).

DoD did this to try to get all of the services on the same page with the "V" device.

 

Hope this helps.

[Hugh]

Thanks for the amplifying comments.  Now if we could just get them to trim the thicket of non-substantive awards.

H