Air Force Debuts New Service Medal

[IrishGunner]

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....

[Hugh]

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

[ChrisW]

Given all the recent press about poor morale/conditions amongst USAF nuclear personnel, one wonders about the motivation for this medal...

[JBFloyd]

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.

[Ulsterman]

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.

[Paul R]

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/

[IrishGunner]

I wonder if anyone told the Air Force that the real nuclear deterrent force is SSBNs...

Edited November 14, 2014 by IrishGunner

[Chris Liontas]

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.

[juvatwad]

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

[Chris Liontas]

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

[Paul R]

Nice to see the Purple Heart cheapened in a manner I never thought possible.

[IrishGunner]

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.

[Chris Boonzaier]

. 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..."

[Ulsterman]

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.