This bill directs the military branches to create a combat status identifier for drone pilots and operators who conduct combat operations, giving them recognition equivalent to traditional combat personnel. Within 180 days of enactment, the military departments must establish this new status designation. Additionally, the Secretary of Defense is required to commission an independent study within 60 days to examine ways to better support and recognize drone crews' combat accomplishments. That study will evaluate methods for identifying combat drone personnel, review how their service is documented, propose new military decorations and awards for them, consider awarding campaign medals for combat operations, and examine whether drone operators receive adequate post-service health and mental health care. The bill affects military drone crews who engage in combat operations and aims to ensure they receive recognition and support services comparable to traditional combat personnel.
Take Action
Your position
Add a comment
to comment on this bill.
Annotate the text
Highlight any passage on the Summary or Full Text tab to attach a note. Annotations appear on the Annotations tab.