Today’s defence-related news includes coverage of the extension of personnel eligible for medallic recognition in the fight against Daesh.
Counter-Daesh medallic recognition
The Times picks up on the Defence Secretary’s announcement that drone operators will be eligible for a medal for the first time. The paper states that the technological advances mean that vital contributions to the fight against Daesh have been made from outside the operational areas of Syria and Iraq.
Reaper drone pilots currently operate out of RAF Waddington, in Lincolnshire, and Creech Air Force Base in Nevada, USA.
The Times' report mentions that the Defence Secretary is today attending a meeting in Munich with defence ministers involved in the global coalition against Isis.
Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said:
Our Armed Forces can be extremely proud of the campaign against Daesh.
The expanded medal criteria means that those personnel who have played a vital role in defeating Daesh but have been based outside the conventional area of operations will receive the recognition they deserve.
This new medal reflects the changing character of warfare. I am very pleased that personnel who previously would not have received an operational medal, will now do so.
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