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 Sun and Sunday Express picks up on the Defence Secretary’s announcement that drone operators will be eligible for a medal for the first time. Reaper drone pilots currently operate out of RAF Waddington, in Lincolnshire, and Creech Air Force Base in Nevada, USA. Ground crew serving at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus, where UK airstrikes over Iraq and Syria are launched from are also eligible, as well as Army and Navy personnel providing logistic and communications support.
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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