Service members must have their hands on a remote weapons system that had "direct and immediate on-site effect" on a target or during a combat in order to qualify for the new Distinguished Warfare Medal, the Air Force announced Feb. 15. Those who are authorized to wear the medal will earn it, Air Force officials say. The criteria state that actions must be "so exceptional and outstanding as to clearly set the individual apart from comrades or others in similar situations," and must be approved by the Secretary of the Air Force, according to a service press release. No service member will receive the award for acts of valor. Rather, the award of existing medals will continue to acknowledge heroic acts during combat operations. Veterans and service members who feel they may qualify for the award can visit https://mypers.af.mil and enter "DWM" in the search window.
