A feature on the Navy Times shares information regarding a proposal that is making the rounds in the Kabul headquarters of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF).
Another medal may eventually be added to the array of medals that service members can earn while in combat – and it is a medal that may be earned for doing nothing. The proposal was reportedly put on the table by British Maj. Gen. Nick Carter, commander for the Regional Command South of the ISAF, during a visit by Army Command Sgt. Maj. Mike Hall, the top U.S. enlisted member in Afghanistan.
This award is an effort towards the prevention of civilian casualties; the proposed award will be in commendation for what was termed as “courageous restraint,” where a service member chooses to hold their fire, even if they are at risk, in order to save civilian lives.
Air Force Lt. Col. Tadd Sholtis shares: “Our young men and women display remarkable courage every day, including situations where they refrain from using lethal force, even at risk to themselves, in order to prevent possible harm to civilians. In some situations our forces face in Afghanistan, that restraint is an act of discipline and courage not much different than those seen in combat actions.”
There are concerns, however, that having such an award may cause confusion among service members and embolden further the tactics of enemy combatants, who recognize that U.S. Troops are concerned about civilian casualties and already use them as shields or even turn them into targets, as shared by Veterans of Foreign Wars spokesman Joe Davis.
May 12th, 2010 - 9:58 am
unbelieveable. so our military men and women should take chances with their lives and the lives of their families above and beyond the normal risks. talk about being politically correct to the point of insanity.
May 12th, 2010 - 10:03 am
So, if a marine or other serviceman dies by restraining himself receives a medal posthumously? Is this a joke?
May 12th, 2010 - 10:20 am
The Yellow Belly medal!
May 12th, 2010 - 10:23 am
I can see it now. A golden chicken hanging from a yellow ribbon. I am sorry, I don’t qualify for it.
May 12th, 2010 - 10:28 am
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Rachel, RockyII, RockyII, RockyII, John Pape and others. John Pape said: The Military Medal for Couragous Restraint… Hmmmm. http://blog.usnavyseals.com/2010/05/military-medal-for-courageous-restraint.html #wtf [...]
May 12th, 2010 - 10:55 am
This proposal may be suitable for British troops, but I see this as nothing more than political correctness and appeasement gone amok or, to put it bluntly, it’s Bravo Sierra. If I was on active duty and “earned” this medal, I’d refuse to wear it.
May 12th, 2010 - 11:00 am
Bring our troops home and wait till we get a Commander in Chief that knows what an Army is for and is willing to fight.
May 12th, 2010 - 11:02 am
Good possibility that this will often be a posthumous medal.
May 12th, 2010 - 11:12 am
This is ridiculous and dangerous to our troops. Like Viet Nam, you will force our troops to play by different rules than the enemy, thus putting them in harms way. One dead soldier with a medal for “Courageous Restraint” is too many.
May 12th, 2010 - 11:31 am
Congratulations to the liberal cowards who can now claim a medal for not protecting their fellow Americans under fire. Air Force Lt. Col. Tadd Sholtis sure missed the mark on this either because he does not understand combat or he figures the Obama Regime will get him a full bird for his supportive comments.
May 12th, 2010 - 11:41 am
[...] Medal for Courageous Restraint ie the Obama Coward award May 12, 2010 — budsimmons Military Medal for Courageous Restraint Posted May 12th, 2010 by [...]
May 12th, 2010 - 11:53 am
We already have this award. It looks like a flag folded in a triangle.
:-(
May 12th, 2010 - 12:15 pm
War involves killing the enemy, because the enemy, as the aggressor and initiator of violence, vows to kill you. Showing “courageous restraint” is COWARDICE! It is sacrificing your life and highest values for the sake of those who work on a daily basis to destroy you. This is further evidence of our weakness the deterioration of our values.
May 12th, 2010 - 1:48 pm
[...] PageMilitary may soon start awarding medals for … “courageous restraint” — Hot AirMilitary Medal for Courageous Restraint — [...]
May 12th, 2010 - 1:55 pm
This the most PC thing I have ever heard of in my life. As a retired CSM my soldier well being and safety was one of my obligations. This would cause death of my soldiers which it is not acceptable and our military leaders who think it is right are now the military PC commanders. It has now become the PC military and not the our warriors and heros. We do not need to put this on our young soldiers, saliors, airmen to decide if they fire they will found guilty of not using restraint. Trust me none of these warriors wants to use lethal force when it is not necessary. These are our warriors, trained to fight and win our wars not the Peace Corp. God bless our troops.
May 12th, 2010 - 2:31 pm
Will they call THIS one the “yellow” heart ribbon ?? C’mon Washington GET A GRIP !!!
May 12th, 2010 - 3:42 pm
The hubby and I are both veterans. If they go with this medal, it should be fashioned to look like a target.
May 12th, 2010 - 3:56 pm
Remember, it was the Brits who had General “Monty” Montgomery and Neville Chamberlain. That says it all.
May 12th, 2010 - 3:56 pm
You got to be Fricking me,and the military can’t authorize a cold war medal. GOD help this country,we are losing it fast
May 12th, 2010 - 5:20 pm
Absolutely absurd. Check out the mock up of the medal done at FL Pundit – freaking hilarious.
http://bit.ly/cqRJCw
May 12th, 2010 - 5:55 pm
Being in the military myself, as well as having friends and family currently in harm’s way, I have but a single word for those that are ACTUALLY considering making this a symbol of “honor” while wearing a military uniform. This same word was uttered during the Battle of the Bulge during WWII and should be implemented by the stars and suits in Washington regarding this preposterous “award.”
That most elegant of terms is/was, “NUTS!”
May 12th, 2010 - 5:57 pm
This is ridiculous. The obamessiah can’t weaken and destroy our military fast enough for he and his liberal pals. It never ends!! How about a medal for the first person out there who successfully proves that this kenyan isn’t even eligible to be POTUS and leads to his impeachment???
May 12th, 2010 - 6:31 pm
I’m not sure if it is sad, hillarious or painfully offensive to even be entertaining this subject.
May 12th, 2010 - 7:02 pm
I have been in firefights in Iraq. If I ever have to do it again, and I hope NEVER AGAIN, nobody with me better try to win this stupid award. And beleive me, there are guys who will do anything to add a ribbon to there blues.
“Hey sarge, I didn’t fire my weapon look…it’s still clean, can I get the Restraint Medal?”
May 12th, 2010 - 7:58 pm
Sounds just like the 1st Air-Cavalry ROE for Phouc Vinh RVN circa 1969. If the men and women serving in Congress were required to spend 6 months a year on the battle field in combat, maybe things would be different.
May 13th, 2010 - 2:01 am
AH !!!!!!! “The Order of the Yellow Cross “
May 13th, 2010 - 3:37 am
[...] a previous post, we shared with you a proposal brought forth by British Maj. Gen. Nick Carter, commander for the [...]
May 13th, 2010 - 7:48 am
the Combat Action Ribbon is commonly referred to as the ‘CAR’, the Presidential Unit Citation is known as the ‘PUC’, this medal should be referred to as the ‘VAG’
May 13th, 2010 - 9:22 am
Just a way to push an agenda of anti military beliefs. There are already medals out there that encompass this, if I’m not mistaken, although I’ve not received one. I served when there was no conflicts occurring but to me it sounds like the lives of our soldiers are below that of other countries civilians who may or may not be enemy combatants. That people feel a need for this medal shows the mindset of how some view the military and the changes they want to push the military towards.
May 13th, 2010 - 1:34 pm
This flippping war, kill them before they kill us. Remember the twin towers and Pentagon. We are letting the government get way to soft!!!!!!!
May 13th, 2010 - 5:40 pm
Are ya F***in kidding me?
May 13th, 2010 - 8:39 pm
Citation to accompany the award of the Courageous Restraint with V Device
FOR restraint IN ACTION AGAINST AN ARMED ENEMY, WHILE SERVING AS A RANGER RIFLE TEAM LEADER DURING OPERATION Stupidity ON 13 APR 10. CAUGHT BETWEEN THE CROSSFIRE OF AN ENEMY AMBUSH, SSG Moron PUT HIMSELF IN THE LINE OF DEVASTATING ENEMY FIRE AS HE MANEUVERED HIS FIRE TEAM TO A COVERED POSITION FROM WHICH THEY COULD EFFECTIVELY conceal THEMSELVES AND yell pleasantries at ENEMY POSITIONS.
THOUGH WOUNDED, HE CONTINUED TO attempt to engage the enemy in verbal intercourse AND HIS incompetence UNDER FIRE INSPIRED HIS MEN TO restrain themselves AT outrageous RISK TO THEIR OWN SAFETY, RESULTING IN THE ENEMY’S amazing EVENTUAL RETREAT AND HIS PLATOON’S SAFE PASSAGE THROUGH THE AMBUSH KILL ZONE.
SSG Moron’S PERSONAL COURAGE, TACTICAL EXPERTISE, mastery of the English language AND soiled pants WAS DIRECTLY RESPONSIBLE FOR HIS PLATOON’S illogical SUCCESS AND semi-SURVIVAL. HIS LEADERSHIP, BRAVERY and conspicuous restraint UNDER FIRE REFLECTED GREAT CREDIT UPON HIMSELF, THE JOINT TASK FORCE, THE UNITED STATES ARMY and Idiots everywhere .
Note: SSG Smith’s Platoon is now recovering from their injuries at Walter Reed Hospital. Some of the platoon members actually have a chance of walking again after intensive rehabilitation. All have sworn an oath to hunt down SSG Moron and Kill the SOB.
May 15th, 2010 - 2:59 am
My dad is turning over in his grave right now as we speak. He was a world war two vet fighting for our freedom in one of the bloodiest battles of all time, Battle of the Bulge. He was not sent to war to be an police officer. He was trained to go kill the enemy at all costs. That meaans killing whoever he thought was a threat. That decision is made in split seconds and your life depends on that decision. Medals for restraint was the last thing on my dads mind when facing very cold conditions and an enemy looking down your throat with a gun. WAR was not to be a powder puff contest for kids, WAKE UP AMERICA and look back in history at real men and woman that fought for this country. My dad always told me, this country will be taken over someday without firing a shot, POLITICIANS is letting it happen right now, AGAIN, WAKE UP AMERICA before its to late for our children.
May 15th, 2010 - 4:05 am
I can see it now – A yellow peace flower design. When “awarded” by the President herself, the recipient will also get a nice bouquet of yellow flowers.
Can you imagine – A WWII B-24 Pilot, flying high of the German military manufacturing machine, NOT dropping bombs because they might kill civilians?
To oshama and company – It’s called WAR stupid.
My deepest apologies to all those in uniform today. Sorry we have somehow let this dumb-a in office, you have to follow orders from this group of idiots.
May 15th, 2010 - 9:00 am
[...] the story of the proposal for giving a medal for courageous restraint came out, a lot of people, both in the service and among the civilian population, reacted to the [...]
May 18th, 2010 - 5:54 pm
“Couragous Restraint”? Ummmmmm let’s see – a YELLOW medal awarded to servicemembers for failing to kick ass and take names. Ironic isn’t it? YELLOW for the streak running down their backs. The Sergeants Major of the United States Army should cringe with embarassement. He should have told that Limey officer where to stick such a recommendation. The top ranking enlisted man bowing to such a thing. Where’s your warrior spirit Sergeants Major? I’d rather have a pack of well trained, half starved wolves ready to tear out someone’s guts, than a powder puff wimpy pansy smiling stating “I’ve shown COURAGOUS RESTRAINT. Listen bonehead, it’s because of combat proven men like myself that protects this country, not some ass kissing politician or a man child acting president. I’m a constitutionist who sets an example and leads. Obabma? what’s he ever done militarily? Lead a protest and flop his lips in the wind? Wake up my fellow countrymen, wake up.
June 14th, 2010 - 2:10 pm
This proposal may be suitable for British troops, but I see this as nothing more than political correctness and appeasement gone amok or, to put it bluntly, it’s Bravo Sierra. If I was on active duty and “earned” this medal, I’d refuse to wear it.
How dare you blame this on the British!! As a serving Royal Marine Commando who was in Afghanistan last week i feel very angry at some of your comments.
This whole IDEA is one that is DREAMT up by an AMERICAN GENERAL Mc Crystal!!! One that has and is KILLING many of my fellow comrades fighting a war for you Americans, because we are your closest allies we are first to jump aboard and fight shoulder to shoulder with you!!
I feel very let down by my supposed fellow allies!!!!!!!
June 30th, 2010 - 4:50 pm
Instead of dieing for ones country by not engaging the enemy, let’s remember Patton’s comments during WW2. “No bastard ever won a war by dying for his country. He won it by making the other poor dumb bastard die for his country.” George S. Patton
The really dumb bastards all reside in Washington D.C. One of the worst occupies the Oval Office. Let’s get rid of them all and elect people who have sanity about them.
July 4th, 2010 - 5:23 am
This has to be a hoax. No one…not even Obama could be this stupid!!! War is not a pleasant thing and not for the weak of heart.
July 5th, 2010 - 1:37 pm
I guess the Arabs blew off their courageous medal when they took out the twin towers, pentigon and all the civilians. Let me say that again CIVILIANS!!!!
DO WE REALLY HAVE THESE MORONS IN OFFICE IN OUR GOVERNMENT.
All I can say is, REMEMBER NOVEMBERS ELECTIONS IN 2010.
Through all these bums out! Let them know we will determine who we choose to run this government. If they don’t do the job, through them out at the next election.
WE AS CITIZENS MUST TAKE OUR GOVERNMENT BACK FROM THESE MORONS !!
July 6th, 2010 - 11:56 am
Collateral damage and casualties are the mifortune of wars. This insanity of restraint will cost the life of our military and those of our allies as well. Let’s give this British Officer the “Plucked Chicken Award” for being one.
The policy should be “one chambered and let the bad guy see the flash first” !!
This sounds like something that was engineered by ouu current administration.
July 7th, 2010 - 5:23 am
I say a resounding no to a cowardly idea for a stupid medal. Even though I never had the priviledge to serve in the military, I have, with great honor, served this beautiful country in many ways, under our meaningful flag. I have lost friends and relatives in combat and highly respect all those who serve. I WANT MY COUNTRY BACK. NO MORE JOKES INCLUDING THOSE CURRENTLY IN OFFICE. LET’S GET OUR COUNTRY BACK IN NOVEMBER. I’M 61, MAD AS HELL, AND AM NOT GOING TO TAKE IT ANY MORE! NO LONGER PART OF THE SILENT MAJORITY!
July 7th, 2010 - 8:13 am
Talk about an award that will end a military career. “The Fraternal Order of the Yellow Bellies.” Should be s big hit at the local VFW.
July 7th, 2010 - 8:18 am
Wow… From AF LTC Tadd Sholtis facebook profile…
“Tadd Sholtis is a recovering English lit major and college football player who is currently trying to keep Afghanistan Taliban-free one interview at a time. He has a wonderful wife and two children who remember him vaguely.”
Are you kidding me, an English lit major…
I guess when your weapons are pen and paper one would be inclined to accept this as a legit medal!
July 7th, 2010 - 1:57 pm
PLEASE tell me this is a RUMOR being spread by Republicans to make Obama look bad! PLEASE, PLEASE! If not, I think I know how NOAH was feeling about half way through the FLOOD;
“OH MY GOD, WILL THIS DISASTER EVER END?”
July 7th, 2010 - 3:33 pm
I read this and was incredulous. I know personally families who have loved ones killed in battle defending our country while doing their best to eliminate the bad guys so that other peoples can be free from repression. Now we want to reward doing nothing? This is akin to giving every kid on the last-place Little League team an award for particpation. As a former US marine, I would NEVER want an award because I held my fire. I have seen videos of the bad guys going free because they were clsoe to the good guys’ houses. WAKE UP LIBERALS: The bad guys know we operate this way, which is why they LIKE hanging with the civilian population. GET A CLUE!
War is called war for a reason. People die in war, including non-combatants. War is not pretty, and it’s not supposed to be. War, above all, is unfortunate for EVERYONE involved. It’s impossible to wage a successful war, kill only the bad guys, and allow the civilians to wander around among the bullets and shrapnel unscated. This is freakin’ nuts.
Let our men and women go in, do the job the way it’s supposed to be done, and MAYBE we wouldn’t be wallowing in hellholes like Iraq & Afghanistan for years and years. “You” want our troops home? Keep the freakin’ “I Play Nice” medals and let them do their job.
July 7th, 2010 - 9:53 pm
“No bastard ever won a war by dying for his country. He won it by making the other poor dumb bastard die for his”.
General George S. Patton
July 13th, 2010 - 7:47 am
[...] who lead them, may be a new battlefield medal designed by the Obama team. It is called the Courageous Restraint Medal and is awarded to soldiers and Marines who demonstrate uncommon restrain in combat by not firing [...]
August 5th, 2010 - 3:57 am
It’s not real:
http://www.snopes.com/politics/military/restraint.asp
It’s time for people to start fact checking before reacting.
August 5th, 2010 - 7:15 am
It’s not true — YET! But the military ACTUALLY considered having it! OH MY GOSH!
August 8th, 2010 - 10:14 am
OK, so I’ve been retired for about 15 years and have pretty much lost touch with most active duty related things, BUT, a freakin’ medal for “Courageous Restraint”? What the hell is happening out there? Sounds like a medal for cowards or dead morons. I suppose this is what happens when the CIC can’t tell the difference between combat and a Pillsbury bakeoff. At least one positive thing has been initiated by the present administration: More people than ever are becoming political activists. My VERY BEST WISHES to all you fine men and women who serve.
August 10th, 2010 - 6:05 am
Who the h3ll in our nation would take this seriously? I know: obamba, jones, gates, mullen, mcchrystal (until he was fired), petraeus for starts.We have become nation of fools (our leaders) and the T-ban will be encouraged. We need to kill the T-ban and get the h3ll out or we just need to get the h3ll out. Fromn a once powerful nation that won wars to a nation who has chosen, with the help of the lying press, a president who is uncomfortable with the word victory. What an @ss. We won WWII (both theaters) in about 3 yrs and 8 months and we have been in A-stan against the T-ban for 9 years. What is wrong with this picture? Do you think the T-ban is impressed that our young men will now be afraid to pull the trigger out of fear of being prosecuted by eric holder et al? Methinks so!!! We have a bunch of pot smokers in charge of our great nation.
August 28th, 2010 - 8:37 am
does it really surprize anyone our soldiers cant get boots but yet we can give obamas beloved afghan army and police all brand new ford ranger internationals that are up armored? Its a sad day for america, our fore fathers are turning in their graves in disgust. Thank you liberal pos d-bags for killing our soldiers unjustly while you sleep safetly at night at there expense
October 13th, 2010 - 3:03 pm
The noise you may be hearing is my grandfather, father and my four uncles (veterans of WWI, WWII, Korea,and Vietnam–all by choice)are rolling over in their graves…this truly is unconscionable. Why don’t we just give our soldiers pinwheels and have them wave at the enemy? A sad, sad time in America…
May 3rd, 2011 - 11:07 am
I take it Team 6 won’t be receiving this medal.