Section 1 Short title
This Act may be cited as the “Combat Action Recognition and Evaluation (CARE) for Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) Crews Act of 2024”.
Combat Action Recognition and Evaluation (CARE) for Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) Crews Act of 2024
A BILL
To provide a combat status identifier equivalent for remotely piloted aircraft crew who conduct combat operations, and require a study to identify opportunities to provide more support services to, and greater recognition of, their combat accomplishments.
Sec. 2 Combat status identifier equivalent for remotely piloted aircraft crew
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretaries of the military departments shall establish a status identifier of equivalent merit as a combat status identifier for remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) crew who conduct combat operations.
Sec. 3 Study on combat accomplishments of remotely piloted aircraft crew
In general— Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall seek to enter into an agreement with a federally funded research and development center to conduct an independent study to identify opportunities to provide more support services to, and greater recognition of, combat accomplishments of RPA crew.
Elements— The study required under subsection (a) shall—
explore methods for identifying those members of a RPA crew who conduct combat operations;
review the manner of documentation for RPA crew conducting combat operations;
propose decorations and awards for combat operations available to RPA crew;
assess whether to award campaign medals for RPA crew conducting combat operations in a named campaign; and
examine whether post-separation health (including mental health) care is available to RPA crew who conduct combat operations.