Central ND News

On July 26, 2024, U.S. Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and Jacky Rosen (D-NV), both members of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), introduced the Combat Action Recognition and Evaluation (CARE) for Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) Crews Act. This bipartisan legislation aims to establish a status identifier for RPA crews who conduct combat operations, thereby increasing their access to services and providing proper recognition.

Currently, RPA crews flying combat missions across the United States do not have an identifier in their records for combat operations performed because they are not physically located in a combat zone. This lack of recognition can create barriers when these crew members seek appropriate mental health care or decide to change career fields within the military or leave the service altogether.

The proposed legislation instructs the U.S. Secretary of Defense to enter into an agreement with a federally funded research and development center to identify opportunities for providing more support services and greater recognition of the combat accomplishments of RPA crews.

“Now more than ever, military missions use airborne ISR platforms to meet our national security objectives,” said Senator Cramer. “Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) crews, including Fargo’s Happy Hooligans and the airmen from the 319th at Grand Forks, are an integral part of the nation’s Joint Force. The CARE for RPA Crews Act recognizes the accomplishments of RPA crews and identifies the appropriate resources to keep our airmen fit for duty.”

Senator Rosen added, “Remotely Piloted Aircraft crew like those at Creech Air Force Base in Nevada perform combat operations but have no status identifier in their records for having done so, making it challenging to receive the support and care they deserve once they transition. That’s why I’m introducing this bipartisan bill to establish a status identifier for these crews in order to help improve the recognition they’ve earned and ensure their future care. I’ll always fight to support Nevada’s servicemembers.”

Click here for bill text.