S. 2218: Combat Action Recognition and Evaluation (CARE) for Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) Crews Act of 2025

This bill, titled the Combat Action Recognition and Evaluation (CARE) for Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) Crews Act of 2025, aims to provide a formal recognition system for crew members operating remotely piloted aircraft (commonly known as drones) who are involved in combat operations. Here’s a breakdown of what the bill proposes:

Establishment of Combat Status Identifier

The central provision of the bill is the requirement for the military to create a new status identifier. This identifier would have equivalent significance to traditional combat status identifiers already in use. The intent is to acknowledge the role and contributions of RPA crew members during combat missions.

Timeline for Implementation

According to the bill, the military departments must establish this new identifier within 180 days after the law is enacted. This timeline sets a clear deadline for the military to develop the necessary framework and procedures for recognizing the combat contributions of RPA crews.

Purpose and Rationale

The rationale for this legislation stems from the increasing reliance on remotely piloted aircraft in modern warfare. As these aircraft play a pivotal role in combat operations, it is seen as essential to formally recognize the personnel who operate them under the same standards applied to other combat service members.

Military Departments Involved

The bill mandates action from the Secretaries of the military departments, which include the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Each department will be responsible for implementing the new combat status identifier within their operational structures.

Potential Impact of Recognition

The creation of a combat status identifier may lead to various implications for RPA crew members, including:

• Eligibility for awards and commendations that are granted for combat service.
• Access to benefits and recognition comparable to traditional combat roles.
• Improved morale and acknowledgment of the challenges faced by drone operators in combat scenarios.

Overall Significance

The bill reflects a shift in military recognition practices to adapt to technological advancements in warfare and the evolving nature of combat roles. It underscores the importance of recognizing all personnel contributing to military operations, including those working remotely.

Relevant Companies

• BA (Boeing): As a major manufacturer of military drones, Boeing could be affected by this legislation as it might increase demand for their products and services related to RPA operations.
• RTX (Raytheon Technologies): Involved in the development and technology supporting drone operations, Raytheon may benefit from increased military spending related to RPA systems.
• LMT (Lockheed Martin): As a key player in aerospace and defense, Lockheed Martin is likely to see impacts related to advancements in RPA technology and services.