Recent press release from the Wussification-of-the-American-Military Department:
“Pentagon attorneys have assured me that the feminization and homofication of U.S. Armed Forces will in no way reduce America’s combat readiness or effectiveness.”
— Something outgoing SecDef Leon Panetta probably said sometime, somewhere — I would think.“I suppose now they will award Purple Hearts for carpal tunnel syndrome.”
— Retired Green Beret who does contract work for the Pentagon. (This one’s real)
Also:
“It has been surreal to hear the response in the corridors of the Pentagon,” the officer said. “Everyone was floored by the sudden announcement. Many are still convinced it is a joke from The Onion that duped people.”
— Army colonel who fought in Afghanistan
The Russians, Chinese, Iranians, Arabs and whoever else must be rolling on the floor laughing their asses off. Our “allies,” if that’s what we may any longer presume to call them, must be disheartened. Can’t blame them.
From the Washington Times 
Pentagon uproar over Panetta’s hero medals for drone operators,
cyber sleuths
By Rowan Scarborough
The Washington Times
Friday, February 15, 2013Some warriors inside the Pentagon are reacting with amusement and anger over outgoing Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta’s decision to create a prestigious heroism medal for cyber and drone combatants who sit inside stations outside a war zone.
[snip]
Examples of those eligible for the new medal include service members who operate Predator drones over Afghanistan or Pakistan from the shelter of an air base, and military computer whizzes who defeat cyberattacks by China.
It is not only the award itself, but its placement above, in order of prestige, the Bronze Star, that baffles and rankles some. The Bronze Star is awarded for extraordinary service to combatants in an actual war zone. It is adorned with a “V” if it is earned in direct combat.
[snip]
An Army colonel who fought in Afghanistan and who admires Mr. Panetta told The Times he was taken aback by the “sudden” announcement.
“It has been surreal to hear the response in the corridors of the Pentagon,” the officer said. “Everyone was floored by the sudden announcement. Many are still convinced it is a joke from The Onion that duped people.”
He added: “I’ve had conversations with about a dozen people over the last couple of days here at the Pentagon and read the various rants from retired friends on Facebook. Attitude ranges from rage to a mix of anger and amusement. Everyone assumes it was an Air Force push, so there is anger towards both the medal and the Air Force over this.”
[snip]
The Pentagon said the Distinguished Warfare Medal will rank right below the Distinguished Flying Cross, which puts it above the Bronze Star.
Isn’t that special? The end isn’t nigh, folks, it’s already behind us.