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

The CARE Act of 2025 (S 2218) requires the military to create a combat status identifier for drone crews who conduct combat operations, ensuring they receive recognition equivalent to service members directly engaged in ground combat. This change would affect remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) operators and support personnel deployed in active combat roles. The military departments must establish this identifier within 180 days of the bill becoming law. The bill focuses on administrative recognition, not operational changes or new benefits.