Congressman Claims U.S. Military's Awards Process in Disarray - kcentv.com - KCEN HD - Waco, Temple, and Killeen

(KCEN) -- The U.S. Military's Combat Awards process is in disarray.

That's according to California Congressman Duncan Hunter and historian Doug Sterner.

They say the Defense Department does not have a complete list of those who have been awarded combat medals for serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The Pentagon says there are reasons for some website omissions.

That includes security worries or requests from families that the names not be listed.

Hunter says the process is laden with bureaucracy which forces some commanders to recommend service members for lesser awards to avoid having the application get lost in the lengthy process.