Air Force UAVs short on personnel.

2015-01-05T19:03:02-05:00

I read recently that the Air Force is low on qualified operators for their UAVs, and I am also aware that they are the only branch that has not opened this job up to enlisted service members, in favor of reserving it for the officer population. If there is any truth to the lack of qualified operators, why would the Air Force not follow in the footsteps of the other services and make it an enlisted job? We have four UAV squadrons in the Marine Corps that seem to function well with Enlisted Operators.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2897519/U-S-Air-Force-doesn-t-pilots-man-drone-fleet-raids-ISIS-crews-allegedly-overworked-quitting-droves.html

***Disclaimer*** Admittedly my primary source for news is an English newspaper I frequented before immigrating, so its entirely possible that they are mistaken.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 5 at 2015 7:11 PM

2015-01-05T19:11:40-05:00

One of the articles I read on this topic, Sgt Private RallyPoint Member, said the Air Force is having trouble keeping qualified drone pilots on the books because their promotion rates are lower than pilots of typical aircraft and they are overworked (burned out).

The answer may lie where you suggest: allowing enlisted Air Force personnel to fly the drones. Or, it may be that a force management fix is required: better promotions, bonuses, whatever it takes to get the needed pilots to stay.

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Jan 5 at 2015 7:20 PM

2015-01-05T19:20:20-05:00

The AF (IMO) will never let enlisted be pilots, it just goes against the AF's culture that one MUST be an officer to be trusted to fly and release ordinance.

**disclaimer: this is my personal opinion and not that of the US Air Force**

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 5 at 2015 9:11 PM

2015-01-05T21:11:07-05:00

Thanks for shearing. I didn't know that about the Air Force.
Good info.