Forum: Drones

The AF will ALWAYS treat anything that gets off of the ground as it would any of its airframes. Therefore, the qualification to fly a Pred or Reaper is the same as the qual to fly a C-130, HH-60, KC-10, F-16, etc.

I believe the recruitment will actually get easier. "Oh, you have some extenuating circumstance which will preclude you from the Altitude Chamber, or pulling handles to get out of a fighter or bomber? Well, you can still fly, and here's what we can offer..."

or...

"Oh, 12 month deployments to East Bejeezus in squalid (at best) living conditions, humping an 80 lb. ruck, kicking in the door on some baddies in Kandahar, and possibly becoming IED fodder on Highway 1 isn't your thing?...But you still would like a possible shot a pulling the trigger? Well, here's what the AF can offer you..."

or...

"Sorry. We're downsizing billets for the aircraft you fly (or would like to fly). Here's what we can offer you..."

Promotions are still there. They will continue to improve as well, as the field is only getting bigger. Come talk to me in about 10 to 15 years about the career path/progression of a Reaper crew chief vs. his F-15 or F-16 counterpart. Same goes for the Reaper pilot vs. some of his manned aircraft counterparts. There are folks from slick sleeve to CMSgt in the enlisted RPA ranks (MX and Sensor Operators), and folks from Lt. to full bird Colonel on the pilot side. Within the next couple of years, the RPA field will also see its first Brigadier General.

Sure, it might not be as glamorous at first glance as the dudes who make movies and do airshows, but it is what it is. The RPA field will only continue to grow, and if the military needs to, they will increase the bonuses for recruitment/retention. Who offers bonuses on the outside these days?...and who on the outside has employment opportunities, chances to elevate, and has job security like the military? That's what that proverbial 18 year old might be looking at...and if he doesn't, then it's his loss. The AF isn't in the business of impressing teenange fanboys. They're in the business of stopping terrorists. Right now, that business is "booming"...literally AND figuratively!

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Forum: Drones

Wussie UAV's