The Air Force is being dragged into the future kicking, screaming, and crying. "Being a drone pilot is bad for your career".. "We don't have enough resources to train and fly missions at the same time." "Our poor drone pilots are working too hard!"
Um, did you ever think that maybe a drone pilot doesn't have to be a graduate of USAF flight school? Maybe (shudder) not even an officer?
Actually, my 14 year old grandson could do a damn fine job of it today. ... with about 24 hours of training..
Oh yes, I know, only officers can fire weapons. Ummm... well, actually, that's not true, is it?
In essence, this situation is worse than when the AIr Force screwed the pooch on Close Air Support in the 50s and 60s.
Gee, if the F-22 Raptor didn't have a human being in it, could the payload be used in other ways? Could it pull more Gs? Would we ever have POWs or hostages? Who dies in a drone crash?
But, who would get to wear the cool flight suits?
If you are interested in this topic.... here are a few links for your reading pleasure:
Drone Future: No Dog Fights (Yet)
Drone Crash = Cash Crunch
USAF General: Miniature Fighter Drones Suck
Drones to Replace Human Squadron in Afghanistan?
-- FJD
About Me
- Derf
- I live in the Florida Keys. I've been in the military and worked inside the Beltway. I've had 22 technical books and two novels published. I fly, boat, dive, shoot, and swim pretty damn well.
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