Originally Posted by
Deuce130
You are chest thumping. What does YOUR combat experiences have to do with the stresses of RPA guys? Why do you have a dog in this fight? Are you mad that the AF might actually be taking this issue seriously? Are you mad because they're not paying more attention to you? Just because you have seen the things you've seen and done the things you have, doesn't mean that it's not possible that RPA pilots and sensors might not have some stress issues with their job. I, for one, have never flown RPAs. But, maybe, just maybe, there might be some stress involved in spending 12 hours in a box, being responsible for dropping live missiles on someone, deconflicting with the guys on the ground, actually killing someone, then going home to play with the kids and sleep with the wife. All coupled with the thought that he would probably rather be doing something else and knowing he's going to do it again for the next 6 days. You think he left all those issues at work? You think it wouldn't affect him? Why so angry about this? You actually sound jealous over this. And you're not the only one. Some of these posts are just screaming out "Validate me!"
Deuce,
Contrary to your opinion, I have no dog in this fight, I am not angry at them or the Air force, nor am I jealous so don't put words in my mouth.
I realize that there is some stress involved in that job, I won't deny that fact. But, the crucial difference is that you cannot compare the stress of being in the relative safety of a 1 g box to the stress of actually being in combat. It's a different kind of stress. That was my point, and only point alone. Why is it so hard for people to understand that crucial difference. This is my opinion based on my experiences and mine alone. Since when did stating an opinion become "chest thumping" to some? If you or anyone else took that opinion personally or were offended, I am truly sorry.
Finally, Deuce , I require no self validation from you or anyone else.. my record and credability speaks for itself. If you find yourself in KIKR/KABQ PM me so we can meet in person, I may just "buy" you a beer. Just because someone has a different opinion than your own doesn't give you or anyone else carte blanche to personally insult someone or attempt to make them quantify their opinion to you. References about myself were not "tooting my own horn" but rather a small attempt to establish the fact that I do have a backround to base my opinion on. I did not at anytime personally insult any individual RPA operator, I just stated a general opinion of my own and like certain body openings we all have one. This is a free country we live in last time I checked and I am entitled to have my opinion even if you happen to disagree with it.