UASs/UAVs/drones are decreasingly manned by rated pilots-it is now a separate career field with a separate syllabus that does not include UPT. And while a drawdown is occurring, USAF pilot production has generally been unchanged in the last 10 years, ultimately resulting in the current shortage within the service.

"Short-term" will be at least a 10 year window, likely longer.

Bottom line, I don't think the implementation of the "1500 hour rule" will result in a pilot shortage. There will be plenty of qualified pilots to meet government requirements. Will ATPs/military pilots fly for the starting wages paid by many regionals (except in cases of maintaining recency)? I don't know. Time will tell.