Hi!
This year's class of new pilot-trainees for the Air Force consisted of pilots and RPV/UAV operators. The non-manned aircraft pilots were over 1/2 of the total pilot numbers. They are going straight to RPVs and will probably never fly a manned aircraft.
There are 4 guys from my last US airline who are all now civvy contractors flying RPVs in either Afghanistan or the Phillipines. One of them was never in the military and really wanted to be, so this is very nice for him.
If I was a guy on the ground, or a commander, I would want whichever technology would work best to help me get the mission done.
I prefer to fly planes, but may be making the switch to RPVs because of economic circumstances.
cliff
NBO