RPA Training - How long does it take?
 

I'm currently flying in the reserves, but I'm looking for some easier commutes.

I'm curious if anyone that's gone through RPA training can shed some light on some details.

I think it's in Vegas, right?

How long does it take? Is it different for a pipeline versus someone who's flown in the airforce (ie: UPA graduate)

I have a fighter background, so I'm not sure if the Predator/Reaper training is longer/shorter than the Global Hawk training.

Also, once done with training, how long does the typical MQT checkout take locally? Best guess...

Also, are there any RPA units currently hiring?

there are 3 FTUs, Syracuse, March and Holloman, with Holloman being the primary. Most if not all the guard units are hiring. There are many more than there used to be, Ellington, Des Moines, Springfield OH, Nashville just to name a few. For fighter guys, sometimes you can go through the accelerated course, which is probably all you would need. Full TX course takes about 6 weeks. MQT largely depends on your unit, ours is about 2 weeks on average. There is a large reserve contingent at Creech if Vegas interests you.

If you are currently in the reserves, it shouldn't be too hard to get contact info for the squadrons out there and ask them directly.

Locations getting MQ-9s are Nashville, Willow Grove PA, Des Moines, Battle Creek MI, Fort Smith AR, and Niagara Falls. March is changing from 1s to 9s and is supposed to handle most of the short course Pred to Reaper conversions of the current MQ 1 units (March, Tucson, Fargo, Springfield OH, Ellington). Syracuse or Holloman are your most likely spots for training. Expect about 2.5 to 3 months for FTU and 3 weeks for MQT and some follow on seasoning days. Creech has some Reserves that augment AD and there is a small NV ANG contingent as well at Creech. 2nd SOS is moving to Hurlburt and there are Reserves at Holloman!

I think spending any time in Holloman is the biggest barrier to my pursuit here.

I did one weekend when I did the centrifuge back in the day and I thought it was the most desolate place I've ever visited.

On a further note, those that fly the predator/reaper...

How do you like it? I know it's no fighter, but putting that aside, is it enjoyable?

Another question: As a guard UAV guy, what is a typical schedule for a part time guard guy?

Thanks again for those that can aid these ?'s...

The triton, a navy unmanned program is coming online in Jacksonville,might be worth a look.

So... you're looking to improve your quality of life through a better commute... and you won't do 10-12 weeks at Holloman?

I've spent plenty of time at Holloman in my career... never more than 3 weeks at a single time. And I always had a great time there.

Funny story: Holloman was the natural follow on for drone pilots, especially as FTU demand exploded. And everyone hated it and dreaded their turn on the VML. The OG had a spreadsheet, down to the day, of everyone on base, counting down to when that individual was eligible for orders.
Then out of nowhere cannon assignments started dropping. ...suddenly hmn doesn't get quite the hate that it used to.

It can be a tactically stimulating job; like a chess game to keep the mind engaged.
But it also comes with plenty of frustration. Big Blue is trending back to their old ways of min-running the manning (but the mission must bear no impact!). And you're trying to employ a technology demonstrator as a weapon system, all while trying to save it from its inherent tendency to mort itself via myriad of design deficiencies (read: technology demonstrator).
The good news is that a tactical background is gold plated in this pond.

be very careful about coming to UAVs. If you don't really like flying, then it may be perfect for you. I find it to be incredibly boring, but doing it as a part timer my be palatable.

I may be going to Holloman soon for MQ-1 training. Can anyone shed some light on what I need to know? Housing, especially, is on my list of questions. What are rooms like? Kitchen? Everything else, I guess I'll figure out when I get there... But any info would be greatly appreciated.