PRS Guitars, Thanks, I am not advising anyone right now but in the past have steered several to the USAF and Navy flight training programs. The latest I have heard about the current situation is from a new article on the Air Force Times website which indicates that 80 UPT August graduates will be assigned for a three-year tour in drones after UPT graduation. Then, after the three years, they will be given the opportunity to be assigned a manned aircraft.

If true, this might be a sign of the times and a harbinger. This seems like a really bad move and would likely affect efforts to recruit pilots for manned aircraft. Why would anyone be interested in a USAF pilot career with that big a chance of getting drones if expecting to fly manned airplanes?

The last group sent to RPAs was told it would only be for a few years, then they would be sent back to manned aircraft. "Needs of the Air Force" became a factor, and that 'deal' was rescinded. It's one of the driving factors behind the shortage of RPA pilots, as many of the non-vols got out of the AF. It's an example of poor personnel management, as there are a lot people who would be more than happy to fly RPAs, and are more than capable of doing so.

Another factor impacting retention in the RPA community is the 'deployed in garrison' ops tempo. Those guys are being ridden hard and put away wet, and there's no end in sight. Adding insult to injury, the active duty RPA bases are in some of the least desirable locations possible. (especially for AFSOC)

All that being said, the RPA crews are having a greater impact on operations down range than any of the manned assets, and they have every right to be proud of their service.

It seems absolutely a personnel management issue. While the RPA operators should darn well be proud of their service, there is still no legitimate excuse for the issues that apparently exist in that community. Especially in a position such as a pilot, manned or unmanned, you do not want someone in that job that is unhappy, overworked, does not want to be there, Etc. That just leads to all sorts of trouble.

From the AF Times:"Also, beginning this August, the Air Force plans to steer 80 undergraduate pilot training graduates directly into drone squadrons, instead of traditional manned aircraft." Also, "The 80 undergraduate pilot training graduates directed into drone squadrons will serve one assignment tour — typically lasting three years — before being offered the opportunity to move to a manned aircraft." "The last time the Air Force did this was between 2009 and 2011. About 30 percent of the 248 pilots who were given the opportunity to fly manned aircraft at the end of their tours decided to remain drone pilots."

Deja Vu, it looks like it is happening again. Sure feel sorry for the unlucky 80.

An aspect of this would seem somewhat akin to the Navy telling folks who will be on Subs. It is volunteer for a reason, and still results in having sailors removed on occasion.

One way to look at it from a positive perspective:
Back in the early 90's, newly commissioned folks who were slated to attend UPT were delayed for 3-4 years and many graduating from UPT were banked (50% or more in some cases), which meant a desk job for 2-3 years. At least now, they will get their wings and fly a UAV for 3 years then go be real pilot. Plus, better to fly the UAV early in one's career than just before separating/retiring for flying currency purposes for an airline job, if so desired.
You see, it's all good!

I'd still bet AF gets a lot less folks signing up with this possibility. Even nowadays, I can't see too many young folks fantasizing about an RPA career... Just have to wait and see I guess.

Less may sign up but there will always be more dudes than available slots willing to give up their nuts for a chance to fly! Odds of getting a RPA are pretty low but still a threat and added stress. Like I've said, don't suck (though some are destined to do so by design) or better yet, go through the ANG or AFRes route.

As said above there will be no shortage of applicants. These are young invincible type A personalities. They figure it won't happen to them, and for the most part, they are correct.

Not an endorsement for this, by the way. I don't like it one bit.