Since the turn of the century, the United States military has been using drones. However, there is still a certain amount of mystery surrounding the profession. Who are the drone pilots in the military? How do you become a military drone pilot? Does every branch in the military have drone pilots? At Rocket Drones, we speak to students who have aspirations for military service all across America and always support their dreams to serve their country. In this article, we will discuss some things to consider before becoming a drone pilot in the military and how Rocket Drones can help you get there.
What Does a US Air Force Drone Pilot Do?
For the sake of this article, we will use the United States Air Force as the branch of choice for aspiring military drone pilots. That still begs the question: what exactly do drone pilots do? Below are just a few things that drone pilots in the military do on a daily basis.
Lead reconnaissance missions to gather intelligence. The majority of drone missions in the military are for information gathering. A drone is uniquely capable of providing mission-critical intelligence for battle commanders. This includes high-definition imagery and live video feeds of enemy movements, potential targets, and scouting. This is advantageous because it keeps manned aircraft out of potentially dangerous situations and allows for added stealth as drones are much harder to track.
Support logistical efforts on the front lines. Any military operation hinges on a force’s ability to maintain a supply chain to the front lines. Drones have been deployed to deliver everything from food rations to ammunition through treacherous terrain. This means that military trucks and personnel are less likely to be put in harm’s way during transit.
Provide close air support for troops on the ground. Experiencing enemy contact for ground troops can create a dangerous scenario. Close air support is often used to support boots on the ground. Traditionally, this meant calling in fighter jets or helicopters. With drone technology, ground forces can radio for close air support without risking the lives of pilots in manned aircraft over enemy-controlled territory.
Conduct precision air strikes on military targets. There are some military missions that do not require ground forces at all. Instead, a precision air strike on a high value target is the best course of action. Drones can be outfitted with accurate ordnance to hit specified targets while the pilot controls it from a safe location. This minimizes the risk of the mission and can expedite decision making for military commanders.
US Air Force Drone Pilots Are Commissioned Officers
Just like traditional manned aircraft pilots, drone pilots in the United States Air Force are commissioned officers. This means that there is a longer list of prerequisite qualifications to consider. Below are a couple of non-negotiables that those who wish to be drone pilots need to be aware of.
You must complete a 4-year degree at an accredited university. Unlike enlisted airmen, officers must be college graduates. This means that they must either attend the Air Force Academy or another accredited university to obtain a bachelor’s degree before attending officer training.
Complete Air Force Officer Training School (OTS). Just like enlisted airmen attend boot camp before shipping off to their specified training school, officers must complete Officer Training School. In OST, recruits engage in basic military training with an enhanced focus on leadership.
What Branches of the US Military Have Drone Pilots?
The US Air Force isn’t the only branch that has trained drone pilots. In fact, every branch of the US Armed Forces has drone pilots currently operating around the world. However, there are a few differences from branch to branch in terms of who qualifies to fly a drone.
US Navy: Drone pilots in the US Navy are warrant officers. A warrant officer is a prior-enlisted service member who became an officer through the warrant officer program. They often possess an enhanced technical skill and training mixed with exemplary leadership skills.
US Army: The US Army is the only branch of service wherein drone pilots are enlisted personnel. Depending on the mission, a warrant officer might be assigned as the drone pilot if he or she possesses a certain skill level. The US Army is also the only branch of service that has warrant officer helicopter pilots.
US Marine Corps: For now, only commissioned officers are eligible to fly drone aircraft. However, there has been some discussion around allowing warrant officers to start piloting unmanned aircraft in the Marine Corps.
How Can Rocket Drones Prepare Students for Military Service?
While Rocket Drones training does not currently have any specific military training in its curriculum, our program certainly prepares students for any career in drones. The foundational training that both our classroom stem kits and drone racing kits provide are critical to building toward the next step of becoming an advanced drone pilot. This means that students who participate in the Rocket Drones program can enter the military with an enhanced level of knowledge, making advanced training easier and more natural when the time comes.
Final Thoughts on How to Become a Drone Pilot in the Military
Drones have several military applications and are being used more and more as time goes on. Depending on the branch of service, you will have to meet a special set of qualifications to become a military drone pilot. If you have questions or are interested in starting the process of a military enlistment or commission, it’s best to talk directly to a recruiter who can give you more information on that branch’s programs. No matter which brand you choose, Rocket Drones’ training is the perfect first step to get introduced to the world of drones.
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If you’re ready to take the next step with Rocket Drones at your school, learn more about it and get in touch with us on our curriculums page.