The increase of drone usage to target terrorist groups such as ISIS has forced the Pentagon to employ more contractors to operate the drones for reconnaissance, special operations and providing live-video feeds of battles. Recruitment of Air Force drone pilots has been challenging due to the stressful nature of the job, the high incidences of post-traumatic stress disorder and personal identification by terrorist groups. In a recent interview with Fox News, retired U.S. Navy Rear Admiral John Kirby, who served in both Republican and Democratic administrations, said that he was “very concerned” about the use of drones.
The increase of drone usage to target terrorist groups such as ISIS has forced the Pentagon to employ more contractors to operate the drones for reconnaissance, special operations and providing live-video feeds of battles. Recruitment of Air Force drone pilots has been challenging due to the stressful nature of the job, the high incidences of post-traumatic stress disorder and personal identification by terrorist groups. However, some observers are concerned about oversight and accountability of the contractors while others fear their use will exacerbate the shortage of Air Force pilots as the substantially better salaries in the private sector could lure them away from the military.