The increase of drone usage to target terrorist groups such as ISIS has forced the Pentagon to train more pilots to operate the drones for reconnaissance , special operations and providing live - video feeds of battles . The contractors who are now serving as drone pilots are based in the regions where the drones are flown, and they are legally prohibited from being “trigger pullers” and firing weapons, Air Force officials said. 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 program while others believe their use will exacerbate the shortage of Air Force pilots as the substantially better performance in the private sector could take them away from the military .
The increase of drone usage to target terrorist groups such as ISIS has forced the Pentagon to train more pilots 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 program while others believe their use will exacerbate the shortage of Air Force pilots as the substantially better performance in the private sector could take them away from the military .