For every drone, there is a need for up to four dozen analysts who can look at the many hours of footage to assess the targets and other intelligence. 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. 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.