Tag Archive: complicating civilian role in war

Private contractors operate Air Force drones, complicating civilian role in war

Private contractors operate Air Force drones, complicating civilian role in war ir Force documents reveal not only that the Pentagon is having a hard time recruiting active duty military to “pilot” drones, as defense contractors are filling the vacancies. Military lawyers fear this blurs the line between soldier and civilian. The “lack of appropriately cleared and currently qualified MQ-9 pilots is a major concern,” reads a five-page redacted Air Force document from August 24, referring to MQ-9 Reaper drones leased to a small defense contractor. The same document calls for the private concern to help cope with “recent increased terrorist… View Article