good points. Didn’t catch the non-rated UAV pilot part (commonly referred to as the ‘Beta’ program). In any case, they aren’t getting it now. They may be making a decision to change that, but if so, it has not been implemented.

As the over-arching concern with UAVs: the AF doesn’t have a clear cultural direction mapped out. This post falls squarely in that strategic / doctrinal domain. What is the culture of the RPV (the new way to describe UAV’s)?

While the military messes up its award systems sometimes, I doubt many people would have problems giving awards to UAV operators who were actually in theatre, particularly if they were under fire. For what its worth, I don’t necessarily agree with the Military.com article, though he does make some interesting points.

Personnel Command get slammed if a pilot doesn’t make the number of months due to something in their control (like getting assigned UAVs for 5 years). Therefore, the AF said UAV guys get gates months.

For awards: I see your point and I counter with UAV guys not allowed to get anything more than Aerial Achievement Medals. Also, F-16 pilot is landing his aircraft when the base goes under attack. He goes around, little risk to himself. UAV guy hopes that his tin roof will stop the mortars-it’s not like he can just leave his aircraft hanging while he takes cover. Not all UAV pilots are in the states.