Interesting - just thinking about this as I saw the article come up for enlisted RPA pilots, I thought it would be (an AF WO program) mainly recruited from the enlisted cadre, just thinking the sharp E-3 to E-5 range typically but also with off the street hires and really done on "simmer" type of manning with the capability to go up to full boil if required. I wouldn't restrict it to just that range but just what I imagined it to be, if the AF had or has the common sense to change with the times.
The RPA enterprise but in other carrier fields (ABM, Manned ISR SO, Airborne Linguist, etc...) lends itself to this; it could be a path for better retention, career development / progression / professionalization, etc... the RLO's in these fields will naturally be threatened but it is just the best manning construct unless it will no longer be a sin or exceptional to be a passed over Capt on the way to 20 years AD service in the Reg AF.