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This thread is in response to all the healthy discussion on an unrelated thread not about the RQ-4, so now there is a thread just for the GH. Hopefully this will help my community fight two battles, the battle to be embraced by big Air Force so we can showcase our capability and the battle to address concerns that we have no capability at all, aka U2 vs RQ-4. So, we would love to integrate in a more meaningful way at Red Flag and tap into our Intel Patch's talent...As it was explained to me, the billet for an organic intel officer was established within the last year. I assume there is an Patch wearer on base but there isn't one in our squadron after former SQ/CC left. I'm relatively new to the squadron so I don't have all the info, and hopefully some other guys will jump in and provide it. What I do recognize is we have NOT demonstrated a commanding capability that cannot be ignored by Nellis...and hence we have been ignored. Maybe we need to work on ourselves before we fight at the big kids table, or maybe we get some more support and we all get better together. #thedream As far as the U2 goes, how do you have an ISR capability fight that is unclass... As a start though, sensor parity seems an inevitable certainty from the simple fact that there is no physical/electrical/aero reason it can't be. Northrup Grumman is going to do the leg work to make it happen, they have a vested interest to do so. There isn't parity now, which is why we keep the U2. Good, our Intel is better because of it, but someday we will have parity and arguing about when that day will be here is boring. My guess is 3 years cause that is what I read on CNN. As far as old fashioned pilotage exploiting U2 capability...you are right, I am not aware of what you are talking about. But I will clarify that every 11X in the Air Force is part pilot part mission manager, your Qual check proves you can pilot, your MSN check proves you can manage. In the RQ-4 you can pass your qual check if on your engine out EP you don't touch anything and just make the appropriate radio calls (phone calls if MCE only ;) Hence a Global Hawk pilot is really a mission manager and not a pilot in my framework...it is semantics. Someday an 18X or even perhaps a Enlisted pilot will use good ol'fashioned mission management skills to exploit superior HAISR capability to that of U2, if only because they can do it at a desk and not in a space suit worrying about stall speeds and that SA-2. List of current shortfalls...cough...quibbling Sensor Parity, Dynamic Inflight routing w/ weather radar (significant software update and minor hardware), reliance on GPS/Satellites I'm tired so if someone else wants to join in we can talk about enlisted pilots too. And I haven't even mentioned all the things that make the GH superior to the U2 so hopefully this thread gets some discussion going.

I recently got selected for Reserve RPA pilot training. I noticed that the threads with information on what training is like are a little dated. Would anyone be willing to share what their experiences at the courses at Pueblo, Randolph, and Holloman were like? Or has not much changed?

Im one of those unlucky persons who are young, in shape, have excellent hygiene, but smell bad. Before you ask, no this isnt a joke. And yes I have seen several doctors and many doctors have ran multiple tests on me and everything has come back completely normal. Yes I shower, brush/floss my teeth, wear deoderant, and have no cavities. No I cant smell myself but based off of the comments I get I can conclude that ... The odor makes people's eyes water; it makes their airways burn, nauseates them, makes them cough and sneeze, and the odor spreads like a constant gas and has a 15-50ft radius. My roommate has described it to me as rechid and putrid. Despite this condition, I have aspirations to be a pilot as you can tell by my handle. Im already 35 so my dream of being a fighter pilot might not work out but im willing to settle for RPA. ***So how bad of a time can I expect to have if I persue my dream?*** ***How miserable will military life be with this odor?*** I asked an ex-army vet what they thought would happen if I joined and he told me that I would likely get a "Failure to Adapt" and likely get rejected from the OTS boards. He also said people would likely make my life hell. The other reason I want to be a pilot is because they dont work with many people at a time. . . As far s I know RPAs work with a sensor op. So having only 1 coworker would be ideal so I dont bother too many people with this smell.

Meh, most of us don't care... but this is a big deal for many parts of the military, especially for some of the ground pounders that have come to rely on these systems... https://dronedj.com/2018/06/07/department-of-defense-bans-the-purchase-of-commercial-over-the-shelf-uas-including-dji-drones/ Department of Defense bans the purchase of commercial-over-the-shelf UAS, including DJI drones effective immediately “SUBJECT: (U/FOUO) Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Systems Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities (U/FOUO) On May 14, 2018 the DoD Inspector General found that DoD has not implemented an adequate process to access cybersecurity risks associated with using commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). (U/FOUO) Effectively immediately, you must suspend purchases of COTS UAS for operational use until the DoD develops a strategy to adequately assess and mitigate the risks associated with their use. (U/FOUO) In addition you must suspend the use of COTS UASs until the DoD identifies and fields a solution to mitigate known cybersecurity risks. (U/FOUO) I hold approval authority for any requests for exemptions, on a case by case basis, to support urgent needs. (U/FOUO) The points of contact for this matter are Ms Ellen M, Lord, Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, and Mr, Dana Deasy, Department of Defense Chiefs Information Officer.” and the ARMY led the way, banning them last year: https://soldiersystems.net/2017/08/05/army-bans-use-of-a-cots-uas-system/ ... So, how long until we "develop a strategy"?

What class medical exams are RPA pilots given after they are selected?

Good morning to all, In late September, I went up for the Rated Supplemental Board and unfortunately, was not selected. I found this out in late September. The thing is, I retook my AFOQT awfully close to the Supp. Board date. Although most might dismiss the possibility of my scores still making the board, it should be noted that my scores actually came out in 6 days, as such, that possibility should be increased to some respect. My PCSM went from a 59 to a 76. Here's the timeline to help with my story. Timeline: 16 Feb - Received RPA (PCSM was 57 when sent to board) 9 Aug - TBAS retake (PCSM improves from 57-59) 13 Sep - AFOQT retake 19 Sep - Find out my AFOQT scores (PCSM improves to 76) 29 Sep - Receives call from CC. Not selected. When I found out I didn't make it, a question that was really on my mind was whether or not the new PCSM got factored in. I asked my CC and he was quite confident that my scores were in fact NOT factored in citing the fact that AFOQT scores take two weeks to come out and that close proximity (probably intersecting) with the time the board meets makes it not likely that my scores made it in. At the same time, he does not believe that even had I notified the cadre immediately (on the 19th) that they would have made it to WINGS. What is WINGS... On the 19th, I checked the PCSM site and sure enough, my PCSM was updated. Because the PCSM site showed my scores had been updated, I had no reason to assume that WINGS would not have updated it. As such, I made no further effort to double check and inquire if my scores were ready for board simply because I did not know that there was even another way (and what turned out to be the only way that mattered). I believed I had all avenues covered. I personally beat myself for not having been more proactive about ensuring my records were up to date, but I feel frustrated with my cadre's handling as well. The decision to retake my AFOQT was fraught with postponements and 1 on 1 conversations between me and the cadre, as such, one would assume my decision to go with retaking the AFOQT to be something they were aware of. Even a few days after I took it, one of the cadre members came up to me asking how I think I did, (again re-ensuring the idea that they knew about me retaking the AFOQT.) My question is, if they knew about it, why too did they not be more proactive in getting my scores up to WINGS, knowing that this is something that is quite personal and essential to me. With their knowledge both within and outside ROTC, they would definitively have much better position to see whether or not I was on track or not. The big questions I have for you all really is to understand how PCSM scores go into WINGS. Does the CC fill out a Form 22 to update PCSM onto WINGS? Is that the job of the CC or the NCOs? Can cadets check their PCSM on WINGS? Does WINGS display the date a change was made to your PCSM scores? I have tried to make this as comprehensive as possible so that you guys can have every aspect taken into consideration. Other than that, that is all. Thank you folks! Respectfully, DinaMight

Hi folks, I'm currently starting my final year of college also seriously considering retaking my AFOQT to try and improve my PCSM. AS of the moment, I am planning on commissioning FY18, but that may all change. Hear me out. I'm not really one to be tact so I'll just say this the best that I know how. At the moment, I have an RPA slot and as glamorous as the future of this career looks, it's not something I think I want for myself. That whole idea of flying in a box, disconnected from everything that has defined flying for the past century is something I am still not sure about. As of right now, my PCSM is at a 59. I've taken the TBAS twice and AFOQT once. I know that taking the AFOQT and doing better on the pilot sections can help raise the PCSM score, but I also recognize that failing any section of the test means losing everything I've worked towards these past few years and throwing away a big career I've longed for since my youth. However, if I retake the AFOQT, I can raise my PCSM and hopefully get picked up on the supplemental board for pilot. Maybe it may happen even if I don't retake the AFOQT, but still, maybe it won't and really all I want to do is maximize the variables that I can control and one such variable is that AFOQT. At least once I have done all I could can I have a peace of mind and say to myself that I gave it everything you know? I recognize that getting a higher AFOQT does not necessarily secure my chances of getting a pilot slot, but it would also hurt to not take it and have this lingering thought in my head. That "what-if" scenario, what if I had taken that AFOQT and done better? I've spoken to friends and my cadre about this and all are against this move simply because of what I can stand to lose, a commission in the USAF and a job for next few years. My cadre specifically noted that as an RPA I stand a higher chance of getting upgraded to a pilot than a CSO (can anyone confirm this?) and as such, the best course of action for me is, and should be, to remain still and let it play out because you know sometimes the best course of action is do nothing. What do you guys think? I If anyone has been or is in the same shoe, I'd very much like to hear your input on this. Thank you. Should I retake it? How much weight does the AFOQT pilot scores have on the PCSM? If you've done better on the pilot section after your retake, how much did it affect your PCSM? Is RPA more likely to be upgraded to Pilot than CSO? Anyways, any help really is appreciated. Thanks guys.

I am not sure if this has been posted here before. Searching through the forums, there have been only a few, scattered references in revived threads. I have not seen the memo attached. I found this memo from HQ A3 granting a blanket age waiver for RPA pilot applicants. This particular one is for active duty but I have called around to ANG and Reserve units to see if they are following suit. I have a memo from the NG Bureau stating that they will. Up until recently, individual ANG units were making their own call on it. Units that were doing well in manning and applicants told me they were not. Others that had less personnel were following the AD policy. But the NG Bureau memo seems to resolve that. The Reserve is considering age waivers. This could be an opportunity for those who thought their chances were gone. Appendix E- Blanket RPA Age Waiver_Signed Copy.pdf ANG URT Age Waiver.pdf

Hello everyone. I'm now a ROTC cadet looking at Reserve and Guard options. I should hopefully be commissioning in 2019. I have been searching for RPA and Space Ops units, but unsure which units are still operating with the same mission at this time, since most information online is from years ago. The ANG website is more straightforward, but the Air Force Reserve is not so much regarding what positions are available in which units. I'd greatly appreciate if any of you have information as to which units are available for me to consider applying to for ANG and ARC for RPA pilot and space operations officer positions. I know it's pretty early but ideally, I'd like to be able to best prepare my applications for these type of units. Thank you very much!

Just started reading about this yesterday.... And there's not much out there about it. Can anyone please shed some light on this field and what's different (if any) from a regular RPA pilot vs AFSOC RPA pilot? What's the difference in their missions etc? I read so far that there are 2 Special Ops squadrons currently active with RPAs: the 3rd and 33rd SOS. Both based out of Canon AFB in New Mexico, flying Predators and Reapers. I'm a civilian RPA select so please excuse my lack of info.... What are the pros/cons to being AFSOC RPA pilot? How do you get in? Is day to day life any different? Any incentives? I was interested in AFSOC (enlisted) after not getting selected for OTS my first time around so please tell me more!

Email traffic has been circulating in the RPA community that manning in going to be "healthy" come late 2016. As a result, the wizards at AFPC are estimating that ALFA tour pilots are going to start being released back to their previous manned aircraft, albeit slowly, starting Spring 2017. As a current non-vol stuck in RPAs, I'm hopeful and excited. I was pulled from AMC only after 9 months in my squadron, barely broke over 100 hours flying (boo hoo). I felt robbed, but this opportunity feels like my one chance to get back to what I love. Unfortunately, I don't believe the Air Force is going to follow through with it; I don't think they'll have a choice. After talking to fellow 11X and 18X pilots, I don't think many RPA guys are going to volunteer for more austerity, more work, and more inaction from AF leadership and choose to stay in. The Air Force simply won't have the RPA manning numbers to justify releasing anyone back. This feels like a giant carrot on a stick - something to keep me working hard because "there's still a chance!" I'm not sure how credible a plan like this can be. Curious on everyone's take on this situation. Instead of re-explaining the whole plan I've cut and pasted information from an email I received from a Squadron Commander a few weeks back concerning my aforementioned dilemma. · MQ-1/9 Pilots: o All ops locations projected to hit 100% manning in the Jan-Feb ’17 timeframe o ALFA return (i.e. pilots sent from manned acft to fly MQ-1B/9) should be expected at around 10-15 total from MQ-1/9 § Priority will be competitive and 11R/11B will take priority over MAF assets due to manning levels § Spring and beyond *should see returns of around 30-40 per VML cycle § *dependent on no change to USAF CAP commitments or authorization increases · This is what I need from officers: o I will be sending a separate email to all members on Initial Fall VML; however, please engage me soonest if you wish to volunteer to move to Holloman AFB. o As stated above, AFPC is projecting ALFA tour pilots (i.e. people that used to fly manned acft and were sent to MQ-1B/9s for a tour) to start to be released back to manned acft. This will initially be a very small number and gradually grow if manning projections remain the same and USAF does not increase manning requirements (i.e. more CAPs, increase pilot to CAP ratio, etc). As such, I encourage you to engage me if you wish to re-cat to MQ-9 career field (i.e. officially change your AFSC to reflect that you desire to stay in RPA career field). o Of note, the general focus remains on increasing manpower at Holloman AFB Formal Training Units while also increasing/maintaining healthier manpower levels across RPA community as a whole. Removed some personal / needless information. Interested in hearing what guys who've seen the manning ebb and flow think.

I'm wondering if anyone has any stats on people who were selected for an RPA pilot slot in the AFRC. AFOQT Pilot: 90 Nav: 99 AA: 86 V: 98 Q: 64 PCSM: 51, 0 flight hours, Civ App

I'm a Second Lieutenant in the Marine Corps and was recently informed that I will be attending IFS in Pueblo, CO followed by some school in San Antonio. Does anyone know what this process is like? Have there been many Marines that have came through this pipeline in the past? I understand what IFS is, but what is the curriculum in San Antonio geared towards? Any information on this topic would be very helpful. Thanks!

29 May I start the four month long RIQ/RFC training and some classmates and I are looking for alternatives to living in VOQ at Randolph. I have heard some rummors about furnished houses or PIT pads that are setup for guys going TDY there. Anyone know a good resource for finding a place for longer TDYs or own a place they need to rent for a few months? How about any info on the minimum information the AF will need to reimburse us for renting a place durring TDY? Special way the lease would need to look? ect.