Apparently, flight time is key to getting promotions in the Air Force.
Does anyone know if they have changed that policy?
I'm sure any pilot would prefer to actually fly the jets. How resistant are pilots to signing up for 'flying' these new UAVs.
I’m not aware one way or the other whether UAV pilots log flight time for their efforts. I do know that some UAV pilots are enlisted. In fact the USAF actively recruits video game enthusiasts for such duty.
As to your comment about flight time being key to promotion, it is true that officers who are “rated” such as pilots, navigators and flight surgeons are more likely to get promotions to O-3 through O-5. Non-rated officer aircrew such as Combat controllers and air traffic controllers are also more likely to be promoted. Missile crew duty is a better ticket than for example finance, supply, or personnel.
Being a “Zoomie” or USAFA graduate is an excellent ticket as is in-residence attendance at Squadron Officers School, Air Command and Staff College and Air War College.
As far as early promotion to O-5 or O-6, I speak from personal experience that it’s all a matter of getting the right assignment at the right time. Superior performance in a command role is essential.
Don’t know current policy. Not a union member but I think UAV pilots think of themselves, as do other pilots, as sort of like SCAB’s that cross a line during a strike........taking missions away from “pilots” vs this gamer version of a pilot that most look at them as.......all I know is the UAV’s WORK and work well. Solid platform for CAS 24/7 IMHO.
Now that is just my opinion from the couch of course.......no knowledge of that system or environment with regards to UAV’s at all .