Ten pilots and nine sensor operators graduated Sept. 25 from initial qualification training at Creech Air Force Base, Nev., where they learned to operate the MQ-1 Predator.
Among the graduates were eight pilot candidates from nonpilot career fields.
The group was part of a Beta-test class to train pilots who have not attended undergraduate pilot training. Service officials are currently refining aeronautical training programs for operation of these remotely-flown vehicles. A second Beta class is currently underway.
During the ceremony, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz congratulated all of the students and emphasized the importance of their mission, stressing the role they will play in the evolution of unmanned aircraft systems.
"You are in the front row of history with the game-changing capabilities you provide," General Schwartz said. "The success of our Air Force and the joint team depends on your professional and personal excellence."
Air Force officials have been working hard to increase UAS availability to meet the "insatiable demand" for the capabilities these Air Force aircraft provide. There are currently 37 UAS combat air patrols supporting ongoing operations, and the service is working to achieve 50 combat air patrols over the next two years. Because the systems are unmanned in name only, central to the goal is how to best develop manning of the UAS force.
"You are part of the major Air Force development of the decade," General Schwartz said. "The culture change for our Air Force has to do with the future of UAS and how we see ourselves as Airmen."
Air Force leaders said there are still fundamental questions to be answered including career field title, aeronautical rating, active-duty service commitment, and Air Force specialty code designation. Additionally, there are significant professional development issues to be addressed with regard to the high-operations tempo the UAS force maintains.
The intent is to develop a professional, sustainable population of UAS and sensor operators with includes equitable opportunities for promotion, developmental education, leadership and command.
"Secretary (of the Air Force Michael B.) Donley and I recognize that our Airmen are the linchpin in this system and we are giving it our personal attention," General Schwartz said. "As we grow technical expertise from within the community, we will also focus on developing future UAS leaders," the general pledged.
During training, the students used their time at Creech AFB to perform 16 simulator events and nine Predator flights. Within those simulator events and flights, they performed joint, ISR and close-air-support missions.
The course brought individuals from varying backgrounds together to work as a team, operating an asset that is high demand in overseas contingency operations. For most, entry into the UAS program was an opportunity to join the cutting edge of technology in today's Air Force.
Capt. Rob McGowan, a former security forces officer, always wanted to be a pilot. However, it wasn't until the creation of this program that he got the chance to make his dream a reality.
"I had been deployed several times overseas and saw the impact the Predators were making on the ground and I wanted to be a part of that," Captain McGowan said.
Working alongside the pilot, one Airman saw this course as an opportunity to be more involved in supporting the on-going efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan.
"I wanted to make a greater impact on the war on terrorism," said Staff Sgt. Laura Hernandez, a 15th Reconnaissance Squadron sensor operator. "I just felt I could do more."
The team works together to make that mission succeed, with the pilot flying the aircraft, and the sensor operator using the camera and associated sensors to gather data.
"We are an extra set of eyes and ears for the pilot," Sergeant Hernandez said. "I am tasked to operate the camera and help monitor the system. We can request airspace and help the pilot find clear paths to fly the aircraft."
Together the pilot and sensor operator provide information to commanders in the field, strike targets not easily accessible by ground forces, and protect troops on the ground.
For both officer and enlisted, the selection process was competitive. It would be just the first hurdle the students had to clear.
For the officers, their qualification training spanned many months and several locations. The eight officers without a flying background initially spent about two weeks in Pueblo, Colo., getting flight experience, to include a solo flight. Then it was on to Randolph AFB, Texas, for instrument training, and finally arriving at Creech AFB, where they actually flew the unmanned aircraft and worked alongside their enlisted counterparts.
For the enlisted Airmen, the path to graduation took a slightly different route. Initial career field training at Randolph AFB was the first step, followed by 45 more days of training at Creech AFB prior to graduation.
After the graduation Sergeant Hernandez said the program, while tough, was the most fun she ever had and that it was an honor to be in this position.
"The training was fast and furious they threw a lot at us," Sergeant Hernandez said. "It is a great responsibility to take all that information and go out and perform."
Ryan Mattox (AFNS)
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