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We are Predator UAV Pilot/Operators currently in Afghanistan. AMAA! :...

http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/17j9wa/we_are_predator_uav_...

We are Predator UAV Pilot/Operators currently in Afghanistan. AMAA! (self.IAmA)


submitted 7 days ago* by throwaway_predator

After being asked to do an AMA, we've finally gotten down to it. We will be answering as many questions as we can while we are work and possibly more later. We will answer as candidly AS POSSIBLE. However, due to the nature of what we do we will not be able to go into specifics. There's a total of 4 of us who will be answering questions, so ask away! EDIT 1: It's late for us now and we're crashing out. We will try to answer more questions in the morning. I would like to thank you guys for being polite and bearing with us. This is out [F]irst time posting
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[] jlkajdsf 24 points 7 days ago

What are you thoughts on the drone downed in Iran? Was it a mistake by US pilots or did Iran really jam the drone?
permalink [] Meat_Confetti 6 points 6 days ago

The new NOVA Documentary strongly suggests that Iran was able to gain control of it and bring it down in a controlled manner. Why we don't put self-destruct ordinance packages on these things is beyond me.
permalink parent [] joelfarris 2 points 6 days ago

Why we don't put self-destruct ordinance packages on these things is beyond me. Beyond you and everybody else, because if you've lost control of it, how would you trigger a self destruct? This is the perfect spot for a "Think about it..." ~Demetri Martin
permalink parent [] Meat_Confetti 1 point 6 days ago

Hey, I'm just the Idea Man. It's up to someone else to make it actually work! (Seriously though, good point.) 1 of 44

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We are Predator UAV Pilot/Operators currently in Afghanistan. AMAA! :... (Seriously though, good point.)
permalink parent [] Predator226 1 point 4 days ago

http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/17j9wa/we_are_predator_uav_...

How do you know the didnt try and wasnt able to due to "not having control"
permalink parent [] throwaway_predator [S] 11 points 7 days ago*

J - My thoughts are that I have no clue how it happened! We have SOOO many safe guards that it's almost impossible for this situation to happen
permalink parent [] mimikhoram 2 points 3 days ago

The drone was taken down via a GPS Spoof ATTACK... transmitting fake GPS data. Confusing the drone activating a fail safe mechanism, that is for the drone to auto-land. C&C channels dont matter, aint nobody got time for that (to break encryption) and "impossible for this situation to happen" isnt true at all... anyway im very proud of you guys and the sacrifice you guys make everday and i hate sniper-hill for limiting your bandwidth to 512KB, anyway be safe and get home.
permalink parent [] wolfmann 3 points 6 days ago

well the C&C channels are encrypted but evidently the video channels are not... http://www.schneier.com/blog/archives /2009/12/intercepting_pr.html always remember government contracts go to the cheapest bidder.
permalink parent [] mimikhoram 1 point 2 days ago

Im 90% sure that the video isnt encrypted because they are using UDP rather than TCP. UDP = less overhead, able to recover from packet loss, ssl (or any other type of encryption) increases overhead (more processing power consuming more battery life/fuel lowering overall flight time and increasing weight). Plus you can set up ip tables/ACL's or even remote into the UAV and see where/who you are sending video to. the point im trying to make is that encryption isnt always the answer and VERY SOON encryption will be a joke... Quantum computers will be able to break sha in realtime so ya lets dump all of our eggs in ENCRYPTION when we KNOW that it is not secure for long. and whos to say that someone might leak the private key. 2 of 44

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We are Predator UAV Pilot/Operators currently in Afghanistan. AMAA! :... might leak the private key.
permalink parent [] wolfmann 1 point 2 days ago

http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/17j9wa/we_are_predator_uav_...

You can encrypt udp (ipsec for example); ssl is tcp only. But restricting which ports are open doesnt matter in wireless transmissions. You just record everything and if the video/audio is unencrypted it is trivial to put together and play. Im pretty sure wireshark can do this or at least i was able to 10 years ago in my comp security class.
permalink parent [] mimikhoram 1 point 2 days ago

yes you are correct you can. but the point i was trying to make was not if you could or could not but rather WHY. taking processing power from other services like targeting systems ect. and couldn't ipsec use a Cert to encrypt the tunnel transmitting UDP?? like the one that is protecting our dns backbone (no thanks to dan kaminsky for losing his part of the private key)
permalink parent [] wolfmann 1 point 2 days ago

As for Why - do you want your enemy to know you're about to blow up his house so he can leave 1 minute before it happens? Do you want the enemy to know what you are looking at? no. you can have dedicated chips for this; ipsec overhead isn't that much (but maybe it is significant on avionics CPU's since they are hardened and generally like 10 years old equivalents). Certificates are not used in ipsec; Looks like if IPsec were used for this, it would be encrypted with AES-CTR due to UDP's out of order possibility.
permalink parent [] mimikhoram 1 point 19 hours ago

i get that BUT you are suggesting using AES-128 or 256 whatever with

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2/6/2013 6:17 PM

We are Predator UAV Pilot/Operators currently in Afghanistan. AMAA! :...

http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/17j9wa/we_are_predator_uav_...

CTR to count and encrypt each packet due to the fact udp is used. ok cool.. but the AES algorithm has COLLISIONS meaning it can be broken..... yes it might take along time without a bad boy farm or quantum computer, but why spend time and money on encrypting video when that isnt really that big of an issue and it can be broken anyway... i do like how you mentioned dedicated chips <--- the way to go!.. imo point to point encryption is the only future we have available to us.
permalink parent [] wolfmann 1 point 4 hours ago

take along time the difference between real time video (unencrypted) and time-delayed (by how much??? probably a lot right now) video can make all the difference though. It isn't a perfect solution, but it is better than nothing. Also ipsec is something that could be thrown on top immediately, not something that has take time to be implemented.
permalink [] Corvus133 1 point 3 days ago parent

"Almost" It's quite obvious why it happened. You guys are overly confident.
permalink parent [] Ciryandor -1 points 7 days ago

If the sources I read was correct, it wasn't even a proper Predator drone, it was more of an off-the-shelf recon drone that you could build using commercially available parts.
permalink parent [] aminalsarecute 6 points 7 days ago

You couldn't be further from the truth. The RQ-170 Sentinel has a highly complex airframe (it is very hard to manufacture an all composite, flying wing shape) as well as state of the art flight control software and sensor packages. It's about as exotic as UAVs get.
permalink parent [] Poebbel -1 points 7 days ago

Really depends on what incident you mean. The drone brought down recently was nothing more than a fancy model airplane. You are right about the downing in December 2011, that was a very sophisticated RQ-170 Sentinel.
permalink parent [] Question_for_Brent 46 points 7 days ago

Are there any ethics classes in your training? If not, do you feel they would be beneficial? If so, were they beneficial?
permalink [] jvnk 18 points 4 days ago

Why the fuck does this not get a single reply, but Thank you guys for being there for me when I get a 5 kill streak in CoD! gets 100+ upvotes and an OP response?
permalink parent [] homo-insurgo 2 points 3 days ago

Because the hivemind is a 13-year-old male.


permalink parent [] SpiritofJames 16 points 3 days ago

Are there any ethics classes in your training?

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http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/17j9wa/we_are_predator_uav_...

Most American children already had their required ethics-removal training before enlisting. See : Public Schools. This allows operators to perform their function without understanding that they are murderers.
permalink parent [] Predator226 3 points 4 days ago

Not to hi-jack, but all UAV operaters are created equal. Some provide overwatch and some provide overwatch and munitions. For armed pilots, and all military for that manner, Ethics classes are quarterly.
permalink parent [] Question_for_Brent 1 point 4 days ago

Great, thanks for the reply.


permalink parent [] meathooks 1 point 3 days ago

The Air Force has annual computer based training on "laws of armed conflict." standard Geneva convention stuff. I don't operate UAVs but I highly doubt there are ethics classes, that would be counter productive.
permalink parent [] Younger_Gods 48 points 7 days ago

If you are referring to predator drones, do you feel any guilt when you launch a missile?
permalink [] throwaway_predator [S] 53 points 7 days ago*

J - personally, Yes and no. I'm military. I will protect my "brothers", friendlies in every way possible. That's not to say I don't think about the person I, or whoever, blew up in hindsight. It's just that my first and foremost responsibility is to protect my own. Reality of it all is that the bad guy has this same mentality.
permalink parent [] Younger_Gods 28 points 7 days ago

Do you feel that using a predator drone to deliver missile strikes has desensitized you to your actions in any way? Or to word it another way - do you think it's easier to deal with the consequences (deaths) of a missile strike when you're using a UAV, as opposed to being on an army base close to a combat zone?
permalink parent [] throwaway_predator [S] 64 points 7 days ago

W - No. We understand that the lives we see in the screens are as real as our own. We are located in a combat zone. Although, we are not typical combat troops, so, for me to say that I can tell you the differences between how we feel and how an infantryman feels would be based on assumptions that I would make of an infantryman's feelings. That would not be accurate or fair to those troops. From our perspective we are not worrying as much about our own personal harm. We are usually not within harms way. I would not compare what I do as a job comparable to Call of Duty/any other video game, in any sense. It is very real and the seriousness of the lives on the ground is very real and instilled in all of our training. It is never something that we joke about. Very serious business.
permalink parent [] Younger_Gods 13 points 7 days ago

Thank you for your honest and insightful answer(s)


permalink parent [] throwaway_predator [S] 30 points 7 days ago

We are actually having a really great time doing this. We feel there is a big disconnect when it comes to UAVs and the general public. Our group, being 5 of 44

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We are Predator UAV Pilot/Operators currently in Afghanistan. AMAA! :...

http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/17j9wa/we_are_predator_uav_...

disconnect when it comes to UAVs and the general public. Our group, being redditors, felt we couldn't find a better venue to try and create some understanding.
permalink parent [] FallWithHonor 1 point 4 days ago

100% agree with you


permalink parent [] MechaJesus 4 points 7 days ago

Could/would you just as easily (psychologically, not physically) kill a man with your bare hands than with a drone missile? -Sorry if that sounds hostile, I'm just super interested by the idea of separation, especially in the instances of war.
permalink parent [] BlueTequila 3 points 7 days ago

Bare hands isnt fair, face to face seems more accurate. If someone broke into my house I would not hesitate to shoot them but Im not sure I could choke them to death.
permalink parent [] PooPooPalooza 5 points 3 days ago

And to be even more accurate, someone wouldn't be breaking into your house, you'd be breaking into their house.
permalink parent [] BlueTequila 1 point 3 days ago

What?
permalink parent [] PooPooPalooza 1 point 3 days ago

We're not defending our land in Afghanistan and Iraq (or any other county in which we're currently engaged militarily). Rather, we've invaded them. So I was just making your analogy more accurate. Invading a foreign nation and killing people with drone missiles as these pilots are doing is comparable to breaking into someone's house and killing them face-to-face. Furthermore, it's like breaking into the wrong house and killing innocent people face-to-face.
permalink parent [] RenHo3k 1 point 3 days ago*

It is never something we joke about. Very serious business. Do infantrymen also refer to their kills as "bugsplats," like drone operators do? How do you reconcile the illusion of fighting with conviction when the use of such dehumanizing terminology is used? Annihilating innocent people while being completely insulated from warfare is the very definition of chickenshit. Please quit your job.
permalink parent [] mintberrycoon 2 points 7 days ago

I'm sure back in the days where guns were invented, people had the same thinking...
permalink parent [] Super_King85 2 points 7 days ago*

I think the larger issue is that the decision makers become desensitized to the violence, not so much the operators. It's a much easier to justify lethal force when there won't be any friendlies in direct danger.
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[] brizna 6 points 7 days ago

You mention the "bad guys." Do you ever feel its not always as clear cut as that? After all, you're the ones doing the invading.
permalink parent [+] cuteman comment score below threshold (15 children) [] melliebelly -1 points 6 days ago

Drones have a 98% FAIL rate. You are killing innocent human beings. You should feel awful.
permalink parent [] Sleeveless9 20 points 7 days ago

Do the civilians take any oath to uphold the Constitution? On the .mil side, do you consider drone strikes on US citizens without due process to be a violation of the Constitution? Is there any order which you would refuse due to your oath? Thanks for taking the time to do this.
permalink [] Predator226 2 points 4 days ago

Civilians dont have to. Unconstitutional I will never turn a weapon on another american.
permalink parent [] omgwtfbbqcrew 18 points 7 days ago

Were you guys pilots of human-piloted aircraft before becoming UAV pilots? What kind of training so you undergo to pilot these seemingly "real life videogames" (my only experience with it being through media depictions)?
permalink [] throwaway_predator [S] 37 points 7 days ago

S - Not all of the pilots involved in this job are, for lack of a better term, real pilots. We do undergo regular military intelligence classes as well and ground flight school. It is a six month course crammed into one month of intense training earning us an FAA student pilot licenses. A lot of studying is involved so we are required to hit the books pretty damn hard. We do, however, have personnel who are in fact licensed pilots ranging from small cesna planes, to regular, commercial planes like 747s. As for the "videogame" part of the job, it usually involves a lot of COD on our down time. J - After ground school, we are taught how to fly our specific aircraft. For some of the smarter and luckier students, they(us) will train an extra three months on the Predator
permalink parent [] SaulsAll 8 points 7 days ago

Not all of the pilots involved in this job are, for lack of a better term, real pilots. Was it always this way, or did this change at some point? I was under the impression that all UAV pilots had to be certified "real" pilots as well. (That actually was going to be my question - your impression on what I guess is not really a rule.)
permalink parent [] throwaway_predator [S] 18 points 7 days ago

S - As far as I know, no. Many of the people I work with came into this field straight out of high school. Of course, our training program ensures to "weed out" the ones who do not meet the standard for, of course, safety issues. However, I have heard that in the Airforce (we are Army) only officers are qualified to fly their version of the aircraft.
permalink parent [] Space_Movies 3 points 7 days ago

I was watching a recent Nova special on drones and they mentioned that fighter pilots were actually worse at piloting the UAV's than someone w/o that type of extensive flight experience.
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http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/17j9wa/we_are_predator_uav_...

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[] MySubmissionAccount 2 points 7 days ago

This is correct. Predators are practically the booby prize of UPT


permalink parent [] 95688it 2 points 7 days ago

have either of you played flightsims like FSX or prepar3d? any comparisons you can make if you have?
permalink parent [] zrunner9 2 points 7 days ago

I was an aviation major in college, have about twenty hours of flight time, would that background help if I was able to switch my mos to a 15 series? I almost did it when I first enlisted but you know how recruiters lie...
permalink parent [] throwaway_predator [S] 6 points 7 days ago

J - not initially. Your major in aviation will aid in getting promoted quicker. It wont help you becoming enlisted as a 15 series
permalink parent [] zrunner9 1 point 7 days ago

yeah i know it won't help me switch my mos. i meant how much would it help me during ait?
permalink parent [] Meat_Confetti 2 points 6 days ago

According to this, real-life pilots actually tend to make worse UAV pilots. They come in with an expectation that their skills will port over and that doesn't seem to be the case.
permalink parent [] quarterkraut 8 points 7 days ago

I play, and enjoy a lot of flight simulators. If anyone has messed around with sims, how would you say they compare to the flight (not combat) of drones? Also, is there a particular sim that you think is significantly accurate?
permalink [] throwaway_predator [S] 18 points 7 days ago

J - FSX is pretty sweet. It can teach you the basics of how to keep an aircraft in the air Remember, the fundamentals of flight are the same no matter what you fly.
permalink parent [] ThatNetworkGuy 4 points 7 days ago

Have you tried the DCS series? The A-10C in that game is pretty sweet. /r/hoggit
permalink parent [] cobalt999 1 point 2 days ago

I made it through the startup tutorial in that game once.


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load more comments (1 reply) [] karmanaut [M] 79 points 7 days ago

Verified.
permalink [] Cymry_Cymraeg 25 points 6 days ago

Did he fly a UAV over your house?


permalink parent [] MobiusTrobius 2 points 5 days ago

Unless Karma lives in Afghanistan, I doubt it.

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[] imasunbear 1 point 3 days ago

No, he just killed karmanauts family remotely.


permalink parent [] tech986 32 points 7 days ago

How maneuverable/aerobatic is a Predator? Top speed? What's the most badass thing you've done in the Predator in terms of flying skills or in general? Also, thank you for the service :)
permalink [] throwaway_predator [S] 66 points 7 days ago

maneuverable/aerobatic? LOL not even a lil bit


permalink parent [] jack104 8 points 7 days ago

So this scene in the A-Team would not be feasible for real predators.
permalink parent [] throwaway_predator [S] 27 points 7 days ago

hahahah @ that clip! No, that would happen at all!


permalink parent [] throwaway_predator [S] 75 points 7 days ago

S - We did fight transformers though. Damn decepticons always up to no good.


permalink parent [] GH05TWR1T3R 2 points 7 days ago

... Continue!
permalink parent [] Razzmuffin 1 point 6 days ago

Happy Cake Day!


permalink parent [] NerdMachine 1 point 7 days ago

Wow that is way over the top. I now want to see that movie.
permalink parent [] FordSVT1 1 point 7 days ago

It's actually a rather good "check your brain out" movie. It's fun.
permalink parent [] MobiusTrobius 0 points 5 days ago

Why is that? Is it because the airframe is optimized for endurance?


permalink parent [] mcwilshire 2 points 7 days ago

A lot of these comments are pretty funny if you read them them as though they're talking about the creature from John McTiernan's 1987 masterpiece.
permalink parent [] Meat_Confetti 2 points 6 days ago*

There's a very good NOVA documentary that just came out called Rise of the Drones. Very informative. The Predators are designed for high altitude flight and fuel efficiency (for long loiter times over the target). The target's first clue that he's being watched by a drone is a Hellfire missile blowing up in his face. But they're by no means agile, if the pilot banks too hard he can lose his satellite link. They are working on UCAVs (Unmanned Combat Air Vehicles) like the X-47B, aka drone fighters. They're going to be deploying them to aircraft carriers in the coming years.
permalink parent [] WillyPete 18 points 7 days ago

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[] WillyPete 18 points 7 days ago

http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/17j9wa/we_are_predator_uav_...

Private contractors or military? How did you get the role?


permalink [] throwaway_predator [S] 32 points 7 days ago

Both. CIV and MIL working side by side. J - I got into this gig trying to become a helicopter pilot for the military. I got turned down due to have an astigmatism. I was offered UAVs after that due to UAV operators having less restriction on eyesight.
permalink parent [] WillyPete 10 points 7 days ago

So you are in the military? What routes can a civil pilot take for this? Any agencies that you can recommend?
permalink parent [] throwaway_predator [S] 10 points 7 days ago

S - For civillians, our recommendation is that you keep up with your flight hours (if you are a licensed pilot). There are plenty of companies out there that you can google, and they will let you know their requirements. The civilians who work with us usually are required 600 hours of flight time.
permalink parent [] FromTheId 4 points 7 days ago

Can't LASIK astigmatism into 20/20?


permalink parent [] throwaway_predator [S] 4 points 7 days ago

J - not when you are diagnosed with Keratoconus


permalink parent [] Egeste_ -1 points 5 days ago

Way to identify yourself bro


permalink parent [] Predator226 2 points 4 days ago

what does that even mean?


permalink parent [] MobiusTrobius 0 points 5 days ago

Do civilian operators pull the trigger in combat conditions?


permalink parent [] _AirCanuck_ 1 point 6 days ago

How is the pay? Do you guy shave ex-Canadian Air Force pilots working with you ever? Do you have to be an American citizen? Asking as a current RCAF pilot...
permalink parent [] AKR44 1 point 6 days ago

Are civilian drone operators firing missiles/dropping bombs? Are they held to the same level of accountability as military drone pilots?
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load more comments (3 replies) [] CordeAmare 8 points 7 days ago

what's the most hilarious thing you guys have seen while on shift?
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[] throwaway_predator [S] 16 points 7 days ago

S - I once saw a man riding his bike down an alley just minding his own business. Suddenly, a man jumped out from behind a wall and knocked the man on the bike down and attempted to get away but the owner was able to reach him before he sped away and take his bike back. Luckily, the man was able to leave with his bike while the thief ran away.
permalink parent [] damnitdad 19 points 7 days ago

and then we pressed the big red button and blew them both into smithereens.
permalink parent [] DSPoh 1 point 4 days ago

I worked with UAVs in Iraq in a unit called Task Force ODIN in the summer of 2007. We once saw a dude having intercourse with a donkey. It was quite hilarious.
permalink parent [] ProjectD13X 4 points 4 days ago

Will you deny a direct order if it puts American citizens in danger or would be illegal under the constitution? Up to what are you willing to do to prevent such actions? Are you familiar with Oath Keepers?
permalink [] ZondaRFanForLife 94 points 7 days ago

Thank you guys for being there for me when I get a 5 kill streak in CoD!
permalink [] throwaway_predator [S] 87 points 7 days ago

always online for you ;)


permalink parent [] Felekin 18 points 7 days ago

Until you get EMP'ed :(


permalink parent [] nokittythatsabadkity 2 points 7 days ago

I'll make that a warthog ;)


permalink parent [] flooid 9 points 7 days ago

Thanks for the AMA!! Um, you guys aren't going to get in trouble for this, are you? I'm still squeamish about talking about my role in the military 20 years ago!
permalink [] throwaway_predator [S] 8 points 7 days ago

S - I personally feel like the UAV world has gotten a lot of negative attention over the years. I think it would be great if you guys got to know a little bit more about how we live with this being our job. We certainly do not want to give any kind of compromising information away so if we have to think about an answer more than once, then we will just keep it to ourselves.
permalink parent [] test_alpha 19 points 7 days ago

Do you know what constitutes a legal order and an illegal one? Would you refuse to carry out an illegal order?
permalink [] throwaway_predator [S] 26 points 7 days ago

This isnt childs play. Of course we all know how to serve our COUNTRY and not our GOVERNMENT. There's a difference and we all know it.
permalink parent [] test_alpha 3 points 7 days ago

Thanks. But do you know what constitutes a legal order? Other than what your government 11 of 44

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Thanks. But do you know what constitutes a legal order? Other than what your government or your superiors have told you is legal?
permalink parent [] Muad23 6 points 7 days ago

Stand by. He's asking his handlers how to respond.


permalink parent [] Foxtrot56 5 points 6 days ago

I was in the air force, you takes classes on this where they tell you do disobey illegal orders and what that might constitute.
permalink parent [] Space_Movies 2 points 7 days ago

I'm curious, do you know? If it violates the Geneva convention or any of that kind of stuff? I'd think it wouldn't be AF doing that sort of stuff. Probably CIA doing all the "illegal stuff".
permalink parent [] test_alpha 2 points 6 days ago

Not the details, no. So I would have to learn a lot more about it if I was to do such a job. I wonder what a lawyer would say if one of these pilots approached them for legal advice about avoiding war crimes. I know the order must not contravene the US constitution, or any subsequent laws and treaties. I know about the Nuremberg principles. So I would be a bit worried about that if I was a pilot, although I guess it's very unlikely that US would ever allow them to be tried in an international court.
permalink parent [] WhiteFalcon56 3 points 7 days ago*

How does one become a UAV pilot? I'm thinking about joining the Air Force after college.
permalink [] throwaway_predator [S] 4 points 7 days ago

Air Force is a great approach and don't let them talk you into enlisting. Become an officer the grass is much greener.
permalink parent [] throwaway_predator [S] 1 point 7 days ago

Speak with a recruiter about it. They will help you as much as possible to reach the goal you are trying to meet.
permalink parent [] throwaway_predator [S] 2 points 7 days ago

Hopefully some AF guys can answer this but I believe if you join the AF and get accepted into their pilot program and pass successfully, it will be just the luck of the draw. Unless you are incredibly smart. Those guys become the fighter pilots.
permalink parent [] arkanis50 11 points 7 days ago

Arnold recently said he killed you... but technically you self-destructed using a wrist bomb. Is Arnold on crack?
permalink [] throwaway_predator [S] 14 points 7 days ago

fuck arnold
permalink parent [] bobdebicker 8 points 6 days ago

You shouldn't have said that....


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[] Treeplaanter 3 points 7 days ago

Thanks for the AMA guys. How close are you to the landing strip? Close enough to visit your aircraft? Additionally, do you always fly the same drone?
permalink [] patkasper 1 point 7 days ago

I've heard that sometimes they operate out of Arizona, and perform missions in Afghanistan, so clearly it varies. But good question.
permalink parent [] bigbozz 1 point 6 days ago

Great questions!
permalink parent [] Predator226 1 point 4 days ago

Matters on the type of site. If a crew is doing take off and landings, they willl be in country. They have to be to do a walk around on the aircraft. Drones very from day to day. so no.
permalink parent [] iateone 4 points 7 days ago

What do you think of the "Collateral Damage" video? What do you think think about an all volunteer army vs. a draft? What do you think of mercenary armies vs government armies? Why did you join the military? What are your career plans?
permalink [] Predator226 0 points 4 days ago

1. IIRC, some attack birds lit up a van with kids all in it correct? If so. I would say thats pretty jacked up. 2. I think a draft army is necessary. Why? Cause America wont stand for it. There war would have been over years ago if we had a draft. 3. ....... 4. Just provide for family. I really dont care what im doing. Due to my position. I will probably be heavily invovled in UAVs in the future
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[] AnotherMilitaryAMA 38 points 7 days ago

1. Do you think the US military should immediately get out of Afghanistan? Why or why not? 2. Do you believe the US military is creating more enemies by continuing to occupy Afghanistan? 3. Why do you think the US military is still in Afghanistan and Pakistan in 2013? 4. What do you think about US drones killing a lot more civilian than actual Al Qaeda members? 5. What do you think about the CIA drone "double tap" policy of shooting hellfire missiles at targets, then circling around to kill people rushing to the scene of the attack who are trying to save the civilian casualties? 6. If the US went to war with Iran, would you consider a service member who went AWOL a coward, or smart? 7. What do you think about the NDAA allowing for American citizens to be indefinitely detained without trial if they are "suspected" to be associated with terrorists? 8. What do you think about women being allowed in direct combat roles? 9. Do you think that more servicewomen will get raped since the lift of the ban on women in direct combat? 13 of 44

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We are Predator UAV Pilot/Operators currently in Afghanistan. AMAA! :... direct combat?

http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/17j9wa/we_are_predator_uav_...

10. Do you think that Major General Smedley Butler was right when he said "War is a racket. It always has been. It is possibly the oldest, easily the most profitable, surely the most vicious. It is the only one international in scope. It is the only one in which the profits are reckoned in dollars and the losses in lives."
permalink [] Meat_Confetti 3 points 6 days ago*

Yeah, I don't think a career soldier is going to touch any of these questions. They probably have 18 different superiors watching what they're typing here.
permalink parent [] UnoDosMoltres 3 points 7 days ago

Would love to see some of these answered. I can see him maybe answering 8 but nothing else.
permalink parent [] Shiftaspeed 1 point 6 days ago

I'd love to see the OP answer these. Just makes me sick when they give you the typical fluffy answer to why we've killed nearly 200 children on the border.
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load more comments (1 reply) [] brotherofbadula -2 points 7 days ago

Thank you for asking these. Too bad, OP isn't going to answer anything other than fluffy hurrdurrs, though.
permalink parent [] FordSVT1 0 points 7 days ago*

The US military is in Pakistan because Pakistan wants them there. If you believe otherwise you're kidding yourself. Same with Yemen and most of these ether countries where the leadership has to talk out of both sides of its mouth to appease the extremists who are always one step away from an armed insurgency. They provide military intelligence and promise to look the other way when someone they don't like gets blown to pieces, and then appear on TV the next day talking about how they won't stand for more intrusions. A week later? More intrusions, more talk, more back room negotiations between the US and Pakistan.
permalink parent [] Northeasy88 12 points 7 days ago

but fuck me right? im just the guy that pays for it all
permalink parent [] FordSVT1 0 points 6 days ago

You benefit from a nuclear Pakistan not run by religious fundamentalists who hate Hindus and Christians and want to blow up India.
permalink parent [] AirmanEpic 1 point 1 day ago

Lol why are we downvoting this? It's kinda hard to argue with that.
permalink parent [] YouthInRevolt -1 points 7 days ago*

Pakistan wants them there While the Pakistani military wants them there, the vast majority of Pakistanis are furious that the U.S. military continues to murder their brothers and sisters anonymously from their flying death robots.
permalink parent [] FordSVT1 1 point 7 days ago

Irrelevant, politically. The government lets them fly in Pakistan.


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14 of 44

2/6/2013 6:17 PM

We are Predator UAV Pilot/Operators currently in Afghanistan. AMAA! :...

http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/17j9wa/we_are_predator_uav_...

load more comments (4 replies) [+] Rhaegar13 comment score below threshold (5 children) load more comments (2 replies) [] bitparity 10 points 7 days ago*

Do you ever wonder if you're doing your part in welcoming our overlord Skynet? Also, have you read any of the stories that talk about the PTSD amongst the civilians in the area affected by drone strikes? Namely, the paranoia surrounding not knowing if you'll be in the wrong place at the wrong time when a drone strike hits, being unable to do anything about it, and yet always hearing the buzz of drones overhead. This particular article comes to mind: http://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2012/09 /every-person-is-afraid-of-the-drones-the-strikes-effect-on-life-in-pakistan/262814/ If you guys get a chance, would be interested in your opinion on the article and any thoughts on the civilian toll.
permalink [] beener 1 point 6 days ago

How is it different from a fighter jet doing a bombing or missile run?


permalink parent [] throwaway_predator [S] 0 points 7 days ago

J - I look at it like this. Have you actually ever been harassed by the police? No? Do you still get nervous when you see one even when you KNOW you are doing nothing wrong? Maybe... That maybe a bad analogy but that's what I think about
permalink parent [] mr3dguy 7 points 7 days ago

It's kinda different. You know what with the death and everything. Your not some sky police that people know they are innocent but still feel they might get arrested. It would be a fuck ton more scary than that.
permalink parent [] throwaway_predator [S] 0 points 7 days ago

I think if we ever got to the point that UAVs were being used lethally on our own people we have much bigger problems....
permalink parent [] sealdonut 4 points 3 days ago

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/jul/18/us-citizens-drone-strike-deaths
permalink parent [] A-Rex 1 point 3 days ago

'Our own people.' This is the fucked up mentality that murderous scum like you need to have in order to do your evil deeds.
permalink parent [] throwaway_predator [S] -1 points 7 days ago

I get it but why be scared or if you've done nothing wrong?


permalink parent [] slicwilli 9 points 7 days ago

How can you be absolutely certain that someone has done something wrong? Mistakes do happen.
permalink parent [] Greenouttatheworld 7 points 7 days ago

'coz there are some reports that people are targeted based on pattern matching, and on the ground sources tend to tag personal, tribal enemies than actual terrorists... Saying this as someone who has seen the amount of "internally displaced" refugees 15 of 44

2/6/2013 6:17 PM

We are Predator UAV Pilot/Operators currently in Afghanistan. AMAA! :...

http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/17j9wa/we_are_predator_uav_...

Saying this as someone who has seen the amount of "internally displaced" refugees from the region
permalink parent [] bitparity 5 points 7 days ago

I think the problem, is the worry of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. The fear of being collateral damage, and death by "nothing personal, but we really had to get this guy." And unfortunately, with the increase in drone strikes, "this guy" becomes "any guy around you, but you'll never know."
permalink parent [] beener 0 points 6 days ago

But how is it different compared to normal missile strikes from planes?


permalink parent [] bitparity 2 points 6 days ago

It's different in how often we can drone strike (due to these planes being able to be in the air so long, with rotating shifts of personnel) vs. a pilot actually in the plane, which is limited by his need for sustenance, bathroom breaks, fatigue, and the higher fuel requirement of those fighter jets, which need to be able to defend themselves in ways a more disposable drone doesn't.
permalink parent [] iateone 2 points 7 days ago

"I get it but why be scared or if you've done nothing wrong?" This is the greatest quote in this ama!
permalink parent [] OvertimeWr 5 points 7 days ago

How much do you make? A couple of my friends are pilots and they have friends that fly UAVs in Afghanistan and they say they make around $90k a year.
permalink [] throwaway_predator [S] 12 points 7 days ago

i know guys who make more. significantly more


permalink parent [] ctrlfreq 15 points 4 days ago

whats it feel like murdering children?


permalink [] deanwormser 13 points 3 days ago

A little late to the party. So how many babies have you killed? How are you sleeping at night knowing you are part of the problem and not the solution?
permalink [] redditnathan1 4 points 7 days ago

1) How do you feel the mechanisms of your specific job as a pilot of UAV's differentiates you from other traditional pilots? 2) Do you see your job as similar to or different from traditional pilots (especially fighter pilots if you fly deadly UAV's)? 3) What do you see as the future of UAV's both military and civilian? (I just saw today they were going to start using them to film some shots movies)
permalink [] throwaway_predator [S] 7 points 7 days ago

J - Honestly, I would say the differences are small. Manned pilots may disagree. However, the knowledge level is the same if not higher on our side. There's a lot of "technology" that keeps our aircraft in the air and we need to understand that if/when our aircraft starts to act less than desirable. 16 of 44

2/6/2013 6:17 PM

We are Predator UAV Pilot/Operators currently in Afghanistan. AMAA! :...

http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/17j9wa/we_are_predator_uav_...

if/when our aircraft starts to act less than desirable. 1. Very similar. The only difference is that I'm on the ground. 2. This is a very touchy subject. Expect municipal use. I.E instead of helicopters chasing down a criminals like you would see on cops, it will be us.
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[] OdoyleStillRules 7 points 7 days ago

I'm curious on your guys' opinions on the subject of municipal use. Knowing the capabilities of these things, do you fear the possibility of misuse in the wrong hands?
permalink parent [] throwaway_predator [S] 1 point 7 days ago

Misuse as in...? There are too many elements involved in the management of this aircraft.
permalink parent [] OdoyleStillRules 1 point 7 days ago

I am concerned of it's potential use to intrude on the privacy of civilians. Both on the government level (no search warrant) and the more personal level (is it possible for a officer to use it to spy on an ex or some enemy?).
permalink parent [] throwaway_predator [S] 4 points 7 days ago

S - This is a rule that we are taught right from the beginning. We are to never use the aircraft for any type of personal use. LIke I said, too many elements are involved with the use of the aircraft. Even if an operator was dumb enough to use it in the ways that you have stated it, someone else would automatically catch on to it and remove that person from the operation. Again, someone would have to be very, VERY, dumb to even think they could get away with something like that.
permalink parent [] bettorworse 1 point 6 days ago

It's like the people at the IRS looking up Willie Nelson's records or other celebrities. They are able to do it, but expect a world of pain if you ACTUALLY do it.
permalink parent [] yajirobi 2 points 7 days ago

how would you practically do it? just take it home and start it on the street? or just schedule a personal sight seeing flight? its not like you can easily hide a start :/ if such a thing starts, more than one person will know whats going on. if you somehow manage to silence them..yea why not. But seriously who would start a military drone to spy on an ex? its not likely you will fly over capture what you wanted and be done. you will need it for weeks maybe month to capture what you wanted to see. i think someone will start asking questions :P
permalink parent [] OdoyleStillRules 1 point 7 days ago

I was talking about a future scenario where non-military drones will be depoloyed throughout the U.S., with some sort of law enforcement operating them.
permalink parent [] yajirobi 1 point 7 days ago

you mean basically all it would take is a "flight route adjustment"? Because the drone is flying anyways?
permalink parent [] _AirCanuck_ 2 points 6 days ago

17 of 44

2/6/2013 6:17 PM

We are Predator UAV Pilot/Operators currently in Afghanistan. AMAA! :...

http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/17j9wa/we_are_predator_uav_...

Biggest difference would be absence or near absence of personal risk. That being said - I'd disagree with the 'if not higher' part. Keep in mind, if we don't know our plane, we're on-board. At least, in Canada, we are required to have a HUGE technical knowledge of our systems etc. Could just be RCAF though... don't know much about what's required in the USAF
permalink parent [] GiantsRTheBest2 1 point 5 days ago

I believe that we can get to a point were cargo ships,helicopters,airplanes are all unmanned which can save them money an also if something goes wrong little to no life is lost
permalink parent [] Mexipino1 3 points 7 days ago

While you are piloting the drone, is your role to wait to be called in for assistance, or are you out looking for suspicious activity? Thanks for your service.
permalink [] throwaway_predator [S] 1 point 7 days ago

S - We are constantly keeping an eye out for anything that seems out of the norm. We do sometimes get sent to areas were suspicious activity has been reported but for the most part, we are all just carrying on with the mission.
permalink parent [] firethelaza 8 points 7 days ago

How do y'all actually feel about the imagery analyst that works with y'all from time to time?
permalink [] throwaway_predator [S] 15 points 7 days ago

Depends, are you an imagery analyst?


permalink parent [] firethelaza 6 points 7 days ago

Yes. Don't give me the Air Force answer either!


permalink parent [] throwaway_predator [S] 6 points 7 days ago

Sometimes we look at the things they say and scratch our heads for a while, lol. Overall we are in good standing though
permalink parent [] beener 3 points 6 days ago

Can you elaborate? What's an imagery analyst? And why would you guys not like each other?
permalink parent [] throwaway_predator [S] 2 points 6 days ago

S - It is not that we do not like each other. It is just like any other job. There are some people you are able to communicate better than others.
permalink parent [] firethelaza 2 points 6 days ago

Exactly.
permalink parent [] firethelaza 2 points 6 days ago

Imagery analyst is a career field in which you stare at pictures or video all day and 'analyze' them using all sorts of cool gadgets and programs and what-not to find the enemy. We get tasked to analyze UAV feed, which means being in contact with the pilots and SO's. We sometimes differ on certain things, but all in all we're homies fightin' the same fight.

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We are Predator UAV Pilot/Operators currently in Afghanistan. AMAA! :...

http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/17j9wa/we_are_predator_uav_...

permalink

parent

[] beener 2 points 6 days ago

Oh cool! Thanks for the reply! What kind of stuff are there disagreements on? This is interesting.
permalink parent [] firethelaza 2 points 6 days ago

Haha, well, we can say the same for y'all!


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load more comments (2 replies) [] Quizzelbuck 8 points 6 days ago

If you had to drone strike one of these two targets, which would you rather engage? A horse sized duck, or 100 duck sized horses?
permalink [] Predator226 1 point 4 days ago

A horse sized suck! I only have 2 missles!


permalink parent [] ShaneD27 5 points 7 days ago

I've just always been curious about this. Does it work anything like in Call of Duty where someone calls it in and you can see positions of other humans?
permalink [] throwaway_predator [S] 23 points 7 days ago

There are hand held UAV's that have a small portable screen. So in that sense, yes. However, those cannot fire munitions for obvious reasons.
permalink parent [] abltburger 1 point 6 days ago

What are those reasons...?


permalink parent [] witteknokkels 12 points 6 days ago

They are very small and not able to carry ammunitions.


permalink parent [] Meat_Confetti 1 point 6 days ago

Google Switchblade Drone.


permalink parent [] Meat_Confetti 1 point 6 days ago

However, those cannot fire munitions for obvious reasons. But, there's nothing to say that they can't BE munitions. http://articles.latimes.com/2012/jun/11/business/la-fi-kamikaze-drone-20120611
permalink parent [] Aberfrog 2 points 7 days ago

Ever used them as a one shot suicide weapon ?


permalink parent [] MrDuctTape 1 point 7 days ago

They wouldn't be big enough to do much damage, certainly not big enough to kill.
permalink parent [] IBiteYou 13 points 7 days ago

YOU have my LOVE. For people that don't know ... a surveillance drone can do something like find Taliban laying an IED on a road the troops use and warn the troops that it is there so:

19 of 44

2/6/2013 6:17 PM

We are Predator UAV Pilot/Operators currently in Afghanistan. AMAA! :...

http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/17j9wa/we_are_predator_uav_...

on a road the troops use and warn the troops that it is there so: 1) They don't die. 2) They can defuse it so no one else does either. 3) The people that laid it can be followed back by drone to their lair. 4) The troops can get to the lair and seize all kinds of weapons. These people are heroes.
permalink [] throwaway_predator [S] 11 points 7 days ago

Thank you and everyone else so much for your support.


permalink parent [] grantpk 2 points 7 days ago

I currently go to Culver Military academy. How often is does a drone have significant issues Have you met any Alumni during your years of service? We are everwhere!
permalink [] throwaway_predator [S] 8 points 7 days ago

S - Issues come and go very fast. They range from aircraft mechanical issues, to phone calls around the clock on why something happened during a mission. The aircraft itself is basically made to fly on it's own. We are human and make errors once in a while but with all our minds put together, and with the proper training, we are very fast and ready when it comes to an "issue" popping up. They happen commonly but they are usually something very low level and easy to handle if you know your training very well. I myself, do not believe that I have met anyone from Culver Military Academy. We usually have missions were we have time for small talk so we get to know each other better.
permalink parent [] MiniCooperUSB 5 points 7 days ago*

What is the amount of control given to pilots as far as decision making? If you see a potential target and you are without much time are you allowed to make a decision without clearance from higher up? Do instances like this ever even occur?
permalink [] throwaway_predator [S] 6 points 7 days ago

Everything is approved from a higher level of command. We are not allowed to make decisions on the fly per se. I cannot decide that I am going to sacrifice an aircraft for any purpose or anything like that. We have not encountered instances where that would occur.
permalink parent [] hamburgersandwiches 5 points 7 days ago

Remotely piloted aircraft is a big deal in the news. People claim it increases resentment and hatred against the U.S. That stems from the claim that there is a significant amount of collateral damage. Question: Do you believe drone surveillance and weaponry technology can improve to the point where civilian casualties are extremely rare?
permalink [] throwaway_predator [S] 2 points 7 days ago

J - I believe so. When you have multiple eyes to verify their target and the ability to watch an area for days significantly lessens the chances of civilians getting injured AND the technology is getting better.
permalink parent [] bigbozz 2 points 6 days ago

To follow up, do you believe that the collateral damage would be any less if the strikes were being conducted by piloted aircraft? 20 of 44

2/6/2013 6:17 PM

We are Predator UAV Pilot/Operators currently in Afghanistan. AMAA! :... being conducted by piloted aircraft?

http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/17j9wa/we_are_predator_uav_...

Seems to me that having them remotely or locally piloted would really make no difference in that respect.
permalink parent [] hamburgersandwiches 1 point 6 days ago

Exactly.
permalink parent [] Predator226 2 points 4 days ago

Collateral Damage is an issue in its own. No one wants that to happen. This i promise you. However, being that im goign to tell you how it is, this is "war". Collateral Damage is going to happen regardless of the system thats being use. The thing is drones, are decreasing the numbers of those killed due to CD. Thats a fact. Ask yourself, would you rather have eyes on and controlled munitions ion a target OR someone firing a missile from MILES away? We dont live in a perfect world and we probably never will. There will be war and these are the realities of war. It sucks
permalink parent [] bigbozz 1 point 1 day ago

Interesting - hadn't considered that the use of drones would actually result in less CD.
permalink parent [] ashhole1019 2 points 7 days ago

Thank you for your service! Do you ever feel that an order to strike may be incorrect? I know you answered how you felt when launching a missile but does this affect your feelings at all? Or are you able to keep a certain amount of emotional distance?
permalink [] throwaway_predator [S] 4 points 7 days ago

S - No, if and when there is an engagement, we are very positive in the decision that was made. We have rules of engagement and follow them to the dot. In other words, we are sure that we are taking out the bad guys.
permalink parent [] ashhole1019 1 point 7 days ago

its amazing how you guys work. thank you so much again for your service and answering my question!
permalink parent [+] Muad23 comment score below threshold (1 child) load more comments (1 reply) [] JonathanDnD 5 points 7 days ago

Did any of you play video games in your childhood by chance?


permalink [] throwaway_predator [S] 32 points 7 days ago

J - Sure did! Grew up on Zelda, Final Fantasy, MGS, everything nintendo....til the Wii
permalink parent [] dih_key 3 points 7 days ago

/r/gaming would love you for multiple reasons.


permalink parent [] VerticalLegion 3 points 7 days ago

Mainly Zelda.
permalink parent [] amaresnape 6 points 7 days ago

21 of 44

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We are Predator UAV Pilot/Operators currently in Afghanistan. AMAA! :...


[] amaresnape 6 points 7 days ago

http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/17j9wa/we_are_predator_uav_...

Do you ever make "pewpew" noises while flying and pretend you're in one if the Star Wars movies? (I imagine you have plenty if things to think about while flying that keep you occupied...) I only ask because I think I would at least once were I in your position.
permalink [] throwaway_predator [S] 16 points 7 days ago

W - Hahaha not to often. We tend to stay mission oriented. We also tend to talk with the person you are flying with. Sometimes we theorize about the complexities of the universe. Other times we pick our nose, lol.
permalink parent [] bishopazrael 4 points 7 days ago

This is a misunderstood thing. UAV's are usually a 2 man crew. Most folks don't get that.
permalink parent [] MobiusTrobius 1 point 5 days ago

Do they fly in shifts, or are their simultaneous responsibilities for each operator?
permalink parent [] amaresnape 1 point 7 days ago

I figured as much. I've no doubt you've got more important things to think about
permalink parent [] angrypotato1 7 points 7 days ago

Proof?
permalink [] throwaway_predator [S] 11 points 7 days ago

we are working on it. It's hard to figure out a way to verify, even to the mods, when all of our equipment is secret
permalink parent [] angrypotato1 4 points 7 days ago

Cool
permalink parent [] [deleted] 7 days ago

[deleted]
permalink parent [] firethelaza 3 points 7 days ago

Nice OPSEC. Y'all might want to rethink your 'proof'.


permalink parent [] _AirCanuck_ 1 point 6 days ago

What did they post? I figured there'd be some OPSEC issue here...
permalink parent [] firethelaza 2 points 6 days ago

Picture of a person, and aircraft, which is fine. However the person's face was not blacked out and too much of the hanger was shown. Glad they quickly deleted and were verified through the Mods.
permalink parent [] _AirCanuck_ 1 point 6 days ago

yeah. face bar, name tag covered, and literally as little background as possible is key... there's a reason there's a fence around those facilities! We don't take any photos on our 'air side' of bases, either.
permalink parent [] firethelaza 3 points 6 days ago

Indeed, People get jumpy here by just having a camera pointed in 22 of 44

2/6/2013 6:17 PM

We are Predator UAV Pilot/Operators currently in Afghanistan. AMAA! :...

http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/17j9wa/we_are_predator_uav_...

Indeed, People get jumpy here by just having a camera pointed in direction of the flightline haha.
permalink parent [] angrypotato1 2 points 7 days ago

Cool
permalink parent [] darklaz 0 points 7 days ago

Nice OPSEC... hope your command doesn't get wind of any of this...
permalink parent [] Scott2G 1 point 7 days ago

just post of picture of yourselves with your faces blacked out


permalink parent [] throwaway_predator [S] 5 points 7 days ago

some of the guys are out doing it now.


permalink parent [] throwaway_predator [S] 4 points 7 days ago

We are currently working on that right now.


permalink parent [] angrypotato1 1 point 7 days ago

Yay
permalink parent [] CallMeRarity 1 point 7 days ago

How long does one have to train to be qualified to fly an unmanned drone?
permalink [] throwaway_predator [S] 2 points 7 days ago

W - Depends on the system.... The ranges vary widely.


permalink parent [] Scott_A 1 point 7 days ago

How long did you train?


permalink parent [] throwaway_predator [S] 6 points 7 days ago

a little over 9 months


permalink parent [] FlopperARC 3 points 7 days ago

How often do you train with the Predators? Daily? Weekly? Etc. How sensitive are the controls? Thanks for your service. All four of you.
permalink [] throwaway_predator [S] 5 points 7 days ago

J - Everyday! The plane flies like any other plane. Sorry. No barrel rolls
permalink parent [] bigbozz 1 point 6 days ago

Do you actually "fly" the plane using the same controls and control inputs used in flying regular planes (stick, throttle, etc.), or is it more of a system where you proram in waypoints and the plane flys itself between them?
permalink parent [] PrettyFly4aGI 3 points 7 days ago

I've recieved multiple LST handovers from preds of bad guys doing bad things in Afghanistan and Iraq. Most of these resulted in dead bad guys. Bump, set, spike! I even did a remote with one once for a training event in Iraq. 23 of 44

2/6/2013 6:17 PM

We are Predator UAV Pilot/Operators currently in Afghanistan. AMAA! :... for a training event in Iraq.
permalink [] Predator226 1 point 4 days ago

http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/17j9wa/we_are_predator_uav_...

lol wut
permalink parent [] NZupvoter 3 points 7 days ago

Have you ever crashed a UAV? if so, how? And what are the consequences of something like that
permalink [] throwaway_predator [S] 2 points 7 days ago

None of us have crashed any UAVs. We know people who have. I don't know the specifics of what happened to them
permalink parent [] kinyon 3 points 7 days ago

I am so tired, could you sing me a lullaby?


permalink [] throwaway_predator [S] 8 points 7 days ago

Skew skew shweooo skobiddity beep bop


permalink parent [] throwaway_predator [S] 5 points 7 days ago

J - go ta sleep muh lil baaaaaabeeeeee


permalink parent [] ramzie 3 points 7 days ago

Is it true you use xbox controllers to control the UAVs?


permalink [] throwaway_predator [S] 2 points 7 days ago

J - I've heard of that. I heard of an aircraft, back in 2008, that was similar to a fire scout, controlled by an xbox controller, and was armed with a sniping rifle.
permalink parent [] darker4308 2 points 7 days ago

How do you feel about civilian drones, such as those found www.diydrones.com ?
permalink [] LunarLobster 1 point 7 days ago

Hey there! Interresting AMA you have going. I don't know much about UAV's or procedures, but: * For how long can the UAV stay in the air? * Is it battery or fuel driven? * How big is the UAV? (My mind keeps telling me it is nothing bigger than a small RC plane.. Do'h!) Regards!
permalink [] nscope13 1 point 6 days ago

Do UAV pilots have a preference in pie?


permalink [] Predator226 1 point 4 days ago

Cherry all the way


permalink parent [] musicman0325 3 points 6 days ago

Do you guys ever switch pilots mid mission?


permalink [] Predator226 1 point 4 days ago

Look up the flight times of a Predator and tell me what you think
permalink parent [] musicman0325 3 points 6 days ago

24 of 44

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We are Predator UAV Pilot/Operators currently in Afghanistan. AMAA! :...


[] musicman0325 3 points 6 days ago

http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/17j9wa/we_are_predator_uav_...

When you are firing at a target, how much of it is your personal judgement call on whether or not to fire? I ask because I would imagine that a pilot in a UAV facility would have a bit less autonomy (and more oversight) than a pilot in a cockpit who might have a better sense of their surroundings than their CO(s)
permalink [] bigbozz 1 point 6 days ago

Interesting question - esp. the difference in autonomy between drone pilots and fighter pilots (I assume fighter pilots can't just fly around shooting at whatever they want either).
permalink parent [] Predator226 1 point 4 days ago

An UAV pilot, in my opinion, has more knowledge on the surrounding area than a manned pilot due to the UAV guy usually having eyes on the ground for hours. They get to study the terrain AND a nice look into what a person is doing before anything pops off
permalink parent [] Meat_Confetti 3 points 6 days ago

Are you posting here with the knowledge and/or permission of your superior officers? Did they go over what you could and couldn't write about?
permalink [] GrizzledAncient 5 points 7 days ago

How do you guys deal with the incredibly negative press around your job?
permalink [] throwaway_predator [S] 13 points 7 days ago

By doing things like this! For some reason, many people believe that drone operators are just flying around willy nilly, shooting at anything that moves. That's not the case at all. I think the negative press comes from what a people THINK our capabilities are. To get back to your question of how we deal with it, we cry, then shrug it off, and continue to keep our buddies safe. Im sure everyone here knows at least one soldier. Im sure that soldier has thanked people who do our job many many times.
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load more comments (1 reply) [] pizzabyjake 5 points 7 days ago

Does everyone laugh at you for wearing flight suits? Bunch of dorks.
permalink [] Predator226 3 points 4 days ago

Doesnt matter. Still a rated pilot homey


permalink parent [] fathairybeast 7 points 7 days ago

Nice PR AMA.
permalink [] ironmig 6 points 7 days ago

I aint even mad


permalink parent [] andrewphf 3 points 7 days ago

First of all I'd like to say thank you for your service. I know you guys get a lot of hate for using the "pussy weapons" (miles in the air killing people kind of thing), however I respect all people in the military. I've been interested in aerospace engineering for a while and I've always had an interest in working on UAVs. I've made a few DIY UAVs on my own time (basically adding autopilot and route mapping

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on UAVs. I've made a few DIY UAVs on my own time (basically adding autopilot and route mapping to a regular RC plane). Do any of you have any information on how I could get in to this field (in or out of the military). Thanks!
permalink [] throwaway_predator [S] 2 points 7 days ago

W - You would have to talk to a recruiter whether they are civilian or military. I know that the military will take you on without much of a resume. Civilian will expect either prior experience in aviation or some type of degree.
permalink parent [] throwaway_predator [S] 2 points 7 days ago

I hate to say this but go talk to an airforce recruiter if you want to fly. If you have any certs in Aerospace engineering I think, after a quick google search, General Atomics can help you there
permalink parent [] Space__nazi 6 points 7 days ago

Is pulling the trigger behind a console somewhat less desensitizing than pulling a trigger behind a rifle?
permalink [] throwaway_predator [S] 14 points 7 days ago

W - No. It is very serious in every aspect.


permalink parent [] mk4225 -1 points 6 days ago

yes, you cant see there faces, you cant see the children and th women inside the houses can you? These drones just radicalise a new wave of islamic militants
permalink parent [] the_seventh_note 7 points 7 days ago

How do you feel about killing women and children with a unmanned killing machine? I'm very curious on how you answer this (if you even will, I'm guessing you won't). I mean when you hit a building you have no idea who's in there.
permalink [] not2betakenseriously 0 points 6 days ago

If you rephrase your question to not sound so loaded you may receive an answer.
permalink parent [] the_seventh_note 2 points 6 days ago

Can't help it. These guys disgust me. I'll try again though. I'll try.
permalink parent [] lobotomy99 5 points 7 days ago

Does it ever occur to you that the relatives of the civilian casualties of the drone strikes you carry out might-I don't know-grow up to be terrorists?
permalink [] Predator226 0 points 4 days ago

They may and they may not. However, you know that soldier who is being fired on by rpgs and small arms fire? A fellow american gets to come home due to my help. Remember, UAV pilots will only fire on people firing at fellow troops
permalink parent [] llamabomb 3 points 7 days ago

How much time do you spend flying in a day? Do you sit down for a 9-5 shift or is it mission-based? Can you step away from the controls for a bathroom break or do you have to pee pilot-style?
permalink [] throwaway_predator [S] 7 points 7 days ago*

S - The aircraft usually stays in the air for about 19-21 hours. There is always on up in the air 26 of 44

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S - The aircraft usually stays in the air for about 19-21 hours. There is always on up in the air too (we fly multiple aircraft). We fly in shifts. We can step away for a break as long as someone stays with the aircraft and the person on break makes it quick.
permalink parent [] LivingInMomsBasement 1 point 7 days ago

Do you have to get 5 kills before using the predator?


permalink [] throwaway_predator [S] -1 points 7 days ago

Unless you have a perk, then it is just 4...


permalink parent [] throwaway_predator [S] 1 point 7 days ago

Depends on how your score streak is set and if you are using a trophy system. You can also make up some points by destroying enemy equipment, lol.
permalink parent [] nathanjayy 1 point 7 days ago

Do you use hardline?


permalink [] throwaway_predator [S] 0 points 7 days ago

Yeah and ghost...


permalink parent [] Genie52 3 points 7 days ago

Do you feel like a legal solider? Like a legal war target? No matter if you are deployed in combat zone or or out of it (also when going back home after a days "work" (war) to your family)?
permalink [] Predator226 0 points 4 days ago

Of course. All orders followed are completely legal. Just because you disagree with order does not mean it's illegal.
permalink parent [] HonestNeckbeard 4 points 7 days ago

What is your opinion on Wikileaks?


permalink [] Predator226 3 points 4 days ago

I really havent found a negative impact on soldiers on the ground so i guess its ok
permalink parent [] Wharrlgaarbl 5 points 7 days ago

Do you believe there is any honor in killing an enemy while you yourself are never put into harms way?
permalink [] throwaway_predator [S] 2 points 6 days ago

S - I do not believe in honor from killing anyone.


permalink parent [] BurnyBurn 1 point 7 days ago

The world doesn't need people like you.


permalink [] space-pirate 1 point 7 days ago

Is there any worry that the UAV will get struck by lightning and become self aware? In movies and games, the UAV can tell the difference between friendlies and enemies - Is this in any way true?
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[] throwaway_predator [S] 2 points 7 days ago

We keep a very close eye on the weather. We make sure lightning won't affect our operations.
permalink parent [] throwaway_predator [S] 2 points 7 days ago

1. YES 2. The UAV doesnt "decide" anything. It does what we tell it.
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[] slymuthafucka 0 points 6 days ago

I just wanted to take a minute and say thank you, on behalf of all the ignorant and ingrateful people in the US. Thank you for risking your life for we the people. You might not be infantry, but you are still serving. Keep it up!
permalink [] Skyblueflora 1 point 7 days ago

I LOVE YOU!!!!!
permalink [] throwaway_predator [S] 13 points 7 days ago

and we love you too!!!


permalink parent [] Hellisothersheeple 4 points 7 days ago

Have you double tapped many targets? How do you feel about the success rate of drone strikes?
permalink [] brotherofbadula 0 points 7 days ago

Baby killers, how many babies have you killed today?


permalink [] throwaway_predator [S] -3 points 7 days ago

S - We all understand this is a very sensitive topic. All of us here have families back home who we love more than anything on this planet. I have nieces and nephews. I would love nothing more than to live in a world where war is not even existent. It is a very sad thing to hear about tragedies such as these. We will take all civilian life into consideration when we carry on a mission. We ensure we notify the command of the people located in our area of operations. We are not here to "kill babies". We are here to defend the constitution of the United States of America and to make sure our brothers in arms are safe from their surroundings so that when their final day in country comes, they get to go home and be with their loved ones. War as existed for many years and collateral damage is definitely not something to be proud of. We are just happy knowing that you are safe back home and you still have the freedom to voice your opinion. Thank you, have a pleasant day.
permalink parent [] brotherofbadula 18 points 7 days ago

Your response sounds very "polished PR spin". So, you're not going to comment on the double-tap and on the high number of civilian casualties, then? Just going to let that sit there and pretend it's not even there? Maybe in between kills, you can get your read on: List of children killed by drone strikes in Pakistan and Yemen US drone attacks in Pakistan: UN backs probe into civilian casualties US Killed 700 Civilians in Pakistan Drone Strikes in 2009. 'Year of the Drone Strike' Netted Only Five Actual Militant Leaders U.S. doesnt count civilians killed by drones Drones in Pakistan traumatise civilians, US report says. Civilians are being "terrorised" 24 hours a day by CIA drone attacks that target mainly low-level militants in north-west Pakistan, a US report says. 28 of 44

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militants in north-west Pakistan, a US report says. Cover-Up of Civilian Drone Deaths Revealed by New Evidence One in three "militants" killed in US Predator Drone attacks in Pakistan's remote tribal areas is in fact a civilian, according to a report by an American think tank. Dronestream We are here to defend the constitution of the United States of America I'm sorry, but this is such bullshit, and if you really believe Pakistani children are a threat to the Constitution you belong in psychiatric care, not the military. We are just happy knowing that you are safe back home and you still have the freedom to voice your opinion. Nice passive aggression there. Maybe you've been out there killing babies too long. What freedom?
permalink parent [] Nineties-Kid 3 points 2 days ago

Finally someone on this thread who doesn't buy into that nationalistic BS. More Americans need to question the military.
permalink parent [] throwaway_predator [S] -2 points 7 days ago

S - Surely you can not believe that we have traveled halfway across the planet to ensure babies die. Double tapping is definitely a no-no across every military branch. I have the complete right to say no to any illegal command that is given to me. Even if I just do not want to do it, I can still say no and live with the consequences. However, in my whole military career, I have never, EVER, have to come to that point. We understand not everyone agrees with what we do. I can not make you change your mind and I am very sure I won't. I have not had a single shot since I have been out here, so I am sure I have not killed any babies. I am just here to do my job, help out my buddies go home, and finally, go home. I am sorry if I can not answer everyone's questions, but I will not sit here and give you false information, or information I am not even sure of. I am just here to give the people of reddit a glimpse of our daily lives.
permalink parent [] brotherofbadula 3 points 7 days ago

Double tapping is definitely a no-no across every military branch. Except for dronestrikes, obviously. NYU student Josh Begley is tweeting every reported U.S. drone strike since 2002, and the feed highlights a disturbing tactic employed by the U.S. that is widely considered a war crime. Known as the "double tap," the tactic involves bombing a target multiple times in relatively quick succession, meaning that the second strike often hits first responders. I am just here to do my job, help out my buddies go home, and finally, go home. Funny. They tried that defense at the Nuremberg Trials. Didn't work out so hot. I am just here to give the people of reddit a glimpse of our daily lives. What you need is a glimpse of your victims' daily lives.
permalink parent [] leosalazar90 0 points 7 days ago

Victims? These people hunt infidels (non believers) down and brutally torture, massacre, and murder them just because they do not share the same faith, and you still believe they are the victims? Oh no wait, you are the guy who believes everyone deserves a second chance regardless of their crimes to society. Your arrogance in biased information is what makes us Americans look like pretentious assholes who seek nothing but attention and approval. Open your mind and your eyes you moron. How about you go and visit the country they are trying to stay alive in and see how long you make it while you help the "victims" live their lives. You're disgusting. 29 of 44

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http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/17j9wa/we_are_predator_uav_...

[] brotherofbadula -2 points 7 days ago

Victims? These people hunt infidels (non believers) down and brutally torture, massacre, and murder them just because they do not share the same faith, and you still believe they are the victims? Oh no wait, you are the guy who believes everyone deserves a second chance regardless of their crimes to society. Your arrogance in biased information is what makes us Americans look like pretentious assholes who seek nothing but attention and approval. Open your mind and your eyes you moron. How about you go and visit the country they are trying to stay alive in and see how long you make it while you help the "victims" live their lives. You're disgusting. Too much stupidity for me to even engage you in any kind of meaningful discussion. Zombie.
permalink parent [] nosandwiches -1 points 7 days ago

LOL! you can't do anything about your beliefs except bitch and moan LOLOL!
permalink parent [] leosalazar90 -1 points 7 days ago

One question for you; why is it that people like you, who do not agree at all with how anything runs law-wise, doesn't just leave the country. I mean, why live in a place you hate? Honestly, answer me that...
permalink parent [] brotherofbadula 3 points 7 days ago

I mean, why live in a place you hate? I question the status quo and that means I hate the whole country? You're even dumber than I thought.
permalink parent [] g3v3 0 points 6 days ago

i despise you and your way of expressing your views, what the fuck do you do for a living? you've quoted quite a few articles in this thread, can you (without going and looking them up) tell me the sources for these articles, if not then shut the fuck up and listen to what this guy is saying , cause he probably knows more than you do. You say that you won't enter a "meaningful discussion" with someone who questioned you Maybe you've been out there killing babies too long that was a very meaningful statement. You fucking peace of shit, how dare you accuse this guy of infanticide without even knowing his fucking name. I'm not denying that innocent people get killed in war, but I can fucking tell you it tends to be a mistake. so why don't you fuck off and do something more worthwhile than have a dig at a soldier over the internet.
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continue this thread


load more comments (1 reply) [] thirdrail69 4 points 7 days ago

Maybe you should get the fuck out of their country and go defend yours from the inside. Like you care about the faceless brown people you murder. You people are vile scum.
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[] patkasper 3 points 7 days ago

Are you brown? And how do you know that the men you speak to are not colored?
permalink parent [] thirdrail69 1 point 7 days ago

Neither of those questions has anything to do with anything.


permalink parent [] patkasper 5 points 7 days ago

Yes, it does. Let's never mind for a moment that people of Arabic decent are considered caucasian: Why bring race into it in the first place? Would you have said "yellow"? if we were at war with N.Korea? You know nothing about the Predator Drone operators you're speaking to to imply racist-white imperialism.
permalink parent [] thirdrail69 -1 points 7 days ago

1) Afghanis are not Arabic 2) America loves killing brown people


permalink parent [] patkasper 0 points 6 days ago

You are literally too stupid to continue this with.


permalink parent [] thirdrail69 0 points 6 days ago

Literally? Are you sure you don't mean figuratively?


permalink parent [] patkasper 1 point 6 days ago

No, I mean literally.


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continue this thread


load more comments (5 replies) [] brotherofbadula -1 points 6 days ago

Let's never mind for a moment that people of Arabic decent are considered caucasian: Neither Afghan or Pakistani people are "Arabic". Arabic is the language, you douchecopter. And the fact that you call all Afghans and Pakistanis Arabs shows us it's you who's the racist here.
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load more comments (7 replies) [] newrykillz 1 point 6 days ago

Wow. Bull shit - Propaganda. YOU are the terrorist.


permalink parent [] MrShakespeare 2 points 7 days ago

Hey guys, I dont know if you have seen it, but in that one scene from The Bourne Legacy when the main character shoots down a UAV with a sniper rifle, is that really possible?
permalink [] throwaway_predator [S] 5 points 7 days ago

S - No.
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[] MrShakespeare 3 points 7 days ago

Haha alright dude thanks for the answer and thanks for your service.
permalink parent [] throwaway_predator [S] 4 points 7 days ago

Matters on what aircraft. Wouldnt happen to ours


permalink parent [] schwo 2 points 7 days ago

what kind of collateral duties do you have?


permalink [] PrinceTrollestia 2 points 7 days ago

How true is the phrase "everything looks sinister in black and white?"
permalink [] throwaway_predator [S] 2 points 7 days ago

I wouldn't say that holds much truth. A persons actions can dictate that....
permalink parent [] bigbang5766 2 points 7 days ago

How does one get into that sector of the military? (As in requirements and application.) Also, what do you see when you launch a missile? I am making the assumption it's not quite the same as MW3. Thank you all for your service!
permalink [] Predator226 2 points 4 days ago

Not like MW3 at all. Join the military and find out how it's like ;)
permalink parent [] bigbang5766 1 point 4 days ago

WELL MAYBE I WILL


permalink parent [] BillsFan02 1 point 7 days ago

RPA FTFY guys. And how about that weather we are having today? haha
permalink [] mmmmmcheesecake 1 point 7 days ago

Have any of you ever worked with the firescout? Or are you even allowed to tell me?
permalink [] throwaway_predator [S] 2 points 7 days ago

S - No and...no
permalink parent [] throwaway_predator [S] 2 points 7 days ago

No we have never worked with one and, it's ok if we tell you.


permalink parent [] PulseAmplification 1 point 7 days ago

Why are some drones in the middle east operated by people all the way over in the USA? I saw a news report on this.
permalink [] INTERNALCARNAGE 2 points 7 days ago

How many times do you usually have to resort to shooting a missle in a bad-to-worse situation. And I'd also like to thank you guys for serving our country. It's an honor being able to ask you guys this stuff 32 of 44

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stuff
permalink [] throwaway_predator [S] 2 points 7 days ago

Specify bad-to-worse...
permalink parent [] slicwilli 2 points 7 days ago

What kind of oversight is there? How far up the chain of command before you get the order to fire?
permalink [] [deleted] 7 days ago*

[deleted]
permalink [] throwaway_predator [S] 2 points 7 days ago

We have all sorts of missions tasked to us. We also have many other UAVs tasked all over the country. It just depends on what we get tasked with.
permalink parent [] jking159 2 points 7 days ago

What are the downsides of working as a UAV Pilot/Operator? And do you get any special benefits from your reconnaissance work?
permalink [] throwaway_predator [S] 2 points 7 days ago

J - the downside of this job is that it can be crazy boring. That's my biggest gripe.
permalink parent [] jking159 1 point 7 days ago

What do you do as a pastime when you are not busy?


permalink parent [] throwaway_predator [S] 2 points 7 days ago

Work out. Read books, watch movies. Play video games. Train/read and test our skills on our job to make sure we have not gone "rusty". Skype. I have read about 3 books, watched all of the Game of Thrones, episodes (currently on Breaking Bad). We like to challenge each other on academics and knowledge relating to our job. We just keep busy to keep up our morale.
permalink parent [] jking159 0 points 7 days ago

I'm not sure you get praised enough for the job you do. Well, although I'm not American, I do love what you guys do.
permalink parent [] DongleNocker 1 point 7 days ago

What do you think about computer systems on board the drones being compromised by malware or viruses?
permalink [] throwaway_predator [S] 2 points 7 days ago*

There are very strict rules hat prevent us from bringing in any device that could have that potential into our work environment. Anything that is done in there is monitored very well. J - I think you talking malware/virus on a much larger scale. That would be pretty impressive. Although, very unlikely. I could talk about all sorts of encryption but I'm sure you understand why I cant. DAMN THESE CHAINS!
permalink parent [] cflex 1 point 7 days ago

I thought you guys work in Las Vegas?

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permalink [] Predator226 1 point 4 days ago

maybe
permalink parent [] CarlosHolm 1 point 7 days ago

I thought all the UAV's were piloted from Nellis Air Force Base?
permalink [] TFGH 0 points 7 days ago

Do you know Global Burger?


permalink [] VerticalLegion 1 point 7 days ago

Would you say this is an accurate description of what your job entails physically and emotionally?
permalink [] petite_squirrel 2 points 7 days ago

Got a few questions. Have your run at them or pick and choose, been wanting to ask some of these for a real long time!: 1. What's the training program like? I don't know much about military 'job paths' but do you just pick a career path like 'uav pilot?' or are you selected somehow? 2. Are there significant differences between drones (e.g. mq-1 compared to mq-9), or is everything relatively standardized in terms of controls? 3. In your opinion what does the future of unmanned drone combat look like to an insider? 4. Is small arms fire ever an issue for UAVs, or are they mostly too discrete to have this be much of an issue? 5. For the camera's field of view, I can't recall a video where a UAV operator was looking directly down or behind the drone's flight path. Hypothetically, if you were flying directly over a target, took fire, could you spin the camera downward and backwards to fire on the target, or would you have to reorient the drone to face the general direction of the target?
permalink [] ratmftw 1 point 7 days ago

I'm assuming you guys are like regular military, in that you make no decisions of life and death. Sure you 'pull the trigger' but someone higher up the chain decides when and where right? Also
permalink [] TH0RSDEMON 2 points 7 days ago

what did you guys choose to be a Predator drone pilots.?


permalink [] ironmig 2 points 7 days ago

They never said they were from the U.S... They could be A-rabs for all we know
permalink [] skocznymroczny 2 points 7 days ago

I expected a different type of AMA from a "throwaway_predator"


permalink [] furbowski 1 point 6 days ago

No kidding, this is straight-up PR.


permalink parent [] Officermehoff 2 points 7 days ago

How good at math do you have to be?


permalink [] Officermehoff 2 points 7 days ago

Can you give a typical shift? 34 of 44

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Can you give a typical shift?


permalink [] Maydayman 2 points 7 days ago

What flight certifications do you guys earn before by the time you are finished with training?
permalink [] hungoverseal 1 point 7 days ago

Do you know of any Drone Pilots who have refused to pull the trigger?
permalink [] whiteguycash 2 points 7 days ago

How do you feel about the idea of drone missions being flown over the Continental United States? Would something like that ever be warranted?
permalink [] chac6661 2 points 6 days ago

I am currently in the process of joining the military...that being said is there a specific branch that does UAV because this is something that interests me and I would like more information on it
permalink [] airitout 2 points 6 days ago

I was in a HIMARS unit. Are you guys familiar with HIMARS? We had video of our rockets impacting most of the time and I think the video was from UAVs.
permalink [] jon1746 2 points 6 days ago

Do any of the Predator drones you fly have the new engines that run on JetA that are made by Centurion? If so how is the reliability?
permalink [] Meat_Confetti 2 points 6 days ago*

Satellites are an integral part of UAV warfare, for GPS, command and control, etc. Is anyone in the military concerned about the Kessler Syndrome, i.e. orbital space becoming so full of debris that we either a) start losing our existing satellites or b) lose the ability to launch new ones?
permalink [] Predator226 1 point 4 days ago

Not anyone on my level. Actually, this is the first time ive heard of it. TIL
permalink parent [] Wambulance_paramedic 2 points 6 days ago

Do you have a favorite story pertaining to UAVs?


permalink [] Predator226 1 point 4 days ago

I DO! Sadly i cant go into it. I will never, ever forget it though :(
permalink parent [] N1376Q 1 point 6 days ago

Judging by your info, it seems you're not Air Force? What branch are you, and what's your rank? I know AF pilots who go the RPA route still go through initial flight screening and get some T-6 time. Thanks for the AMA!
permalink [] Predator226 1 point 4 days ago

AF goes through pilot training just like any pilot in the AF. Just the luck of the draw as to what aircraft they get.
permalink parent [] Zelbubuth 2 points 6 days ago

I understand that there is a rational realization to the harsh reality of your job. I am curious if you 35 of 44

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I understand that there is a rational realization to the harsh reality of your job. I am curious if you feel that you have a feeling of disassociation because it is operated remotely or do you feel that you are no more disassociated than an apache pilot hitting their targets from miles away?
permalink [] Predator226 1 point 4 days ago

I wonder why people think this. We understand what we are doing is real world operations. We know our actions have consequences. I don't understand the idea of being desensitized due to some operators not being in an actual firefight/combat zone.
permalink parent [] Zelbubuth 2 points 4 days ago

I don't actually think this myself. I just wanted to hear your opinion on it. I do have a follow up question. Do you feel that stress management assistance is sufficiently covered? My wife is a dispatcher and they are often overlooked for stress management because of their distance from the scene of the incident, but it is their decisions and their coworkers that are being affected. If stress management options are not sufficient, do you think it is an oversight for all personnel or are drone pilots considered out of the combat?
permalink parent [] Predator226 1 point 4 days ago

The stressors of our job are known, but nothing is really done about it outside of recommending someone the Behavioral Health, which is a really great program
permalink parent [] Zelbubuth 1 point 3 days ago

Gotcha. My wifes job does that for officers but not for dispatchers. She is trying to implement at least teaching dispatchers what their options are for help.
permalink parent [] Zelbubuth 1 point 6 days ago

Another question, what is your opinion on drone pilots wearing jumpsuits?


permalink [] NoLongerADrone 3 points 4 days ago

They are like pajamas and everyone should wear them


permalink parent [] Predator226 1 point 4 days ago

this is true. No joke. No, Seriously. This is NOT a joke


permalink parent [] Zelbubuth 2 points 6 days ago

Ok, I'm full of questions apparently. Do you ever catch yourself tilting your head or body when you turn the drone? Be honest now :-)
permalink [] Predator226 1 point 4 days ago

HAHAHA. No, it's a fairly relaxed environment until the shit hits the fan
permalink parent [] sasquatch606 1 point 6 days ago

Serious question. Do UAV operators get the "1000 yard stare" after they've taken out (killed) targets or does it not seem real watching on a screen opposed to up close and personal? Thanks for doing this and thanks for serving our country.
permalink [] Predator226 2 points 4 days ago

It's very real. Some of the stuff i've seen is burned into my brain.
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[] copperbricks 1 point 4 days ago

How easy are they to land? Do you have flaps, or airbrakes of some sort? How much computer assistance is the for flying them? Do you ever fly with line of sight? Thanks
permalink [] Predator226 1 point 4 days ago

Sound like you are a little familiar with Predators. They have flaps. Mot much computer assistance is used when hand flying
permalink parent [] copperbricks 1 point 3 days ago

I fly radio control aircraft, so it's a little similar. No FPV stuff though, more classic warbirds. Flying UAVs has always been on my career list. thanks for the time!
permalink parent [] NoLongerADrone 0 points 4 days ago

Though my experience was completely different, I agree with what you guys have said. Good job. -B. Bryant
permalink [] [deleted] 7 days ago

[deleted]
permalink [] Predator226 1 point 4 days ago

No. Are you the outsider that claims to know what happens behind closed doors? Ignorantly informed? I would say yes.
permalink parent

load more comments (1 reply) [] Coughx 0 points 7 days ago

Thank you for your service. You guys take to much heat. What UAV do you guys actually fly? (model of RQ?)
permalink [] throwaway_predator [S] 4 points 7 days ago

We DO take a lot of heat! There's so much misinformation about how we operate. I hope we can clear some of that up! Sorry but we cannot say the specific Aircraft. Sorry.
permalink parent [] leiferiksen 1 point 7 days ago

It kind of says which UAV in their username.


permalink parent [] CountNoAccount 0 points 7 days ago

Deal of the Century: under-rated Chevy Chase gem, am I right?


permalink [] flooid 1 point 7 days ago

"How About A Little Touchup??"


permalink parent [] CountNoAccount 1 point 7 days ago

"State of the art? My ass!"


permalink parent [] a-sal 0 points 7 days ago

That's an awesome job, I did a report on the Air Force a few years ago.

37 of 44

2/6/2013 6:17 PM

We are Predator UAV Pilot/Operators currently in Afghanistan. AMAA! :...

http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/17j9wa/we_are_predator_uav_...

That's an awesome job, I did a report on the Air Force a few years ago. Have you done any supply drops for troops, and do you guys listen to any music while flying.
permalink [] throwaway_predator [S] 7 points 7 days ago*

S - Supply drops, no. Music, definitely. It can get pretty frustrating listening to the a/c unit kick in and out when we have nothing to talk about. Music definitely makes this job easier. Media storage devices are prohibited from being in secret environments.
permalink parent [] anarrayofcharacters 2 points 7 days ago

even lady gaga CDs?


permalink parent [] throwaway_predator [S] 2 points 6 days ago

SPECIALLY lady gaga anything.


permalink parent [] Shady8tkers 0 points 7 days ago

In some of the intel seized when Osama was killed, he admitted the drone strikes had a demoralizing effect on him and his terrorist buddies, so thank you and keep up the great work !!!!
permalink [] pixel8edpenguin 2 points 7 days ago

How do you feel about having drones in our skies? They are a blatant violation of the fourth amendment. If you feel they violate what you swore to up-hold, why haven't you fought against the tyrants allowing it? That would be a better way to protect our freedom than being in the Middle East. I have no fear of terrorists, pre or post 9-11. My biggest fear is the liberty being taken away through the actions of those sworn to protect it. Over 160 children have died through an unconstitutional war using drone strikes issued by Obama. Do you know who you are killing? Or are you just hitting a target? I don't mean this in a "baby killer" way just a "how much info do you have" way. Do you think if we brought all the troops home that we could be a well defended nation instead of being an empire?
permalink [] Space__nazi 2 points 7 days ago

Who owns the hand receipt for those drones? Is it your company commander (if you have one) or do the pilots have to own that weapon? Whoever it is I don't want to be responsible for something that expensive.
permalink [] throwaway_predator [S] 2 points 7 days ago

Who owns the hand receipt for those drones? I will tell you but I need your SSN#, date of birth, and mothers maiden name. YA know....for verification.
permalink parent [] NinjaJeebus 2 points 7 days ago

What would you say are the most difficult aspects of your job, the equipment, and the work you carry out?
permalink [] throwaway_predator [S] 0 points 7 days ago

W - The most difficult part is keeping yourself in the zone to constantly know everything related to your aircraft/job. A lot comes with the job outside of flight. We have a lot of other job related tasks we must perform.
permalink parent [] NinjaJeebus 2 points 7 days ago

Thanks for answering! And thanks for all the work you guys are doing. 38 of 44

2/6/2013 6:17 PM

We are Predator UAV Pilot/Operators currently in Afghanistan. AMAA! :...

http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/17j9wa/we_are_predator_uav_...

Thanks for answering! And thanks for all the work you guys are doing.
permalink parent [] lupulusmaximus 1 point 7 days ago

Can you give us any insight into these other tasks? Thanks for takin the time to do this very interesting guys!
permalink parent [] throwaway_predator [S] 2 points 7 days ago

There are just some things we need to do to stay within currency for flight. Plus maintaining our knowledge base. We are also not catered to in any sense and by that I mean we do all the cleaning, food serving, etc. associated with daily life.
permalink parent [] OffMyChestTonight 2 points 7 days ago

How many drones can a single person operate at once?


permalink [] throwaway_predator [S] 1 point 7 days ago

W - 2 peeps per aircraft with our configuration.


permalink parent [] jhunte29 2 points 7 days ago

Do you shoot explosives or bullets or what? How high do they fly? How sure can you be that the people you're shooting are really the bad guys and not US soldiers or civilians, etc.? Sorry, I'm trying to sort out how much it's like Call of Duty.
permalink [] throwaway_predator [S] 0 points 7 days ago

I can tell you that this is the Boringest game of COD you'll ever play
permalink parent [] flopus 2 points 7 days ago

Are you attached to units? At what level? Who do you often support? If someone wanted to do this what would be pre reqs?
permalink [] Predator226 1 point 4 days ago

NOT answering this. Apologies


permalink parent [] flopus 1 point 4 days ago

dat opsec -sadfacepermalink parent [] Predator226 1 point 4 days ago

Ill answer the last question. For army, contact the recruiter and tell them you want to be a 15W. No experience required For AF, have a degree and attempt to get into pilot training. For civ. Embry Riddle or University of North Dakota. ER is a good school but you will be in serious debt. UND is great and cheap. however, the school is in ND.
permalink parent [] KilroysSports 2 points 7 days ago

Did you see the Beavis and Butthead episode?


permalink [] throwaway_predator [S] 3 points 7 days ago

yup
permalink parent [] gochunoir 2 points 7 days ago

What do you eat in an average day? 39 of 44

2/6/2013 6:17 PM

We are Predator UAV Pilot/Operators currently in Afghanistan. AMAA! :... What do you eat in an average day?
permalink [] throwaway_predator [S] 1 point 7 days ago

http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/17j9wa/we_are_predator_uav_...

LOL good question J - I eat very healthy. I try to avoid chips and sugary foods. There's guys here who obviously don't care what they put into their bodies though. SHEESH
permalink parent [] Fartless 0 points 7 days ago

What was Air Force boot camp like? Explain how showering worked.
permalink [] Predator226 1 point 4 days ago

Showring? Guys go in and guys go out


permalink parent [] deathadder69 0 points 7 days ago

Do you still collect the skulls, how long did it take you to travel to earth and did you get to meet Arnold?
permalink [] hawk_shoe 0 points 7 days ago

Do you wear flight suits and sit in pretend cockpits when play your real life video game?
permalink [] Predator226 2 points 4 days ago

I dont get why this is called a video game. We are flying a real aircraft in real airspace dealing with real controllers(ATC). The consequences of are actions are real and we are held to a high standard
permalink parent [] hawk_shoe 1 point 4 days ago

I should have been clear. I was mocking you because I think what you do is terrible.
permalink parent [] Predator226 2 points 4 days ago

That's ok because there's hundreds of soldiers, wives, sons, and daughters who thank me for aiding the safe return of their loved ones. You are so blind to the "good" that we do(because not all soldiers are evil baby killers) that it's laughable. For you to think you are an intelligent, rational person is ignorant on your part.
permalink parent [] hawk_shoe 1 point 4 days ago

And there are thousands of innocent men, women, and children that are killed in the process. I never said that you as an individual are a bad person or that you do not have proper justification for what you do. I'm sure that many wonderful people are alive because of what you do. But it is a pretty sick reality you live in where killing thousands of people is considered "good." (Maybe terrible and tragic yet necessary is a better way for you to justify it.) Edit: Also, your last sentence is perplexing.
permalink parent [] phantombagpiper 2 points 7 days ago

Did the UAV designers hide any Easter eggs or cheats? Eg; Sending the commands; "up, up, left, down, X, Y, Y, left, fire missile" would give you unlimited armor?
permalink [+] iamnotaclown comment score below threshold (3 children) [] firethelaza 0 points 7 days ago

I work with these guys at times. I'm the imagery guy who gets to 'analyze' y'alls feed. Currently in

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2/6/2013 6:17 PM

We are Predator UAV Pilot/Operators currently in Afghanistan. AMAA! :...

http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/17j9wa/we_are_predator_uav_...

I work with these guys at times. I'm the imagery guy who gets to 'analyze' y'alls feed. Currently in Afghan as well. THAT MAKES US BEST FRIENDS RIGHT?!
permalink [] throwaway_predator [S] 7 points 7 days ago

Depends, if you are that guy that keeps telling us how to do our job, then no. Other than that, high five man!
permalink parent [] PrettyFly4aGI 4 points 7 days ago

64 guy here. Giving our command the ability to see our sensors live was one of the worst things that happened in our community. You get an S2 or the battalion commander back at the TOC trying to tell us where to move our sensors and basically try to play puppeteer. Oddly enough those systems seem to "break" on a regular basis.
permalink parent [] throwaway_predator [S] 2 points 7 days ago

whoa
permalink parent [] throwaway_predator [S] 2 points 7 days ago

Hahaha. We have played that game. We don't play it anymore, lol


permalink parent [] firethelaza 1 point 6 days ago

If you mean that in a general sense, well, I've worked with some pilots and SO's where they needed a lil reminding of what we were supposed to be doing. If you're talking about an actual dude, nah, that ain't me.
permalink parent [] worshipthis 1 point 7 days ago

can someone please explain the politics between uav ops and imagery? Sounds like a painful breakup with a crazy ex.
permalink parent [] firethelaza 1 point 6 days ago

When the bird goes up, a 'trained analyst' is supposed to work with the pilot and SO's to analyze the feed. Most of the time it's smooth sailing. Sometimes you just get that bad apple, wether it be on the UAV side, or imagery side.
permalink parent [] worshipthis 1 point 6 days ago

SO = Sensor Operator? This stuff is fascinating. Kudos to the guys & gals who, while probably not risking their lives the way infantry do, are putting their skills and dedication towards protecting us from scumbags while we sip Latte's at Starbucks.
permalink parent [+] nicholasg88 comment score below threshold (1 child) [] ThaGriffman 1 point 7 days ago*

I'm calling bullshit on this AMA I'm an idiot.


permalink [] burghfan1 1 point 7 days ago

why
permalink parent [] ThaGriffman 2 points 7 days ago

I apologise, I did a ctrl F and searched for proof, only see the part where they said it was too hard to find. Didnt see the moderator message that said it had been verified. My bad!
permalink parent

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We are Predator UAV Pilot/Operators currently in Afghanistan. AMAA! :...


permalink parent

http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/17j9wa/we_are_predator_uav_...

[] mightbeillegal 1 point 7 days ago

Do you count yourselves as real "airmen" or whatever? You basically just play a realistic video game that you could do from half way around the world.
permalink [] thestraylightpun 5 points 7 days ago

Every USAF member is an "airman", just like every US Army member is a soldier and every Naval member is semen. I believe the OP is in the Army, so they'd be soldiers. Are you just thinking of the term "pilot"?
permalink parent [] Detrinex 3 points 6 days ago

every Naval member is semen.


permalink parent [] the_icebear 2 points 7 days ago

and every Naval member is semen. I shake my fist at you good sir. #shakes fist#
permalink parent [] firethelaza 1 point 6 days ago

OP is an Airman.
permalink parent [] guinness88 1 point 6 days ago

Actually in the Navy we're sailors, seaman is more of a rank (E3 white stripes) there's also fireman (red stripes) and airman (green stripes)
permalink parent [] thestraylightpun 1 point 6 days ago

It was a joke.
permalink parent [] PerpetuallyDrunk 0 points 7 days ago

Every USAF member is an "airman" Hah! Yeah right. That's what they are trying to push, in reality junior enlisted are airmen, everyone else is an NCO, senior NCO or an officer.
permalink parent [] crackrocksteady666 0 points 6 days ago

how many people have you killed? do you feel bad about it? how man of said people do you think were innocent?
permalink [] thirdrail69 -2 points 7 days ago

How does it feel to be murderous cowards?


permalink load more comments (1 reply) [] adamhong 1 point 7 days ago

What training did you guys recieve? Do you have to know how to fly a manned aircraft?
permalink [] throwaway_predator [S] 5 points 7 days ago

W - We received tons of military training. Most of us have gotten into this field via the military. It is mostly aerodynamics and a combination of a variety of other typical aviation related subjects. Most of this job is very comparable to standard aviation training. It is nothing that 42 of 44

2/6/2013 6:17 PM

We are Predator UAV Pilot/Operators currently in Afghanistan. AMAA! :...

http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/17j9wa/we_are_predator_uav_...

subjects. Most of this job is very comparable to standard aviation training. It is nothing that civilian pilots wouldn't learn when getting their flight credentials. Most of our systems do not require us to have knowledge of how to do some manned aspects of flight. If you were to take the civilian route into this field most places require for you to have lots of manned aviation flight time.
permalink parent [] BadDreamInc -1 points 7 days ago

Does it ever get annoying having to get 3-4 kills before doing your job?
permalink [] chrysocollus -1 points 7 days ago

I saw you mention you guys play COD. To you, does it reflect military life well? Is that something that makes the game more or less enjoyable? Best, thanks!
permalink [] el_butt 0 points 7 days ago

what are your favorite dinosaurs?


permalink [] throwaway_predator [S] 2 points 7 days ago

J - pterodactyls and any of the waterborne dino's


permalink parent [] aiowfasdfjsl 1 point 6 days ago

Are not dinosaurs... but I'll allow it.


permalink parent [] Zooperman -1 points 7 days ago

Can you get me a job as a pilot for one of those, i have many hours of cod/other like games and have gotten tons of multi kills with predator missiles, i think i am well suited for the job
permalink [+] freakoverdose comment score below threshold (3 children) [] gravitythrone -3 points 7 days ago

Would being fucking awesome at video games make you a better drone driver? Do you play video games against one another? Who is the best driver among you and how do you determine that? Who is the best at video games (if any of you play)?
permalink [] throwaway_predator [S] 2 points 7 days ago

W - I wouldn't say so. I wasn't much of a "gamer" prior to this job. I don't think it has had a negative effect on my job skills. We are all about that COD, lol. When it comes to best at video games it all depends on the game. We haven't endeavored much into driving games.
permalink parent [] Northeasy88 -4 points 7 days ago

i think you're a fucking scumbag and have had every bit of morality ripped from your soul... that said.. convince me why we should be killing farmers and dirt poor Islamic fundamentalists in Afghanistan, with the money stolen from me via taxation.
permalink [] the_seventh_note 1 point 6 days ago

upvote for you! unregulated drone strikes kill children, women, and the elderly. The abuse of power is disgusting.
permalink parent [+] justdoitidiot comment score below threshold (0 children) [+] lol444 comment score below threshold (3 children) [] mundzy1 0 points 7 days ago

Do you feel guilty receiving flight pay when you are not up in the air? 43 of 44

2/6/2013 6:17 PM

We are Predator UAV Pilot/Operators currently in Afghanistan. AMAA! :...

http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/17j9wa/we_are_predator_uav_...

Do you feel guilty receiving flight pay when you are not up in the air?
permalink [] throwaway_predator [S] 4 points 7 days ago

Army UAV Operators do not receive special flight pay Air force do I believe. I think they deserve it since they went through so much training.
permalink parent

load more comments (2 replies) [] sglansberg3 -3 points 6 days ago

How many points do you need to get in order to activate UAV? And how many points do you get for UAV assists?
permalink [] sottaly 1 point 7 days ago

How did you get into your position? I imagine there's a lot of competition to be a drone operator
permalink [] zetaFuza -1 points 5 days ago

two questions. 1. Does the [F] in '[F]irst time posting' refer to you being a female and you would like to GoWild. 2. whats are your views on this song its about drones www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Hz2zPByzYW0 Thanks
permalink [] sobaway -2 points 7 days ago

What steps are you (W-Alpha) dumbasses taking to insure you're not leaking sensitive information? This is a real stupid fucking idea.

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