UAV pilot positions

[milflyboy]

What are the best UAV pilot positions out there?

Daily hours, pay, vacation, pension, need to deploy etc.

How competitive are the positions?

 

[320jetboy]

UAV Squadrons

Just put in papers to return to active duty, I'm an 0-5 Guardsman needing 4 more years for an active duty retirement. Any Gouge on best UAV squadrons or at least which one to avoid. Thanks

 

[dudemize]

Active duty wise, I personally would choose AFSOC (Cannon) over ACC (Creech). I just think the Special Ops UAV missions are cooler. For most, though, location will likely be a bigger factor. I personally don't think Cannon (Clovis) would be that bad, but I'm in the minority.

On the Guard/Reserve side I don't think it really matters. All the ANG units are ACC and the lone AFRC unit (2nd SOS at Nellis) is under AFSOC. I think schedules and lifestyle are going to be similar at all UAV units. On the guard side, I think schedules are roughly 4 on/3 off with minor variations. Everyone will have to pull the night shift on occasion. At this time the deployments are minimal (unless you volunteer to do it). Unknown if this will change in the future.

I'm off to UAV training in January. Hopefully someone that is already active in UAVs can add some more info. UAVs are definitely getting more popular amongst the QOL crowd, hence more competitive.

 

[koko nw]

What are the best UAV pilot positions out there?

Daily hours, pay, vacation, pension, need to deploy etc.

How competitive are the positions?

Seriously, your a USAF Viper driver and your asking questions about Pay, vacation and pensions?????
Dude there the same for EVERYONE. Now some folks may get a little tax free and per diem help but the basic pay for all aviators is based on their rank and number of years served.
Pension.....LOL really? Seriously are you really an AF Pilot?


Koko

 

[dudemize]

I forgot to mention the Global Hawk AFRC unit (13th RS) which is at Beale.

I don't know as much about the Global Hawk stuff, but I would imagine the lifestyle is similar to the Predator units.

 

[320jetboy]

Any idea how long it's taking to get a UAV class? I think there are school houses @ Creech, Holloman and the California Guard.

 

[dudemize]

Any idea how long it's taking to get a UAV class? I think there are school houses @ Creech, Holloman and the California Guard.

In the guard it is taking quite a while. In some cases, up to a year after being hired. Not sure on the active duty side.

You are correct with regard to the school houses.

Here's a good paper with lots of UAV info:

http://www.airpower.au.af.mil/apjinternational/apj-c/2009/fal09/chambliss.pdf

 

[milflyboy]

Seriously, your a USAF Viper driver and your asking questions about Pay, vacation and pensions?????
Dude there the same for EVERYONE. Now some folks may get a little tax free and per diem help but the basic pay for all aviators is based on their rank and number of years served.
Pension.....LOL really? Seriously are you really an AF Pilot?

Koko

AF - Yes, US Not ;o)

 

[Penguin46]

Just put in papers to return to active duty, I'm an 0-5 Guardsman needing 4 more years for an active duty retirement. Any Gouge on best UAV squadrons or at least which one to avoid. Thanks

Is that unusual for a Guardsman to go back to active duty from a reserve status to get a good 20 years and retirement? Other reserve services try to keep reservists out of sanctuary.

 

[414Flyer]

AF - Yes, US Not ;o)

I was about to chime in that you are probably an ENJJPT grad for a NATO country, as a guess, just from aircraft flown

 

[milflyboy]

Good guess )

 

[320jetboy]

Prior service guy's in the Guard left with approximately 12 years of active duty. Last 10 years with GWOT and on again/off again furloughs resulted in 4 more years of title 10 service. Air Force offering return to active duty program for 4 years equals 20 year active duty retirement. Bottom line is the increase need for rated officers for the UAV programs are allowing old guys (O-5) to get an active duty retirement.