What is an RPA? “The Department of Defense (DoD) defines RPAs as powered, aerial vehicles that do not carry a human operator, use aerodynamic forces to provide life, fly autonomously and/or piloted remotely, are expendable or recoverable, and can carry a lethal or nonlethal payload” (Ouma, 2011). The two major RPAs used today are the MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper. The MQ-1 Predator was originally developed for reconnaissance, but has evolved into an aircraft providing support for ground forces and prosecuting enemy combatants. The role of the MQ-1 Predator in precision-strike missions gave rise to a demand for a more versatile and lethal aircraft. The MQ-9 Reaper is the size of an F-16 fighter jet, and it is able to reach heights of up to …show more content…
Their job is not highly respected and in the beginning it was a punishment job to be sent to RPA. Because of this, some of the airmen in the beginning were not highly respected and made it difficult for people to take RPA pilots serious, when in reality the job RPA pilots do is the same almost the same as a regular pilot. When the time comes both are going to persecute the target, the aircraft does not matter. Despite this, most RPA pilots are seen as “video game warriors” and are not thought of as “real pilots.” This demoralizes RPA pilots are is another of the many causes that brings about the operational stress in this job. This scenario is similar to someone being picked on by a bully. Eventually the person who is getting picked on will question whether or not what the bully says holds any value, and the same thing applies here. If everyone says that RPA pilots are not real pilots, then why would anyone want to become an RPA pilot? No one wants to go into a job when they know they are going to be tormented because what they do is not as important as someone who is in the cockpit. This also causes a sense of guilt in an RPA pilot because they are not physically in the combat zone and are not in any danger. It creates a sense of dishonor that the RPA pilot is fighting from safety instead of being there with their