USAF expands UAS pilot eligibility
The US Air Force (USAF) has expanded eligibility requirements for its RQ-4 Global Hawk UAS pilot programme, with airmen in all air force specialty codes (AFSCs) now eligible to apply.
The programme expands the eligibility pool from career-enlisted aviators to all AFSCs.
A new timeline will also give personnel more time to test, prepare their applications, and complete their flight physicals.
The new approach will allow the air force to tap into existing talent in its enlisted force to meet the growing requirement for UAS pilots.
Applicants must hold a rank from staff sergeant through senior master sergeant and be retainable for six years from course graduation date. Airman in all AFSCs are eligible for this programme; however, a career field manager release is required for airmen receiving a critical skills retention bonus or for airmen in aerospace maintenance, battlefield airmen, missile maintenance and nuclear weapons AFSCs.
The air force said selection opportunities may be further limited or restricted for some career fields in order to maintain acceptable operational manning levels.
The results of the inaugural US Air Force Enlisted RPA Pilot Selection Board will be released in late February 2017.
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