Drone Pilot After USNA

T

txrearea

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I've been reading a ton about service assignments since I received my offer of appointment. I know that I have 4 years to figure out what I think would be best for me, but I am still curious of all of the possibilities. I also just like being able to learn some of the military lingo and how it all works since I am coming from a background with no military at all. I have been reading a lot about drone pilots in the military and how they are in high demand right now since it is such a new thing. I don't know if it's more of an Air Force thing right now or if the Navy is in need of them as well. I'm curious if USNA has the possibility of adding that to the service assignment options and what that kind of job would look like. Does anybody here have experience in that field or know of benefits, quality of life, etc...? It seems like it could end up being a good gig.
 
Per USN recruitment site:

Aerial Vehicle Operators (otherwise known as Navy Drone Pilots) are Warrant Officers in the Navy who operate the fleet's Unmanned Aerial Vehicles. Like Navy Aviators, they earn their “wings” for flying these aircrafts.

Also, https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/Portals/55/Career/OCM/Active/LDOCWO/737X_Fact_Sheet_Final.pdf

So, graduating from the USNA will probably put you in charge of said WOs.

The trend will be more and more unmanned vehicles such as planes, boats and submersibles for the USN. Much to the chagrin of the current human pilots/drivers. They are cheaper, provide less risk to humans (a big political plus - no body bags returning from the conflict zone). Imagine a submarine releasing a swarm of USVs (unmanned submersible vehicles). Or a P-8 releasing UAVs. In this future scenario, manned submarines, planes and aircraft carriers become "mother ships" to fleets of "drones". Once the initial mission is accomplished then the MEFs come in to occupy the objective (land).

Ukraine's use of unmanned boats (each connected to Elon Musk's Starlink internet satellite) to attack the Russian navy harbored in Sevastopol, while somewhat clumsy, is a historical milestone in naval warfare. You can bet dollars to donuts that the major naval powers are investing in this technology. See:

 
Just found the same link as @Small Team Bacsi - amazing what you can find by googling “Navy drone pilots.”

Warrant officers are top-notch prior enlisted personnel who have competitively applied to be warrant officers, technically proficient professionals who are specialized in one area.

USNA’s mission is to produce unrestricted line warfare officers, with a small handful of restricted line and staff corps officers, all of which you can read about at usna.edu.
 
The US Navy has other drones that are already deployed while the MQ-25 is still in its relative infancy. The ScanEagle has enlisted pilots just as the Army does with the MQ-7 Shadow.
 
Air Force also uses enlisted. It is an incredibly competitive and incredibly demanding position.
 
Air National Guard also uses them. Idk about competitiveness of the program. My oldest son is a member of a unit that works with them. We went to the base and got to see and interact (static displays) with them during family week. VERY, very cool!!
 
When our oldest was trying to enlist into the Air Force, one of the jobs they were looking at was drone operator. It is a really tough program to get into and was highly selective.
 
There is the Triton UAV, but you’d need to earn wings as a pilot or NFO, qualify on maritime patrol, and receive orders to the VUP squadron down in Jacksonville after a JO tour. (As best as I understand it after talking to some aviators). Air Force definitely seems to have more opportunities to work with drones.
 
You can also look into the USMC. You can become a UAV officer (MOS 7315) and you’ll attend RPA training with the USAF after TBS. Their UAVs conduct ISR. One thing I think is cool is that UAV officers gave their own set of wings that are slightly different than Naval Aviator ones. They are NFO wings with a delta on the shield.
 
A few unsolicited ideas: You may wish to learn more about the Naval Academy Flying Squadron activities for your upcoming time at USNA and inquire if they have drone access for training or would mentor you if you brought one. Pilots in that club could certainly help with you in training on foundational aviation which applies. You may also wish to pursue your FAA drone / part 61 private pilot licenses outside of your service academy experience (there are savings/ synergies to get them both) and prior to commissioning (summers around midshipmen duties). Here is the faa link if you wish to explore those options. You may wish to discuss your interests with USNA admissions to gain an understanding of career and training options for drone or aviation careers in and out of the Navy/ Marines, while there. Good luck to you and thanks for your willingness to serve. *I don't work for the FAA/ have no benefit if you do or don't do this - my son is a future student naval aviator/ Naval officer and current drone pilot/ commercial CFI pilot as well so I know a bit about helping someone who wants to fly or fly drones on how to get started.
 
This is all wonderful information to have! I had done a bit of research on drones in the Navy, but wanted to see about if there is much of a future for assignments out of USNA. Thank you all for your responses and time!! If anyone ever sees an article regarding the topic, please feel free to post it here!
 
Drone piloting is a possible gig after initial detailing (sea tours) as a pilot for other aircraft.
 
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