How to Become a US UAV Operator
Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operators help protect the U.S. and its allies from enemy attack. But unlike most of the U.S. Army, UAV operators aren't in direct contact with the enemy. Instead, they control unmanned aircraft far away from the action and use the information extracted from the UAV's observational system to design military tactics. To become a UAV operator, you'll have to join the Army; there are no civilian certification processes in place. It's not guaranteed that you'll be selected for a UAV operator position once you're in the Army, but there are a few things you can do to increase your chances.
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Instructions
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Determine if you have the skills you need to become a UAV operator; this could include an aptitude for remote or radio control vehicles; an interest in gathering, organizing and analyzing information; and an ability to think rationally and write clearly. If you don't have these skills, acquire them by reading about and operating remote control vehicles, completing independent projects on UAVs and writing reports that analyze publicly available intelligence information.
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Fill out an application to join the Army online or by visiting a recruiter in person. The application involves five sections. You'll first be asked to provide basic information about who you are and what you've done; make sure you highlight your applicable skills. You'll then be able to search for available jobs, prioritize your preferred jobs (ensure that UAV operator is your No. 1 choice), then submit the application.
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Speak with the Army recruiter assigned to you after your application has been accepted and processed. The recruiter is there to answer any questions or concerns you have, so tell her that you have a sincere interest in becoming a UAV operator. She may be able to provide you with additional guidance that will help you achieve your goal.
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Complete the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB), a multiple-choice test that helps you and the Army find the job that's best for you. Your recruiter will tell you where and when to take the ASVAB. There is nothing you can do to get ready for the test, but as the U.S. Army website suggests, "Getting a good night's rest and arriving on time are the two most important steps you can take to prepare."
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Visit the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) suggested by your recruiter to undergo screening, a medical evaluation and enlistment interviews. Make it clear to interviewers that you'd like to become a UAV operator. Select the UAV operator enlistment program if it's offered to you.
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Complete nine weeks of basic training. The Army will contact you to tell you where and when this training takes place.
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Complete 23 weeks of UAV advanced individual training, which includes classroom and on-the-job instruction.
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Wait for a UAV operator position to be offered.
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Tips & Warnings
To keep your UAV knowledge sharp, continue reading about the UAV field, operating remote control vehicles and analyzing publicly available intelligence information during the recruitment process and basic training.
Although you won't be in direct combat scenarios as a UAV operator, all Army personnel are susceptible to high levels of stress. Consider your ability to cope with this stress before enlisting and ask your Army recruiter what to expect as a UAV operator.
References
Resources
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