US government operating (at least) 7 GA Avenger UCAVs

originally posted by: Zaphod58
a reply to: Asktheanimals

They do less damage than a manned aircraft does. And there's always a person in the loop. They might not see what happens in person, but they get just as good a look as a pilot dropping a bomb does. UAV pilots have more cases of PTSD and pilots dropping out because of the stress they're under than any other aviation related field.

Exactly my point. A fight on a battlefield you see the enemy, if you win you see their bodies. With UAVs you might have a pretty good idea your target is only the enemy but there can always be civilians lurking nearby. Sometimes they are given the order to release ordinance despite non-combatants in close proximity. This creates guilt that will always be unresolved.

a reply to: Asktheanimals

Which is the same for guys in vehicles, pulling the trigger on a gun, or flying a B-52 overhead. The operators of UAVs actually see more than most people in combat. If anything UAVs make war more real for the operator.