Hey everyone. I'm looking into possibly joining the military after high school and I was wondering do all the military branches use drones? I tune into a lot of tech and it seems like a pathway that would align with my interests. Can someone provide some resources or experiences about this?
Absolutely, all branches of the U.S. military utilize unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), more commonly known as drones. Each branch, however, uses them differently and has varying levels of involvement in their operation.
The Air Force is perhaps the most prolific user of drones. They operate variety of drones from small surveillance ones to larger combat drones like the MQ-9 Reaper. They've established a specific career path for drone pilots offering extensive training programs.
The Army also widely utilize drones, primarily for surveillance and reconnaissance missions. The MQ-1C Gray Eagle, a medium altitude, long endurance (MALE) drone, is one notable model used by the Army.
The Navy uses drones in maritime surveillance as well as for combat missions. In fact, they've been developing new underwater drones for maritime usage.
The Marines use drones primarily for reconnaissance as part of their expeditionary forces model , allowing them to gain valuable information about the ground ahead of their operations.
Lastly, the newly established Space Force also employs drones. On a different scale to the other branches, they primarily utilize satellite drones for space exploration and surveillance.
As for experiences, this can vary greatly depending on the specific role and branch you end up in. Drone pilots often undergo rigorous training and the work can be demanding, but it certainly aligns well with tech interests.
Keep your research ongoing and try to reach out to experienced military personnel who can provide first-hand accounts. They would likely be able to provide more specific insights. Remember, education and physical fitness are important factors considered in recruitment to any branch of the military. Good luck with your decision!
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.