Remote Combat Exposure and Moral Injury from Drone Operations

Abstract

Abstract After decades of sustained combat operations, public officials and military leaders have promoted the value of preserving the lives of troops by implementing armed Unmanned Ariel Vehicles (UAVs) in supporting combat operations. Despite a decrease in physical injury and death to ground troops, drone warfare is not without U.S. casualties. Rather, psychologists have begun to realize that this different form of warfare uniquely traumatizes the members of the UAV crews who may be piloting or supporting these craft from the confines of a building or trailer only miles from their homes. This form of combat opens up new avenues for moral injury. Although the full extent of this remote trauma has yet to be thoroughly examined, preliminary studies have revealed the potential for devastating consequences.