Sources of Stress and Psychological Health Outcomes for Remotely Piloted Aircraft Operators: A Comparison Across Career Fields and Major Commands

Abstract

ABSTRACT Introduction U.S. Air Force remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) operators perform a variety of around-the-clock global intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions that are considered critical to operational effectiveness. The growing need for ISR operations has led to significant increases in operational tempo and workload, resulting in elevated operational stress, burnout, and psychological distress. These negative outcomes are linked to conditions such as long hours, low manning, lack of sleep, and communication issues. Through regular assessments and the implementation of additional resources (i.e., embedded health care providers), Air Force leadership is working to alleviate the stressors and maintain psychological well-being. Thus, the purpose of this study is to compare the levels of stress, and prevalence of burnout and psychological distress across RPA career fields within two major commands. Materials and Methods Assessments were completed by 571 RPA operators from 2 major commands: Air Force Special Operations Command (n = 158) and Air Combat Command (n = 413). RPA career fields included pilots (n = 331), sensor operators (n = 137), and intelligence operators (n = 103). Results Results revealed that high stress levels from an array of sources continue to result in increased risk of burnout and psychological distress for RPA operators. Several significant differences in sources of high stress across career fields and major commands are identified and discussed. Conclusions Overall, the results of this study highlight specific problem areas unique to certain subsets of the RPA community in need of targeted intervention and clarify several avenues for future research.