Randolph Gears Up for UAV Sensor Ops Training

The first class of enlisted sensor operators (SO) for MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial vehicles should begin training at Randolph AFB, Tex., next month. This first group will comprise cross-trainees from other career fields, as USAF tries to get ahead of the demand for UAV operators. The next class, starting in September, will come straight from basic training. The new 21-day three-level course, called Basic Sensor Operator Training, will prep its attendees in the fundamentals of operating sensors, communications, and full motion video applications before they join their officer counterparts in Randolph’s unmanned aerial systems fundamentals course (UFC), where they gain an understanding of tactics and weapons employment. (Randolph began running UFC last fall.) “By partnering the newly awarded three-level SO’s with the officers in the UFC course, it will provide them a solid foundation to do their job effectively from day one,” said Col. Jimmy Donohue, 12th Operations Group deputy commander. (Randolph report by Gabriel Myers)