Ex-Drone Operator says program is 'Good At Killing People, Just Not The Right Ones'

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 19 Nov 2015 15:02:11 -0500

I had not heard of this before reading this article. I was under the impression the Drones were doing a good job. I was also under the impression Obama didn't want to take a chance on killing civilians. This is an interesting article. I don't know how accurate it is, but it's a good read.
And now to the rest of the story:
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Former drone operators and technicians are slamming how the program is being run by the Obama administration.

WASHINGTON -- Former U.S. drone operators and technicians spoke out on Thursday about the extensive problems with the Obama administration's lethal program in the Middle East, shedding light on civilian deaths, the callousness of the culture, and the heavy weight of responsibility.

The ex-drone program participants outlined their experiences at an event held in New York that was organized to promote the new documentary Drone.

Michael Haas, who is a former senior airman with the U.S. air force and helped guide missiles to their targets, according to the Guardian, discussed his experience serving under the administrations of Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, which included working as an instructor. He said over time the quality of personnel rapidly declined, and the mentality under the Obama administration shifted to where, "a meritorious thing to do was to fire a shot, circumstances be damned."

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/drones-isis-terrorism-barack-obama_564e03d6e4b00b7997f99af0?ir=Politics%253Fncid%253Dnewsltushpmg00000003

Former drone operators and technicians are slamming how the program is being run by the Obama administration.

Ex-Drone Operator Says Program Kills The Wrong People

Former drone operators and technicians are slamming how the program is being run by the Obama administration.

Response by SCPO David Lockwood made Nov 19 at 2015 3:30 PM

SCPO David Lockwood — Thu, 19 Nov 2015 15:30:53 -0500

Got that right!

Response by CPO Andy Carrillo, MS made Nov 19 at 2015 4:27 PM

CPO Andy Carrillo, MS — Thu, 19 Nov 2015 16:27:32 -0500

Soul Repair (Beacon Press, 2012) aims to help veterans, their families, members of their communities, and clergy understand the impact of war on the consciences of healthy people, support the recovery of moral conscience in society, and restore veterans to civilian life. When a society sends people off to war, it must accept responsibility for returning them home to peace. The following excerpt of the book’s introduction describes moral injury as a growing problem that’s sadly not being sufficiently addressed by today’s society.

After we send men and women off to war, how do we bring them home to peace?
http://www.utne.com/mind-and-body/moral-injury-soul-repair-ze0z1303zgar.aspx

The Moral Injury of War: Using ‘Soul Repair’ to Prevent Veteran Suicides

The difficult process of repairing a soldier’s moral conscience begins with a societal approach to compassionate care—a commitment to addressing war veterans’ moral anguish as well as PTSD.

Response by TSgt Marco McDowell made Nov 20 at 2015 8:48 AM

TSgt Marco McDowell — Fri, 20 Nov 2015 08:48:34 -0500

I read another article on this topic. Everyone goes through their own struggle when dealing with unsavory tasks. I'm pretty sure these guys weren't forced at bayonet point to do this job. It sounded great, cutting edge technology, part of the fight and a fantastic substitute for a few guys who couldn't fly. There are people who don't take into consideration the consequences of what they are volunteering to do because it sounds awesome at the time. It's a shame that they'd raise a stink after the fact. I know, contractors and service members are in a pickle when you realize you're involved with something disagreeable, most can't just throw their hands up and walk away, but there are avenues to take. The GWOT fervor overtook the nation and compromises were and are being made and at whatever time people were/are actively engaged, they kept doing it, re-upped or extended their contracts. Remorse occurs after action, but popping up and laying the blame on someone for something that has been in full swing for 13 or 14 years is an attempt to deflect involvement even if you're trying to clear your soul.