RAF pilot: 'utterly horrific' drone warfare gave me PTSD

RAF pilot: 'utterly horrific' drone warfare gave me PTSD

A former military drone pilot says he has been left with PTSD after being put at risk of "psychological harm" for years on end while viewing "utterly horrific" things on screen. Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live’s Adrian Chiles, ‘Rob’ (not his real name) also said he became suicidal due to the way the armed forces dealt with his request for mental help. Rob was a member of 13 Squadron until 2017, a specialist team within the Royal Air Force which operate unmanned drone aircraft from a military base in the UK. The Remotely Piloted Aircraft System, or Reaper, was first used by the UK in Afghanistan in 2008 for surveillance, and later fitted with weapons. By March 2015 the UK had carried out some 70 drone strikes against so-called Islamic State (IS) targets in Iraq.

The MOD issued this statement, ‘‘We do not recognise the allegations made with respect to the working environment on our Reaper Squadrons. The RAF actively manages Reaper Force crews to ensure that their workload is manageable, sustainable and balanced, alongside providing world-class military healthcare for those that need it. “All allegations of civilian casualties are subject to extensive investigations. We continue to do everything we can to minimise the risk of civilian casualties through the rigorous targeting processes and the professionalism of our crews.”

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Joshua Virasami on Black Lives Matter and Activism

Joshua Virasami on Black Lives Matter and Activism

Artist and author of “How to Change It” Joshua Virasami is a member of the Black Lives Matter movement in the UK. He spoke to Emma Barnett about what he believes in, including defending the police, the future of activism and community development.

16 Loka 202019min

MeToo founder Tarana Burke: ‘#MeToo gave me a deeper sense of duty'

MeToo founder Tarana Burke: ‘#MeToo gave me a deeper sense of duty'

Tarana Burke first wrote down the phrase MeToo in 2006, before the Harvey Weinstein case. Then on 15 October 2017, actor Alyssa Milano tweeted #MeToo and the phrase went viral. In an in-depth conversation Colin Murray talks to her about her story leading up to that point and what has happened since. If you have been affected by any of the issues discussed in this interview there are organisations which may be able to help, go to The BBC Action line website https://www.bbc.co.uk/actionline/.

15 Loka 202054min

PM press conference on Covid alert tiers

PM press conference on Covid alert tiers

Prime Minister Boris Johnson holds a Downing Street press conference on coronavirus alert measures with Chancellor Rishi Sunak and England's chief medical officer, Prof Chris Whitty.

12 Loka 202042min

Q&A: How do I find a job during the pandemic?

Q&A: How do I find a job during the pandemic?

5 Live’s Nicky Campbell is joined by recruitment experts and a benefits advisor to offer listeners’ employment advice .

1 Loka 202049min

US Presidential debate: Trump v Biden

US Presidential debate: Trump v Biden

President Donald Trump and his challenger Joe Biden have fiercely clashed in one of the most chaotic and rancorous White House debates in years.Amid angry shouting and name calling, the two fought over the pandemic, white supremacy and the economy during the 90-minute forum in Cleveland, Ohio.Mr Biden called the president a "clown" and told him to "shut up". Mr Trump brought up drug use by his rival's son.

30 Syys 20201h 35min

Coronavirus briefing and analysis

Coronavirus briefing and analysis

The government's chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance and chief medical adviser, Professor Chris Whitty lead a coronavirus briefing at Downing Street as Prime Minister Boris Johnson considers whether to introduce further measures in England.Sir Patrick warned that the UK could see 50,000 new coronavirus cases a day by mid-October without further action.Professor of medicine at the University of East Anglia, Paul Hunter, joined 5 Live’s Emma Barnett for analysis of the briefing.

21 Syys 202031min

Covid-19: WHO chief scientist answers your questions

Covid-19: WHO chief scientist answers your questions

Following what’s thought to be the first case in Wuhan Province last December, Covid-19 is now present in 216 countries around the world. Almost a million people have died according to the World Health Organization. So where are we now? What about the health impact of the economic fallout? Are political leaders getting it right around the world? How are developing countries coping? And what might winter look like? 5 Live's Nicky Campbell put listeners' questions to World Health Organization chief scientist Dr Soumya Swaminathan (pictured) and the BBC’s medical editor Fergus Walsh.

11 Syys 202050min

Social gatherings: Will you follow the new rules?

Social gatherings: Will you follow the new rules?

As the government announces stricter measures on meeting friends and family in England, 5 Live’s Nicky Campbell asks listeners: Is it your civic duty to get behind the rules - and ensure others do the same.This programme was recorded before First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced similar rules for Scotland.

10 Syys 202049min

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