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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'How can any human kill another human like that?'

'How can any human kill another human like that?'

BBC Radio 5 Live’s Dotun Adebayo has been keeping a diary of his thoughts and feelings over recent days following the death of George Floyd in the US. Mr Floyd, an unarmed black man, died in police custody on 25 May. Video footage showed a white police officer kneeling on his neck for almost nine minutes while he is pinned to the floor. The Up All Night presenter reflected on events with Tony Livesey and Anna Foster on 5 Live Drive in a deeply personal and emotional interview.

8 Kesä 202028min

Michael Johnson on George Floyd protests

Michael Johnson on George Floyd protests

American four-time Olympic champion Michael Johnson speaks to BBC Radio 5 Live presenter Chris Latchem about the impact of the death of George Floyd. Mr Floyd, an unarmed black man, died while being restrained by a white Minneapolis police officer on 25 May. Protests have been held across the US and UK.

5 Kesä 202021min

Anthony Walker murder: Mum's plea to end racism after George Floyd

Anthony Walker murder: Mum's plea to end racism after George Floyd

The death of George Floyd in the US has created a new momentum to change the conversation around race in the UK. One woman who has been trying to make change happen for the past 15 years is Gee Walker. In 2005, her son Anthony, 18, was ambushed in a park in Liverpool and murdered by two white men, Michael Barton and Paul Taylor.The judge described Anthony’s murder as an “act of racist thuggery of a type poisonous to any civilised society”. In the wake of her son’s death, Gee set up the Anthony Walker Foundation which tackles hate crime and racial equality.She talks about how she and her family have dealt with the news and aftermath of George Floyd's death, and what help is needed to "conquer racism" for good.

4 Kesä 202018min

Your Call: What change is needed for the UK’s black and ethnic minority groups?

Your Call: What change is needed for the UK’s black and ethnic minority groups?

Protests have continued in the US over the death of an African-American man, George Floyd, who died when a white Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck.With demonstrations now taking place in the UK, Nicky Campbell speaks to 5 Live listeners about what they feel needs to change for people from black and ethnic minority groups in the UK.

3 Kesä 202049min

George Floyd death: Your reaction to US protests

George Floyd death: Your reaction to US protests

Nicky Campbell speaks to 5 Live listeners as they share their thoughts on protests and growing civil unrest in the US over the death of George Floyd.

2 Kesä 202050min

George Floyd death: Reaction from the UK

George Floyd death: Reaction from the UK

The death of African-American man George Floyd in police custody has sparked protests across the US - and in the UK as well.BBC Radio 5 Live's Rachel Burden spoke to three black British people from different generations about how the African-American's death has affected them.

1 Kesä 202014min

Goldie Hawn on helping children cope with the impact of coronavirus

Goldie Hawn on helping children cope with the impact of coronavirus

Hollywood actor and Academy Award winner Goldie Hawn joins Anna and Tony on 5 Live Drive to discuss the work she’s been doing to help children with their mental health, something she feels is more important than ever during the current coronavirus pandemic.

22 Touko 202025min

Universities and coronavirus: How is it affecting you?

Universities and coronavirus: How is it affecting you?

From online course quality to student housing, 5 Live's Rachel Burden hears your experiences of university and coronavirus.

21 Touko 202047min

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