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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Bury expelled from EFL: Your reaction

Bury expelled from EFL: Your reaction

As Bury Football Club are ejected from the English Football League, Sarah Brett hears immediate reaction from fans and local MPs.

27 Elo 201942min

The Children of the Troubles

The Children of the Troubles

It’s been 50 years since the start of the Troubles in Northern Ireland, when serious violence broke out in 1969. Over 30 years, more than 3,500 people died, communities became divided and there was murder on both sides. These are the Children of the Troubles, their young lives changed forever.Pictured: Danny Toland is in the middle between the mum and dad, and his sister Majella is directly in front with the blue collar.

16 Elo 201927min

UK hit by major power cut: Your stories

UK hit by major power cut: Your stories

Stephen Nolan investigates after homes, businesses, hospitals and travel networks were hit by a massive power cut across large areas of England and Wales.He also hears from an energy analyst about what lay behind the outage, after National Grid said it was caused by issues with two power generators but the problem was now resolved.

9 Elo 201929min

Homeless World Cup: Cardiff 2019

Homeless World Cup: Cardiff 2019

Nihal Arthanayake spoke to the players and organisers of the annual Homeless World Cup. The 2019 event is the 17th time the football tournament, which aims to improve the lives of rough sleepers and those without a home, has been held. It featured around 500 homeless players from more than 40 countries.The BAFTA nominated actor Michael Sheen, who helped campaign to bring the World Cup to Wales, exclusively revealed to Nihal that he had given everything he has, financially, to ensure the event went ahead.

30 Heinä 201949min

A scorching week in politics

A scorching week in politics

Adrian Chiles welcomes journalist and political activist Ash Sarkar and comedian Geoff Norcott to chew over one of the most dramatic and significant political weeks in recent memory as Boris Johnson became the UK's new prime minister. They replay the best moments from the week and take a sideways look at some of the funnier moments too.

26 Heinä 201947min

Boris Johnson: First Commons address and MP reaction

Boris Johnson: First Commons address and MP reaction

Listen back to the moment Boris Johnson made his first speech as prime minister in the House of Commons.You will also hear the response from MPs, including Leader of the Opposition Jeremy Corbyn and newly elected Liberal Democrat leader Jo Swinson. Following the debates, 5 Live's Emma Barnett and BBC Deputy Political Editor John Pienaar give their analysis.

25 Heinä 20191h 2min

A tale of two speeches: May out, Johnson in

A tale of two speeches: May out, Johnson in

Relive the moment Theresa May gave her last speech as prime minister and Boris Johnson gave his first. 5 Live's Anna Foster was outside Downing Street with political correspondent Nick Eardley.

24 Heinä 201924min

Boris Barometer: Your views on the UK's new PM

Boris Barometer: Your views on the UK's new PM

Prime Minister Boris Johnson: How does that make you feel?Are you energised? Are the guy ropes off? Is he the man to get the job done?5 Live's Nicky Campbell hears from callers.

24 Heinä 201942min

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