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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5lnews: John Pienaar's Referendum Round-up

5lnews: John Pienaar's Referendum Round-up

It's been the last big push in the Scottish Referendum campaign. 5 live's chief political correspondent, John Pienaar presents his final round-up from the campaign trail. Today's guests include The Herald's Westminster correspondent Kate Devlin, the Daily Mail's political editor James Chapman and President of YouGov, Peter Kellner.

17 Syys 201422min

John Pienaar's Referendum Round-up

John Pienaar's Referendum Round-up

With the Scottish independence referendum just two days away, 5 live's political correspondent John Pienaar presents a daily round-up from the campaign trail. Today's guests include The Herald's Westminster correspondent Kate Devlin and James Chapman, political editor of the Daily Mail.

16 Syys 201424min

John Pienaar's Referendum Round-up

John Pienaar's Referendum Round-up

On the last Monday before Scotland's historic vote on independence 5 live's political correspondent John Pienaar presents a daily round up of the 'YES' and 'NO' camps as polling day approaches. Guests include The Herald's Westminster correspondent Kate Devlin and Kevin Schofield chief political correspondent from The Sun.

15 Syys 201424min

Scottish independence - Big Big Debate reaction

Scottish independence - Big Big Debate reaction

Callers to Stephen Nolan and John Pienaar react to The Big Big Debate on Scottish independence.

12 Syys 20141h 4min

Scottish Referendum & Sport

Scottish Referendum & Sport

Mark Pougatch is joined by BBC Sport reporter Chris McLaughlin, Commonwealth & European 800m silver medallist Lynsey Sharp and Former Hearts and Hibs footballer Michael Stewart to discuss the potential implications the independence referendum will have on Sport. We'll also hear from former Scottish First Minister Henry Mcleish and Stephen Morrow, a senior lecturer in the Stirling University School of Sport.

10 Syys 201424min

In Short 31 August

In Short 31 August

The week's news stories reviewed including the report in to child abuse in Rotherham and Andy Murray in the US Open.

2 Syys 201448min

Coming out to family

Coming out to family

After a video of a gay man being attacked by his family went viral, Victoria Derbyshire speaks to gay men about their experiences of coming out, and asks parents how they dealt with it.

1 Syys 201427min

In Short 24 August

In Short 24 August

The week's news stories reviewed including the death of James Foley, teenagers in Formula 1 and how to make better shopping decisions.

24 Elo 201425min

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