I had forgotten that the AF also insists on using only those trained and qualified in real (jet?) aircraft first. That is a years long process. There is no way they can ramp up very fast with this requirement. Maybe they get better results with this, with fewer accidents, but I have heard no data on this. I strongly suspect the AF would be telling us this if they had such data.
My understanding is the Army has had good results using Warrant Officers, just as they do in helicopters. This would be a major culture change for the AF, but they’ve gotta do something to meet the need. This is really not “business as usual”.
Civvies flew Predators for many years for one of the alphabet agencies.
Well, if they are no longer able to pilot a plane then they need a new job somewhere.