Who makes the best combat drone pilots? Ukrainian drone schools say it's young, tech-loving gamers and people used to staring at screens

"Across the country, drone schools are training new operators for what has become one of the most important roles in Ukraine's fight against the Russian invasion - flying the drones that scout Russian positions, find targets, and blow up tanks and troops. Three leaders working at two schools told Business Insider that younger students with gaming or tech experience tend to consistently pick up skills the fastest. These students often are already comfortable with controllers, joysticks, and staring at a screen for a long time."

"The instructor comments offer insight into what kind of person makes the best pilot, useful as Ukraine continues to fight for its survival and Western militaries study the war, investing more heavily in drone programs for a potential future fight. Dmytro Slediuk, head of the education department at Dronarium, a drone training school with sites in Kyiv and Lviv, said younger people and gamers, "are really good because their system of motor movements in their hands is already well developed.""

Drone schools across Ukraine train operators to scout, identify targets, and strike Russian positions, making drone piloting a central wartime role. Younger recruits with gaming or technical backgrounds acquire piloting skills faster due to developed motor coordination and familiarity with controllers and prolonged screen focus. Instructors report that candidates with IT or engineering experience are easier to train than those from nontechnical professions. Training programs adapt to rapidly evolving drone technology and tactics. Western militaries observe Ukrainian training outcomes as they expand investments in drone programs for potential future conflicts.

Read at Business Insider