In this conversation, Tanner Yackley, founder of Remote Warrior, discusses the often-overlooked psychological toll of remote warfare and the complexities of Drone or RPA operations. He highlights the challenges faced by remote operators, including quality of life issues, the disconnect in military recognition, and the difficulties of transitioning to civilian life. Tanner shares his experiences as a former RPA operator and the emotional and psychological challenges faced by those in the remote warfare community. We discuss the unique pressures of making life-and-death decisions from a distance. Tanner highlights the moral injuries that arise from remote combat and the urgent need for better mental health support for veterans.

Resources and Links:

Remote Warrior LLC

On Killing Remotely: The Psychology of Killing with Drones

VA PTSD Checklist (PCL-5)

VA Vet Centers

Mental health YouTube resources -Nick O'Kelly

https://remotewarrior.carrd.co/ https://invisiblewarfare.carrd.co/
https://rwpanicpack.carrd.co/
https://rwsmarthome.carrd.co/

Sponsors:

Finance 4 vets-Nick O'Kelly

PoleStar CoffeeGuest Info:

Tanner Yackley is a former MQ-9 Reaper Sensor Operator and Instructor Evaluator who spent a decade supporting combat operations remotely for the U.S. Air Force. He is the founder of Remote Warrior™, a mission-driven organization advocating for the recognition and care of drone and remote warfare veterans. Through his work, Tanner is helping bring visibility, language, and healing to a community often overlooked in traditional definitions of combat service

Keywords

Remote Warfare, RPA, Psychological Impact, Military Service, Drone Operations, Mental Health, Combat Experience, Advocacy, Veterans, Air Force, fighter pilots, RPA, mental health, combat, moral injury, remote warfare, veteran support, PTSD, community, education