Drone pilots can get combat medals.

FORBES: Just Call It A Drone

Mike Hostage, commander of Air Combat Command, said senior leaders are analyzing the military's drone needs and discussions are beginning.

NPR: Military Weighs Cutbacks, Shifts In Drone Programs

To staff 65 combat air patrols, the Air Force will need nearly 1, 700 drone pilots and 1, 200 sensor operators.

MSN: Next Top Guns? Air Force faces shortage of drone pilots

By 2017, the Air Force wants to have 10 crews per combat air patrols, in order to meet staffing requirements and allow the drone pilots time for schooling, training and other career-building time.

MSN: Next Top Guns? Air Force faces shortage of drone pilots

The Air Force Weapons School provides advanced training for a handful of elite officers each year in traditional skills, like teaching aerial combat, reconnaissance and bombing, and also for the growing ranks of drone pilots.

WSJ: Pentagon Digs In on Cyberwar Front

Remote Controlled MQ-27 Dragonfire Drone - Command cutting-edge technology, exclusively for this once-in-a-lifetime combat collection.

ENGADGET: Call of Duty: Black Ops II limited editions unveiled, $180 'Care Package' includes aerial drone