A drone pilot took his own life after being ordered to kill an alcada terrorist. His father had told him this story, and i didn't really get it until i talked to guys like james clyne. And what he said is that there were a lot of other people like that,. people that just couldn't take it, and so they quietly, sort o drift out of the systemsome really curious, since james's story was a way for you to understand the experience of kevin larson, this drone pilot who killed himself.
This episode contains descriptions of suicide.
Over the past five years, a series of investigations by The Times has revealed the terror and tragedy that America’s air wars, despite being promoted as the most precise in history, have brought to civilians on the ground.
The program has also exacted a heavy toll on the military personnel guiding the drones to their targets. They include soldiers such as Capt. Kevin Larson, a decorated pilot, who died by suicide after a drug arrest and court-martial.
For suicide prevention resources in the United States, go to SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources. Go here for resources outside the United States.
Guest: Dave Philipps, a national correspondent covering the military for The New York Times.
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