i knocked on a lot of doors of men who had flown drones with him. And i don't think a single one even responded to me, because their community is so secretive. But as i went on and I was talking to all sorts of drone crew mem s, i asked myself, well, isn't this the story of kevin larsen? Aren't they experiencing the same stuff? It's such a secretife community, and in some cases, talking about it can even be illegal. We were able to get a number of people on record, and one of them was willing to talk to me on tape. He's a drone pilot named james clyne.
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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