The National Guard is hunting for drone pilots in a recruitment drive that will put five people through 13 months of intensive training to operate unmanned aerial vehicles.
The Defence Ministry opened applications today for external pilots to staff its UAV weapons system – a specialist role that requires candidates to pass rigorous fitness tests, language assessments and evaluation by the drone manufacturer itself.
Only Cypriots under 35 need apply. Candidates must be secondary school graduates with strong Greek and English, whilst men need completed military service with I/1 or I/2 reserve classification. Women are exempt from the service requirement.
The ministry has set tough fitness standards. Men must run 1,000 metres in under 5 minutes 15 seconds, women in under 6 minutes 43 seconds. Body Mass Index must fall between 18-30 for men and 17-27 for women. Anyone with a criminal record or firearm ban won’t get through the door.
Up to 12 candidates who clear the initial medical checks and fitness tests will face the UAV manufacturer’s assessment team for English interviews, logic tests and possible trials on spatial awareness and remote control simulation.
The training lasts around 13 months, mainly in Cyprus with possible periods abroad. Successful recruits will sign contracts as non-commissioned officers and head to Athens for final medical certification at the Centre for Aviation Medicine before starting the programme.
Only five will make it through to full certification as specialist UAV operators.
Applications close 19 December at 1:30pm.
Read more: