JointCooperative Unmanned Systems Initiative (JCUSI), which was a joint project in autonomoussystems between Cadet and Midshipmen from USAFA, USMA (U.S. Military Academy), andUSNA (U.S. Naval Academy). We present assessment results demonstrating the project’ssuccess in helping the students understand the capabilities and limitations of RPAs in theoperational environment. In addition, we also motivate cadets through field trips to operationalsites like Creech AFB and overseas UAV laboratories, and assessment of these activities arepresented.2. Demand for RPA PilotsThe demand for RPA capabilities has steadily grown over the last 15 years, prompting thecreation of the RPA pilot career field in 2009. The Air Force recently increased RPA pilotproduction to
, research experiences with faculty and outside laboratories, professionaldevelopment activities, academic support, social integration, and mentoring.15 As adult learnersmake up an increasing portion of enrollment at universities, understanding how to increase theperformance and retention of this subpopulation is a significant issue facing institutions of highereducation. Research on student retention has started to address the unique characteristics andchallenges of adult learners, but there are still open questions about the effectiveness of programproposals.14, 16 There has been significant research related to retention of other minority groups,which may be instructive to future research and program proposals to address adult learnerretention.15