Gen. John Corley, Air Combat Command commander, announced Monday that top Air Force officials now prefer Holloman AFB for the UAS training unit. Corley did not formally name Holloman as the new training site, but officials say the announcement indicates the first of a potential series of moves to assign Holloman for the new UAS training unit, the Air Force reported.

If Holloman passes the environmental impact analysis requirements, MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper UAS training will have a second base for the Air Force. Currently only Creech AFB in Nevada has a Predator and Reaper formal training unit.

The increased deployment of UAS technology is part of an effort by the Defense Department to offer better protection for troops in combat zones with the additional surveillance and air support without having to put soldiers in harm's way.

"The establishment of an additional formal training unit is an important step by Air Combat Command to provide the right training and right force development and to meet future requirements, not just for U.S. Central Command, but for all combatant commanders, while maintaining an operational focus at Creech AFB," Corley said in a statement.

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