Bill Overview
Title: Remotely Piloted Aircraft Crews Tax Relief Act
Description: This bill extends the tax exclusion of the combat zone compensation of enlisted personnel and commissioned offices to include individuals operating a remotely piloted aircraft in a combat zone or providing certain intelligence with respect to such aircraft.
Sponsors: Sen. Rosen, Jacky [D-NV]
Target Audience
Population: Individuals operating or providing intelligence for remotely piloted aircraft in combat zones
Estimated Size: 4000
- Remotely piloted aircraft crews are typically individuals involved in the operation of drones, including both military and intelligence personnel.
- The bill specifies the extension of tax exclusion for individuals operating these crafts in combat zones, suggesting that primarily military personnel who control drones will be impacted.
- The term 'combat zone' is explicitly mentioned, indicating that this regards tax relief for those actively supporting military operations.
- The U.S. is known to have a significant remotely piloted aircraft program, with likely thousands of personnel involved in drone operations that may benefit from this tax relief.
Reasoning
- Budget constraints indicate that not all individuals involved in remotely piloted aircraft operations may benefit immediately. Estimated 4,000 personnel currently fit the bill criteria.
- The policy will affect military personnel directly involved in drone operations. However, there may be additional military personnel in support roles indirectly impacted.
- Remotely piloted aircraft crews usually have a higher-than-average job security, but the exclusion from tax could improve financial and thus psychological well-being.
- A significant subset might include commissioned officers whose tax relief could differ based on income brackets.
- For those not in direct combat zones but providing intelligence, ambiguity in policy could lead to the difference in realized benefits.
- Operation locations and periods may have variations that affect the practical tax benefits realized.
- Widely dispersing the benefits among varying military personnel grades and ranks will be necessary to remain within the budget constraints.
- Within the 10-year parameter, income variations and career trajectories could alter the degree of impact. The duration and specific involvement in combat zones are key factors.
Simulated Interviews
Drone Operator (Nevada)
Age: 35 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This tax relief would certainly help me in managing my finances, but I'm not sure how long the deployment will last.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Intelligence Officer (Florida)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I appreciate any relief, though I think it's fair to extend it to more roles involved in these operations.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Drone Mission Coordinator (California)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 1.5 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The tax relief helps, but it's the least that can be done.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 4 |
Drone Pilot (Texas)
Age: 23 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I am concerned about future deployments, but the relief provides some financial security for now.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 3 |
Drone Operations Trainer (Virginia)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think this is a positive step, but I fear not everyone who needs it will benefit.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Drone Communications Specialist (Alaska)
Age: 32 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I feel included in a way that reflects my contribution, even from behind the scenes.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Drone Analyst (Washington D.C.)
Age: 38 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- As a contractor, I am seeing no direct benefit, but maybe indirectly since more funds could improve other aspects of this work.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 4 |
Remotely Piloted Aircraft Technician (Colorado)
Age: 27 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- My role is critical, but often overlooked, so the policy feels like recognition.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Drone Commander (North Carolina)
Age: 42 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The extra money is nice, but the morale and mental health support can be more impactful long-term.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Drone Intelligence Analyst (New Mexico)
Age: 30 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy doesn't apply to me directly but might impact the environment and resources we have available.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $26000000 (Low: $20000000, High: $30000000)
Year 2: $27000000 (Low: $20000000, High: $30000000)
Year 3: $28000000 (Low: $20000000, High: $30000000)
Year 5: $29000000 (Low: $21000000, High: $31000000)
Year 10: $32000000 (Low: $23000000, High: $35000000)
Year 100: $32000000 (Low: $23000000, High: $35000000)
Key Considerations
- The precise number of individuals eligible varies with military deployments and operational intensity in combat zones.
- Potential effects on motivation and retention of critical intelligence and operational staff.
- Impact on U.S. Department of Defense budgeting plans and allocations for military salaries.