Long-Distance Warriors

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One may expect that being home would be a plus for the troops, but actually it's often a complication. Soldiers in the field have to cope with danger, but at least they live in one world, whereas their counterparts at Nellis commute daily from war to civilian life. "How many people can say they went to work today and killed or captured a few terrorists?" says Lieut. Colonel John Harris, commander of the 15th. "Our people are proud they contribute to the war from home. But being at home brings some additional stresses. We're very close to a crisis."

Rogers says he feels pulled in two directions, between spending more time helping with the war effort and being an integral part of his family. He rushes home after his day shift to jump in the pool with his kids. "At least I get to sleep in my own bed," says Rogers. But he says being deployed in Iraq was easier because he was isolated from the daily errands and the emotional demands of family life. His wife Laura feels differently about his being home. "It takes the edge off being a pilot's wife," she says, "that at least I know I won't be getting that phone call in the middle of the night telling me my husband has been shot down."

REMOTE-CONTROL WAR NEVADA

1 THE PILOT Captain Matt Buehler controls the Predator's flight from 7,000 miles away with a joystick and a computer keyboard; he also fires its missiles

2 THE DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS Lieut. Colonel Matt Bannon oversees the entire Predator operation of the 15th Reconnaissance Squadron

3 THE SENSOR OPERATOR Airman 1st Class Kimberly Mendoza works the craft's camera and laser targeting device and keeps the missile on track after it's fired

IRAQ

4 THE PREDATOR The flimsy, lightweight Predator flies low and slow but is one of the military's most potent weapons