The Air Force Weapons School provides advanced training for a handful of elite officers each year in traditional skills, like teaching aerial combat, reconnaissance and bombing, and also for the growing ranks of drone pilots.

WSJ: Pentagon Digs In on Cyberwar Front

"The PLA Air Force has deployed several types of unmanned aerial vehicles for both reconnaissance and combat purposes, " the report said.

WSJ: China's Drones Raise Eyebrows at Air Show

These small planes, which can be controlled by a computer inside the vehicle or remotely by a pilot, are increasingly being used by the military to perform missions that may be considered too dangerous for humans, such as wartime reconnaissance or combat missions.

FORBES: UAV Makers Attract M&A Interest Despite Defense Cuts

At the same time, we accelerated or increased weapons programs needed to confront real and growing threats -- the Joint Strike Fighter, the Littoral Combat Ship, and more helicopters and reconnaissance support for our troops at the front.

WHITEHOUSE: President Obama Signs National Defense Authorization Act