Predator pilots needed for homeland duties.

• Position: Washington PULSE

Customs and Border Protection officials are clamoring for additional Predator drones to help in immigration enforcement and drug interdiction duties. But they may have to wait for a long time. The Department of Homeland Security is buying lots of Predators, but it cannot get enough qualified operators.

"We're short on people to come fly these things," says Michael Kostelnik, assistant commissioner of the Customs and Border Protection air and marine division. "Finding pilots is our biggest shortcoming."

The agency has turned to the Air National Guard for help. But Guard operators are already stretched thin by commitments to...