Figure 1: A small, unmanned aircraft system (SUAS) is shown in flight at Dugway Proving Ground. (U.S. Army photo by Becki Bryant)
Thinking Outside the Airbox Creative Ways to Integrate SUAS into Small Unit Training
COL Gregory W. McLean LTC Mitchell Payne
While the nature of war – a violent contest of wills between two forces – remains unchanging, the character of war con- stantly evolves as new technology develops. The reality of small unmanned aerial systems (SUAS) in large-scale combat operations is a relatively immutable aspect of the current character of war. In the current and future fight, all elements on the battlefield must operate under the assumption that they are under obser- vation. The prevalence of SUAS drones is quickly becoming a defining charac- teristic in the modern fight.
Given this assumption, it stands to reason that military units at all levels must con- sider ways to train in this new environ- ment. Simply put, Soldiers at every level must internalize the impacts of the preval- ence of SUAS on the modern battlefield. While the U.S. Army’s acquisition processes may often prohibit the purchase of com-
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mercial off-the-shelf SUAS for training, there are multiple ways that unit leaders can creatively “think outside the [air]box” to reach the desired training outcomes. This article discusses some training meth- odologies that leaders can consider when integrating SUAS into their training guid- ance. Also, it offers suggestions on ways that leaders can integrate SUAS into their training.
Training Considerations in Integrating SUAS
Before considering integrating anything new into training, unit leaders may con- sider stepping back and clearly articu- lating what their desired training endstate is for the training. Put another way, leaders should first ask themselves “What is the training outcome for this training?” Specific to the integration of SUAS, this might be “We want Soldiers who are conditioned to look upwards as well as outwards, and who understand how enemy SUAS relates to the enemy kill chain.” Alternatively, how- ever, the integration of SUAS into blue
operations might produce a training out- come like “We want Soldiers who are confident and knowledgeable in how and when to employ SUAS.”
The two differentiated training outcomes – whether considered as “red air” or “blue air” represent two distinct ways that units can integrate SUAS into their training. As the characteristics of the modern battlefield continue to be shaped by changing technology, unit leadership should be challenged to consider both outcomes and determine how best to implement both sets of outcomes. Each distinct training outcome requires a simi- larly differentiated approach in applying the 8-step training model.1
Once the unit commander has established the training objectives, they should employ a training strategy that incorporates the methodologies laid out in doctrine. In October and November of 2023 the Maneu- ver Center of Excellence published sev- eral products that establish doctrine for
CAVALRY & ARMOR JOURNAL Fall 2024
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