Case Analysis Proposal

Case Analysis Proposal:  Standardized Training Requirements for Department of Defense Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Operators

The warfighting success of unmanned aircraft systems (UASs) has been very well documented in recent years.  As a result of this success, the Department of Defense (DoD) continues to increase its inventory of UASs in order to meet the demand for their unique capabilities.  The DoD can acquire and deploy these technologically advanced systems, but without adequate operator training, the Services forfeit potential warfighting and tactical advantages due to misuse or underutilization of the UAS’s unique capabilities.  The skills and training requirements for UAS operators constitute a significant paradigm shift from the skill requirements and traditional training methods for pilots of manned aircraft.  These differences result from variations in, and characteristics of, interface design, system function(s) and the level of control required based on the autonomous capability of the UAS.  Each component within the DoD is responsible for identifying how, where and to what extent a particular UAS is to be employed within their respective Service; identifying the minimum standards of knowledge and skills required for operators; and creating Service-specific training programs, tailored to their unique applications and mission parameters, in order to provide initial and continuation/follow-on training for the system.

In general, training requirements are driven by a concept of operations; doctrine; tactics, techniques and procedures; directives; and/or instructions.  Within the DoD, the basis for Service-specific UAS training is the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Instruction (CJCSI) 3255.01, Joint Unmanned Aircraft Systems Minimum Training Standards, and other Service-specific training syllabi.  However, variations in the types of UASs used, acquisition strategies, program maturity, policies, regulations, manpower and even financial restrictions result in differences among the Services in their respective training programs, methods and materials.  This case study proposes a review, comparison, and analysis of current Service-specific, Joint and Allied publications which establish or define minimum knowledge and training standards for UAS operators.

Training is an essential link in establishing and maintaining the warfighting capabilities of unmanned aircraft system operators.  Failure of the Services to adequately identify, address and coordinate the unique training challenges of UASs will, unfortunately, result in a loss of combat-gained experience and an inability to effectively and efficiently employ these systems in the future.  As the proposed review will demonstrate, a comprehensive DoD training strategy is essential in order to ensure that common, standardized Joint training requirements are in place which will bring platforms and operators together; thereby improving training effectiveness and efficiency, and increasing overall combat effectiveness.