Initial Thoughts for Infantry Leaders on SUAS Integration
Advanced Infantry Training Battalion, School of Infantry - East
Small unmanned aircraft system (SUAS) operations within infantry battalions have evolved from additive in previous battles to essential during current and future conflicts. While SUAS operators and their systems can provide incredible combat capability, it is up to infantry leaders to ensure they are planned for and integrated into their operations. After observing FMF units employing SUAS operators in recent training exercises, the staff of the Marine Corps SUAS School consolidated some thoughts they believe infantry leaders should know in order to achieve this end.
7316 - More than just a SUAS Operator
Prior to 2022, SUAS operations within infantry battalions were conducted by any Marine who had received the free MOS 8623 (incidental operator). Taking lessons learned from the last 20 years of experience, as well as observations from Ukraine, the Marine Corps created a new primary military occupational specialty (MOS) 7316 (SUAS operator). While this MOS was created to provide infantry battalions with more highly trained operators who could utilize multiple systems, more importantly these Marines are intended to understand how to integrate those systems into ground operations and the planning factors to consider. Infantry leaders can and should see 7316s as an asset beyond simply flying aircraft.
Take Every Opportunity to Distribute Operators Throughout the Battalion
Infantry leaders sometimes want to mass their SUAS operators into one section (e.g., the S-2 shop) or keep them in the rear with headquarters elements at company or battalion. While this can gain efficiency, consolidation inhibits the inherent flexibility of SUAS operations and potentially prevents experimentation by lower echelon formations. When all operators are retained at the company or battalion level, squads, sections, and platoons are only exposed to the operators and their systems after planning is already underway. This may lead to failure to account for SUAS capabilities and limitations in the scheme of maneuver or miss-alignment of appropriate systems. Some SUAS have longer ranges and flight time, some have better cameras, some can fly in the rain. Every system is different and may be better tailored to certain situations.
As an example, the X2D Skydio is small and can be easily carried in an assault pack or dump pouch, making it potentially ideal for squads and platoons. The VXE30 Stalker is configured to fly at long distances and currently requires significant power for the ground antenna, meaning company or battalion command posts may be the most appropriate location for a ground control station (GCS). SUAS operators can also be employed in a mobile configuration (e.g., operating from a JLTV on the move), thus allowing the ability to switch between forward and rear positioning.
The bottom line is that if commanders want to harness the expertise of the 7316, the SUAS operators need to have habitual relationships across the unit. This will increase the opportunities for leaders at all levels to build understanding of SUAS operations and the various available systems, as well as increase the likelihood that all planning will include SUAS operations from the beginning.
Some Current Best Practices
SUAS operators, both 7316s and 8623s, are best employed in teams of two. This allows them to spread load gear and work efficiently during a flight. These teams should be placed in both forward elements and rear elements. Larger systems like the VXE30 Stalker and RQ-20A Puma can be launched from a rear, more secure, area and handed off to a forward unit or element. This can reduce the necessary equipment in forward areas for Marines to operate an SUAS.
The intelligence section, company level intelligence cells or battalion S-2, needs to work closely with the SUAS operators. A close relationship helps speed up the answering of commander’s critical information requirements, update the enemy order of battle, and assists with adjacent friendly unit positions.
Current System Employment Considerations
Typically, SUAS operators at the company and platoon level primarily use Puma and/or Stalker when available. The R80D Skyraider can be used at any level, but it works exceptionally well as a spotting platform for mortars. The Skyraider’s limited battery (approx. 30 minutes) means it will have to be swapped frequently, but a new aircraft can be launched in a few minutes after being assembled. Skydio has been primarily used in squads and operated by 8623 incidental operators. At the time of this writing, 7316s are not required to graduate from their MOS school qualified on the Skydio. However, it is highly recommended that 7316s receive instruction at TALSA (Training and Logistics Support Activity – this is the government contracted company that trains all 8623s) immediately after checking into their unit. This allows the 7316 to coordinate with 8623s in the battalion and assist in the planning and execution of Skydio operations.
Integration with Other Capabilities
Currently, the 7316 is not trained to fly organic precision fires (OPF). The OPF operator is likely an 03XX trained as an incidental operator. Infantry leaders can expect that SUAS operators will need to work hand in hand with OPF operators employing systems like the Switchblade. Leaders may combine 7316 and OPF operators into hunter killer teams.
SUAS operators may also be leveraged alongside signals intelligence and electronic warfare (SIEW) platoons. The SIEW Marines and SUAS operators will work together with direction finding. As the SIEW Marines narrow down enemy location, the SUAS operators can use their sensor to help confirm enemy composition, disposition and pinpoint precise location, passing a grid location to an indirect fire agency or attacking aircraft.
New 7316s are Not Complete Products
The SUAS School currently trains new 7316s on 1000 level training and readiness (T&R) tasks. When they graduate, they have a basic knowledge of airspace coordination measures, weather, call for fire with each system, and reconnaissance. They can operate the Skyraider, Puma, and Stalker. They can employ various scanning techniques with each platform. While these capabilities are immediately valuable to the infantry leader, the current MOS progression model requires continued training once 7316s arrive at their units. SUAS operators should conduct basic flights, integrate with the units they are supporting, and train to the higher level T&R codes (2000 level). It is recommended the battalion air officer be involved in some of the training as well. Their expertise regarding aviation and fires integration is extremely beneficial to the young SUAS operators. Some units schedule regular “fly days” into their battle rhythm, increasing the frequency of sustainment training and ensuring the availability of ranges and airspace while in garrison. SUAS employment does not go well in units that only fly SUAS during exercises. SUAS operators should also meet on a weekly or biweekly basis to discuss the systems, lessons learned, and even teach classes. Infantry leaders should treat SUAS operations as a perishable skill.
Change is Inevitable
While the observations listed above may currently enhance SUAS operations within infantry formations, the most important piece of advice for infantry leaders is this: what is currently written down for how to operate the Marine Corps’ four SUAS programs of record could rapidly become obsolete. For now, the Marine Corps SUAS mission is to conduct ISR, but going forward this will likely expand dramatically. SUAS operators and their infantry leadership must be flexible to changing circumstances, new technologies, and evolving tactics. The SUAS School teaches SUAS operators to think critically and solve problems in new and creative ways, but this is only possible if all 7316s and 8623s are completely integrated and are supported by their infantry leadership.
The above observations are consolidated from the Staff of the SUAS School at Advanced Infantry Training Battalion, School of Infantry - East. Questions and comments regarding this topic can be sent to LtCol Andrew Eckert and Capt Adam Eisenbarth at andrew.c.eckert@usmc.mil and adam.eisenbarth@usmc.mil, respectively.