Small Unmanned Aircraft System Airspace Management and Control

A Handbook for Army Leaders

Download the full document here: No. 25-14 (966), Small Unmanned Aircraft System Airspace Management and Control: A Handbook for Army Leaders [PDF - 5.7 MB]

Foreword

June 2005 saw the release of Center for Army Lessons Learned (CALL) Handbook 05-25, Leader’s Guide to A2C2 at Brigade and Below. This document updates the 2005 handbook and is informed by changes in technology and the increasing importance of aerial robotics on today’s battlefield. Since the original publication, unmanned aircraft system (UAS) capabilities have advanced at an unprecedented rate. In like manner, the use of UAS has become ubiquitous with maneuver as evidenced by ongoing worldwide conflicts. Soon, each maneuver brigade will employ hundreds of UAS, but with the increased capability provided by aerial robotics comes added complexity and challenges in integrating increased airspace users.

To fight on the modern battlefield, the Army must be able to integrate manned, unmanned, and fired systems to allow for dynamic airspace planning and usage to dominate in the air ground littoral. This document will help our Army address this challenge by capturing lessons learned and providing a guide for tactical leaders to integrate emerging UAS capabilities.

This document establishes a framework to address both the opportunities and challenges with UAS operations and airspace management. This body of knowledge is based on emerging lessons learned from Transformation in Contact (TiC) exercises, ongoing small unmanned aircraft system (SUAS) fielding, experts in the UAS field, and rotations at the combat training centers. It lays out a path for building capability in a formation through training, planning and mission coordination, and identifying potential friction points in UAS operations at brigade and below echelons. UAS operations are a critical aspect of all arms maneuver, and this handbook reflects that holistic approach. It leverages expertise from across the Army Enterprise. Approach this handbook as a living document. As you continue to learn within your own formation, I challenge you to share those lessons with CALL to inform emerging doctrine and lessons learned publications, and for the next generation of leaders.

To all leaders, use this handbook as you plan UAS operations. Learn from others’ successes and mistakes and build on their progress. Our Soldiers remain one of the U.S. Army’s asymmetric advantages because of our collective ability to adapt, learn, and innovate. Continue to apply this philosophy to UAS operations—they will be a critical component in how we fight now and in the future. Forge the future!