In a groundbreaking effort to enhance operational capabilities, the U.S. Air Force has launched a new initiative aimed at incorporating drones – or Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) – into the training of airmen across various career fields.
The program began with an initial exercise recently at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst designed to equip every airman with basic drone operational training, fostering a deeper understanding of this rapidly evolving technology and its potential impact on modern warfare.
This initiative took shape under the leadership of U.S. Air Force Master Sergeant Brett Mason, 87th Civil Engineer Group sUAS program manager. Mason was presented the opportunity to lead the drone exercise after completing a training certification with a drone manufacturer.
“I jumped at the opportunity to step up for the leadership role,” said Mason. “I saw, as early as 2011 while deployed with Army Rangers, the crucial role that sUAS plays in modern combat. This is a great opportunity to share that knowledge with the next generation of airmen and see how they run with it.”
The exercise involved 17 airmen from 12 different units and 15 different career fields, all of whom received sUAS training in a compressed two-week timeline. The training included both hands-on flight experience and instruction on payload delivery, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, as well as tactical decision-making.
By the end of the course, participants were tested in a series of field training exercises simulating real-world combat scenarios, including “Defend the Base” and “Capture the Flag” objectives.
While not every airman is expected to become a full-time drone operator, the goal is to ensure that all airmen are familiar with drone capabilities. This will help enhance situational awareness and support a broader range of missions, from reconnaissance to tactical support.
“Our aim is to transform the way we approach warfare by equipping every airman with the basic understanding of sUAS,” Mason explained. “It’s similar to how we view the M4 carbine rifle, where not every airman is a specialist, but everyone should know how to use it effectively.”
The integration of drones into training at JB MDL marks an important step in rethinking the role of airmen. By democratizing airpower, the Air Force is preparing to embrace a future in which every airman, regardless of his or her job, is trained to use small unmanned aircraft systems to enhance their mission effectiveness.
Mason noted that the program is part of a broader effort to prepare for the future of warfare, where drone technology will play a large role.
“We’ve seen firsthand the impact of drones in places like Ukraine,” he said. “The ability to conduct surveillance, provide real-time data, and even deliver payloads has changed the game. Our airmen need to be prepared to leverage this technology in the next high-end fight.”
The program also includes a focus on joint operations, with discussions about potential future exercises between the Air Force and other services. Mason also sees opportunities for collaboration across the Department of Defense through this program.
“I’m excited to see where this goes,” Mason said. “There’s a lot of potential for joint operationality, especially as we continue to integrate sUAS into our daily operations.”
With the conclusion of the exercise, feedback and assessments have underscored the value of sUAS in enhancing Air Force capabilities. According to Mason, the feedback reinforces the idea that equipping every airman with the skills to operate drones has significant advantages, including improved surveillance, better resource coordination, and enhanced situational awareness.
One highlight from the exercise was the contribution of Tech. Sgt. Christopher Tolley, an Explosive Ordnance Disposal technician assigned to the 87th Civil Engineer Group. Tolley designed and 3D printed two payload delivery systems, which proved highly accurate during the training, with teams hitting their targets within a five-foot radius. This innovation is just one example of how airmen are applying creativity to enhance mission readiness.
Looking ahead, Mason is optimistic about the future of sUAS in the Air Force and the broader Department of Defense. “The impact of sUAS in Ukraine has shown us just how powerful this technology can be, and we want to make sure that the Air Force is ready to incorporate it into all aspects of our mission.”
As drone technology continues to evolve, a future where every airman is trained to deploy and operate these systems in real-world combat scenarios would solidify the Air Force’s role in modern, multi-domain warfare.
“Our ultimate goal is to ensure that every airman has the ability to contribute to the mission and identify with it in a tangible way,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Michael Stefanovic, who took command of the 87th Civil Engineer Group in July, 2023,
Yesterday (June 17), Stefanovic was installed as the new commander of the Joint Base and of the 87th Air Base Wing. “It’s not just about the machines we fly, but the spirit and unity of our airmen. When we embrace shared capabilities, we all become stronger.”
The success of the initial training at JB MDL has paved the way for future exercises at other bases, with additional training sessions and enhanced by best shared practices set to further refine the program. Mason and his team are currently preparing to incorporate sUAS into a larger-scale exercises slated to take throughout 2025.
Following the success of the initial pilot program, JB MDL recently stood up the sUAS agency and is now training 32 operators in addition to the 17 previously initiated.
Additionally, a partnership with Skydio has produced a new payload system capable of flying with obstacle avoidance while carrying two individually triggered M18-style grenades. The system completed its first test flight and is expected to be operational soon.
The agency continues to push forward with autonomous capabilities for tasks such as perimeter security, infrastructure surveys, facility scans, counter-sUAS, emergency response, and mass communication.
The sUAS agency at JB MDL represents a critical step in reshaping the future of Air Force operations, the airman identity, and emphasizes the importance of adaptability in the face of evolving global threats.
Matt Porter is a senior airman at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Public Affairs.
