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RIA-JMTC Leads the Charge in 3D-Printed Drone Production, Uniting the Organic Industrial Base for Future Warfare

Wednesday, May 21st, 2025

ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL, Ill. – As the conflict in Ukraine has demonstrated, the battlefield of the future will be defined by the innovative and widespread use of unmanned aerial systems, and the ability to rapidly produce and deploy these systems at scale will be crucial to maintaining a tactical advantage in future conflicts.

“The U.S. Army recognizes the changing dynamics of warfare and is fully committed to staying ahead of the curve,” said Col. David Guida, commander of Rock Island Arsenal-Joint Manufacturing and Technology Center. “We are investing heavily in our Organic Industrial Base, harnessing its agility and innovation to develop and field advanced capabilities like these 3D-printed drones. At RIA-JMTC, our unique blend of cutting-edge technology and skilled artisans is leading the charge in this critical effort to shape the future of warfare.”

Through initiatives like Transforming in Contact, the Army is fielding new technologies and transforming how it develops, tests and integrates those technologies onto the battlefield. TiC prioritizes addressing immediate needs by enabling “in-contact experimentation”—putting cutting-edge technology directly into the hands of Soldiers and empowering them to innovate and adapt in real-world scenarios. This approach fosters a culture of calculated risk-taking and rapid Soldier feedback, ensuring that solutions are not only technologically advanced but also practical and effective on the modern battlefield. By focusing on near-term solutions and integrating emerging technologies, TiC enables Army units to rapidly test organizational changes and stay ahead of our adversaries, ensuring they are ready to fight and win in an increasingly complex and challenging operational environment. RIA-JMTC is partnering with multiple units in the field and the Combat Training Centers to share and provide technical data and lessons learned to help all improve.

This flexible and adaptive process is illustrated by the development of 3D-printed drones. RIA-JMTC is actively preparing to build the capacity for large-scale production of 3D-printed drones, working in close collaboration with other key OIB facilities, such as Tobyhanna Army Depot. This collaborative approach, harnessing the unique strengths and expertise of various OIB sites, is key to the Army’s strategy for rapidly developing and fielding advanced UAS capabilities. This directly supports TiC’s goal to accelerate the innovation and experimentation of new systems at scale to preserve our technological edge.

“This project is a testament to the enduring spirit of American ingenuity and the Army’s unwavering commitment to staying ahead of the technological curve,” said Guida. “Our team at RIA-JMTC is dedicated to producing high-quality, on-time readiness solutions for the Warfighter, constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in support of those on the front lines. This 3D printed drone initiative embodies that commitment, showcasing our ability to rapidly adapt and deliver cutting-edge solutions that will directly impact the future of warfare.”

The initiative was sparked by a collaborative proof-of-concept project with the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), which highlighted the potential of 3D printing for rapidly prototyping and producing customized tactical drones tailored to specific mission needs. This initial project served as a valuable learning experience, demonstrating the viability of RIA-JMTC’s 3D-printed drone production capabilities and revealing the power of collaboration within the OIB.

“The history of the 101st Airborne Division is a testament to the courage, ingenuity and unwavering spirit of the American Soldier,” said Maj. Gen. Brett Sylvia, commanding general of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). “These 3D printed drones are the latest of many exciting emerging technologies we are implementing under our continuous and iterative TiC. They are the beginning of a user-driven, division-enabled force multiplier that will empower our Screaming Eagles to write the next chapter in the evolution of vertical envelopment.”

Building on these initial successes, RIA-JMTC produced smaller drones from the 2nd Calvery Regiment with less pieces to again showcase its rapid production capabilities. The factory is now focused on preparing for full-scale production to meet the Army’s broader and rapidly expanding UAS needs. The factory is actively researching and evaluating various drone designs to ensure they are prepared when the Army provides the requirements. This research involves close collaboration with other experts within the OIB’s research and development community to identify designs that offer the optimal balance of capability, adaptability and cost-effectiveness.

“The OIB must support current unit readiness across the force, maintain the ability to surge and modernize and retool to sustain the next generation of equipment,” asserted Greg Lupton, RIA-JMTC deputy commander. “This project, demonstrating how Arsenals like RIA-JMTC directly respond to urgent Warfighter needs, highlights this critical role. By manufacturing and fabricating vital components and systems, Arsenals ensure our Soldiers have the utmost confidence in their equipment and are prepared to face any challenge on the battlefield.”

This collaborative approach is exemplified by RIA-JMTC’s partnership with Tobyhanna Army Depot, the Army’s Center of Industrial and Technical Excellence for Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) and Electronics, Avionics, and Missile Guidance and Control, and the Air Force Technology Repair Center for Tactical Missiles, Rigid Wall Shelters and Portable Buildings. Tobyhanna brings unparalleled expertise to the project, and their artisans will install the sophisticated electronics, sensors and mission-critical internal systems that will bring the drones to life, leveraging their deep experience in C5ISR, avionics and missile guidance systems.

“This partnership with RIA-JMTC leverages Tobyhanna’s core strengths as the Department of Defense’s leading provider of C5ISR readiness for the joint Warfighter,” said Col. James L. Crocker, Tobyhanna’s commander. “Our skilled workforce and state-of-the-art facilities are prepared to equip 3D printed drones with the advanced technological capabilities they need to provide a decisive edge on the battlefield.”

In addition to this ongoing research and development effort, RIA-JMTC is working to compile Technical Data Packages from the Army, which will help define the specific types and quantities of drones required to meet the demands of the future battlefield. This TDP will provide the critical specifications and requirements that will guide the final stages of production planning and ensure that the drones produced by RIA-JMTC are precisely tailored to meet the needs of the Warfighter.

“This project is about investing in the future of the Army and ensuring that our Soldiers have the tools they need to succeed in any mission, on any battlefield,” said Guida. “We are not just building drones; we are building the future of Army readiness.”

RIA-JMTC, in close coordination with Tobyhanna and other key OIB partners, is working to be fully prepared to rapidly produce and deliver these critical assets to the Warfighter. This agile and collaborative approach ensures that the Army can rapidly adapt to evolving threats and maintain its technological edge on the dynamic battlefields of the future.

“This is about more than just drones,” Lupton added. “This is about the Army’s commitment to leveraging the full potential of the OIB to maintain its technological edge in an era of rapidly evolving threats. The partnerships we are forging today will be essential to ensuring our nation’s security for decades to come.”

By Kendall Swank

Posted in Additive Manufacturing, Army, Guest Post, UAS | 2 Comments »

U.S. Army Designates Type Classification Milestone for the NGSW Lethality Program

Tuesday, May 20th, 2025

NGSW Type Classified

NEWINGTON, N.H., (May 20, 2025) – SIG SAUER, industry leading manufacturer of elite military weapon systems, is proud to congratulate the U.S. Army on the milestone of officially designating Type Classification – Standard (TC-STD) to the SIG SAUER Next Generation Squad Weapon (NGSW) M7 rifle and M250 (belt fed) automatic rifle — cornerstone systems of the U.S. Army’s modernization program and overmatch efforts. The M7 is the M4 carbine replacement, and the M250 replaces the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon; the systems bring superior range and lethality over legacy systems, providing a greater threat to enemy forces through superior overmatch.

The Type Classification affirms the M7 and M250 meet stringent performance, safety, and reliability standards for widespread military use. This designation ensures seamless integration into the U.S. Army’s inventory, streamlining procurement, training, and maintenance across units and asserting the materiel fully satisfies U.S. Army operational needs. This milestone marks the transition of these advanced firearms from developmental to standardized status, signifying readiness for widespread fielding.

“This approval underscores the U.S. Army’s commitment to equipping our soldiers with next generation lethality to maintain tactical superiority and enhance mission success” states Steve Rose, Executive Vice President, Defense Strategies Group. “The M7 and M250 represent a transformative leap in combat capability.”

The NGSW Program, initiated in 2017, aims to revolutionize small arms capabilities for the U.S. Army. Following a 27-month prototype phase, extensive testing culminated in the selection of SIG SAUER’s XM7 and XM250 in April 2022.

Posted in Advertiser, Army, Press Release, weapons | Comments Off on U.S. Army Designates Type Classification Milestone for the NGSW Lethality Program

US Army Opens Recruiting for Robotics Warrant Officer MOS

Monday, May 19th, 2025

Last fall, I mentioned a that US Army Special Operations Command was adapting to the evolving face of warfare by creating a new Military Occupational Specialty. In true SOF fashion, they attacked the problem asymmetrically by adapting a career management field they had control over and using authorities to recruit talent into the warrant officer force. Now, it’s open for applications. If you are into emerging warfighting capabilities, this is the job for you. I’m jealous something like this wasn’t available when I was in.

MOS 390A Robotics Technician

The result is MOS 390A Robotics Technician, intended to enable and provide robotic and autonomous system solutions to tactical problems across all warfighting functions and domains during competition, crisis, and combat operations. The 390A will be assigned to tactical formations at brigade/group-level and above. This new MOS will be the subject matter expert for planning robotics and autonomous systems operations, integrating those operations into broader plans, engineering and fabricating robotic and autonomous system solutions to tactical problems, managing attritable systems and their kinetic and sensor payloads, and delivering those capabilities and effects in support of Soldiers at the tactical edge.

Eligibility:

a. The MOS is open to all enlisted, officer, and warrant officer that are currently serving in Special Operations Forces Units. As there is no requirement for SFQC graduation, I hope to see some enablers applying.

i. Enlisted: Open to all MOS and grades/ranks.

ii. Warrant Officer: Applicants must be a graduate of the Warrant Officer Candidate School and a Warrant Officer Basic Course. Must be a Chief Warrant Officer Two (CW2) with a minimum of one-year time in grade or Chief Warrant Officer Three (CW3) with no more than one-year time in grade.

iii. Officer: Applicants open to all branches. Officers must be branch qualified.

b. Must meet Army physical fitness and Army Height / Weight standards.

c. Must possess a Secret clearance.

d. Have no derogatory information in their OMPF, a referred NCOER or OER, or pending adverse action.

e. Must be able to complete a 3-year tour following graduation from WOBC.

Packet Submission Deadline is Friday, 1 August 2025

For full information, visit recruiting.army.mil/In-Service-Opportunities/US-Army-Warrant-Officer-Recruiting/Do-I-Qualify/WO-MOS-Feeder-List/39A-Robotics-Technician

Posted in AI / ML, Army, EW, Profession of Arms, Robotics, SOF, TacJobs, UAS | Comments Off on US Army Opens Recruiting for Robotics Warrant Officer MOS

Cyber Lethality: Multidomain Training Enhances Readiness at Exercise African Lion 2025

Monday, May 19th, 2025

TUNIS, Tunisia – Cyber capabilities are a fundamental function of modern warfighting. During African Lion 2025 (AL25) U.S. Cyber Command Soldiers joined Wyoming National Guardsmen and Tunisian Armed Forces cyber teams for an academic exchange to enhance the protection of critical infrastructure, enable secure communication and streamline battlefield coordination.

This first-ever joint, combined exchange in Tunisia, showcased the capabilities of cyber professionals to adapt, innovate and tackle the challenges posed by increasingly sophisticated adversaries.

“Cyber operations are vital in warfighting as they protect and disrupt digital networks, ensuring secure, rapid and resilient communication for strategic decision-making and battlefield coordination,” said U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. John Williams, a warfighter communications superintendent assigned to the 153rd Communications Squadron, 153rd Airlift Wing, Wyoming Air National Guard.

Whereas offensive capabilities are often overlooked, the academics-style course highlighted the dual impact of cyber readiness on modern warfare. This was especially significant considering most people tend to think of this domain from a defensive perspective, such as cybersecurity and protection.

“Cyber enhances warfighting capabilities by ensuring command and control systems are protected and functioning when you need them the most,” said U.S. Army Capt. Jean-Carlos Cedré, a cyber operations officer assigned to U.S. Army Reserve Cyber Protection Brigade (ARCPB), 335th Signal Command (Theater), U.S. Army Cyber Command, and officer in charge of the AL25 Tunisia cyber team.

The defensive cyber portion of the course focused on incident response techniques, as well as computer forensics and frameworks designed to protect against malicious threats from adversaries. Offensive cyber scenarios simulated cyberattacks to identify vulnerabilities, seeking to gain any competitive battlefield advantage.

“From an offensive perspective, cyber can also enable battlefield enhancements by providing windows of opportunity that help tip the battle in favor of our warfighters,” said Cedré.

Joining ARCPB in Tunisia, Wyoming Air National Guard’s cyber team greatly contributed to the mission, bringing significant experience and expertise forged through a 21-year National Guard Bureau State Partnership Program (SPP) with the Tunisian Armed Forces.

SPP military exchanges have enhanced knowledge in aviation, engineering, and medical best practices, including readiness and warfighting capabilities such as cyber proficiency. These engagements foster interoperability, build trust and ensure both forces are better equipped to tackle emerging threats.

“My experience working with the Tunisian Army was eye-opening,” said Cedré. “Their experience, eagerness to learn and natural abilities provided a platform for us to build upon, leading to a highly valuable training event.”

The cyber team from Wyoming agreed.

“Collaborating with the Tunisian cyber team was both insightful and rewarding. Their expertise and dedication are complemented by their exceptional hospitality and professionalism,” said U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Thomas Schoening, an information technology network operations specialist, assigned to the 153rd Communications Squadron, 153rd Airlift Wing, Wyoming Air National Guard.

With defensive and offensive cyber skills enhanced, this multinational team is ready to showcase a domain the joint force cannot afford to overlook on an increasingly sophisticated battlefield.

“This training, along with future collaborations, will further solidify our partnership and cultivate highly skilled cyber professionals prepared to meet the challenges of future conflicts,” concluded Williams.

Exercise African Lion 2025 is more than a test of technical prowess; it shows the power of multinational collaboration in the face of evolving cyber threats. By pooling resources, expertise and innovations, these cyber warriors are setting the stage for a resilient and secure future.

About African Lion

AL25 is set to be the largest annual military exercise in Africa, bringing together over 50 nations, including seven NATO allies and 10,000 troops to conduct realistic, dynamic and collaborative training in an austere environment that intersects multiple geographic and functional combatant commands. Led by SETAF-AF on behalf of the U.S. Africa Command, AL25 takes place from April 14 to May 23, 2025, across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia. This large-scale exercise will enhance our ability to work together in complex, multidomain operations—preparing forces to deploy, fight and win.

About SETAF-AF

U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) prepares Army forces, executes crisis response, enables strategic competition and strengthens partners to achieve U.S. Army Europe and Africa and U.S. Africa Command campaign objectives.

MAJ Joe Legros

Posted in Army, Cyber, Guest Post | Comments Off on Cyber Lethality: Multidomain Training Enhances Readiness at Exercise African Lion 2025

Soldier Beats Odds, Returns to Duty After Stroke, Leads Team to Victory in Command Best Squad Competition

Sunday, May 18th, 2025

FORT MEADE, Md. — Just 457 days after suffering a stroke, Staff Sgt. Anthony Nielsen led his team to victory as a squad leader in the Army Counterintelligence Command’s Best Squad Competition.

Nielsen, assigned to ACIC’s Region IV that covers the Northeast U.S., faced a daunting recovery after experiencing a stroke on December 1, 2023, while driving to work. He initially experienced a headache, blurred vision, numbness in his legs and doesn’t recall the events that followed.

Thanks to a fellow NCO at his work, Nielsen was taken to the emergency room at Frederick Health and received lifesaving treatment. After several days in the intensive care unit, he transferred to the neurology unit and continued to undergo testing in an attempt to determine the cause of the suspected stroke. Despite extensive testing, a diagnosis could not be found and Nielsen was discharged to outpatient care.

Initially, the stroke’s impact was significant with Nielsen requiring a cane to walk and the assistance of family and friends to function normally. However, driven by a determination to continue his Army career, he relentlessly pursued recovery, working with physical therapists and supplementing their guidance with his own rigorous training regimen — often tripling the prescribed workouts. By February 2024, he was able to walk a mile and jog.

“I was not going to allow the event to control my future,” said Nielsen.

It was his certification in kinesiology and human performance that gave Nielsen the knowledge to continue furthering his mental and physical recovery. With the continued support of his wife and four children, he moved forward with his recovery.

In July 2024, a new neurologist at Walter Reed reviewed Nielsen’s MRIs and scans. In one appointment, she told Nielsen she finally found the cause of his stroke and showed him the location where the clot lodged in his upper brainstem of the cerebellum, going on to inform him that there was no way he could remain on active duty.

Up until this doctor’s visit, Nielsen never considered medically retiring from the Army. He could understand the appeal to have financial security, however, wished to retire from the Army with over 20 years of service. This gave him a new mission, to keep showing improvement and get off his temporary profile within one year of his injury. “I needed to show I was still healing and progressing.”

His fight to remain in the Army involved passing a diagnostic Army Combat Fitness Test in August 2024, under the close watch of his doctors and with the limitation of only pushing to 60 points in each event out of 100. Nielsen passed his diagnostic test and in November 2024, achieved an impressive score of 495 on a record ACFT. His last hurdle for remaining on active duty was to successfully qualify on his assigned weapon. Nielsen attended a range in January 2025 and did just that. These achievements earned him a “green light” from his doctors to continue his service.

The 2025 ACIC Best Squad Competition, held in early March, tested Soldiers’ skills in a variety of areas including the ACFT, land navigation, situational training exercises, weapons qualification and a 12-mile ruck march with a 35-pound load, culminating in a knowledge-based board. Each team member had their specific strengths and weaknesses but bound together as a squad to form a singular unit of strength; this forged strength proved imperative as Nielsen led his five-person team to victory.

Throughout the competition, Nielsen emphasized the importance of teamwork, ensuring no one crossed the finish line of the ruck march alone, personally accompanying each team member. He views the event as a testament to the resilience and strength of NCOs.

Nielsen and his squad reunited to compete at the INSCOM Best Squad Competition, once again showing his strength, resolve and that NCOs really are the backbone of the Army. While the 704th Military Intelligence Battalion ended up taking home the gold, Nielsen is proud of how his squad performed.

Staff Sgt. Nielsen, originally from Ivanhoe, Minnesota, initially served as a C-130 airframe mechanic in the Marine Corps from 2006-2011 before transitioning to the Army in 2018 as a 19D, cavalry scout. He later reclassified to a counterintelligence special agent, completing his training at Fort Huachuca, Arizona.

By MSG Madeline Liberty

Posted in Army, Guest Post | Comments Off on Soldier Beats Odds, Returns to Duty After Stroke, Leads Team to Victory in Command Best Squad Competition

US Army’s Impact on Fashion

Saturday, May 17th, 2025

FORT GEORGE MEADE, Md. — The average person probably believes the worlds of the military and fashion are mutually exclusive. Fashion is a popular style or trend that often includes rare, high-priced wearable art… while the military prides itself on utilitarianism, a calling born of necessity while wearing clothing designed for heavy wear-and-tear.

It may come as a surprise, therefore, that the U.S. Army’s fondness for design extends to more than just the most updated lethal weaponry, vehicles and warfare tactics. Its impact on fashion can be seen daily worldwide, without the consumer realizing its history.

Here are five major fashion items inspired by the U.S. Army.

Aviator Sunglasses

From the runway to faces around the globe, “aviator” sunglasses were initially developed for Army Air Corps pilots prior to World War II. If you have ever wondered why these sunglasses have their distinctive shape, it is for much more than fashionable reasons. The design protected the eyes of pilots from 360-degree sunlight, as well as covering the entirety of the eye socket for even more shielding from the sun’s rays. Next time you throw on your favorite pair of aviators, remember you have the Army Air Corps to thank.

Cotton T-Shirts

You read that correctly. Your favorite go-to clothing item became a fashion staple following the return of Soldiers from World War I. Before then, the cotton t-shirt was exclusively an underwear item and not believed appropriate for wear on its own in public. Tens of thousands of Soldiers were issued the cotton t-shirt as an undershirt for their uniforms. Returning home from war, these heroes began wearing the cotton T-shirt solo when out and about.

Combat Boots

Initially designed for Soldiers to protect their feet and ankles while marching through unknown and treacherous terrain, the combat boot has been incorporated into the collections of countless designers. Its adoption by the civilian population gained prominence as a symbol of protest with the punk movement of the 1980s. Its influence on fashion continues today, with iconic design house Prada continuing to update its longstanding line of combat-inspired footwear.

Outerwear

Fashionistas crave the styles that will walk the major runways during Fall/Winter fashion season, mostly for the new and stylish coats that will be shown. Many may not know, however, that a large majority of the coats being seen are heavily inspired by military duty uniforms. The iconic “Eisenhower” jacket, a waist-length, double pocket, pleated coat with an adjustable waistband, was issued to Soldiers in World War II and has now made a comeback as an optional item of the Army Green Service Uniform. Parkas and field jackets were designed for differing weather environments (Korea and Vietnam, respectively) and have been heavily featured in collections of designers since first being worn by U.S. Army Soldiers.

Camouflage EVERYTHING!

Millennials will remember the fashion trends of the early 2000s, including glitter crop tops, low-rise jeans, fleece jackets over two or more popped-collar polos camouflage pants, shorts, and shirts. Before the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, U.S. teenagers grew up during a period of peacetime following the Persian Gulf War, often turning to familiar staples seen in early news coverage of military action. After the start of the Global War on Terror, camouflage clothing gained popularity as patriotism and national pride increased. Some Soldiers serving may even associate this fashion trend with their first experience wearing the uniform.

The U.S. Army has influenced fashion trends through the widespread adoption of military-inspired styles. The Army’s impact extends beyond the battlefield, shaping civilian clothing and expressions of pride in our nation. As fashion continues to evolve, military aesthetics remain a powerful symbol of service and resilience.

SFC Nicholas Nofziger

Posted in Army, Clothing, Guest Post | 2 Comments »

US Army Publishes Doctrinal Primer on the Profession of Arms

Friday, May 16th, 2025

FORT LEAVENWORTH, Kan. — On May 13, 2025, the U.S. Army Combined Arms Center released a one-of-a-kind publication — a new Field Manual about what it means to be a member of the profession of arms and the obligations Soldiers have to each other, to civilian leadership and to fellow citizens. The manual, FM 1, The Army: A Primer to Our Profession of Arms, is available for download from the Army Publishing Directorate.

In the foreword, Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. Randy George writes, “This book is written for our Army. It explains our profession, our purpose, and what it means to be an American Soldier. You will notice this book is not written like other military doctrine; it touches on values and concepts through stories and in non-prescriptive terms. It requires judgment in application.”

Field Manual 1 packs a big punch in 10 chapters and only 74 pages. Written in easily understood language and supported with historical vignettes, FM 1 is meant to be read from cover to cover. It is, by design, decidedly “non-doctrine” doctrine, and will serve as a resource for junior leaders, both officers and noncommissioned officers, to explain where they fit in the “Big Army.”

While primarily designed for new lieutenants and sergeants, leaders at all levels will find FM 1 useful for guiding discussion, leader professional development and reflection, according to Rich Creed, director, Combined Arms Doctrine Directorate. “At higher levels of professional military education, you may have a block of time to discuss the material from different perspectives. Rather than learning the material in the book, you might think through, ‘How am I taking the material in FM 1 and making it real in my unit?’ Or, ‘How is FM 1 serving as the foundation for how I coach, counsel and mentor?’” he said.

The writing and publication of FM 1 has been a priority for the CSA’s office, CAC and CADD for more than a year. Initially, the plan was to combine the primer’s content with the current Army Doctrine Publication 1, The Army; however, Gen. George decided a shorter, standalone publication would better meet his intent.

Creed acknowledges that ADP 1 and FM 1 both have a purpose. “The Army” as outlined in ADP 1 is written for a more experienced audience, as well as for external audiences such as members of Congress, sister services and multinational partners.

The new FM 1, with its distinctive tone and style, is more like a welcome letter to new leaders: “‘Hey, welcome to the team, get your stuff together. It’s going to be an exciting ride, and here’s what we expect of you,’” he said.

By Randi Stenson, MCCoE Public Affairs

Posted in Army, Guest Post, Profession of Arms | 2 Comments »

OPTIC: Transforming Mission Planning with Safety, Efficiency, and Innovation for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Thursday, May 15th, 2025

The proliferation of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) in civil works, emergency response, and military applications is the primary driver for development of the Operator’s Tool for Information Collection (OPTIC). Designed to meet operational needs, OPTIC leverages decades of experience to improve mission planning, operational tracking, and data-driven decisions for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE).

“OPTIC is the direct result of real-world challenges to UAS operations in demanding environments,” said Brian Ellis, OPTIC Program Manager for the USACE Aviation Program Office (APO). “The design of the software is built with the end-user in mind, ensuring they have the tools necessary to execute missions safely, efficiently, and with greater confidence.” OPTIC streamlines data collection, reduces operational costs, and strengthens mission outcomes. OPTIC sets the conditions for UAS operators, even those with minimal aviation training, to safely and effectively collect survey data in all aspects of the National Airspace System.

From Paper to Digital

Mission planning once relied on manual processes and paper-based systems, such as the Army Mission Planning System (AMPS). While effective, these methods were labor-intensive and lacked adaptability. In response to that, the APO developed the Management Information System for Aviation and Remote Systems (MARS). It transitioned mission planning to a web-based platform that integrated personnel management, fleet tracking, and mission coordination.

“MARS marked a critical shift to digital mission planning, enhancing efficiency and situational awareness for USACE UAS operators,” Ellis said. “OPTIC builds upon this foundation, delivering a more advanced, feedback-driven solution tailored for today’s complex operational environments.” By continuing to refine and expand the mission-planning capabilities of OPTIC, the APO is committed to equipping UAS operators with the most advanced tools available.

Safety First

Safety is the primary consideration in all phases of UAS operations. The APO emphasizes rigorous protocols, adhering to both Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Army regulations. OPTIC plays a critical role in this effort by reducing the need for personnel in high-risk environments and equipping operators with comprehensive risk assessment tools to enhance mission safety and decision-making.

“The safe operation of aircraft is our highest priority,” Ray Illman, USACE APO Aviation Safety Officer said, “With the UAS program, we can execute critical tasks in hazardous environments while significantly reducing risk to personnel, property, and mission objectives.”

Efficiency and Precision in Action

OPTIC will take mission planning to new heights by integrating real-time data collection, predictive analytics, and in later phases, Artificial Intelligence (AI). These advancements will provide field UAS operators and mission planners with the ability to monitor projects with greater accuracy, optimize decision-making, and improve overall operational effectiveness.

“OPTIC reduces the barriers to entry for aerial data collection in even the busiest airspace,” Ellis said. “With multi-faceted aerial collection capabilities, users can gather data faster with enhanced precision and reduce operational risks.”

OPTIC’s development is structured in three phases, with foundational modules for personnel, fleet, and mission planning. Future phases will introduce a repository for processing, storage and dissemination of actionable data, expanded safety planning for larger UAS groups, advanced data consolidation, approved mobile device accessibility, and AI-driven tools to further optimize mission planning, execution, and decision making.

Maximizing Value Across USACE Districts

OPTIC’s capabilities directly translate into value for USACE by reducing timelines, improving outcomes, and optimizing resources. Its scalability ensures that it meets the needs of both military and civilian operations.

“The capabilities of UAS’ add significant value by driving down risk to personnel and improving fidelity through more accurate and detailed survey data, while reducing costs,” Ellis said. “By minimizing risk to personnel and providing highly detailed, accurate survey data, we can improve decision-making, reduce costs, and drive better project outcomes.”

Innovation and Collaboration

The development of OPTIC reflects the APO’s focus on continuous improvement, innovation, and cost-effective solutions. By leveraging in-house expertise, the APO is advancing mission planning capabilities while ensuring efficiency and adaptability. Additionally, collaboration with other federal agencies strengthens resource sharing and strategic partnerships, further enhancing UAS operations.

“We’re committed to incorporating the most innovative technology to maximize the safety and effectiveness of aerial survey data collection,” Ellis said. “Through investments in research and partnerships with industry leaders, we’re shaping the future of UAS mission planning and operational tracking.”

A Future-Focused Platform

By integrating real-time metrics, advanced analytics, and a Commander’s Dashboard, OPTIC equips UAS operators and leadership with a comprehensive operational view that enhances situational awareness and decision-making. This platform reflects the APO’s commitment to enabling safe, effective, and efficient UAS operations while maximizing resources.

“OPTIC is not just a tool; it’s the culmination of decades of expertise,” Ellis said. “It paves the way for smarter, faster, and more informed decision-making, ensuring mission success across the full scope of USACE UAS missions.”

With a phased development approach and a strong emphasis on safety, collaboration, and efficiency, OPTIC is set to transform UAS operations across USACE and beyond, providing UAS operators and decision-makers at all levels with enhanced capabilities to meet the demands of modern engineering challenges with confidence and precision.

OPTIC Development Phases

Phase 1: Direct Replacement of MARS (Q2 FY25)

Phase 1 will focus on developing three foundational modules to serve as a direct replacement for MARS:

Personnel Module: Tracks crewmember status, qualifications, currency, and regulatory compliance.
Fleet Module: Monitors the operational status, configuration compliance, and readiness of aviation assets.
Mission Planning Module: Facilitates mission airspace coordination, risk assessments, and compliance tracking.

These modules maintain the core functionality of MARS and incorporate automated alerts during the planning process to prevent regulatory or safety violations. Another Phase 1 feature will be the Leader’s Dashboard to provide situational awareness to decision makers on their UAS operator and system operational readiness to make more informed decisions for mission execution.

Phase 2: System Alerts and Notifications (Q1 FY26)

Phase 2 will enhance OPTIC’s functionality by incorporating a data repository to store and share data amongst other organizations in OPTIC. This phase will include:

Sensor-agnostic data repository to store and share collected data.
Email and text message notifications for upcoming deadlines, training requirements, and maintenance schedules.
Access via approved mobile devices to improve accessibility in field environments.
Dropdown menus to assist in personnel and equipment module ease of use.
Data consolidation and trend analysis of equipment issues and failure rates to improve UAS acquisition decisions.
Integration of software for regulatory compliance for mission planning and safety assessments for larger UAS.

These enhancements will ensure that all personnel and equipment remain in compliance with published regulatory requirements and postured to support USACE and its partner organizations.

Phase 3: AI Integration (Q2 FY27)

Phase 3 will focus on integrating advanced AI-driven features to further elevate OPTIC’s capabilities. These features will include:

Predictive analytics to identify potential risks and optimize mission planning.
AI-enhanced data processing to provide actionable insights in real time.
Advanced decision-support tools to assist commanders in making data-driven operational decisions.

By completing Phase 3, OPTIC will fully realize its potential as a cutting-edge platform for mission planning, operational tracking, and decision-making support.

By Amanda Rae Moreno

Posted in Army, Guest Post, UAS | Comments Off on OPTIC: Transforming Mission Planning with Safety, Efficiency, and Innovation for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers