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

The 1MDTF soldiers were joined by members of the Philippine Air Force, 960th Air and Missile Defense Group, who participated alongside their partners as part of the Subject Matter Expert Exchange (SMEE) program, and U.S. Marines with the 3rd Littoral Anti-Air Battalion’s Ground-Based Air Defense Battery who employed the Marine Air Defense Integrated System (MADIS) during this multi-day live-fire event.

“This is a great opportunity for joint training alongside our short-range air defense counterparts from the U.S. Marines,” said U.S. Army Capt. Bray McCollum, battery commander of 1-51 ADA’s Integrated Fires Protection Capability (IFPC) battery.

This is the first time the Army’s IFPC-HPM has been employed in the Indo-Pacific and tested in a tropical environment. This advanced equipment supports the U.S.-Philippine Alliance through enhancing combined military cooperation and advancing our shared commitment to a secure, stable, and free Indo-Pacific region for all.

The IFPC-HPM is a Directed Energy (DE) weapon system that emits a beam of microwave energy that can disrupt, disable, or destroy Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). The IFPC-HPM is the first material released DE weapon system specifically designed to counter groups and swarms of drones. The 1st MDTF was the first unit to field the HPMs in February 2024 and has since been conducting tests across a range of environments.

In another first for the Indo-Pacific region, the IFPC-HPM and FS-LIDS were used together in a complementary system. FS-LIDS is another counter-UAS capability that has been operationally deployed in the middle east for the past decade. Together with the IFPC-HPM it can be used for the sensing, tracking, and disabling of UAS while allowing IFPC-HPM operators to gain positive identification of the UAS target using its electro-optical infrared camera. Both systems can be used to disable the targets. This creates a layered defense of non-kinetic effects to defeat small UAS.

“During this test, we were able to demonstrate that we can successfully defeat drone swarms in a tropical environment using layered effects,” said McCollum.

The results of the test will be analyzed by the Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO) who manage the development, prototyping, and testing of the Army’s Directed Energy weapons. The results will be used to improve the effectiveness in countering UAS swarms and help inform the Army’s future force requirements.

Members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines learned about the IFPC-HPM and FS-LIDS as part of the SMEE program, strengthening their partnership with the U.S. and giving them the skills that could enhance their role in national defense.

“This is a great opportunity to show our Philippine Allies the cutting-edge capabilities that the U.S. Army has in development,” said McCollum, “This training demonstrates our commitment to strengthening our ties with our Indo-Pacific allies and partners.”

As a theater-level unit and joint force enabler, assigned to the Indo-Pacific, the 1st MDTF plays a vital role in synchronizing long-range precision fires layered with long-range precision effects to create multiple dilemmas and neutralize adversary anti-access and area denial networks. The MDTF’s proven innovation, agility, and lethality have led the Army to direct five full MDTFs in strategically significant locations worldwide.

Balikatan is a longstanding annual exercise between the U.S. and Philippine armed forces designed to strengthen the alliance, showcase the capable combined force, and demonstrate the commitment to regional security and stability.

By MAJ Ian Sandall, 1st Multi-Domain Task Force

SAN ANTONIO, Zambales, Philippines — The 1st Multi-Domain Effects Battalion from the 1st Multi-Domain Task Force conducted drone, high altitude balloon, and electromagnetic warfare training alongside Philippine counterparts at Palawan and Naval Station Leovigildo Gantioqui during the annual 2025 Balikatan exercise.

The battalion is honing its skills on reconnaissance, surveillance, target acquisition and non-kinetic effects using ground-based EW systems, ultra-long endurance, solar powered Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), and High-Altitude Balloons (HABs).

A key highlight of the training includes extending network communications for retransmission of signals between multiple aerial capabilities.

“These long-range high endurance UAS are capable of establishing network connectivity between multiple aircraft at long distances,” said Maj. Malcolm Royer, Electronic Warfare Sensing Company commander. “We’re continuing work to extend that range.”

Prior to Balikatan 2025, the unit was at Yakima Training Center in Washington, conducting Static Focus 3, the Army’s first battalion-level All-Domain Home Station Training exercise. This training, held from March 3-14, 2025, was the first time Soldiers were able to operate all MDEB capabilities in a completely live environment. The soldiers were able to bring this knowledge with them to Balikatan 25.

“Static Focus is our annual training and risk reduction exercise to build multidomain teams with capabilities for all domain operations from every company across the MDEB,” said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Joe Mroszczyk, 1st Multi-Domain Effects Battalion Commander, “Our Soldiers are identifying best practices and training our headquarters elements to operate at dispersed locations ahead of doing the same in the Philippines.”

During Exercise Balikatan 25, the unit trained alongside members of the Philippine Air Force, conducting multiple training balloon launches and UAS sorties. They also coordinated with PAF airspace controllers to deconflict airspace for both Philippine and U.S. air traffic, supporting reconnaissance for the HIMARS live-fire operations conducted by their sister Long Range Fires Battalion. This seamless coordination supports the combined U.S.-Philippine force land-based counter maritime capabilities.

As part of the training, the unit mounted a UAS launch cradle onto the roof of a Philippine Air Force vehicle, showcasing the potential for future collaboration with the PAF in conducting fixed-wing launches from an airstrip.

This type of collaboration with the Armed Forces of the Philippines during Balikatan 25 enhances our interoperability and helps strengthen our partnership and commitment to peace and security in the Indo-Pacific.

Balikatan is a longstanding annual exercise between the U.S. and Philippine armed forces designed to strengthen the alliance, showcase the capable combined force, and demonstrate the commitment to regional security and stability.

By MAJ Ian Sandall