Developing SOF RPA

Abstract

Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) stood up Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) Operations without establishing the requirements to fully integrate within Special Operations Forces (SOF) operations. The demand for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) was insatiable and short cuts were taken in order to provide a nascent capability versus nothing at all. This lack of SOF integration has caused AFSOC RPA operations to fall short of SOF expectations. In order to meet those expectations AFSOC RPA operations must change. The purpose of this paper is to identify changes required in AFSOC RPA training and employment in order to advance AFSOC RPA capabilities commensurate with SOF levels of excellence. Special Operations live by five truths, which emphasize the distinct characteristics making Special Operations Special. Using the Five SOF truths as a measuring stick, this paper will demonstrate current AFSOC RPA lack of implementation. After integrating the recommended changes, AFSOC RPA operations will fulfill every SOF truth. In the end, by changing the method in which AFSOC trains and employs its RPA force, AFSOC will convert RPAs flown by SOF units into SOF RPAs.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Feb 13, 2014
Accession Number
AD1019167

Entities

People

  • Michael A. Bruzzini

Organizations

  • Air War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Autonomy

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Air Force Facilities
  • Aircrafts
  • Combat Forces
  • Combat Operations
  • Combat Support
  • Command And Control
  • Employment
  • Intelligence Collection
  • Money
  • Situational Awareness
  • Special Operations Forces
  • Training
  • United States
  • United States Special Operations Command
  • War Colleges
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Astronomy and Astrophysics.
  • Joint Military Operations and Doctrine.
  • Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Autonomous Capabilities and Mission Reconnaissance.