Everyone has an Unmanned Aircraft

Unmanned aircraft (UA) today are among the most rapidly growing weapons systems in the Department of Defense (DoD). Over the past decade, technology has enabled the inherent advantages of the UA to be brought to the battlespace. Successful employment of UA across the spectrum of military operations with multiple roles and missions have left little doubt as to their value to military forces. Their success has spurred numerous efforts to continue to increase its military capabilities. This process has brought about a significant rise in the types and numbers of UA. While the increase is intended to assist military forces, the sheer numbers of existing and programmed UA assets could render military airspace chaotic and potentially dangerous. The growth of the UA is arguably outpacing the doctrinal and procedural efforts to manage them. Joint and Service doctrine and procedures provide the architecture within which joint forces will control, deconflict, and coordinate these assets. The UA is an extremely important element in current and future military operations, but they must be managed properly to ensure their safe and effective employment. Anything less will adversely affect the military's ability to operate successfully across the spectrum of operations.