Joint Counter-Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Office: A Comprehensive Overview

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The Joint Counter-Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Office is a crucial entity that plays a vital role in addressing the growing threat of small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS). It was established in 2017.

The office is responsible for developing and implementing counter-sUAS strategies across the US military. This includes identifying and mitigating the risks posed by sUAS in various environments.

Its primary goal is to ensure the safety and security of military personnel, equipment, and operations.

Counter UAS Efforts

The Joint Counter-Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Office (JCO) is taking a proactive approach to addressing the growing threat of small UAS. JCO is setting up the Joint Counter Small UAS University at Fort Sill, Oklahoma.

This university will offer specialized training for warfighters, with two main courses: an operator's course and a planner's course. The operator's course will focus on providing the joint warfighter with the capability to efficiently operate and employ approved joint capabilities.

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Credit: youtube.com, Countering Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS)

A planner course will give warfighters the ability to plan and develop concepts for employing counter-small UAS capabilities, as well as a layered defense strategy. The university will also offer opportunities for international partners to participate in the training.

By FY 25, the Fort Sill Joint Counter Small University will be at full operating capacity, providing comprehensive training for the joint warfighter and international partners alike.

Pentagon's Initiatives

The Joint Counter-Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Office was established to address the growing threat of small drones.

The office is led by the Department of Defense's Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security, and its mission is to counter the threat posed by small drones.

The office is working to develop a comprehensive strategy to counter small drones, including developing new technologies and tactics.

The Pentagon has allocated $15 million to the office in the 2020 budget to support its efforts.

The office is also working with other government agencies, such as the Department of Homeland Security, to share intelligence and best practices for countering small drones.

The office's efforts are focused on identifying and tracking small drones, as well as developing ways to disrupt or destroy them.

Command and Control

Credit: youtube.com, Joint Counter! Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Test | Defense

The command and control system plays a crucial role in joint counter-small unmanned aircraft systems operations. Northrop Grumman's Forward Area Air Defense Command and Control System, or FAAD C2, was selected as the interim command and control system for future counter UAS systems in 2020.

Interest in counter-UAS systems is high around the world. Josh Smith, the company's technical fellow and chief engineer for FAAD C2, noted that there's a genuine curiosity among government procurement groups about which systems are the most effective.

There's no silver bullet for counter-UAS systems. Smith joked that briefings at the Counter UAS Technology Europe conference often featured pictures of bullets or a werewolf, emphasizing that a single solution won't work.

Combining different technologies is key to effective counter-UAS systems. Smith explained that FAAD C2 has been around for a few decades and has adapted to emerging threats by gathering various sensors and effectors.

The slowest part of the defeat chain is often the operator. Smith noted that the operator must decide quickly which effector to use, and FAAD C2 is moving toward incorporating artificial intelligence to speed up this process while maintaining a commitment to safety.

UAS Defense

Credit: youtube.com, AUSA 2023 | Warriors Corner #13: DOD Counter Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Initiatives

The Joint Counter- Small UAS University is a game-changer for warfighters. It's scheduled to open its doors in October of this year at Fort Sill, Oklahoma.

The university will offer two main courses: an operator's course and a planner's course. The operator's course will focus on providing warfighters with the capability to efficiently operate and employ approved joint capabilities.

These courses will be supported by four training modules on JKO, a distributed learning capability. A fifth module will be added to help warfighters understand the threat of small UAS.

By FY 25, the university will be at full operating capacity, offering training not just to joint warfighters but also to international partners. This is a big deal, as it will help to share knowledge and best practices across the globe.

The operator's course will give warfighters the ability to plan and develop concepts for employing counter-small UAS capabilities. It will also cover the concept of layered defense.

UAS Topics

Credit: youtube.com, AUSA's Noon Report - Countering Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems with MG Sean A. Gainey - 8-23-2022

The Joint Counter-Small UAS University is a game-changer in the fight against rogue drones. It's scheduled to start initial operations this fall at Fort Sill, Oklahoma.

The university will offer two main courses: an operator's course and a planner's course. The operator's course will focus on giving warfighters the skills to efficiently operate and employ joint counter-small UAS capabilities.

A planner course will give warfighters the ability to plan and develop concepts for employing counter-small UAS capabilities, as well as a layered defense strategy. This is crucial for staying one step ahead of the enemy.

The Joint Counter-Small UAS University will have four training modules on JKO (Joint Knowledge Online) to assist warfighters with training and understanding countering the small UAS threat. A fifth module will be added to further enhance training.

By FY 25, the university will be at full operating capacity, offering training not only to joint warfighters but also to international partners. This is a significant step forward in building a global coalition against rogue drones.

Erik Willems

Senior Writer

Erik Willems is a seasoned writer with years of experience in the field. He has always held a passion for writing, which led him to pursue a degree in English literature. Erik is known for his ability to tell engaging stories that captivate readers and keep them coming back for more.

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