Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations - MCWP 3-20.5 (Formerly MCWP 3-42.1)

Combat in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom has emphasized the need to improve timeliness and accuracy of battlefield information and derived intelligence to improve the essential fire and maneuver capabilities of Marine ground forces in all operational environments. Traditional MAGTF fires and emerging capabilities that can influence and shape the operating environment must be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and under all weather conditions. They must be able to rapidly and precisely engage fleeting opportunities found in a range of military operations while supporting the concept of maneuver warfare. Unmanned aircraft systems are the persistent link and combat multiplier that allow the MAGTF to improve its situational awareness and achieve timely combined arms effectiveness. Unmanned aircraft systems include the necessary equipment, data communications links, and personnel to control and employ an unmanned aircraft.