Strengthening Military Ties through Unmanned Aircraft Systems Training
In the evolving landscape of modern military operations, the integration of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) has become essential. This is particularly evident as members of the Utah National Guard join forces with personnel from the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces to enhance their collective skillsets and understanding of drone technology for future missions. This collaborative training initiative is a continuation of the Utah National Guard's 23-year relationship with Morocco under the State Partnership Program, which has fostered numerous military exchanges, professional development opportunities, and joint training exercises.
In September, a specialized cadre course on small unmanned aircraft systems was conducted in Agadir, featuring collaboration from U.S. Africa Command, the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces, and the Utah National Guard. This training event not only brought together U.S. military organizations, including the Combined Arms Training Center and the 7th Army Training Command from Germany, but also aimed to cultivate UAS operators and instructors while enhancing interoperability and information sharing between the two nations' armed forces. According to Lt. Col. Corbett Baxter from the Southern European Task Force-Africa, such events provide a vital opportunity to transform emerging capabilities into practical applications for military operations. "By training together with our Moroccan partners, we're building interoperability while learning how to integrate unmanned systems into larger operations and make the force more capable and lethal," he remarked.
Developing Comprehensive UAS Programs for the Future
The engagement also represents a significant step forward in the development of Utah's drone program, which is focused on enhancing homeland defense capabilities. 1st Lt. Jake Sorenson, who is actively involved in establishing this program, emphasized the importance of learning from Moroccan military practices while constructing a comprehensive framework for unmanned aircraft operations in Utah. His focus includes identifying necessary capabilities, exploring potential industry partnerships, and determining how UAS can bolster both domestic and international security efforts. "We are in the initial phases of this joint drone program," Sorenson stated, highlighting the intent to formulate an end-to-end training regimen that encompasses operator training, maintenance, programming, and advanced instructional methodologies.
Additionally, Tech. Sgt. Michael Bennion from the Utah Air National Guard’s 151st Security Forces Squadron expressed enthusiasm for the hands-on skills he gained during the course, especially as someone with limited prior experience in operating drones. Bennion's role as a counter-UAS representative provided him with unique insights, and he indicated that the course covered critical aspects of drone operation, including flight stability, controller sensitivity, and various operational modes. He aims to incorporate what he learned into training for his unit, demonstrating the potential for unmanned systems to enhance military effectiveness across different branches of the armed forces.
Furthermore, Chief Warrant Officer 2 Kenton Hemsley, who oversees UAS operations at Camp Williams, asserted the importance of expanding drone capabilities across all military occupational specialties rather than confining them to specialized units. Hemsley pointed out that the proficiency in using UAS should be a fundamental skill for every soldier, particularly as unmanned aircraft play a pivotal role in both offensive and defensive operations. He envisions scenarios where UAS could assist in emergency response efforts, such as locating individuals in distress during floods or delivering essential supplies in challenging conditions, thereby empowering ground troops with enhanced situational awareness.
Ultimately, the training provided a platform for both Utah and Moroccan service members to exchange knowledge and experiences related to unmanned aircraft systems. Hemsley noted that the insights gained from Moroccan forces, particularly their unique approach to UAS training, have been invaluable. This partnership not only equips the Moroccan military with practical skills applicable to their future operations but also fosters a shared understanding of the strategic importance of UAS in modern warfare. As the United States and Morocco prepare to celebrate 250 years of diplomatic relations in 2027, the commitment to collaborative military training continues to strengthen the bonds between these two nations.
As reported by nationalguard.mil.
