Fort Sill: The Epicenter of U.S. Military’s Counter-Drone Warfare Training
The escalating threat posed by unmanned aerial systems (UAS), commonly known as drones, on modern battlefields has prompted a significant shift in the U.S. military’s training priorities. Recognizing the critical need to neutralize these airborne adversaries before they can inflict damage, the military has established a comprehensive counter-drone training program at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. This initiative, spearheaded by the Joint C-sUAS (Counter small Unmanned Aircraft System) University (JCU), is rapidly becoming a cornerstone of the nation’s defense strategy against the growing UAS threat.
Col. Moseph Sauda, the director of the JCU program, emphasizes the institution’s pivotal role in preparing service members from across the military branches to effectively counter drone threats. He describes the JCU as the Army’s premier Counter-Small UAS training institution, dedicated to equipping the joint force with the knowledge, skills, and tactics necessary to understand, anticipate, and neutralize enemy drones.
"Our mission is to prepare and train the joint force to counter the threat, to be able to understand that threat, how they operate, and how they attack us," Col. Sauda explains. "We can then develop not only tactics, techniques, and procedures, but also the employment methodology that maximizes the capabilities of our existing systems."
The JCU’s training regimen is designed to immerse service members in realistic scenarios, simulating the complexities and challenges of real-world drone incursions and hostile UAV threats. The program incorporates advanced weapons systems and cutting-edge simulation technologies to provide a comprehensive and rigorous training experience.
"We can train using simulations across different systems and platforms to provide real, rigorous training — similar to what you would expect in a real-world situation," Col. Sauda notes. "We focus on making sure our service members are exposed to various scenarios that they might face in a contested environment."
The rise of drone warfare has been starkly illuminated by recent conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, where adversaries have increasingly employed drones for surveillance, reconnaissance, and direct attacks. These conflicts have served as a wake-up call for the U.S. military, underscoring the urgent need to develop effective counter-drone strategies and train personnel to combat this evolving threat.
In response, the U.S. military is actively working to stay ahead of the curve by integrating cost-effective training methods that maximize realism while minimizing expenses. One innovative approach involves using balloons as stand-ins for drones during target practice, significantly reducing the cost associated with using actual drones. Another cost-saving measure is the use of 3D-printed drone replicas, which allow for repeated use and modifications, providing trainees with ample opportunities to hone their skills without incurring exorbitant costs.
"We’re talking about a 91% reduction in what it would cost the U.S. government," Col. Sauda states, highlighting the significant cost savings achieved through these innovative training methods.
The JCU’s training program leverages a wide array of capabilities to provide the most realistic and immersive training experience possible. Service members engage in simulations across different systems and platforms, allowing them to interact with threats in real-time environments while gaining a deeper understanding of the impact of these technologies on the battlefield.
"We employ a multitude of capabilities here in order to provide the most realistic training possible," Col. Sauda emphasizes. "That means our service members train using simulations across different systems and platforms, giving them the opportunity to engage with threats in real-time environments while also being mindful of the impact of these technologies in combat."
As drone technology continues to evolve at an accelerating pace, the military is committed to preparing service members to meet the challenges posed by these increasingly sophisticated airborne threats. The goal is to ensure that they are equipped with the necessary skills, knowledge, and expertise to defend against enemy drones on the battlefield.
Col. Sauda stresses the importance of taking the drone threat seriously, noting the significant investment in personnel, funding, and technology that has been made to address this growing concern.
"This is not a problem to take lightly," Col. Sauda warns. "There’s been a significant investment — from personnel to funding — to make sure we’re addressing this. It’s not just about technology… It’s about having the right people and the right expertise on the ground to respond."
The establishment of the JCU and the ongoing counter-drone training programs at Fort Sill represent a critical step forward in the U.S. military’s efforts to adapt to the evolving landscape of modern warfare. By equipping service members with the tools and knowledge they need to effectively counter drone threats, the military is working to ensure that it remains one step ahead of its adversaries in the skies. The program continues to evolve integrating real world experience and lessons learned to provide the most realistic and effective training possible. This commitment to innovation and adaptation is essential for maintaining a strong and capable defense in an era of rapidly advancing technology.
