The U.S. Army’s John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School has introduced the Robotics and Unmanned Systems Integration Course (RUSIC), a comprehensive six-week program that equips Army special operations forces with advanced drone operating skills. The course not only covers flying drones but also includes building them and handling electronic warfare payloads.
The training begins with two weeks focused on understanding Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations and mastering standard military drones. The following weeks escalate to more complex scenarios including flying in jammed environments, coordinating with advanced software like the Android Team Awareness Kit, and operating counter-drone systems.
A significant portion of the course, occurring in the fifth week, involves the practical assembly of drones and the management of their battery packs, crucial for varied operational payloads. According to Major Steve Schuerman, the commander leading RUSIC, the course aims to provide foundational knowledge so soldiers can effectively troubleshoot and adapt to various technological challenges while working with international partners.
The final week tests all the acquired skills through comprehensive exercises, simulating real-world operations where students apply their knowledge in flying drones for one-way attacks using first-person view (FPV) technology.
The program also addresses the need for certified master trainers in drone operations within the Army special operations community. Graduates of RUSIC receive a master trainer certification, enabling them to instruct other soldiers, thereby expanding the cadre of qualified drone operators.
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