Led by Master Sgt. Brett Mason of the 87th Civil Engineer Group, the programme included 17 Airmen from 12 units and 15 career fields, who completed intensive training over two weeks. “I saw, as early as 2011 while deployed with Army Rangers, the crucial role that sUAS play in modern combat,” said Mason, who took on the leadership role after completing a drone manufacturer’s certification.
The training covered hands-on flight experience, payload delivery, ISR (intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance), and tactical decision-making. The final assessment involved field exercises simulating combat scenarios such as “Defend the Base” and “Capture the Flag.”
The objective is not to train every Airman as a drone operator, but to build widespread familiarity with the technology to enhance situational awareness and operational flexibility. “Our aim is to transform the way we approach warfare by equipping every Airman with the basic understanding of sUAS,” Mason explained.
Colonel Michael Stefanovic, commander of the 87th Civil Engineer Group, highlighted the broader purpose behind the programme. “It’s not just about the machines we fly, but the spirit and unity of our Airmen,” he said.
Mason emphasised the future role of drone technology in combat and highlighted real-world examples. “We’ve seen firsthand the impact of drones in places like Ukraine,” he noted, stressing the importance of preparation for similar operational needs.
Tech. Sgt. Christopher Tolley, an Explosive Ordnance Disposal technician, contributed to the programme by designing and 3D printing two highly accurate payload delivery systems. During training, teams were able to hit targets within a five-foot radius using his designs.
The JB MDL sUAS agency, now expanded to train 32 new operators, will support the 2025 Air and Space Open House in May. There, it will demonstrate autonomous control systems developed with the Air Force Research Laboratory and the Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center.
A new system developed with Skydio was also successfully tested, featuring obstacle avoidance and the ability to carry and deploy two M18-style grenades. The agency continues to explore autonomous sUAS applications, including for perimeter security, infrastructure monitoring, emergency response, and mass communication.
“This is a great opportunity to share that knowledge with the next generation of Airmen and see how they run with it,” said Mason. He added, “Our Airmen are eager to use these tools in combat… these ideas are exactly the kind of innovation we need.”
