Focused Lens on Unmanned Aerial Systems An Evaluation of Department of Defense's Unmanned Aerial Vision 2011

Unmanned Aerial Systems (UASs) have become standard in U.S.'s conflicts. However, current UASs are limited by the need for unchallenged airspace or stealth technology, as UASs have almost no defensive capability. Draw-down of the U.S. military after Operation Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) is placing considerable emphasis on employing a lighter, leaner, and more lethal military force to meet strategic objectives mandated by politicians. As a result, the DoD, Unmanned Systems Integrated Roadmap FY2011-2036, identified seven areas the U.S. must focus to ensure the U.S. remains at the forefront of UAS development and employment. Does the current roadmap address the correct focus areas to ensure UASs will provide force multiplying effects in the future? This paper examines the Roadmap's focus areas to determine if the DoD has selected the correct areas for focus and if the DoD is progressing to meet the Unmanned Systems Integrated Roadmap FY2011-2036 vision. UASs are an important element in future military operations, but the DoDs UAS Roadmap must be an effective developmental guide for future UASs. Anything less will adversely affect the military's ability to integrate systems and employ UASs across the spectrum of future military operations.