FMI 3-04.155, (ARMY FIELD MANUAL INTERIM), ARMY UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEM OPERATIONS (4 APR 2006)

FMI 3-04.155, (ARMY FIELD MANUAL INTERIM), ARMY UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEM OPERATIONS (4 APR 2006)., Field manual interim (FMI) 3-04.155 is the Army’s keystone doctrine for how to fight and sustain Army Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). The doctrinal basis for operational concepts described in this manual are established in field manual (FM) 1, FM 3-0, and FM 3-04.111. FMI 3-04.155 provides overarching doctrinal guidance for employing Army UAS in full spectrum operations and is in synchronization with joint doctrine. It provides a foundation for the development of tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTP) in other and follow-on Army manuals. Emphasis is placed on force structure and the enhanced operational capability provided by UAS. FMI 3-04.155, the Army’s overarching UAS manual, provides unit leaders and their staff officers and noncommissioned officers (NCOs) with the knowledge necessary to properly plan for and execute the integration of Army UAS into combined arms operations. This is the Army’s principal tool to assist Army branch schools in teaching UAS operations. Army schools and centers will incorporate the concepts and requirements in this document into their doctrinal manuals and professional military education literature as appropriate. This manual will also inform joint, multinational, and coalition forces of the capabilities and procedures for using the Army UAS in joint and multinational operations. UAS support operations throughout the U.S. Army, as well as joint, interagency, and multinational (JIM) operations across the full spectrum of conflict. UAS organizations conduct combat operations throughout the depth and breadth of the battlefield and will eventually exist at multiple echelons within the Army. Although the organization and composition of JIM UAS are different by echelon and service, their employment and principal focus are similar to Army UAS operations. Chapter 1 focuses on UAS organizations, missions, and fundamentals. Chapter 2 provides an overview of Army UAS and system descriptions and capabilities. Chapter 3 provides an overview of joint UAS and the capabilities they give the maneuver commander. Chapter 4 discusses UAS planning considerations all users must be familiar with for the successful execution of UAS operations. Chapter 5 discusses employment of the UAS. Chapter 6 discusses sustainment requirements and considerations for UAS operations at all echelons. Appendix A provides checklist for planning and coordinating UAS operations. Appendix B details planning for the integration of Small UAS into airspace coordination. Appendix C gives UAS commanders an overview of training responsibilities and requirements. Appendix D provides joint users with information to obtain Army UAS support. Appendix E gives guidance for recovering downed unmanned aircraft. This FMI applies to the transformation force across the full spectrum of military operations. FMI 3-04.155 specifically addresses UAS operations; refer to the appropriate chapter/appendix of FM 3-04.111 for guidance in other aviation related areas. This publication applies to the Active Army, the Army National Guard (ARNG)/Army National Guard of the United States (ARNGUS), and the United States Army Reserve (USAR) unless otherwise stated. It builds on the collective knowledge and experience gained through recent combat and training operations, numerous field and simulation exercises, and the deliberate process of informed reasoning. This publication is rooted in timetested principles and fundamentals, while accommodating new technologies and evolving responses to the diverse threats to national security. Finally, FMI 3-04.155 furnishes a foundation for UAS doctrine, force design, materiel acquisition, professional education, and individual and unit training.