R 142155Z DEC 15
MARADMIN 623/15
MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC WASHINGTON DC CDI//
SUBJ/AVAILABILITY OF MCWP 3-42.1 UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS OPERATIONS//
REF/A/DOC/CMC/17JUL12//
AMPN/REF A IS MCO 5600.31A MARINE CORPS PRINTING AND PUBLISHING REGULATIONS//
POC/J.P. SCOFIELD/LTCOL/CDI, CDD, MID/-/TEL:  DSN 278-6217/TEL: COML 703-784-6217/EMAIL: JEFFREY.SCOFIELD(AT)USMC.MIL//
rmks/1. The Deputy Commandant for Combat Development and Integration has published Marine Corps Warfighting Publication (MCWP) 3-42.1, Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations; dated 09 Dec 2015. MCWP 3-42.1, Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations is available for download via the United States Marine Corps doctrine website at https:(slant)(slant)www.doctrine.usmc.mil.
2. Background.
   a. This publication provides unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) employment guidance and considerations to commanders, their staffs, and UAS personnel. It addresses planning and coordination requirements, employment concepts, command and support relationships, request procedures, and unmanned aircraft capabilities. This publication provides doctrinal guidance and direction for United States Marine Corps units conducting UAS operations. The principal audience for MCWP 3-42.1 is members of the Marine air-ground task forces (MAGTF) employing UAS.
   b. This publication will update information previously published in MCWP 3-42.1, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Operations, dated 14 August 2003. The publication will aid commanders and staff officers who conduct unmanned aircraft operations across the range of military operations. Trainers and educators throughout the Marine Corps will also use this document. Commanders, staffs, and subordinates ensure that decisions and actions comply with applicable United States, international, and in some cases, host nation laws and regulations. This publication is consistent to the maximum extent possible with joint and multinational doctrine within the constraints of established higher level doctrine.
3. Coordinating Instructions.  Reference (a) details steps required to request publication hard copies. However, this publication will only be disseminated via electronic distribution unless commanders submit compelling justification for printed copies. Units requiring print allocations must follow procedures identified in reference (a), paragraph 4A(2). For Marine Corps Publication Distribution System (MCPDS) identification purposes, the publication control number is 144 000141 00.
4. This MARADMIN is applicable to Marine Corps Total Forces.
5. Release is authorized by Lieutenant General Robert S. Walsh, Deputy Commandant for Combat Development and Integration.//