BLUE UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEM (UAS) PROCUREMENT AND TRAINING

MARADMINS : 398/24

R 291717Z AUG 24 MARADMIN 398/24 MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC WASHINGTON DC PPO PO// SUBJ/BLUE UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEM (UAS) PROCUREMENT AND TRAINING// REF/A/DOC/ UNDER SECRETARY OF DEFENSE (USD) MEMORANDUM FOR BLUE SUAS//(U//FOUO)// REF/B/DOC/ NAVMC 3500.107_//(U//FOUO)// REF/C/DOC/ NAVMC 1200.1_//(U//FOUO)// REF/D/DOC/ CJCSI 3255.01 CH 1//(U//FOUO)// REF/E/DOC/ CNAF M-3710.9//(U//FOUO)// REF/F/DOC/ SOUM 08-16//(U//FOUO)// REF/G/DOC/ MCO 5100.29_//(U/FOUO)// REF/H/DOC/ OUSD MEMORANDUM 2020-O0015//(U/FOUO)// REF/I/DOC/ UAS CAT 3 IFC FOR NON-POR GROUP 1 AND 2 UAS FOR SHORE-BASED /AND SHIPBOARD OPERATIONS// NARR/REF A IS THE EXCEPTION TO POLICY REQUIREMENT FOR BLUE SMALL UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEM. REF B IS THE TRAINING AND READINESS MANUAL. REF C IS THE MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES MANUAL. REF D IS THE JOINT UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS MINIMUM TRAINING STANDARDS DIRECTIVE. REF E IS THE GUIDANCE FOR THE OPERATION OF DEPARTMENT OF NAVY GROUP 1 AND 2 UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS. REF F IS THE TECOM SAFETY OF USE MEMORANDUM; SMALL UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS USE WITHIN INSTALLATION RANGES AND TRAINING AREAS. REF G DETAILS SAFETY PROGRAM STANDARDS AND MISHAP REPORTING REQUIREMENTS FOR UAS OPERATIONS. REF H IS A MEMORANDUM FROM THE OUSD FOR THE PROHIBITION OF PROCUREMENT OF FOREIGN-MADE UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS. REF I IS THE UAS CAT 3 IFC FOR NON-POR GROUP 1 AND 2 UAS FROM COMNAVAIRSYSCOM.// POC/MSGT/B. W. POWELL/PPO POF/EMAIL: PMOS_7316_OCCFLD@usmc.mil/TEL: 703-614-4300// POC/LTCOL/M. I. BRIDE/PPO POF/EMAIL: MATT.BRIDE@USMC.MIL/TEL: 703-692-4289 REMARKS/ 1. Purpose. This MARADMIN was developed to align Service policy with reference (a) and the Under Secretary of Defense (USD) who has authorized the procurement and operation of Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (SUAS) identified on the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) Blue UAS Cleared List. A digital Blue UAS Handbook is being created and released by DC CD&I in conjunction with this message and will provide guidance for purchasing and using these systems as well as training Marines to operate them. The handbook can be found on the Intelligent Robotics and Autonomous Systems (IRAS) SharePoint at https:(slash) (slash)usmc.sharepoint-mil.us/sites/DCCDI/SitePages/ DistroD/Intelligent-Robotics-and-Autonomous-Systems.aspx. This MARADMIN provides interim guidance for training Marines on these particular platforms until appropriate orders and references can be updated and new courses created.\ 2. Guidance. This MARADMIN provides Service guidance on procurement and operation of Blue UAS, Blue UAS core skills introduction, and SUAS-Evaluator training for 7316s. 2.a. Blue UAS. 2.a.1. SUAS on the DIU Blue UAS cleared list do not require a Department of Defense (DoD) Exception to Policy (ETP) as defined by reference (a). 2.a.2. Systems on the DIU Blue UAS Cleared List (https: (slash)(slash)www.diu.mil/blue-uas-cleared-list) have gone through the DIU approval process. For this message, end user refers to either the unit purchasing the Blue UAS or the Marine operating the system. In order for DIU approval to be applicable, the following conditions must be met: 2.a.2.a. The end user shall operate the UAS only after gaining reciprocity on the DIU Authority to Operate (ATO). ATO reciprocity is the responsibility of the end user and shall be accomplished using the procedure outlined in the Blue UAS Handbook, managed by DC CD&I. Unit UAS Program Managers (PMs) can coordinate through the POCs listed on this MARADMIN for current Marine Corps ATOs. 2.a.2.b. The end user’s command understands and accepts the risks associated with operating a UAS as described in the ATO and associated security guidance. This may include disconnected/non-networked operations according to the ATO. Additional network connections may require updates to an existing ATO or initiation of a new Risk Mitigation Framework package. 2.a.2.c. The end user must register with DIU on the CAC-enabled site (https:(slash)(slash)blueuas.diu.mil) by selecting Register Your Blue UAS Platform and ensure that their contact information is kept current via the DIU website to ensure they receive applicable system and security notifications. 2.a.2.d. The end user shall ensure that UAS software versions and hardware part numbers match the data identified on the DIU Blue UAS Cleared list and that no software or hardware modifications have been made to the UAS that would violate the ATO. 2.a.2.e. The UAS shall not include any payload that would interface with UAS critical components as defined by reference (h) unless it is part of the baseline configuration identified in the applicable ATO. 2.a.2.f. The end user shall not integrate any payloads not covered by the applicable ATO, or that would be considered a critical component as defined by reference (h) that originates from a National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) covered foreign country. Units should contact their S-6/G-6, ISSM, EMSO, and Security Manager for guidance and obtain permission for any payload that electronically emits. 3.a.2.g. The end user shall adhere to all applicable Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD), Service, and federal regulations, policies, and agreements (e.g. airspace access, airworthiness, training, medical, oversight requirements, etc.). 2.a.2.h. The end user must receive Information Technology Procurement Review and Approval System (ITPRAS) approval prior to purchase. Additional instructions are contained in the digital Blue UAS Handbook per paragraph 1. 2.a.3. Units are authorized to procure and/or operate any Group 1 UAS on the DIU Blue UAS cleared list. Group 2 systems are only authorized from the DIU Blue UAS cleared list if they are operated solely in a fixed tether mode, or if the unit has PMOS 7316 Marines assigned to them. Group 3 or larger systems from the DIU Blue UAS cleared list are not authorized for procurement. 2.a.4. DIU Blue UAS systems are only authorized to be operated by Marines in accordance with references (b), (c), (d), (e), and (i). 2.a.4.a. Reference (i) can be found on the IRAS SharePoint at https:(slash)(slash)usmc.sharepoint-mil.us/sites/DCCDI/ SitePages/DistroD/Intelligent-Robotics-and-Autonomous- Systems.aspx. If a system is not listed on reference (i) users should contact the POCs above. 2.a.5. Marine Corps Installation Ranges and Training Areas. Blue UAS systems are DOD approved systems, and their operators must have appropriate Service authorized training in order to operate Blue UAS systems on Marine Corps Installation Ranges and Training Areas. These systems are in compliance with the requirements of reference (f), specifically sections 3.a, 3.c, and 3.g. These systems shall be regarded as program of record (POR) systems for range and training area scheduling. 2.a.6. Blue UAS systems are not Program of Record SUAS and there is no support from the SUAS Program Office (PMA-263). Each unit is responsible for all administrative, training, maintenance, and safety requirements, as well as any additional financial or personnel requirements. 2.a.7. Blue UAS systems and operations must adhere to the safety standards and mishap reporting requirements established by the unit’s ground safety program in accordance with reference (g). 2.b. Blue UAS CORE Skill Introduction. 2.b.1. Blue UAS Group 1 Operators are not required to train at a formal learning center, such as Training and Logistic Support Activity (TALSA) or 7316 SUAS Schoolhouse. To qualify as a Blue UAS Group 1 Operator, Marines must first complete the computer-based Basic Unmanned Qualification (BUQ) course, available at https:(slash)(slash)suasman.josce.mil. After completing this course, they will undergo Initial Qualification Training (IQT) for the specific Type/Model/Series (T/M/S) UAS, which is provided by the T/M/S manufacturer. The training curriculum must be approved by the unit's Aircraft Reporting Custodian (ARC), and the procurement of Blue UAS must be approved by the unit Commander. 2.b.2. Reference (b) will be updated to include Non-POR (NPOR) training events. This update will incorporate an IQT instructor training phase, which will be conducted by the local TALSA. This training will enable qualified and designated Marines to return to their units and conduct in-house training for SUAS approved by the DIU Blue list. Until these updates to reference (b) are officially published, Marines are only authorized to receive vendor training that has been approved by their ARC. 3. 7316 SUAS Operator. 3.a. Marines holding the PMOS 7316, and that meet the prerequisites, are able to attend a SUAS Evaluator (SUAS-E) course at one of the four Training and Logistic Support Activity (TALSA) locations until reference (b) is updated and a Training and Education Command (TECOM) approved course is established. Upon completion of the SUAS-E course the Marine will be qualified as a Primary SUAS-Evaluator for the purposes of conducting 2000 level currency, refresher, and annual evaluation training. 4. Admin and Logistics. 4.a. Requests to waive any portion of this MARADMIN may be submitted electronically to the PP&O POCs listed above. 5. Command and Signal. 5.a. Command. Applicable to the total force. 5.b. Signal. This message is effective on the date signed. 6. Release authorized by Lieutenant General J. W. Bierman, Deputy Commandant, Plans Policies, and Operations.