UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

BATTALION LANDING TEAM 1/1

1ST MARINE DIVISION (REIN)
P.O. BOX 89030
FPO AP 96610-3000

IN REPLY REFER TO:

3000
S-2
2 May 18

From: Intelligence Section, First Battalion, First Marines

To: Distribution List

Subj: LETTER OF INSTRUCTION (LOI) FOR THE SMALL UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEM (SUAS)
FLY WEEK ON 9-13 JULY 2018

Encl: (1) Directions to LZ Horno

(2) Sample Medical Qualification Letter

1. Situation. The ability to integrate SUAS at squad, platoon, company and

battalion level and the situational awareness these platforms can provide
within training events while leading up to a deployment are integral to 1st
Battalion, 1st Marines’ success. During a deployment, utility of SUAS provides
commanders to squad leaders the ability to understand the battlespace and the
effects of enemy and terrain on friendly forces over-the-hill and beyond line
of sight. Having trained Tactical Assistance and Logistical Support Activity
(TALSA) certified SUAS Operators (SUAS-O) and Marines who can operate VTOL
SUAS will provide an expeditionary collection asset in direct support of
leadership at every level.

2. Mission. From 9-13 July 2018, 1st Battalion, 1st Marines’ Intelligence
section conducts SUAS Fly Week training IOT familiarize TALSA certified SUAS-
Os on systems, introduce and provide training on VTOL SUAS, and introduce
TALSA SUAS-Operator/Instructor/Evaluator (O/I/E) programs to qualified
Marines.

3. Execution.

a. Commander’s Intent.

Purpose: Familiarize TALSA certified SUAS-Os on systems,

introduce and provide training on VTOL SUAS, and introduce TALSA SUAS-
Operator/Instructor/Evaluator (O/I/E) programs to qualified Marines.

Method: TALSA Certified SUAS-Os will conduct flight training on

RQ-12A Wasp, RQ-11B Raven, and RQ-20 Puma. Marines with VTOL SUAS experience
will conduct flight training on PD-100 Black Hornet and InstantEye. The
Intelligence section will introduce qualified Marines to each system,
facilitate training on VTOL systems and introduce TALSA SUAS-O/I/E programs.

Endstate: TALSA Certified SUAS-Os are able to support company and

battalion intelligence with collection capability. Marines completing the VTOL
SUAS training are able to support their respective squads, platoons and
companies with over-the-hill collection capability. All Marines participating
are educated on TALSA SUAS-O/I/E programs.

b. Concept of Operations. SUAS Fly Week will be conducted in two

phases.
Subj: LETTER OF INSTRUCTION (LOI) FOR THE SMALL UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEM (SUAS)
FLY WEEK ON 9-13 JULY 2018

(1) Phase 1: Identification and Screening of Participants. Phase

1 begins with tasked companies identifying TALSA certified SUAS-Os, VTOL SUAS
operators and interested Marines who qualify. Company staff will screen
interested Marines to ensure they meet requirements listed in the Coordinating
Instructions. Phase 1 ends with assignment of Marines to SUAS Fly Week
training and sets conditions for them to attend training from 09-13 July 2018.
Critical events in Phase I include S-2 disseminating requirements for Marines
to become SUAS trained, identification and screening of qualified Marines by
the respective companies, and submission of names to S-2 NLT COB 31 June 2018.

(2) Phase 2: SUAS Fly Week training on 9-13 July 2018. Phase 2
begins at 0900 on 9 July 2018 at LZ Horno. Directions are included as
Enclosure (1). Phase 2 ends with completion of instruction and closing remarks
from S-2 staff.

(a) Scheme of Maneuver:

Phase 1: Identification of Operators: Prior to 31 June 2018, each

company will identify and screen (6) Marines that will be SUAS operators for
the battalion’s deployment in support of MRF-D.

Phase 2: Conduct of Training: SUAS instruction and flight training

will be conducted at LZ Horno from 0900-1400 each day.

c. Tasks

(1) S-2A
Task: Coordinate and supervise the conduct of the SUAS
training.
Purpose: IOT ensure the proper instruction, effectiveness
and quality of the training.

(2) S-2 Section

Task: Provide (6) Marines to conduct SUAS training and
provide instruction on each system.
Purpose: IOT support training on SUAS and establish
collection capability at every level.

(3) Alpha Company

Task: Provide (6) Marines to conduct SUAS training.
Purpose: IOT support company operations by providing
collection capability for squad, platoon, and company
leadership

(4) Bravo Company

Task: Task: Provide (6) Marines to conduct SUAS training.
Purpose: IOT support company operations by providing
collection capability for squad, platoon, and company
leadership

(5) Charlie Company

Task: Provide (6) Marines to conduct SUAS training.
Purpose: IOT support company operations by providing
collection capability for squad, platoon, and company
leadership

d. Coordinating Instructions

2
Subj: LETTER OF INSTRUCTION (LOI) FOR THE SMALL UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEM (SUAS)
FLY WEEK ON 9-13 JULY 2018

(1) Timeline: Details will be published prior to 1 July 2018.

(2) Gear List: Marines attending the SUAS training will need
the following materials:

- Note Taking Material

- Pen
- Pencil
- Hydration Source

(3) Requirements: Marines selected by the companies will

meet the following criteria:

- Minimum GT Score 110

- Deploying with 1/1 on MRF-D
- Lance Corporal or above
- Provide Documented Medical Qualification Letter from
Battalion Surgeon (see Enclosure (2)

4. Administration and Logistics

a. Administration

(1) Training materials will be provided to the Marines by S-2

Section.

b. Logistics

(1) All logistics provided by the Intelligence Section.

5. Command and Signal.

a. Signal: None.

b. Command

Battalion S-2A, First Lieutenant Lopes, (760) 763-1408

Battalion S-2 Chief, Gunnery Sergeant Kirchem, (760) 763-1408

A. K. LOPES