MCWP 3-42.1

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle

Operations

U.S. Marine Corps

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DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY

Headquarters United States Marine Corps

Washington, DC 20380-1775

14 August 2003

FOREWORD

Marine Corps Warfighting Publication (MCWP) 3-42.1, Unmanned

Aerial Vehicle Operations, addresses the fundamentals of planning

and execution of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operations in support of the Marine air-ground task force (MAGTF). 

A UAV is a powered, aerial vehicle that does not carry a human

operator, uses aerodynamic forces to provide vehicle lift, can fly

autonomously or be piloted remotely, can be expendable or recoverable, and can carry a lethal or nonlethal payload. Ballistic or semiballistic vehicles, cruise missiles, and artillery projectiles are not

considered UAVs.

This publication provides guidance to commanders, their staffs, and

UAV squadron personnel. It addresses planning requirements, command and support relationships, request procedures, and UAV capabilities.

MCWP 3-42.1 supersedes Fleet Marine Force Manual (FMFM)

3-22-1, UAV Company Operations, dated 4 November 1993.
Reviewed and approved this date.

BY DIRECTION OF THE COMMANDANT OF THE MARINE CORPS

Publication Control Number: 143 000141 00 

DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT A: Approved for public release;

distribution is unlimited.
 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Operations

Table of Contents

Chapter 1. Fundamentals

Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1

The Threat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3

The Role of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3

Emerging Concepts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4

Chapter 2. Command, Control, and Communications

Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1

Command Relationships . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1

Support Relationships. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1

General Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2

Direct Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2

Control. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3

Aviation Command, Control, and Communications 

Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3

Navy Tactical Air Control Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3

Marine Air Command and Control System . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4

Communications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-7

Radio Links and Nets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8

Frequency Separation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10

Communications Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10
MCWP 3-42.1

iv

Chapter 3. Planning

Deployment within the Continental United States . . . . . . . . . . 3-1

Certificate of Authorization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1

Memorandum of Understanding. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2

Letter of Agreement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2

Deployment Overseas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2

Transportation Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3

Supply Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4

Class III, Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4

Class V, Ordnance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5

Class IX, Repair Parts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5

Engineer Support. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5

Firepower. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6

Medical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6

Messing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6

Operations Site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6

Weather . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7

Communication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7

Control Frequencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8

Bandwidth. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8

Operation Phases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8

Responsibilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8

Route Planning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-9

Deceptive Routes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-9

In-flight Emergencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-11

Loss of Link Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-11

Agency Notification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-12
UAV Operations

v

Chapter 4. Execution

Collection Tasking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1

Organic Assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-1

Preplanned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-2

Immediate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-3

Dynamic Re-Tasking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-3

Nonorganic Assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-4

Preplanned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-4

Immediate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-4

Flight Brief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-5

Takeoff Methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-5

Flight Crew . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-6

Dissemination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-7

Preparing for Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-8

Appendixes

A Federal Aviation Administration Regional 

Addresses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-1

B The Pioneer Unmanned Aerial Vehicle System . . . . . . . B-1

C Joint Tactical Air Strike Request (DD Form 1972). . . . . C-1

D Glossary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-1

E References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-1
Chapter 1

Fundamentals

Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron

The Marine unmanned aerial vehicle squadron (VMU) provides

personnel to support, maintain, and operate unmanned aerial vehicle

(UAV) systems. Its mission is to operate and maintain a UAV system

to provide unmanned aerial reconnaissance support to the Marine

Expeditionary Force (MEF) or other supported units. The VMU

performs the following tasks:

O Conduct aerial reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition (RSTA) operations.

O Perform airborne surveillance of designated target areas, Marine

air-ground task force (MAGTF) areas of interest/influence, and

other areas as directed.

O Perform airborne surveillance for search and rescue and for tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel.

O Perform reconnaissance of helicopter approach and retirement

lanes in support of vertical assaults.

O Provide real-time target information to the direct air support

center (DASC) and fire support coordination center (FSCC) to

adjust fire missions and close air support.

O Provide information to assist adjusting indirect fire weapons and

support deep air support and air interdiction.

O Collect battle damage assessment (BDA)/bomb hit assessment.

O Support rear area security.
MCWP 3-42.1

1-2

O Provide a remote-receive station capability and liaison to designated units.

O Conduct individual and unit training to prepare for tactical

employment and combat operations.

The VMU is comprised of the following:

O Administrative department.

O Intelligence department.

O Logistics and supply department.

O Safety department with Naval Air Training and Operating

Procedures Standardization (NATOPS), aviation safety, and

ground safety sections.

O Operations department. The operations department maintains

ground training, aviation training, the UAV pilot’s NATOPS

flight records, and current and future operations section.

O Aviation maintenance department. The aviation maintenance

department maintains the UAV and its ground equipment as

prescribed by appropriate aviation maintenance publications

and technical manuals associated with the UAV system. 

O Communications platoon. A communications platoon may be

attached or assigned to the VMU to support UAV operations in

garrison or in the field. For effective communication within the

command, control, communications, computers, intelligence,

surveillance, and reconnaissance architecture, radiomen, wiremen, and computer technicians (with their equipment) must be

used during each mission.

O Motor transportation section. The motor transportation section

may be attached. It operates and maintains the rolling stock to

transport squadron personnel and the UAV system.
UAV Operations

1-3

The Threat

The threat to UAVs is similar to that of other low performance

aircraft. See Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Survivability Threat

Assessment Report, Short Range Pioneer Remotely Piloted Vehicle

System Survivability and Vulnerability, and Pacific Missile Test

Center and Joint System Threat Assessment Report, Close Range

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (CR-UAV) (S), for detailed threat

descriptions. 

Because the initial UAV systems are designed primarily for low

to mid-intensity conflict, many integrated air defense systems

(IADSs) can be used against UAV operations. The major threat

is from antiaircraft artillery (AAA) and man portable air

defense systems.

UAV operations are vulnerable to enemy electronic warfare (EW).

Enemy EW would be directed at the systems controlling the UAV,

the UAV, and the information downlinks that provide real-time

combat information. The enemy could employ ground-based and

airborne (helicopter or fixed-wing) electronic attack (EA).

A threat exists from enemy rotary- and fixed-wing aircraft.

Attack helicopters have a limited air-to-air intercept capability,

which poses a significant threat to UAVs. 

The Role of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

During military operations other than war, a UAV provides the

MAGTF with useful information about the area of operations and
MCWP 3-42.1

1-4

forewarns of any emerging threats in the vicinity by loitering

overhead and providing real-time intelligence.

UAVs play a valuable role in amphibious operations. UAV

intelligence information links to ships and provides real-time

intelligence to the combat operations center (COC) and planning

cells onboard. During execution, the UAV provides support in

operations against enemy forces, obstructions, IADS, deep strike

targets, and landing zones. It can observe and adjust naval gunfire

in the amphibious objective area (AOA).

UAVs in special operations require connectivity with personnel

that have access to the information provided by the UAV. UAVs

can fly over the objective area days, hours or minutes ahead of

special operations forces and provide valuable intelligence.

Emerging Concepts

Technological advances will continue to provide unprecedented

leaps in UAV capability. The Navy and Marine Corps are

primarily concerned with UAV technology as it applies to the

Expeditionary Maneuver Warfare (EMW) concept. The Marine

Corps will continue to focus its effort towards amphibious

operations and all other missions and tasks in or around littoral

areas. The high tempo of operations essential to successful

operational maneuver from the sea requires that intelligence be

provided to decisionmakers with a minimum of delay.

Technology that permits the rapid dissemination of intelligence

products will play an important role in this effort. 

The Marine Corps desires an organic UAV that is interoperable

with joint command, control, communications, and computers
UAV Operations

1-5

systems, can operate from ships/seabases, and will seamlessly

transition to operations ashore. This future UAV system should

have the capability to support EMW, and therefore, must be

deployable by organic Marine Corps aviation assets. UAV

systems should be organized to provide scalable support to

Marine Expeditionary Units (MEUs), Marine Expeditionary

Brigades, and MEFs. Most importantly, the UAV system must be

responsive to the needs of the MAGTF commander by providing

reconnaissance, target designation, communications/data relay,

and signals intelligence (SIGINT) capabilities through the use of

modular payloads. Ideally, the UAV should be able to launch

from a ship, provide persistent support to the MAGTF

commander during movement to the objective (as well as during

actions on the objective), while being able to return to the ship/

seabase or land at a pre-designated site ashore. The future UAV

system must be very reliable with low mean time between

failures and low maintenance manhours per flight hour. The UAV

must be maintainable in austere environments while requiring

minimal manpower for servicing.
Chapter 2

Command, Control, and Communications

Command

The VMU is organic to the Marine aircraft wing and is under the

command of the aviation combat element (ACE). The ACE

commander exercises command, control, and communications via

the ACE G-3/S-3 and the Marine air command and control system

(MACCS).

Command Relationships

Marine units may be either organic or attached. The VMU is organic

to the ACE and follows the ACE’s administrative and operational

chain of command. Attachment of the squadron or provision of

detachments to MAGTFs smaller than a MEF are also possible.

When attached, planners must consider unique UAV logistics and

operational support requirements.

Support Relationships

Support relationships are mission assignments in which one

commander supports another. Unlike command relationships,

support relationships specify only the priority of effort of the

supporting unit. They do not transfer responsibility for or control

beyond the authority to specify priority of tasks to the supported

commander. Allocation of UAV support must reflect a balanced

decision on how to best exploit UAV capabilities. The VMU or

elements of the squadron are employed in general support (GS) or

direct support (DS). 
MCWP 3-42.1

2-2

General Support

When the UAV squadron or a detachment operates in GS, it

supports the entire MAGTF. The MAGTF commander determines

priority of support and resolves any conflicts. Priority of support to

subordinate elements will likely go to the unit that is the main

effort. GS better enables the ACE commander to provide UAV

capabilities to the force as a whole, as well as to respond to

requirements of higher and adjacent headquarters. When the

MAGTF commander employs the VMU in GS, it is critical that he

ensures that all MAGTF elements have the best possible access to

UAV support. 

Direct Support

When the VMU operates in DS, it responds to a specific,

designated unit, supporting the supported unit’s specific stated

requirements. Priority of support goes to the supported unit but

other missions may be performed provided they do not interfere

with completion of the supported unit requirements. Under DS,

the VMU or detachment should provide liaison to the supported

unit to coordinate requirements and mission tasking. Due to the

limited communication assets held by the VMU, the means of

communication between the UAV unit and the supported unit

need to be identified early in the planning process. These lines of

communications will be necessary for efficient coordination of

support and dissemination of information. UAVs providing DS

afford the best and most timely response to the major subordinate

command (MSC) commander to whom control has been

delegated. The supported commander can specify the time and

place for intelligence collection missions and can receive near

real-time information during missions. 
UAV Operations

2-3

Control

Control is the means through which the commander extends his

authority. The MAGTF commander exercises control by

establishing both command and support relationships based on

informational requirements within the force. Command

relationships define how the force is to be organized. Support

relationships define who is to be supported and who is to provide

that support. Support relationships are established by the

commander to weigh his main effort by prioritizing support within

the force.

Aviation Command, Control, and 

Communications Systems

Because UAVs are aircraft, other forms of control specific to

aviation apply to their employment. The most common are air

control, airspace control, and air direction, which are exercised by

MACCS personnel and agencies.

Navy Tactical Air Control Center

The Navy tactical air control center (Navy TACC) will normally

be established as the control agency responsible for all air

operations within the AOA. The amphibious task force

commander is responsible for the organization and employment

of the Navy TACC. 
MCWP 3-42.1

2-4

Marine Air Command and Control System

The MACCS provides the MAGTF commander with the

capabilities to command, control, coordinate, and manage the

ACE supporting the MAGTF. Similar to the Navy TACC, the

MACCS provides for centralized command, coordination, and

supervision of air operations at the highest level while

incorporating decentralized control to subordinate agencies. The

MACCS is task-organized to provide personnel and equipment to

authority over and direction of all air operations. The MACCS is

tasked with the control and coordination of offensive air support,

assault support, air reconnaissance, antiair warfare, and EW

functions of Marine aviation. The MACCS is also responsible for

the control and coordination of the MAGTF’s IADS within the

MAGTF’s area of operations.

Air Control

Air control is the authority to direct the physical maneuver of a UAV

in flight or direct a UAV to image a specific target. MCWP 3-25,

Control of Aircraft and Missiles, defines control of aircraft and

missiles as “the coordinated employment of facilities, equipment,

communications, procedures, and personnel that allows the ACE

commander to plan, direct, and control the efforts of the ACE to

support the accomplishment of the MAGTF’s mission.” 

Airspace Control

Airspace control is a form of air control. Airspace control

provides for the coordination, integration, regulation of the use of

a defined airspace, and identification of all airspace users. Any

airborne object that may interfere with the flight path or trajectory

of any other object within the MAGTF’s airspace is of concern
UAV Operations

2-5

and has some influence on the control of aircraft and missiles.

Aircraft, including UAVs, friendly supporting arms fire, and

surface-to-air weapons are airspace users. Their employment

requires airspace coordination and integration.

Airspace control is the authority to direct the maneuver of a UAV

(along with other aircraft and airspace users) for the best use of the

airspace. Airspace control is accomplished through established

procedures for coordination of air, artillery, naval surface fire

support, and UAV plans by appropriate MAGTF elements.

Principles and procedures of airspace control used in manned flight

operations apply to UAV operations. UAVs are normally routed

through existing air control points by airspace control agencies.

Airspace control authority is inherent in the commander whose unit

is responsible for particular blocks of airspace, types of missions or

types of aircraft. It does not include measures to approve,

disapprove, deny or delay UAV operations.

Positive separation between aircraft and UAVs is required and is

the responsibility of the appropriate airspace control agency. This

may be accomplished by the following:

O Activating temporary airspace coordination areas (ACAs);

Class D airspace or restricted operations zones (ROZs) for

UAV takeoffs and landings; and mission areas or flight routes.

ROZs are also known as restricted operations areas (ROAs). 

O Routing separation via existing air control points. Specific

UAV routes may be created by connecting selected air control

points together.

O Altitude separation that can be effected by having block altitudes or by deconflicting whatever altitude the UAV is flying

with other airspace users.
MCWP 3-42.1

2-6

O Time separation that can be effected by having block times for

UAV operations.

O Any combination of the above can be used, as required.

O Dynamic/real-time integration of the UAV into the airspace is

achieved through coordination between the supporting arms

coordination center/Navy TACC afloat or the FSCC and

DASC ashore.

Air Direction

The purpose of air direction is to achieve a balance between the

use of the MAGTF’s finite UAV assets and the ability of the

VMU to accomplish its mission. Inefficient air direction results in

poor use of resources and excessive response times. Air direction

is exercised by the ACE commander through the MACCS. Air

direction tasks include but are not limited to the following:

O Develop UAV missions for inclusion into the air tasking order

(ATO).

O Fulfill ATO requirements.

O Dynamic re-tasking of a UAV’s mission.

O Process requests for UAV support.

O Collect information on UAV mission status.

O Move UAV units to new operating sites.

O Adjust VMU mission assignments within previously set

parameters due to air or ground tactical situation changes. 
UAV Operations

2-7

Communications

Existing doctrinal communications nets connect the VMU with

supported units and airspace management agencies (see MCWP

3-40.3). These nets are established to satisfy communications

requirements during amphibious operations and subsequent

operations ashore. They are not intended to preclude establishing

circuits to meet unique requirements. The UAV mission

commander is required to maintain two-way communications with

the airspace management agency throughout flight operations.

Additional coordination nets may be established between

supported units.
MCWP 3-42.1

2-8

Radio Links and Nets

UAV Primary Up Link Control Transmits commands that control the UAV and 

payload during flight operations.

UAV Secondary Up Link Control Provides signals to control the UAV and payload 

during flight operations if the UAV primary up link 

control becomes inoperative.

TAD (UHF/VHF) or the 

TACT (UHF/VHF) Net

Used by the mission commander or UAV 

operator to coordinate airspace during flight 

operations. Radios in the control station provide 

simultaneous monitoring of one of these nets and 

the international guard frequency. Positive 

communications between the DASC (or an 

appropriate air control agency) and the mission 

commander is required for all UAV flight 

operations.

UAV Telemetry Down Link Provides real-time video display of the target 

area from the UAV. It also provides display of 

down link flight control data to the control station.

UAV Command Net

(VHF/UHF)

Used by the UAV mission commander to 

coordinate UAV activities on the airfield. If the 

launch and recovery site is located at an extended 

distance from a control station, it may be 

necessary to establish this net via HF radio. 

Whenever possible a telephone wire system 

should be installed as the primary communications 

means between the mission commander and 

other mission-essential activities.

LF INTEL (HF/VHF/UHF-SATCOM) 

Net

Provides a current situational information 

exchange with the MAGTF SARC. This net is 

used by the UAV mission commander and the 

SARC. Whenever possible, wire is the primary 

communication means among these stations.

Air Spot Net Used for fire missions.
UAV Operations

2-9

Voice Nets The VMU can enter any of the doctrinal voice radio 

nets identified in MCWP 3-40.3. When distance or 

time prevents establishing a telephone network, 

the following radio nets may be established from 

existing T/E assets.

HD (UHF/VHF) Net Used by the mission commander for close 

coordination between the UAV mission 

commander and helicopters.

NGF Spot (HF) Net Used by the mission commander to assist the 

NSFS ship adjust fire support and provide target 

damage assessment.

FSC (HF/UHF) Net This net is used by the mission commander to 

coordinate or adjust supporting arms fire through 

the supported FSCC or artillery unit headquarters.

COF (HF/UHF) Net This net is used by the mission commander when 

adjusting artillery missions directly with the artillery 

battery or battalion.

LF RECON (HF/VHF/UHF-SATCOM) 

Net

Provides for coordination of the reconnaissance 

effort within the MAGTF. This net is between the 

mission commander and the reconnaissance 

unit. It is an alternate communication means to 

pass critical information from the reconnaissance 

unit when the doctrinal intelligence net is 

unavailable.

LF TAC or GCE TAC (HF/UHF) Net Issued to pass FLASH precedence traffic when 

other means are not available. It may also aid 

the GCE commander in maneuver control

LEGEND

COF = conduct of fire 

FSC = fire support coordination

GCE = ground combat element (MAGTF)

HD = helicopter direction

HF = high frequency 

LF INTEL = landing force intelligence

LF RECON = landing force 

 reconnaissance 

NGF = naval gunfire

NSFS = naval surface fire support 

SARC= surveillance and reconnaissance center

SATCOM = satellite communications

TAC = tactical

TACT = tactical aviation control team

TAD = tactical air direction

T/E= table of equipment

UHF = ultra high frequency

VHF = very high frequency
MCWP 3-42.1

2-10

Frequency Separation

Frequency allocation and control, especially UAV up link and

down link control frequencies, must be carefully coordinated with

the MAGTF G-6/S-6 to reduce adjacent channel interference and

enhance flight safety. The MAGTF electronic warfare officer

(EWO) excludes the UAV up link and down link control

frequencies from any friendly induced interference.

Communications Security

Communications security is a principal consideration in all

communications planning due to UAV vulnerability to enemy

jamming.
Chapter 3

Planning

Deployment within the Continental United States

Before any military deployment, considerable planning takes place

well in advance of the operation. UAVs increase the workload on

personnel assigned this task who very often know little about the

unique requirements of UAV integration in exercises in the

continental United States (CONUS) or overseas. The ACE

commander must decide early if the UAV will be employed so

coordination with appropriate agencies or countries can occur.

Certificate of Authorization

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is responsible for

airspace management within the US. If a UAV will be flown outside

the boundaries of special use airspace, sufficient time must be

allowed to authorize UAV operations.

A request must be submitted to the regional FAA where the operation

will be conducted in accordance with FAA regulations (see appendix

A). Specific details about dates, times, areas or routes, altitudes, and a

description of the UAV are included in this request. 

The regional FAA administrator will draft a certificate of

authorization, which sets forth the requirements for UAV personnel

qualifications, communications procedures, and a definition of the

requested airspace. Other items are included as the regional FAA

administrator determines.
MCWP 3-42.1

3-2

A UAV cannot fly beyond the boundaries of special use airspace

without the specific authorization of the FAA and the local air

traffic control authority. 

Memorandum of Understanding

A memorandum of understanding with the local air traffic control

facility is required to ensure they and the ACE commander have a

complete understanding and agree to the air traffic control

procedures that will be used to ensure safe UAV operations in the

operating area. If additional air traffic control services are required,

the ACE commander may be asked to augment the local air traffic

control facility with additional air traffic control personnel.

Letter of Agreement

A letter of agreement with local air facilities is required to ensure

proper coordination of support requirements are understood and

agreed to. Fuel and hazardous material storage, hanger facilities,

runway use or any other logistical and support requirements

should be agreed on in this document.

Deployment Overseas

UAVs are a relatively inexpensive intelligence-gathering tool. The

rapid growth of these systems will continue to increase as

technology advances and economies of scale provide affordable

platforms and equipment. Foreign governments are sensitive to the

valuable information and capabilities of UAV systems as well as

the inherent risks associated with unmanned flight operations. ACE

planners must ensure UAV operations are included at the outset of
UAV Operations

3-3

integration planning within host nation (HN) airspace. Planners

should have a firm understanding of the of the UAV system to be

employed to positively satisfy any protest or concerns from the

HN. The US Embassy or consulate in the HN must be notified of

UAV operations within their represented country.

Waivers, agreements, and rules by the International Civil

Aviation Organization, the HN’s government, the US Embassy,

and the ACE commander must be thoroughly understood and

signed before conducting UAV operations overseas. 

Transportation Requirements

Transportation requirements for a UAV system will vary from

system to system and the size of the UAV unit being deployed. The

MAGTF G-4 must become familiar with the unique transportation

requirements of whatever UAV system will be deployed.

Pioneer UAV items are helicopter-transportable with some

disassembly required. The current UAV unit T/E provides

sufficient organic motor transport to move the entire unit over

road and across country. UAV systems are routinely transported

across the US by rail and truck. Overseas deployment can be

accomplished by airlift or sealift. Airlift provides for quick

deployment to regional areas, but can require considerable lift

support. Sealift is used primarily for MEU deployments. 
MCWP 3-42.1

3-4

Supply Support

The ACE provides supply support. The objective of supply

support is to establish, maintain, and improve combat readiness

by ensuring that supply support is available for the UAV system

when it becomes operational. In the appropriate echelons of the

supply and maintenance system, supply support makes available

all spares and repair parts, support and test equipment, and

technical assistance to support the UAV system when it becomes

operational. It also ensures that additional stocks are available

through routine replenishment.

Supply support includes acquisition, distribution, provisioning,

inventory replenishment of system components, spares, repair

parts, and consumable supplies needed to maintain the system in

a high state of readiness. Supply support for non-UAV systems is

provided in accordance with existing Marine Corps policies for

provisioning and supplies. The Marine Corps logistics base and

the supported commander share supply responsibility. Initial

spares support is provided by contract for short-range UAV

system-unique items. Classes of supply requiring special

considerations follow.

Class III, Fuel

Besides standard petroleum, oils, and lubricants (POL) requirements for T/E items, the Pioneer UAV requires 100-octane motor

gasoline and engine oil. Future UAV systems may require jet fuel,

such as JP-5, and oil suitable for turbine engine operations.
UAV Operations

3-5

Class V, Ordnance

If rocket assisted takeoff (RATO) launch is planned, provision for

the storage, transportation, and use of rocket assemblies must be

made. If ordnance-induced, activation devices can deploy

emergency systems, such as parachutes. Provision must be made

for use of these devices.

Class IX, Repair Parts

Under current arrangements for the Pioneer UAV, the contractor

is contractually obligated to provide operational spares, 30-day

pack-up kits for extended training, and 90-day pack-up kits for

deployment. Stockage for the UAV system will not be loaded into

the inventory system. In an operational situation, the ACE will

also provide for the evacuation of parts, that are beyond the

capability to repair at the unit level. Commanders may have to

provide transportation of evacuated materials to CONUS. Once

items reach CONUS, the contractor will provide transportation to

the depot maintenance facility.

See appendix B for Pioneer UAV system characteristics. 

Engineer Support

When a suitable site for the conduct of UAV operations cannot be

located, engineer support may be required for site preparation; for

example, Pioneer requires an area 75 feet by 2,000 feet. If paved

runways, improved roads (asphalt or concrete), and unimproved

roads (hard dirt) are available, then they can be used for takeoff

and landing operations. In this case, engineering support will not

be required.
MCWP 3-42.1

3-6

Firepower

The VMU has organic small arms for self-defense. It requires

security forces from the supported unit if the tactical situation

calls for a defensive posture.

Medical

The VMU has a corpsman for minor injuries and emergency

treatment. It relies on the ACE commander or the supported unit

for further medical support.

Messing

The VMU does not have a messing capability. The supported

unit, Marine wing support squadron or ACE provides support.

Operations Site

Particular consideration must be given to the location of the UAV

operations site. Depending on the UAV system, an adequate

runway may be required for safe UAV operations. At a minimum,

a proper landing surface must be available to safely recover the

UAV upon completing its mission.

Consideration must also be given to the distance from the UAV

operations site to the area of operations (AO). Many UAVs are
UAV Operations

3-7

not particularly fast and require considerable time to fly to their

mission area. The location of an adequate launch and recovery

area and its distance to the AO and control station are very

important considerations when employing a UAV system.

Availability of adequate roads or other transportation methods for

resupply of fuel and other UAV support requirements are critical

to sustained UAV operations. If the UAV system is expected to

move from one site to another, transportation support becomes

increasingly important.

Weather

The ACE collections and operations officers must consider the

expected weather conditions in the AO at the time of operations.

Many UAVs cannot operate in inclement weather; for example,

high winds and precipitation or when the cloud layer is below the

UAV’s operating altitude. Due consideration must be given to

probable weather conditions from the outset. 

Communication

To provide the MAGTF commander with adequate support, the

UAV system should be linked to the command and control

architecture of the MACCS.
MCWP 3-42.1

3-8

Control Frequencies

Each UAV system has unique control frequency ranges. The VMU

must ensure that its control frequencies are adequately separated

from other communications frequencies. The VMU must continue

to be aware of EW frequencies as operations progress to eliminate

the possibility of interference from other assets while airborne.

Bandwidth

Adequate bandwidth is required to supply real-time or near realtime UAV intelligence information. The ACE G-2/S-2 must

determine what the UAV is expected to provide and ensure

communications support is provided to the VMU.

Operation Phases

UAV operations are conducted similarly to manned aviation

operations. Once the VMU commander receives the ATO with

the mission, many tasks are executed simultaneously.

Responsibilities

Through the ATO, the ACE commander assigns the VMU

commander with a mission. The current operations section then

begins the planning process. Together with the intelligence section,

the UAV flight crew studies the assigned mission and plans for its

execution. The maintenance crew begins preparation of the UAV and

the UAV ground system, while communications personnel ensure

that the proper communication connectivity is provided to fulfill the

mission. 
UAV Operations

3-9

Route Planning

UAV missions will be planned by the VMU in close coordination

with the ACE collections, future plans, and future operations.

This is done to ensure deconfliction with other ACE operations

and to allow timely inclusion of UAV missions into the ATO

planning process. See figure 3-1 on page 3-10 for a UAV

planning matrix. 

Deceptive Routes

UAV routing can deceive and expose the enemy. The enemy may

notice a UAV flying in a certain direction to a certain location,

and conclude the UAV is on a route reconnaissance mission. The

enemy may then relocate resources to defend a perceived attack.

Airspace managers must guard against using the same route of

flight for missions to similar locations. When the enemy becomes

familiar with the flight pattern of the UAV, the airborne platform

becomes a more easily processed target for enemy IADS. 

When planning a UAV route, as with any airborne asset, attention

must be given to enemy IADS. Unless the mission is to expose

possible air defense sites, the UAV should be routed around

possible enemy air defenses to increase the UAV’s ability to

complete its mission.
MCWP 3-42.1

3-10

Target Considerations

Target Description

Target Coordinates

Latitude/Longitude

Grid

Area of Operations

Latitude/Longitude

Grid

Launch and Recovery Area

Latitude/Longitude

Grid

Outbound Heading

Outbound Altitude

Waypoints and Checkpoints

Latitude/Longitude

Assigned Altitude

Outbound Heading

Special Airspace

Corridors

Entry Point Latitude/Longitude

Entry Point Grid

Entry Altitude

Transit Heading(s)

Transit Altitude

Exit Altitude

Exit Point Latitude/Longitude

Exit Point Grid

Holding Area

Latitude/Longitude

Grid

Altitude

Return Home Point

Latitude/Longitude

Grid

Enroute Altitude

Action Upon Arrival

Orbit Altitude

Ditch

Payload Type

Distance: Control Station to Target Administrative Considerations

Are standing operating procedures (SOPs), LOAs, and 

MOUs current?

Frequency Considerations

UAV Control Link

Uplink

Downlink

Separation from Other Agencies

Uplink: _____MHz

Downlink: _____MHz

Communications Considerations

Controlling Agency

UHF:

VHF:

Supported Unit

UHF

VHF

HF

Maps

Are up-to-date maps available?

Execution

Brief Time

Launch Time

Time Over Target

Recovery Time

Total Mission Time

Debrief Time

Figure 3-1. Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Planning Matrix.
UAV Operations

3-11

In-flight Emergencies

During planning, sufficient attention must be given to the

possibility that an in-flight emergency may occur. Particular

attention should be given to the location of friendly ground forces

if the UAV exits controlled flight and impacts the ground. Flight

paths, minimum-risk routes, and other air management tools must

be included.

Loss of Link Procedures

When the UAV senses a significant delay or loss of the command

up link, it will automatically enter into a return home mode of

flight. The return home profile will be determined before launch

by the UAV pilot. When the UAV pilot recognizes the UAV is on

its return home profile, emergency procedures will be performed

as required in the UAV NATOPS manual. 

The UAV will fly a pre-approved route at a pre-approved altitude

to its pre-approved return home site. At the return home site, the

UAV will perform the program flight maneuver unless commanded otherwise by the UAV pilot.

During this emergency, the UAV pilot will attempt to reestablish

communication with the UAV. If contact is reestablished, the

mission commander may choose to terminate the mission and

return to base or continue with the mission as planned.
MCWP 3-42.1

3-12

Agency Notification

Upon notification of an in-flight emergency, the mission commander

will ensure emergency procedures are being performed by UAV

pilots in accordance with the UAV NATOPS manual.

The mission commander will notify the appropriate air control

agency to coordinate changes to the route of flight. 

The mission commander will notify the DASC and inform the

senior watch officer (SWO) of the emergency and the UAV’s

expected route of flight. The DASC will then relay and coordinate

with the appropriate agencies; for example, TACC or FSCC.

The SWO will ensure that air control agencies have been notified

of the UAV emergency and its expected course. Controlling

agencies will ensure that other air assets are separated from the

UAV’s expected route of flight and notify the SWO of any further

actions taken.

Friendly air defense assets and ground forces should be notified if

the SWO deems the information useful for the safety of personnel

on the ground. 
Chapter 4

Execution

Collection Tasking 

If the VMU must provide for its own security when deployed, the

ability to support sustained operations for a long duration will be

reduced. The conduct of a UAV flight will differ somewhat depending on the UAV system. However, there are basic phases common

to each system.

UAVs are employed in many intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance and target acquisition roles, supporting a variety of units.

The variety of possible missions and supported units requires integration and coordination in planning and execution. It also requires

a means to assign missions, task UAVs, and exercise authority over

UAV operations. Collection tasking authority is the authority to task

the VMU commander to collect information that will be used as

combat information or to develop intelligence. Collection tasking

authority resides with the commander who has control of the VMU. 

Organic Assets

Preplanned and immediate UAV requests are submitted to the controlling headquarters using DD Form 1972, Joint Tactical Air Strike

Request (JTAR), to identify targets, locations, times, and coordinating instructions in as much detail as possible. (See appendix C.) 
MCWP 3-42.1

4-2

Preplanned

Preplanned UAV missions are initiated when the MAGTF

receives requests for UAV support via the JTAR. A JTAR for

UAV support goes through the same process as a rotary- or fixedwing request. Based on the MAGTF commander’s concept of

operations and the commander’s critical information requirements, the MEF G-2 will task the ACE with aerial reconnaissance

requirements. If the ACE cannot satisfy these requirements with

existing assets, this will be made known to the collection officer.

Unsatisfied requirements may be adjudicated through a collection

integration and synchronization board (CISB) or similar coordination board. For smaller MAGTFs, the CISB process will still

occur in the form of a meeting between the MAGTF S-2/S-3 and

interested representatives from the MSCs. Once approved, a tentative UAV schedule is drafted and coordinated with the ACE for

inclusion in the ATO.

ACE aerial collection requirements will be validated by the

MAGTF G-2/G-3 and forwarded to the ACE COC. The ACE G2/S-2 in coordination with the ACE G-2/S-3 will develop a collection plan that best uses available assets to collect the desired

information. Requirements determined to be best satisfied by the

UAV will be passed to the VMU for detailed planning in close

coordination with ACE operations. Resulting UAV missions will

be built into the ATO by the ACE S-3 and approved by the ACE

commander. Requirements for operational support, such as assistance in adjusting supporting arms fire, go through the operations

sections of MSCs and on to the MAGTF G-3/S-3.
UAV Operations

4-3

Immediate

Immediate UAV missions are missions that were not previously

anticipated or arise due to rapidly changing situations. Requests

for support are submitted via the fastest means to the supported

headquarters COC or FSCC. The urgency of immediate UAV

requests must be balanced against the loss or postponement of

preplanned UAV missions. The MAGTF commander will predefine his collection priorities and re-tasking guidance. When an

immediate request for aerial reconnaissance is submitted, the

DASC/TACC will evaluate the request against available assets,

current ATO tasking, and current MAGTF priorities and guidance. If the immediate request is of lower priority, the MAGTF

COC will be notified and may or may not direct the ACE to retask based on the current situation. Immediate missions can be

executed in two ways:

O A dedicated UAV currently performing a mission can be

diverted by higher authority to a higher priority mission. 

O The MAGTF commander can order a standby UAV be ready

for launch. When called for, this UAV is launched and the

control station refines the mission plan while the UAV is outbound to the objective area.

Note: If an immediate mission requirement arises while the UAV

launch site is cold or not in a preflight/standby status, more time

will be needed to prepare for launch.

Dynamic Re-Tasking

It may be necessary to alter the UAV mission as published in the

ATO. The change may require a new route to fly to a new mission

area, new altitudes or a new target for the UAV to exploit. Re-
MCWP 3-42.1

4-4

tasking that changes the preplanned route of flight must be coordinated with the appropriate air control authority (most likely the

DASC) and the TACC. The DASC will ensure that all other airborne assets are adequately separated from the new route using

procedural control measures. The TACC will ensure that air

defense and intelligence agencies are notified of the change.

Nonorganic Assets

To obtain nonorganic UAV support, the MAGTF commander submits a JTAR to the joint force commander (JFC) J-2 for prioritization. The joint force air component commander (JFACC)

determines the capabilities/sorties to provide the requested coverage and considers the request as part of the daily apportionment

recommendation. Conflicting requests for theater-level UAV support are resolved by the JFC through the J-2’s Daily Air Reconnaissance Board or similar forum.

Preplanned

A UAV liaison officer may be attached to the JFACC to provide

technical and planning support. Once planning is complete, the

fragmentary order and UAV schedule are submitted to the JFACC

for inclusion into the ATO. The supporting UAV unit receives its

mission via the ATO.

Immediate

The execution cell in the combat operations division of the joint

air operations center normally develops immediate tasking.

Immediate tasking supplements the ATO and modifies UAV

tasking to support changing mission objectives. Tasking may
UAV Operations

4-5

include time-sensitive changes to the ATO, dynamic re-tasking

of an airborne UAV or a new UAV mission. UAVs supporting

theater-level operations may stay airborne for an entire ATO

cycle, so it is common for such re-tasking to occur.

Flight Brief

The mission commander organizes a flight brief that includes the

flight crew, intelligence representative, and maintenance representative. Briefs provide specific information in accordance with

the VMU’s SOPs. Briefers provide information to the entire crew

to include the following:

O Weather update.

O Intelligence brief.

O System update.

O Mission profile.

Takeoff Methods

The maintenance crew readies the UAV for launch as the flight

crew performs system checks to ensure systems perform in accordance with NATOPS procedures.

A vertical takeoff and landing require no length of runway for

takeoff. However, a flat, smooth, clear area must be available for

a safe, obstruction-free launch area.
MCWP 3-42.1

4-6

If a suitable runway is available, the mission commander may

perform a conventional rolling takeoff. The length of runway

depends on the UAV. However, a 400-pound UAV requires at

least 2,000 feet by 75 feet of hard, smooth, obstruction-free surface (at both ends of the runway) to allow the UAV space to climb

to its pattern altitude.

If a suitable runway is not available, then the pneumatic launch

method may be used. A launcher (part of the UAV system) drags

the UAV along two rails and catapults the UAV into the air. It

allows the VMU commander to accept an operating site that is

unsuitable for conventional takeoffs, but can be used for conventional rolling recovery. Adequate surface area must be available

for a safe landing for the UAV and clearance of nearby personnel.

If the RATO method is chosen, maintenance crews attach a

RATO bottle to the UAV’s undercarriage as it sits on a launch

stand. The crew fires the rocket, propelling the UAV into the air.

Like the pneumatic launch, adequate surface area for a safe

recovery is required. The VMU commanding officer receives

input from the UAV’s pilot and mission commanders when determining the suitability of a UAV operation site and decides the

most suitable launch method at that time.

Flight Crew 

The mission commander is responsible for the overall conduct of

the mission. He oversees and approves mission planning to comply with the ATO, flight schedule, and detachment SOPs. He

forms and conducts the mission brief. UAV units may conduct

split operations when the mission commander is not collocated

with the UAV operator who launches and recovers the vehicle. 
UAV Operations

4-7

The internal pilot is responsible for the safe control and operation

of all assigned UAVs as directed by the mission commander. The

pilot may be involved in mission planning per squadron SOPs;

completes all pre-launch, mission, and recovery checklists; and

assists in evaluating and disseminating in-flight data.

The payload operator is responsible for the efficient and effective

use of the airborne sensor. He operates the sensor; processes the

data to be sent to command, control, communications, computers,

and intelligence users; and recommends approaches and tactics to

employ sensors. 

The imagery analyst obtains, annotates, stores, and disseminates

imagery or real time intelligence. He provides information for

analysis and forming intelligence summaries to the intelligence

officer. He also forms imagery reports as required. 

The maintenance officer will ensure the payload is installed and

pre-flight checks have been performed before staging and fueling

to meet the flight schedule. The maintenance officer or qualified

technician is available to the mission commander during the mission to assist with any system difficulties.

Dissemination

The VMU has an organic intelligence department that detects and

interprets targets. The UAV video is linked to the G-2/S-2 section

where intelligence specialists select, analyze, and distribute UAV

imagery. Imagery can be digital photographs or splices of UAV

video. With proper communications connectivity and bandwidth,

these products can be posted on a Secret Internet Protocol Router
MCWP 3-42.1

4-8

Network (SIPRNET) Web site and accessed by anyone with Web

site access.

A copy of the entire UAV video can be created and delivered to

the requesting unit. With proper communications connectivity

and bandwidth, live video from the UAV can be provided over the

SIPRNET. A live video product can be received by personnel

within range of the remote antenna. 

Preparing for Recovery

Upon return to the UAV operations site, flight and maintenance

crews prepare for UAV recovery.

The mission commander obtains clearance to land from the

appropriate air control agency, passes that information to the

flight crew, and ensures the UAV recovery checklist is adhered to

in accordance with the NATOPS manual. After recovery, the mission commander informs the appropriate control agency and the

TACC that the UAV is no longer airborne. 

The internal pilot monitors the UAV system and performs recovery procedures in accordance with the NATOPS manual.

The payload operator prepares the payload for landing and assists

the internal pilot as necessary. 

If the UAV requires an external pilot for recovery, control is

passed to that position. Recovery procedures are conducted in

accordance with the NATOPS manual.
Appendix A

Federal Aviation Administration

Regional Addresses

Federal Aviation Administration

Alaska Region Headquarters

ATTN: AAL-500

222 West 7th Avenue, #14

Anchorage, AK 99513

Federal Aviation Administration

Central Region Headquarters

ATTN: ACE-500

601 East 12th Street

Federal Building

Kansas City, MO 64106

Federal Aviation Administration

Southern Region Headquarters

ATTN: ASO-500

1701 Columbia Avenue

College Park, GA 30337

Federal Aviation Administration

Southwest Region Headquarters

ATTN: ASW-500

2601 Meacham Boulevard

Fort Worth, TX 76137-4298

Federal Aviation Administration

Western-Pacific Region Headquarters

ATTN: AWP-500

P.O. Box 92007, WPC

Los Angeles, CA 90009

Federal Aviation Administration

New England Region Headquarters

ATTN: ANE-500

12 New England Executive Park

Burlington, MA 01803

Federal Aviation Administration

Great Lakes Region Headquarters

ATTN: AGL-500

O’Hare Lake Office Center

2300 East Devon Avenue

Des Plaines, IL 60018

Federal Aviation Administration

Eastern Region Headquarters

ATTN: AEA-500

JFK International Airport

Fitzgerald Federal Building

Jamaica, NY 11430

Federal Aviation Administration

Northwest Mountain Region Headquarters

ATTN: ANM-500

1601 Lind Avenue, SW

Renton, WA 98055
MCWP 3-42.1

A-2

Northwest

Mountain

Region Great Lakes

Region

Central

Region

Eastern

Region

Southern

Region

Southwest

Region

WesternPacific

Region

Alaska

Region New England

Region
Appendix B

The Pioneer Unmanned Aerial 

Vehicle System

General

The Pioneer UAV system consists of five UAVs, a ground control

station (GCS), a tracking and control unit, a portable manually control station (PCS), and four remote receive stations. The UAV is

manually controlled by a pilot from a control station or is programmed to fly independently under control of its autopilot. It is a

fixed, high-wing aircraft used for RSTA operations, fire support

adjustment, and bomb hit assessment. Driven by a pusher propeller,

the UAV transmits video and/or telemetry information to the GCS

and/or PCS in real-time. More than one control station may be used

to increase the UAV’s effective range or to control more than one

UAV. The GCS is contained in an S-250 or S-280 shelter. When

installed aboard ship, the GCS is contained in a mobile maintenance

facility (MMF). The PCS does not require a shelter, and can be

stored in an S-250 shelter.

Crew Requirements

The GCS in the S-250 shelter configuration or the MMF when aboard

ship is manned by a mission commander, an internal pilot, and a payload operator. The GCS in the S-280 shelter is manned the same but

also has an intelligence analyst to operate the intelligence bay. In either

configuration, an external pilot is required during takeoff and recovery.
MCWP 3-42.1

B-2

Principal Dimensions

Wingspan 16.9 feet

Length 4.0 feet

Height 3.3 feet

Performance

Service ceiling 12,000 feet

Maximum altitude 15,000 feet

Maximum endurance 5 hours

Maximum range 185 kilometers

Engine 26 horsepower

Fuel AVGAS (100 Octane) 

Cruise speed 65 knots

Maximum speed 110 knots

Weights 

UAV (empty) 276 pounds/l25 kilograms

Payload (maximum) 75 pounds/34 kilograms

Fuel 67 pounds/30 kilograms

Maximum takeoff 452 pounds/205 kilograms

Launch and Recovery

Rolling takeoff (minutes) 210 meters

Pneumatic launch 21 meters

RATO 0 meters

Arrested recovery 130 meters

Shipboard Net Recovery

Maximum headwind 25 knots, gust 30 knots

Maximum crosswind 15 knots, gust 20 knots

Maximum tailwind 5 knots (all launch types)

Weather

Maximum winds aloft are at 60 knots. Flight in known icing conditions,

instrument meteorological conditions, and precipitation is prohibited. 
Appendix C. Joint Tactical Air Strike Request 

(DD Form 1972)
Appendix D

Glossary

Section I. Acronyms and Abbreviations

AAA ............................................................antiaircraft artillery

ACA ................................................airspace coordination area

ACE.................................................... aviation combat element

AO................................................................. area of operations

AOA .................................................amphibious objective area 

ATO ..................................................................air tasking order

BDA ................................................. bomb damage assessment

CISP ....................... collection integration and synchronization

board

COC ...................................................combat operations center

COF ................................................................... conduct of fire

CONUS .............................................continental United States

DASC ...................................................direct air support center 

DS ........................................................................direct support

EA .................................................................. electronic attack 

EMW......................................expeditionary maneuver warfare

EW ................................................................electronic warfare 

EWO.....................................................electronic warfare other

FAA ........................................Federal Aviation Administration

FSC................................. fire support coordination/coordinator

FSCC ...................................... fire support coordination center
MCWP 3-42.1

D-2

G-2.............manpower or personnel officer (major subordinate 

commands and larger organizations)

G-3................operations officer (major subordinate commands

 and larger organizations)

G-4...................logistics officer (major subordinate commands

and larger organizations)

GCE ......................................................ground combat element

GCS ........................................................ground combat station

GS......................................................................general support

HD .............................................................. helicopter direction

HF...................................................................... high frequency

HN ............................................................................host nation

IADS............................................integrated air defense system

JFACC ........................... joint force air component commander

JFC......................................................... joint force commander

JTAR ..........................................joint tactical air strike request

LF ......................................................................... landing force

MACCS .....................Marine air command and control system

MAGTF ....................................... Marine air-ground task force

MEF.............................................. Marine Expeditionary Force

MEU ............................................... Marine Expeditionary Unit

MMF..............................................mobile maintenance facility

MSC .............................................major subordinate command

NATOPS .............................. Naval Air Training and Operating

Procedures Standardization

NGF ...................................................................... naval gunfire

NSFS .................................................naval surface fire support
UAV Operations

D-3

PCS........................................................portable control station

POL ................................................. petroleum, oils, lubricants

RATO .................................................... rocket assisted takeoff

ROA ...................................................restricted operations area

ROZ.................................................. restricted operations zone

RPV.....................................................remotely piloted vehicle

RSTA.......................... reconnaissance, surveillance, and target 

acquisition

SARC ...........................surveillance and reconnaissance center 

SATCOM ...........................................satellite communications

SIGINT........................................................ signals intelligence

SOP ............................................standing operating procedures

SPIRNET ..................Secret Internet Protocol Router Network

SWO...........................................................senior watch officer

TAC................................................................................ tactical

TACC ....................................tactical air control center (Navy);

tactical air command center (Marine Corps)

TACT.......................................... tactical aviation control team

TAD............................................................tactical air direction

T/E................................................................table of equipment

UAV.....................................................unmanned aerial vehicle

UHF............................................................ ultrahigh frequency

VHF ...........................................................very high frequency

VMU .......................Marine unmanned aerial vehicle squadron
MCWP 3-42.1

D-4

Section II. Definitions

air control—The authority to effect the maneuver of aircraft. The

elements of air control are: air control agency, air controller, airspace control, operational control, positive control, procedural

control, radar control, and terminal control. Air control is the

authority to direct the physical maneuver of aircraft in flight or to

direct an aircraft or SAW unit to engage a specific target. (MCWP

3-25)

air control agency—An organization possessing the capability to

exercise air control. (MCWP 3-25)

air defense—All defensive measures designed to destroy attacking

enemy aircraft or missiles in the Earth’s envelope of atmosphere, or

to nullify or reduce the effectiveness of such attack. (JP 1-02)

air direction—The guidance and supervision which a commander

employs to focus his resources on mission accomplishment. Air

direction occurs as a sequence of the following activities: apportionment, allocation, tasking, and fragmentary order. The authority

to regulate the employment of air resources (aircraft and SAW

units) to maintain a balance between their availability and the priorities assigned for their usage. (MCWP 3-25)

air reconnaissance—The acquisition of information by employing visual observation and/or sensors in air vehicles. (JP 1-02)

airspace control authority—The commander designated to

assume overall responsibility for the operation of the airspace control system in the airspace control area. Also called ACA. (JP 1-02) 
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airspace control order—An order implementing the airspace control plan that provides the details of the approved requests for airspace control measures. It is published either as part of the air

tasking order or as a separate document. Also called ACO. (JP

3-52) 

airspace control plan—The document approved by the joint force

commander that provides specific planning guidance and procedures for the airspace control system for the joint force area of

responsibility and/or joint operations area. Also called ACP. (JP

3-52)

airspace coordination area—A three-dimensional block of airspace in a target area, established by the appropriate ground commander, in which friendly aircraft are reasonably safe from

friendly surface fires. Also called ACA. (JP 1-02)

amphibious objective area—A geographical area (delineated

for command and control purposes in the order initiating the

amphibious operation) within which is located the objective(s) to

be secured by the amphibious force. This area must be of sufficient size to ensure accomplishment of the amphibious force’s

mission and must provide sufficient area for conducting necessary sea, air, and land operations. Also called AOA. (JP 1-02)

area of responsibility—The geographical area associated with a

combatant command within which a combatant commander has

authority to plan and conduct operations. Also called AOR. (JP

1-02)

close air support—Air action by fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft

against hostile targets that are in close proximity to friendly

forces and that require detailed integration of each air mission
MCWP 3-42.1

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with the fire and movement of those forces. Also called CAS. (JP

1-02)

combat information center—The agency in a ship or aircraft

manned and equipped to collect, display, evaluate, and disseminate tactical information for the use of the embarked flag officer,

commanding officer, and certain control agencies. Certain control, assistance and coordination functions may be delegated by

command to the combat information center. Also called CIC.

(JP 1-02) 

combat operations center—The primary operational agency

required to control the tactical operations of a command that

employs ground and aviation combat, combat support, and combat service support elements or portions thereof. The combat

operations center continually monitors, records, and supervises

operations in the name of the commander and includes the necessary personnel and communications to do the same. Also called

COC. (MCWP 3-25)

combatant command (command authority)—Nontransferable

command authority established by title 10 (“Armed Forces”),

United States Code, section 164, exercised only by commanders

of unified or specified combatant commands unless otherwise

directed by the President or the Secretary of Defense. Combatant

command (command authority) cannot be delegated and is the

authority of a combatant commander to perform those functions

of command over assigned forces involving organizing and

employing commands and forces, assigning tasks, designating

objectives, and giving authoritative direction over all aspects of

military operations, joint training, and logistics necessary to

accomplish the missions assigned to the command. Combatant

command (command authority) should be exercised through the

commanders of subordinate organizations. Normally this author-
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ity is exercised through subordinate joint force commanders and

Service and/or functional component commanders. Combatant

command (command authority) provides full authority to

organize and employ commands and forces as the combatant

commander considers necessary to accomplish assigned missions. Operational control is inherent in combatant command

(command authority). Also called COCOM. (JP 1-02)

combatant commander—A commander-in-chief of one of the

unified or specified combatant commands established by the

President. (JP 1-02)

combined arms—The full integration of arms in such a way that

in order to counteract one, the enemy must make himself vulnerable to another. (MCDP 1) The tactics, techniques, and procedures

employed by a force to integrate firepower and mobility to produce a desired effect upon the enemy. (MCWP 3-25)

command—The authority that a commander in the Armed

Forces lawfully exercises over subordinates by virtue of rank or

assignment: Command includes the authority and responsibility

for effectively using available resources and for planning the

employment of, organizing, directing, coordinating, and controlling military forces for the accomplishment of assigned missions.

It also includes responsibility for health, welfare, morale, and discipline of assigned personnel. (JP 1-02)

command and control—The exercise of authority and direction

by a properly designated commander over assigned and attached

forces in the accomplishment of the mission. Command and control functions are performed through an arrangement of personnel, equipment, communications, facilities, and procedures

employed by a commander in planning, directing, coordinating,
MCWP 3-42.1

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and controlling forces, and operations in the accomplishment of

the mission. Also called C2. (JP 1-02)

control—Authority that may be less than full command exercised by a commander over part of the activities of subordinate or

other organizations. (JP 1-02) (Part 1 of a 4-part definition.)

control of aircraft and missiles—The coordinated employment

of facilities, equipment, communications, procedures, and personnel which allows the ACE commander to plan, direct, and

control the efforts of the ACE to support the accomplishment of

the MAGTF’s mission. (MCWP 3-25)

coordinating altitude—A procedural airspace control method to

separate fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft by determining an altitude below which fixed-wing aircraft will normally not fly and

above which rotary-wing aircraft normally will not fly. The coordinating altitude is normally specified in the airspace control plan

and may include a buffer zone for small altitude deviations

(JP 3-52). Used with US Army helicopters.

coordination—The action necessary to ensure adequately integrated relationships between separate organizations located in the

same area. Coordination may include such matters as fire support,

emergency defense measures, area intelligence, and other situations in which coordination is considered necessary. (MCWP 3-25)

deep air support—Air action against enemy targets at such a

distance from friendly forces that detailed integration of each

mission with fire and movement of friendly forces is not required.

Deep air support missions are flown on either side of the fire

support coordination line; the lack of a requirement for close

coordination with the fire and movement of friendly forces is the

qualifying factor. Also called DAS. (MCWP 3-25) 
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direct air support center—The principal air control agency of

the US Marine air command and control system responsible for

the direction and control of air operations directly supporting the

ground combat element. It processes and coordinates requests for

immediate air support and coordinates air missions requiring integration with ground forces and other supporting arms. It normally

collocates with the senior fire support coordination center within

the ground combat element and is subordinate to the tactical air

command center. Also called DASC. (JP 1-02)

electronic warfare—Any military action involving the use of

electromagnetic and directed energy to control the electromagnetic spectrum or to attack the enemy. Also called EW. The three

major subdivisions within electronic warfare are: electronic

attack, electronic protection, and electronic warfare support.

a. electronic attack. That division of electronic warfare involving

the use of electromagnetic energy, directed energy, or antiradiation weapons to attack personnel, facilities, or equipment with the

intent of degrading, neutralizing, or destroying enemy combat

capability and is considered a form of fires. Also called EA. EA

includes: 1) actions taken to prevent or reduce an enemy’s effective use of the electromagnetic spectrum, such as jamming and

electromagnetic deception, and 2) employment of weapons that

use either electromagnetic or directed energy as their primary

destructive mechanism (lasers, radio frequency weapons, particle

beams). b. electronic protection. That division of electronic warfare involving passive and active means taken to protect personnel, facilities, and equipment from any effects of friendly or

enemy employment of electronic warfare that degrade, nuetralize

or destory friendly combat capability. Also called EP. c. electronic warfare support. That division of electronic warfare involving actions tasked by, or under direct control of, an operational

commander to search for, intercept, identify, and locate or local-
MCWP 3-42.1

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ize sources of intentional and unintentional radiated electromagnetic energy for the purpose of immediate threat recognition,

targeting, planning and conduct of future operations. Thus, electronic warfare support provides information required for decisions involving electronic warfare operations and other tactical

actions such as threat avoidance, targeting, and homing. Also

called ES. Electronic warfare support data can be used to produce

signals intelligence, provide targeting for electronic or destructive

attack, and produce measurement and signature intelligence.

(JP 1-02)

emission control—The selective and controlled use of electromagnetic, acoustic, or other emitters to optimize command and control

capabilities while minimizing, for operations security: a. detection

by enemy sensors; b. mutual interference among friendly systems;

and/or c. enemy interference with the ability to execute a military

deception plan. Also called EMCON. (JP 1-02)

essential elements of friendly information—Key questions

likely to be asked by adversary officials and intelligence systems

about specific friendly intentions, capabilities, and activities, so

they can obtain answers critical to their operational effectiveness.

Also call EEFI. (JP 1-02)

fire support coordination center—A single location in which

are centralized communications facilities and personnel incident

to the coordination of all forms of fire support. Also called

FSCC. (JP 1-02)

fire support coordination line—A fire support coordinating

measure that is established and adjusted by appropriate land or

amphibious force commanders within their boundaries in consultation with superior, subordinate, supporting, and affected commanders. Fire support coordination lines (FSCLs) facilitate the
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expeditious attack of surface targets of opportunity beyond the

coordinating measure. An FSCL does not divide an area of

operations by defining a boundary between close and deep operations or a zone for close air support. The FSCL applies to all fires

of air, land, and sea-based weapons systems using any type of

ammunition. Forces attacking targets beyond an FSCL must

inform all affected commanders in sufficient time to allow necessary reaction to avoid fratricide. Supporting elements attacking

targets beyond the FSCL must ensure that the attack will not produce adverse attacks on, or to the rear of, the line. Short of an

FSCL, all air-to-ground and surface-to-surface attack operations

are controlled by the appropriate land or amphibious force commander. The FSCL should follow well-defined terrain features.

Coordination of attacks beyond the FSCL is especially critical to

commanders of air, land, and special operations forces. In exceptional circumstances, the inability to conduct this coordination

will not prelude the attack of targets beyond the FSCL. However,

failure to do so may increase the risk of fratricide and could waste

limited resources. Also called FSCL. (JP 1-02)

forward air controller—An officer (aviator/ pilot) member of

the tactical air control party who, from a forward ground or airborne position, controls aircraft in close air support of ground

troops. Also called FAC. (JP 1-02)

forward operating base—An airfield used to support tactical

operations without establishing full support facilities. The base

may be used for an extended time period. Support by a main

operating base will be required to provide backup support for a

forward operating base. Also called FOB. (MCWP 3-25) 

ground alert—That status in which aircraft on the ground/deck are

fully serviced and armed, with combat crews in readiness to take off
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within a specified short period of time (usually 15 minutes) after

receipt of a mission order. Also known as strip alert. (JP 1-02) 

identification—The process of determining the friendly or hostile character of an unknown detected contact. (JP 1-02)

identification, friend or foe—A device that emits a signal positively identifying it as a friendly. Also called IFF. (JP 1-02)

joint operation—An operation carried on by a force which is composed of significant elements of the Army, Navy or the Marine

Corps, and the Air Force, or two or more of these Services operating under a single commander authorized to exercise unified command or operational control over joint forces. Note: A Navy/

Marine Corps operation is not a joint operation. (MCWP 3-25)

low level transit route—A temporary corridor of defined dimensions established in the forward area to minimize the risk to

friendly aircraft from friendly air defenses or surface forces. Also

called LLTR. (JP 1-02)

main battle area—That portion of the battlefield in which the

decisive battle is fought to defeat the enemy. For any particular

command, the main battle area extends rearward from the forward edge of the battle area to the rear boundary of the command’s subordinate units. (JP 1-02)

maneuver warfare—A warfighting philosophy that seeks to

shatter the enemy’s cohesion through a variety of rapid, focused,

and unexpected actions which create a turbulent and rapidly deteriorating situation with which the enemy cannot cope. (MCRP

5-12C)
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Marine air command and control system—A system that provides the aviation combat element commander with the means to

command, coordinate, and control all air operations with other

Services. It is composed of command and control agencies with

communications-electronics equipment that incorporates a capability from manual through semiautomatic control. Also called

MACCS. (JP 1-02)

minimum risk route—A temporary corridor of defined dimensions recommended for use by high-speed, fixed-wing aircraft

that presents the minimum known hazards to low-flying aircraft

transiting the combat zone. Also called MRR. (JP 3-52) 

naval surface fire support—Fire provided by Navy surface gun

and missile systems in support of a unit or units tasked with achieving the commander’s objectives. Also called NSFS. (JP 1-02)

near real time—Pertaining to the timeliness of data or information which has been delayed by the time required for electronic

communication and automatic data processing. This implies that

there are no significant delays. Also called NRT. (JP 1-02)

positive control—A method of airspace control that relies on

positive identification, tracking, and direction of aircraft within

an airspace, conducted with electronic means by an agency having the authority and responsibility therein. (JP 1-02) Also the

tactical control of aircraft by a designated control unit, whereby

the aircraft receives orders affecting its movements which immediately transfer responsibility for the safe navigation of the aircraft to the unit issuing such orders. (MCWP 3-25)

procedural control—A method of airspace control that relies on

a combination of previously agreed and promulgated orders and

procedures. (JP 1-02)
MCWP 3-42.1

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restricted operations area—Airspace of defined dimensions, designated by the airspace control authority, in response to specific

operational situations/requirements within which the operation of

one or more airspace users is restricted. Also called ROA. Also

called restricted operations zone (ROZ). (JP 1-02) 

rules of engagement—Directives issued by competent military

authority that delineate the circumstances and limitations under

which United States forces will initiate and/or continue combat

engagement with other forces encountered. Also called ROE.

(JP 1-02)

supporting arms coordination center—A single location on

board an amphibious command ship in which all communication

facilities incident to the coordination of fire support of the artillery, air, and naval gunfire are centralized. This is the naval counterpart to the fire support coordination center utilized by the

landing force. Also called SACC. (JP 1-02)

suppression of enemy air defenses—That activity which neutralizes, destroys, or temporarily degrades surface-based enemy

air defenses by destructive and/or disruptive means. Also called

SEAD. (JP 1-02)

surface-to-air guided missile—A surface-launched guided missile for use against air targets. Also called SAM. (JP 1-02) 

tactical air command center—The principal US Marine Corps

air command and control agency from which air operations and

air defense warning functions are directed. It is the senior agency

of the US Marine air command and control system which serves

as the operational command post of the aviation combat element

commander. It provides the facility from which the aviation combat element commander and his battle staff plan, supervise, coor-
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dinate, and execute all current and future air operations in support

of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force. The tactical air command

center can provide integration, coordination and direction of joint

and combined air operations. Also called Marine TACC.

(MCWP 3-25) 

tactical air control center—The principal air operations installation (ship-based) from which all aircraft and air warning functions of tactical air operations are controlled. (JP 1-02) US Navy

only, US Air Force changed their TACC to AOC (air operations

center).

tactical air operations center—The principal air control agency of

the US Marine air command and control system responsible for airspace control and management. It provides real-time surveillance,

direction, positive control and navigational assistance for friendly

aircraft. It performs real-time direction and control, of all antiair warfare operations, to include manned interceptors and surface-to-air

weapons. It is subordinate to the tactical air command center. Also

called TAOC. (JP 1-02.) 

target acquisition—The detection, identification, and location of a

target in sufficient detail to permit the effective employment of

weapons. (JP 1-02)

unmanned aerial vehicle—A powered, aerial vehicle that does

not carry a human operator, uses aerodynamic forces to provide

vehicle lift, can fly autonomously or be piloted remotely, can be

expendable or recoverable, and can carry a lethal or nonlethal

payload. Ballistic or semiballistic vehicles, cruise missiles, and

artillery projectiles are not considered unmanned aerial vehicles.

Also called UAV. (JP 1-02)
Appendix E

References

Joint Publication (JP)

3-09.3 Joint Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures for Close

 Air Support

Marine Corps Warfighting Publications (MCWPs)

3-25 Control of Aircraft and Missiles

3-40.3 Communications and Information Systems

Miscellaneous

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Survivability Threat Assessment Report,

Short Range Pioneer RPV System Survivability and Vulnerability

Pacific Missile Test Center and Joint System Threat Assessment

Report, Close Range Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (CR-UAV) (S)

NATOPS Operations Manual

DD Form 1972, Joint Tactical Air Strike Request (JTAR)