MQ-9A UAS Supports USMC Training Exercise

Contracting the use of General Atomics Aeronautical Systems’ MQ-9A enabled USMC to begin integrating Group 5 unmanned aircraft into the Marine Air-Ground Task Force for the first time within the various exercises By Caroline Rees / 05 Apr 2023
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General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) is working with the US Marine Corps (USMC) on a series of Service-Level Training Exercises (SLTE) using a company-owned MQ-9A UAS to support the Marine Air-Ground Task Force Training Command (MAGTFTC). 

The SLTE 2-23 is being conducted near Twentynine Palms, California with participation from Joint Forces. The training ensures participants are prepared for the future dynamic environment.

Contracting the use of MQ-9A enabled USMC to begin integrating Group 5 unmanned aircraft into the Marine Air-Ground Task Force for the first time within the various exercises. 

GA-ASI began flying the MQ-9A in February 2023, with a combination of GA-ASI and VMU-3 pilots and sensor operators. The aircraft flew out of GA-ASI’s facility at the Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona, with flights over training ranges in Southwest-Continental United States. The MQ-9A is providing its proven Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) data package – including GA-ASI’s Lynx Multi-mode Radar – to provide the USMC with extraordinary situational awareness and simulated close air support.

“GA-ASI is always ready and willing to support the USMC exercises,” said GA-ASI Vice President of DoD Strategic Development, Patrick Shortsleeve. “We know that being able to utilize an actual MQ-9A is critical to the success of these exercises and helps the USMC ramp-up their training program.”

The SLTE Program consists of a series of exercises, including the live-fire Integrated Training Exercise, Marine Littoral Regiment Training Exercise, and Force-on-Force MAGTF Warfighting Exercise. 

MAGTFTC executes the SLTE Program, which includes simulated and live-fire armed exercises, to enhance the readiness of the Fleet Marine Forces and support the Marine Corps’ responsibilities to national security.

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Posted by Caroline Rees Caroline co-founded Unmanned Systems Technology and has been at the forefront of the business ever since. With a Masters Degree in marketing Caroline has her finger on the pulse of all things unmanned and is committed to showcasing the very latest in unmanned technical innovation. Connect & Contact
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