KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- The small unmanned aerial systems team assigned to the 8th Security Forces Squadron sharpened their skills and fully integrated with fireteams during exercise Beverly Sentinel 25-3 at Kunsan Air Base, Aug. 5-7.
During the exercise, defenders launched drones in a counter-sUAS capacity to monitor simulated threats from drones piloted by wing inspection team members, relaying real-time information to their fireteams on the ground and allowing seamless aerial integration in addressing and taking down threats.
“We have alarm monitors that sit in the office and monitor for sUAS activity,” said Senior Airman Cheyanne Parsons, 8th SFS counter-sUAS instructor. “I’m assigned to a fireteam and use [the drone] to fly around and look for enemy activity, hold rear security, and scout around the buildings.”
Members of the Wolf Pack’s sUAS team are constantly on alert and always looking for opportunities to integrate drone usage daily. The squadron employs a layered approach to defense through a mix of perimeter patrols, systems used to detect, track, mitigate drone activity, and integrate into small unit tactics.
The rapidly evolving and inexpensive nature of drone technology presents a growing challenge and U.S Air Force Lt. Col. Ryan “Sheriff” Kiggins, 8th SFS commander, has charged the squadron to meet it head on by training and employing the technology to defend the base.
“Integrated counter and friendly sUAS capabilities, coupled with a proactive operating mindset, are what we need to succeed in what will likely be a degraded and contested environment during future conflicts,” said Kiggins. “This strategic integration is crucial for enhancing overall airfield protection and situational awareness, ensuring the Wolf Pack remains ready to fight tonight.”
Outside of exercise operations, Airmen of the sUAS team train and integrate with units transiting Kunsan AB. Most commonly, the team works in tandem with U.S. Marine Corps infantry units, teaching them how to use their equipment to jam, scout, and neutralize enemy drones.
“We certify different service members to operate on these systems,” said Senior Airman Alexander Moose, 8th SFS counter-sUAS instructor. “Most of our courses have Marines, and once they get certified, they can bring their training back to their home units, and they can employ that knowledge with their systems.”
Leveraging readiness and skill, the 8th SFS sUAS team is ensuring aerial dominance on the Korean Peninsula and pioneering sUAS and counter-sUAS capabilities across the Indo-Pacific.
“The 8th SFS leverages a mission command leadership philosophy, empowering defenders to employ these capabilities down to the fireteam level.” said Kiggins. “This is enabled through the competence of our defenders, their disciplined initiative, a shared understanding of the mission and operating environment, and the mutual trust shared between leaders and members of the unit.”