NSU Conducts Drone Operations Training for Fort Polk Soldiers
NSU Conducts Drone Training for Fort Polk Soldiers
Northwestern State University’s ARGO Lab recently completed its inaugural drone training program for soldiers stationed at Fort Polk, Louisiana. The two-day course was designed for troops from the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, focusing on the fundamentals of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) operations, flight planning, sensor work, and field maintenance.
Training Curriculum Overview
JD Cox, director of NSU’s Advanced Remote and Geospatial Operations Lab, led the training in collaboration with the university’s Office of Economic Development and Advancement. The program began with an introduction to multirotor quadcopter systems, including their classifications, sensors, and batteries, before transitioning to hands-on flight operations.
The curriculum included:
- Aviation weather
- Aeronautical decision-making
- Crew roles
- Mission planning
Participants also engaged in assembling and disassembling larger multirotor platforms and executing advanced sensor operations. While some soldiers had prior experience with surveillance drones, many sought more structured training.
SPC Kevin Ruiz from the 3/10th Mountain Division noted that the course enhanced his understanding of the practical applications of drones in real-world scenarios. Mark Leslie, Fort Polk’s director of Plans, Training, Mobilization, and Security, highlighted the similarities between civilian and military UAS operations, particularly valuing the mission planning segment of the training.
Importance of Drone Training for the Army
The timing of this training aligns with the U.S. Army’s emphasis on achieving “drone dominance” as a priority. The initiative aims to ensure that every soldier is proficient with small UAS, reflecting a broader trend within the military.
Recent developments include:
- Integration of virtual drone training into basic training at Fort Benning
- Completion of an advanced drone course by Green Berets at Fort Carson
- Hosting of the first-ever Best Drone Warfighter Competition in Huntsville
The Army’s operational doctrine was updated in March 2025 to include new imperatives such as “protect against constant observation” and “engage with sensors or unmanned systems.” These changes were influenced by lessons learned from conflicts, particularly in Ukraine, where inexpensive drones have significantly impacted military operations.
Future Training Initiatives
NSU’s ARGO Lab has established itself as a regional leader in drone education, offering various training programs, including Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification prep courses for law enforcement and industry professionals. The lab’s fleet includes advanced drone models equipped for various training scenarios.
Leslie emphasized the potential benefits of pursuing FAA Part 107 certification in future military training sessions. The next training session is scheduled for April 25-26 at NSU’s Leesville/Fort Polk campus.
The 3rd Brigade Combat Team, known as the “Patriot Brigade,” has a rich operational history, having deployed to Afghanistan multiple times and participated in NATO exercises in Europe. Integrating structured UAS training into their regimen is a logical progression for a light infantry brigade facing increasingly drone-saturated battlefields.
Conclusion
The Army’s need for external training partners is evident as it seeks to equip soldiers with drone capabilities. Programs like NSU’s ARGO Lab provide essential training that aligns with military objectives without the high costs associated with traditional defense contractors. The collaboration between civilian and military sectors is crucial for developing a skilled workforce capable of operating drones effectively in various environments.