Georgia’s Army National Guard has initiated a new Unmanned Aerial Systems Operator course to develop personnel capable of flying tactical drones. The 12-day program, spearheaded by Brig. Gen. Jason Fryman and a team of six trainers, combines classroom theory with field exercises using the RQ-28 Short Range Reconnaissance drone from Skydio. Lightweight, foldable, and AI-enabled, the drone can autonomously navigate obstacles and perform advanced visual and thermal surveillance. Trainees are taught to integrate these drones into mission planning, performing reconnaissance tasks critical to engineering operations and tactical situational awareness. The program emphasizes developing a cadre of master trainers who can disseminate knowledge across the Guard, ultimately preparing personnel to operate larger, more complex unmanned systems over time. The initiative represents a significant step toward increasing UAS proficiency and operational readiness within Georgia’s military units.
