Senior leaders at Fort Sill recently completed a condensed version of the Joint Counter-small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-sUAS) University’s Installation Protection Course, aimed at preparing the installation to better defend against the growing threat posed by small drones.
The two-and-a-half-day training, held on base, was designed specifically for garrison leaders whose schedules could not accommodate the university’s full weeklong course. Despite the shorter format, instructors delivered key lessons on threat identification, response protocols and legal frameworks governing drone activity over military installations.
The C-sUAS University, located at Fort Sill, is the Department of Defense’s only joint training hub for counter-drone operations, educating personnel from across the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. Its training is part of a broader U.S. effort to address the proliferation of commercial drones and their use by adversaries for surveillance or attack.
The national push for stronger drone defenses has been reinforced by executive-level directives, including the “Ensuring American Sovereignty Over Its Skies” order signed in 2020, which calls for improved protection against unmanned aerial threats.
During the course, 11 leaders from Fort Sill’s emergency services, public works and operational directorates participated in classroom sessions, live demonstrations and a field scenario simulating a drone breach into restricted airspace.
At the range, Fort Sill UAS air boss Jacob Cameron demonstrated several types of small drones, including commercial quadcopters and custom-built foam aircraft. He also explained how 3D printers are used to repair and replicate drones on-site, improving training realism while cutting costs.
“If we want our Soldiers ready, they have to train against what’s actually out there,” Cameron told the group, emphasizing the importance of realistic, adaptable training.
Instructors also highlighted the layered detection and response systems in use at Fort Sill, including ground-based radar and electronic warfare tools like the Ninja detection system and Windtalker signal tracker. Nick Barnett, a UAS instructor, stressed the importance of routine maintenance, noting that detection systems only work effectively when properly sustained.
Beyond defense, some leaders saw potential for drones to enhance their daily operations. Debra Porter, Director of Public Works, pointed to the use of drones for inspecting infrastructure like roofs and dams, which could improve safety and efficiency.
Mike Spears, Chief of Training under the Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security, said the course provided clarity on what’s needed to complete the installation’s 130i packet, an essential step for implementing formal counter-UAS measures.
Deputy to the Garrison Commander Julia Sibilla, who initiated the idea of adapting the course for senior staff, said the experience helped unify different departments around a common threat.
“My hope is that a year from now, we’re offering this to even more leaders across the installation,” Sibilla said. “The more we learn together, the better we can coordinate, protect our people and stay ready for whatever comes next.”
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