Marines load an RQ-7B Shadow on its launcher in Afghanistan (Official USMC Photo)
Marine Corps Announces Unmanned Pilot Officer Specialty
16 March 2015 - In a recent "MARADMIN" message, the Deputy Commandant for Aviation, Lieutenant General Jon M. Davis, directed the establishment of a Marine Occupational Specialty (MOS) for Unmanned Air Systems.
The directive notes that the 7315 UAS Officer MOS "complements the larger UAS manpower strategy, focused on establishing a professional cadre of UAS officers. This will be accomplished through initial entry accessions, targeted conversion of qualified officers, and implementation of transformational technologies to advance this burgeoning community.”
Upon selection, the new officers will attend the Air Force’s 22 week long Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) course at Randolph Air Force Base, in San Antonio, Texas. Following that course, they will attend the Army’s RQ-7B Shadow course at Fort Huachuca, Arizona. The Marines' four Shadow squadrons fly reconnaissance, radio relay, and target acquisition missions.
The Fiscal Year 16 Accession Board to select the 7315 Field Officers will convene the week of 15-19 June 2015 and is open to all officers with less than 12 years of commissioned service.