U.S. Army Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)—a historical perspective to identifying and understanding stakeholder relationships

Abstract

This research is intended to advance understanding of relationships between unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) stakeholders and programs to allow the Army to increase efficiencies and reduce costs. It was found that the Army had never completed a formal UAS stakeholder identification and analysis. Internal and external stakeholders are identified here and fall within categories of Army executive program leadership (e.g., Program Executive Office for Aviation), Army and service components (active, Guard, reserve forces), senior Army leadership (e.g., Headquarters, Department of Army), other federal and non-federal government entities (e.g., Congress), commercial interests (e.g., industry and academia), and other interested parties, such as the American people. An analysis of relationships affecting these stakeholders was conducted, including organizational beliefs and cultures, management of resources, policies and law and future UAS enhancements planned by the Army and industry partners. The most important problems found were inter-service and inter-branch disputes that shape UAS policies and procedures, forecasting for future UAS growth while managing costs and finding more efficient, less redundant ways to use current UAS capabilities, and safe integration into the national airspace system. This stakeholder analysis allows the Army to leverage the support of others for funding, resources, intellectual property, lessons learned and cooperation.