Modeling the organisational implementation of a drone and counter-drone operator into the Serbian Armed Forces rifle section

Abstract

Drones are one of the new threats to tactical units. The armed forces use them with various successes in operations. However, the smallest tactical unit such as rifle section is generally still unprepared to operate drones and perform counter measures. Drones have a wide range of capabilities and therefore can be used for both civilian and military purposes. Along with the development of drones, counter-drone systems have also been developed. Several small drones and counter-drone systems suitable for the use by one man are presented in the first part of the research results to show that there is more than one system that can be selected for operational use. This also shows that one soldier in rifle section is capable of operating a small drone and counter-drone systems. This research has aimed to survey the organizational structure and determine organizational capabilities to implement a drone and counter-drone operator duty in rifle section. For that purpose, the research team has conducted a series of interviews with officers and non-commissioned officers of the Serbian Armed Forces and the Ministry of Defense. This duty is defined as "a drone operator" and in this research the Serbian Armed Forces rifle section is modeled in such a way to include a duty for 1) a specialized rifleman, 2) a converted sniper, or 3) an embedded soldier.