Jeffrey A. Gabbert

Executive Agent for Unmanned Aircraft Systems Jeffrey A. Gabbert

The United States Air Force has requested Executive Agency over all Department of Defense (DoD) Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) that fly above 3,500 feet. This paper documents how a service is designated as an Executive Agent over a certain domain. The paper highlights the roles and responsibilities of the service or organization designated as an Executive Agent. The Executive Agency roles and responsibilities of the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff are also documented. The Air Force's stated reasons why the Secretary of Defense should appoint them the DoD Executive Agent for Unmanned Aircraft Systems are examined. Then the paper captures the Army's main arguments as they pertain to the Air Force being designated as the Executive Agent for unmanned aircraft systems. The author's thesis is that appointing the United States Air Force as the Executive Agency for unmanned aircraft systems will have adverse operational impacts for the United States Army and our combatant, operational, and tactical commanders. The document is completed by providing the reader with a recommendation and conclusion section.