THIS ACADEMY IS CURRENTLY CLOSED: SGAUS sUAS Operator (SUASO) Academy
THIS ACADEMY IS CURRENTLY CLOSED: The SGAUS sUAS Operator (SUASO) designation (pronounced "SWAAH-so") is the premier credential for State Defense Force personnel operating Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems. This Academy aligns state-level operators with federal FEMA NIMS standards and FAA regulations, ensuring interoperability during joint response operations.
Phase I: Prerequisites & Prequalification
- Be a Current SGAUS Member in good standing.
- Document proficiency in both federal positions listed below.
Note: Both positions below are federally "typed" resources. Holding these credentials qualifies an individual for activation and mutual aid deployment under the National Incident Management System (NIMS).
This specialist serves as a subject matter expert within the Incident Command System to advise on sUAS capabilities, limitations, and data collection. The role focuses on the technical application of the sensor payload rather than the flight operation itself.
Required Training (FEMA/OSHA):
- IS-100: Intro to ICS
- IS-200: Basic ICS for Initial Response
- IS-700: Intro to NIMS
- IS-800: National Response Framework
- Hazmat: IS-5.A or OSHA 1910.120
- FAA ALC-704: Crew Resource Management (proof of exam pass)
Operational Experience:
- Documented participation in a drill, exercise, or event within the last 3 years.
This position designates the individual as a qualified operator responsible for the safe flight and maneuvering of the aircraft during incident response. It requires FAA licensure to conduct aerial operations within the National Airspace System.
Licensure & Training:
- FAA Certification: Current Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
- FEMA Training: IS-100, IS-200, IS-700, IS-800
Operational Experience:
- Flight proficiency (3 takeoffs/landings in previous 90 days).
- Documented participation in a drill, exercise, or event within the last 3 years.
Phase II: The SUASO Academy Curriculum
Delivery Method: SGAUS Learning Management System (LMS)
Prerequisite: Successful Phase I Verification
Once prerequisites are verified, the candidate is enrolled in the formal SUASO course. This curriculum focuses on military-specific application of sUAS technology within the State Defense Force environment.
- Module 1: The SGAUS SUASO Program Introduction to the program standards, expectations, and the academy workflow.
- Module 2: Foundations of the Profession Historical Context: Aviation history, Remote Sensing principles, and Aerial Reconnaissance fundamentals.
- Module 3: Science and Technology Technical deep-dive: Aircraft & Sensor Types, Data Types (Live persistent observation, orthophotography, 3D models), and Geospatial Foundations (Storage/Security).
- Module 4: Missions and Roles Operational profiles including Drone as First Responder (DFR), Surveillance, DomOps, and other support roles.
- Module 5: Organizational Compositions Command structures: US Military, National Wildfire Coordination Group (NWCG), and State Guard/Defense Force Models.
- Module 6: Guiding Policies Regulatory frameworks: FAA, FEMA, SGAUS, FOIA, and Blue/Green List/NDAA Compliance.
- Module 7: Practicum Examples and Guidance Field application guidance for State Guard Training, Joint Force Exercises, and Real World Operations.
- Final Examination Comprehensive theory exam and scenario-based mission planning exercise.
Apply for Admission
Prepare your digital packet (PDF) containing your FEMA transcripts, FAA Part 107 card, and proof of operational experience.
SUBMIT PREQUALIFICATION PACKETResources:
Academy Staff
Introducing the SUASO, Legal, and Recruiting & Retention Academies
EXPANDING EXCELLENCE:Introducing the SUASO, Legal, and Recruiting & Retention Academies Fellow Service Members, Building on the incredible momentum of our recent launch of the Medical, Chaplain, Engineer, and Communications programs, the State Guard Association of the United States (SGAUS) is proud to formally [...]
Commandant’s Message: A New Horizon for the State Guard
Commandant's Message: A New Horizon for the State Guard To the Officers, NCOs, and Troops of the State Defense Forces: Welcome to the SGAUS sUAS Operator (SUASO) Academy. Today marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of the State Guard. For over a [...]
SGAUS Launches New FEMA SRT Qualification Webpage
SGAUS is pleased to announce the launch of a new online resource designed to assist members in navigating the FEMA National Qualification System (NQS) requirements for paid Supplemental Response Team (SRT) positions.This new quick-reference guide provides a centralized, easy-to-use interface detailing the official [...]