Unmanned Systems Gain Higher Profile in U.S. Marine Corps Programs.

• Author: Willingham, Stephen
• Position: Brief Article - Interview

"The world is turning into urban sprawl," said Brig. Gen. William D. Catto, commander of the Marine Corp. Warfighting Lab. "Our focus will be on helping infantry to fight and survive in built-up areas."

Catto and other officials addressed industry representatives at the 20th Modern Day Marine Exposition, in Quantico, Va.

"Our first concern is [containing] asymmetric threats," said Catto. This translates into deterring terrorists by letting them know that "we are prepared," he bluntly stated.

When it comes to emerging requirements for tactical unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and unmanned ground vehicles, Catto quickly let his preferences be known. "If it's not small, I don't want it," he said. "If it's too big, it costs too much."

For urban operations, the Corps is seeking wireless command and control communications networks, he said, that feature the latest information technology. "Better communications mean better knowledge of the position of friendly forces, which, then reduces incidents of fratricide," Catto stated.

He cited a lightweight UAV--small enough...