PUBLISHED BY THE ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED STATES ARMY www.ausa.org November 13, 2025 | AUSA Extra 1 Soldier flies new unmanned Black Hawk An Army National Guard sergeant first class with no aviation experience flies a Black Hawk helicopter using a handheld tablet powered by MATRIX aircraft autonomy system technology at Camp Grayling, Michigan. (COURTESY/LOCKHEED MARTIN SIKORSKY) Army Adjusts Drill Sergeant Kit for Women 3 Paper: Duty Status Reform Benefits Troops 4 NCO & Soldier Programs Music and Military Service 6 Chapter Highlights Uncle Sam Community Partner Challenge 7 IN THIS ISSUE VOLUME 7 NUMBER 27 NOVEMBER 13, 2025 I n a recent test, a soldier with no aviation experience created flight plans and flew Black Hawk he- licopter missions using a handheld tablet while standing on the ground. Known as an optionally piloted vehicle, or OPV, the Black Hawk was developed by Lockheed Martin Sikorsky and tested in August dur- ing Northern Strike 25-2, a military exercise with real-world missions that took place at Camp Grayling, Michigan, according to a Lockheed Martin news release. The test was conducted by an Army National Guard sergeant first class who was trained in under an hour on how to independently plan, command and execute OPV Black Hawk mis- sions using the handheld tablet pow- ered by MATRIX aircraft autonomy system technology. MATRIX gives operators control of advanced aviation, a capability once reserved for trained pilots, enabling resupply, personnel recovery and contested logistics missions in dan- gerous or low-visibility areas without putting human life at risk, the news release said. The test comes at a time when the Army is overhauling its aviation formations to minimize costs associ- ated with high-maintenance piloted aircraft and leverage autonomous technology to reduce risk to soldiers by carrying out optionally piloted missions. During the tests, which took place over the course of about a week, the NCO directed the vehicle’s payload to a location 70 nautical miles away and commanded multiple precision airborne drops. The test marked the first time the OPV Black Hawk was operated under the full control of a real warfighter rather than a trained test pilot or engineer, the news re- lease said. While the soldier-directed flight was a major milestone in the devel- opment of the vehicle, other firsts for the OPV Black Hawk during North- ern Strike included three types of cargo delivery missions and a medi- cal evacuation exercise. See Black Hawk, Page 3www.ausa.org ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED STATES ARMY November 13, 2025 | AUSA Extra 3 Female drill sergeants to switch to iconic campaign hat B eginning in January, female drill sergeants will begin wearing the same hat as their male counterparts, according to pub- lished reports citing an Army spokes- person. Starting Jan. 2, the green bush- style hat upturned on one side worn by female Army drill sergeants will be discontinued in favor of the flat- brimmed olive-green campaign hats worn by men. The change applies to drill sergeants in the Regular Army and the U.S. Army Reserve, the spokesperson said in the reports published Oct. 27. The change was prompted by the inability of vendors to meet Army quality standards for the female drill sergeant hat, a U.S. official who spoke anonymously due to the federal government shutdown told Task & Purpose. News of the change first appeared on Oct. 26 on an informal Army dis- cussion page on Reddit, which stated that “the Chief of Staff of the Army has approved the Army Uniform Board’s recommendation to transi- tion to a single drill sergeant hat, the male version known as the Campaign Hat.” The female drill sergeant hat came into being in 1972, when six NCOs from the Women’s Army Corps at Fort McClellan, Alabama, became the first women to graduate from Starting Jan. 2, the green bush-style hat upturned on one side worn by female Army drill sergeants, shown at left, will be discontinued in favor of the flat-brimmed olive- green campaign hats worn by their male counterparts. (U.S. ARMY PHOTO) Black Hawk From Page 1 From a U.S. Coast Guard vessel on Lake Huron, the soldier planned and executed a Class 1 resupply mission from 70 nautical miles away. After the cargo was unloaded, he used the tablet interface to direct the OPV Black Hawk in racetrack pat- terns over the lake while soldiers on- board completed two precision para- chute drops at different altitudes. In a sling load exercise, the NCO conducted the first-ever autonomous hookup of an external load while air- borne. Using its hover stability capabili- ties, the OPV Black Hawk held its position while soldiers attached a 2,900-pound water tank without pi- lot intervention. A third exercise saw the OPV Black Hawk complete six autonomous hov- ering hookups to transport high-mo- bility artillery rocket system launch tubes to an alternate landing zone. The soldier then used the aircraft to conduct a simulated personnel recovery, including a tail-to-tail patient transfer to a piloted Black Hawk at an unimproved landing site, marking once again the first time an untrained soldier commanded an au- tonomous medical evacuation recov- ery from inside the OPV Black Hawk aircraft, according to the release. “With lives on the line, Sikorsky’s MATRIX flight autonomy system can transform how military operators perform their missions,” Rich Ben- ton, vice president and general man- ager of Sikorsky, said in the release. the drill sergeant program at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, accord- ing to the Army. Designed by Brig. Gen. Mildred Bailey, the original hat was beige and taken from the Aus- tralian bush hat. In 1983, the color was changed to green, according to the Army. The men’s iconic broad-brimmed hat evolved from the 1883 campaign hat. It was abandoned in 1942 but reintroduced in 1964. Since then, the instantly recognizable hat has become a “proud symbol of the drill sergeant,” the Army said. “The drill sergeants wear the campaign hat as a testament of their demonstrated professionalism, commitment to the mission, and proven leadership.” Surveys polling female drill ser- geants over the years have shown broad support for the change.www.ausa.org 4 AUSA Extra | November 13, 2025 Gen. Bob Brown, USA Ret. President and CEO, AUSA Lt. Gen. Leslie Smith, USA Ret. Vice President, Leadership and Education, AUSA Luc Dunn Editor Desiree Hurlocker Advertising Manager Advertising Information Contact: Fox Associates Inc. 116 W. Kinzie St. • Chicago, IL 60654 Phone: 800-440-0231 Email: adinfo.rmy@foxrep.com ARTICLES. Articles appearing in AUSA Extra do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the officers or members of the Council of Trustees of AUSA, or its editors. Articles are expres- sions of personal opinion and should not be interpreted as reflecting the official opinion of the Department of Defense nor of any branch, command, installation or agency of the Depart- ment of Defense. The publication assumes no responsibility for any unsolicited material. Email: extra@ausa.org ADVERTISING. Neither AUSA Extra, nor its publisher, the Association of the United States Army, makes any representations, warranties or endorsements as to the truth and accuracy of the advertisements appearing herein, and no such representations, warranties or en- dorsements should be implied or inferred from the appearance of the advertisements in the publication. The advertisers are solely respon- sible for the contents of such advertisements. MEMBERSHIP RATES. To celebrate the U.S. Army’s 250th birthday, from April 1, 2025, to Dec. 31, 2025, membership rates are reduced to a five-year Premium rate of $50 and a two- year Premium rate of $30. Lifetime member- ship is $250. A special Premium rate of $10 for two years is open to E1–E4 and cadets only. Two-year Basic membership with select ben- efits is free. Learn more at www.ausa.org/join . Voice for the Army – Support For the Soldier PERK OF THE WEEK ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED STATES ARMY Rand: ‘Overly complex’ reserve duty status system requires overhaul D uty statuses for the reserve components are due for an overhaul, according to a re- port from the Rand Corp. “The present system of calling Na- tional Guard or Reserve members to duty under one of these statuses is widely recognized as being overly complex and problematic,” the re- port found. “The multiplicity of duty statuses and the varying conditions under which particular duties are authorized and performed create confusion for both commanders and service members.” Between Title 10 and Title 32 of the U.S. Code, there are nine different duty types. Under the proposed duty status reform, the duty types would be consolidated into four categories, including contingency duty, train- ing and support, Reserve component duty and remote assignments. Across the nation, there are over 767,000 selected reserve members. More than 325,000 of them serve in the Army National Guard, while another 176,600 serve in the Army Reserve, according to the Pentagon's 2023 demographics profile report. The complexity of the current duty status system creates confusion and could deter some commanders from employing National Guard and Re- serve members. It also could prevent troops from volunteering for mis- sions and assignments, the Rand re- port found. Under the current duty status model, reservists also experience “in- equities and disruptions in pay and benefits,” the report found. Currently, “a member involuntarily ordered to active duty in support of a contingency operation completes re- quired training under a training sta- tus and is not eligible for any of the benefits tied to a contingency opera- tion,” according to the report. “Under the proposed construct, the member remains under the same authority for the order from preactivation training through reintegration activities, al- beit for different purposes, and will continue to receive the same pay and benefit package.” Under the new duty system, chang- es to pay and benefits could include earlier access to Tricare for reservists and their families, transitional health care after reservists are released from active-duty orders and a reduced retirement age, among others. The War Department has taken steps toward duty reform, including creating a working group, but “it will likely take years before” duty status reforms “can be fully implemented,” and they require “extensive statutory changes,” according to the report. “If and when the proposed duty construct is fully implemented, it holds the potential to improve the lives of service members and their families,” the report found. “It will also allow DoD and the military services to make the best use of the reserve component in support of the national military strategy.” Read the full report here. Thanksgiving flowers and arrangements in seasonal colors are a lovely gesture. Bring something wonder- ful to the table with Thanksgiving flower arrangements, gourmet treats and more and save 20%-25% across all the 1-800-Flow- ers brands at www.ausa.org/gifts. A soldier assigned to the Pennsylvania Army National Guard qualifies with an M320A1 grenade launcher Nov. 6 during training at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsyl- vania. (ARMY NATIONAL GUARD/SGT. DU-MARC MILLS)www.ausa.org ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED STATES ARMY November 13, 2025 | AUSA Extra 5 A MSUS, The Society of Feder- al Health Professionals, pro- vides education and profes- sional development opportunities in support of federal health workers and their missions at the Departments of War, Veterans Affairs, Health and Human Services, and Homeland Se- curity. Originally known as the Asso- ciation of Military Surgeons of the United States, the group is a “forum for interagency collaboration” honor- ing “the legacy of federal medicine’s tremendous impact in advancing and improving health for all Americans and our international partners,” ac- cording to its website. The organization hosts a variety of events each year, including an annu- al meeting, that bring together fed- eral health professionals to engage in meaningful collaboration, advance expertise and explore innovations in Spotlight on AUSA Association Partner: AMSUS the profession. It also provides up to three $1,000 scholarships to mem- bers and their families who are stu- dents pursuing a health care-related career. Military Medicine is the asso- ciation’s bi-monthly journal, featur- ing articles such as peer-reviewed scientific papers, case reports and editorials. The publication aims “to promote awareness of federal and international medicine by providing a forum for responsible discussion of common ideas and problems relevant to federal, military, and interna- tional healthcare,” according to the group’s website. The association also offers continu- ing education and continuing medi- cal education credits applicable to a wide range of health care specialties at its annual meeting and online. For more information, please visit https://amsus.org/. If your association is interested in partnering with AUSA, contact Su- san Rubel at srubel@ausa.org. Association Partnership with AUSA is an opportunity for like-minded military service organizations to join AUSA in support of the Total Army—soldiers, DoW civilians and their families.www.ausa.org 6 AUSA Extra | November 13, 2025 ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED STATES ARMY Country music star speaks with soldiers at AUSA 2025 Warrant Officer Craig Morgan Greer, right, the country music star known as Craig Mor- gan, signs a copy of his book for a soldier during the 2025 AUSA Annual Meeting and Exposition in Washington, D.C. (AUSA PHOTO) T he worlds of country music and military service merged at the Association of the U.S. Army's 2025 Annual Meeting and Exposition in Washington, D.C., when Warrant Officer Craig Morgan Greer addressed a packed hall at the Marriott Marquis, adjacent to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. Following the sergeant major of the Army’s Leading Change Forum on Oct. 14, the 17-time Billboard coun- try chart star, known to millions as Craig Morgan, took the stage. He shared his journey from soldier to re- cording artist and back to a serving reservist, drawing a standing ova- tion from appreciative military and civilian attendees. Morgan’s candid and heartfelt speech highlighted the shared val- ues of duty, patriotism and persever- ance found in both military service and country music. He revealed that while he once viewed his life in the Army and his life as a musician as separate, they were, in fact, always intertwined. Airborne to acoustic Before his music career took off in the early 2000s, Morgan served for nearly 18 years on active duty and in the Army Reserve, including stints in the 101st Airborne Division and the 82nd Airborne Division. He recounted stories of his time as a fire support specialist, sharing how the discipline and camaraderie he learned shaped his character and his music. Morgan said the military taught him more about life, people and hardship than anything else. It was during his military service that his musical talents were first noticed. While stationed in Korea, he won an Army-wide vocal competi- tion, which gave him the opportunity to open for a USO show. After leaving active duty in 1997, he worked odd jobs before landing a gig singing dem- NCO & Soldier Programs os in Nashville. This led to his first record deal and chart-topping hits like "That's What I Love About Sun- day" and "International Harvester." In a powerful moment, Morgan ad- dressed his decision in 2023 to re-en- list in the Army Reserve, a move that made headlines nationwide. At 59, he took the oath of enlistment on stage at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, a testament to his enduring commit- ment to his country. He later was promoted to warrant officer and joined the 313th Army Band at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama. The singer's return to military service also was fueled by his desire to inspire others during a challeng- ing period for military recruiting. Morgan said that when he saw the Army resurrect its "Be All You Can Be" campaign—the same one he had joined under—he felt he had some- thing to offer. Continuous mission Morgan's dedication to the mili- tary community extends far beyond his own service. He frequently per- forms on military installations and USO tours, a mission to which he feels deeply connected. Having been on the receiving end of USO shows himself, he now uses his platform to bring a "little bit of home" to deployed service members. He also champions military fami- lies and veterans through his work with organizations like Operation Finally Home and the Special Opera- tions Warrior Foundation. His annu- al charity fund supports Billy's Place, a home for temporarily displaced chil- dren in Dickson, Tennessee, a cause that originated during his time as an assistant sheriff's deputy. Following his address at the AUSA Annual Meeting, the audience gave Morgan a warm welcome, recogniz- ing both the talented artist and the soldier. His presence served as a re- minder that for many, a call to serve and a passion for music are not mutu- ally exclusive. Before his departure, he held a meet-and-greet and signed copies of his book. For more details, visit his official website at www.craigmorgan.com/. Air Force Master Sgt. Francis Lalic is AUSA’s NCO and Soldier Programs' SkillBridge intern.www.ausa.orgNovember 13, 2025 | AUSA Extra 7 ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED STATES ARMY Chapter recognizes former state senator, Vietnam veteran Roy McDonald, center, a Vietnam vet- eran and former New York state senator, receives the 2025 Veteran of the Year award from AUSA's Uncle Sam chapter and the Friends of the New York State Military Museum. (COURTESY PHOTO) Chapter Challenge Winners The following chapters are the winners of AUSA’s Chapter Challenge in their award categories for the first quarter of AUSA’s fiscal year 2026. Each winner for growth in Community Partners or Premium Members receives a cash prize and five points toward Best Chapter in their group. Community Partnerships • Fort Bragg and North Carolina – Group 1 • Greater Augusta-Fort Gordon – Group 2 • Central Virginia – Group 3 • St. Louis Gateway – Group 4 • MSG Leroy Arthur Petry – Group 5 • Gen. Creighton W. Abrams – Outside Continental U.S. Group Premium Memberships • George Washington – Group 1 • Arsenal of Democracy – Group 2 • Texas Capital Area – Group 3 • Connecticut – Group 4 • Thunderbird – Group 5 • Gen. Creighton W. Abrams – Outside Continental U.S. Group R oy McDonald, a Vietnam vet- eran, former New York state senator and member of the Association of the U.S. Army’s Uncle Sam chapter, recently received the 2025 Veteran of the Year award from the chapter and the Friends of the New York State Military Museum. McDonald served as an artillery forward observer in Vietnam from 1970–1971 and participated in nu- merous combat assaults on the south Vietnamese and Cambodian borders, as well as in Cambodia itself, according to the New York State Senate. He received the Veteran of the Year award from retired Master Sgt. Donald Roy, the AUSA chapter president, during an Oct. 25 ceremony at the New York State Military Museum in Saratoga Springs. “A Vietnam War veteran who served with the 1st Air Cavalry Divi- sion, Roy’s dedication to his country and community has spanned a life- time,” the Friends of the New York State Military Museum said in a statement. A native of Troy, New York, Mc- Donald received his associate degree from Hudson Valley Community Col- lege and his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the State University of New York at Oneonta. Both schools have honored him with Distin- guished Alumni awards. He served as town and county su- pervisor for the town of Wilton for 23 years before being elected to the state assembly, where he served from 2002 to 2009. He was then elected to Uncle Sam the state senate, serving until 2013. During his time in the state senate, McDonald spearheaded a number of major initiatives on behalf of soldiers and veterans that were passed by the legislature and signed into law, in- cluding the New York State Patriot Plans I, II & III, which were designed to provide safeguards, benefits and incentives to state military person- nel, including those in the National Guard and reserve component. Inspired by his grandsons, Jacob and David, McDonald also has taken a leadership role in disability and au- tism awareness. Working at local and state levels, McDonald hosted forums to listen and learn from community members dealing with autism spec- trum disorders, according to the New York State Senate. He sponsored legislation to guar- antee that informational booklets be given to emergency first responders on persons with autism, so that they would be more adequately prepared to react in those situations. He also created the Saratoga County Autism Council, an organization charged with providing education, respite and early intervention to those with developmental disabilities and their families.MEMBER SUPPORT: 855-246-6269| membersupport@ausa.org www.ausa.org/savings ACCESS YOUR SAVINGS AT ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED STATES ARMY MEMBERSHIP SAVINGS PURCHASES SUPPORT AUSA PROGRAMS, SERVICES, AND MORE R CREDIT COUNSELING CORP Trusted debt relief solutions CAMBRIDGE AND MANY MORE... LawAssure ™Next >