After acquiring a UAS, what is the next step in the process?

The correct answer is the formal assignment to a specific performance group. After acquiring a Unmanned Aerial System (UAS), it is essential to assign it to a unit or performance group that will utilize it effectively. This step ensures that the UAS is integrated into the command structure and that the personnel assigned to operate it are trained and prepared for its specific operational capabilities and mission requirements.

Assigning the UAS to a formal group allows for the establishment of clear lines of responsibility and coordination for its use, maintenance, and support. It also facilitates the development of standard operating procedures tailored to how the UAS will be employed in the field. This is a critical step before any deployment or operational use can occur, as it ensures that the UAS will be integrated into the larger operational framework within the Navy.

Immediate deployment to field units would be premature without first ensuring that the UAS is properly assigned and that personnel are trained and prepared to utilize it effectively. Similarly, integration into the regular fleet or organizing training sessions for personnel are steps that typically come after the formal assignment has been made, as the latter lays the groundwork for successful utilization of the UAS.