Speaker: COL (Ret) Bill Edwards (Phoenix 6 Consulting LLC)
Speaker Session Summary
SMA hosted a speaker session with COL(R) Bill Edwards (Phoenix 6 Consulting, LLC) as part of its SMA General Speaker Series.
The proliferation of small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS), commonly referred to as drones, in modern combat is accelerating the evolution of techniques, tactics, and procedures (TTPs) being adopted by the military. These changes are reflected in the education and training that soldiers now receive, focusing on how to interact with, avoid, or neutralize sUAS threats. According to COL Edwards, first-person view (FPV) sUAS are significantly altering the nature of warfare by enabling drone operators to attack specific targets, including individual soldiers. Although new training measures have been implemented—such as drills aimed at physically dodging drones—the speed and maneuverability of these systems make them difficult to evade, particularly for soldiers caught in open terrain.
COL Edwards further emphasized that the proliferation of sUAS is not only transforming military operations but also impacting broader societal security. He warned that it is likely only a matter of time before a critical sUAS-related incident occurs within the United States, given that even small drones can target critical infrastructure. Category 1 and Category 2 drones—which weigh less than 55 pounds—are of greatest concern because they are reshaping the “air domain.” Many of these drones are commercially available for purchase from mainstream retailers, such as Amazon and Costco. Civilian incidents—such as FPV drones being used to harass homeless individuals or to release flyers over a National Football League (NFL) game—illustrate the potential capabilities and misuse of these platforms. As a result, the US Armed Forces are increasingly integrating sUAS and FPV drones into their evolving threat assessments.
COL Edwards emphasized that sUAS conflict is fundamentally a battle of systems and communication, fought primarily in the domain of electronic warfare. Effective countermeasures against sUAS involve layered defenses incorporating radio frequency (RF) sensors, radar, acoustic detection, and optical systems. He also underscored the obsolescence of current US legislation regulating sUAS operations. The foundational drone-related regulations, based on legislation enacted in 2018, are outdated as of 2025. He argued that updated legislative efforts are urgently required to address the evolving sUAS threat landscape.
Speaker Session Recording
Briefing Materials
Biography: COL(R) Bill Edwards retired from the military in 2018 and is now the Owner of Phoenix 6 Consulting LLC. Additionally, he led Thornton Tomasetti’s security consulting group as a Principal from 2018 – 2022. Lastly, he joined Building Intelligence as President of the Federal and Public Safety to support Federal awareness of the firm’s trusted access management software and continues to operate as a Senior Business Advisor. Bill offers over 35 years of expertise in operational/technical security, counterterrorism, counterintelligence, surveillance, and counter-surveillance. He served as the Director of Intelligence for Theater Special Operations Command-North (USSOCOM), a position requiring extensive collaboration and partnering across the U.S. government security enterprise. He specifically designed a cohesive and collaborative counter-terrorism network with the Department of Defense, Law Enforcement, and Inter-Agency partners known as the “Blue Network” while simultaneously bridging strong relationships with coalition partners to extend his security reach further to protect the homeland. Bill has extensive experience in Homeland Security and Homeland Defense.
Bill also brings extensive experience in operational/technical security from his combat deployments to Iraq, where he commanded large bases in Al Anbar, Dhi Qar, and Basra Provinces, focusing primarily on operations and security. During this period, he oversaw the planning and execution of all base infrastructure including the implementation and operation of U.S. base security. He also planned and designed multiple levels of security improvements to combat threats. Bill has published a book titled Inside Abu Ghraib: Memoirs of Two U.S. Military Intelligence Officers. The book is about leading through adversity and the military family during combat operations. He has also published over 100 articles on security-related topics, specifically on the evolution of sUAS (Drone) technology and its impact on societal security considerations. Bill teaches senior Air Force officers leadership, strategic communications, and negotiations through the Air Force War College and the drone evolution to students at The Citadel.
Bill is known for his creativity and agility and often makes complex problems look simple. He has proven to be immensely successful in austere and complicated landscapes. Additionally, he has a long history of strategic planning, intelligence gathering and analytics, policy development, technical transformations, contract negotiations, budgetary oversight, team leadership, staff training, and decision support. Bill has been recognized throughout his prestigious career as an influential leader of change, fully adept in building and motivating teams, earning consensus, aligning operational objectives, and delivering results by employing an empowering leadership style that inspires a culture of accomplishment, accountability, and good stewardship.
Bill has extensive experience in private-sector security design and consulting. His work spans many market sectors, including critical infrastructure, professional sports, transportation, commercial, healthcare, cultural institutions, religious institutions, and city, county, state, and federal government projects.
Bill is an ASIS International board-certified CPP, PSP, and PCI. He is certified as a CPTED Professional (CPD), Identity Management Professional (CIMP), a FEMA Level 1 Continuity Planner, and a licensed FAA Part 107 Drone Operator. Bill has also developed the sUAS (drone) Training Courses found here Course catalog – Phoenix6 (talentlms.com)
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