MAPLE RESOLVE

U.S. Marines with Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 4, Marine Aircraft Group 41, Marine Forces Reserve prepare to launch the RQ-7 Shadow Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System on Camp Pendleton, Calif., August 19th, 2017. The RQ-7 is helping VMU-4 make history as it is utilized to conduct yearly surveys of deer and buffalo populations on the base, a job formerly tasked to manned helicopters. In addition to offering a low-cost solution to conducting wildlife surveys, the exercise also provides valuable training to Marines who are learning to use the UAVs for aerial reconnaissance in areas of conflict. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Desiree D King)