[nradov]

The Air Force gets the final say on their own operations because they aren't legally subject to FAA rules (the FCC only comes into the picture for spectrum use by data links). But they operate under a Memorandum of Understanding and closely consult with each other to minimize risks. Military uncrewed aircraft are typically restricted to specially designated airspace because they can't safely mix with regular civilian traffic (no ability to talk directly with controllers, no "see and avoid" for VHR traffic).

[morpheuskafka]

I thought government agencies can get spectrum permissions from NTIA rather than FCC?

[HWR_14]

I think the NTIA owns some bands, the FCC others. If the USAF wants to use an FCC regulated band, they talk to the FCC. For instance, a base radio/tv station that broadcasts on a standard frequency.

But I could be wrong.