This study establishes the required operational capability (ROC) metrics for reconnaissance drones with a maximum takeoff weight of 25 kg or less operated at tactical echelons and conducts a comparative analysis between the Republic of Korea (ROK) and the United States (U.S.). Whereas previous studies focused primarily on mission-based performance estimations or single-mission design approaches, few have comprehensively analyzed small reconnaissance drones across tactical echelons. Based on the Army TIGER initiative, force structure reforms, and tactical lessons from the Ukraine–Russia War, this study reviews doctrinal publications, policy documents, and prior studies from both nations to identify differences in echelon-specific performance requirements. The analysis derives eight core ROC elements, i.e., operational radius, endurance, airframe weight, payload, operating altitude, platform type, operating temperature, and ingress protection(IP), which are then quantified according to the operational characteristics of battalion, company, platoon, and squad-level units. The comparative assessment identifies key doctrinal and technical differences, based on which practical measures are recommended to standardize ROC documentation and evaluation procedures in the ROK Army. The proposed framework supports tactical doctrine development, experimental design, and defense acquisition planning. Future studies should validate the metrics through standardized field experiments and simulations as well as expand the scope to include attacks, communication relays, electronic warfare (EW), and logistics missions while developing auxiliary indicators for C4I–EW-related capabilities, such as communication reliability, anti-jamming, and interoperability.