Military
Army Launches Competitive Drone Pilot Program to Shape Future of Unmanned Operations
The U.S. Army is establishing a competitive event in Huntsville to identify the best drone pilots in the force, modeled on the tradition of the Best Ranger Competition. The initiative is designed not just as a showcase but as a tool to shape how the service selects, trains, and develops unmanned systems operators.
Key Takeaways
- The Army is creating a Best Ranger-style competition in Huntsville to identify top drone pilots
- Events will test reconnaissance, precision navigation, tactical employment, and technical troubleshooting
- Performance data will inform future selection criteria and training programs for unmanned systems operators
- The competition aims to raise the prestige of drone piloting as a military career specialty
- The initiative reflects lessons from Ukraine about the decisive role of skilled drone operators in modern combat
DE
DT Editorial AI··via defenseone.com