Pentagon Gives Base Commanders More Authority to Approve and Train With Drones

A recent policy from the Pentagon empowers base commanders with greater authority to acquire, evaluate, and train using small drones, streamlining processes that had previously hindered innovation and deployment in the field.

A recent memo from Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth indicates a significant shift in strategy, emphasizing the acceleration of drone adoption throughout all branches of the military. The initiative aims to incorporate small drones into combat training and simulations while enhancing domestic production and strengthening supply chain resilience.

“The evolution of warfare requires a fresh approach to procurement that integrates manufacturers directly with our frontline forces,” Hegseth stated. “High-ranking officials need to navigate the inherent caution of bureaucracy, addressing everything from financial planning to the development and preparation of weaponry.”

The decision signifies a transition from a centralized approach to drone management, which was once controlled by the Defense Innovation Unit’s Blue UAS Cleared List, to a more decentralized framework. The authority to approve usage now rests with colonels and higher-ranking officials, who assess localized risks.

“This represents a significant shift,” stated Alex Lovett, a former Navy captain and deputy assistant secretary of defense. “In the past, utilizing a non-approved drone required a trip to the Office of the Secretary of Defense.” Commanders are now equipped to make well-informed decisions right at the base level.

Security concerns persist. Commanders are required to verify that drones do not include components from rival nations such as China, Russia, Iran, or North Korea, and that they do not possess "dial-home" functionalities. Upcoming information will outline the standards for evaluating these risks.

The Blue UAS list will continue to serve as a reference point, but it is being integrated into a more comprehensive drone database managed by the Department of Defense. Base commanders have the option to refer to the updated system for direction in cases of uncertainty.

Army Secretary Dan Driscoll commended the decision, describing it as “a critical step” towards enhancing the integration of drones into soldier training programs. “Eliminating outdated processes allows those in the field to focus on their mission,” he stated. “Drones play a crucial role in contemporary and upcoming military strategies.”

“The universal drone approach is ineffective,” Lovett stated. “Empowering personnel to create or select their resources is the way forward.”

In a notable development, specific Army units are taking the initiative to construct drones internally. The 173rd Airborne Brigade in Italy and Fort Stewart’s Marne Innovation Center in Georgia are at the forefront of initiatives aimed at instructing troops on the assembly of first-person view (FPV) drones, underscoring the Pentagon’s focus on disposability and adaptability.

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