Army Leaders Train for a Drone-Filled Battlefield
FORT BENNING, Ga. — The future of warfare is here, and it’s buzzing with drones and rolling with robots. The U.S. Army is preparing its leaders for this reality with a new course at Fort Benning, designed to integrate robotic and autonomous systems into combat operations.
New Course Focuses on Tactics, Not Just Operation
The Robotic Autonomous Systems Leader Tactics (RASLT) course, which began its first iteration on Monday, February 9, 2026, isn’t about training soldiers to *operate* drones and robots. It’s about teaching them how to effectively *lead* in an environment where these technologies are commonplace. The three-week program is geared towards sergeants first class and higher-ranked soldiers.
“They have to understand the capabilities, [and] they have to understand the limitations to be able to plan for it,” said Capt. Allison Darby, the program director. The goal is to give leaders the confidence to build operations that leverage these tools without overestimating their abilities.
Bridging the Experience Gap
The Army recognizes a growing divide in experience. Newer soldiers are entering the force already familiar with drones and robotics, although many mid-career and senior leaders haven’t had the same exposure. RASLT aims to bridge that gap.
The course curriculum covers the basics of robotics and autonomous systems, defensive operation planning, offensive attack planning, battlefield ethics related to autonomous systems, and human-robot teambuilding.
From Skepticism to Acceptance: A Veteran’s Perspective
Sgt. 1st Class William Benz, a 16-year cavalry scout and veteran of Afghanistan, initially approached the course with skepticism. However, he now believes these technologies could have significantly aided his unit during his 2010 deployment with the 4th Infantry Division.
“This would have made life a lot easier,” Benz said, envisioning the use of small drones for reconnaissance in mountainous terrain. “The little drones… going over the little dunes and mountains and stuff to catch all the poor guys in the rat trails. That would have been awesome.”
The Human Element Remains Crucial
Despite the increasing role of technology, Benz emphasized that drones and robots are tools, not replacements for human soldiers. He stressed the importance of maintaining traditional reconnaissance skills and recognizing the inherent complexities of warfare.
“Nothing will ever replace a guy on an [observation point] with a little optic and a radio,” Benz said. “This will enable us and multiply our capability, but we can’t ever forget the analog skills… war is terrible. It’s meant to be terrible. But having these tools to minimize risk to the force is huge.”
Future Expansion of the Program
The pilot program will run three classes in fiscal year 2026, with plans to expand to 18 students per class in the following year. Darby emphasized a commitment to continuous improvement, incorporating feedback from each iteration to refine the curriculum and ensure its relevance.
The Future of Robotic Integration in the Military
The Army’s RASLT course is a sign of a broader trend: the increasing integration of robotics and autonomous systems into military operations. This trend is driven by several factors, including the need to reduce risk to soldiers, enhance situational awareness, and improve operational efficiency.
Beyond Reconnaissance: Expanding Applications
While reconnaissance is a key application, the potential uses for drones and robots extend far beyond. They can be used for:
- Logistics: Transporting supplies to forward operating bases.
- Counter-IED Operations: Detecting and neutralizing improvised explosive devices.
- Security: Patrolling perimeters and providing early warning of threats.
- Direct Combat: Utilizing armed drones for targeted strikes (with appropriate ethical considerations).
Ethical Considerations and Autonomous Weapons
The increasing autonomy of these systems raises significant ethical questions. The Army is addressing these concerns through training, such as the ethics component of the RASLT course, and by developing clear guidelines for the use of autonomous weapons.
The Rise of Human-Machine Teaming
The most effective approach isn’t about replacing humans with machines, but about creating effective human-machine teams. This requires developing interfaces that allow soldiers to easily control and collaborate with robots, as well as training soldiers to trust and understand the capabilities and limitations of these systems.
FAQ
- What is the RASLT course? A three-week program designed to prepare Army leaders to effectively integrate robotic and autonomous systems into combat operations.
- Who is eligible to attend the RASLT course? Sergeants first class and higher-ranked soldiers.
- Is the Army planning to replace soldiers with robots? No. The focus is on creating human-machine teams to enhance capabilities and reduce risk.
- What are the ethical considerations surrounding the use of autonomous weapons? The Army is addressing these concerns through training and the development of clear guidelines.
Want to learn more about the Army’s modernization efforts? Explore additional articles on the Maneuver Center of Excellence website.
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