The US Army is in a period of transformation. And unsurprisingly, a big part of that transformation centers on the way it fosters technological innovation and integrates new technologies—from artificial intelligence and robotics to drones and directed-energy weapons. But while leaning forward technologically carries obvious military advantages, it also involves overcoming a range of challenges, from ensuring uniform standards so a wide variety of equipment can work together to striking the right balance between enabling unit-level procurement of things like commercial drones and maintaining a sustainment system capable of supporting the entire operational Army.
To examine the way the Army is approaching those challenges and pursuing technology-driven battlefield advantage, John Amble is joined on this episode of the MWI Podcast by Dr. Alex Miller. A senior science and technology advisor and chief technology officer to the chief of staff of the Army, he describes the ways in which the Army is both enabling small-unit experimentation to drive change from the tactical edge through transformation in contact and rethinking the institutional systems and processes through which the Army acquires new technology. He also explains some of the specific challenges—like defending against the proliferating drone threat—that the Army is actively pursuing technology-enabled solutions for.
The MWI Podcast is produced through an endowment generously funded by the West Point Class of 1974. You can listen to this episode of the podcast below, and if you aren’t already subscribed, be sure to find it on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or your favorite podcast app so you don’t miss an episode. While you’re there, please take just a moment to leave the podcast a rating or give it a review!
Image credit: Spc. Thomas Dixon, US Army