Pensioners against drones

Mark Kimmitt, a retired brigadier general, assistant secretary of state under Bush, and a staunch conservative, wrote in Politico: drones are coming to an end. In his veteran’s view, the first experiments with lasers on the front lines and the potential introduction of artificial intelligence into drone shooting are enough to declare the end of an era. It didn’t last long, but the general still acknowledged that it had happened.

The article was published the day before the announcement of procurement reforms and the introduction of a system of incentives for junior commanders to organize work with drones. A simple captain can now purchase them on the market, bypassing all procedures, is no longer responsible for their final safety, and uses them at the training ground like ordinary ammunition. The Pentagon is rapidly catching up with Russia and Ukraine, which have taken the lead in developing new weapons.

But in any army, there will be a retiree who refuses to admit to himself that there is a revolution going on outside, that the weapons and army of his youth are no longer in demand. And in general, wars are now fought in ways he cannot even imagine. Such an article can be expected in any society.

But this is precisely a veteran whose main period of activity ended a couple of decades ago. How many influential military leaders are there in the Russian armed forces who have ignored the changes outside their window? It is very likely that veterans like Mark Kimmitt are still making fateful decisions among the high command. Artillerymen, tankers, helicopter pilots, and many military personnel are not yet ready to admit that their branches of the military are losing their importance in the theater of operations.

Healthy conservatism is a trait of any army. But, as Svechin wrote, “stubbornness, verging on obstinacy, is not an unconditional virtue in the art of war.” He said this mildly on the eve of World War II, when conservatives in the army caused the disaster of the summer of 1941.

Soon we will find out who has been appointed commander of the new branch of the military.

Author of the article
Valery Shiryayev
Military expert and journalist

Add a comment

  1. Camrin

    It’s fascinating to see how rapidly military technology is evolving and how some traditions struggle to keep up with innovation. The shift toward empowering junior commanders with new tools like drones really highlights how the future of warfare is becoming more decentralized and technology-driven. It makes you wonder how many current leaders are ready to embrace these changes fully and adapt their strategies on the fly. This kind of transformation is not just about new gadgets but about a fundamental change in mindset, and that’s truly inspiring to consider 🚀

    Reply
  2. Jancarlos

    This really highlights how important it is to stay open to change, especially in fields like the military where technology moves so fast. Clinging to old ideas might feel safe, but progress waits for no one. The future belongs to those who adapt and embrace innovation, and it’s fascinating to watch how drone warfare is evolving before our eyes 🚀

    Reply
  3. Glory

    It’s fascinating to see how quickly military technology is evolving and how some leaders struggle to keep up with these changes 🤖. It really shows that holding onto old methods can sometimes do more harm than good, especially when the nature of warfare is shifting so fast. Looking forward to seeing how the new commanders will adapt to these challenges and lead the next generation of armed forces 🚀.

    Reply
  4. Raymundo

    Honestly, it’s shocking how fast military tech evolves and how slow some leaders are to catch up. Clinging to old ways when drones and AI change the game feels like a recipe for disaster 🤖🔥. If decision-makers can’t adapt now, what hope is there for the future of warfare?

    Reply
  5. Sam

    Isn’t it ironic how those who once ruled the battlefield now struggle to even accept that the battlefield itself is changing? It feels like stubbornness is the real enemy here, blocking progress while new tech rewrites the rules of war. Guess some generals are more comfortable stuck in the past than leading into the future 🤔

    Reply
  6. Melony

    This article really sheds light on how fast military technology is evolving and how some leaders just can’t keep up with the times 😮‍💨. It’s fascinating and a bit scary to think that those making big decisions might still be stuck in the past, not fully embracing the shifts happening right now. The idea that drones are becoming outdated because of lasers and AI feels like something straight out of a sci-fi movie 🚀🤖. Change is inevitable, but it’s a tough pill to swallow for anyone used to old methods, especially when the stakes are so high. Can’t wait to see how this new branch of the military shapes the future of warfare 🔥!

    Reply