Drone familiarization for cadets helps build assurance, proficiency as future officers

While some visions of the futuristic battlefield remain in the realm of science fiction, modern conflicts have demonstrated that many emerging technolog… While some visions of the futuristic battlefield remain in the realm of science fiction, modern conflicts have demonstrated that many emerging technologies are already a reality. Among them are Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) and Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), commonly known as drones, which can operate via remote control or autonomously using onboard computers and GPS systems. Within the realm of military operations, drones can be used for surveillance, reconnaissance and combat missions. At the U.S. Military Academy, staying at the forefront of these technologies through field application, classroom instruction, and drone construction prepares cadets for what awaits them when they graduate and transition into their Army units as young leaders.

As the academic year gets underway, cadets are learning the functions and applications of drones through courses including Technology Innovation in Emerging Warfare and Computing Fundamentals, taught by the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS). With the help of members of the Robotics Research Center (RRC) at West Point and its supply of drones, Technology Innovation in Emerging Warfare course instructors provided a culminating event called Drone Day on Sept. 29-30 on The Plain. The culminating event gave juniors and seniors enrolled in the course an