The US Army doesn't want its soldiers trying to figure out new tech right before heading into combat training

The US Army has released new guidelines dictating that soldiers should not be introduced to unfamiliar technology close to major combat training exercises. According to officials, soldier feedback on the performance of systems is the most important indicator of a drone's usefulness. The Army is deploying thousands of drones across its formations over the next few years, but insists that giving soldiers new systems too late in the training cycle distracts them and takes focus away from preparing for combat.

A 180-day requirement has been established to allow soldiers sufficient time to master new technology at their home stations before integrating it into force-on-force operations. The Army has recognized that soldiers are being asked to learn unfamiliar technology while at the same time preparing for battle, and are now giving them more time to integrate equipment and focus on fighting the enemy.

While drones have been introduced to soldiers during basic training as part of a broader effort to expose troops to drone warfare early in their careers, the Army is struggling to ensure that troops receive adequate training on the systems.