Colorado Military Bases Prepare for New Era of Drone Defense as Army Marks 250th Year
Colorado's significant military presence, including Fort Carson, Peterson Space Force Base, and the Air Force Academy, stands at the forefront of emerging combat challenges as the U.S. Army commemorates its 250th anniversary this weekend. The evolution of warfare technology, particularly in drone capabilities, presents new opportunities and challenges for local military installations and the thousands of service members who call Colorado home.
For Colorado Springs' military community, which supports over 40,000 active duty service members, these technological shifts could reshape training, recruitment, and defense strategies across the Pikes Peak region.
Local Impact on Military Operations
The changing nature of combat poses unique challenges for Colorado's military installations.
"The Army does face two technical challenges," explains Mark Cancian, a retired Marine colonel and senior advisor with the Center for Strategic and International Studies. "One is Golden Dome and the other one is counter-UAS — that is, uncrewed aerial systems."
"The Army does face two technical challenges," explains Mark Cancian, a retired Marine colonel and senior advisor with the Center for Strategic and International Studies. "One is Golden Dome and the other one is counter-UAS — that is, uncrewed aerial systems."
For Colorado bases, particularly Fort Carson, these challenges require new approaches to training and defense. Local military facilities must now prepare for threats from commercially available drones that can be purchased for as little as $100 at stores throughout the Front Range.
Implications for Colorado's Defense Industry
The shift toward tech-focused warfare could bring new opportunities for Colorado's robust aerospace and defense sectors. Local defense contractors and technology firms in the Denver-Colorado Springs corridor may see increased demand for innovative drone defense solutions.
Army Secretary Dan Driscoll highlighted the urgency of this technological shift during recent congressional testimony:
"The world saw, in near real-time, how readily available technology can disrupt established power dynamics. Drones are but one example of a broader shift the Army needs to keep pace with."
"The world saw, in near real-time, how readily available technology can disrupt established power dynamics. Drones are but one example of a broader shift the Army needs to keep pace with."
Workforce Development Challenges
For Colorado Springs' military community, recruiting technically skilled personnel presents both opportunities and challenges. Local military installations may need to:
- Partner with Colorado technical schools and universities
- Develop new training programs for existing personnel
- Create civilian positions for technical specialists
- Engage with local defense contractors for specialized expertise
- Partner with Colorado technical schools and universities
- Develop new training programs for existing personnel
- Create civilian positions for technical specialists
- Engage with local defense contractors for specialized expertise
As Cancian notes, traditional military recruitment may not be the answer: "This is going to be very difficult... they don't need to put them in uniform. They can get these skills through government civilians, where the recruiting is much easier and the standards much broader."
For Colorado families with ties to the military, these changes signal a transformation in how service members train and prepare for future conflicts, while potentially opening new career opportunities in the defense sector for technically skilled civilians throughout the Front Range.
This article contains AI-generated content and reflects opinion only. Readers are encouraged to verify all information independently before drawing conclusions or making decisions.
