The U.S. military must reevaluate its training strategies to adapt to the evolving nature of warfare, according to Adm. Frank Bradley, head of the Special Operations Command. Speaking at the annual SOF Week event in Tampa, Florida, Bradley emphasized the need to clear outdated methods from the training calendar to make room for new priorities.
"Some things that we used to do, we're going to have to stop doing," Bradley said, citing his own experience as a junior sailor using archaic techniques to measure water depth. He stressed that modern warfare demands a focus on emerging technologies, such as drones, electronic warfare, and counter-drone systems, particularly in light of lessons learned from conflicts like the war in Ukraine.
Balancing Old and New
Bradley acknowledged the challenge of balancing traditional skills, such as physical endurance and surprise tactics, with the need for cutting-edge technological proficiency. "We have to creatively destroy parts of that calendar to make room for the new things we have to do," he said, noting the limited time available for training and preparation.
"Our leadership teams on a daily basis have to go through that prioritization drill of how they prioritize the most important commodity, the most important capital they have — intellectual capital."
Gen. Frank Donovan, head of U.S. Southern Command, echoed Bradley's sentiment, pointing out that the conditions faced in Iraq and Afghanistan are no longer relevant to current and future conflicts. "We haven't fought really under the gun in a long time," Donovan said, emphasizing the importance of grit and adaptability in harsh environments.
As the Pentagon seeks to modernize its training, tech, and acquisition processes, officials face the difficult task of determining which outdated practices can be retired while retaining essential skills for American troops.