Shift in Military Strategy as Drones Threaten Large Bases

The U.S. military may need to rethink its reliance on sprawling bases due to the increasing threat of enemy drones, according to Marine Gen. Francis Donovan, head of U.S. Southern Command. Speaking at this year’s SOF Week exhibition in Tampa, Florida, Donovan emphasized the need for smaller, harder-to-detect operations to avoid becoming easy targets.

During the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, the military adopted a strategy of "more is better," deploying hundreds of thousands of troops and establishing large logistics hubs like Bagram Airfield and Joint Base Balad. However, these extensive bases required significant logistical support, making them vulnerable to modern threats such as drones. Donovan highlighted that while this approach provided benefits like rapid medical evacuations and force protection, it also created a larger target for adversaries.

The rise of enemy drones has forced the military to reconsider its tactics. Instead of relying on large, visible bases, troops are now being trained to operate in smaller units, using concealment, camouflage, and dispersion to avoid detection. Donovan stressed the importance of deception and discipline in reducing the military's digital footprint to stay hidden from advancing drone technology.

Despite these challenges, changing this mindset will be difficult after two decades of operating under large bases. However, the growing threat of drones makes it clear that a shift in strategy is necessary to remain effective on future battlefields.