US Marine Corps Commandant Recommends Increased Use of Drones for Amphibious Warfare

Gen. David Berger, commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps, recently said more efforts are needed to have unmanned systems support amphibious operations.

During a keynote address at the Modern Day Marine conference on Tuesday, he noted that the service should look into putting robotic technology to use in intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance activities such as hydrographic surveys and overhead watch. According to Berger, pre-assault and amphibious landing operations should be delegated to unmanned systems “as much as possible.”

He also discussed how such capabilities can be utilized to support the next stage of landings, which involves transporting units, supplies and equipment to the shore. Berger suggested that rotary-wing drones could be deployed to deliver supplies from ships to troops traveling inland from landing zones, potentially reducing reliance on manned aircraft.

Berger said one reason to have unmanned platforms support amphibious operations is that it could expand the territory covered by military efforts at a faster rate, DefenseScoop reported.