Why embracing drones & autonomous weapon systems are key to addressing CAF recruiting and retention challenges

There are many ways to address Canada's military recruiting challenges. Better housing, higher pay, more social/family supports, and expanded training capacity are all key.

However, we must also 'meet people where they are.'

If we want people to join the CAF and stay in the CAF, the offering of a military career must better align with the skills of young Canadians.

And that starts with linking video games and drone warfare.

While war is not a game, the skills required to be an effective drone operator are similar to being an effective gamer. Le Monde wrote about this earlier this year, citing the experiences of drone operators in Ukraine. Amid training in drone warfare, a commander in the 92nd Assault Brigade noted that they all play video games, and said the ones with more video game practice are better at piloting drones.