The U.S. Army has launched its first small drone competition at Fort Moore, featuring a challenging obstacle course designed to hone the flying skills of drone operators in real-world combat scenarios. The course, set up in a converted hangar, is part of the Army’s Maneuver Center of Excellence’s efforts to advance drone operational tactics amid evolving warfare dynamics as seen in Ukraine and the Middle East.
The competition, known as the Beehive Classic, tests soldiers in navigating drones through various physical barriers—such as square and circle-shaped openings, under tables, and through windows of shipping containers. These obstacles mimic the tactical environments soldiers might face in actual combat. Two-soldier teams from each brigade, equipped with Skydio drones, compete by maneuvering their drones to perform tasks like reconnaissance, threat identification, and payload delivery under simulated combat conditions.
— US Army Maneuver Center of Excellence (@MCoEFortMoore) May 6, 2024
This initiative reflects the Army’s proactive approach to integrating modern technology into their training regimen. By simulating combat conditions, including physical exertion before drone operation, the training aims to prepare soldiers for the high-stakes environments they might encounter on the battlefield. The competition not only serves as a skill-building exercise but also as a strategic evaluation of drone technology in military operations.
Further enhancing this initiative, Fort Moore is set to host the Beehive Classic at the Columbus, Georgia Civic Center this fall, opening the competition to military and non-governmental participants.
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