The U.S. military has traditionally followed the idea of engaging with threats far from home before they reach American soil. However, with the rise of drones, cyberattacks, and long-range weaponry, military leaders are starting to brace for a future where forces might be attacked even before they’re sent overseas.
“When dealing with a key threat, our ability to project power is going to be contested,” said Gen. Christopher LaNeve, who is currently serving as the Army’s acting chief of staff, during a recent conversation with Fox News Digital.
He highlighted that the military is reassessing long-held beliefs from the years of fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan, where American forces were backed by mostly secure bases and reliable supply lines.
“During the Global War on Terror, we relied on certain assumptions because we could,” LaNeve remarked at a recent roundtable discussion at the Association of the United States Army’s annual gathering in Washington.
In a possible confrontation with China, there’s a risk that American military bases and communication channels could be disrupted, making it harder for forces to get to the frontline. The latest Pentagon report on China highlights that Beijing has positioned cyber capabilities that can potentially disrupt U.S. military movements during a conflict.
These concerns arise as the Pentagon seems to be putting more focus on homeland defense in light of potential nearer threats. There have already been confirmed cases of drone incursions over U.S. installations like Joint Base Langley-Eustis in Virginia and Picatinny Arsenal in New Jersey, although these incidents haven’t been directly linked to China.
The idea of needing to fight on American soil is part of a shift known as How the Army Fights. This new operational approach emphasizes the necessity for American forces to prepare for deployments, maintain communication, and sustain operations, even when faced with attacks on military bases and infrastructure.
LaNeve mentioned that the framework aims to set clearer priorities for training, combat operations, and technological integration. “Getting this document out was crucial for establishing a direction for our Army,” he stated.
The leadership changes, including the acting Army Secretary Dan Driscoll and Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George, are shaping the Army’s new decisions. LaNeve remains in his confirmed role as vice chief of staff.
He also explained how the Army is gearing up to operate even amidst disruptions in military communication. “We want our forces to maintain the capability to act autonomously and reconnect when possible, all while staying mobile,” he added.
Additionally, the Army is reconsidering how it safeguards bases domestically. LaNeve mentioned the work of Joint Interagency Task Force 401, which collaborates with law enforcement to boost defenses against drone threats surrounding military and critical sectors.
Acting Army Secretary Adam Telle pointed to the southern border as an area where soldiers are actively dealing with drone challenges. He explained that soldiers are using these experiences to test and refine counter-drone technologies that can benefit their units in future scenarios.
There’s also a growing focus on preparing for biological threats that might hamper military functions. Recently, officials announced that training for biological incidents would become part of standard combat exercises to ensure soldiers can continue their duties during outbreaks or bio-attacks.
In a different discussion, Air Force Secretary Troy Meink expressed concerns about new surveillance technologies making it increasingly challenging for military forces to operate undetected. “We’re quickly approaching a point where the enemy could have a pretty good idea of your location based on various factors,” he remarked.
He warned that this enhanced level of surveillance could become reality within five years, as adversaries like China advance their tracking capabilities.
Meink emphasized that the Pentagon is working on improving the survivability of its forces, which may involve more autonomous systems that can function in risky environments without requiring manned operations.
During this event, War Secretary Pete Hegseth criticized the Pentagon’s response to technological advancements under the current administration, stating, “On several critical fronts, they’ve lagged behind.”
Despite increasing reliance on technology, LaNeve highlighted that soldiers remain the Army’s most vital asset. “Our soldiers are our primary resource. The technology is there to enhance their capabilities, but they must still have the essential skills to operate effectively without it,” he asserted.
