On Wednesday, September 30th, United States Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced six military reform measures, including the establishment of a new “Autonomous Warfare Command” to accelerate the deployment of autonomous systems, robots, drones, and artificial intelligence capabilities within the U.S. military.
Hegseth made the announcement at the Quantico Marine Corps Base in Virginia during his address on the “Current Military Strength.” He revealed plans to establish a new four-star operational command named “Autonomous Warfare Command” (AutoWarCom) responsible for expanding autonomous, robot, and unmanned systems across the entire military. The Department of Defense aims to have it fully operational by October 1, 2027.
Stressing the rapid evolution of warfare due to artificial intelligence, robots, and autonomous systems, Hegseth emphasized the need for the U.S. military to accelerate the development, procurement, and deployment of these technologies. He described it as the “fastest military transformation in peacetime in modern military history,” stating that the military needs high-end weapons along with a large number of low-cost, expendable autonomous systems to establish a strategic advantage.
Prior to the establishment of the new command, the Department of Defense will prepare through the “Project Agincourt” to build the organizational structure, develop pathways, advance existing unmanned system missions, and explore new weapon procurement models. Military branches will also enhance military professions and career development related to autonomous systems.
After the establishment of the new command, the number of operational commands within the U.S. military will increase from 11 to 12. The most recent addition was the establishment of the U.S. Space Command in 2019. This initiative signifies elevating autonomous and unmanned combat capabilities to an operational command level.
The second proposal introduced is the “America’s Corps of Cadets” program, aiming to expand military training partnerships with more universities and increase the talent pool for commissioning officers in the joint forces.
Hegseth explained that the program’s aim is to broaden officer training channels and establish a wider talent source for the U.S. military.
The third initiative, the “Fortress America” plan, aims to enhance energy self-sufficiency and overall resilience of military bases within the U.S., gradually enabling primary bases to possess self-sustaining power and reduce dependency on external energy supplies.
This program will reinforce base protection and promote the relocation of critical supply chains back to the U.S. to boost the risk resilience of military facilities and the defense industry.
The fourth initiative, the “The Next Great American Base” program, will involve the Department of Defense seeking new base site proposals from all states across the U.S. to construct a new large military base.
Hegseth mentioned that the new base is expected to accommodate approximately 15,000 to 25,000 military personnel and will serve as part of the future force projection and military development for the U.S. military.
The fifth initiative calls for the establishment of the “Office of Religious Affairs,” reporting directly to the Secretary of Defense’s office.
Hegseth stated that military religious services have been long restricted by bureaucratic procedures, with around 95% of U.S. military personnel identifying with the “Almighty God.” Therefore, the Department of Defense has a responsibility to provide adequate religious support for service members.
The sixth initiative, the “Project Meridian,” aims to research weapons, military technology, and combat systems necessary for future warfare.
Hegseth announced that SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, Anduril Industries co-founder Palmer Luckey, and former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich will participate in the project. The research will focus on weapons and systems needed for future battlefields.
Hegseth emphasized that these measures are aimed at adjusting the U.S. military’s organizational structure, military technology, infrastructure, and talent development to meet future operational needs and strengthen the U.S. military deterrence capabilities.