Gaming skills predict top US Army drone pilot performance
In a striking testament to the evolving nature of modern warfare, a U.S. Army captain has observed that the most proficient drone pilots within their ranks are often those who spend their off-duty hours immersed in video games. This insight emerged during a recent combat training exercise in southern Germany, where Business Insider gained firsthand access to how American soldiers are being trained not only to operate but also to design and build inexpensive drones. The observation underscores a growing trend within military forces globally: the direct applicability of gaming skills to the complex demands of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) operation.
The exercise, involving the US Army’s 2nd Cavalry Regiment (2CR) at the Drone Innovation Cell in Vilseck and later at the Hohenfels training area, focused on leveraging readily available, commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) drones, some costing as little as $500. Soldiers were seen developing drones they built themselves, alongside utilizing commercial models like those from California-based Skyo. This emphasis on accessible, low-cost technology reflects a significant shift in military strategy, heavily influenced by lessons from the ongoing war in Ukraine, where small, adaptable drones have proven to be decisive on the battlefield. The US Army is reportedly committing $36 billion over the next five years to further modernize its forces with a strong focus on drone technology.
The captain’s assessment aligns with a broader recognition within military circles that the cognitive and motor skills honed through extensive video gaming are remarkably transferable to drone piloting. Research and military papers have consistently highlighted that gamers often possess superior hand-eye coordination, enhanced multitasking abilities, quicker information processing speeds, and improved peripheral vision—all critical attributes for effectively navigating and controlling drones in dynamic combat environments. Indeed, the Ukrainian unmanned systems force’s initial rallying cry, “for those who were born with a joystick in their hand,” directly mirrors the US Army’s current findings. This understanding has even led military recruiters to actively seek out individuals with strong gaming backgrounds.
Beyond individual aptitude, the military has increasingly integrated gaming technologies and methodologies into its training programs. The Office of Naval Research, for instance, has been sponsoring research into the cognitive effects of video games for years, recognizing their potential to enhance soldier performance. Advanced simulation software, including virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) systems, is being explored to create more realistic and immersive training scenarios, allowing pilots to practice complex maneuvers and tactical decision-making in a safe, controlled environment.
The strategic pivot towards ubiquitous drone technology extends beyond the US. The German army, for example, has streamlined its procurement processes for small commercial drones, signing framework agreements for models from companies like Autel and DJI for 2025 and 2026. This move aims to rapidly equip more units with essential UAS capabilities, including loitering munitions, recognizing their crucial role in modern combat. Multinational exercises, such as Project FlyTrap in Germany and Poland, further underscore the collaborative effort among NATO allies to advance counter-UAS capabilities in response to evolving aerial threats.
As militaries worldwide continue to embrace drone technology as a cornerstone of future conflicts, the casual gamer might unexpectedly find their honed virtual skills becoming a vital asset on the real-world battlefield.