U.S. Army establishes robotics technician specialty to integrate autonomous systems and counter battlefield electronic warfare

The U.S. Army activated the 390A Robotics Technician specialty on October 1, creating a warrant officer role dedicated to integrating, programming and sustaining robotic and autonomous systems. Its first class comprises 10 warrant officers completing a 19-week course at the John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School, with induction into the Special Forces branch scheduled for October 2. Training covers tactical mesh networks, edge artificial intelligence, radio-frequency systems, computer-aided design and additive fabrication, including autonomous operation without GPS or radio links. Graduates will advise commanders and lead robotics detachments across Army Special Operations Command.