INNOVATION FOR THE SECURITY OF THE NATION.

MISSION.

RAPIDLY ENHANCE THE NATIONS EFFORT TO MAN, TRAIN, AND EQUIP SERVICE MEMBERS AND ORGANIZATIONS IN NATIONAL DEFENSE, SECURITY, AND SAFETY WITH TACTICS, TECHNIQUES, PROCEDURES, TECHNOLOGIES AND POLICIES TO COMPETE AND WIN IN THE CLEAR AND PRESENT DRONE ERA

EXECUTION.

MAINTAINING NATIONAL COMPETITIVENESS OF TECHNOLOGY AND TACTICS THROUGH INTERSERVICE U.S. MILITARY COMPETITION AND COLLABORATION WITH ACADEMIA, INDUSTRY, AND GOVERNMENT PARTNERS

IMPACT

  • USNDA works to rapidly enhance the U.S. government’s ability to man, train, and equip its personnel and organizations with the necessary skills, tactics, technologies, and policies to maintain national defense, security, and safety in the modern drone era.

  • USNDA fosters partnerships between industry, academia, and government to accelerate the adoption of cutting-edge drone technology. By hosting competitions, training events, and policy discussions, it ensures that the latest advancements are integrated into military, security, and public safety operations faster than traditional government acquisition cycles allow.

  • USNDA leads initiatives to attract and train STEM talent, partnering with high schools, colleges, and government training organizations. Through national and regional competitions, it helps recruit and develop skilled drone operators and engineers for government and defense roles.

  • USNDA actively works with lawmakers, agencies, and policymakers to influence regulations and remove bureaucratic barriers that hinder drone advancement. It also develops local and national advocacy efforts to support drone-friendly policies and expanded operational authorities.

  • Through events like Drone Crucible Matches and National Drone Conferences, USNDA creates realistic, scenario-based training environments for operators to test tactics, technology, and policy in action. These efforts help modernize U.S. drone capabilities while preparing for future challenges in national defense and security.

a legacy of competitive readiness

Between 1861 and 1871, U.S. military leaders—alarmed by battlefield realities and international trends like the Franco-Prussian War—recognized a critical gap in American defense readiness: a widespread lack of marksmanship competency. General Ambrose Burnside’s stinging observation that “The Union Army can’t hit the broad side of a barn” underscored a larger problem: our troops were brave, but unprepared for the precision demands of modern warfare.

In response, six generals founded the National Rifle Association (NRA) in 1871, with former President Ulysses S. Grant as its first leader. Its mission: promote rifle proficiency as a scientific and competitive discipline. With the support of governors, senators, and military service secretaries, the NRA transformed marksmanship into a national priority. Competitive shooting programs, national matches at Camp Perry, and partnerships with the National Guard helped develop a generation of skilled marksmen who gave the U.S. a tactical edge—especially in battles like Belleau Wood during World War I.

At the same time, the perils of complacency were clear. In 1861, Col. Ripley, Chief of Ordnance, famously refused to adopt the machine gun, calling it a disruptive distraction—despite rising battlefield requests. That refusal delayed American innovation and cost lives in the trench warfare of World War I.

The Rise of the United States National Drone Association (USNDA)

Today, the United States faces another transformative moment—this time, not with bullets and barrels, but with drones and autonomy. The modern battlefield is digital, swarming, and asymmetric. And just as the NRA helped create a national standard for marksmanship, the United States National Drone Association (USNDA) was founded to do the same for drone competency.

USNDA unites public, private, and academic leaders to advance U.S. drone dominance through:

  • Live competitions

  • Simulation-based competitions

  • Public-private innovation accelerators

  • Training and readiness programs

  • Policy engagement to remove barriers to rapid adoption

We don’t have the luxury of learning these lessons the hard way again. Our adversaries are investing aggressively in low-cost drones, swarms, and counter-UAS capabilities. Without a harmonized national response rooted in competition, innovation, and strategic urgency—we risk falling behind.

Just as marksmanship competitions helped America prepare for 20th century wars, drone competitions and national readiness efforts will prepare us for the wars of the 21st century.