Feb. 20, 2026

Perspectives: 21st Century Hedgerow Problems

Successful technology companies ruthlessly focus on how customers will use their products. Likewise, the best tool for senior leaders to determine where to invest constrained research and development (R&D) budgets is their soldiers. Army Special Operations Forces (ARSOF) soldiers at all levels are learning from the evolving pace and technology of modern warfare, as seen in recent conflicts from the clashes between Armenia and Azerbaijan to the war in Ukraine. Our formation is struggling to visualize how this evolution will change future conflicts. A significant challenge is the potential disconnect between leaders who make critical technology acquisition decisions and the tactical teams who will ultimately employ the new tools. To correct this imbalance, ARSOF leaders should involve soldiers at the tactical level in wargaming the potential employment of new and emerging technologies, thereby ensuring our formations receive the right tools and have a well-thought-out plan for integrating them appropriately.