Precision in Words, Precision in Warfare: Clarifying the Terms Automatic, Remote, and Autonomous in Military Discourse on Unmanned Systems
National Defense University Digital Commons @ NDU
Strategic Insights Institute for National Strategic Studies
3-11-2026
Elise Annett Institute for National Security Studies, National Defense University
John Bitterman Institute for National Strategic Studies, National Defense University
James Giordano Institute for National Strategic Studies, National Defense University
The Worth of Words to Warfighting
Unmanned vehicular systems (UVS) spanning aerial, maritime, terrestrial, and sub-surface domains have become integral to intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), logistics, strike operations, and electronic warfare. Yet despite the increasing ubiquity and sophistication of these technologies, discourse surrounding their capabilities can be undermined by imprecise terminology that conflates the terms automatic, remote, and autonomous in policy, technical, operational, strategic and policy briefings and planning. As philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein eruditely noted, linguistic imprecision is not merely academic, but rather incurs existential, ethical and legal implications and manifestations. In military settings, this can directly affect operational planning, command authority, and the guidance and governance of emerging weapons systems. Simply put, words matter, and precision in language is critical to precision in warfighting...
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