People as the Decisive Advantage: Col Tom Parsons on Preparing the Dismounted Soldier for the Future Battlefield

As the character of land warfare evolves, dismounted soldiers are operating in an increasingly transparent, technology-driven and contested battlespace. Yet while drones, artificial intelligence, autonomy and persistent surveillance are reshaping the battlefield, the human element remains fundamental to success. Ahead of International Dismounted Soldier 2026, we spoke with Colonel Tom Parsons MBE, Assistant Head Personnel Strategy, British Army, about how armies must prepare their people for the realities of future close combat. Drawing on more than two decades of experience, Colonel Parsons explores lessons from Ukraine, the growing importance of adaptability and "techcraft", the challenges of allied interoperability, and why curiosity, resilience and human judgement will remain essential even as technology becomes increasingly sophisticated.

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