CONTENT   The guest today is Neale Smiles a former Gunner now working in the defence industry. Neale often posts his thoughts on military matters on LinkedIn and was a guest on pod 51 where we discussed “Guns, Rockets & Training For War”. So if you have an interest in all things artillery it is worth a listen. Even if you don't check it out as Ukraine is proving, Gunners are still one of the biggest killers on the contemporary battlespace. On this episode we discuss the Past, Present And Future Of Drones In The British Army. We cover: The development of Artillery air OPs in WW2 .The pioneering work using drones post war by the Royal Artillery.Hermes 450 and Watchkeeper drones.The Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance process known as ISTAR which is the activity of "equipping forces' with information and intelligence to assist in combat roles and other operational duties. This often derives from linked information networks which improve upon situational awareness".where drones currently operate in this space and more importantly where they perhaps could operate.Should the Royal Artillery operate Watchkeeper.Drones in Ukraine.The future of drones in the British army.  No Desert Island Dits on this episode as Neale has been on before however we do discuss his current read "First To Fight - The Polish War 1939" by Roger Moorhouse.   WHERE TO GET OUR DESERT ISLAND DITS BOOK CHOICES   Most of our book recommendations can be bought via the Unconventional Soldier Bookshop. 10% of each purchase supports the pod and helps independent book stores on line sales.     "BUY ME A COFFEE"   If you want to support the podcast you can buy me a coffee here.   SOCIAL MEDIA   Instagram @the_unconventional_soldier_pod. Facebook @lateo82.  Twitter @TheUCS473. Download these and other platforms via Link Tree. Email us: [email protected].  This episode brought to you in association with ISARR a veteran owned company. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.