Army secretary says drones pose "threat of humanity's lifetime," but he's "optimistic" about U.S. approach

Washington — Army Secretary Dan Driscoll said Sunday that drones pose "the threat of humanity's lifetime," as officials have warned of escalating aerial security risks. But he said he's hopeful about the U.S.' approach.

"If you look at the speed and scale of the devastation that can come from drones, we as a federal government have got to lead on it," Driscoll said on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan ." "But I'm really optimistic. This is actually something we are doing right."

Driscoll outlined that the U.S. Army has been put in charge of the counter-drone threat for the Pentagon, and is working "hand in glove with the law enforcement agencies."

"What we are trying to do — because this problem is different from nearly anything faced in a long time — is a flying IED," Driscol