As autonomous systems continue to reshape the modern battlefield, one critical question remains: Is the workforce ready? This white paper explores the often overlooked factor behind mission success, the operators, maintainers, and leaders responsible for deploying, sustaining, and trusting autonomous technologies. Drawing on real-world defense applications and emerging best practices, this white paper examines the readiness challenges facing unmanned and AI-enabled programs and provides actionable strategies to build a trained, confident, and mission-ready force.