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Drones 101: Welcome to DOW’s Joint Counter-Small UAS University

Tuesday, September 23rd, 2025

FORT SILL, Okla. — In the subtropical landscape of Fort Sill, those who are up early can often hear a constant buzzing coming from part of the installation. But it’s not their tinnitus acting up, or a swarm of killer bees. That low droning sound is likely coming from the Joint Counter-Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems University.

The school is the War Department’s only joint training center aimed at countering the growing number of aerial threats against U.S. troops and coalition forces. It teaches Soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines how to operate drone equipment, plan counter-small UAS strategies and train others to defend their comrades from harm.

“Coming out of a long period of counterterrorism … we’ve really seen the proliferation of drones [that] we call small-UAS … at low altitudes that have speed and accuracy that we’ve never seen before,” explained Army Lt. Col. John Peterson, JCU director. “That alone has changed the landscape.”

The urgent need to understand how to counter these threats is obvious from the conflicts unfolding in Ukraine, the Middle East and the Indo-Pacific region. Enemy drone tactics, techniques and procedures change almost daily, JCU officials said, leaving experts to constantly search for ways to update their defenses.

“Just understanding how easily these drones can be converted for malicious intent — that was something that was very surprising [to] me,” said Marine Corps 1st Lt. Jacob Ceglenski, JCU student.

Joint Counter-small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-sUAS) University Director U.S. Army Lt. Col. John Peterson and JCU Student U.S. Marine Corps 1st Lt. Jacob Ceglenski speak about the JCU at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, Aug. 20-21, 2025. DoW video by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Madelyn Keech.

However, air defense is nothing new to the U.S. military. American short-range air defense has been dominant for decades, so despite the new threats that are persistently cropping up, it’s nothing the U.S. can’t handle.

“For our [counter-small] UAS battle drills, they’re really not any different than anything our air defenders have already been doing,” said Army Sgt. 1st Class Alan Buhl, JCU instructor. “Everyone else is just now learning entry-level air defense doctrine.”

“[We are] making sure that we’re sustaining the training for joint partners,” Peterson said. “That they have the understanding and they’re comfortable using the equipment that they’re being provided.”

Courses Cover Operation, Planning and Protection

The JCU couples lessons learned in the field with intelligence assessments and other capabilities to give deploying service members the knowledge they need to mitigate ever-changing threats. About 30 experts run the school, which offers three courses that can last from one to three weeks.

The operator’s course goes in-depth to teach service members, most of whom are enlisted, how to use counter-small UAS equipment and understand the technicalities. The planner’s course teaches officers and staff how to place and employ those assets. Those students gain an understanding of U.S. systems and enemy tactics, then develop defensive plans to protect critical capabilities and assets. The installation protection course teaches post leaders how to sharpen their defenses, including how to tell the difference between potential threats and benign hobbyists’ drones.

Each course starts in a joint classroom environment where students from all career fields learn the basics: the types of aircraft they may see downrange, where they come from, how to identify them, and how to employ passive air defense measures, such as aircraft shelters, camouflage to hide assets and dispersion to spread them out.

“Looking up in the air — the third dimension — is not a requirement for most jobs in the military. But now everyone — the infantrymen, the artillerymen, the logistician — all have to look up,” explained Army Maj. Dennis “Chip” Stanford, JCU executive officer and a career air defender. “People [have to] adopt the mindset that everything is being observed from multiple angles, and it’s realistically a transparent battlespace.”

After a few days, the classes are split into service-specific tracks. At the JCU’s training range, they’re taught how to operate and maintain various systems and pieces of equipment, depending on what their service uses downrange.

Students also gain an understanding of 24 types of commercial off-the-shelf UASs. Many are known as “blue air” drones, which are used by DOW during operations. Others, known as “red air” aircraft, are used by countries perceived as our enemies.

Air Force Capt. Sarah Dahlke, assigned to Air Forces Central Command Force Protection at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, took the planner’s course in August. Approaching the UAS problem from the intel side, Dahlke often monitors aerial threats from a desk, so it’s good for her to see all the various aircraft up close.

“It looks a lot different when you’re out here on the ground, especially when you’re talking about visually identifying things,” she said. “Working in intel, you see all the red [adversary threats], but you don’t really get into the intricacies of the blue side. So, for me, that’s been the most valuable thing.”

All of the students know how important the curriculum is to the current global environment.

“We need to learn, and we need to be able to train people, as well as have knowledgeable planners,” said Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jilliene Huffman, air and missile defense systems tactician assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division. “[The 82nd] did just stand up the 3rd Battalion, 4th Air Defense Regiment. They’re going to be one of the first air battalions under a division that has actual counter-UAS systems … which is why it’s important that I came here.”

The Threat Detection Systems

When it comes to students in the operator’s course, there are 15 fixed-site systems they may learn, each of which identifies, tracks and mitigates drone threats using a combination of components.

One of the main fixed-site systems students train on is the Fixed-Site Low, Slow, Small Unmanned Aircraft Integrated Defeat System. It includes components to counter electromagnetic attacks, as well as ground-based radar and an electro-optical/infrared camera that can identify potential threats. The FS-LIDS can detect and even shoot down missiles, school officials said — a scenario students practice during simulations.

The simulations operate from trailers on the compound that mimic forward operating base command and control centers. Students learn the roles of each player in the room so they can understand the capabilities and limitations of every portion of the process, from the camera systems to the radar and the Forward Area Air Defense System.

“[FAADS] controls everything that’s supposed to happen … from shooting a rocket to electronic warfare,” explained Fred Hill, manager of the JCU operator’s course. “Everything the service member does — how he would do it downrange — he’s going to do it that exact way right here.”

While Army students heavily focus on FS-LIDS, the Navy and Air Force both use a fixed-site system known as a Counter-Remote Control Model Aircraft Integrated Air Defense Network. Other systems taught include the Negation of Improvised Non-State Joint Aerial system, used to counter small UASs; the Drone Restricted Access Using Known Electromagnetic Warfare system; and the Tactical Intelligence Targeting Access Node, a next-generation intelligence ground system.

The culmination of the classes is a joint exercise, during which all the students work together to counter a simulated threat.

JCU Staff: Going Above and Beyond

Before any students can be taught, the JCU staff has to get spun up on each piece of equipment, and commercial partners help with that. To repay the favor, instructors keep manufacturers in the loop on new technology they see on the battlefield so those drone builders can adapt, too.

Many of the staff go above and beyond their daily roles by doing all the flying, maintenance and aircraft development. For example, one staff member has created intricate manuals for each aircraft, while another works with 3D printers to create drones and replacement parts.

“The cost of [having] drones to shoot is unrealistic — at least $1,000 a pop. And when we’re talking 36 students a class, we can’t keep up with that cost,” explained JCU staff member Richard Stairs, who runs the compound’s 3D printing lab. “By using 3D printing, we minimalize that cost and basically cut it in half, based on what components we’re using.”

Peterson said it’s not a big team, but they are all passionate, adding, “The adaptation and innovation that they’ve been able to do on their own time … it’s remarkable what this team at the JCU is doing and will continue to do to help support the joint force.”

The JCU shares a lot of its products with DOW drone forces so they can develop their own capabilities in the future. The school also partners with federal agencies and academia and even trains foreign service members of partner militaries.

“Each country has a little bit of a different environment and theories behind [counter-small UAS strategy], so it helps give us a more well-rounded experience,” Peterson explained.

While drone warfare is perpetually changing, the school is determined to keep pace.

“We are constantly evolving — that’s with the new equipment, new threats and new student input that comes through,” said Jacob Cameron, JCU air boss. “No matter what the threat is, the JCU is adapting.”

The JCU, which became operational in 2023, falls under the Army’s 30th Air Defense Artillery Brigade. Fort Sill is home to the Army Field Artillery School, the Army Air Defense Artillery School, the 75th Fires Brigade and the 31st Air Defense Artillery Brigade, all of which have nurtured counter-small UAS strategies since the threat first surfaced.

By Katie Lange, Pentagon News

Posted in Army, C-UAS, Guest Post | Comments Off on Drones 101: Welcome to DOW’s Joint Counter-Small UAS University

Army’s Principal Cyber Advisor Says Cyber Key to Preparing for Future Fight

Monday, September 22nd, 2025

WASHINGTON — Cyber is central to the Army’s once-in-a-generation transformation and to defending the homeland’s critical infrastructure, said Principal Cyber Advisor to the Secretary of the Army Brandon Pugh to attendees at the Billington CyberSecurity Summit, Sept. 11.

Pugh said the Army’s Continuous Transformation aims to put the right technology in Soldiers’ hands faster while strengthening readiness for the future battlefield — where cybersecurity underpins everything from base operations to mobilization.

“This is our effort to make sure the Army is adapting to the future battlefield,” Pugh said. “Cyber is a key component of Army Continuous Transformation.”

Pugh participated in “The Future of Cyber Threat” panel, moderated by Chris Townsend, an Elastic vice president. Alongside Pugh were Col. Ivan Kalabashkin, Deputy Head of Ukraine’s Security Services Cyber Division; Vikram Thakur, Technical Director at Broadcom; and Josh Salmanson, Vice President for the Defense Cyber Practice at Leidos. Panelists discussed a range of cyber-related issues.

People first

“People are the core of the Army,” Pugh said, noting that modernization efforts revolve around Soldiers and Army civilians who defend the nation every day. He highlighted opportunities to better harness the skills of Army National Guard and Army Reserve cyber professionals — many of whom work in cybersecurity in their civilian careers. “Who is better positioned to defend a critical infrastructure threat than the people who live there?” he asked.

Protecting critical infrastructure at home

Pugh emphasized that defending the homeland is a top priority, and that the Army has a direct stake because vulnerabilities in privately owned critical infrastructure — from power grids to transportation networks — can affect Army installations and unit mobilization. He pointed to assessments by the Army Cyber Institute at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point that examine how infrastructure weaknesses could disrupt the Army’s ability to project forces in crisis or conflict. “We need to be able to mobilize forces and equipment at a moment’s notice,” he said.

When asked how to address critical infrastructure vulnerabilities, Salmanson urged organizations to “get back to the basics” — patching systems, reducing vulnerabilities and avoiding shared passwords — to cut noise in networks and improve response to new threats. “We’re seeing higher volumes and better quality [attacks] consistently,” he said.

AI for cyber — at scale

Panelists agreed adversaries are already using artificial intelligence to increase the speed and quality of attacks. Kalabashkin said Ukraine has faced more than 13,000 cyberattacks on government and critical infrastructure systems since the start of the full-scale war, with Russia using AI in recent months to scan for network vulnerabilities.

Pugh said the Army is leaning into AI where it can provide a decisive edge. “How can AI be used more effectively and at scale for defensive cyber operations and perhaps even offensive cyber operations?” he asked, noting strong work already underway across Army Cyber Command and U.S. Cyber Command. “We should leverage AI to gain the upper hand — a force multiplier for our Soldiers.”

Speed to capability

Pugh said the Army is working to shorten timelines to field cyber capabilities, particularly from innovative companies with niche solutions. “If you have a unique capability that can add value to the military, there should be an ability to get that in the hands of a warfighter and test it in weeks,” he said. That effort, he added, aligns with the Army’s broader push to transform how it acquires, tests and fields technology.

By MAJ Sean M. Minton

Posted in Army, Cyber, Guest Post | 1 Comment »

Lethality, Innovation, and Transformation Through AI Education at the U.S. Army School of Advanced Military Studies

Sunday, September 21st, 2025

THE ARMY UNIVERSITY, FORT LEAVENWORTH, Kansas – In late July 2025, the Advanced Military Studies Program at the School of Advanced Military Studies, known as SAMS, launched its first-ever experimental, three-day, Practical Application of Artificial Intelligence module.

The mission was simple: transform the program with an innovative, hands-on AI learning experience for students and faculty. The purpose was to enable warfighter lethality through AI education and training.

“AI is changing the character of warfare. Our graduates have got to be ready to lead formations powered by AI—and that’s why we did something about it,” Col. Dwight Domengeaux, Director, SAMS said.

Dr. Bruce Stanley, Director, AMSP, envisioned a module that pushed institutional norms about how mid-career officers learn about AI and learn with AI.

“Did we accept risk? Yes. We did—to create a critical learning opportunity for our students,” Stanley remarked. “We knew what was at stake, and we trusted our faculty and students to make it work.”

And make it work they did.

According to AMSP faculty, the module’s experimental instructional design was key, consisting of ten-and-a-half hours of total classroom contact time divided over three lessons.

“We covered a lot of ground with our students in three days,” Dr. Jacob Mauslein, associate professor, AMSP, said. “Subjects ranged from AI theory and ethical considerations of AI, to applying AI tools, and leading AI-enabled organizations.”

A novel feature of the module was that it was developed by AMSP students. As a task in their Future Operational Environment course, six students from the Class of 2025, mentored by two faculty, developed the AI module that would be taught to the Class of 2026. The students’ final draft was adopted almost without change by the faculty.

“Incorporating students as full participants in the process allowed us to co-develop lesson objectives and materials that deeply mattered to them,” Dr. Luke Herrington, one of the faculty leads for the module shared.

Meeting students where they were in terms of their AI skills and then taking them to the next level was part of the academic approach for the AI module, Herrington explained.

Maj. Justin Webb, PhD, an AY 2025 AMSP student, and one of the module’s developers explained it this way: “SAMS is a warfighting school—so we chose learning activities that would help us become more lethal warfighters with AI. Using AI tools like CamoGPT, Ask Sage, and others for several hours over three days helped us get there.”

Some students in the AY 2026 class were initially skeptical of using AI.

“At first, I didn’t know what I didn’t know,” Army Maj. Stuart Allgood, an Armor officer SAMS student said. “But by the end of the first day my thinking about AI had changed. After the second day, I could use AI tools I had never even heard of.”

Maj. Callum Knight, an intelligence officer from the United Kingdom summed up his experience.

“Before this course I viewed AI as just a data point,” Knight said. “Now that I’ve experienced what’s possible with AI, I realize it’s an imperative that is going to impact everything I do going forward.”

So, what’s next for AI at SAMS?

“Based on what our students got out of this, we intend to add more AI learning moments across the program,” Stanley said. “The priority now is to integrate AI into our upcoming operational warfare practical exercise.”

AMSP is one of the three distinct academic programs within SAMS.

The other two SAMS programs are the Advanced Strategic Leadership Studies Program or ASLSP – a Senior Service College equivalent, and, the Advanced Strategic Planning and Policy Program or ASP3 also known as the Goodpaster Scholars—a post-graduate degree program.

Matthew Yandura is an AMSP assistant professor, and retired Army colonel.

By Matt Yandura, Assistant Professor, School of Advanced Military Studies

Posted in AI / ML, Army, Guest Post | Comments Off on Lethality, Innovation, and Transformation Through AI Education at the U.S. Army School of Advanced Military Studies

US Army Retires Two Most Distinguished Aerial Intelligence Platforms

Saturday, September 20th, 2025

CAMP HUMPHREYS, Korea — The 501st Military Intelligence Brigade-Theater (MIB-T) observed the closure of the U.S. Army’s two most distinguished aerial intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) legacies, GUARDRAIL and Airborne Reconnaissance Low (ARL) during events, July 30-31, 2025.

In an event designated Operation PACIFIC SUNSET, the 501st MIB-T hosted a commemorative ceremony at the Desidario Army Airfield that featured a final flight of the aerial platforms, exhibition flights, and a runway display of aircraft. Soldiers of the Republic of Korea concluded the ceremony with a dedication honoring the contributions of the 3rd Military Intelligence (MI) Battalion, ARL, and GUARDRAIL Common Sensor (GRCS).

Since 1975, GUARDRAIL has provided indications and warnings to United States Forces Korea. Throughout its operational history, GUARDRAIL monitored the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) through a series of diplomatic crises on the peninsula. In 1988, under the 3rd MI Battalion, the first version of GRCS entered service, ensuring foreknowledge of any aggressive actions across the DMZ for many years to come.

“[GUARDRAIL] is our longest serving U.S. Army ISR asset in the [Korean Theater of Operations], and our only true [program of record] aircraft,” said Lt. Col. Derrick J. Zantt, commander of the 3rd MI Battalion.

At the program’s high point, GUARDRAIL aircraft and ground stations became standard, serving in six aerial MI battalions. Each iteration, at its debut, was on the cutting edge of technology.

By the 1990s, the U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command (INSCOM) had gained considerable experience in the development and fielding of special electronic mission aircraft. ARL emerged out of a shift in national priorities toward counterdrug smuggling, primarily out of the Andean Ridge region of South America. Originally a quick reaction capability, ARL was developed to satisfy low intensity multi-intelligence requirements in U.S. Southern Command and quickly proved its worth.

When the Army decided to retire the OV-1D Mohawks, the service looked to DoD and Congress for a solution.

“JSTARS couldn’t do it. The Air Force U-2 couldn’t do it. Even satellites couldn’t do it,” said Dr. Thomas Hauser, U.S. Army Intelligence and Security (INSCOM) historian and author of the INSCOM aviation book series. “INSCOM came through at the last minute with a solution: the versatile ARL. Their ever-watchful eyes stayed open all these years. It was always on the flightline or in the air, ready to serve the Army.”

During five decades of service, GUARDRAIL and ARL flew over 120,000 hours of support, over 30,000 sorties, and were flown by more than 800 military pilots through the 3rd MI Battalion over the life of the systems.

The final flights of these aerial intelligence platforms come as the Army transitions to more modern and lethal assets.

“Through the end of [its] life, the aircraft continued [its] operational collection mission until the last day and were able to effect a seamless handoff to the ATHENA program, which is serving as our bridge,” said Col. Brian Tinklepaugh, 501st MI Brigade-Theater commander.

The Army Theater-level High-altitude Expeditionary Next Airborne (ATHENA) platform combines multiple intelligence disciplines into a singular platform, enabling the Army to have a multi-intelligence approach to targets where the Army can use geospatial intelligence, signals intelligence, and electronic intelligence to look at a single target and better define that target for operational commanders.

“These bridge aircraft will continue to inform HADES programmatic requirements, facilitate early implementation of new training concepts and fielding strategies, and ultimately ensure “No Cold Starts” for the HADES program,” said Jordan Rubin, chief, INSCOM G3 ISR Operations.

The Army’s shift to the High Accuracy Detection and Exploitation System (HADES) marks a pivotal step in the future of aerial intelligence. HADES is a crewed aerial multi-intelligence collection system optimized for active campaigning in areas where range, speed, and data convergence are critical to rapidly gain and maintain situational understanding, freedom of maneuver, overmatch, and decision advantage in multi-domain operations. The system will employ on-board data processing using artificial intelligence and machine learning and will provide sensor-to-shooter links to shorten the kill chain to operate at the tempo and volume of high-intensity conflict.

HADES replaces legacy platforms such as GUARDRAIL and ARL and gives commanders the ability to see deeper, decide faster, and strike more effectively across multiple domains. As large-scale combat operations grow more complex, HADES and other strategic aerial assets will be central to ensuring U.S. forces maintain overmatch and decision advantage on the battlefield.

“As we move forward to the Army’s aerial future with HADES, I’m incredibly proud of not just the [legacy] aircraft, but the men and women who have flown the aircraft, maintained the aircraft, and who have provided that intelligence watch over more than five decades,” said Tinklepaugh.

By Erin Rohn

Posted in Army, Aviation, Guest Post, ISR | Comments Off on US Army Retires Two Most Distinguished Aerial Intelligence Platforms

Oregon Guard Advances Drone Capabilities with New Training Systems

Friday, September 19th, 2025

RAYMOND REES NATIONAL GUARD TRAINING CENTER, Ore. – The Oregon Army National Guard is transforming its unmanned aircraft systems training at the 249th Regional Training Institute, introducing advanced platforms while developing innovative solutions to meet evolving battlefield requirements.

During September 2025, the Regional Training Institute at Rees Training Center hosted two distinct training events that showcase Oregon’s expanding role as the state’s center for drone operations. A specialized Master small Unmanned Aircraft Systems pilot course focused on the Flightwave Edge 130 system from Sept. 3-5, followed by the broader Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems course running Sept. 3-12.

The training represents a significant evolution from the RQ-11B Raven systems that were divested in March 2024. Students now learn on the RQ-28A Sky Ranger, officially designated by the Army for Short Range Reconnaissance missions, along with the more advanced Edge 130 platform.

“The course itself is 10 days, but with optimal weather conditions and smaller class sizes, we could potentially complete the comprehensive training in about five days,” said Staff Sgt. First Class Mannen, the course manager. “That includes all the classroom instruction and flight operations, which allows me to give students more hands-on flight time.”

The Edge 130, manufactured by Red Cat Holdings’ Flightwave division, represents a significant upgrade in capabilities. The aircraft features vertical takeoff and landing with transition to fixed-wing flight, providing 60 minutes of flight time in vertical mode and 90 minutes in fixed-wing configuration.

“The edge 130 has three different payloads on it right now,” explained Peter DeJoseph, a Flight Trainer Three with Red Cat Holdings. “You have the gimbal 360 payload that can gimbal 360 around, has 10 times zoom, and has electro-optical infrared functionality on it. And then the other payload is the mapping array where you can set a survey of an area.”

The training methodology has also evolved. Red Cat’s approach includes a Learning Management System that students access two weeks before arrival, allowing them to complete theoretical modules at their own pace.

“They get two weeks and go through each module and learn,” DeJoseph said. “When they get through a module, they can take a 15-minute practice, take out that part of the system, build up the aircraft, go through the ground control station, build missions, download maps, and be all hands on with that learning module system.”

Perhaps the most innovative aspect of Oregon’s UAS program is the development of custom-built aircraft designed to supplement expensive commercial systems. Lt. Col. Mark Timmons, RTI commander, initiated this effort after recognizing the financial constraints of relying solely on $45,000 commercial platforms.

“These systems cost $45,000 apiece, so talking with Sgt. 1st Class Mannen, here do we go once we get them here and we want to loan these out to various UAS operators? Well, what’s going to happen? We know what’s going to happen. They’re going to crash,” Timmons explained.

Working with Echo MAV, a company that specializes in NDAA-compliant components, Oregon has developed prototypes that cost between $2,000-$5,000 including ground control stations. The initiative draws inspiration from similar programs at the 101st Airborne Division and 25th Infantry Division.

“The opportunity for us to be able to essentially design and build by 3D printing our own aircraft, partnering with a company who are experts in the technology piece of it and the compliance piece of it, putting those two efforts together gives us an Oregon-made, essentially US-made system,” Timmons said.

Oregon’s UAS training builds on infrastructure established through partnerships with the U.S. Navy. The state operates the Unmanned Aerial System Operating Facility in Boardman, a $13 million, 12,400-square-foot facility that opened in April 2023. While the RQ-7B Shadow Tactical UAS no longer operates from that facility, it established Oregon as a significant player in unmanned systems training.

Rees Training Center now serves as the primary hub for Oregon Army National Guard drone operations, with capabilities extending beyond basic flight training to include intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance applications, mapping surveys, and potential support for environmental monitoring missions.

The versatility of the new systems opens possibilities for diverse mission support. Plans include using the Edge 130’s mapping capabilities to conduct environmental surveys of the Rees Training impact area to locate burrowing owl habitats for the Oregon National Guard’s environmental office.

“With the edge 130 we could task the platoon to do a map survey with the mapping payload and we can get a high fidelity aerial photography of that impact area for environmental, which is super cool,” Timmons noted. The training also addresses modern operational challenges, including electronic warfare considerations and fiber optic drone flight capabilities, preparing soldiers for the evolving nature of unmanned operations in contested environments.

As the Oregon Army National Guard continues developing its UAS capabilities, Rees Training Center positions itself as not just a training facility, but as an innovation hub where soldiers learn to operate, maintain, and even build the unmanned systems that increasingly define modern military operations.

The September training courses represent another step in Oregon’s journey from traditional UAS operations to a comprehensive program that combines commercial systems, custom-built platforms, and innovative training methodologies to prepare soldiers for the future of unmanned warfare.

Story by MaJ Wayne Clyne

Oregon National Guard Public Affairs Office

Posted in Army, Drone, Guest Post, Training | 1 Comment »

Army’s XM204 Terrain-Shaping Munition Set for Fielding in Europe

Thursday, September 18th, 2025

PICATINNY ARSENAL, NJ — The U.S. Army’s Project Manager Close Combat Systems has passed First Article Testing (FAT) and completed Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP) of the XM204 interim top-attack munition.

PM CCS conducted FAT at Yuma Proving Ground and validated the performance, reliability, and integrated safety features of the XM204 which the government developed in partnership with Textron Systems. After FAT approval, McAlester Army Ammunition Plant (McAlester, OK) began LRIP.

The XM204 is an anti-vehicle munition with standoff and top attack capabilities designed to support terrain shaping operations by supporting a number of counter mobility tasks such as blocking, disrupting, fixing, and turning an enemy force.

“The XM204 is a significant step forward in how we enable maneuver commanders to shape terrain and protect their forces,” said Maj. Gen. John T. Reim, Joint Program Executive Officer for Armaments and Ammunition and Commanding General of Picatinny Arsenal. “We’re proud to see the 2nd Cavalry Regiment become the first to field this new system.”

The 2nd Cavalry Regiment, based at Rose Barracks in Vilseck, Germany, will be the first unit to field the XM204. The regiment is the longest continuously serving cavalry unit in the Army and plays a key role in North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s (NATO) enhanced Forward Presence initiative.

“For units on the frontlines of deterrence in Europe, having access to advanced terrain-shaping capabilities like the XM204 strengthens our ability to influence key terrain, slow adversary movement, and protect our forces,” said Reim. “This system gives our Warfighters a decisive edge as we train and operate alongside NATO allies.”

The XM204 can be rapidly emplaced and is highly portable; the system can be employed alone, in multiples or in tandem with other terrain shaping systems. The lightweight munition features a dispenser launcher module that autonomously deploys multiple submunitions. Each submunition is equipped with onboard sensors to detect enemy vehicles and utilizes an explosively formed penetrator to defeat those threats. If not armed, the system is recoverable which allows Soldiers to reposition it as needed.

The XM204 also includes tamper-resistant features, armed/safe indicators, and self-destruct timers, aligning with U.S. landmine policy on anti-personnel landmines and reducing post-conflict risks to civilians.

According to Tinesha Nicholas, Product Manager for Terrain Shaping Obstacles (PdM TSO), the new system can be used in conjunction with the XM343 Standoff Activated Volcano Obstacle to produce layered effects that degrade enemy mobility and create tactical advantages for friendly forces.

“Seeing the XM204 perform so successfully gives us confidence,” said Nicholas. “This new system addresses evolving battlefield demands and reflects PdM TSO’s commitment to developing and fielding safe, reliable, and lethal munitions to our warfighters and international partners.”

Joint Munitions Command cleared the XM204 for release to the Warfighter in September 2025 and New Equipment Training will be delivered to 2nd Cavalry Regiment by Project Manager Close Combat Systems in Vilseck, Germany this fall.

By Michael Chambers

Posted in Army, Guest Post, Munitions | Comments Off on Army’s XM204 Terrain-Shaping Munition Set for Fielding in Europe

US Army OCIE Items with No Economic Value to be Removed from Records

Thursday, September 18th, 2025

Earlier this year, the US Army released ALARACT 056/2025, providing updated guidance on the disposition and disposal of Organizational Clothing and Individual Equipment (OCIE) items determined to have no economic value (NEV).

ALARACT 056/2025 outlines the process for removing legacy and end-of-life (EOL) OCIE items from Soldier OCIE records.

Central Issue Facilities (CIF) will remove listed NEV OCIE items from Soldier records during appointments. A new system, Soldier Equipment and Asset Management (SEAM), will automate this process in the future.

Soldiers will be authorized to dispose of certain items and other items will be collected for demilitarization. Patches/insignia will need to be removed, and IR tabs destroyed before disposal.

HQDA, DCS, G-4 will be updating AR 700-84 and CTA 50-900 to reflect EOL processes.

The attached photo depicts OCIE items retained by the Soldier. Helmets, Armor and Sleep Systems will be turned in to CIF upon PCS/ETS.

Posted in Army, Boots, Clothing, Load Carrying | 3 Comments »

Experimenting with Technology: Soldiers and Innovators Strengthen National Defense

Thursday, September 18th, 2025

Schofield Barracks, HAWAII – Soldiers from the 25th Infantry Division are testing innovative electromagnetic support systems to strengthen the Army’s ability to adapt and operate in the Pacific Theater. Partnering with industry experts through the Army’s X-Tech program, Tropic Lightning Soldiers are experimenting with emerging technology that promises to enhance battlefield awareness, reduce risks to troops, and advance multi-domain operations.

Staff Sgt. Clark J. Tequin, an electromagnetic warfare specialist assigned to the Multifunctional Reconnaissance Company, 2nd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, emphasized the importance of this technology for future operations.

“The Army functions in multi-domain operations, and this is part of the cyberspace and electromagnetic spectrum,” Tequin said. “This allows us to fight in multiple domains throughout the battlefield. As we move forward in the Pacific, we need these types of technologies to help troops understand and have better situational awareness of the overall battlefield.”

This focus on adaptability demonstrates how the division is preparing for the challenges of modern warfare in a dynamic environment.

The tested system enables Soldiers to detect enemy activity without direct contact—giving commanders an edge in planning and protecting their forces.

“Systems like this allow us to create a baseline on the spectrum and understand what type of signatures might be out on the battlefield—what our enemies are using and how we can exploit those signatures,” Tequin explained. “For example, if our opponents use radios, we might be able to detect those specific radios and exploit their communication and other equipment.”

By developing the ability to see, sense and exploit adversary activity, the division strengthens its Lethality across multiple domains.

Working with industry partners is a key element of the division’s modernization efforts.

“It’s a good way forward as 25th Infantry Division continues to experiment with different technologies and really push the envelope on adapting to modern warfare,” Tequin said. “This is part of that multi-domain operation.”

This partnership reflects how we connect, communicate, and integrate partners as members of one team, showcasing how Soldiers and civilians can collaborate to develop solutions that directly enhance the warfighter.

That collaboration highlighted by Jessica Stillman, an X-Tech program manager, who explained the value of putting technology directly into Soldiers’ hands during first stages of development.

“It means that we are getting technology into the hands of the Soldiers early on and giving companies an opportunity to get feedback on the technology they’re developing,” Stillman said. “That way, they can iterate on it and ensure that it’s ready for field testing and ready for when it’s needed.”

Stillman noted that events like this bring both Soldiers and technical experts together, providing balanced insight.

“It brings together not only Soldiers, but also the technologists to really look at how the technology performs,” Stillman said. “It’s valuable to see what it looks like when the Soldier is using it in the field, and what it looks like from a technical or scientific perspective to ensure that the technology is actually going to work.”

Stillman’s comments reinforce the division’s value in partnerships —bridging industry and military expertise to accelerate innovation.

Sgt. Brock A. Gossling added that adaptability remains at the core of these efforts.

“Testing capabilities like this reflect that mindset because systems like these have to be adaptable and go after whatever the 25th Infantry Division has in front of them,” Gossling said. “We have to be able to use these systems and go after any targets in any area.”

Beyond adaptability, one of the fundamentals focuses on protecting Soldiers while accomplishing the mission. Gossling explained how electronic support systems enhance safety.

“Electronic support systems like these are important because they provide commanders with early warning and threat detection, so they have a better understanding of their awareness,” he said. “It also allows commanders to understand their income levels and limit the signature they output.”

This speaks directly to managing risk, ensuring that commanders can make informed decisions while minimizing risks to their troops, people, and mission.

Stillman emphasized that this is just the beginning of the Army’s partnership with X-Tech.

“This is the first experimentation that X-Tech is doing—not the last,” she said. “We have several more coming up, and Army senior leaders continue to ask how we can rapidly identify technology and get it into the hands of Soldiers. That is exactly what we will be doing in the months ahead.”

Tropic Lightning Soldiers are testing new electromagnetic support systems to sharpen Lightning Discipline and keep the division lethal and ready. By working with industry partners, leaders show Initiative and Agility to adapt faster than adversaries in the Pacific. And by connecting Soldiers with civilian experts, the division Strengthens Soldiers and Community, ensuring trust and readiness remain at the core.

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