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Army Reaches Agreement with Private Industry for Nuclear Micro-Reactors

Monday, August 31st, 2026

WASHINGTON — The Department of the Army is announcing today that the Janus Program has selected five nuclear energy vendors, and five initial locations.

In partnership with the Department of War Innovation Unit (DIU), the Army is awarding up to a combined $2.2 billion to own, construct, and operate nuclear microreactors on military installations.  These vendors will deliver safe, secure, and reliable nuclear power, strengthening the Army’s ability to project power globally, while supporting the revitalization of American industrial capacity and technological leadership. With the private sector funding expected along with these government dollars, the Army expects more than 20 total nuclear microreactors will be built and operated across Department of War installations.

The five selected vendors and installations are as follows:

Antares Nuclear, Inc. – Fort Bragg, North Carolina

BWXT Advanced Technologies, LLC – Fort Campbell, Kentucky

General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems – Fort Hood, Texas

Radiant Industries, Inc. – Fort Benning, Georgia

Westinghouse Government Services – Fort Drum, New York

“Since launching the Janus Program, our mandate from President Trump and Secretary Hegseth has been clear: secure the power our warfighters need to train, deploy and win,” said Dan Driscoll, Secretary of the Army. “Awarding these contracts accelerates our ability to deliver safe, reliable baseload power directly to our installations. We are building the energy resilience necessary to project combat power globally, without relying on potentially vulnerable external grids.”

“The Janus Program is grabbing the baton from Project Pele and the [Department of Energy’s] Reactor Pilot Program,” said Dr. Jeff Waksman, principal deputy assistant secretary of the Army for Installations, Energy and Environment. “We are seeking not just reactors capable of turning on for a brief demonstration, but rather systems able to deliver power with high-capacity factors for years of operation. The Janus Program will be a complete success when and only when we have assisted multiple nuclear companies in developing truly reliable and affordable nuclear microreactors which they can sell to other buyers beyond just the military.”

After gathering technical and operational information from industry via an Area of Interest released by DIU, the Army down-selected potential industry awardees for negotiation of Other Transactions Authority-based agreements. A decision board and panel of top nuclear and technical experts from the Department of Energy, national laboratories and representatives across the services provided deeply rigorous input on the technical risks, financial situation, and management capabilities of the solutions. The close collaboration with technical experts and service representatives ensured selected vendors would provide solutions to enhance energy resilience for specific operational needs at military installations.

“When DOE created an authorization pathway for the demonstration of advanced reactor designs, we quickly began to realize how valuable these technologies could be for fortifying our national defense infrastructure,” said Assistant Secretary of Nuclear Energy Ted Garrish. “We are honored to work in lockstep with the Army to leverage nuclear energy innovation in support of our country’s military operations at home and abroad.”

The alignment of these vendors with Army installations represents the culmination of a year-long effort to evaluate and prioritize installations based on a multitude of factors from energy needs to seismic and hydrological considerations, all with a primary focus on safety. As the Janus Program moves forward, it is intended that these vendors will also site nuclear technologies on other service installations for continued energy resilience across the entire DOW. Additional Army and other Service sites will be announced at a later date. The Army continues to drive towards the September 2028 target outlined in President Trump’s Executive Order 14299 for operation of a first reactor, regulated by the Army, on a military installation.

“The Army is leading the nation in its return to nuclear preeminence via the Janus Program,” said Jason Craft, Janus Program manager. “Our selected industry awardees represent the most viable technologies to achieve this capability, setting conditions for both installation energy resilience and operational energy solutions.”

Using a milestone-based payment model, vendors will receive government funding only after successfully hitting specific technical goals. This investment model brings together approximately $2.2 billion across FY2027-2031 along with significant capital investment from each vendor. This technology development model will speed up the delivery of next-generation energy solutions to the warfighter and promote innovation while ensuring accountability. The prototype reactors will be contractor-owned and operated.

“We need more power. We need it delivered faster and cheaper, and we need it to be more reliable,” said Owen West, director, DIU. “With Janus, DIU is assisting the Army’s micro reactor build — speeding military energy production to protect the nation.”

Collaboration with utility providers is essential to the success of Army’s nuclear power strategy and the Janus Program. The Army will work closely with serving utilities and privatized utility providers on the Janus Program to ensure the best possible outcomes. The Army also invites continued collaboration with utilities both now and in the future on utility-scale, grid-facing power generation opportunities sited on Army installations.

“The Army’s Janus Program has my full support, said Emil Michael, the War Department’s Chief Technology Officer. “The War Department is acting swiftly to implement President Trump’s Executive Order, Deploying Advanced Nuclear Reactor Technologies for National Security, to deploy a nuclear reactor on a military installation by September 2028. We are unleashing America’s domestic nuclear industrial base to ensure a more resilient and secure energy supply for the joint force.”

Reliable energy underpins national defense. The down-selection to these five vendors represents a critical step forward in securing the operational readiness of our forces. The Army is committed to fortifying the defense and strength of the nation now and for future generations.

U.S. Army Communication and Outreach Office

Posted in Army, Contracts, Power, Press Release | No Comments »

Armaments Center Unveils SixPAC, First Major Overhaul to Small-Caliber Ammo Packaging Since WWII

Saturday, August 29th, 2026

PICATINNY ARSENAL, N.J. — Blending lightweight polymers with a rugged steel shell, the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Armaments Center’s new SixPAC system marks a groundbreaking leap in small?caliber ammunition packaging, one intended to reshape how munitions are used by Soldiers.

The SixPAC, named as such because it was intended for 6.8mm, is comprised of two lightweight polymer ammunition containers — or PACs — contained within a steel outer pack. Following successful implementation with 6.8mm, the system is planned for adaptation across multiple legacy small caliber ammunition production lines.

This initiative serves as the first major overhaul of small caliber ammunition packaging since World War II. Supply chain vulnerabilities, rising costs and a need to prepare for tomorrow’s military operations in varied climates necessitated a re-evaluation of current munitions packaging. The SixPAC is designed to have a lighter tactical inner pack, which will widen its manufacturing base and increase logistical efficiencies.

The SixPAC is highlighted by the lack of a traditional wood wirebound box overpack, which frequently required remediation, had to be assembled manually and was susceptible to mold. It also removes reliance on chemical wood preservative treatments, thus reducing environmental impacts and the possibility of a supply chain disruption.

The SixPAC’s polymer inner pack provides a reduced weight, easier transport, and is also more efficient to manufacture using automation. The steel outer pack reduces the logistical footprint by allowing more containers and ammunition per pallet and has a notably larger supply base than its legacy wood counterpart.

According to the project’s tech lead, Senior Scientific Technical Manager for Packaging Jason Runell, SixPAC was partially derived from a desire to do away with the wirebound box but was above all done in pursuit of modernization to face present-day logistics, portability and supply chain challenges. His team tested several materials and received feedback from various user communities before landing on a polymer inner pack and a steel outer pack.

This decision, he added, comes out of necessity — polymer isn’t yet as proven in the U.S. military as it is in other countries. Uniquely however, the U.S. must be ready to engage at any time and fights in various climates, all with their own difficulties and needs. In order to meet military standards, polymers have to hold up no matter the locale, even after years of storage.

The specific polymer developed on earlier container efforts has considerable potential, noted mechanical engineer and polymer designer Edward Lucas, but the team will keep the door open if anything more advantageous is developed.

“It’s a developing field, and polymers are unique — you can modify them, include additives that improve impact performance, stiffness or dimensional stability. You can add more ingredients to the cauldron and your potion will come out different trading some characteristics for others,” Lucas said.

Several designs are in development, with inner tactical polymer containers expected to weigh about half of the legacy steel M2A2. This weight savings on the tactical pack will result in a reduced load for an already weight burdened soldier.

The weight decrease will also be advantageous particularly on weight-sensitive platforms such as light watercraft and aircraft. Weight affects whether these platforms can launch to begin with and plays a part in its agility should the platforms be forced to engage.

Beyond this, the injection molding process for these inner packs will offer supply chain advantages. More than 800 injection molders within the United States are likely capable to create these packs, creating competition, slashing costs and lowering barriers to entry for new suppliers.

Additionally, polymer inner packs can be produced largely through injection molding, where most components are formed in a single custom mold and do not require large dedicated fabrication lines. Because the same press can be used for other products simply by swapping molds, polymer production requires a much smaller footprint and less dedicated tooling.

Soldiers got their hands on the SixPAC for testing throughout 2024 and 2025 and gave valuable feedback, much of which was positive. Several pointed out how when aboard watercraft or aircraft, “every ounce counts,” and the SixPAC will allow them to carry more ammunition.

The polymer inner pack design is currently undergoing refinement, with ongoing evaluation of options including the patent-pending polymer rectangular container, or PRC. The Armaments Center plans to continue investing into multiple PAC designs, and will share pertinent information, such as performance requirements, dimensional constraints, and lessons learned, to foster innovation within the industry.

Runell gave his thanks to everyone who helped see the PRC through to this stage, including Lucas, Program Lead Andriy Vasiyschouk, Lightweight Steel Outer Pack Lead Designer Nick Baxter and Small Caliber Packaging Supervisor Karl Weiss. He also expressed gratitude to Director of Special Projects Robert Kowalski for helping the team secure funding.

“It’s close to my heart, and I want to do everything I can to see this through, and every time we do a test and tweak a design, it still looks like it’ll be feasible. This project is very important to me,” he said.

Both Runell and the Armaments Center assert that the SixPAC system will represent a critical step towards modernizing ammunition logistics and will allow the U.S. Military to more easily take on its future challenges and demands.

By Tyler Barth

Posted in Ammo, Army, Guest Post | 3 Comments »

AV Receives $51 Million US Army Order for Switchblade 600 Loitering Munitions

Wednesday, August 26th, 2026

Award under Lethal Unmanned Systems IDIQ reflects growing demand for AV’s next-generation, long-range precision loitering munitions and proven Switchblade 600 performance. 

ARLINGTON, Va., August 26, 2026 – AeroVironment, Inc. (“AV”) (NASDAQ: AVAV), a global leader in defense technology, autonomous systems and precision strike solutions, today announced receipt of a $51 million delivery order from the United States Army for additional Switchblade® 600 Block 2 loitering munition systems. The order also includes Switchblade 600 Block 1 systems in support of a Foreign Military Sale to a key United States ally. 

The order was awarded under the Army’s existing five-year, $990 million Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract for Lethal Unmanned Systems (LUS), originally issued in August 2024.  

This latest award represents a follow-on procurement to the Army’s initial order for the next-generation Switchblade product line and underscores the strong, sustained demand for AV’s battle-proven long-range, precision loitering munitions. 

“Continued investment by the U.S. Army in Switchblade 600 Block 2 reflects both the growing demand for long-range, precision loitering munitions and the proven reliability of the Switchblade family in demanding operational environments,” said Brian Young, Senior Vice President of Loitering Munitions at AV. “Building on the success of Switchblade 600 Block 1, Block 2 continues to deliver the meaningful upgrades in autonomy, resilience, and lethality tailored to the Army’s needs in contested, multi-domain operations.” 

This order also reflects AV’s expanding production capacity and performance on prior Switchblade 600 deliveries.  

“This new delivery order under the LUS IDIQ further validates Switchblade 600 Block 2 as a next-generation, scalable fires solution for the Army,” said Young. “As we expand our manufacturing capacity and accelerate delivery timelines, we’re ensuring that U.S. soldiers have reliable, combat-proven loitering munitions that deliver precision effects at range while keeping them out of harm’s way.” 

Since 2025, Switchblade 600 has been fielded across more than 20 brigade combat teams while hundreds of U.S. soldiers have been trained on the system’s operation and employment. 

Switchblade 600 Block 2 is designed for multi-domain operations and ruggedized for maritime and highly contested environments. Developed in collaboration with United States Special Operations Command (SOCOM), the system incorporates upgraded avionics and advanced automatic target recognition including SPOTR AiTR, to enable faster detection, identification, and engagement of threats.  

Integrated resilient communications, including Silvus MANET radios, support distributed operations and extended handoff ranges, while improved navigation and mission resilience allow effective employment in GPS-challenged environments. These enhancements provide commanders with increased reach, flexibility, and confidence against armored and other high-value targets. 

Posted in Admin, Army, Contracts, Munitions, Press Release | No Comments »

Your Guide to the My Army Post App: The New Digital Hub for Army Life

Wednesday, August 26th, 2026

Navigating daily life on an Army installation just got easier. Whether you’re a Soldier, family member, civilian employee, retiree or contractor, keeping track of base resources, gate traffic and community updates can be a challenge. Enter the My Army Post App, or MAPA, the official mobile information center designed specifically for Army garrisons worldwide.

Replacing the older Digital Garrison app and various local legacy apps, MAPA is a centralized, user-friendly portal designed to streamline your daily activities on post. Here is everything you need to know about the Army’s newest mobile hub.

What Can the My Army Post App Do for You?

MAPA consolidates vital installation resources into a single digital platform, bringing the garrison directly to your fingertips with several key capabilities:

  • Installation Navigation & Information:Never get lost looking for a specific building again. MAPA provides quick access to operating hours, contact details and directions for on-post resources like housing, dining facilities, fitness centers, health care clinics and youth services.
  • Administrative & Facility Tools: Need to schedule a Common Access Card appointment or submit a maintenance work order? You can initiate these tasks right from the app. It also offers helpful resources for reviewing in-processing or permanent change of station information.
  • Real-Time Updates: Stay in the know with live updates on gate traffic conditions, important community announcements, and urgent push notifications sent directly from garrison leadership.
  • Seamless Customization: Once you download the app, simply select your specific installation and save your localized information for rapid, customized access.

Things to Keep in Mind

While MAPA is a massive upgrade to Army digital resources, there are a couple of transition details to note:

  • Make Sure You Have the Right App: Because MAPA is officially replacing legacy apps like Digital Garrison, many historical local base applications are currently sunsetting. Ensure you search for and download the “My Army Post” app rather than older, outdated installation apps.
  • Feature Variance: The core framework of the app is standardized across the Army, but specific features may vary slightly. This depends on how fully your specific garrison has integrated its local services into the MAPA platform.

How to Get Connected

The My Army Post App is completely free and publicly available for download on mobile devices and tablets. You can find it on:

Simply install the application and select your respective garrison from the menu to customize your feed today!

By HQDA Emergency Management Branch

Posted in Army, Press Release | No Comments »

Armaments Center Partners with Industry to Explore Concepts for Integrating Lethal Payloads to Unmanned Ground Vehicles

Wednesday, August 26th, 2026

PICATINNY ARSENAL, N.J. — Tomorrow’s battlefield is expected to pair automated vehicles and artificial intelligence with human Soldiers, and the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Armaments Center helping explore what that future might look like through controlled experimentation with industry partners.

Via a cooperative research and development agreement with HDT Robotics, LLC, doing business as BLADE, the Armaments Center supported the successful delivery of an armed Hunter WOLF unmanned ground vehicle to the 3rd Mobile Brigade of the 101st Airborne Division for a technical demonstration. The Autonomous Weapons Architectures & Controls Branch Chief Andrew Wilson noted that this highlights both the Armaments Center’s teamwork with an established partner, expertise in its field and ability to swiftly deliver a product to the Soldier.

Originally designed for logistics and supply transport, the Hunter WOLF UGV was experimented with as an active tactical asset. It is equipped with a remotely operated .50-caliber machine gun on a wireless Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station, known as CROWS, enabling a rapid response weapons system that does not need an operator physically present and in the line of fire.

The Armaments Center’s Strategic Advisor to Project Acquisition Executive Layered Protection Josiah Fay, said this came together as a perfect storm — the 101st was “hungry for robots” for logistical matters. Separately, the Armaments Center was pre-positioned to demonstrate CROWS with wireless control ready for Soldier operation and reached out to industry.

BLADE responded and within a few weeks Soldiers were being trained on the system. BLADE provided the platform and its associated training while the Armaments Center provided its experience in weaponry, armaments integration, and lethality training to jointly provide the complete capability.

By deploying an armed, wirelessly controlled UGV, Soldiers can maintain a dominant battlefield presence while remaining safely out of harm’s way, granting commanders significant tactical flexibility. The platform’s integrated electronics significantly enhance situational awareness, battlefield planning, foresight, and mission execution, and its transport capabilities relieve Soldiers of the burdens of carrying heavy weaponry.

The 101st Airborne Division experimented with the Hunter WOLF in April at the Joint Readiness Training Center at Fort Polk, Louisiana. The Armaments Center has reached out to the division to obtain Soldier feedback and operational performance, which will allow for the center to improve its future performance.

According to Fay, the Armaments Center continues its efforts to reduce Soldier cognitive load by adding autonomous features while ensuring combatants remain on the loop, rather than in the loop. Though such weaponry can remain effective even without a Soldier physically piloting it, a Soldier is still fully preoccupied staring at the screen with today’s technology. By moving them on the loop instead, a Soldier is less likely to suffer from cognitive overload and may instead take more of a supervisory role over partially automated weapons systems, increasing their effective combat power and area of influence while retaining positive control of lethal decisions.

By Tyler Barth

Posted in Army, Guest Post, Robotics, weapons | Comments Off on Armaments Center Partners with Industry to Explore Concepts for Integrating Lethal Payloads to Unmanned Ground Vehicles

US Army Certifies Rifle Squads During Live-Fire Training in Poland

Monday, August 24th, 2026

BEMOWO PISKIE TRAINING AREA, Poland — U.S. Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 37th Armored Regiment conducted squad tactical exercises and live-fire training from Aug. 4-13, 2026 at the Bemowo Piskie Training Area, testing their ability to maneuver, communicate and engage targets in day and night conditions.

The training progressed from team live-fire exercises to squad-level tactical movements, allowing Soldiers to build proficiency at the smallest level before operating as a larger formation.

“You just have to make sure the lowest element is trained,” said Sgt. 1st Class Geordie Blower, platoon sergeant with Charlie Company, 2-37 AR. “You need to make sure both the teams are qualified to maneuver before you can maneuver in a squad element.”

During the live-fire event, shots echoed across the training area from early morning into the afternoon. After sunset, the first squad lined up to conduct its mission during nighttime operations.

Soldiers donned night vision goggles and maneuvered through wooded terrain toward an objective marked by targets. From the top of a hill, another soldier monitored and maintained target accuracy through a computer system.

The exercises were designed to certify rifle squads and give soldiers an opportunity to practice battle drills using live ammunition. Capt. Jonathan Downs, commander of Charlie Company, 2-37 AR said the training also tested squad leaders’ ability to make decisions and control their formations under demanding conditions.

“I was really happy to see the squad leaders take initiative and be willing to not just stick to an exact range, but actually command and control their squads in a meaningful way,” Downs said.

Downs also praised Soldiers for their willingness to work through difficult conditions.

“It’s always good to see guys willing to get in the dirt and suffer a little to help their squads succeed,” Downs said.

The Bemowo Piskie Training Area presented challenges that differed from the unit’s home station at Fort Bliss, Texas. Soldiers maneuvered through woods and high grass, negotiating branches, uneven ground and limited visibility during nighttime operations.

Pfc. Rowdy Adams, an infantryman with Charlie Company, 2-37 AR, who normally serves as a radio transmission operator, participated as a rifleman during the squad live-fire exercise. He said the training allowed him to evaluate how well his team worked together.

“It’s been great,” Adams said. “I really enjoy being able to actually test our skills as a squad and a team, to see how well we can work together and accomplish our goal and our mission.”

Adams said the squad live-fire exercise felt more realistic than the earlier team-level training because Soldiers had to move through wooded terrain and coordinate supporting fires while advancing toward the objective.

“There were a lot more moving pieces, which is how it actually would be,” he said.

Daytime and nighttime operations required soldiers to adjust their movement and awareness. Adams said night vision goggles reduced his field of view and depth perception, making obstacles more difficult to identify.

“Night’s definitely a lot more difficult,” Adams said. “It’s harder to see the targets, but I personally enjoyed the night more.”

Downs said the unit must be prepared to operate in any environment and under changing conditions.

“Day or night, we have to be able to do the job,” Downs said. “Any weather condition — you’re not always going to have the weather conditions you want, and you have to be able to do it anywhere, anytime.”

Downs described his company as the battalion’s mechanized infantry force, saying that dismounted Soldiers are responsible for clearing terrain that can restrict armored vehicles.

“Thick terrain, like these woods behind us, or urban terrain — stuff like that — the tanks can’t clear,” Downs said. “Our job is to clear out those areas, to keep the tanks safe, and then to seize and hold terrain that they can’t.”

Throughout the training, leaders observed each iteration and provided feedback to help squads improve their decision-making, movement, and supporting-fire techniques.

Downs said the training improved on the unit’s previous squad live-fire exercise and expressed confidence in the soldiers’ performance.

“My NCOs did a terrific job out here,” Downs said. “The teams and squads both performed not just at standard, but above standard. I’m fully confident in their abilities and I’m happy with their work out here.”

By SSG Emilie Lenglain

Posted in Admin, Army, Guest Post | No Comments »

Army Develops Ultra-Light Vehicle for Changing Battlefields

Sunday, August 23rd, 2026

Getting troops and equipment across the battlefield is a vital part of every theater operation — Soldiers and their kits, as well as spare ammunition and other supplies, all need to arrive quickly, with nothing left behind — or risk jeopardizing the mission.

The Joint Light Tactical Vehicle and Humvee have done a great job at performing those tasks so far, but the battlefield is always changing. In some cases, those vehicles are too heavy and impractical for the task at hand. So, the Army chose to develop a new, ultra-light troop transport vehicle.

The Infantry Squad Vehicle is an ultra-light tactical vehicle that carries nine passengers and their equipment. Its evolution was informed by Soldier touchpoint events.

“We are extremely proud of this program and what we’ve been able to achieve in a short period of time,” said Susan Fung, Portfolio Acquisition Executive Maneuver Ground’s mobile brigade combat team deputy project manager. “In this high-stakes environment of modern warfare, playing it completely safe is often the most dangerous thing a leader can do for decades.”

Fung explained that the team is intentionally trading the illusion of a risk-free acquisition process for the ability to use commercial products and iterating with continuous Soldier feedback through the Army’s Transformation in Contact program.

“Traditional defense acquisition has prioritized its bureaucratic processes and zero-defect mentality over speed, and while well-intentioned, that approach often meant our Soldiers had to wait quite a bit for critical capabilities to reach the field,” she said.

Exponential Growth

The Infantry Squad Vehicle program began in 2019, with a procurement objective of 649 vehicles. However, based on Soldier feedback and TIC experimentation, Fung said Soldiers told them what they truly needed.

“This led to an explosive growth driven entirely by operational demand,” she added.

The number of vehicles required increased to 900 in February 2021. It increased two more times and was set at 2,593. In April 2025, the service approved the ISV utility variant and increased the Army procurement objective, bringing the total to 5,733 vehicles across both variants, Fung explained.

“In February of 2026, the Army established the current position objective and procurement objective at 11,582 vehicles,” she said. “That shows you the increased objective based on Soldier demand, and that’s really equivalent to about an 18-fold increase from the original requirement. Not because of requirements creep, but really because Soldiers validated the capability in the combat training environments and demanded more.”

John Hufstedler, the product director for ground mobility vehicles at PAE Maneuver Ground, said that connecting with the system’s mission was critical during the development of the vehicle.

“Early on, the ISV succeeded by staying locked-in. A few key requirements were transportability, [but] mobility and payload and resisting requirements creep,” he said, adding Army senior leaders kept the vehicle’s mission in focus.

“Anytime somebody wanted to add a radio with encrypted keys or hang another piece of encrypted equipment off the platform, leadership just didn’t buy into it. And that allowed the vehicle to stay focused and true to its mission, so we didn’t have to leave a Soldier back with the vehicle. All nine could go execute the mission and objective,” Hufstedler said.

The traditional acquisition approach allows custom military specifications, extensive government testing and sequential milestone gates. Hufstedler explained that this process can take four to 10 years, often resulting in cost overruns and technological obsolescence.

Instead, he explained that the ISV took the rapid acquisition approach, using commercial off-the-shelf solutions and minimal military modifications. That approach resulted in the first unit being equipped within 24 months.

Transparency Aids Progress

Taking a more risk-positive approach to developing the ISV required somewhat of a culture change within PAE Maneuver Ground. Specifically, it required more direct, transparent communication.

Hufstedler believes that leading by example, empathy, listening, incorporating team feedback into decisions and a willingness to stand by those decisions as leaders were key. He added that providing team autonomy, while clearly defining boundaries and success criteria and transparency at all levels of communication, also contributed to their success.

Next-generation Variants

“With the ISV program, we prove[d] that calculated risk works,” Hufstedler said. “We keep going back to commerciality — I think that has helped us a lot — trusting our Soldiers’ judgment and moving at the speed of relevance; I think we’ve delivered that capability.”

The Army’s willingness to accept commercial standards as a starting point and make the Soldiers the primary evaluators of the equipment will be critical to the success of developing ISV variants, he noted.

Fung said the team is currently developing the ISV heavy variant. It will include enhanced onboard power generation and storage capability to support next-generation command and control equipment.

“Overall, the ISV program is a great example of our acquisition reform, which allows getting capabilities to the field faster, leveraging commercial technologies while staying agile and giving Soldiers what they really want,” she said.

For more information, visit the CPE Ground website.

JACQUELINE M. HAMES is an editor with Behind the Frontlines. She has 15 years of writing, editing and reporting experience with the federal government, and has a B.A. in creative writing from Christopher Newport University.

Posted in Army, Guest Post, Mobility | No Comments »

The US Army Marksmanship Unit’s Instructor Training Group: Strengthening Lethality Through Expert Instruction

Saturday, August 22nd, 2026

The Instructor Training Group (ITG) of the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit (USAMU) is one of the Army’s most influential training assets. Based at Fort Benning, Georgia, the ITG delivers expert small-arms instruction to servicemembers across the force, ensuring marksmanship fundamentals, coaching skills and weapons proficiency remain at the highest possible standard.

Mission and Core Purpose The ITG’s mission is to increase small-arms lethality across the force by training servicemembers and developing instructors who can return to their units and elevate marksmanship programs. As part of USAMU’s broader training mission, the ITG provides:

• Mobile training teams that travel worldwide.

• Instructor development courses that teach Soldiers how to coach, evaluate and build sustainable marksmanship programs.

• Weapons-specific training aligned with Army doctrine and modernization efforts.

This dual focus—training shooters and training instructors—makes the ITG a force multiplier across the Army.

Training Methods and Curriculum ITG instruction blends data-driven training, doctrinal consistency and adaptable teaching methods. Training packages typically include:

• Baseline marksmanship assessments.

• Classroom instruction on preliminary marksmanship, ballistics, weapons familiarization, optics familiarization, shot analysis and coaching techniques.

• Hands-on weapons training with systems such as the M4, M17/M18 and emerging platforms like the M7/M8 rifle.

• Instructor development modules.

• Final evaluations measuring improvements in hit probability, consistency and proficiency.

The curriculum reinforces proven fundamentals while integrating modern optics, fire-control systems and Army lethality initiatives.

Verified Impact on Army Readiness Across its annual training cycle, the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit consistently delivers measurable improvements in small-arms proficiency—an impact strongly driven by the Instructor Training Group. On average, USAMU conducts about 80 training missions each year, providing advanced marksmanship instruction to more than 4,000 Soldiers.

One of the ITG’s greatest advantages—and a major selling point for commanders—is its ability to tailor every training mission to the unit’s specific needs. Commanders dictate the training intent, and ITG cadre build a customized program of instruction that focuses on the formation’s mission requirements, weapons systems and operational environment. Rather than selecting a preset course, units receive training built specifically around their mission parameters, ensuring relevance, efficiency and maximum lethality gains.

These tailored efforts produce significant, documented improvements in battlefield effectiveness. Servicemembers routinely achieve substantial increases in lethal-hit averages and overall marksmanship proficiency after completing an ITG training package, demonstrating the value of customized instruction delivered by expert cadre.

Together, these results highlight the ITG’s role as a critical contributor to Army readiness and small-arms modernization.

Reach Across the Army The ITG supports a wide range of Army organizations, including:

• Basic Combat Training and One Station Unit Training.

• ROTC Cadet Summer Training.

• Infantry and Armor Basic Officer Leader Courses.

• Maneuver Captain’s Career Course.

• National Guard and Reserve units.

• Partner-nation forces during joint training events.

• U.S. Army Forces Command (FORSCOM).

• U.S. Army Special Operations Command (USASOC).

ITG mobile training teams frequently travel to remote or resource-limited ranges, ensuring units across the Army receive expert instruction regardless of location.

Strategic Importance The Instructor Training Group is central to the Army’s long-term lethality strategy. By focusing on instructor development, the ITG ensures:

• Units maintain higher lethality long after training ends.

• Marksmanship doctrine remains standardized across the Army.

• New weapons and optics—such as the M7/M8 rifle and Next Generation Squad Weapon systems—are integrated effectively.

• Leaders at every level understand how to coach, evaluate and sustain marksmanship programs.

As small-arms proficiency becomes increasingly decisive in close combat, the ITG’s role is more vital than ever.

Contact The U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit’s Instructor Training Group can be reached at AMU-ITG@army.mil.

Story by LTC Michelle Lunato 

U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit

Posted in Army, Guest Post, weapons | No Comments »

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