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Employing Military Working Dogs in Large-Scale Combat Operations

Tuesday, September 3rd, 2024

SECTION 1

Introduction

“As they approached a grass-covered hut, a machine gun opened fire. The hut was, in fact, a camouflaged bunker. Chips (military working dog [MWD]) quickly escaped Rowell’s (handler) control and made a beeline for the bunker. Within seconds, the machine gun fell silent and an Italian soldier tumbled out with Chips chomping at his throat and arms. In short order, three others exited the bunker with arms raised. Chips was lightly wounded in the incident, suffering powder burns and several cuts.”

—Seth Paltzer, THE DOGS OF WAR: THE U.S. ARMY’S USE OF CANINES IN WWII[1]

From 13 to 18 May 2024, an analyst from CALL’s Corps and Division Branch (CDB) attended the 2024 U.S. Army Military Working Dog Leadership and Training Symposium. The analyst observed military initiatives for MWD support to large-scale combat operations (LSCO) at the Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center in Alpena, MI.

The symposium demonstrated the value MWDs contribute during LSCO, especially by providing Soldiers stand-off during detection and clearing tasks. Also, of note, many MWD programs especially, those in which MWDs perform tasks untethered to the handler, require long-term investment to train and groom MWDs to work in challenging operational environments.

During the symposium, MWDs demonstrated their capability sets, which are unique from any other instrument of war, through a broad range of scenario-based training events, such as search, tracking, detection, and bite techniques. The analyst also interviewed MWD experts from U.S. and allied partners to identify lessons learned from ongoing conflicts and gaps that exist within the U.S. Army MWD program in the context of LSCO.

SECTION 2

Key Symposium Takeaways

Canines have been useful to military organizations since their domestication. Few, if any, instruments of war have the successful track record and longevity of MWDs. They remain effective in a variety of environments, including dense vegetation, subterranean complexes, and trench networks. Even in the current operational environment, there are many situations in which MWDs outperform drones and conventional equipment. Unlike machines, MWDs make decisions, use intuition, and think outside of the realm of algorithmic predictions. This is a unique aspect to their employment in detection, search, attack, and reconnaissance roles. See figures 1, 2, and 3.

Figure 1. An MWD negotiates a tunnel at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea.[2]

Figure 2. An Army MWD receives its protective equipment before training at Al Asad Airbase, Iraq.[3]

Figure 3. An MWD is zip-lined in rolling jungle terrain with the handler in tow.[4]

The U.S. Army has adapted MWDs for the challenging environments of each conflict it has fought in, ranging from LSCO in WWII to counterinsurgency in the Global War on Terrorism. U.S. Army MWDs must adapt for 21st-Century LSCO. This will require experimentation, investment, and training for MWDs to aid U.S. Soldiers in their fight against a peer adversary in challenging environments.

SECTION 3

Ongoing Conflict Observations

Israel-Hamas Conflict. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have employed MWDs at a large scale since their counterattack against Hamas and invasion of Gazan territories in 2023. The IDF MWD attrition rate has averaged several dozen per week in their employment roles of detection and assault. This has led to significant IDF investment in MWDs to sustain such attrition.[5] Current IDF replacement rates will likely create shortages in the long term. The U.S. acquires MWDs from many of the same suppliers as the IDF, Chinese, British, and others while producing few domestically. The rate of procurement and attrition of MWDs by the IDF is likely going to impact the world market and the U.S. Army’s ability to procure MWDs.[6]

The IDF have primarily employed MWDs to clear the pervasive subterranean environments in Gaza while limiting risk to their Soldiers. MWDs require familiarization with subterranean environments from a young age to be effective in those conditions. Changes in air flow, sound echoes, temperatures, confined spaces, and low light reduce MWD detection and cognition abilities without familiarization.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict.[7] Since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) have used MWDs in many situations. MWDs have been used in rear areas and the close fight to achieve effects that cannot be accomplished by drones or other equipment. The AFU primarily employs their MWDs in unexploded explosive ordnance (UXO) detection roles while maintaining stand-off distance with a handler.

Since February 2022, the AFU has detected vast numbers of UXO using MWDs in rubbled urban environments and captured trenches.[8] Metal pollution from shrapnel and other debris have required them to use MWDs in addition to standard detection equipment. MWDs are more effective than detection equipment because of high metal pollution from shrapnel. The U.S. Army can expect similar mine-clearing requirements during LSCO.

Russian tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) have evolved to rigging positions with improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and booby traps before abandoning them to inflict casualties on the pursuing Ukrainian forces. MWD capability has enabled the AFU to clear these positions rapidly and to occupy them to consolidate territorial gains while preserving human life.

SECTION 4

U.S. Army Military Working Dog Gaps

Combat Training Center Involvement. The U.S. Army is currently transforming into an organization focused on fighting in large-scale conflicts against peer and near-peer adversaries. The U.S. Army uses combat training centers (CTCs) as venues for experimentation and adaptation during the shift away from counterinsurgency-focused warfighting. Two of the seven key tasks assigned to the CTC Program in Army Regulation (AR) 350-50, Combat Training Center Program, 2 May 2018, are to —

Provide a data source for lessons learned to improve doctrine, organization, training, materiel, leadership and education, personnel, facilities, and policy (DOTMLPF-P) in preparation for unified land operations.
Embed the most recent TTPs from current operations in theater to better prepare follow-on units.[9]

MWDs have had minimal involvement at the CTCs since 2022. The National Training Center (NTC) at Fort Irwin, CA, is the only CTC that has resident MWD handlers (military occupational specialty [MOS] 31K) assigned as observer coach/trainers (OC/Ts) and has only hosted three MWDs since 2022.[10] This has created several shortfalls. Current doctrine does not address the role of MWDs in LSCO.[11] Maneuver commanders are unfamiliar with their doctrinal employment. These two impacts have created integration gaps for MWDs in LSCO-focused training and operations.[12]

CTCs provide a realistic training environment to observe MWD’s integration into unit operations. To generate lessons for LSCO, MWD participation at the CTCs should increase. This can be accomplished by adding MWD capabilities to the CTC troop lists outlined in U.S. Army Forces Command (FORSCOM) Regulation 350-50-1, Training at the National Training Center, 29 October 2018.

“Off-Leash” Capability. A patrol explosive detector dog-enhanced (PEDD-E) is an MWD trained to operate off leash. The PEDD-E enables the handler to employ MWDs in the roles of detection, attack, and reconnaissance while maintaining distance from the search area. The value of this during LSCO when operating in unknown environments cannot be overstated for the preservation of human life while enabling maneuver.

The U.S. Army maintains additional MWD capabilities that have retained their funding. These capabilities each require the handler to employ MWDs “on leash.” This reduces MWD agility, flexibility, and the ability to preserve human life. The on-leash capability is not recommended for LSCO.

Scenarios where MWD capability is most valued during LSCO are near the forward line of own troops (FLOT). The off-leash PEDD-Es, when employed in environments such as rubbled urban structures, subterranean networks, and trench clearing, can identify and neutralize threats, inform U.S. personnel, and preserve human life.

U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) stopped funding the PEDD-E course in fiscal year 2024. Consequently, the Army will exhaust its inventory of off-leash trained MWDs between 2030 and 2032. The re-establishment of a PEDD-E training program and procurement of MWDs, training, and certification to restore this capability would likely range between two and three years.

SECTION 5

Conclusion

MWDs have consistently proven their value over centuries of evolving warfare. The United States and others have continuously adapted the employment tactics and training methodologies to tailor MWDs to the current operational environment. Drones and other detection and sensing technologies will continue to evolve. The ability to counteract and deny these technologies will also evolve. MWDs can operate in technologically nonpermissive environments and outperform technology in many situations.

AFU and IDF experiences demonstrate the value off-leash MWDs provide to maneuver forces during LSCO. The U.S. Army should consider these recent experiences and leverage resources like the CTCs to refine TTPs being employed by AFU and IDF partners. The U.S. Army may also want to reconsider funding levels for the program, considering the lead times required to train off- leash MWDs.

SECTION 6

Endnotes

1. Paltzer, Seth, THE DOGS OF WAR: THE U.S. ARMY’S USE OF CANINES IN WWII, The Army Historical Foundation, https://armyhistory.org/the-dogs-of-war-the-u-s-armys-use-of-canines-in-wwii/.

2. Photo by SRA Ashley L. Gardner, U.S. Air Force, www.pacaf.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/706335/ mwd-train-to-keep-paws-on-the-ground.

3. Photo by SPC Derek Mustard, Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve, www.dvidshub.net/image/6231629/military-working-dogs-wear-protective-equipment-live-fire-exercise.

4. Photo provided by the U.S. Army MWD Program, www.facebook.com/photo/.

5. In-person interview with an operations officer from the 1st Military Working Dog Regiment, British Army, 16 May 2024.

6. Ibid.

7. Ibid.

8. Ibid.

9. AR 350-50, Combat Training Center Program, 2 May 2018, page 2, armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/pdf/web/ARN8650_AR350_50_Final.pdf.

10. SFC Phillip Ventimiglia, NTC 31K OC/T, in-person interview, 14 May 2024.

11. Army Techniques Publication (ATP) 3-39.34, Military Working Dogs, 19 May 2022, armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_d/ARN35094-ATP_3-39.34-000-WEB-1. (common access card [CAC] required)

12. SFC Phillip Ventimiglia, NTC 31K OC/T, in-person interview, 14 May 2024.

By CPT Alexander Spook, CPT James Campbell, Center for Army Lessons Learned

Posted in Army, Guest Post, K9 | 2 Comments »

Army Begins Cognitive Testing at Initial Entry Training

Tuesday, September 3rd, 2024

WASHINGTON — The Army has begun baseline cognitive assessments during Initial Entry Training, and all services will follow in the coming months, officials say.

The Army is taking a multipronged approach to reduce brain health risks, including improved awareness through a Force Health Protection Information Campaign; expanded brain health monitoring; identification of blast overpressure protective measures; tracking and monitoring blast exposure; and developing a comprehensive strategy to enhance and advance the science and medical care for brain injuries, said Col. Jama Vanhorne-Sealy, who oversees the Occupational Health Directive, Force Health Protection in the Office of the Surgeon General.

Fort Sill, Oklahoma, home of the United States Army Field Artillery School, was the first Army Initial Entry Training location to establish permanent cognitive testing, with all services scheduled to roll out the testing at all entry training locations by the end of 2024.

In addition, Army personnel will be evaluated at least every three years after initial screening, which can help identify any unusual cognitive change, Vanhorne-Sealy said. Early detection allows for early intervention to restore or enhance cognition, should it be necessary, she said.

A long-standing cognitive assessment program that began in 2007 has shifted from a pre-deployment and injury-centric model to a regular cognitive monitoring program, which means military health authorities can better help Soldiers throughout their career, said the Chief of Neurocognitive Assessment in the Office of the Army Surgeon General, Dr. Steven J. Porter.

The Cognitive Monitoring Program, much like the Army’s ongoing hearing testing, is a screening tool to assess for cognitive change in soldiers.

Cognitive assessment means documenting the way an individual thinks, reasons and remembers.

“Without ongoing testing, changes to a Soldier’s thought processes may not be evident until an event that could put both the Service Member or their unit in jeopardy,” Porter said.

Since June 2007, more than 3.4 million assessments have been collected, processed, and stored at the Neurocognitive Assessment Branch Data Repository at Joint Base San Antonio, Texas, to aid in treatment and track recovery after a concussive or suspected concussive event, Porter said. The testing identifies cognitive changes to help inform a Soldiers need for medical care, rest and recovery. Early identification can help avert further potential injury.

Vanhorne-Sealy said over time, advancements in understanding of brain functionality have led to improved testing, expanding the program to better evaluate areas of the brain potentially impacted by blast overpressure.

Blast overpressure is the sharp rise in atmospheric pressure from an explosive or firing of a weapon causing shockwave, traveling faster than the speed of sound. Blast overpressure exposure occurs when someone is close enough to physically feel the shockwave.

In a report by the House Committee on Appropriations regarding the Department of Defense Appropriation Bill of 2021, the Committee asked the Department of Defense to develop a cost analysis plan for conducting traumatic brain injury baseline testing for all new recruits.

Currently, a medical provider may request a Soldier’s cognitive baseline from the repository if it needed for treatment planning and tracking recovery. CMP authorities are working to develop a system to directly upload the test data to the Soldier’s medical record.

The CMP assessment tool is an FDA-approved medical device, and all test records are privileged information.

By Jonathan Austin, Army News Service

Posted in Army, Guest Post, Profession of Arms | Comments Off on Army Begins Cognitive Testing at Initial Entry Training

Army Family Takes on New Meaning for Soldier Reunited with Biological Father Also Training at Fort Leonard Wood

Monday, September 2nd, 2024

FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. — When Pfc. Brayden Sumare’s bus pulled into Fort Leonard Wood, nothing could have prepared him for the twist of fate that awaited him just inside the doors of the 43rd Adjutant General Reception Battalion.

The 18 year old graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, in the summer of 2023, between his junior and senior years of high school. He arrived at Fort Leonard Wood in July, to complete his initial entry training.

Sumare, a native of Pine Bluffs, Wyoming, said he arrived at Fort Leonard Wood at about 3 a.m., and there was something oddly familiar about his bay leader, a trainee everybody called “Pops” — he exchanged a few lingering glances with him — but didn’t think much about it.

“The next day, I was laying down in my bunk as the bay leader was walking around getting all the new people’s names for the roster,” Sumare said. “When he got to me, he asked my last name, and I said ‘Sumare.’ And then he asked, ‘Brayden Hunter Sumare?’”

Sumare said he was bewildered and returned the man’s question with another question, “How did you know that?”

According to Sumare, he was “shocked” at the man’s response of — “I’m William Reeves” — his biological father.

Pfc. William Reeves said he will never forget the moment he realized he was looking into the eyes of his biological son.

“It was unbelievable,” Reeves said. “What are the chances we both joined the Army and were at Fort Leonard Wood at the same time for our training?”

Sumare said he thought they didn’t recognize each other because they both looked very different than when they met for the first, and only, time about four years ago.

“When I met him, he had long hair and a full beard. When I saw him at reception, he had a buzzed haircut and was cleanly shaven,” Sumare said.

To add to the unbelievable happenstance, Reeves said he had been nicknamed “Pops” before Sumare even arrived on post.

“I’m almost 40; I have life experience. My peers lean on me for that. They started calling me Pops and it stuck,” Reeves said.

Amanda Sumare, Brayden’s mother, said when Brayden called her to let her know he made it to Fort Leonard Wood and tell her Reeves was also there, she was awestruck, and it took her a minute to wrap her head around the coincidence.

“I was so very shocked. It is the craziest thing ever,” Amanda said.

Reeves, from Poteau, Oklahoma, said he and Brayden’s mother were young when they found out she was pregnant.

“It was unexpected. We did a DNA test when he was born, and he was mine. Our lives had gone in different directions and Brayden’s mother was living in Wyoming, engaged to the man who eventually became Brayden’s adopted father,” Reeves said. “I supported him financially but decided I didn’t want to be too involved and upset Brayden’s solid family unit.”

The two spent several days together at Fort Leonard Wood’s reception battalion, waiting to go to their separate training units.

“Over the next few days, as I watched him interact with other people, I saw familiar mannerisms. It was like looking in a mirror,” Reeves said. “I got to learn a lot from him, and I think that is really cool.”

Since Brayden had already attended BCT and earned the title of Soldier, Reeves said Brayden was able to help the new trainees at the reception battalion prepare for it.

“Brayden taught me how to Ranger roll my uniform. And not just me, he showed us all how. He also showed us what to pack before we left for our units and what to buy from the Exchange when we got a chance. I enjoyed watching him lead others. I am proud of Brayden. He has a bright future,” Reeves said.

According to Brayden, running into his biological father was, “one of those weird life things,” and he was glad he was there to help Reeves prepare for basic training and wish him well.

“I got to tell him goodbye, good luck and give him a hug,” Brayden said. “I think it is awesome that he joined.”

Amanda said she is impressed by both of them and their desire to serve.

“The Army is a good fit for Brayden because he isn’t one to just sit back and watch the world go by. He wants to be involved. He has a strong love and passion for our military and always has. He has so much potential. I am very proud to be his mama,” Amanda said. “I’m also proud of William for stepping up to serve our country. I wish him the best future.”

Brayden is in the middle of six weeks of advanced individual training, with Company C, 58th Transportation Battalion, learning the military occupational specialty of 88M Motor Transport Operator. Reeves is with Company D, 35th Engineer Battalion, for 14 weeks of one station unit training to become a 12C Bridge Crewmember.

“My fingers are crossed I may be able to attend his graduation next month,” Reeves said. “I like to joke — I am going to build the Army’s bridges, and he is going to drive his truck over it.”

By Melissa Buckley, Fort Leonard Wood Public Affairs Office

Posted in Army, Guest Post | Comments Off on Army Family Takes on New Meaning for Soldier Reunited with Biological Father Also Training at Fort Leonard Wood

101st Airborne Division Conducts Historic Air Assault Mission

Monday, September 2nd, 2024

FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. –On Aug. 28, 2024, more than 3000 Soldiers assigned to the 2nd Mobile Brigade Combat Team “STRIKE”, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) finished their second rotation to the Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC) in eight months. However, the beginning of the exercise was transformative and historic. The 2MBCT conducted a “large-scale, long-range” air assault (L2A2) operation consisting of 80 aircrafts, across three states, flying from Fort Campbell, Ky. to Fort Johnson, La. Aug. 13-17.

After traveling for over 500 miles, including stops at six forward arming and refueling points (FARPs), scattered over multiple southern states, the 2MBCT arrived at JRTC..

The movement method was not a typical way a brigade travels to “The Box”, but a way that was reminiscent to the founding of the 101st. Traditionally, units move by ground to Fort Johnson, spend several days preparing before entering the combat scenario. The Strike Brigade moved by air-to-ground into simulated-contested landing zones. Thus began a two-week bout with the well-known opposing forces “Geronimo,” 1st Battalion, 509th Infantry Regiment.

“The legacy that we have, dating all the way back to World War II when we were an Airborne Division fighting in Europe,” said U.S. Army Col. Travis McIntosh, the deputy commanding officer for support for the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) “Your 101st Airborne Division now is Air Mobile–it’s Air Assault, we have a number of helicopters. That’s how we fight in this division and we’re demonstrating that from Kentucky and Tennessee all the way down to Louisiana.”

This was much more than an aviation mission. On Aug. 13, troops and equipment from across the Division began their movement from Fort Campbell to FARP s across Mississippi and Louisiana. The sites, far from a simple pit stop along the operational path, provided vital sustainment for the troops and helicopters along the way.

“Our birds [aircraft] are able to come in get fueled, get armed and continue the fight,” said 1st Lt. James Tate, a quartermaster officer with Echo Troop, 2nd Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment, 101st Combat Aviation Brigade. “We can puddle hop across and get the birds further over a shorter period of time.”

The ability to send an entire brigade into an enemy area of operations further and faster is not the only aspect that allows this type of exercise to succeed – it also needs to be done at night.

“We conduct all our operations under a period of darkness,” said Tate. “We like the birds to get in, receive their fuel, get armed and off of our pads within 12 to 15 minutes.”

The quick turnaround represents a massive amount of coordination from within the division but training like this is only made possible by the support of the local communities, airports, and National Guard locations who hosted the FARPs.

“We are overwhelmed by the support from the community,” said McIntosh. “From law enforcement to the elected and appointed officials, airport management, emergency services, Louisiana National Guard, support has really poured on to the 101st Airborne Division here and we couldn’t be more grateful.”

The Soldiers of the Strike Brigade descended into JRTC for their training in an auxiliary manner as the Army continues to modernize, innovate and transform its warfighting capabilities. The L2A2 displays the combat power of today with 101st, just as airborne paratroopers did in World War II. The 101st doesn’t just keep older ways of combat entry relevant but to make those unique abilities the future of combat operations.

“We’re experimenting on some of the most modern equipment that the Army has fielded and we’re looking forward to providing that feedback to the Army,” said McIntosh. “We’re demonstrating the capability that’s only seen in the 101st Airborne Division and that’s long-range air assault.”

By SSG Kaden Pitt

Posted in Army, Guest Post | 1 Comment »

USAMMDA Commercial Partner Receives FDA Emergency Use Authorization for Plasma Powder

Saturday, August 31st, 2024

FORT DETRICK, Md. — A U.S. Army Medical Materiel Development Activity commercial partner received Emergency Use Authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the Department of Defense to use octaplasLG Powder — a potentially lifesaving treatment option for blood replacement therapies in certain operational circumstances. Notice of the EUA for this product was received by the company, Octapharma USA, on Aug. 8, 2024.

USAMMDA’s Warfighter Protection and Acute Care Project Management Office, which has a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement with Octapharma USA, manages research and development efforts for several blood products, including Freeze-Dried Plasma, for the DoD. The EUA for octaplasLG Powder is a significant milestone in WPAC’s development mission, which includes blood replacement therapies for emergent care use during military operations and training.

“The WPAC team played a vital role in assisting our commercial partner under the CRADA, helping them navigate the EUA approval request and process to give our Warfighters another tool in their aid bag in far-forward environments,” said Kendra Lawrence, Ph.D., WPAC’s program manager. “While the octaplasLG Powder is not intended to replace current FDA-approved blood replacement therapies during emergency treatment, it does give medical commands and frontline providers added capabilities when facing possible shortages of traditional blood plasma in austere locations across the world.”

The EUA authorizes U.S. military medical commands to begin procuring octaplasLG Powder (blood types A and AB) and allows military medical personnel and other authorized providers to administer the lifesaving therapy to treat hemorrhage or coagulopathy when no other FDA-approved treatments, like fresh frozen plasma, are available — or when the use of traditional plasma is not practical in a compressed time continuum during military operations.

Blood loss is a significant threat to U.S. service members during combat operations and training, and treating hemorrhage or coagulopathy is imperative to saving the lives of the wounded and injured until medevac to higher echelons of care is arranged. Logistical and supply lines during future conflicts may stretch hundreds or thousands of miles, possibly causing shortages of FDA-approved blood products at and near the point of injury. Therapies like octaplasLG Powder are designed to serve as a stopgap when whole blood, fresh frozen plasma, or liquid plasma are in short supply, according to U.S. Army Maj. Andrea Mountney, WPAC’s military deputy project manager.

“During combat operations, whether in the Arctic, the Indo-Pacific, or other regions of interest, we will be facing the dual challenges of time and distance due to the austerity of those operating environments,” said Mountney. “Each passing second after a Service member is wounded or injured increases the complications caused by combat trauma. The longer it takes to begin blood replacement therapy, the higher the chances of mortality.

The WPAC team provides solutions for capability gaps, working with stakeholders across the DoD, academia, and industry to develop treatments that are affordable, reliable, and expeditionary,” she added. “Our goal is to meet the needs of the customer—the Joint Service end-user who may one day need these life-saving treatments. Solutions like octaplasLG Powder go a long way to equip our medical providers with the tools needed to treat the Warfighter during future operations.”

USAMMDA develops, delivers, and fields critical drugs, vaccines, biologics, devices, and medical support equipment to protect and preserve the lives of Warfighters across the globe. USAMMDA Project Managers guide the development of medical products for the U.S. Army Medical Department, other U.S. military services, the Joint Staff, the Defense Health Agency, and the U.S. Special Forces community. The process takes promising technology from the Department of Defense, industry, and academia to U.S. Forces, from the testing required for U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval or licensing to fielding and sustainment of the finished product. USAMMDA Project Management Offices will transition to a Program Executive Office under the Defense Health Agency, Deputy Assistant Director for Acquisition and Sustainment.

No official endorsement of third parties or their products is made or inferred.

Read the FDA’s announcement

By T.T. Parish

Posted in Army, Guest Post, Medical | Comments Off on USAMMDA Commercial Partner Receives FDA Emergency Use Authorization for Plasma Powder

U.S. Army Selects Saab’s AT4 Solution for Individual Assault Munition Program

Friday, August 30th, 2024

The U.S. Army has awarded Saab an Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract, which allows the U.S. Army to place orders for up to $494M over five years for the XM919 Individual Assault Munition (IAM) program. Saab’s solution is the AT4CS TW (Confined Space Tandem Warhead).

Order values will be established individually when an order is placed under the IDIQ contract.

Saab’s new addition to the battle-tested AT4 family combines the capability of multiple existing shoulder-launched munitions while reducing soldier load, training complexity and logistics burden.

“At Saab, we continually adapt and improve our products to meet customer needs and protect the warfighter. Our new IAM solution enhances capabilities, removes combat burdens and is uniquely created to meet the U.S. customer’s needs,” said Erik Smith, president and CEO of Saab in the U.S. “Saab has leveraged a successful, combat-proven system to make it even more effective, ultimately ensuring our solution is the best fit for the end-user.”

The AT4 is a battle-tested, successful anti-armor weapon with more than one million systems produced for 15 countries around the world. Lightweight, man-portable, and fully disposable, the AT4 has been the U.S. Army’s squad weapon since 1985. Saab has delivered more than 700,000 AT4 systems to the United States.

Editor’s note: As an addendum to this press release from Saab, I’d like to remind readers of the XM919 program which I mentioned during last year’s NDIA Future Forces Capability conference in Huntsville.

The XM919 IAM tactical munition is a disposable, lightweight, single shot, multi-target, and Fire from Enclosure (FFE) capable Shoulder Launched Munition (SLM) envisioned for use at the Squad level. It replaces the M72 LAW, M136 and M136A1 AT-4 anti-tank weapons, and M141 Bunker Defeat Munition.

Posted in Army, Contracts, Munitions, Press Release | Comments Off on U.S. Army Selects Saab’s AT4 Solution for Individual Assault Munition Program

Green Berets Use Disruptive Cyber Technology During Swift Response 2024

Friday, August 30th, 2024

In 1991, U.S. Army Col. (ret) John Collins authored the special operations forces (SOF) truths. These five stanzas outline what it means to be a SOF soldier, and how the force must operate to be successful. Chief among those is truth number 1: “People are more important than hardware”. SOF capabilities have evolved considerably since 1991, however, and while people remain the most important asset, hardware has led the evolutionary change.

Advancements in technology have increased the capabilities of the people in the SOF community. Not only are they masters of air, land, and sea, but now there is a fourth domain. Cyberspace has become a key part of the battlefield, and quickly has become just as critical as the physical realm in battlefield superiority. It’s for this reason that Operational Detachment Alpha (ODA) teams trained with disruptive cyber technology during Exercise Swift Response 2024 near Skillingaryd, Sweden this month.

“What this allows us to do is target an objective, use the signaling equipment to gain access to any WiFi networks originating at the target, and then monitor activity from that location for a period of time,” explained an identity protected ODA team member.

“It’s a very useful tool for us, because it gives us another set of eyes and helps to paint a clearer picture of our objective.” he said.

During the exercise, the aforementioned ODA team identified a target building and used a remote access device (RAD) to identify the networks coming from the facility. They were able to crack the WiFi password, enumerate the network, and run exploits on the target computer inside the building. This enabled the team to manipulate security cameras, door locks, and other security systems in the building.

While one team was in charge of manipulating the building through cyber disruption, a second ODA team conducted an infiltration operation on the facility. They conducted a military free fall (MFF) jump and marched seven miles to access the building, which they were able to enter easily due to the cyber disruption. From there they placed signal jamming equipment to clear any trace of the attack and exited the premises.

Training on a set of tools gives the team the ability to master them, living up to the second SOF truth, which is that quality is more important than quantity.

“In a real-world situation, this would allow us to gain information in a way that we haven’t always had,” explained the commander of the INFIL ODA team. “If we have a specific target or objective we need to reach, we now have the capability to glean critical information in a way that is undetectable if we do our jobs right.” he said.

The third SOF truth is that special operations cannot be mass produced. The ability to hack into a building through cyber technology is not exclusive to the special operations community, but the ability to do so, while also incorporating an MFF jump, and 7 mile foot march undetected is a SOF skill that when combined with the cyber capability gives special operations a unique set of skills that is exclusive said the ODA cyber team member.

“We are able to see what’s happening, and we know what the INFIL team is doing,” he said. “We have eyes on the whole scenario.”

The fourth SOF truth states that special operations forces cannot be produced after an emergency. They must be established, ready, and fully competent. This is why training in exercises like Swift Response is so important. It allows team members to sharpen their skills in an unfamiliar environment and put their knowledge to the test.

Advancements in hardware are due to the fifth SOF truth, which is that SOF requires non-SOF support. Cyber disruption is not brand new technology, but a tool that continues to develop. Staying current with the technology is a critical task, said the ODA cyber team member.

“This capability is something that we need to train on, and keep current with,” he said. “Because it’s evolving so rapidly, the devices we use today could be obsolete next year. It’s been five years since I first went to school for this – it’s changed so much in that time, I feel like it’s a whole new world.” he said.

While advancements are inevitable, the five SOF truths remain. New capabilities fall in line with established practices, and the entire machine keeps moving forward. Working during exercises like Swift Response 24 with Allies and partners such as Sweden enables special operations to remain uniquely postured to counter malign influence, build interoperability, rapidly respond to emerging threats and if necessary, defeat aggression.

By SFC Tim Beery

Posted in Army, Cyber, Guest Post, SOF | Comments Off on Green Berets Use Disruptive Cyber Technology During Swift Response 2024

Leonardo DRS Awarded $117M Production Order for Family of Weapon Sights

Thursday, August 29th, 2024

Leonardo DRS, Inc. (NASDAQ: DRS) announced today that it has received an order for continued production of its next-generation thermal weapon sights for the U.S. Army. The production order for $117 million was made under the current Family of Weapon Sights – Individual (FWS-I) IDIQ contract.

Leveraging DRS’s uncooled thermal imaging technology, FWS-I is a stand-alone, clip-on weapon sight that connects wirelessly to helmet-mounted vision systems including the enhanced night vision goggle binoculars and the next-gen integrated visual augmentation system and provides rapid target acquisition capabilities to the soldier. It gives users the ability to acquire targets day or night and in a range of degraded environmental conditions, providing strategic and tactical advantages on the battlefield.

“This cutting-edge technology ensures soldiers will have the most advanced weapon sight systems on the battlefield today,” said Jerry Hathaway, senior vice president and general manager of DRS’s Electro-Optical Infrared Systems business. “We are proud the U.S. Army recognizes us as a trusted partner to continue to deliver this vital technology to our warfighters.”

In addition to FWS-I, Leonardo DRS has an extensive installed base of electro-optical and infrared technology across the U.S. military. Advanced sensing capability is a key strategic focus for the company providing world-leading sensing and laser technologies for a range of aircraft protection and mounted and unmounted sensors supporting the men and women of the U.S. armed forces.

Posted in Army, Contracts, Optics, Press Release | Comments Off on Leonardo DRS Awarded $117M Production Order for Family of Weapon Sights