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JROTC Cadets from Across the Country Take on the National Raider Challenge

Saturday, November 2nd, 2024

FORT KNOX, Ky. — As the early morning sun broke the dawn, hundreds of JROTC cadets moved to their start positions. Radio crackles could be heard across the starting lines, signaling the competition was about to begin. Nervous faces turned serious. On the command ‘Go!’ cadets broke into a sprint, striving to bring home the gold.

The JROTC National Raider Challenge, hosted by U.S. Army Cadet Command, brought more than 5,000 cadets from across the country to Fort Knox Oct. 24-27, 2024, to test their grit and attempt to bring home the title of National Raider Champion.

“This is an opportunity to see America at its finest, and these young people came to battle it out and they want to win,” said Sgt. Maj of the Army Michael R. Wiemer, the Army’s senior enlisted advisor.

While this was an event for high school students, it was not for the faint of heart. The competition featured grueling obstacle courses, a 5K run and the infamous one rope bridge among other challenging tasks. Despite how overwhelming this competition may seem to some, JROTC cadets who have been training for months happily accepted the challenge.

“My team has been training since summer started,” said Cadet Stephanie Quintero-Hernandez from Palmetto High School, Florida. “We knew that we were coming to nationals, and we wanted to win. We’ve been working extra, even during the hurricanes. Nothing stopped us.”

The competition is divided into three divisions – Challenge, Masters and All-Service. The Challenge division competed on Friday and is comparable to junior varsity in other high school sports, with teams being made up of younger or less experienced cadets. The Masters division competed on Saturday and is the equivalent of varsity with teams comprised of primarily upper classmen who typically have years of raider experience. Competing alongside the Master divisions were JROTC programs from the Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps who were slated in the All-Service Division.

Once the Masters and All-Service divisions concluded, the top finishing teams nominated two cadets to represent their school in the Ultimate Raider challenge — a three-mile course broken up into an 800-meter sprint, a 14-station obstacle course, a 25-meter swim and a 2-mile run. The results from the Ultimate Raider Challenge are then combined with their overall scores from Saturday’s events to create the final standings for the competition.

During the final awards ceremony, the top 12 finishers of the Ultimate Raider Challenge were presented a 4-year Army ROTC scholarship. These scholarships will allow the cadets to continue their education at their school of choice with an Army ROTC program, provided that they meet the minimum requirements and choose to serve as an officer in the Army.

“It’s events like this that show the true colors of these cadets and prove that they are ready to be the next generation of leaders for this country,” said Brig. Gen. Maurice Barnett, commanding general of U.S. Army Cadet Command. “We saw some true grit and determination from all of the competitors as they faced a pretty tough course — and they should be incredibly proud of themselves and their teams.”

In addition to the competition, cadets experienced a festival like atmosphere throughout the weekend. From performances by the Army’s ‘As You Were’ rock band to demonstrations from premier military units, there was plenty to entertain cadets and families. This event also gave cadets the opportunity to talk to multiple universities, helping them decide their paths after high school.

Competition Results

Masters Division

Male

1st Place — Leavenworth High School

2nd Place — Adairsville High School

3rd Place — Etowah High School

Female

1st Place — Leavenworth High School

2nd Place — Ozark High School

3rd Place — Warren County High School

Mixed

1st Place — Clarkrange High School

2nd Place — Georgia Military College Prep School

3rd Place — Smith-Cotton High School

All-Service Division

Males

1st Place — Hendersonville High School

2nd Place — Camdenton High School

3rd Place — Campbell County High School

Females

1st Place — Live Oaks High School

2nd Place — Logan County High School

3rd Place — Smith-Cotton High School

Mixed

1st Place — Walker High School

2nd Place — Concordia Lutheran High School

3rd Place — Rhea County High School

Challenge Division

Male

1st Place — George Rogers Clark High School

2nd Place — Manatee High School

3rd Place — Bluffton High School

Female

1st Place — Palmetto High School

2nd Place — Manatee High School

3rd Place — Claudia Taylor Johnson High School

Mixed

1st Place — Newsome High School

2nd Place — Northeast High School

3rd Place — Kenwood High School

By Ian Ives

Posted in Army, Guest Post | Comments Off on JROTC Cadets from Across the Country Take on the National Raider Challenge

Army Begins Operational Deployment Pay

Wednesday, October 30th, 2024

WASHINGTON — Soldiers on approved operational deployments will soon receive $240 per month under the recently approved operational deployment pay program.

“This initiative underscores our unwavering commitment to honoring the daily sacrifices made by Soldiers and their families,” said Dr. Robert Steinrauf, Plans and Resources Director, Deputy Chief of Staff G-1.

The change, effective Oct. 1, 2024, authorizes E-1 to O-6 Soldiers to receive special duty pay in recognition of the greater than normal rigors of operational deployments.

“The Army is dedicated to ensuring that the sacrifices made by our Soldiers and their families are appropriately rewarded. Operational deployment pay represents a significant advancement in this effort,” said Dr. Agnes Gereben Schaefer, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Manpower and Reserve Affairs.

The regulation that governs the pay is Department of Defense Instruction 1340.26 (Assignment and Special Duty Pay). The pay is earned on a prorated basis.

A memorandum on the ODP can be viewed here.

ODP is not retroactive to before Oct. 1. Soldiers who were on an approved operational deployment on Oct. 1 will receive ODP for the remainder of their deployment.

Army Reserve and National Guard Soldiers are also eligible for ODP when they are participating in operational deployments.

Soldiers in combat zone tax exclusion status pay no tax on the ODP, but it is taxable for Soldiers serving outside such locations, Steinrauf said.

By Jonathan Austin, Army News Service

Posted in Army, Guest Post, Profession of Arms | 6 Comments »

101st Airborne Soldiers Assess New Next Generation Squad Weapon with 6.8mm Ammo

Tuesday, October 29th, 2024

FORT CAMPBELL, Kentucky — Roughly 200 Airborne Infantry Soldiers of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) are running the Next Generation Squad Weapon (NGSW) system through its paces here from Sept. 1 to Oct. 30.

Soldiers from Alpha and Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment are taking part in an operational assessment (OA) featuring a range of weapon configurations, force-on-force engagements and static live-fire ranges.

It is a key step in modernizing the combat force and aims to impact over 120,000 U.S. Army Soldiers, according to Mr. Elbert L. Grayson, Supervisory Military Test Plans Analyst, Maneuver Test Directorate, U.S. Army Operational Test Command.

“The Army needs equipment to continually evolve, to meet the threat of our adversaries,” said Grayson.

The NGSW system will be the next stage in that evolution.

“Information is needed to make improvements to the NGSW that will benefit America’s most precious resource, our Soldiers,” Grayson added.

The new weapon system is slated to replace the M4 carbine and M249 squad automatic weapons, representing a significant advancement in firepower, range and accuracy.

“Having seen the capabilities of the 6.8 [mm] round, I have confidence that it will easily do in one to two rounds, what the 5.56 [mm] did in two to four,” said Capt. John M. Green, Commander of A-CO, 1-506th, 101st ABN DIV.

Direct feedback from U.S. Army Soldiers provides invaluable insight to ensure future warfighters receive the best possible equipment when it matters most.

“The force on force is really exciting, really fun, getting in there and doing training against human beings, not just targets, and actually squaring off [against another] unit making plans and objectives, I think it is a really good training experience for sure,” explained Sgt. Todd Smallwood, First Squad Team Leader, A-CO, 1-506th, 101st ABN DIV.

According to Grayson, the NGSW testing is being conducted under the most rigorous conditions to simulate real combat and ensure that the weapon can meet the demand of future conflicts.

“We have been doing the operational assessment on the NGSW weapons, the XM7, the XM250, and also with the XM157 scopes on the weapon systems,” said Smallwood. “We’ve been doing quite a bit of ranges, and pop-up targets, trying to recreate platoon assault objectives.”

Besides standard training environments, the operational assessment was designed to simulate combat as closely as possible.

“The capability of the [6.8mm] round being able to puncture and turn cover into concealment, I think it will make a huge difference in urban and forest environments,” said Smallwood.

Soldiers were challenged to perform individual movement techniques (IMT) while engaging targets up to 300 meters away. This IMT lane requires Soldiers to bound, low-crawl, and high-crawl while maintaining accurate fire, ensuring that the weapon performed reliably under strenuous conditions.

They had to complete the course while under simulated combat stress, pushing their physical and mental limits.

“We did 72 hours of force-on-force (FOF), urban rifle marksmanship (URM), and we’re going to finish with a stress shoot,” said 1st Sgt. Barron C. Garrard, First Sergeant of A-CO, 1-506th, 101st ABN DIV. “I think it [the NGSW] will change daily life in the way that we fight.”

In preparation for future operational environments, Soldiers also tested the NGSW in simulated chemical, biologic, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) environments.

“I like the fact that the testing of equipment has a possible impact on the next generation Soldiers that will be using it,” said Grayson. “My son is a Soldier that may use equipment that I have had a part in testing, so I’m motivated to provide the most accurate data for Army leadership to make the most informed acquisition decision.”

This critical aspect of the assessment ensured that the weapon system can be operated even in the aftermath of a chemical, nuclear or biological environment.

“The NGSW’s advanced capabilities and comprehensive training program will significantly enhance the lethality and survivability of our troops,& ensuring they are prepared for the challenges of future combat operations,” said Mr. Troy , Test Officer in Charge with MTD. “The 6.8mm round offers superior ballistic performance and the NGSW overall represents a significant leap in lethality.

“I feel privileged to be part of this transformative period for the Army,” Willey continued. “Working with the Soldiers who are assigned this system during the assessment is an absolute honor.”

By Mr. Thomas Mort, Audio Visual Specialist, and Maj. Thomas Lorenson, Senior Test and Evaluation Officer, Maneuver Test Directorate, U.S. Army Operational Test Command

Posted in Ammo, Army, Guest Post, weapons | 25 Comments »

Special Warfare Journal: How ARSOF Fights

Saturday, October 26th, 2024

JUST RELEASED – The Summer/Fall 2024 edition of Special Warfare Journal, “How ARSOF Fights, Future Integration of the SOF-Space-Cyber Triad“ is available for download now at: www.swcs.mil/Special-Warfare-Journal/Special-Warfare-Archive

Special Warfare Journal is The Official Professional Journal of U.S. Army Special Operations Forces.

Posted in Army, Cyber, Profession of Arms, Space | Comments Off on Special Warfare Journal: How ARSOF Fights

Wideband Selective Propagation Radar System (WiSPR)- Valuable Technology for Warfighters

Saturday, October 26th, 2024

On 10 July 2024, the Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO) and the Army Test and Evaluation Command (ATEC) demonstrated the project Wideband Selective Propagation RADAR (WiSPR) at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland. Developed in collaboration with MIT Lincoln Laboratory since the fall of 2021, WiSPR is an advanced, low-observable, multi-function Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar and communications system that operates at novel frequencies and modulations.

A significant advantage of WiSPR is its capability to counter adversary Signal Intelligence (SIGINT) by detecting and locating armored vehicles with Active Protection Radar Systems (APS). The adoption of WiSPR mitigates this threat due to its inherent low probability of detection.

An innovative feature of WiSPR is its specialized cooling system, which efficiently removes the large amounts of heat produced by the 1,000 WiSPR transmit elements. This effective cooling system expels heat generated by the array’s components via specially designed thermal radiators.

After five years of development, WiSPR’s unique Low Probability of Detection/ Low Probability of Intercept (LPD/LPI) APS capabilities and inter-vehicle communications will transition to the production cycle in the coming months. Lt. Gen. Robert A. Rasch, Jr., Director of RCCTO, stated, “WiSPR is a classic example of how RCCTO does business, a testament to our success, and why we as an Army can adapt to future threats.”

By Venetia Gonzales

Posted in Army, Guest Post, Sensors | Comments Off on Wideband Selective Propagation Radar System (WiSPR)- Valuable Technology for Warfighters

Advancing Military Robotics: Highlights from the US Army’s HMIF Networks Industry Day

Friday, October 25th, 2024

On 13 September 2024, the U.S. Army’s Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO) hosted its first Human Machine Integrated Formation (HMIF) Industry Day event focusing on the complex network architecture of the HMIF robotic capability at Aberdeen Proving Ground’s Myer Auditorium.

The in-person event was limited to U.S. vendors that are either members of the National Advanced Mobility Consortium (NAMC) or have an active business registration on SAM.gov. During the Industry Day event, representatives from RCCTO; the Combat Capabilities Development Command’s Command, Control, Communication, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Center; the Ground Vehicle Systems Center; and the Armament Center shared insights into the strategic approach for the HMIF network requirements. The event attracted over 125 industry representatives from 75 different companies, along with more than 25 personnel from government, military, and contractor support roles.

The objective of this one-day event was to inform vendors about the technical aspects of the HMIF Network, which is crucial for the command-and-control systems that connect Warfighters with tactical robotic formations. This Industry Day marked the beginning of the next phase in the procurement process—the accelerated drafting of the final Network Statement of Work (SOW), by 30 September 2024. In October 2024, the SOW will be released as a Request for Proposals to the National Advanced Mobility Consortium through the Army Contracting Command – Detroit Arsenal. The selection of the best proposed solution from industry proposals will take place in the first quarter of Fiscal Year 2025, with an award expected by early in the second quarter of Fiscal Year 2025.

The Army has designated the RCCTO as the materiel and acquisition lead for the HMIF program, employing an enterprise approach that utilizes previous science and technology investments in robotics to establish, test, and validate a combat use case for offensive robotic operations. RCCTO, along with elements of Army Futures Command, continues to pursue synchronized solutions across joint service domains to detect, track, identify, and engage enemy combatants, employing offensive machines in risky scenarios while ensuring that human operators remain safely distanced from direct and indirect fire.

The success of the HMIF Networks Industry Day and the benefits derived from it are expected to inspire similar events in the future as the RCCTO continues to collaborate with industry to secure the best materiel solutions and equipment for the Army and its Warfighters.

“Events like this help to communicate our top priorities for both the instant Network requirement as well as future HMIF capability as we look to leverage emerging technology to defeat current threats,” said Mr. Rob Monto, Director for RCCTO’s Advanced Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office.

By Venetia Gonzales

Posted in Army, Guest Post, Robotics | Comments Off on Advancing Military Robotics: Highlights from the US Army’s HMIF Networks Industry Day

Shaping a More Lethal, Lighter and Tactical Force at JPMRC

Thursday, October 24th, 2024

SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii — To provide leaders and the combined joint force a lethal division, the 25th Infantry Division’s primary focus is tailored to employ large-scale combat operations, commitment to readiness, and deployment of combat credible forces.

Consistent building and deployment of readiness are achieved through four points: Transformation in Contact, Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center (JPMRC) Hawaii, Operation Pathways and JPMRC X (Exportable).

JPMRC is the Army’s newest combat training center and generates readiness in the environments and conditions where our forces are likely to operate. JPMRC 25-01 includes training participants from the U.S. joint forces, all Army components and multinational allies and partners.

The Vice Chief of Staff of the Army, Gen. James J. Mingus, observed JPMRC training events on Oahu with the 25th Infantry Division and the 196th Infantry Brigade, where he was hosted by the division’s commanding general, Maj. Gen. Marcus Evans.

Evans emphasizes the importance of the JPMRC exercise in fostering joint operations.

“We are using JPMRC and our Warfighter Exercise in December to validate our transformation in contact construct with the 2nd Light Brigade Combat Team along with those lessons learned from 101st Airborne and 10th Mountain Division,” he said. “Innovation never stops at our level. We are in a relentless pursuit of excellence and strive to get 1% better every day.”

Through the campaign of learning, the 2nd Light Brigade Combat Team (2LBCT) sets to validate the division’s Transformation in Contact efforts during this year’s JPMRC iteration.

From 2nd Light Brigade Combat Team, Multiple Variants of the Silent Tactical Energy Enhanced Dismount (STEED), Squad Multipurpose Equipment Transport (S-MET), Skydio X10D Drone and Thales Modular Universal Battery Charger are all essential pieces of equipment being used to hone and improve the division’s warfighting capabilities.

Mingus observed training aimed at testing the division’s capabilities to respond to complex operational scenarios. JPMRC serves as an essential platform for evaluating the Army’s ability to operate effectively across multiple domains, including land, air, and cyber.

“The 25th Infantry Division is a critical component of our efforts in the Pacific,” Mingus said. “Readiness and partnership with our multinational partners are vital as we navigate an evolving landscape.”

The exercise involves service members from various branches of the U.S. military and multinational allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific Region, all engaged in live, virtual, and constructive training components, which generates a realistic and challenging experience for all participants.

After conducting a JPMRC rotation or training event, the Theater Army projects combat-credible forces, through Operation Pathways, forward into the Indo-Pacific and Asia. Operation Pathways is the United States Army Pacific’s operational approach to campaigning that applies readiness of combat-credible forces to build joint readiness, strengthen interoperability with our Allies and partners, and deny key terrain – human and physical — to our adversaries.

By SSG Brenden Delgado

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Army Special Operations To Create New Robotics Specialty

Wednesday, October 23rd, 2024

USASOC has been experimenting with robotics for several years, as seen in this image of 1st SFG(A) Green Berets during Project Origin at Dugway Proving Ground, Utah. Despite Army Special Operations leaders discussing the idea of creating a specific robotics careerfield within SOF for years, details are still scarce on this new plan, which could see its first training class as early as 2025.

Most recently USASOC Command Sergeant Major JoAnn Naumann told students at a SOCOM Ignite event at MIT, that the command is creating a new Military Occupational Specialty.

“Special operations is leading the Army by creating a new MOS this year for technology, innovation and integration – a new MOS that does not exist in the Army,” said Naumann. “We’re creating it because we realized that we need it. We will have people whose job is to think about these kinds of problems, build prototypes and then help us once we get the technology integrated into the battlefield and make it work in real-world scenarios.”

The details we’ve uncovered are that the paperwork to create the new MOS is currently at the Department of the Army staff and is expected to be approved by the end of the calendar year. Selection from the force could begin soon after, with the initial training course early in 2025.

The MOS designation is 390A meaning it’s going to be a warrant officer MOS. It’s a novel approach to the challenge and we are told it is for two reasons.

First, there are many within the Army’s SOF formation who have chosen unconventional paths including working with unmanned systems, robotics, and other technologies. They are valuable to the force in these niche roles and there are concerns about losing their expertise as they get passed over for not checking the blocks.

The second reason is that a few years ago Congress gave DoD additional authorities to direct commission those with technical experience of interest to the service. This will allow USASOC to not only recruit talent within house, but also look to industry and academia for the right people.

While no MOS name has been mentioned, it may likely be “Robotics and Unmanned Systems Technician”. This guess is based upon the six week Robotics and Unmanned Systems Integrator Course currently taught as an advanced skill to select SOF at USAJFKSWCS. However, SOF leaders have widely acknowledged that other, emerging technologies are required by their forces.

CMF 39 is of note, simply because it was once used as a Functional Area designation for Civil Affairs officers before it became a branch and adopted MOS 38A. It seems to have become a spare, somewhat under the purview of ARSOF. Joining CMFs 18 (Special Forces), 37 (Psychological Operations), and 38 (Civil Affairs), its reactivation bodes well for the creation of dedicated Cyber, Space, Fires, and other enlisted specialties for technical SOF enablers. Robotics systems are platforms and using their payloads generally requires additional technical expertise.

While the Navy beat them to it by creating a rate for unmanned systems last year, so far RM Sailors haven’t been integrated into the SOF formation. The creation of this MOS is something entirely new, not only for SOF, but all across the Army. They are seeking technicians who will integrate new capabilities. Although these aren’t SOF operator positions, many of the initial cadre will come from SF, Rangers, and the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment. This will assuredly open doors as they integrate into SOF operations. While we’re unsure how USASOC plans to employ them and where they’ll fit into the organization, or will have their own unit, it’s a move that is a good investment in transformation and the future.

While this new MOS is currently destined to support ARSOF, within the Army there have discussions of creating a Robotics branch. A few years ago during the Maneuver Conference a plan was briefed to create MOS 19R, a non-accessions MOS which would accept volunteers at skill levels two and up from CMFs 11 (Infantry) and 19 (Armor). The plan had skill level 5 (E8 & E9) robotics Soldiers serving as 19Zs or Armor Senior Sergeants.

The difference between SOF’s robotics requirement and the other maneuver branches of the Army is about size. Like their current force structure, armor and infantry units have armored vehicles and in the future will integrate remotely operated and autonomous armored vehicles. SOF will mainly use smaller, very specialized systems like the Ghost Robotics Quadraped Unmanned Ground Vehicle seen above. Some of the tools will be the same across the force, but as taught in the RUSIC training mentioned earlier, SOF students learn to use innovation and additive manufacturing to locally produce specialized payloads for unmanned systems.

With USASOC working toward adoption of a formal requirement for a family of ground robotics and having already heavily adopted Small unmanned Aerial Systems across the formation, this move is the right one. Hopefully, they will create enlisted MOSs for other technical enabler positions.

We expect the Army will follow SOF’s lead and adopt the right systems for the larger force. Hopefully, they’ll implement dedicated personnel from inception as well.

– Story by Eric Graves, Editor

Top photo by Jerome Aliotta, US Army

Quadraped photo by Zachary Rufus, DoD

Posted in Army, Profession of Arms, SOF | 2 Comments »