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The 1st Armored Division is conducting a field hygiene and urogenital study.
If you wish to participate, contact the POC on the image.
The Department of Defense’s Irregular Warfare Center (IWC) hosted its second annual Irregular Warfare Colloquium, which took place on Sept. 26-27, 2024, at the AMA Conference Center in Arlington, VA. This pivotal event brought together scholars and subject matter experts from more than 15 universities across the U.S. and internationally to discuss topics related to irregular warfare and research.
The Colloquium unfolded over two days, starting with a welcome address by IWC Director Dr. Dennis Walters. Through his remarks, Dr. Walters underscored the importance of innovation and stated that the upcoming generation is “the last best hope for finding a solution for irregular warfare.”
During the opening remarks, Sam Paulson, graduate student, Johns Hopkins University, was recognized by Dr. Walters for placing first in the Center’s IW Student Working Group Essay Contest. The Colloquium comprised research presentations from both junior and senior scholars, as well as working groups to provide constructive feedback.
Presenters were paired together based on their respective subject areas and provided an overview of their research. Event emcee Dr. Sandor Fabian, IWC Deputy Regional Advisor for Europe and Africa, Morgan 6 contractor, moderated the presentations and discussions. Following the in-depth presentations, audience members presented questions and presenters received feedback from other participants.
The Center selected these participants based on their quality of work and potential contributions to irregular warfare. Participants engaged in research discussions on the Center’s key topics of interest, including cyber operations, information and influence operations, resistance movements, proxy warfare, great power competition below the threshold of war, and women peace and security.
Senior scholars and subject matter experts (SMEs) were engaged with the participants throughout the Colloquium. Two senior scholars exhibited their research; Dr. Maria Papageorgiou (Newcastle University) highlighting Sino-Russian disinformation synergies, while Dr. Peter Campbell (Baylor University) presented on cyber defenses.
Dr. Papageorgiou discovered the Colloquium through the IWC Call for Papers on LinkedIn and was thrilled that her research was accepted. She continued, “I think that it is very important that there is an international output, so I was happy that they invited me to come from the UK.” Dr. Fabian gave participants an overview of the name “Irregular Warfare” and how it is conceptualized in the U.S. and abroad.
IWC SME Jake Zenn explained that a “Key benefit is that this event brings together professionals who are interested in IW and the role it plays in international affairs today.” He emphasized this further, “IW is a complex subject that can be difficult to research; the junior scholars valued and benefited from interacting with the SMEs in terms of academic and professional development. The SMEs were engaged with participants and offered guidance on how to contribute to our understanding of IW through academic publications and more.”
The Colloquium offers participants opportunities for professional development. Dr. Joshua Hastey, IWC Deputy Regional Advisor for U.S. Pacific Command and U.S. Forces Korea, Morgan 6 contractor, noted, “First and foremost, the Colloquium introduces junior scholars into a robust and active community of professionals committed to understanding complex threats and operations.” He continued, stating, “For these junior scholars, this Colloquium offers an unparalleled opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge discussions on irregular warfare while receiving direct feedback from both senior scholars and seasoned practitioners. The event fosters a collaborative space where emerging researchers can refine their ideas, expand their networks, and influence the future of IW doctrine and strategy. It’s also been a pragmatic career step for some of our alumni.”
Asher Peck was a returning Colloquium participant, and selected to present on Chinese malign influence in Paraguay. He reaffirmed Dr. Hastey’s sentiments on the Colloquium enabling academic growth. Peck said, “This is a must-attend event for any junior scholar interested in IW, as the connections made, and wisdom gained during my time here have enriched my academic and professional life.”
Along with the junior and senior scholars’ experience, participants who attended to listen to the presentations found benefits. Alessandro Brenci, a student at George Mason University, discovered the IWC through the Center’s Perspectives publications. Brenci utilized the Center’s research in his thesis on private military security companies and hybrid warfare strategies. “I knew that I wanted to be involved in this organization, so I reached out to become a part of the Student Working Group. The opportunity to attend the Colloquium, especially as an international student, is incredible.”
IWC Deputy Director and Chief of Staff, Lori Leffler, provided closing remarks, which were preceded by Dr. Hastey’s encouragement for participants to stay involved. Following the event, Leffler emphasized the need for scholar-practitioner engagement. She noted, “The second annual Colloquium is crucial for our Center.
This event is not solely an academic one, but it contributes to advancing the IWC’s mission of collaboration to build a networked IW community. The role of scholars, at any level, is imperative to the development of IW understanding and doctrine.”
A special thank you to all of the second annual IWC Colloquium presenters: Ivana Stradner, Johns Hopkins SAID; Henry Leverett and Victor Kiss, Vienna School of International Studies; Asher Peck, Regent University; Anna Given, Institute of World Politics; Jaclyn Giunta, Norwich University; Derek Ricke, University of Denver; Genna Moellering, Carnegie Melon University; Jesse Nuese, New York University; David Kong, RAND Graduate School; Lea Korb, Potsdam University; Dr. Maria Papageorgiou, Newcastle University; Dr. Peter Campbell, Baylor University.
The IWC serves as the central mechanism for developing the Department of Defense’s (DoD) irregular warfare knowledge and advancing the Department’s understanding of irregular warfare concepts and doctrine in collaboration with key allies and partners.
The Center’s foundation is built upon three Lines of Effort:
AMPLIFY and collaborate to build an innovative and adaptable global networked IW community of interest.
Strategically ILLUMINATE current and future irregular threats, crises, and obstacles.
ADDRESS current and future irregular threats to the US, allies, and partners by providing optionality to leaders.
Through these LOEs, the Irregular Warfare Center addresses current and emerging security concerns and challenges with world-class research, rigorous analysis, top-tier strategic education and training for U.S. and international partners.
– Courtesy of Irregular Warfare Center
FORT HUACHUCA, Ariz. — The 3rd Multi-Domain Effects Battalion, 3rd Multi-Domain Task Force, partnered with the U.S. Army Intelligence Center of Excellence, Joint and Allied forces, and industry partners to execute the Vanguard 24 experiment from September 8-24, 2024.
Mission-tailored teams of 3rd MDEB Soldiers operated from the 1st Lt. John R. Fox Multi-Domain Range, the Buffalo Soldier Electronic Test Range and other training areas in the Southwest. Vanguard provided a venue for 3rd MDEB Soldiers to experiment with and assess various cutting-edge sensors, high altitude platforms and data transport solutions that are not yet Army programs of record.
“Multi-Domain Task Forces are the signature formations for the Army’s continual transformation. The emerging capabilities our Soldiers are training on help inform the Army on which capabilities should be pursued and possibly developed further and integrated at scale across the Army and DOD,” said Col. Michael Rose, 3rd MDTF commander.
These teams executed training and experimentation focused on integrating cyber, electronic warfare, extended range sensing and data transfer. The distances between training areas and teams replicated the distances required to operate in the Indo-Pacific Command theater, where 3rd MDTF is assigned.
“The challenge with extended range multi-domain sensing comes down to several problem sets — platforms, payloads, data backhaul and analysis. Vanguard provided the venue for the MDEB to tackle each of these problem sets at operationally relevant distances,” said Rose.
“My team was able to effectively locate signals of interest, aggregate the sensor data, pass it back to the MDEB tactical command post at Fort Huachuca, then integrate the data into mission command systems to include the Army Intelligence Data Platform, and send the data to the TF level All Domain Operations Center back in Hawaii,” said MDEB Commander Lt. Col. Pablo Diaz. “We met our key training objectives and look forward to taking the lessons learned to keep pushing the envelope.”
Objectives for 3rd MDEB were to experiment with high altitude and persistent platforms such as high-altitude balloons and unmanned aerial systems, various electronic warfare and cyber payloads, long range data backhaul solutions and validate defensive cyber capabilities
Vanguard 24 is an annual capstone experiment that provides a venue to explore, integrate, and test emerging technologies, tools, and concepts that address specific capability gaps and future warfighting requirements.
Vanguard provided capabilities development, testing, and training elements, with an INDOPACOM operational scenario that expanded the scope and scale of the experiment, which spanned from Fort Huachuca’s Buffalo Soldier Electronic Test Range and 1st Lt. John R. Fox Multi-Domain Operations Range, as well as across the Southwestern U.S.
By MAJ Stephen Page
Recently, SIG SAUER granted ARES Watch Co. an exclusive, multi-year license to produce precision timepieces commemorating SIG’s family of firearms.
The first limited run of watches to hit the market is coming this month. Based on the popular ARES DIVER model, it will honor the M17 Modular Handgun System pistol issued to US service members for personal defense.
The M17 DIVER-1 features 316L stainless case components, 715Li Ronda movement, and C3 SuperLumiNova dial, to produce a watch which is tested to 1250 meters and guaranteed for life.
Just as special as the watch, the packaging includes a watch roll manufactured by ESSTAC of Stanwood, Washington, from high visibility VS-17 signal panel fabric and packed in a customized grenade can with matching serial number.
Upcoming watches in the series include an M18 FIELD quartz model as well LEGION and Signature Series limited-release custom automatics.
Founded in 2018 by a former US Air Marshal, ARES Watch Co. LLC of Stanwood, WA is a manufacturer of American operational Mission Timers. It employs five watchmakers and craftsmen who combine steel components cut in Stanwood, Washington and Ogden, Utah, with precision Swiss movements and dials to create Mission Timers for some of the nation’s most elite operators.
Today, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the courageous men and women who have served our nation, whether in times of war or peace. We honor their bravery, sacrifice, and unwavering resolve in the face of challenges. Their selflessness and dedication to a cause greater than themselves inspire us every day. To all veterans who have served our country, we offer our deepest thanks—your contributions to our nation will always be remembered.
At FirstSpear, we’re especially connected to the sacrifices veterans make, as many of our team members are veterans themselves who have served with honor. We are incredibly proud of their service and deeply appreciate the value they bring to our company.
We also want to wish happy 249th birthday to the United States Marine Corps.
WASHINGTON — In eastern Europe, Soldiers with the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division work alongside North Atlantic Treaty Organization allies as they transform into one of the Army’s newest formations — a light brigade combat team.
The change is part of the Army’s Transforming in Contact effort, where brigades are adapting their formations and getting new technology into the hands of Soldiers so they can experiment, innovate and be ready to fight on the modern battlefield. Soldiers can then provide real-world feedback allowing the Army to make necessary adjustments.
“Everything we do [with transforming in contact] is grounded in one simple principle and that is increased lethality for our formations,” said Maj. Gen. Joseph Ryan, Department of the Army assistant deputy chief of staff, G-3/5/7. “There is nothing that will survive contact better than more lethal, more agile, more strategically and tactically mobile formations.”
As part of the switch, the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, also known as Patriots, has focused on experimenting with organizational structure.
The brigade decentralized its sustainment support battalion to make it less vulnerable to detection and enemy fire. They also created three strike companies with ground reconnaissance scouts, short and medium-range drones, unmanned aerial weapons, mortars, counter-unmanned aerial systems and electronic warfare teams.
All three companies are training in Europe, and the brigade is gathering new equipment for them to test when they go on a Joint Multinational Readiness Center rotation to Bavaria in January.
That wasn’t the only change. The Patriots are using a fleet of Infantry Support Vehicles to help Soldiers navigate complex terrain. The nine-seat utility vehicle helps the brigade as they transform into a light formation.
“That’s going to provide some really enhanced mobility for us, allow us to reposition troops, and equipment on the battlefield very rapidly in ways that light infantry formations haven’t been able to do over the ground up to this point,” said Col. Joshua G. Glonek, 3rd Brigade Combat Team commander.
The Patriots are one of three brigades taking part in phase one of the transformation initiative that started in spring 2024. The 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), also known as Screaming Eagles, is another.
The Screaming Eagles completed two rotations this year at the Joint Readiness Training Center in Fort Polk, Louisiana, as well as a 21-day field training exercise called Operation Lethal Eagle.
Throughout the year, the Screaming Eagles experimented with their structure as they became the Army’s first mobile brigade combat team, capable of increased agility to accommodate the service’s shift to large-scale operations.
That mobility comes from using approximately 200 Infantry Squad Vehicles to carry Soldiers and equipment.
The 101st also added a multifunctional reconnaissance company for target acquisition, counter reconnaissance, and security and set up an anti-tank platoon as well as a robotics platoon for human-machine integration. These changes were incorporated into the brigade’s three infantry battalions.
Transforming in Contact not only applies to organizational structure but also experimentation with new technology.
During their rotations at the training center, the Screaming Eagles used drones and electromagnetic decoys to draw enemy fire. They also experimented with multiple networked communication technologies during their field training exercise.
The Screaming Eagles passed what they learned onto the Patriots as they tested the improved command and control capabilities while on deployment.
Glonek said this is allowing the brigades to dynamically change the way they communicate and deal with enemy interference. It’s also allowing them to use command posts that are less detectable and more survivable.
He added the Patriots are in the process of adding unmanned aerial systems to every level of the brigade as they head into their upcoming combat training center rotation.
The 2nd Light Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, the other brigade in phase one of the initiative, took part in the Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center rotation earlier this month in Hawaii.
The training tested the brigade and the Army’s ability to operate effectively across multiple domains, including land, air and cyber.
“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,” said Maj. Gen. Marcus Evans, 25th ID commanding general. “Innovation never stops at our level. We are in a relentless pursuit of excellence and strive to get 1% better every day.”
Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George recently announced phase two of the transformation initiative will include two divisions, the 101st and 25th as well as two armored brigade combat teams, two Stryker brigade combat teams, and additional formations from the National Guard and Army Reserve.
This effort is set to occur in fiscal year 2025 and include every Army warfighting function.
By Christopher Hurd, Army News Service
The CMP Talladega Marksmanship Park – “THE HOME OF MARKSMANSHIP” – is where responsible firearm ownership, safety instruction and accuracy training reside inside a beautiful 500-acre facility. Located two miles from the Talladega Superspeedway in Alabama, the CMP Talladega Marksmanship Park has something for all types of firearms and firearm owners. The park prides itself on its friendly, accommodating staff and the convenience of its outdoor electronic target line.
The cutting-edge electronic targets, located on Ranges 1 and 2, relay scores and report shots instantly to competitor and spectator monitors. Range 3 is equipped with turning pistol targets at 25 and 50 yards, while the versatile John C. Garand highpower rifle range offers 54 covered firing points and all-weather, electronically-scored targetry at 200, 300 and 600 yards.
The park also features a 100-yard rifle range with the same innovative technology, plus an unknown distance range and 15 action pistol bays that are capable of accommodating a variety of competitions, including 3-Gun.
For Shotgun enthusiasts, Talladega Marksmanship Park houses several structured areas featuring Trap, Skeet, 5-Stand Fields, a Wobble Trap and a 15-station Sporting Clays loop. Each area is maintained by CMP’s own shotgun experts and is furnished with top-of-the-line equipment for guests to enjoy.
The Archery Range at Talladega is located on the shotgun side of the grounds and outfitted with a 30×60-yard practice range and 20 lanes of life-size 3-D targets, specially painted to resemble live animals in their natural habitat. The foam Delta-McKenzie targets (typically used on the competition trail) are designed to fit along pathways tucked between the trees of Talladega’s terrain and may be arranged from 15 to 50 yards. The Archery Range is open to all experience levels, with a minimal age of 6 years to use.
The crown jewel of the park is a 13,000-square-foot Club House, featuring a check-in and reception area, two multi-media classrooms, spacious lounge areas and a CMP Pro Shop with firearms, accessories and ammunition sales.
Talladega Marksmanship Park is open daily to the public. Don’t be a stranger, come see us at The Home of Marksmanship!
thecmp.org/ranges/talladega-marksmanship-park
