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US Army Expands Program that Transforms How Soldiers Prepare for Combat

Saturday, December 13th, 2025

Warfighting is at the forefront of everything we do in the Army, and over the past five years, the culture of human performance has evolved to ensure that Soldiers are prepared to fight and win our nation’s wars.

Holistic Health and Fitness (H2F) has transformed the way soldiers train for future battles. It has shifted away from a one-size-fits-all model for human performance to a more individualized approach, tailored to preparing Soldiers to win on the modern battlefield and return home healthy. This revolutionary shift is supported by teams of subject matter experts, embedded within the Brigade footprint, that work directly for the Brigade Commander to meet the specific units’ Mission Essential Task List (METL).

“In a fiscally restrained time, leaders within the Department of War recognize the direct, proven, and significant impact our H2F teams have on our Soldiers’ warfighting ability and as a result have excluded the H2F civilian professionals from the civilian hiring freeze, supported rapidly expansion of the program, and the procurement of the first human performance optimization platform across the Department”, said Lt. Gen. David Francis, Commander, U.S. Army Center for Initial Military Training, the Army’s proponent for H2F. “The H2F System has the full support and backing of both the Secretary of War and the Secretary of the Army as we have worked directly to inform them on the positive return on investment data that our H2F teams are having on our warfighting abilities”.

Initially planned and resourced for 111 Active Duty Brigades, Army Senior Leaders announced after reviewing the initial Return on Investment (ROI) data that H2F Performance Teams (HPTs) would be resourced to every unit across the Army.

ROI data indicates that, although it comes with an initial heavy price tag, H2F is paying for itself year over year by getting our warfighters back into the fight, both fitter and faster. Data currently being peer-reviewed indicates that for every dollar spent on H2F, $8.15 in cost avoidance and readiness gains are realized. The United States Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine (USARIEM) also conducted independent research, consisting of over 30 million Soldier observations from Fiscal Year 2019-2024, and found that if H2F HPTs were rolled out Army-wide, it would have added 1,080 deployable Soldiers to the fighting force. These 1,080 Soldiers equate to adding over ten company sized elements of combat power back into the fight.

“The Army is rapidly transforming to ensure our Soldiers are prepared to fight and win our nation’s wars”, said Col. John “Jay” Morgan, H2F Director. “Through the H2F HPTs, across our Army, we are equipping our warfighters with human performance subject matter experts who ensure, when called, our Soldiers are prepared to fight, win, and dominate on the modern battlefield”.

By Fiscal Year 2029, the Army will have fielded 129 Active-Duty Brigades, four states throughout the Army National Guard, and two Army Reserve Commands will be equipped with HPTs. A key distinction between how the Active Duty and Reserve Component HPTs will operate, due to their distinct differences, is the level of support they will provide. Reserve Component HPTs will work directly for their Adjutant General or major Army Reserve Command, rather than a Brigade Commander, to meet their units’ METL and resolve unique challenges these Soldiers face, balancing their civilian and military careers that Active-Duty units do not face. To support geo-dispersed and smaller Brigade sized elements 59 H2F Area Support Teams (H2FAST) will be fielded and directly work for their Installation Senior Mission Commander.

“H2F is a Commanders program, Commanders need to know these HPTs work for them”, said Gen. James Mingus, Vice Chief of Staff of the Army. “These HPTs are filled with subject matter experts who treat our warfighters like professional athletes. Having this level of expertise within these teams, like what Division 1 schools have, helps the Command team best prepare Soldiers for combat”.

Throughout the rapid expansion process, the Army has navigated a challenging hiring environment. The Secretary of War, Honorable Pete Hegseth, exempted all H2F positions from the civilian hiring freeze to ensure only the best and brightest physical and occupational therapists and registered dietitians were on board our HPTs. Further, in September of this year, based on strong positive feedback from commanders, the Vice Chief of Staff of the Army approved a change to the composition of the H2F Performance Teams (HPT) and H2F Area Support Teams (H2FAST) to include 4 Athletic Trainers (AT) per team through FY29.

To streamline the expansion of H2F expertise across the force, the Army has collaborated directly with the Department of War to develop the requirements for fielding the first human performance optimization platform across the Department. This software solution, designed for the Army, is called the H2F Management System (H2FMS) and serves as the software backbone of the H2F System, providing Soldiers, leaders, and HPT staff with data-driven insights that are typically only found within Special Operations or professional athletics.

“H2FMS will empower HPTs across the Total Army to effectively measure, analyze, and improve Soldier performance and overall combat readiness”, said Lt. Col. Chance Smith, Operations Research and Systems Analyst, U.S. Army Center for Initial Military Training. “Our partners at Program Executive Office- Soldier have provided valuable insights into building out requirements, streamlining the procurement process, and ensuring that H2FMS is designed to impact the warfighter positively”.

Soldier Performance Readiness Centers, or SPRCs, are the home to H2F human performance teams that deliver comprehensive, immersive, and integrative training experiences for soldiers. In partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Installation Management Command (IMCOM), and the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Installations, Energy and Environment (IE&E) Army Senior Leaders approved plans to improve 67 facilities this fiscal year and to complete four designs for SPRC Experiment (SPRC-X), which utilize unconventional construction where new construction is needed.

Paramount to the Army’s investments across the H2F System in people, facilties, data management, and equipment is the buy-in from operational non-commissioned officers (NCOs) who have an enduring and foundational role in unit training. The Army recently concluded the first pilot of the new Skills Qualification Identifier (SQI) for the H2F Advisor. This SQI, only eligible for NCOs, is the Army’s latest investment in empowering the NCO Corps to serve as the “Master Gunner” for human performance on a Brigade or Battalion staff.

“The H2F Advisor SQI empowers the NCO Corps to directly advise Commanders on the ways best to incorporate human performance-oriented, battle-focused training into their units’ long-term training calendar”, said Sgt. Maj. Jeremiah Richards, H2F Senior Enlisted Advisor. “H2F Advisors serve as the bridge between the HPTs and the H2F Integrators below the Brigade level to synchronize H2F implementation throughout”.

As the Army expands H2F across the force, it has also expanded its scope of responsibilities to include functional proponency for the Pregnancy and Postpartum Performance Training (P3T) program. Formerly known as Pregnancy and Postpartum Physical Training, the P3T team is rapidly reviewing and revising educational content and training P3T leaders to implement effective physical training and education to support perinatal Soldiers return to the operational force fitter. By incorporating the most current evidence across the five domains of readiness, the revised P3T program is seeing similar ROI as the H2F System.

In a recent U.S. Army Center for Initial Military Training questionnaire, 75% of respondents indicated that participating in a unit-run P3T course improved their Army Fitness Test (AFT) score. Preliminary data demonstrates that soldiers who participated in P3T saw an average increase of 50 points in AFT scores before returning to their units.

“Roughly 10,000 Soldiers across the total Army give birth to a child every year”, said Maj. Stephanie Meno, H2F Nutrition and P3T lead. “The most profound shift in the P3T program is the inclusion of all give domains of H2F, pelvic-health education, and the most current evidence for maintaining optimal health and fitness in a perinatal population. Soldiers who participate in P3T throughout pregnancy and postpartum are returning to their formations fitter, faster, and stronger than before becoming pregnant”.

H2F will be hosting their annual Symposium, from 13-14 May, where the Directorate announces ROI metrics for the currently fielded H2F teams, have Army Senior Leaders speak on the program, and highlight the best HPTs across the Total Army.

By Hunter Rhoades, U.S. Army Center for Initial Military Training

Posted in Army, Guest Post, Human Performance | Comments Off on US Army Expands Program that Transforms How Soldiers Prepare for Combat

A Paradigm Shift: Navy Establishes First Information Warfare Squadron

Saturday, December 13th, 2025

NORFOLK, Va. – Information Warfare Squadron (IWRON) Two, a first-of-its-kind unit designed to operationalize Information Warfare (IW) capabilities and provide decisive decision advantage to Carrier Strike Group Commanders, was established, Dec. 5.

This command is being stood up as part of a 48-month pilot program that received unanimous approval at the Fleet Commanders’ Readiness Council (FCRC) in June of 2025. The FCRC is a forum where top Navy leaders develop integrated solutions to Fleet-wide issues necessary to support warfighting, mission effectiveness, and sustain readiness wholeness. This pilot program will be a period of learning, adaptation, and innovation, with a focus on improving readiness, refining doctrine, evaluating the effectiveness of integrated IW capabilities and increasing lethality across the Carrier Strike Group.

“This isn’t just another ceremony, this is a paradigm shift in how we fight and win in the 21st century,” said Vice Adm. Mike Vernazza, commander, Naval Information Forces. “For too long, Information Warfare has been a collection of vital but often disparate capabilities. Today, we change that. Today, we forge a unified force, a sharpened spear, ready to deliver the necessary decisive decision advantage to our Carrier Strike Group Commanders in any environment.”

The establishment of IWRON Two addresses the increasing complexity and sophistication of global threats, which actively seek to exploit vulnerabilities from seabed to space. The IWRON construct, modeled after the successes of Air Wings and Destroyer Squadrons, streamlines the chain of command, aligns warfare commander authorities, and consolidates responsibilities under a single accountable commander, thereby enhancing speed, agility, and decisive action.

“The IWRON construct represents a bold step forward,” said Vernazza. “We are integrating and employing advanced IW capabilities and delivering them as a unified force across the spectrum of conflict. We are employing IW warfighting effects in a way that has never been demonstrated before. To get to outcomes we haven’t had, we need to do things we haven’t done…this is one of them.”

IWRON TWO brings together talent from across the IW community, including the Carrier Strike Group staff, the Strike Group Oceanography Team, the Fleet Intelligence Detachment DC, the Navy Cyber Defense Operations Command, the Navy Information Operations Command, and the Naval Information Warfare Training Group.

CAPT Jon O’Connor assumed command of IWRON Two.

“IWRON-2 will not only meet, but exceed the standards of excellence because we must. Our mission demands it. We are here to strengthen the readiness, lethality, and survivability of our Carrier Strike Groups by integrating our advanced IW capabilities,” said O’Connor. “This is about warfighting, pure and simple.

The Sailors who comprise the initial cadre of IWRON Two were recognized for their pivotal part of this new command.

“Your willingness to embrace this challenge, to be pioneers in this new frontier of warfare, is a testament to your dedication and your commitment to our Navy. You are the lifeblood and decisive warfighting advantage of our Navy. Your work here will pave the way for future generations of Information Warfare professionals for years to come.” said Vernazza.

IWRON Two will serve as the pilot squadron on the East Coast, with another squadron being established on the West Coast in 2026.

The establishment of Information Warfare Squadron Two marks a crucial step forward in ensuring the U.S. Navy remains the premier warfighting force – ready, capable, and unmatched.

NAVIFOR’s mission is to generate, directly and through our leadership of the IW Enterprise, agile and technically superior manned, trained, equipped, and certified combat-ready IW forces to ensure our Navy will decisively DETER, COMPETE, and WIN.

For more information on NAVIFOR, visit the command Facebook page at www.facebook.com/NavalInformationForces or the public web page at www.navifor.usff.navy.mil.

Via Naval Information Forces

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FirstSpear Friday Focus: New BTFX Lightweight Hoodie

Friday, December 12th, 2025

The new FirstSpear BTFX LIGHTWEIGHT HOODIE debuts as Day 12 of FirstSpear’s 12 Days of Christmas promotion. This hoodie is crafted from a lightweight, moisture-wicking cotton/poly/rayon blend designed to provide long-lasting comfort during extended wear. Its smooth, quiet fabric supports mobility, making it ideal for those who operate between routine tasks and real-world demands.

The front proudly showcases the FirstSpear Icon Skull, reinforcing the brand’s unmistakable identity.

On the back, the Built For The X™ graphic incorporates a top-down Blackhawk rotor “X,” nodding to the environments where readiness and precision matter most. A streamlined 3-panel hood helps maintain a low profile without sacrificing comfort.

The flat, silicone-dipped drawcords further enhance its clean, functional silhouette. Inside, a tag-free heat-transfer label eliminates distraction and irritation during movement. The front pouch pocket adds quick, reliable utility for small essentials on the go. A subtle New Era mark accents the lower pocket, rounding out the hoodie’s refined details. Lightweight by design, it serves as a dependable layer for daily wear or mission-focused activity. The hoodie embodies FirstSpear’s performance-driven ethos, delivering capability without unnecessary bulk. It stands as a purpose-built piece meant to support long hours on the move. True to its name, the BTFX Lightweight Hoodie is Built For The X™—and built for those who thrive there.

FirstSpear is the premier source for cutting edge-tactical gear for military, law enforcement and those who train. For more information visit First-Spear.com.

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101st Airborne Division Takes Flight with 3D Printed Drones

Friday, December 12th, 2025

FORT CAMPBELL, Ky – Turning another page in the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) journey within the Army’s transformation and its emerging technologies, the Division now has plans underway to revolutionize military drone creation in preparation for their upcoming division training exercise – Operation Lethal Eagle.

The Division began 3D manufacturing of small-unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) at the EagleWerx Applied Tactical Innovation Center at Fort Campbell, Ky.

“This is bigger than simply printing parts. We are reshaping the sUAS enterprise at the tactical level,” said Col. (Promotable) Travis McIntosh, deputy commanding officer for support of the 101st ABN DIV. He said the project will impact the entire unit as it would affect “how we do small UAS in the division, from air worthiness to parts ordering, to fielding and training.”

The plan to build the systems at Fort Campbell came as a cooperative effort from the Division and 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne). Soldiers asked for sUAS that were more versatile, durable, and expendable than the standard previously fielded versions. For experimentation during the exercise, the Division and EagleWerx representatives are manufacturing 100 sUAS units and purchasing the ground control consoles, at a fraction of the cost of previously acquired sUAS’s.

Operation Lethal Eagle, a 21-day rigorous training exercise, is designed to prototype Army initiatives, train unit lethality, and build mastery of large-scale, long-range air assault (L2A2) capabilities throughout the Division.

Many on the project including Capt. Andrew Blomquist, the 2nd Mobile Brigade Combat Team innovation officer, are excited for the 3D printed drones to get into the hands of the end-users permanently.

“We have done multiple Soldier touch points, demos, and flight tests so luckily, we have already received great end user feedback”, said Blomquist. “One Soldier in particular that has experience with all of the previously fielded sUAS was surprised with its performance.”

The Division’s revolutionary experiment will continue in anticipation of its next major training event, in late spring at the Joint Readiness Training Center, at Fort Johnson, Louisiana.

To learn more about Eaglewerx Applied Tactical Innovation Center, visit home.army.mil/campbell/eaglewerx.

Story by Capt. Andrew Lightsey IV and Photos by Staff Sgt. Kaden Pitt

101st Airborne Division (Air Assault)

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From Quadcopters to Micro-UAS: The Aircraft Used at DOW’s Drone School

Thursday, December 11th, 2025

The increasing prevalence of drones on the modern battlefield means it’s crucial for our service members to be familiar with the various systems they might encounter, which is why at the Joint Counter-Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems University at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, students learn the ins and outs of about two dozen of these aircraft.

The JCU is the War Department’s only joint training center aimed at countering the growing number of aerial threats U.S. troops face across the world. It teaches service members of every branch how to operate drone equipment, plan counter-small UAS strategies and train others to defend installations.

During the courses, students get to know 24 types of commercial off-the-shelf small UAS that they may see downrange, from “blue air” drones that are considered friendly to “red air” drones that are used by our adversaries.

The types of aircraft the JCU trains students on range from commercial quadcopters to tiny micro-UAS and custom-built foam drones that can mimic real threats. Here are the highlights of a few of them:

The Black Hornet

The Black Hornet is the smallest drone currently used by the JCU. Developed under Special Operations Command, this tiny, covert drone does close intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance — it can even be used inside buildings for hostage rescues. It includes an enhanced thermal camera and is small enough for service members to carry on their utility belts.

R80D SkyRaider

Developed exclusively for DOW and other federal agencies, the R80D SkyRaider is a vertical takeoff and landing quadcopter that’s agile and can carry and deliver multiple payloads up to 7.7 pounds. It has one of the fastest, most powerful embedded artificial intelligence computing devices available for small UAS. It can also thrive in GPS- or communications-denied environments.

WingtraOne Gen II

The WingtraOne Gen II is one of the fastest mapping and surveillance small UAS on the planet. This fixed-wing drone has multiple cameras and a light detection and ranging — LiDAR — option, which can create precise 3D models of objects and environments. It can go about 36 mph and works well in high winds.

IF 1200

Weighing between 21 and 55 pounds, the IF 1200 electric hexacopter is the most aggressive small UAS the school has, and it’s mostly used for detection, said JCU Air Boss Jacob Cameron. The IF 1200 can adapt to any requirement set and can be used with LiDAR, radiation detection sensors, electro-optical/infrared sensors and delivery capabilities. It can travel up to 70 mph, carry up to 35 pounds and stay in the air for up to 45 minutes.

“That drone can do flips,” Cameron said. “You think it’d be slow and clunky, but that is probably the fastest hexacopter drone that we have, and it’s the most capable.”

Alta X:

The IF1200’s larger counterpart, the Alta X, is the school’s largest quadcopter, even though it’s significantly quieter than the JCU’s other drones. The all-electric Alta X is also mostly used for detection and can carry up to 40 pounds. It flies best when it’s got a heavy payload. The Alta X can fold down to half its size in 20 seconds and can accommodate many sensors and third-party payloads, such as EO/IR, mapping and LiDAR.

TSM-800:

Produced by the Army Threat Systems Management Office, this drone is designed for threat simulation and is capable of swarming up to 150 systems from a single ground control station. Each drone can carry a payload of 8 pounds. Three bomblets can be carried per drone. It is Wi-Fi compatible or can be used on a private LTE tower, Cameron said.

Super Decathlon:

The “Super D” is a larger aircraft that has a gas engine and can be used for autopilot and manual missions. It’s primarily used for detection and identification in the JCU’s operator’s course, as well as for loitering munition demonstrations for the planner’s course.

If an enemy tries to electronically jam it while it’s on autopilot, the Super D can still fly through that area without being affected, Cameron said. It’s completely autonomous, can carry large payloads over long distances, and can fly up to 70 miles. Cameron said it’s great for student practice because its size makes it easier to find on radar signatures.

Vesper:

The small Vesper quadcopter provides intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. At 2.2 pounds, it’s light and easily portable. It has an EO/IR camera and can top out at 45 mph for about 50 minutes of flight time. It has low-light capabilities, extended endurance and stealth capabilities.

Opterra:

The lightweight Opterra has multiple camera mounting stations and is predominantly used as a target drone.

“The Opterra is outstanding for being shot at because it’s foam, and bullets will pass straight through it unless you hit specific small components on it, like the engine itself,” explained Army Maj. Dennis “Chip” Stanford, JCU’s executive officer. “It can be shot a lot.”

The JCU also teaches students on the CarbonCub, Skywalker X8, Vector-Scorpion, Osprey, IF 800 and the JTAC24, a JCU-designed and 3D printed target drone, as well as a few others.

By Katie Lange, Pentagon News

Posted in Drone, Guest Post | Comments Off on From Quadcopters to Micro-UAS: The Aircraft Used at DOW’s Drone School

Army Drone Team Advances Tactics at Drone Crucible Competition

Wednesday, December 10th, 2025

FORT RUCKER, Ala. – The Army Drone Team competed in the National Drone Association’s Drone Crucible Competition Dec. 4-6, joining some of the military’s top drone operators and industry experts in a series of combat-focused challenges.

The event, held at Camp Blanding, Fla., brought together teams with their own unmanned aircraft systems to test and refine squad-level drone capabilities. Scenarios included close-quarter breaching and room clearing, strikes against moving enemy convoys and aerial targets, long-range engagements on critical assets, and integrated missions against multiple targets and counter-drone systems.

Capt. Jacob Bickus, officer in charge of the Army Drone Team stationed with the 1-145th Aviation Regiment, US Army Aviation Center of Excellence at Fort Rucker, said the competition was only the third event for the newly formed unit since its launch in September. Over the three-day event, the team, comprised of top drone operators and specialists from across the Army, showed they belong among the military’s leading drone experts in both technical and tactical drone employment.

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Scott Carpenter, an unmanned aircraft system operations technician from the 20th Special Forces Group said the Drone Crucible Competition offered a rare chance to bring together some of the Army’s best minds in unmanned systems.

“I think it’s a great way to bring all those different viewpoints and experiences and really generate the best tactics, techniques and procedures,” Carpenter said. “It’s powerful as far as how UAS is employed.”

Carpenter noted that success often hinges on having the right tool for the mission, whether infrared cameras for night operations or quadcopters with prop guards for close?quarters training. He said developing subspecialties within units could strengthen capabilities across the force.

The event also gave Carpenter, a National Guard Soldier and Dual Status Military Technician, the opportunity to see how active?duty units are employing drones. “It’s a very good opportunity to get outside of your normal sphere and see what the conventional Army is doing across the nation,” he said. “Even down to the finer details, like what kind of antenna they’re using. It absolutely translates.”

The Army Drone Team’s participation in the Drone Crucible competition is aimed at more than testing equipment though. Capt. Nathan Rosenberger, a military intelligence officer and artificial intelligence technician assigned to the Army’s Artificial Intelligence Integration Center in Pittsburgh, said the event highlights the value of working across branches.

“Inter-service collaboration is extremely important,” Rosenberger said. “One of the main takeaways from a competition like this is having all of the services come together, work together, and take some lessons to work from.”

Sgt. Ernesto Viveros, an unmanned aircraft systems operator in the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division at Fort Hood, Texas, said his path to the team began after the Army retired the Shadow system, forcing soldiers to adapt to new platforms. “I’ve been flying drones since August of last year,” Viveros said. “Our chief put us on a path to figure it all out, because he saw what was going on and wanted us to be prepared.”

Viveros said that the rapid pace of innovation has pushed the Army to keep up. “Shadow was an old system, and they just kept it around,” Viveros said. “Now you’ve got conferences, the USNDA, everyone’s trying to learn and buy new systems. From last year it’s just been fast-paced, and we’re jumping on.”

Bickus reflected on the competitive nature of the exercise and the opportunity to train alongside elite units. “Anytime you can train with someone as elite as the Navy SEALs, it’s a good day,” Bickus stated. He also compared commercial drones with systems developed in?house, noting that Soldiers are still building trust in different platforms. “The more we use them, the more we’ll get comfortable and kind of build trust with certain systems,” he said.

Finally, Bickus addressed the broader learning environment, pointing to the importance of adapting established tactics while observing global drone employment. He remarked that the competition allowed Soldiers to refine their skills in close?quarters battle scenarios and nighttime operations, while also learning from allied and partner practices.

The Army Drone Team came out on top in many of its matches, underscoring the unit’s rapid growth and potential. The competition, however, was less about winning individual events and more about building trust in emerging systems, refining tactics and strengthening ties across the force. As the Army continues to adapt to the fast pace of drone innovation, the team’s performance at Camp Blanding marked another step toward shaping how Soldiers employ unmanned systems in future conflicts.

By Leslie Herlick

Posted in Army, Drone, Guest Post | Comments Off on Army Drone Team Advances Tactics at Drone Crucible Competition

Hegseth Introduces Department to New AI Tool

Wednesday, December 10th, 2025

Yesterday, several employees at the Pentagon got a pop-up on their computers inviting them to use a new artificial intelligence tool developed for the War Department. Some were skeptical, wondering if the invitation was part of a cybersecurity test.

But by this morning, those concerns were gone — posters around the Pentagon and an email from Secretary of War Pete Hegseth assured everyone that the new tool is not only legit, but that he wants everybody to start using it.

“I am pleased to introduce GenAI.mil, a secure generative AI platform for every member of the Department of War,” Hegseth wrote in the email. “It is live today and available on the desktops of all military personnel, civilians and contractors. With this launch, we are taking a giant step toward mass AI adoption across the department. This tool marks the beginning of a new era, where every member of our workforce can be more efficient and impactful.”

Visitors to the site will find that what’s available now is a specialized version of the Google AI tool Gemini, Gemini for Government. This version is approved to handle controlled unclassified information. A green banner at the top of the page reminds users of what can and can’t be shared on the site.

In addition to Gemini for Government, the site indicates that other American-made frontier AI capabilities will be available soon.

“There is no prize for second place in the global race for AI dominance,” said Emil Michael, undersecretary of war for research and engineering.

“We are moving rapidly to deploy powerful AI capabilities like Gemini for Government directly to our workforce. AI is America’s next manifest destiny, and we’re ensuring that we dominate this new frontier.”

Access to the site is available only to personnel with a common access card and who are on the War Department’s nonclassified network.

When GenAI was asked, “How will you help the Department of War achieve its mission,” through a user prompt, it replied with a list of capabilities, including, among other things, creating and refining documents, analyzing information, processing and analyzing satellite images, and even auditing computer code for security purposes.

“I can support the DOW’s mission by providing a range of capabilities designed for a secure, high-impact environment,” GenAI replied. “I am ready to support your mission requirements.”

The tool reminds users to double-check everything it provides to ensure accuracy. The highest authority within the War Department, Hegseth himself, provided that validation.

“The first GenAI platform capability … can help you write documents, ask questions, conduct deep research, format content and unlock new possibilities across your daily workflows,” he wrote. “I expect every member of the department to log in, learn it and incorporate it into your workflows immediately. AI should be in your battle rhythm every single day; it should be your teammate. By mastering this tool, we will outpace our adversaries.”

For those unfamiliar with how to use AI, online training is available at genai.mil/resources/training.

By C. Todd Lopez, Pentagon News

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AV Awarded $13.2M Contract to Provide P550 UAS for US Army’s Long Range Reconnaissance (LRR) Program

Tuesday, December 9th, 2025

ARLINGTON, Va., December 8, 2025 – AV, with partner Parry Labs, has been awarded a 3-year Other Transaction Agreement with an initial base contract value of $13.2M with additional options for a total potential contract value of $42M to provide the newly developed P550™ uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) for the U.S. Army’s Long Range Reconnaissance (LRR) program. The all-battery electric, high-performance P550 delivers long-range intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities alongside lethal effects crucial to the LRR mission. AV will deliver P550 system updates along with support and documentation deliverables to the U.S. Army, PEO Aviation, PM UAS, PdM SUAS for testing, evaluation, and integration into the Army Family of Systems. This award is in addition to the previously announced delivery of P550 systems to PM UAS.

“AV’s LRR offering was engineered to meet the Army’s unique needs, resulting in an architecture tailored to match battalion-level battlefield requirements,” said Jason Hendrix, AV’s vice president of Small Uncrewed Aerial Systems. “AV has a strong track record of providing both ISR and lethal effect solutions to the U.S. Armed Forces. We are confident that P550 will effectively bridge the current capability gap, providing the Army with critical functionalities in a single, adaptable platform.”

Equipped with advanced AI and autonomous capabilities, P550 serves as a readily deployable asset for enhanced situational awareness, force protection, and targeting capabilities in contested environments. Its toolless quick-connect airframe and vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) system reduce soldier exposure to adversarial fire.

“From its inception, P550 was designed with a Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA),” continued Hendrix. “The ability to swiftly install and exchange payloads, update mission software, and interoperate with other Army elements depending on mission requirements is crucial to operational success and soldier safety. AV’s partnership with Parry Labs integrates their proven mission system components into P550, offering best-in-class solutions that anticipate soldier needs. P550 embodies a true MOSA system, providing maximum flexibility with minimal logistical demands.”

P550 represents a significant advancement in AV’s commitment to equipping soldiers with adaptable, mission-ready tools that enhance battlefield effectiveness while minimizing logistical burdens. As a versatile, cutting-edge platform, P550 is poised to support the Army’s LRR needs and elevate the operational readiness of U.S. forces.

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