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Delivering The Future: JPADS And The Contested Battlefield

Sunday, March 15th, 2026

The nature of warfare is in constant flux, and with it, the demands on military logistics. As the U.S. Army shifts its focus toward Large-Scale Combat Operations (LSCO) and confronts the challenges of Anti-Access/Aerial Denial (A2/AD) environments, the ability to sustain dispersed forces becomes a principal concern. The Joint Precision Airdrop System (JPADS) has emerged as a critical enabler for this new era, evolving from a simple accuracy-improver to a key component of the Army’s strategy for contested logistics and strategic mobility. This system, and its future iterations, will be instrumental as the Army continues its transformation, adapting its formations and capabilities to meet the demands of the modern battlefield.

FROM BALLISTIC TO PRECISE: A BRIEF HISTORY

The concept of airdropping supplies is nearly as old as military aviation itself, but for decades, it was a notoriously inexact science. Traditional ballistic parachutes were at the mercy of the winds, often scattering loads far from their intended drop zones. As a result, critical supplies were frequently lost or damaged. This exposed ground troops to greater risk as they attempted to retrieve scattered cargo and forced delivery aircraft to fly slow low altitude passes making them more vulnerable to enemy fire.

Recognizing these shortfalls, the U.S. Army and Air Force began joint development of a solution in 1993.

This effort culminated in the JPADS. The initial version, JPADS Version 1 (V1), was fielded in 2009, followed by JPADS V2, which began fielding in 2015 and was fully deployed by 2020. These early systems represented a significant leap forward. Utilizing the Global Positioning System (GPS), an onboard computer, and steerable parachutes, JPADS could guide payloads of up to 10,000 pounds to within 100 meters of a designated target.

This accuracy allowed for drops from higher, safer altitudes, up to 24,500 feet Mean Sea Level and from a standoff distance of up to 15 nautical miles, significantly enhancing aircraft survivability.

ADAPTING FOR CONTESTING ENVIRONMENTS: THE NEXT GENERATION

The contemporary operating environment, however, presents new and complex challenges. Potential adversaries possess sophisticated A2/AD capabilities, including the ability to deny or degrade GPS signals. This critical capability gap rendered early versions of JPADS, which were solely reliant on GPS, ineffective.

The Army is actively addressing this vulnerability with the latest iterations of the system. JPADS V3, which began fielding in 2026, introduced a daytime vision navigation capability. This allows the system to operate in GPS-denied environments during the day by using visual landmarks for guidance.

The forthcoming JPADS V4, currently in development and slated to begin fielding in 2028, will represent another significant advancement. It will incorporate a suite of advanced proprietary sensors, including infrared cameras, coupled with anti-jamming technology. This will give JPADS V4 the unprecedented ability to navigate with precision in GPS-denied environments at night, in inclement weather and even over open water. Recent tests of this technology have proven successful, including a demonstration in a GPS-denied environment at White Sands Missile Range during the All-Domain Persistent Experiment.

EXTENDING THE REACH: THE FUTURE OF DISTRIBUTED LOGISTICS

The evolution of JPADS is not stopping with enhanced navigation. To truly enable distributed operations and contested logistics in a LSCO scenario, the Army needs to project sustainment over vast distances, far beyond the current 15-nautical mile offset. This is where the Long-Range JPADS (LR-JPADS) comes into play.

Beginning development in 2026 under Product Manager Force Sustainment Systems, LR-JPADS will add a propulsion kit to the standard system, extending its range to potentially hundreds of nautical miles. This will allow resupply aircraft to remain well outside the reach of most enemy A2/AD systems while still delivering critical supplies to forward-deployed units. LR-JPADS will be available in the same 2,000-pound and 10,000-pound gross payload variants, ensuring a wide range of supplies can be delivered across the operational theatre.

The Army is even looking beyond LR-JPADS to a potential Extended Long-Range JPADS, referred to as ELR-JPADS, with a conceptual range of 1,000 nautical miles. This ambitious goal would leverage ongoing science and technology efforts from the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Soldier Center to create a truly strategic logistics asset.

These future capabilities were recently put to the test at Fort Greely, Alaska, during the Arctic Edge test event, where JPADS V3, V4 and an LR-JPADS candidate system were evaluated in the harsh arctic environment. Further operational testing is anticipated, with potential participation in major exercises like African Lion and Talisman Sabre.

CONCLUSION

As the U.S. Army continues to transform and adapt for the complexities of future warfare, the ability to sustain the force in contested environments is a non-negotiable requirement. The JPADS, through its continuous evolution and planned future enhancements, is poised to be a cornerstone of this capability. From its origins to improve airdrop accuracy, JPADS is becoming a vital tool for strategic mobility, enabling distributed operations and ensuring that the American Soldier remains the best-supplied and most lethal force on the battlefield. By extending our logistical reach while reducing risk to our personnel and aircraft, systems like JPADS ensure the Army can fight and win, anytime and anywhere.

For more information, go to www.peocscss.army.mil.

By MAJ Jonathan Perry for Behind the Frontlines

MAJ. JONATHAN PERRY is an Army Acquisition Corps officer and assistant product manager for the Cargo Aerial Delivery product office, CPE Combat Sustainment. He holds an M.A. in management with a concentration in global business from the University of Alabama and a B.S. in business management from Athens State University. He is a graduate of the Logistics Basic Officer Leadership Course, the Combined Logistics Captains Career Course and the Army Acquisition Transition Course.

Posted in Army, Guest Post, Parachuting | Comments Off on Delivering The Future: JPADS And The Contested Battlefield

Army’s Combined Arms Command to Integrate Maven C2 Smart System into Training and Education

Saturday, March 14th, 2026

FORT LEAVENWORTH, Kan.– Leaders at the Combined Arms Command are integrating the use of the Maven Smart System, an artificial intelligence tool, to modernize training and education for command-and-control operations. Initial efforts are underway, led by staff from the Mission Command Center of Excellence, instructors with the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, and officers assigned to the CAC Command Data and Analytics Office.

The Maven Smart System, also commonly referred to as simply “Maven,” processes battlefield data, including imagery and full-motion video, to improve situational awareness and speed decision-making. It is designed to automate tasks formerly performed via legacy systems like the Command Post Computing Environment.

“Maven’s use is being fielded so fast, we need to deliver training as quickly as possible to accelerate learning of the system,” said Mike Clowser, MCCOE’s lead for Maven’s training plan.

A week of train-the-trainer instruction held Feb. 23-27, 2026, set the conditions for each organization to incorporate Maven at their level.

Operator training. Senior instructors at MCCoE are charged with developing a standardized, eight-hour, hands-on course for Soldiers who will operate the system. This program will focus on the practical use of Maven in an operational setting to help commanders make more informed decisions, faster. Instruction on Maven will also become a key component of the Knowledge Management Qualification Course.

Professional Military Education. Command and General Staff College leaders plan to integrate Maven into the core curriculum for field grade officers attending the Command and General Staff Officers Course. The goal is to ensure graduates are proficient with the systems used in operational units. Maven will also become part of the curriculum for students attending the School of Advanced Military Studies (SAMS), and the School of Command Preparation.

“The integration of Maven represents a critical step in aligning PME modernization with the realities of what’s going on with the operational force,” said Zachary Rolf, deputy for the Department of Simulation Education at CGSC. The goal, he noted, is to ensure graduates have “system parity” and are able to seamlessly integrate at the unit level when they leave the schoolhouse.

Workforce Upskilling. The CAC CDAIO’s Data Academy provides centralized education on data, AI, and modern software. Maven will be included as an offering for the workforce. Specific to Maven, the academy is collaborating with MCCOE in developing courses, including a technical Low-Code/No-Code Builders Course that will be offered with both in-person and virtual options.

These parallel efforts are set to merge into a single System Training Plan as the Army moves to formally designate Maven as a system of record. This unified plan will guide integration across all training domains.

“It will be a collaborative effort, clearly. And that’s really the only way to do it,” said Maj. Dustin Berry, lead data scientist and chief technology officer for CAC. “With us working together, it will be a much better product.”

Story by Randi Stenson

Mission Command Center of Excellence

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FirstSpear Friday Focus: HOODLUM HOODIE – ACM MID 400

Friday, March 13th, 2026

The FirstSpear HOODLUM HOODIE™ – ACM™ MID 400 is built from ACM-MID 400, a dual-layer knit designed for performance in demanding environments. The interior layer is 100% polyester and pulls moisture away from the skin, while the exterior layer is 100% merino wool that absorbs and disperses that moisture. This system helps regulate temperature and keep you dry during movement or extended wear. The 7.7 oz fabric offers a balance of warmth, breathability, and durability without adding unnecessary bulk.

Designed for operational use, the HOODLUM HOODIE™ – ACM™ MID 400 provides a comfortable, flexible fit with enough stretch to move freely during activity. A full-length front zipper allows for quick ventilation and easy layering. The form-fitting hood adds protection from the elements while maintaining a streamlined profile.

Two zippered front handwarmer pockets provide secure storage and added warmth when needed. Thumbholes integrated into the cuffs help keep sleeves in place and offer additional coverage in cold conditions.

The Hoodlum Hoodie can be worn standalone or integrated into a larger clothing system. Built for reliability in the field, it delivers practical performance with a low-profile design. Made in the USA, the HOODLUM HOODIE™ – ACM™ MID 400 reflects FirstSpear’s commitment to mission-focused gear.

To request an estimate click image above or visit First-Spear.com/Request-For-Estimate. 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.

Posted in Advertiser, Clothing, FS Friday Focus, Guest Post | 1 Comment »

JIATF-401 Hosts Industry Day to Strengthen c-sUAS Partnerships

Friday, March 13th, 2026

WASHINGTON — The Joint Interagency Task Force 401 (JIATF-401) hosted an Industry Day, bringing together representatives from industry and government partners to discuss collaboration and accelerate the development of counter-small Unmanned Aerial Systems (c-sUAS) capabilities at the Hilton Alexandria Mark Center, Alexandria, Va., on March 5, 2026.

The event provided a forum for JIATF-401 leadership to outline the organization’s mission, priorities and acquisition approaches while allowing industry partners to engage directly with government stakeholders on emerging technology and operational needs.

“I want you to know what we’re doing to make your products accessible to our customers and what we’re doing to expand that customer base so we can get greater depth in our industrial base,” said U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Matt Ross, Director, JIATF-401.

Ross highlighted how the accessibility and low cost of small unmanned systems have changed the security environment. Systems that were once limited are now widely available, allowing smaller groups or individuals to operate capabilities which previously required significant resources.

“What they’re concerned about is the proliferation of small unmanned systems that are inexpensive and give capability that was previously reserved for state adversaries to small groups and individuals,” Ross continued. “It’s not a new thing, but if you give them the ability to conduct some type of attack without fear of attribution or accountability, that changes the paradigm.”

He emphasized that industry feedback is necessary to address gaps in current systems and improve how c-sUAS technologies are integrated across the Department of War and interagency partners. He noted that companies frequently ask what standards or protocols their systems must meet to integrate with existing c-sUAS ecosystems.

“One of the things we want to do is change the way the department is thinking about counter-sUAS,” Ross said. “One of the ways we can incorrectly think about the problem is in how we manage risk or how we accomplish the mission. Instead of defeating the threat of a system, we have to think about the broader problem.”

This shift in thinking requires focusing on operational outcomes, rather than simply targeting individual systems and countering-small unmanned aircraft. It requires understanding how those platforms are used and how they enable broader mission effects. The growing complexity of the threat environment means there is no single system capable of addressing every scenario. Instead, organizations must rely on a layered approach that combines different capabilities to detect, track and defeat unmanned systems.

“I’m not asking for a 100 percent solution to defeat every drone – the silver bullet,” Ross concluded. “What we need is a layered defense: awareness, different capabilities and an ecosystem that works together so we can defeat threats consistently.”

Ross mentioned that continued collaboration between government and industry will be essential to developing those layered defenses and ensuring effective integration of c-sUAS technologies, supporting our warfighters at home and abroad.

By SGT Tien Dat Ngo

Posted in Army, C-UAS, Guest Post | 1 Comment »

The $1 Pack Pattern Download

Thursday, March 12th, 2026

Interested in a DIY project? Then this pack pattern is perfect for you. Meet the (almost) free $1.00 download Whiskey Two-Four Backpack 36 Developer’s Pattern.

Whiskey Two Four Backpack 36 Developer’s Pattern. Approx 11″ x 20″ main compartment. Volume will be determined by your chosen depth.

This is a PDF vector drawing. It is your responsibility to have the necessary software and understanding to convert this PDF to a usable medium for your application.

You will need to figure a few things out like where to split the zipper panel base on your preference. You’ll need to figure out how and where to connect the shoulder straps to the bottom of the bag. You’ll need to figure out if you’ll edged bind the foam laminate shoulder straps as presented or add a seam allowance and stuff with foam. You will need to figure out where and how to locate load lifters.

No support is offered with this purchase. This purchase is for a CAD PDF only. An understanding of patterns and sewn products is necessary to use this PDF.

wtfidea.com/wtfiles-backpack-36-developer-s-pattern

Price will increase after the first 50 downloads.

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Whiskey & War Stories – “Objective Rock Creek” – This Weekend in Va Beach

Thursday, March 12th, 2026

The Silent Warrior Foundation will be holding its 10th Annual Whiskey & War Stories™ Gala Saturday, March 14, 2026, from 5-10 pm in the Seaside Ballroom at the Marriot Virginia Beach Oceanfront Resort.

The event consists of a cocktail hour, dinner, auction and presentation of the hostage rescue mission “Objective Rock Creek”, the rescue of American Roy Hallums in Iraq in 2005. The details of Roy’s kidnapping, captivity and liberation were chronicled in his book “Buried Alive”. Roy Hallums and Dan O’Shea will be onstage to tell the story to our guests.

Several guests who have spoken at previous Whiskey & War Stories™ will be present, as well, so it will be a very special night.

There will also be a more casual event the night prior from 5-10 pm in the Executive Hospitality Suite on the 4th Floor of the hotel called “VIP Night”. An extensive taco bar, open bar, and whiskey tasting by Tarnished Truth Distillery are provided during this casual social event. This is a more relaxed opportunity to mix with our past and present speakers and attendees. Cigars on the patio, weather permitting.

This year’s auction items include the Christian Craighead painting, an extremely detailed clone of the M4’s used on the Rock Creek rescue, and a Cylinder & Slide JSOC 1911 clone to name a few. The auction website will populate this weekend.

Tickets and registration link: 10th Annual Whiskey & War Stories | Auction Frogs

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2nd Cavalry Regiment Advances Army Transformation Through Innovation and Experimentation

Thursday, March 12th, 2026

WASHINGTON — Leaders from the 2nd Cavalry Regiment (2CR) presented the story of America’s only permanently stationed Stryker brigade in Europe during an event at the Pentagon, Arlington, Va., on March 6, 2026. This event was part of the Army Current Operations Engagement Tour (ACOET), where 2CR leaders emphasized how the brigade is evolving to address modern threats along NATO’s Eastern Flank.

Throughout a series of meetings with senior Pentagon leaders, members of Congress and their staff, and national security reporters, the leaders from 2CR explained how the regiment is applying lessons learned from Ukraine. They discussed how they are leveraging industry partnerships and testing new capabilities to enhance deterrence and improve warfighting readiness in Europe.

Col. Donald R. Neal Jr., Regimental Commander, explained how 2CR’s transformation efforts were influenced by experiences training Ukrainian soldiers who were returning from and preparing for combat.

“Our unit begins by training Ukrainians in Europe who have recently come off the front lines, and we engage with them directly,” Col. Neal said. “During the training, we learned a lot about their use of what we refer to as the triad: Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), counter-UAS operations, electronic warfare, and the network that enables all of it.”

The interactions provided insight into integrating unmanned aerial systems, electronic warfare, and networks with maneuver on the battlefield. These lessons helped the regiment identify areas for adaptation within our formations.

“We realized that they had some really good foundational skills in employing these new systems, and their recent experience using them to enhance maneuver in combat operations was something that we could learn from,” Col. Neal said.

The regiment has applied lessons learned from experimentation efforts such as Project Flytrap. This initiative brings together soldiers, industry representatives, and Army acquisition professionals to test counter-unmanned aerial systems in real-world conditions. The program allows soldiers to assess new technology in operational scenarios and provide direct feedback to both vendors and acquisition officials.

“It takes the development of new capability out of the lab, and it really puts it in the field,” Col. Neal said. “You’re getting soldier feedback, the people who will actually use the equipment, giving feedback directly to vendors and the acquisition community.”

Project Flytrap has expanded as more organizations participate in the experimentation effort. Col. Neal mentioned that the next iteration will include approximately 60 pieces of equipment from multiple vendors.

“What I charged my staff with was to really try to recreate a day in the life on the battlefield in Ukraine,” Col. Neal said. “Increasing the number of UAS, the various types that are in the air that are either friend or foe, and stressing our network in ways we didn’t in previous Flytraps.”

The exercise also allows the Army to test how networks handle large volumes of sensor data and unmanned systems operating in contested environments.

In addition to aerial systems, the regiment is exploring the use of unmanned ground vehicles through the Army’s xTech innovation program, which connects soldiers with industry developers to test emerging technology and refine requirements.

Maj. Andrew Kang, the Regiment’s Fire Support Officer, said the program allows soldiers to help shape how unmanned systems could be used in future operations.

“They’re soliciting feedback from the soldiers who are testing the kit, so they are the ones selecting the tactical employment and capabilities that the Army needs to fire,” Maj. Kang said.

Initial experimentation has focused on practical uses such as casualty evacuation and logistics, where unmanned systems could reduce risk to soldiers operating in conflict areas.

Affordability will be a key factor in how the Army uses unmanned ground systems.

“In most uses for unmanned ground vehicles, we know we’re going to put them in a position where we’re not going to recover them, or they’ll be destroyed, because we want to make contact with the enemy first with the line of sensors and robots,” said Col. Neal.

He added that robotic systems could also support reconnaissance and sensing missions by deploying sensors, extending communications, or operating in areas where commanders may not want to send soldiers.

The regiment is also examining how unmanned systems, sensors, and networks support the Army’s broader mission in Europe. Leaders said these capabilities contribute to the Eastern Flank Deterrence Initiative, which focuses on strengthening deterrence while integrating new technologies into formations.

Maj. Kang stated that the concept emphasizes building a forward layer of sensors and robotic systems to improve awareness while reducing risk to soldiers.

“The core concept is how do we reduce forward posture with manned formations and build that sensor layer in the forward line of robotics,” Maj. Kang said.

In closing remarks, 2CR leaders noted that efforts such as Project Flytrap and ongoing experimentation will continue to inform how U.S. forces and NATO allies adapt their formations and capabilities for future operations in Europe.

Story by SGT Tien-Dat Ngo

Defense Media Activity – Army Productions

Posted in Army, Guest Post | 2 Comments »

Army Approves M111, First New Lethal Hand Grenade Since 1968

Wednesday, March 11th, 2026

PICATINNY ARSENAL, N.J. — The U.S. Army has cleared the M111 Offensive Hand Grenade for full material release. Developed by the Capabilities Program Executive Ammunition and Energetics, CPE A&E, in conjunction with the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Armaments Center at Picatinny Arsenal, the M111 OHG will replace the obsolete body and fuze of the Mk3A2 hand grenade series, marking the first new lethal hand grenade to achieve full material release since 1968 when the Mk3A2 entered service. The Mk3A2 is restricted for use due to its asbestos body, unlike the M111 which utilizes a plastic body that is fully consumed during detonation.

The M111 will provide increased training and operational readiness while providing the Soldier with a safer option. It also offers Soldiers the ability to fight more effectively in closed quarter urban environments by leveraging blast overpressure, BOP, instead of fragmentation to deliver lethality. When used in grenades, BOP delivers devastating effects to enemy personnel and equipment without fragmentation and is a potent tactical advantage in the field. The M67 fragmentation hand grenade projects lethal and incapacitating fragments that can be deflected when employed in enclosed, restricted terrain like buildings, rooms and structures, whereas the M111 OHG projects high BOP effects that are less affected by obstacles in enclosed and restricted terrain.

“One of the key lessons learned from the door-to-door urban fighting in Iraq was the M67 grenade wasn’t always the right tool for the job. The risk of fratricide on the other side of the wall was too high,” explained Col. Vince Morris, Project Manager Close Combat Systems, CPE A&E. “But a grenade utilizing BOP can clear a room of enemy combatants quickly leaving nowhere to hide while ensuring the safety of friendly forces.”

In open terrain, the Soldier will employ the M67 to maximize lethal fragment effects, whereas in enclosed and restricted terrain, Soldiers will employ the M111 to maximize BOP effects on the enemy.

“We’ve given our Soldiers and joint warfighters the flexibility to determine in the field which type of grenade will best suit the current situation they are facing, be it open space or confined area,” explained Tiffany Cheng, one of the DEVCOM Armaments Center engineers that developed the M111 at Picatinny Arsenal.

Another major benefit of the new M111 design is standardization. The new grenade and its training version, the M112, leverage the same five-step arming process as the M67 and its training version, the M69, allowing Soldiers to train as they fight, improving combat performance and effectiveness. In addition, the M111 and M112 use the same fuzes as the M67 and M69 respectively, thereby enabling Army acquisition professionals to save costs by leveraging economies of scale made possible by common fuze production lines when sourcing both grenades. Both grenades also have government-owned intellectual property that enables the Army to effectively compete production contracts across the industrial base, enhancing production opportunities for multiple vendors while providing best value to our customers, the Soldiers and the taxpayer.

“By standardizing the arming process and the fuzing, the Army saves taxpayer money without sacrificing lethality on the battlefield,” said Morris. “This is the kind of acquisition reform that is currently underway throughout the Army acquisition enterprise. We are taking advantage of that initiative to drive down costs while increasing combat effectiveness.”

By Michael Chambers

Posted in Army, Guest Post, weapons | 1 Comment »