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USAG Rheinland-Pfalz Partners with Polizei, Air Force to Test UAS Response Readiness

Sunday, July 27th, 2025

MIESAU, Germany – U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz teamed up with the U.S. Air Force 569th U.S. Forces Police Squadron and 86th Security Forces Squadron from Ramstein Air Base and German Polizei July 16 to test its counter-unmanned aircraft systems (cUAS) capabilities and interagency communication networks in a realistic drone threat training exercise.

During the exercise, operators from the U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Africa’s Combat Training School flew a DJI Phantom 4 drone over USAG Rheinland-Pfalz’ installation near Miesau to simulate a drone threat, testing the operational capabilities of systems and processes currently in place, said Emily Roemer, an antiterrorism officer with USAG Rheinland-Pfalz Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security and the lead planner for this exercise.

The DJI Phantom 4 is a commercially-available small UAS, making it ideal for this type of training, Roemer said.

Staff Sgt. Michael Sopha, noncommissioned officer in charge of cUAS for the 569th USFPS, said the Air Force’s primary role in the exercise was to respond alongside USAG Rheinland-Pfalz in the joint environment, using the most current available cUAS technology to detect and disrupt small UAS in the exercise area.

Systems that were tested included small UAS detectors, signal disruptors and signal hijackers that protect friendly assets and render enemy systems ineffective, Sopha said.

“This exercise showed the importance of a joint force working together to combat small UAS threats. Our procedures are sound,” he said. “Future small UAS capabilities will be far greater, supporting the need for alternative systems to combat them on a large scale.”

Roemer stressed the importance of seamless communication between law enforcement teams from the garrison, the Air Force and the local community.

“Host nation response during a real-world event is critical,” Roemer said. “The Army likes to train how we fight, so we knew getting host nation participation for this exercise was a must.”

USAG Rheinland-Pfalz police chief DJ Diallo noted that working in partnership with German Polizei gives the garrison access to a wider network of security resources, ensuring a robust, resilient security posture.

“The lines between civilian and military airspace are increasingly blurred, demanding seamless information sharing and coordinated responses,” Diallo said. “Without robust international cooperation between Polizei and USAG Rheinland-Pfalz DES, we risk critical gaps in our ability to detect, deter, and respond to drone-related threats.”

He added that the garrison, Polizei and Air Force security forces routinely collaborate to improve response capabilities in the local area, leveraging the unique skills and authorities of each service through training exercises and a secure communication platform for real-time information sharing.

Roemer noted that planning the counter-UAS training event with so many joint partners was not without challenges.

“Ensuring that the exercise injects were realistic and involved all the joint partners was probably the biggest challenge,” Roemer said. “All the joint partners exhibited enthusiasm and eagerness to participate, which shows we have built positive relationships and shared trust between all parties.”

As part of the Army Transformation Initiative, the U.S. Army is investing in technologies including artificial intelligence, autonomy and counter-drone systems to outpace future threats faced at USAG Rheinland-Pfalz installations. Continuous transformation ensures the Army can deliver trained, cohesive and lethal teams to meet future challenges in complex operational environments like this one.

U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz advances the Department of Defense mission to achieve peace through strength as we serve, support and secure the total force community, enabling power projection for the European Theater.

By Jennifer Whitaker

Posted in Air Force, Army, Guest Post, UAS | Comments Off on USAG Rheinland-Pfalz Partners with Polizei, Air Force to Test UAS Response Readiness

Magazine Depth Wins Wars: The Future of NATO’s Arsenal

Saturday, July 26th, 2025

WIESBADEN, Germany – A strong defense isn’t solely about the quantity of weapons stockpiled, but the ability to adapt and rapidly produce what’s needed, experts asserted at the LANDEURO 2025 conference today. A panel discussion focused on the critical need for broadened production within NATO to secure global supply chains, enhance interoperability, and bolster strategic flexibility.

The conversation centered on lessons learned from the ongoing war in Ukraine, where sustained ammunition supplies and the ability to quickly repair and replace equipment have proven vital. Panelists emphasized the necessity of “magazine depth” – maintaining sufficient reserves – alongside collaborative production of munitions, repair parts, and entire weapon systems.

Panelists stressed that maintaining readiness requires a holistic approach, encompassing not only weapons systems and ammunition, but also a robust sustainment infrastructure. This includes ensuring sufficient repair parts, subassemblies and critical components are readily available. Experts agreed that the capacity and capabilities of the defense industrial complex are foundational to achieving this “magazine depth” and are a critical pillar for both deterring adversaries and winning conflicts – not just regionally, but globally. Furthermore, they noted that current economic and geopolitical conditions present an unprecedented opportunity to develop, expand, and scale the defense industrial complex, creating irreversible momentum for future security.

U.S. Army (Ret.) Gen. Edward Daly described his vision of the defense industrial complex in 2030.

“It’s an ecosystem that’s modern, globally responsive, interoperable, and produces capabilities and technologically advanced products at scale to support not only the commercial sector, but the military as well,” said Daly.

Lt. Gen. Miles Brown, deputy commanding general of U.S. Army Futures Command, highlighted the core goals of the Army Transformation Initiative (ATI) and the planned consolidation of the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command and U.S. Army Futures Command into the new Army Transformation and Training Command.

“This isn’t about bringing the family back together,” said Brown. “We’re building a 21st-century command – data-centric, collaborative, lean, agile, and adaptive. The whole point of the ATI is to take the opportunity we have now, with the national will and commitment to excellence, and to move out quickly, not to study for two or three years before we get after it.”

He emphasized that the ATI aims to fundamentally change how the Army operates, focusing on speed and innovation.

Ultimately, the panelists agreed that a modernized and adaptable defense industrial base, coupled with a streamlined and innovative command structure, is crucial for ensuring NATO’s readiness for prolonged conflicts and addressing the evolving landscape of global security threats. Investing in these areas, they said, will deliver a decisive strategic advantage for the alliance’s future arsenal.

See video remarks here.

By Aaron Smith

Posted in Ammo, Army, Guest Post, Munitions | Comments Off on Magazine Depth Wins Wars: The Future of NATO’s Arsenal

SparkX Teams with Army Soldiers on Open-Source Drone Project

Saturday, July 26th, 2025

JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. – A small team of technicians at Joint Base Andrews is helping shape the future of battlefield innovation, one 3D-printed drone at a time.

The Andrews SparkX Cell Innovation and Idea Center partnered with the U.S. Army’s 1st Multi-Domain Task Force from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., to redesign Project SPECTRE (Small Printable-Engineered-Composites Tailorable Remote-Effect), an experimental effort to create rapidly deployable, customizable, small, unmanned aircraft systems.

The result of Project SPECTE was Blackbird, a fully open-source, government-owned drone platform that cut development costs by more than $1 million.

According to SparkX technicians, the Blackbird can be 3D-printed and assembled in 36 hours for about $200, offering a low-cost, modular sUAS solution for training and operational use in the field.

“Working within the government always provides an opportunity for quicker development that often times faces less roadblocks and is more cost-effective than the standard acquisition processes,” said a Soldier with the 1st MDTF.

With no formal aerospace engineering training, the SparkX technicians reverse-engineered a new platform from scratch. They developed an original airframe that met operational goals while avoiding intellectual property conflicts with the Army’s previous partner.

“It was what we envisioned the plane to look like,” recalled Staff Sgt. Stefan N. Sobiech, a former SparkX technician who is now stationed at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea. “I oversaw creation of the wings, and I sought inspiration from the most efficient planes I could find.”

The project went through more than 10 variations, but Sobiech said the team kept pressing and learning from their mistakes.

“I don’t think there was ever an obstacle that we didn’t think we could work no past it,” he said. “We always went back at it from a different angle or researched how others got past a similar issue.”

The final design includes two propeller-driven motors, a wingspan of more than six feet and weighed approximately nine pounds. Its modular design features a push-to-connect fuselage and a customizable internal equipment tray, allowing for rapid swaps of mission-specific gear and easy to assembly in the field with no specialized tools.

In November, the team was invited to fly the drone during Titan Hoplite, a joint exercise hosted by the Air Force’s Task Force 99 at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C. The SparkX technicians showcased their airframe alongside other advanced sUAS technologies, drawing interest from units across the Department of Defense.

Sobiech said the team conducted a 30-second shakedown flight before heading to Shaw, where the Blackbird flew for more than two minutes during Titan Hoplite demonstration.

The drone unfortunately crashed after flying out of range of the hobby-grade motors and avionics.

Although, Sobiech was unable to attend the event, he mentioned receiving texts and video footage from observers of the successful flight.

“I was ecstatic! To see it sustaining flight, for that length of time, was an amazing feeling,” he said.

Earl Bagwell, Spark X director, said the Titan Hoplite demonstration sparked interest from several organizations in the Army and Air Force that wanted to get involved.

Bagwell released the 3D files as an open source to allow other units to 3D-print the components and integrate their own avionics and motors.

“We knew this would be a sought-after capability, but instead of going through the long patent process, we decided to open source it,” Bagwell said. “Whoever needs it can have it—because we need to innovate and move faster.”

The Air Force Research Laboratory, the Army Research Laboratory, Combat Innovation Lab, Tesseract, and 2nd MDTF are among the organizations that have accessed to the Blackbird files. Together, they support operational theaters across U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, Central Command, Europe, Africa, special operations, and the Army National Guard.

The 1st MDTF successfully deployed and tested the system in various environments, implementing rapid design updates on-site to improve both their understanding of the platform and its capabilities.

“Working in the joint force allows us to consider multiple angles and employment methods that might not be considered in an Army-only environment,” said an 1st MDTF Soldier. “It also gives us access to resources and diverse skill sets not inherent within individual services.”

Story by Patrick Griffith, 316th Wing

Posted in Additive Manufacturing, Air Force, Army, Guest Post, UAS | 1 Comment »

Marine Corps Systems Command Explores Cutting-Edge Boot Designs to Enhance Warfighter Lethality

Friday, July 25th, 2025

To enhance the lethality of individual Marine warfighters, 25 School of Infantry-West instructors will spend the summer testing a new design for Marine Corps Systems Command’s (MARCORSYSCOM) Optional Boot Program.

This model, which features lighter weight materials, unique drainage ports for improved breathability, and improved ergonomics to reduce leg and back injuries, follows a similar evaluation that took place earlier this year at Camp Lejeune, N.C., where Marines with 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion tested footwear that included advanced orthotic technology.

“The entire process takes about six months,” explained Todd Towles, team lead for Clothing and Equipment, Combat Service Support Equipment (CSSE). “It’s all about determining the fit, form, function, and durability; all at a reasonable price point for the Marines.”

The Optional Boot Program ensures only the highest-performing footwear makes it to the field. The process begins with a detailed visual inspection assessing color shade consistency, proper height, weight, and overall workmanship. After passing this initial review, boots undergo four months of rigorous field testing—worn daily by active-duty Marines in demanding conditions.

“Never satisfied with the status quo, the Marine Corps always looks for ways to improve the warfighter experience,” said Force Recon Company Senior Enlisted Advisor Master Sgt. Andrew Perryman, 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion. “If a product isn’t meeting the standard then it’s cut from the inventory.”

Alongside this summer’s real-world evaluation, which will determine if the boots dry faster to allow for better foot health, lab testing further validates durability, comfort, and quality, reinforcing the Corps’ commitment to providing Marines with superior equipment designed to weather the most challenging missions.

“We see the Optional Boot Program as a way to access the best technology and give Marines more options on fit, performance, and availability on the shelves,” said Maj. Joshua Foster, project officer for CSSE. “We need a diverse set of vendors to ensure we can sustain the fleet’s needs—that has been a serious challenge based on supply chain and quality issues over the last several years.”

The program office for Combat Support Systems (CSS) plays a crucial role in life cycle management for all clothing and individual equipment issued to Marines supporting global operations. From concept development through testing, procurement, fielding, and sustainment, this office ensures that every item meets the toughest standards for performance and durability in extreme environments. The Marine Corps’ rigorous evaluation protocols—often conducted in the most austere conditions—set a high mark.

“Our primary concern is equipping our Marines with quality gear, when they need it,” said Towles, a Marine veteran who has worked with MARCORSYSCOM for almost 20 years. “Anything less and we’re failing them.”

“Through joint clothing boards, we can share test data and lessons learned across DoD. We also seek to adopt equipment tested by the other services to save the Marine Corps on costs and evaluation time; especially when tasks or environments are common among service members. It is a great partnership,” remarked Foster.

This collaboration increases the buying power of the Marine Corps and Joint Force.

“With mission success often hinging on staying warm, dry, and mobile, the meticulous efforts of our team guarantees that Marines are equipped with top-tier gear that embodies the Corps’ unwavering commitment to excellence,” said Towles. “Certification is not permanent; we conduct frequent inspections with our Marine Corps Exchange partners to ensure Marine clothing and footwear continues to meet our standards.”

Illustrating that point, by continuing to push for quality and performance, the CSS team recently identified the delivery of deficient US-made footwear.

“Once we discovered the issue, the program office along with the boot vendor did an MCX-enterprise inspection and identified all stock not acceptable by Marine standards,” said Towles.

Nearly 25 percent of the boots were returned to manufacturers—ultimately preventing Marines from buying substandard gear.

“We were disappointed with them missing the mark, but pleased with their response,” said Towles. “Our vendors understand that the Marine Corps has high standards when it comes to our uniform items, even if the materials are part of an optional purchase. The vendors understand the Marine Corps has a high bar and they will be dropped from the program and removed from our shelves if they do not maintain quality.”

In a briefing last Spring, Col. Paul Gillikin, discussed several key factors impacting this product line such as competition, supply chain, and quality assurance.

“Over the last several years, the Marine Corps and Department of Defense has been challenged in uniforms, uniform accessories, personal protective gear, and footwear,” said Gillikin, program manager for CSS. “Starting with COVID production and supply chain issues, many of our domestic industry partners could not keep up with demand due to staffing shortfalls, access to materials, or quality.”

Gillikin, who has served as the program manager for CSS for two years, explained there have been several instances of acute and long-term issues with uniform items while his team sought new, innovative technologies to improve the performance of Marines while lowering costs.

“We have a great relationship and a lot of successes with our vendors, however, corrective actions and quality assurance problems with some have been a burden that distracts us from seeking better equipment,” he said. “The optional certification program allows us to reach both U.S. and [Trade Agreement Act] manufacturers with a low barrier to entry for vendors and low-cost testing for the Marine Corps. In the long term, an increased number of vendors leads to lower prices and greater innovation. We as a [Department of Defense] enterprise have to be sensitive to that and stimulate a diverse array of manufacturers to include domestic and TAA compliant sources. The bottom line is that the Optional Boot Program incentivizes competition and challenges vendors to actively manage their supply chains and produce the best technology at a lower cost for Marines.”

Currently, most optional boots that are approved to wear, and available for purchase, fall between $189 to $399 retail.

“When I talk with Marines around the fleet, they bring up affordability, access, and quality of materials,” said Gillikin. “It’s an important factor to Marines, and some are struggling financially. Cost is already a central metric for me, but it takes on a whole different level when you talk with younger Marines that are trying to support a family.”

To this end, CSS recently screened additional domestic and Trade Agreement Act (TAA) compliant materials.

“Competition is driving innovation,” said Gillikin. “Marines are excited to test and use the equipment! Our team does supply chain surveillance to ensure quality and supplies come from compliant countries. We are in constant communication with industry, other joint force program offices, Marine Corps stakeholders, the Defense Logistics Agency, and our partners on Capitol Hill to ensure our needs are met.”

Gillikin also said their communication efforts include potential future needs of the Marines Corps as well.

“We expect the next war to be a heavily contested environment where stockpiling and additional sources of supply will be vital,” he said. “For risk reduction, my team has war-gamed multiple scenarios for building prepositioning stockpiles using domestic and TAA manufacturers along with direct shipping TAA compliant gear straight into theater during conflict into areas such as the First Island Chain and High North. We need to keep all options on the table – competition directly supports operational effectiveness and readiness.”

For more information about the Marine Corps Systems Command’s Optional Boot Program and its certification process, visit www.marcorsyscom.marines.mil.

Story by Clinton Firstbrook

Marine Corps Systems Command

Posted in Boots, Guest Post, USMC | 1 Comment »

FirstSpear Friday Focus: E+R Waist Bag

Friday, July 25th, 2025

The FirstSpear E+R WAIST BAG is a lightweight, highly functional pack built for versatility and rugged performance. Designed using advanced materials and construction techniques, it delivers maximum capability while keeping weight to a minimum.

It features a 2-point quick-detach (QD) buckle system that allows it to be worn independently or secured directly to an Assaulter’s Gun Belt or plate carrier. A low-profile G Hook offers another secure attachment option, ensuring a stable fit during movement. The pack includes four zippered pockets, making it easy to organize and access essential gear.

A shock cord on top provides a quick-access stash point for items like a tourniquet or eye protection. The waist pack also includes drainage to prevent water buildup and a removable top flap stiffener for added structure when needed. Designed to accommodate waist sizes up to 44″, the E+R Waist Pack blends modern materials with combat-proven functionality.

Whether worn solo or integrated into a larger loadout, it delivers streamlined efficiency without sacrificing durability. This is a go-to option for those who need fast access to gear in demanding environments.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, FS Friday Focus, Guest Post, Load Carrying | Comments Off on FirstSpear Friday Focus: E+R Waist Bag

DEVCOM Soldier Center Transitions New Individual Field Ration for DoD-Wide Availability

Friday, July 25th, 2025

NATICK, Mass. – A new, lightweight, energy packed, nutrient-dense, individual field ration, called the Close Combat Assault Ration, CCAR, is now available to all U.S. military service branches for procurement through the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support.

Under development by the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Soldier Center’s Department of Defense Combat Feeding Division, CFD, since 2019, the CCAR utilizes emerging food processing technologies to significantly reduce weight and volume, while retaining vital nutrients.

Early development of the CCAR was supported by the Close Combat Lethality Task Force, which resulted in an accelerated fielding schedule. The goal was to develop a ration to support small units during operations in austere environments where they need to be self-sustained for 7-10 days with limited or no re-supply. The existing individual rations at the time, including the Meal, Ready to Eat and the First Strike Ration, were too large and bulky to meet this operational requirement.

To approach this challenge, the entire division worked together to address the multiple requirements needed to develop a tailored solution. Factors considered included: meeting nutrition needs, supporting performance, warfighter acceptability, processing and packaging to ensure shelf-stability and nutrient retention, and other unique operational challenges.

The first step was to identify and define user requirements. It was initially thought that weight and volume reductions could be gained by simply putting together nutrient-dense bars. However, after utilizing the Product Attribute Elicitation Method, or PEM, a highly scientific process for gathering user requirements, researchers discovered this was not the case.

The PEM sessions asked warfighters for descriptive feedback for a given scenario. This process obtained opinions, scoring, and quantitative data that allowed for statistical analysis. PEM includes ratings that can be scored along with qualitative data that allows for a deeper understanding of user needs.

In 2019, CFD, supported by Tufts University Sensory Science Center, executed PEM sessions with the 10th Special Forces Group at Fort Carson, Colorado; the 10th Mountain Division in Fort Drum, New York; and with the 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Collecting these user-generated requirements early in the process proved instrumental to the successful development of this new ration.

CFD, in collaboration with industry and other government agencies, then created prototypes for the initial operation test and evaluation, or OT&E, held in 2020. The prototypes included test items developed with both novel and traditional processing methods. Several vacuum microwave dried items were tested along with sonically agglomerated items, which use sound waves to compress the food. Both technologies were found to successfully increase the nutrient and energy density of the food items.

Vacuum microwave drying uniformly removes water with both vacuum and microwave techniques, resulting in smaller compressed items that remain moist. With funding support from the Army, CFD initiated a manufacturing technology effort, which supports the maturation of VMD technology with ration manufacturers and suppliers. SA uses vibration, which combined with compression, instantly welds food molecules together without filler or binders, reducing the item sizes by 30-50 percent while retaining the same ingredients and nutrition.

These and other novel technologies were evaluated during the CCAR’s development and CFD will continue to work with industry partners to identify new technologies and evolve existing ones.

Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic created a delay in the scheduled 2020 IOT&E with warfighters. In 2021, CFD executed an IOT&E with the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Polk, Louisiana and the 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion at Fort Pickett, Virginia. The evaluation tested Warfighter consumption of CCAR prototype field rations for five days with no resupply. There were four prototype menus consisting of novel technology, commercial items and existing MRE menu components.

While the weight and volume reductions drove the need for the new ration platform, user acceptability and nutrition are also critical factors.

“We have a long standing saying in the food world that it’s not nutrition if it’s not eaten,” said Erin Gaffney-Stomberg, PhD, the Combat Feeding Division chief. “It’s critical that optimal nutrition is supplied to warfighters when and where they need it, and in a form that looks, smells and tastes good and is safe. In addition, we need to have science demonstrating how these rations impact warfighter performance. To understand this, we reached out to our partners at the US Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine’s Military Nutrition Division.”

According to James McClung, PhD, Military Nutrition Division chief, “negative energy balance, or the inability to consume enough calories to meet metabolic demands, is a threat to warfighter performance.”

Results from the recent studies indicate that Soldiers eating the CCAR consumed more calories and experienced smaller energy deficits compared to those consuming the FSR in an operationally relevant field training. This advantage is attributed to the CCAR’s increased energy density, which may lead to higher caloric intake, while reducing the weight and volume of the ration.

“Importantly, studies demonstrated that the CCAR did not adversely affect physical performance”, said McClung. “As the Army and DOD continue to seek ways to optimize warfighter performance and lethality, evidence indicates that the CCAR is a promising option for short-term missions where it is crucial to minimize the logistical burden while maximizing energy intake and maintaining Warfighter performance.”

The CCAR IOT&E results and recommendations were provided to the Joint Services Operational Ration Forum (Milestone C Decision Authority for Operational Rations) in early 2022. The recommendations were approved and CFD transitioned procurement documents to DLA-Troop Support for the 1st Generation CCAR in the fall of 2023.

The very first production of the CCAR occurred in May 2025 and the ration is now available for units to order through DLA-Troop Support. There are three menus that include 20 new components which leverage the MRE industrial base. Each pallet contains 48 cases with 10 menus per case (480 total meals).

The 1st Generation CCAR has decreased individual warfighter combat load, allowing space for more ammunition, water, and medical supplies.

According to Gaffney-Stomberg, “this ration will replace the FSR and the 39% reduction in volume and 17% reduction in weight as compared to the FSR translates to warfighters being able to now carry five days’ worth of nutrition in a 3-day footprint.”

“This is a significant improvement in capability for contested operational environments,” she said.

The CCAR will sustain semi-independent small units for five days without resupply and can be consumed for up to ten days as the sole source of nutrition per joint regulation. CFD will continue researching novel processing and ingredients, and work with industry to expand menu varieties and reduce weight and size of the ration.

By DEVCOM Soldier Center Public Affairs

Editor’s Note: There are currently only three menu choices which appear to be Spaghetti with Meat and Sauce, Beef Stew, and Chicken Burrito Bowl.

Posted in Field Gourmet, Guest Post | 1 Comment »

Arctic Technical Gear – MODSAW Zip Pouch

Thursday, July 24th, 2025

Introducing the MODSAW Zip Pouch or Modular SAW Zip Pouch, it is a large multi purpose pouch with a huge range of uses. Modularity is the key, from SAW 200rnd boxes to double 1L Nalgene’s or a two quart soft canteen. Add a divider to put an IFAK on one side and 4 smoke grenades or NVGs on the other. Add dual flaps allow you to keep one side of the divider secure while accessing one.

Features:

Fits a 200rnd M249/C9 box, a 2 qt soft canteen or two 1L Nalgene bottles

4 or 3 columns of Molle/PALS mountable

Velcro loop lined allows dividers, organizers and flaps

Multiple interchangeable flaps

Optional removable velcro internal divider

Dual Molle/PALS columns on sides

Optional compression shockcord and cord lock

Holes at top for shock cord retention tabs for tall items such as radios or bottles(sold separately)

Internal tie down slots and TQ mounting/drainage holes

MOD Belt compatible mounting via bolts or side mounted QASM buckles

Available in MC, RG, CB and Black

3.5″D x 7.5″W x 8″H

Extremely durable, made entirely of Brookwood’s Squadron laminate

All components are Berry compliant including Squadron laminate, Velcro and ITW buckles. Assembled in Canada.

www.arctictechnicalgear.com/product/modsaw-zip

Posted in As Seen On Instagram, Guest Post, International, Load Carrying | 2 Comments »

US Army Leaders Discuss Vision for Future Armor Warfare at LANDEURO Conference

Thursday, July 24th, 2025

WIESBADN, Germany – At the inaugural LANDEURO conference, U.S. Army leaders from the 1st Armored Division and 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division laid out a path for transforming America’s armored forces in an era defined by pervasive surveillance, lethal drones and rapidly evolving precision strike capabilities.

On July 17, during a Warrior Corner panel titled “Reforging the Armored Spearhead: TiC 2.0 and the Evolution of Large-Scale Combat Operations”, Maj. Gen. Curtis Taylor and Command Sgt. Maj. James Light, command team of the 1st AD, and Col. Bryan Bonnema, commander of the 1st ABCT, 3rd ID, delivered an assessment of the changing battlefield and how U.S. armored formations must evolve to win future wars.

Taylor opened the panel by citing a watershed moment: a Ukrainian brigade’s fully robotic assault north of Kharkiv.

“That battle indicates the time to reimagine armor has begun and we have got to think about what armor will look like in the future,” he said.

According to Taylor, the war in Ukraine is proving that increased precision strike capabilities, lethality being cheaper than protection—especially from First-Person View drones—and the pervasiveness of surveillance are reshaping combat. Over 70% of vehicle losses in Ukraine have come from FPV drone strikes.

These trends mean our future fights won’t be defined by direct fire alone, but by platforms that can sense, survive, and strike first in a contested electromagnetic spectrum.

Four Core Imperatives for the Future ABCT

From these battlefield lessons, Taylor laid out four key takeaways required to shape the Army’s evolving concept for the ABCT:

1. Sense and Strike Integration at All Echelons. From platoon to brigade, formations must have persistent sensing and strike capabilities, from short-range FPVs to long-range ISR.

2. Layered Drone Countermeasures. Units must organically embed counter-UAS capabilities, transforming into something akin to carrier strike groups with their own protective systems.

3. Embedded EW Capabilities. Formations need robust EW teams capable of operating independently, targeting enemy systems, and navigating the electromagnetic spectrum effectively.

4. Robotic Breaching. Future assaults on entrenched defenses will depend on unmanned breaching systems, inspired by the challenges seen in Ukraine’s assaults on Russian defensive lines.

Despite advances in robotics and automation, Taylor underscored a core truth, even in high-tech battles, humans are still required to hold ground. Soldiers are not attritable assets, and the Army must invest in protecting and sustaining troops in these new operational environments.

Before passing the discussion to Light, he shared a comment from an Estonian battalion commander he thought was profound, “He said the winning side in the next war will be the army that first perfects the use of drones in maneuver warfare.”

NCO Perspective: Innovation Starts at Ground Level

Light echoed that message, emphasizing that the current generation of armored Soldiers is highly capable—but must evolve.

“Our infantry squads and armored formations are very well trained and they are very good at what they do,” Light said. “The problem is we’ve been doing it pretty much the same way for the last decade or so.”

The key to transformation, he argued, is empowering Soldiers and noncommissioned officers to innovate within their current means. He called it innovation by requirement in a resource-conscious environment.

“They absolutely are the ones that are going to be able to contribute the most and influence those outcomes that determine where we go in the future as a force,” he said.

He also emphasized training discipline, citing the U.S. tank crew that won the Strong Europe Tank Challenge by focusing on fundamentals and standard gunnery—a reflection of how strong basics still dominate the battlefield.

TiC 2.0: Experimentation at Scale

Bonnema, whose brigade recently completed the first Transforming in Contact 2.0 rotation at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center, Hohenfels, Germany, provided a detailed look at how his brigade is integrating technology, Soldier ingenuity, and new tactics to meet modern threats.

“As a TiC 2.0 ABCT, there were three things that we thought that we needed to be able to do better than a non-TiC ABCT,” he stressed. “The first was accomplish our mission, task and purpose more effectively, more efficiently. The second was to maintain more and constant pressure on the enemy through multiple forms of contact and all domains. And the last was to become more lethal. So, increase that kill ratio as opposed to non-TIC ABCT.”

Some key initiatives from the ABCT’s rotation at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center:

1. Command and Control Redesign. The brigade leveraged basic camouflage and security, virtual collaboration, and emerging communications technology to enhance decision-making while avoiding detection.

2. Maneuvering in Electromagnetic Warfare Spectrum. Small EW teams were deployed forward to locate, sense, and target to disrupt enemy formations and shape conditions for the next close fight.

3. New Task Organization. The formation task organized for purpose, creating FAAT teams—combining FPV drone pilots, artillery forward observers, and anti-tank personnel—employing them in restrictive terrain to deadly effect.

4. Comprehensive Counter-UAS Defense. Throughout the exercise leaders emphasized the need for persistent UAS defense from breach point to support area, enabling safe maneuver for both sensors and troops.

“JMRC is an opportune place for us to operate, train and experiment,” Bonnema said. “It really helped us get after readiness. From the complex terrain to the professional OPFOR, it gave us some good lessons.”

Challenges Ahead: Battery Life, Training, and Launch Concepts

Despite progress, Bonnema and Taylor acknowledged hurdles. Battery limitations, inconsistent environmental performance, and the dangerous logistics of hand-launched FPVs remain issues.

A critical future requirement, Taylor said, is deploying drones from under armor.

“We’ve got to move beyond launching drones from tough boxes in dangerous forward areas,” he noted, calling on industry to help deliver solutions like vehicle-integrated launch systems.

With no formal FPV operator military occupational specialty, U.S. Army units are adapting UAS (15-series) operators and cavalry scouts for these roles. Simulators are being used for early training, and Soldiers are logging hundreds of flight hours to reach proficiency.

Light called FPV drone piloting extremely difficult, noting that mastery takes time and dedicated talent.

“You don’t just wake up, grab your controller, and go fly up and take out a tank,” he said.

Bonnema also emphasized the training proficiency required for FPV operators, “We’re using simulations to get after training, conducting hundreds of simulated missions before we get into live. And then once we get into the live training progression in our tables, it’s hundreds. Six hundred and sixty [hours] is what we’ve flown so far in preparation for our live fire.”

Europe: A Catalyst for Innovation

Taylor closed by highlighting how being deployed to Europe, so close to conflict, has supercharged innovation for the division.

“You have an opportunity because of your proximity to the theater, because the energy that is here in the NATO Alliance to innovate at a pace that I never thought was possible,” he said.

The division will return home, he said, better trained and more prepared to adapt to the changing character of war.

As the U.S. Army confronts a future battlefield dominated by drones, sensors, and electronic warfare, the 1st Armored Division and 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division are leading the charge to modernize America’s armored spearhead. Their message is clear: the time to adapt is now—and the Soldier remains central to victory.

The 1st Armored Division and 1 Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division are forward-deployed to the European theater, working alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, America’s forward deployed corps in Europe.

By Lt. Col. Jessica Rovero

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