FORT BELVOIR, Va. — For nearly two centuries, explosive hazards, EH, have plagued the battlespace and posed a significant threat to our warfighters. During Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, EH were a primary threat to vehicles and a chief source of Warfighter casualties. Today, that threat has evolved and includes notably more complex and lethal systems, such as sophisticated new top-attack EH. Such threats demand a modern response and solution.

By integrating advanced sensor technology, artificial intelligence and machine learning the U.S. Army’s countermine mission has entered a new era — an era defined by greater survivability, situational awareness, enhanced operational speed, accuracy, and safety.

The U.S. Army’s Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C5ISR) Centeris at the forefront of change where mine-detection innovation meets the battlefield. The collaboration between scientists, engineers, technical experts and Soldiers creates a unique opportunity for hands-on technology development and direct Soldier feedback.

Across the Army, traditional mine detection is often manual and can put Soldiers very close to harm’s way. However, with the implementation of advanced sensor technology, robotic platforms, and AI-powered systems operated at a distance, warfighters can autonomously detect mines and other threats while maintaining safe standoff distances from the explosives.

“If you’re looking at what C5ISR Center is doing with Strykers, we’re taking a system that has great armor, but limited visibility, limited situational awareness, and we’re integrating new sensors across it so that Soldiers can see threats 360 degrees around the vehicle, in the daytime or at night,” said Collin Bright, a research engineer with C5ISR Center.

The C5ISR Center’s Countermine team incorporated advanced detection capabilities into thermal sensors that C5ISR integrated into a Stryker, giving Soldiers increased visibility into hidden dangers. By leveraging AI and ML software and technology, these integrations will significantly increase Soldiers’ reaction time and ultimately increase their survivability.

“The C5ISR Center has integrated a Stryker with thermal capabilities,” said Sierra Pangilinan, a computer scientist with C5ISR Center. “By integrating the Stryker with this technology, it’s like giving Soldiers an extra set of eyes. Especially when they’re tired. Soldiers can work a 24-or-48-hour or more mission. These tools ensure they’re still protected and aware.”

As the complexities of battle continue to grow across even more unpredictable terrains, the need for flexible and adaptable, soldier-centric technology becomes imperative. The C5ISR Center represents Army innovation and a peek at the future with — software and sensors that adapt to any platform, algorithms that improve with every mission, and most importantly, a system that puts soldier survivability at the center of every design.

“The goal is to move away from World War II-era methods,” said Pangilinan. “Now, we’re applying agile development, scalable platforms, and machine learning to build tools that not only win wars — but save lives.”

Staff Sgt. Christopher Miller, a combat engineer assigned to C5ISR Center, emphasized the importance of the Center’s innovation and technological advancements which assist with the execution of missions. “We’re no longer dismounting blind,” Miller said. “With 360-degree cameras and AI threat tagging, we know what’s outside before that ramp drops. That gives us the edge — whether it’s returning fire or avoiding landmines. Without the technology, you can only hope that your intel is spot-on.”

In addition to saving the lives of Soldiers, the center is focused on saving lives long after a war or conflict ends. Unfortunately, mines don’t disappear after a conflict, so having the detection technology available post-conflict is crucial.

“The passion behind the mission is shared across military, civilian and contractor teams,” Bright said. “Everybody here — from senior scientists to interns — believes in what we’re doing. “And when you see your work directly contributing to Soldiers coming home safely, it’s not just a job — it’s a calling.”

By Kyle Richardson, C5ISR Center Public Affairs