The Army, led by Gen. Randy George, is expanding the Transformation in Contact 2.0 initiative to include two armored brigade combat teams, two Stryker brigade combat teams, and other units in the Guard and Reserves. This program aims to equip units with drones, electronic warfare equipment, and other modern technology. The original Transformation in Contact effort began in February, focusing on three brigades including the 2nd Brigade, 101st Airborne Division; 2nd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division; and 3rd Brigade, 10th Mountain Division.
George emphasized the importance of learning from drone use in Ukraine and implementing counter-drone operations. The original brigades now have over 140 drones and have reduced their electromagnetic and physical presence by nearly 90 percent. The Army plans to equip protection and sustainment units by the end of fiscal year 2025 while also focusing on improving counter-drone systems, long-range missiles, and munitions manufacturing.
In order to adapt to the fast pace of technology, the Army will no longer take a decade to field systems and will cut programs that do not support transformation efforts. Instead of long acquisition processes, the Army will purchase equipment in tranches to stay current with the newest technology. George stressed the importance of not investing in outdated technology and the need to adapt to modern battlefield challenges.
