The U.S. Army is working to modernize its light infantry brigades, while one armored brigade is also pushing to adapt with the tech they have on hand. The 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team of the 3rd Infantry Division tested new tactics at the Army’s National Training Center in July, drawing from observations of Ukraine. Before training, electronic warfare soldiers monitored command posts, while mapping the electromagnetic spectrum. The unit used commercially available equipment to locate enemy positions and trained with the reconnaissance squadron.
At the training center, the unit set up a decoy command post to deceive observers, using knowledge gained from monitoring the real command post. The soldiers utilized drones for artillery target correction, reconnaissance, and monitoring smoke to obscure armored vehicles preparing to assault enemy positions. The unit organized drones into a drone team and collaborated with the 101st Airborne’s 2nd Brigade.
Soldiers practiced counter-drone procedures and had to deal with extreme heat affecting their technology. The brigade’s vehicles faced issues with software slowing down due to high temperatures. Despite challenges, the unit is continuously adapting and innovating with the resources available.
