Modernizing 'Tip Of The Spear'
by U.S. Army Spc. Kelsey M VanFleet
December 20, 2018
The European theater is an ever-changing landscape requiring
constant adaptation to defend U.S. allies and deter potential
aggression. To stay ready, U.S. Army Europe is focused on
modernizing by exploring new technology, fielding upgraded equipment
and adding additional capabilities.
The fielding of next
generation combat vehicles is one of the U.S. Army's six
modernization priorities.
In December 2017, the 2nd Cavalry
Regiment received the U.S. Army's first Stryker Infantry Carrier
Vehicle -- Dragoon. The upgraded vehicle was named after the
Soldiers who serve in 2CR known as "Dragoons." The Stryker's two .50
caliber machine guns were replaced with an unmanned turret and
remotely-operated 30 mm autocannon. The ICVD also featured a fully-
integrated commander's station, upgraded suspension and larger
tires. Additionally, 2nd Cavalry Regiment fielded the addition of
Common Remotely Operated Weapons Station -- Javelin to their
Strykers (known as an Infantry Carrier Vehicle -- Javelin). These
modernizations mean Soldiers no longer have to leave their vehicle,
which previously put them at risk to fire.
June 5, 2018 - A Stryker from the 2nd Cavalry Regiment fitted with
the Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station-Javelin negotiates the
terrain of the Hohenfels Training Area, Germany. (U.S. Army photo by
Spc. Robert Douglas)
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Throughout 2018, U.S. Army Europe put the new Strykers to the test
-- from winter live ammunition test fires in Germany, and a road
march through Eastern Europe; to a summer exercise with 19 ally and
partner nations, and a joint, combined arms live fire exercises in
Poland.
"The ICVD provides an all-weather, limited
visibility, long range target acquisition with long range fires
capability that is challenging and changing the way we fight," said
Capt. Brandon Shorter, 2nd Cavalry Regiment.
Vehicles aren't
the only systems being upgraded in Europe.
Another priority
of Army modernization is our computer networks. As the U.S. Army's
only forward-deployed airborne brigade, the 173rd Airborne Brigade
is uniquely positioned to test emerging electronic warfare and
signal technology.
In 2018, units from 173rd Airborne Brigade
replaced radio communication with the Integrated Tactical Networks.
ITN fuses an intuitive interface; a secure but unclassified network;
and a portable mission command platform into one system. The
platform allows leaders to track positions, send text messages, use
voice communication and share pictures.
The 1st Battalion,
503rd Infantry Regiment, received the new equipment two days prior
to their combined-arms live-fire exercise. The ITN uses equipment
Soldiers are already familiar with. This enabled them to get the
radio telephone operators and platoon leaders familiar enough to use
the system in time for the exercise.
U.S. Army 1st. Lt. Michael Austin, platoon leader for Attack Co.,
1-503rd Inf. Regt., 173rd Airborne Brigade, uses the End User Device
to report information to his company commander through the
Integrated Tactical Network during a live-fire exercise in
Grafenwoehr, Germany, May 2, 2018. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Joshua
Cofield)
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"When the platform is fully implemented, paratroopers will have an
additional quality radio and access to the same common operating
picture as their leadership," Capt. Michael Belina, the signals
officer for 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment. "The common
Soldier will have a better idea of what's going on around him, and
it will basically cut out some of the talk that is required to build
that picture. It will be more immediate."
The 173rd Airborne
Brigade was also the first to receive new EW prototype systems. The
new package of EW systems allows Soldiers to electronically protect
their formations, detect enemy activity and electronically disrupt
adversaries.
In February 2018, the 173rd Infantry Brigade
Combat Team (Airborne) EW and signal intelligence Soldiers became a
Combat Electronic Warfare Intelligence platoon within its Military
Intelligence Company. The CEWI teams participated in several
exercises throughout the year and went on to field new systems
including the Versatile Radio Observation & Direction; VROD Modular
Adaptive Transmit; Sabre Fury; and Raven Claw.
"These
Soldiers are the Army's first users of dedicated electronic warfare
capabilities for brigade and below, and among the most advanced in
Army; we are already seeing them build impressive tactics,
techniques and procedures from the ground up as well as task
organize to best achieve their commander's desired end state," said
Col. Marty Hagenston, project manager for EW & Cyber, part of the
Program Executive Office for Intelligence, Electronic Warfare and
Sensors.
The Army's modernization focus also recognizes the
growing importance of air and missile defense. In 2018, U.S. Army
Europe announced the activation of a new field artillery brigade
headquarters; two Multiple Launch Rocket System battalions; a
short-range air defense battalion; and several supporting units.
These new units will bring at least 1,500 more Soldiers and their
families to Europe by 2020.
U.S. Army Europe's modernization
efforts will be the focus of a "Warriors Corner" presentation at the
2018 Association of the United States Army annual meeting.
Commanders will discuss these new initiatives Wednesday, Oct. 10, at
1:15 p.m. in the Army exhibit, booth 7727.
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U.S. Army Europe is uniquely
positioned in its 51 country area of responsibility to advance
American strategic interests in Europe and Eurasia. The
relationships we build during more than 1,000 theater security
cooperation events in more than 40 countries each year lead directly
to support for multinational contingency operations around the
world, strengthen regional partnerships and enhance global security.
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