The Bottom Line Upfront
The 101st Airborne Division commander, Maj. Gen. Brett Sylvia envisions a future where every level of the Army's indirect weapons, from mortars to missiles, is aligned with unmanned aerial systems (UAS).
By integrating drones into the kill chain, the Army aims to enhance reconnaissance capabilities, improve precision munitions, and tighten the kill-chain process.
- The Breakdown
- Integrating drones into the Army's firepower could revolutionize the way military units operate, providing enhanced situational awareness, improved accuracy, and increased efficiency in targeting and engaging enemy forces.
- The 101st Airborne Division is experimenting with various technologies as part of the Army's "transforming-in-contact" initiative, which involves fielding new technology directly to select units.
- The division's second brigade has been designated as the Army's first Mobile Brigade Combat Team and is utilizing new technologies, including the Android-based ATAK mission planning software, to enhance mission effectiveness.
- The brigade's Multi-Functional Reconnaissance Company serves as a testing ground for new technologies, including drones, to assess their potential impact on operations.
- Infantry squads could employ small drones to scout ahead, allowing soldiers to gain a better understanding of the battlefield and identify potential threats.
- Dedicated drone units operating at higher echelons could provide long-range reconnaissance for more expensive and sophisticated weapons systems, reducing the cognitive load on soldiers and optimizing their effectiveness.
