"Countering the Peril of Drones: Military Training for Prevention, Denial, and Victory"
In a significant development, a drone attack on a U.S. military base in northeastern Jordan on January 28, 2024, has underscored the growing threat of drones on the modern battlefield. The attack, which occurred around 5:35 a.m., resulted in the tragic loss of three soldiers: Sgt. William Rivers, Spcs. Kennedy Sanders, and Breonna Moffett, and left more than 100 others wounded.
The Army is responding proactively to this evolving threat. Soldiers are being taught to identify and counter drones from the early stages of their training. During Basic Combat Training, they are educated on the basics of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) to create a vital sense of awareness from day one.
In a bid to stay ahead of the drone threat, soldiers are also being trained beyond reacting to drones. The focus is on training to deter, deny, and defeat them before they can even impact a mission. The Joint Counter-small UAS University is integrating counter-UAS training into Basic Combat Training, preparing soldiers to effectively counter the drone threat.
The Army's ability to sense small UASs, even those flying to evade detection, is deepening. Acoustic sensing and smaller, more transportable radar sensing are being developed for this purpose. The 11th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, primarily responsible for training soldiers in counter-drone measures at the United States Army Maneuver Center of Excellence at Fort Benning, is at the forefront of this development.
The brigade conducts courses like the small-UAS master trainer course at Fort Benning, where students are exposed to counter-UAS demonstrations using equipment like the DroneBuster Detect, Track, Identify, Mitigate kit. The Army is also utilizing directed energy weapons or lasers to outpace enemy UASs.
During situational training after Basic Combat Training, live drone assets are incorporated into counter-drone scenarios for trainees. This hands-on approach is crucial in preparing soldiers for real-world situations.
Counter-UAS capabilities will remain critical on the future battlefield. The drone attack on Tower 22 is a stark reminder of how drones are changing how wars are fought, and they are considered an "urgent and enduring threat" according to the Department of Defense.
Master Sgt. James Hollinger emphasizes the need for soldiers to be prepared to effectively counter the drone threat. Staying relevant in training is critical to stay ahead of the evolving drone threat. The Army is pursuing new capabilities to counter drone threats, ramping up training and education for soldiers.
The attack on Tower 22 destroyed a six-person housing unit and severely damaged others nearby. It serves as a grim reminder of the potential devastation that drones can cause on the battlefield. As the threat of drones continues to grow, the Army is committed to ensuring its soldiers are equipped to counter this threat effectively.
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