The US Army's 3rd Infantry Division used an M113 armoured personnel carrier equipped with a mine-clearing charge during a training rotation in July 2024. (US Army)
As the US Army's top officials attempt to acquire the latest in robotics, 3D printing, and radio networks, one unit is exploring how it might evolve existing capabilities to address soldier problems starting from the division level.
The 3rd Infantry Division within the 18th Airborne Corps tested some commercial technologies in new ways through the Marne Innovation Center at the most recent National Training Center (NTC) rotation in Fort Irwin, California. These trials included the first time a remotely operated M113 armoured personnel carrier (APC) with a mine-clearing charge performed a live-fire demonstration, first use of a new radio mesh network capability, and continued experimentation with tethered unmanned aircraft systems (UASs).
During the exercise, the corps conducted the first armour brigade-level, combined arms breach, in totality, in the past 20 years at night at the NTC, said Major Adam Young, operations officer for the 5–7 Cavalry Squadron, 1st Armored Brigade Combat team – also known as the Raider Brigade. The rotation traversed 120 miles starting in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and ending in Fort Irwin.
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