In the framework of an event held this past May 5 at the Pentagon, elements of the 3rd Combat Brigade, 10th Mountain Division of the U.S. Army, presented the lessons learned during their nine-month rotational deployment in Europe as a transformation unit positioned near an active theater of operations such as the war between Russia and Ukraine. Particularly, this is one of the three brigades of the force that has the mission of evaluating and integrating new technological advances into the institution’s structure, adopting a “Transformation in Contact” approach that allows the personnel to improve the capabilities of the force based on what has been observed in modern combat.
Expanding on some details shared on that occasion, Colonel Josh Glonek, who serves as commander of the aforementioned unit, highlighted that the main objectives of the deployment have been to explore new ways of improving the mobility and lethality of the U.S. Army. In particular, the troops under his command were able to take advantage of the opportunity to participate in Operation Combined Resolve 25-01 at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center in Germany, where they managed to operate in high-realism exercises in complex environments similar to those observed in Ukraine.
From that, the unit worked on various initiatives of the force ranging from new Unmanned Aerial Systems, new elements and tactics of electronic warfare, ground mobility, and command operations, among other matters. Specifically, it was detailed that up to 90% of the combat operations in the exercises carried out included drone support (Skydio, Vector and Darkhive), which is said to have considerably improved the capabilities to identify, track, and neutralize enemy units. Another factor to highlight has been the integration of the new ISV vehicles for infantry, which is also said to have improved the mobility of the deployments and reduced the dependence on other support units.
Recalling some statements by Colonel Glonek: “The terrain and difficult weather conditions tested the equipment and the soldiers, which led to crucial tactical adjustments. The European weather (cloudiness, fog, ice formation) presented significant challenges for drone operations. We need to develop technologies and tactics that can operate effectively in these conditions (…) We are prioritizing electronic warfare, investing in drone capabilities, and ensuring that our soldiers have the skills and technology necessary to triumph on the modern battlefield.”
It should also be noted that the work of the 3rd Brigade will not only make it possible to map out improvement plans within the U.S. Army, but also reinforce interoperability with its European partners within the NATO framework. Such is the case that its personnel managed to certify command and control capabilities of Patriot batteries on a large scale in European combat environments, as well as to share procedures and technologies with other forces participating in the activities carried out. Colonel Glonek himself stated: “We worked side by side with our NATO allies, sharing technology and learning from their experiences. This reinforced the importance of interoperability and collective defense.”
*Image credits: Sergeant Chandler Coats
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