In the upcoming two years, the U.S. Army plans to transform 25 Infantry Brigade Combat Teams into newly structured units called Mobile Brigade Combat Teams, an initiative part of the Army’s “Transforming in Contact” strategy, announced by Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George during a press roundtable in September.

This transformation aims to swiftly integrate new capabilities within active units, with three brigades already transitioning to this new framework. Their progress and adaptations were highlighted at the Maneuver Warfighter Conference held at Fort Benning, Georgia, in September.

Significant modifications to these brigades include the introduction of a multifunctional reconnaissance company and a multipurpose company to enhance lower-level tactical fire and strike capabilities.

This shift also sees effective use of loitering munitions and drones at smaller unit levels, which has proven successful in target elimination.

Col. Joshua Glonek, commander of the 3rd Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, shared that during a training period at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center, 90% of fire missions were conducted using drone surveillance. This resulted in a 50% reduction in artillery usage but increased lethality by 300% due to enhanced accuracy from drone-assisted operations, he explained.

Col. Trevor Voelkel, chief of staff for the 101st Airborne Division, reported having nearly 400 drones available for operational use within his brigade.

Moreover, the inclusion of the Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV) has transformed mobility for traditionally foot-soldiers, enabling them to undertake previously challenging fifty-mile movements.

A paratrooper rides in an Infantry Squad Vehicle to his team’s objective during Devil Avalanche at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. (Spc. Aiden O’Marra/U.S. Army)

Voelkel also noted that combining ISVs with helicopter insertions allows troops to penetrate enemy defenses from positions outside their immediate reach.

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However, Col. David Lamborn, commander of the 2nd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, emphasized viewing the ISV as a mobility enhancer rather than a combat vehicle and advised incorporating traditional dismounted tactics into operational plans.

“The ISV should not be misconstrued as a combat tool but rather as one of many assets available,” Lamborn cautioned.

The brigades undergoing the transformation to MBCTs will be equipped with both ISVs and drones as per the new structural design, the colonels confirmed.

Another critical strategy for the newly formed units is mastering the art of ‘hiding in plain sight’ within the electromagnetic spectrum, they advised. Leaders were encouraged to familiarize themselves with necessary waveforms and communication plans essential for commanding the brigades efficiently.

“Adapt your camouflage to the environment you are operating in,” Lamborn advised. He shared that while his unit could blend within the dense signals of Oahu, operations in the rural settings of Luzon, Philippines, required shutting down many devices to evade detection.