Colonel Scott Wence, commander of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, and Major Anthony Patolino, overseeing base defense at Al-Assad Air Base, share harrowing insights from their deployment in the Middle East. They detail their brigade's resilience against over a hundred drone attacks, emphasizing tactical responses and the critical need for effective threat detection systems. The discussion also highlights the importance of technology integration and adaptive strategies in modern warfare, showcasing innovative approaches to counteract emerging drone threats.
The 2nd Brigade Combat Team's extensive experience with drone attacks reveals the strategic importance of layered defense systems and real-time adaptability in modern warfare.
Understanding the usage of one-way UAVs by Iranian militia groups highlights the necessity of clear operational intelligence in shaping defense tactics against highly calculated threats.
Improved inter-branch collaboration and communication in counter-UAS strategies is vital for operational effectiveness and sharing critical lessons learned among military forces.
Deep dives
Experience with Drone Attacks
The brigade faced over 100 drone attacks, specifically one-way unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), during its nine-month deployment. This experience positioned them as one of the most knowledgeable units in the Army regarding drone threat mitigation. The drones were used predominantly by Iranian militia groups, highlighting a calculated approach rather than random attacks. Understanding the trajectory and operational range of these drones proved essential in developing effective defense strategies.
Defensive Measures and Adaptation
A layered defense strategy was essential for countering drone attacks, starting with detection systems that provided a critical alert time of 30 seconds to two minutes. The brigade tested various kinetic and non-kinetic systems and found that Coyote missiles were among the most effective means of defense, successfully neutralizing many incoming UAVs. This adaptive tactics approach required constant adjustments and quickly evaluated effectiveness of defense systems based on real-world data and experiences. Emphasis on hardening of infrastructure and preparation for operational challenges allowed soldiers to maintain safety despite ongoing threats.
Technological Limitations and Learning
Significant challenges were observed during operations, particularly concerning the reliance on manual processes for identifying and responding to threats. The integration of various sensor systems was crucial in identifying UAVs, but the human element remained a bottleneck in rapid response scenarios. Experimentation with new technologies, including electronic warfare systems, indicated potential but showed inconsistent results. The need for a streamlined user interface and automated processes to reduce response time emerged as a critical lesson from the deployment.
Collaboration Across Services
The brigade's experience indicates a need for improved communication and collaboration across different military branches concerning counter-UAS strategies. This includes leveraging successful technologies and insights from the Navy and Air Force, particularly systems initially designed for maritime operations. Engaging with allies and partners has also highlighted the importance of joint efforts in developing comprehensive counter-drone strategies. Such collaboration not only enhances operational effectiveness but also facilitates sharing of critical lessons learned.
Preparing for Future Conflicts
The experiences faced during this deployment provide valuable insights for preparing for future large-scale conflicts with advanced drone technology. There is a clear recognition that slower adaptation to emerging threats can impede operational success, necessitating continual innovation and experimentation at all levels of command. Emphasizing training for junior leaders on electronic warfare and advanced technologies can ensure that troops are better equipped for future combat scenarios. Ultimately, fostering a culture of adaptability and resilience will be crucial in confronting the evolving nature of warfare.
No unit in the US Army has more experience defending against drone attacks than 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division. During a recent deployment to the Middle East, spread out across eight bases in Iraq and Syria, the brigade was targeted more than one hundred times by drones known as one-way attack unmanned aircraft systems. The brigade’s commander, Colonel Scott Wence, joins this episode to discuss that experience, the weapons and systems that enabled the unit to successfully defeat the vast majority of the attacks, and lessons from the deployment that can inform the Army’s preparation for a modern battlefield increasingly defined by the rapid proliferation of unmanned systems.
The MWI Podcast is produced with the generous support of the West Point Class of 1974.
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