Military Technology
New York National Guard Soldiers Test Army’s Newest Equipment
New York National Guard tests cutting-edge Army equipment at Fort Drum, enhancing battlefield capabilities.
In a significant step towards modernizing battlefield operations, soldiers from the New York National Guard's 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team recently tested the Army's latest technological advancements at Fort Drum. This event, held from June 24-28, 2024, showcased two cutting-edge systems: the Soldier Borne Sensor (SBS) unmanned aerial vehicle and the Lightweight Laser Designator Rangefinder (LLDR). These innovations promise to enhance operational effectiveness while significantly reducing risks to soldiers.
Soldier Borne Sensor: A Game-Changer in Reconnaissance
The Soldier Borne Sensor (SBS) is a miniature unmanned aerial vehicle designed to provide real-time battlefield awareness. This pocket-sized drone, measuring just a few inches, is nearly silent and highly portable, making it ideal for covert reconnaissance missions. According to Staff Sgt. Andy Huang, a combat engineer with the 152nd Brigade Engineer Battalion, the SBS "increases the effectiveness of our operations" by performing surveillance and reconnaissance tasks that would otherwise put soldiers in harm's way.
The SBS's ability to operate quietly and undetected allows it to search for enemy positions or friendly forces without alerting adversaries. "It's small and lightweight, and with how high it can go, you can't really hear it," Huang noted. This stealth capability makes the SBS an invaluable tool for gathering intelligence and enhancing situational awareness on the battlefield.
Lightweight Laser Designator Rangefinder: Precision Targeting
In addition to the SBS, soldiers received training on the Lightweight Laser Designator Rangefinder (LLDR). This advanced system provides highly accurate target location information and enables precision fire support. Spc. Jeffrey Anicet, a joint fire support specialist with the 1st Battalion, 258th Field Artillery Regiment, highlighted the LLDR's benefits: "For us, for the observers, it makes it easier to target rounds, especially with mortars. Then, when working with aircraft on guided ordnance, we're able to precision drop along those coordinates exactly where we want them to the tenth of a meter."
The LLDR utilizes a combination of thermal imaging, cameras, laser designator spot imaging, digital magnetic compass, and GPS to measure various parameters, including distance to target and Earth's rotation. This comprehensive data collection allows soldiers to relay precise targeting information, enhancing the accuracy and effectiveness of their operations.
Training the Trainers: Preparing for Widespread Adoption
The training event at Fort Drum was designed as a "train-the-trainers" course, with participating soldiers expected to share their newfound expertise with their units. "We're going to train almost everyone [in my unit] on how to use this system," Huang explained. This approach ensures that knowledge of these advanced technologies is disseminated throughout the brigade, preparing more soldiers to utilize these tools effectively in the field.
Enhancing Soldier Safety and Operational Effectiveness
The introduction of the SBS and LLDR systems represents a significant advancement in military technology, aimed at enhancing soldier safety and operational effectiveness. By leveraging the capabilities of the SBS, soldiers can conduct reconnaissance missions without exposing themselves to danger. The LLDR, on the other hand, provides precise targeting information, reducing the risk of collateral damage and increasing the accuracy of fire support.
These technologies are part of a broader effort to modernize the Army's equipment and improve the capabilities of its soldiers. As drone technology continues to evolve, the Army is likely to integrate even more advanced systems into its operations, further enhancing its ability to conduct effective and safe missions.
The Future of Unmanned Systems in Warfare
The successful testing and training of the SBS and LLDR systems at Fort Drum underscore the growing importance of unmanned systems in modern warfare. These technologies not only enhance the capabilities of individual soldiers but also contribute to the overall effectiveness of military operations. As the Army continues to invest in and develop new technologies, the role of unmanned systems is expected to expand, shaping the future of warfare.
The New York National Guard's recent testing of the Army's newest equipment marks a significant milestone in the ongoing effort to modernize military operations. The SBS and LLDR systems offer enhanced capabilities and improved safety for soldiers, demonstrating the potential of advanced technology to transform the battlefield. As these systems become more widely adopted, they will play a crucial role in the Army's mission to protect and defend.