The 10th Mountain Division, stationed in Romania, has achieved a groundbreaking milestone by becoming the first Army unit to incorporate advanced reconnaissance drone technology into its operations.
Soldiers from the 317th Brigade Engineer Battalion, part of the Fort Drum, New York-based 3rd Brigade Combat Team, have been actively using the Skydio and GhostX drone systems during their training exercises at Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base.
Drone Capabilities
These state-of-the-art drones are built to support various tactical missions.
The Skydio X10D drone is a short-range reconnaissance device that can travel distances of up to 5 kilometers and stay airborne for about 30 minutes.
It’s often used by infantry and scout platoons on dismounted patrols.
By providing an enhanced view of the battlefield, the Skydio drone significantly improves situational awareness, assisting soldiers in planning their missions more effectively.
In contrast, the Anduril-produced GhostX drone boasts longer-range capabilities, covering distances of up to 15 kilometers and remaining in the sky for an hour.
This drone is particularly beneficial for company commanders requiring wider operational coverage.
Training and Qualification
As the soldiers familiarized themselves with these new systems, they gained essential skills for operating drones.
Staff Sgt. Kevin Sweeny, the counter-drone non-commissioned officer for Delta Company of the 317th BEB, emphasized the importance of becoming a certified aircraft operator before initiating flights.
To achieve this, the unit created a qualification program that involved multiple brigades.
In late November, the battalion successfully certified 132 operators for the Skydio drone.
Staff Sgt. Sweeny remarked on the proficiency of the operators, who can set up and launch the Skydio from its case in under ten minutes.
Every company within the 3rd Brigade Combat Team is slated to receive Skydio systems, with plans for additional training at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center in Hoehenfels, Germany. 1st Lt.
Alexis Gavrillis, an intelligence officer in the battalion, noted that these exercises aim to evaluate personnel effectiveness, the platoon’s organization, and communication dynamics among squads to ensure smooth operations.
Future Developments
The GhostX system will also be rolled out to different battalions across the Brigade Combat Team.
This move aligns with the Army’s recent push to include counter-drone training in its basic training programs.
The successful training conducted by this unit is expected to set a precedent for future Army units.
The drone qualification process is designed to be inclusive, enabling soldiers from various Military Occupational Specialties to leverage their training in operational scenarios, regardless of their primary roles.
In September, Defense News reported that the Army awarded a $14.42 million contract to Anduril Industries and Performance Drone Works for its small drone initiative.
Additionally, the Army has issued a “sources sought” notice to industry partners, inviting proposals for interim tactical drone capabilities at the brigade level.
This signals the Army’s dedication to enhancing its operational capabilities through innovative technology.
Source: Militarytimes