THE US Army is testing cutting-edge technology as it aims to be the driving force behind a new era of electronic warfare on future battlefields.
The pristine attack and defense weaponry are being experimented with in the deep woods of the Fort Johnson base in Vernon Parish, Louisiana. by the Army’s 101st Airborne Division, which specializes in air assault operations.
The 101st Airborne is exploring new ways the technology can be used on the battlefield, including surveillance and attack drones, decoy, and remotely-operated electronic jammers that operate from a laptop or cell phone.
Some of the innovations were influenced by the raging war overseas between Russia and Ukraine.
“We’re [here] to create those tactics, we’re [here] to create those standard operating procedures so that the next generation of soldiers understands from our mistakes and can be even more effective with the systems,” Sergeant First Class Anthony Clark told CBS News.
Clark admitted that a lot of the methods being executed were experimental and are a work in progress.
And the Army’s new vehicles are being described as something out of Mad Max.
“Even in World War II, they were using brand new equipment, brand new methods, and they were extremely successful, and they learned from their mistakes,” Clark added.
The command post is experimenting with new defense systems that will allow the soldiers to detect intruders attempting to infiltrate the base from several feet away.
The base runs fiber-optic cables to antennas hundreds of yards away from the command center, according to CBS News.
To mislead potential enemies, they spread decoys and off-the-shelf circuit boards that are made to look like laptops and cell phones.
“Just the other night, the enemy was completely deceived by that and put an artillery barrage on just a bunch of decoys that were out in a field, and then this command post stayed safe and sound,” Major General Brett Sylvia said.
The security system allowed the command post to remain safe.
The base is experimenting with robotic vehicles controlled by nearby soldiers to add to its arsenal of defense weaponry.
“There’s no reason to trade blood for blood when we can trade blood for steel,” Lieutenant Parker Mitchell, who is operating the robotic vehicles, told the outlet.
Mitchell described the command center’s efforts as the future of warfare.
What is electronic warfare?
Electronic warfare is a military and intelligence activity that uses electromagnetic energy to control the electromagnetic spectrum and attack enemies, according to Lockheed Martin.
The defense and attack method can allow the military to detect, deceive, delay, and disrupt enemy radar while protecting fellow troops and command posts.
Electronic warfare uses radio, infrared, and radar signals to sense, protect, and communicate with allies.
“I mean, it gives me chills thinking about it right now,” added Specialist William Bateman.
“We’re in the middle of molding the future and participating in history being made.
“It’s absolutely stunning.”
The large-scale operation comes after the Army sped up the Next Generation Squad Weapon rifle distribution in late September, according to the Army Times.
The program will include replacing the army’s current 5.56mm M4 and Squad Automatic Weapon with a new 6.8mm rifle and automatic rifle.
The 101st Airborne Division will be one of three battalions, including the 1st Brigade and the 506th Infantry Regiment, to receive the packages in the coming months.
