101st Airborne Division tests next-generation drones during live-fire exercise

The 101st Airborne Division tested its ability to integrate unmanned aircraft systems to support ground forces during a live-fire exercise, March 12 at Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

"We are no strangers to innovation here on Fort Campbell," said Army Brig. Gen. Travis McIntosh, deputy commanding general of operations for the division. "Drones are reshaping the geometry of the battlefield in real time and we must adjust. Distance and sanctuary no longer provide the protection they once did, and mass and speed of decision-making will increasingly be enabled by autonomy and [artificial intelligence]. This event tested and proved these assumptions for us."

Advancing Secretary of War Pete Hegseth's directive for drone dominance, the division used UAS operators assigned to its 1st Mobile Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Mobile Brigade Combat Team and 101st Combat Aviation Brigade to fly multiple UAS alongside the 5th Special Forces Group.

The sortie, which consisted of an MQ-1C Gray Eagle, C100 small UAS and Attritable Battlefield Enabler 1.01 drone, provided aerial clearance for the Special Forces soldiers during the exercise.

"Drones are a great tool for over-the-hill reconnaissance," said Army Spc. Basil Holland, an infantryman and small UAS operator assigned to the 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment. "They have a lot of ability to identify short- and medium-range targets and get eyes on whatever you need. It's proven to be super useful."

U.S. Army Reserve Command representatives attended to learn more about how the 101st incorporates emerging technologies.

"We wanted to get a clear understanding of how the big Army is integrating UAS," said Sammy Stevens, a counter-UAS lead planner for USARC. "We want to try and replicate their efforts with the [Army] Reserve. During counterinsurgency operations, everyone was used to looking down to identify improvised explosive devices; now we have to look up in the air."

Partnering with USARC highlights the division's commitment to improving lethality for the entire Army.

"The 101st has been very gracious in supporting us," said Army Master Sgt. Bryan Pettaway, USARC senior enlisted advisor for operations and logistics. "By showing us what has worked, and what hasn't, they have helped us avoid those same mistakes."

U.S. Army Reserve Command representatives attended to learn more about how the 101st incorporates emerging technologies.

"We wanted to get a clear understanding of how the big Army is integrating UAS," said Sammy Stevens, a counter-UAS lead planner for USARC. "We want to try and replicate their efforts with the [Army] Reserve. During counterinsurgency operations, everyone was used to looking down to identify improvised explosive devices; now we have to look up in the air."

Partnering with USARC highlights the division's commitment to improving lethality for the entire Army.

"The 101st has been very gracious in supporting us," said Army Master Sgt. Bryan Pettaway, USARC senior enlisted advisor for operations and logistics. "By showing us what has worked, and what hasn't, they have helped us avoid those same mistakes."