FORT CAMPBELL, KY (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – The 101st Airborne Division tested their ability to integrate unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) to support ground forces during a live-fire exercise on March 12.
“We are no strangers to innovation here on Fort Campbell,” said Brig. Gen. Travis McIntosh, deputy commanding general of operations for the 101st. “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 AI. This event tested and proved these assumptions for us.”
Advancing Secretary of War Pete Hegseth’s directive for drone dominance, the Division utilized UAS operators from its 1st Mobile Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Mobile Brigade Combat Team, and 101st Combat Aviation Brigade, to fly multiple UAS, alongside 5th Special Forces Group. The sortie, which consisted of an MQ-1C Gray Eagle, C100 small UAS, and Attritable Battlefield Enabler 1.01 (ABE) systems, provided aerial clearance for 5th Special Forces Group soldiers during the exercise.
“Drones are a great tool for over the hill reconnaissance,” said Spc. Basil Holland, an infantryman and C100 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.”
Learning from partnerships with Reserves
Representatives from the U.S. Army Reserve Command (USARC) also attended the event. They were interested in learning how the 101st incorporates emerging technologies…