Army Comments On Alaska Exercise
The 11th Airborne Division, the Army’s newest division based in Alaska, recently completed a joint, multinational training exercise in the state. The exercise, which spanned diverse terrain and extreme temperature ranges, exposed some shortcomings in both equipment and tactics for Arctic warfare.
During the exercise, the division tested approximately 40 pieces of equipment, including communication systems and command and control technologies. The Army found that in the Arctic environment, it is difficult to maintain camouflage and prevent observation by enemy forces through a variety of methods, such as electronic and cyber warfare. In response, the Army is looking to develop new tactics, techniques, and procedures to overcome this challenge.
The harsh weather conditions also presented challenges for communication command and control. The division had to rely on its current communication systems, as they did not have access to new Combined Joint All-Domain Command and Control technologies. The Army discovered the need to have backup plans in case communication systems are compromised, including the ability to switch to manual mode.
The exercise also tested the Army’s combat capabilities in snow and cold weather. Troops successfully maneuvered on snowmobiles and conducted anti-tank operations using Javelin missiles. This will inform future tactics and force requirements for Arctic warfare. The division discovered the need for an increased number of snow machines, not only for combat operations but also for casualty evacuations and mobility on the battlefield.
The Army did not test any ground robots during the exercise but used small unmanned aerial systems (UAS) for reconnaissance and other purposes. However, they found that some UAS systems were not effective in freezing temperatures and required adjustments for Arctic environments. The division also used the Cold-Weather All-Terrain Vehicle (CATV), which performed well but revealed the need for tweaks and modifications.
The division tested various tent systems and found that some did not hold up well in extreme weather conditions. They are exploring options used by allies, including Norway and Finland, as their tents are lighter and more suitable for force projection. The division is working closely with the Army Combat Capabilities Development Command to address this issue.
The Arctic conditions also exposed problems with equipment, such as tent stakes not being able to penetrate the permafrost. Additionally, the Next-Generation Squad Weapon was tested and found to have parts that retain cold temperatures, which could lead to frostbite. The division is looking to fix these issues to ensure the safety and effectiveness of soldiers.
Flying helicopters in subzero temperatures also posed challenges. The Army discovered new procedures for starting and maintaining helicopters in extreme cold, which warrant officers have recommended be included in manuals. The exercise also highlighted the importance of addressing battery performance in Arctic environments, as batteries drained quickly in the extreme cold.
Overall, the training exercise was a valuable opportunity for the Army to test its capabilities and identify areas for improvement in Arctic warfare. The division plans to continue working on developing new tactics and equipment to better prepare for potential conflicts in this extreme environment.