News Eyes in the Sky at JMRC

Photo By Sgt. Rebecca Call | U.S Army Spc. Ryan Cox, an infantryman of the 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment, observes a TS-M800 Drone come in for landing during a familiarization training at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center near Hohenfels, Germany on Dec. 7, 2022. The TS-M800 model is a small, tactical drone designed for convenience, agility, and portability in a combat scenario. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Rebecca Call)  

BY, GERMANY

12.13.2022

Story by Sgt. Rebecca Call 

Joint Multinational Readiness Center

HOHENFELS, Germany— Advancements in warfare are always changing, and each advancement requires innovation to by the U.S. Army to be prepared for new tactics and threats.

From Dec. 5-9, Soldiers of the Joint Multinational Readiness Center (JMRC) received 20 TS-M800 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and participated new equipment training.

JMRC’s dedicated opposing, the 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment (1-4 IN), will utilize the UAVs when training U.S. Army, NATO Allies, and multinational partners to replicate drone and drone swarm tactics seen in conflicts across the globe.

“JMRC creates a tough and realistic training environment for any unit that comes to the Hohenfels Training Area,” said Maj. John Ambelang, the JMRC Spokesperson. “This include incorporating emerging technology like drones and drone swarms.”

The U.S. Army first unveiled the TS-M800 at the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, Calif. in 2019. It will be fielded to all the Combat Training Centers by 2023.

The TS-800 is an electric UAV with four 2-blade propellers, commonly referred as quadcopter. It weighs under 20 pounds and can travel at speeds nearing 30 miles per hour.

“It is really up to your imagination what you can actually do with [drones]. It can give us eyes in the sky, and [keep] danger away from us.” said Staff Sgt. Gary Allen, the master trainer for the initial qualification course.

During training exercise, the Soldiers of 1-4 IN can equip the UAS to extend their radio capabilities, simulate drone attack with explosives, or observe units while they are training.

“We’re in an evolving battlefield where we went from frontline infantry, to the artillery and tanks, to the infantry working together with the tanks, to a technology-based battlefield with drones, and eventually it will evolve into something more.” said Sgt. Connor Piegaro, a Soldier assigned to 1-4 IN participating in the training.

The TS-800 is equipped with a multiple integrated laser engagement system, or MILES, allowing exercise participants to engage and destroy the drones during the exercise.

JMRC is scheduled to receive 30 more TS-M800s in 2023.

• Date Taken: 12.13.2022
• Date Posted: 12.16.2022 09:55
• Story ID: 435057
• Location: BY, DE