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EL PASO, Texas - Key leaders from 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Joint Task Force-Southern Border (JTF-SB) convened in El Paso, Texas, May 7, 2025 to synergize efforts regarding airspace command and control (C2) and better understand the concurrent operational capacity of interagency partners.
2nd Stryker Brigade’s intelligence, communication, and innovation team met with an Aerospace Engineering Professor at University of Texas of El Paso (UTEP) and subject matter experts' agencies including Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Texas Rangers, Drug Enforcement Agency, Texas National Guard, El Paso Police Department, Department of Interior, Department of State, Joint Task Force-North, and U.S. Northern Command.
Airspace C2 manages and coordinates all activities within a specific airspace ensuring safety, efficiency, and mission effectiveness. Airspace C2 relies on a combination of technology, procedures, and trained personnel including radar systems, communication networks, air traffic controllers, and command and control centers.
This system is analogous to the brain and nervous system in the human body. The “brain” is the air-traffic controller making decisions, taking into account factors like weather, traffic, and ongoing operations. The “nervous system” is the network of communication and surveillance tools that provide real-time information to the decision makers.
By engaging with interagency partners, the team sought to deepen their understanding of concurrent operational capabilities. A whole-of-government approach ensures that all parts of the government can work together to tackle complex issues or achieve large goals. When different agencies and departments coordinate, they can pool their resources, expertise and perspectives. It leads to more effective and efficient solutions.
A Research Associate Professor from UTEP further enriched the exchange by giving a brief about the Low Altitude Surveillance Program (LASP). LASP is the current program local civilian law enforcement use to track Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), including drones. Due to the known threat of UAS during the southern border mission, military integration of LASP may provide more comprehensive intelligence reports to JTF-SB.
This collaborative environment facilitated a comprehensive review of current abilities and the integration of unique military capabilities. The 2nd Stryker Brigade is known for its speed, mobility, and adaptability. Currently, the M1126 Stryker can track UAS using their Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station (CROWS) during the southern border mission.
The CROWS system is a stabilized mount that contains a sensor suite and fire control software that allows on-the-move target acquisition. When it detects UAS, that report is shared to CBP. Effective in day and night conditions, the CROWS sensor suite includes a daytime video camera, thermal camera and laser rangefinder.
JTF-SB aims to optimize operational effectiveness and strengthen collaborative efforts in the region by fostering interagency collaboration. A whole-of-government approach is critical for success, especially when tackling multifaceted challenges like the southern border mission.
A coordinated approach ensures that all agencies align their efforts, share vital information, and maximize resource utilization, leading to enhanced border security.
| Date Taken: | 05.07.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 05.19.2025 16:22 |
| Story ID: | 498282 |
| Location: | EL PASO, TEXAS, US |
| Web Views: | 65 |
| Downloads: | 2 |
This work, 2nd Stryker Brigade Key Leaders Meet with Interagency Partners in El Paso to Enhance Airspace Control and Border Security, by SGT Alyson Smith, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
