Photo By Pfc. Faleilelagi Lulu | U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to 2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade...... read more read more
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FORT HOOD, Texas – Soldiers with the 2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division conducted a multi-echelon live fire exercise, integrating counter unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), at the House Creek Assault Course on Fort Hood, Texas, Sept. 10, 2026.
During the exercise, Soldiers employed the M4, M320, M240 and M500 weapons systems for counter-UAS operations. Soldiers also used UAS and trained to detect, identify and engage opposing aerial threats while executing their broader tactical missions. The training challenged Soldiers to respond to UAS in limited visibility conditions, forcing Soldiers to rely on communication and situational awareness as they searched and engaged counter-UAS.
“This live fire is unique because they’re using [a variety of] suboptimal weapon systems to engage a drone as opposed to a shotgun,” said Staff Sgt. Tyler Craig, the Unmanned Aircraft Systems squad leader. “Utilizing an M4, you have to be more precise, and the wind conditions here are not the best for flying drones, so they’re shooting at a very sporadic target. It’s very good practice for them to practice counter-UAS warfare.”
UAS can provide an opposing force with the ability to observe personnel and equipment, identify positions and influence operations from above. Training against these systems in a live-fire environment allows Soldiers to develop the skills necessary to recognize, respond to and counter aerial threats while continuing to accomplish their primary mission. The unpredictable movement of the UAS, combined with limited visibility and the use of multiple weapons systems, required Soldiers to rely on their training and ability to quickly adjust to the changing conditions. Each engagement required Soldiers to maintain focus on a small aerial target while accounting for movement, distance, environmental conditions and the larger tactical situation around them.
The integration of UAS and counter-UAS operations into the live-fire exercise also allowed Soldiers to experience the complexity of a multi-domain battlefield. Rather than conducting counter-UAS training as an isolated task, Soldiers were required to account for aerial threats while simultaneously maintaining awareness of the ground fight and accomplishing their assigned missions.
“It’s important for them to train at this multi-echelon and multi-domain operations because they’re going to see this on the battlefield,” said Capt. Joshua Ramos, commander of the Multi-Purpose Company, 2-12 CAV, 1st BCT, 1CD. “Simulating the effects of the battlefield as close as possible will help them survive and create survivability on an open battlefield.” As unmanned aircraft systems continue to play an increasing role in modern warfare, counter-UAS training provides Soldiers with valuable experience against a threat they may encounter on the battlefield.
“The threats are evolving, war is changing everyday," said Staff Sgt. Alejandro Langley, dismounted squad leader. "Different technology is coming out, especially with drones, and they could be absolutely dangerous when it comes to dismounted patrols. Training on this gives us the opportunity to be able to learn how to defeat counter-UAS and also use the drones to our advantage so that way we can adapt and be able to defeat the enemy.
For 2-12 CAV, the exercise was an opportunity to expose Soldiers to the challenges of a modern battlefield and reinforce the importance of adaptability, communication and disciplined execution. By combining live-fire engagements, UAS operations, limited visibility and multi-echelon training, the exercise challenged Soldiers to operate outside of ideal conditions and develop the confidence necessary to respond when faced with unpredictable threats.
| Date Taken: | 09.10.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 09.16.2026 12:02 |
| Story ID: | 574658 |
| Location: | FORT HOOD, TEXAS, US |
| Web Views: | 41 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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