U.S. Army Chief of Staff General Randy George announced that, as part of the Army’s “Transformation in Contact” (Transformation in Contact) initiative, announced that 25 Infantry Brigade Combat Teams (IBCTs) will be transformed into new Mobile Brigade Combat Teams (MBCTs) over the next two years. This rapid transition aims to quickly integrate new capabilities into operational units. Three brigades are currently undergoing this transition, and their leaders shared the significant innovations brought about by the transformation.
Decentralization of Tactical Firepower
The transition to MBCTs brings significant changes to the brigade structure. Chief among these innovations is the addition of a multi-role reconnaissance platoon and a multi-purpose platoon, designed to decentralize firepower and assault capabilities to lower tactical levels. The primary reason for this decision is that experiments using ammunition and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) at lower echelons have proven to be extremely effective in neutralizing targets.
Colonel Joshua Glonek, Commander of the 3rd Brigade of the 10th Mountain Division, noted that during training rotations, 90 percent of firing missions were monitored via UAVs. According to Glonek, this means that even if operators fire fewer artillery rounds, the platforms’ accuracy makes them more lethal. Colonel Trevor Voelkel, Chief of Staff of the 101st Airborne Division, noted that his brigade has approximately 400 unmanned aerial vehicles at its disposal.
A Revolution in Maneuverability: The Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV)
Another key element that enhanced the effectiveness of the reorganized brigades was the Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV). For infantry soldiers, who traditionally move on foot, the ISV provided the ability to execute maneuvers that were previously impossible without vehicles; it is now possible to travel fifty miles. Colonel Voelkel emphasized that, thanks to the ISVs’ ability to be transported by helicopter, soldiers could drop vehicles outside enemy defenses and infiltrate from there.
However, Colonel David Lamborn, commander of the 2nd Brigade of the 25th Infantry Division, cautioned that the ISV should be viewed not as a combat vehicle but as a mobility platform. He noted that units should incorporate infantry operation plans into their strategies rather than focusing too much on their vehicles.
The Necessity of Concealment in the Electromagnetic Spectrum
Leaders of all IBCTs transitioning to MBCTs highlighted a critical tactic for the effectiveness of the new units: maintaining strict stealth in the electromagnetic spectrum. The colonels advised new leaders to master waveforms and communication plans in order to succeed while commanding brigades.
Colonel Lamborn emphasized the importance of environmental factors, stating, “Camouflage yourself according to the terrain you are in.” For example, while it is easier to hide among dense signals in urban areas, conducting operations in rural areas like Luzon in the Philippines required turning off many devices to avoid detection. This demonstrates that MBCTs must develop not only their physical capabilities but also their tactical adaptability in the digital and electromagnetic domains.
