The U.S. Army is embarking on a comprehensive modernization and restructuring process to prevent its armored units from falling into an operational stalemate similar to the situation that caused the front lines to freeze during the Russia-Ukraine War. This transformation is being carried out as part of the Army’s “Transformation in Contact” (TIC) initiative, which involves providing new equipment to Armored Brigade Combat Teams (ABCTs) and testing various operational formations in the field. Aimed at adapting to the changing dynamics of modern warfare, this process seeks to enhance the armored force’s agility and firepower against next-generation threats while preserving its vital importance.
The Importance of Armor and Adapting to New Threats
According to Major General Curtis Taylor, Commander of the 1st Armored Division, the conflicts in Ukraine are forcing a return to fundamental principles such as “Why do we need armor?” Taylor emphasizes the vital role of armored units in providing mobile, protected firepower to penetrate prepared defenses on the battlefield, seize territory, and hold it.
However, to survive in the modern battlefield, armored units must adapt to new domains such as robotic and drone technologies. This adaptation includes company-level detection and strike capabilities through the use of first-person view (FPV) drones operating beneath armored vehicles, layered counter-drone measures, embedded electronic warfare (EW) capabilities, and robotic breach teams. This integration aims to enhance the ability to destroy targets undetected on a battlefield that is becoming increasingly transparent.
Restructuring of Armored Units Under TIC 2.0
TIC 2.0, the second phase of the “Transformation in Contact” (TIC) concept, shifts its focus to Armored Brigade Combat Teams (ABCTs) and division-level assets. Major General Thomas Feltey, commander of the 1st Cavalry Division—which has two brigades participating in this process—shared details of this transformation.
This transformation process is proceeding by transferring experience and lessons learned to successive brigades. First, the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team (2nd ABCT) will test new equipment and formations at the National Training Center (NTC) in California this November. Lessons learned from this rotation will be passed on to the 1st ABCT, which is scheduled to go to the NTC in 2027.
As part of the reorganization, a Multi-Purpose Reconnaissance Company and a Multi-Purpose Company will be combined within each brigade. Feltey also noted that they will form units consisting of two separate mechanized infantry companies, each with a 12- and 14-tank company. These formations aim to provide flexibility in maneuver and firepower.
Revitalizing Maneuver and Firepower
The training is daunting; according to Col. Alexis Perez, commander of the 2nd ABCT, the objective involves fighting three enemy brigades and destroying hundreds of tanks, tracked vehicles, artillery pieces, and 900 unmanned aerial vehicles within 24 to 48 hours. To achieve this large-scale impact, the brigades will have to rely on division-level support elements such as division artillery and the Air Cavalry Brigade.
Lieutenant General Feltey said these moves are intended to reverse the situation—the “loss of our ability to fire and maneuver”—that led to the stalemate seen in Ukraine and during World War I. Officials are developing a “wave-based approach” to conduct fire and maneuvers: the first wave focuses on detection and suppression, followed by initiating final strikes and maneuvering to close in on and destroy the enemy. New tools such as kamikaze drones, one-way attack munitions, and sensors offer critical new avenues for achieving this approach.
Tactical Challenges and Solutions
Modernization efforts also bring new challenges. While the ABCT’s large size provides the advantage of generating a significant amount of electrical power, more vehicles mean a greater burden for maintenance and sustainability. 1. ABCT Commander Colonel Brian Frizzelle emphasized that this situation means maintenance personnel and logisticians must be better trained for their respective roles in combat.
Furthermore, given the transparency of the battlefield, command centers must be scaled down to prevent them from being easily detected and destroyed by the enemy. This means commanders must be prepared to produce hundreds, even thousands, of drones using 3D printers to protect their units. Leaders point to the future conflict environment, stating, “I think we’ll start seeing drone-versus-drone battles before indirect combat.”
Finally, with the proliferation of sensors and data, concerns are emerging about soldiers’ cognitive overload. Officials note that finding ways to reduce this burden is critical and that even removing some of the information a soldier at the tactical level might see on their screen could help. Through its “Transformation in Contact” initiative, the U.S. Army is making a major effort to ensure its armored units adapt to the changing battlefield environment and avoid becoming stagnant in future conflicts.
