Evolving Infantry Tactics: The Role of the Infantry Squad Vehicle

Introduction to the Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV)

The newly developed Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV) represents a significant advancement in mobility for ground troops, capable of navigating a variety of terrains and weather conditions. However, its limitations in battlefield protection necessitate a strategic shift in how the Army employs these vehicles. Specifically, the ISV cannot shield soldiers from surprise attacks, nor can it facilitate cover during engagements.

Tactical Evolution: From Mobility to Maneuver

The Army is adapting its operational strategies around the deployment of reconnaissance units. These units are tasked with scanning the battlefield for potential threats and coordinating with ISV occupants. Upon detection of an enemy presence, soldiers are instructed to dismount and seek immediate cover.

Insights from Leadership

Col. David Lamborn, commander of the 2nd Mobile Brigade Combat Team in the 25th Infantry Division, emphasized the need for soldiers to adjust their tactics as they approach potentially hostile zones. He stated, “As we enter a tactical area, we adapt our movement techniques and dismount.” This approach aligns with lessons learned from past conflicts, particularly in Iraq, where troops in lightly armored Humvees faced significant vulnerabilities without adequate cover.

Historical Context: Lessons from Iraq

Historically, the lack of protection for troops using thin-skinned vehicles led to improvisations, such as adding makeshift armor. This reaction culminated in the development of the Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle, a response to the challenging environments of Iraq.

Col. Lamborn noted that excessive armor results in operational constraints: “We became more targetable and limited our movement options.” The ISV is engineered to overcome these limitations, facilitating greater flexibility and responsiveness in dynamic combat scenarios.

Tactical Employment in Different Environments

In operations within densely forested regions, such as the jungles of the Philippines, maintaining stealth becomes paramount. Troops are advised to use reconnaissance assets to ascertain enemy locations and to dictate engagement tempo.

Ground Combat Strategy

The essence of infantry protection lies not solely in vehicles but also in the soldiers’ ability to conduct effective fieldcraft. Maj. Gen. Jay Bartholomees, commander of the 25th ID, explained the importance of positioning troops in concealed areas, stating, “For jungle fighters, our best protection is to embed ourselves within the environment where we are less detectable.”

Integrating Technology: Reconnaissance and Defense

To enhance situational awareness, units can deploy reconnaissance drones capable of providing real-time intelligence on enemy movements. The Army is currently in search of long-range drone solutions that align with these objectives.

Addressing Emerging Threats: Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS)

Col. Lamborn expressed concern regarding the vulnerability of infantry squads to aerial threats, particularly from drones. The existing counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS) tend to be heavy and primarily designed for fixed-site security, which makes them less effective for mobile brigades.

His vision for effective infantry support includes lightweight systems that utilize electronic warfare techniques to neutralize hostile drones without relying on conventional ammunition. Col. Lamborn underscored the imperative to avoid scenarios where troops are still in the ISV during engagements, advocating for its use strictly as a mobility platform.

Conclusion

The development and deployment of the ISV necessitate a comprehensive reevaluation of infantry tactics in modern warfare. The ability to swiftly adapt to changing battlefield conditions, coupled with advanced reconnaissance and lightweight defensive systems, will be critical in ensuring the effectiveness and survivability of ground troops in varied environments. As the Army continues to refine its strategies, the integration of mobility and adaptability will define future operational success.