Task Force Marne Soldiers Enhance Drone Skills in Estonia’s Training Program

U.S. Army soldiers from the 3rd Battalion, 27th Field Artillery Regiment, 18th Field Artillery Brigade, and 18th Airborne Corps recently carried out a comprehensive counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) training exercise near Camp Tapa, Estonia on February 10, 2024. The soldiers, operating under the support of the 3rd Infantry Division, engaged in an essential training session aimed at enhancing their proficiency in combating unmanned aerial systems (UAS) through the use of effective countermeasures.

The Task Force Marne soldiers participating in this exercise focused on mastering the utilization of anti-drone countermeasures, including an advanced device known as the “dronebuster.” This high-tech tool equips them with the means to neutralize potential threats from unmanned aircraft systems, safeguarding critical installations and personnel against potential harm.

Guided by the overarching objective of the 3rd Infantry Division’s mission in Europe, these dedicated soldiers actively engage in multinational training exercises throughout the continent. Collaborating closely with NATO Allies and regional security partners, they strive to bolster combat readiness within V Corps by deploying combat-credible forces.

Such training exercises are vital in today’s ever-evolving threat landscape, as the proliferation of unmanned aerial systems presents new challenges to military operations. By honing their skills and expertise in countering UAS threats, the soldiers from the 3rd Infantry Division effectively strengthen the collective defense capabilities of NATO forces stationed in Europe.

Estonia, a strategically located Baltic nation, serves as an ideal setting for this C-UAS training due to its geopolitical significance in the region. Recognizing the importance of ensuring regional security, the U.S. Army has developed partnerships with countries in the Baltics, reinforcing mutual defense capabilities and fortifying cooperation between allied forces.

The seamless integration of anti-drone technology represents a crucial aspect of modern warfare, enabling troops to mitigate potential threats posed by UAS operations. Given the increasing use of unmanned aircraft systems in diverse military and civilian contexts, it is imperative for soldiers to develop effective strategies to counter these evolving technologies.

Through rigorous training exercises like the one conducted near Camp Tapa, Estonia, U.S. Army soldiers continually enhance their ability to identify, track, and neutralize unmanned aerial systems. These efforts contribute to the overall readiness of V Corps and empower NATO forces to effectively respond to emerging security challenges.

In conclusion, the recent counter-unmanned aerial system training exercise carried out by U.S. Army soldiers from the 3rd Battalion, 27th Field Artillery Regiment, 18th Field Artillery Brigade, and 18th Airborne Corps near Camp Tapa, Estonia, demonstrates the commitment of the 3rd Infantry Division to multinational training and cooperation with NATO Allies and regional partners. By honing their skills in countering unmanned aerial systems, these soldiers enhance their combat readiness and bolster collective defense capabilities in Europe, ensuring the safety and security of critical assets and personnel.

David Baker

David Baker