2CR trains on Enhanced Electronic Warfare Systems

Photo By Devon Bistarkey | Soldiers with the 2d Cavalry Regiment train on the VMAX and VROD Dismounted Electronic Support/ Attack system at Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, March 13-17, 2017. (U.S. Army Photo)  

GERMANY

03.17.2017

Story by Sgt. Devon Bistarkey 

2d Cavalry Regiment

ROSE BARRACKS, Germany -- The Army’s ability to counter emerging threats across the electromagnetic environment continues to adapt as the Electronic Warfare battlespace evolves.

For the first time, outside of a deployed operational environment, Electronic Warfare systems will be inserted at the tactical level here in Europe.

During new equipment fielding and training, nearly 20 Soldiers with the 2d Cavalry Regiment, along with elements of the 173rd Airborne Brigade, the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, the 7th Army Training Command and Joint Multinational Readiness Center, trained on the VMAX and VROD Dismounted Electronic Support/ Attack system at Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, March 13-17, 2017.

“This capability allows a commander to survey the environment and enhances their ability to understand the electromagnetic spectrum (EMS) in order to increase awareness and protection,” said Staff Sgt. Arquimidez Sanchez, Electronic Warfare, 1st Squadron, 2CR.

Designed as an end-user-device, both systems are suited for dismounted maneuver in a lightweight backpack, but can also be mounted or displayed in place. The capability includes a Graphic User Interface (GUI), or tablet, which manages the system with a user-friendly operating system.

The VMAX capability provides electronic attack effects while the VROD is a specific platform to detect electronic frequencies. The difference between the two systems is the VROD is used specifically to detect and understand activity while the VMAX can search and attack.

As a capability used to control the EMS, an Electronic Attack (EA), for example, can block a receiver in order to disable a radio controlled Improvised Explosive Device (IED) from detonating. In total, the enhanced system functions to detect, disrupt and destroy threats across the spectrum.

“This capability is typically only seen at higher echelons across the Alliance, allowing partners to lean on 2CR for EW operations,” said Chief Warrant Officer 3 Michael Gudmundson, Electronic Warfare technician, 2CR. “For us, what this means is we have the ability to train at a local level on EW and 2CR has enhanced their efficiency with EW operations showing this is a high priority capability.”

This capability provides frequency awareness to improve a commander’s Common Operating Picture. The goal is to build operational experience on the system during future training exercises.

• Date Taken: 03.17.2017
• Date Posted: 03.22.2017 05:26
• Story ID: 227654
• Location: DE