Marine Aviation Training Support Group - 21

Fort Bliss and the 1st Armored Division lead the way in Army drone defense readiness by conducting its first advanced Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems training exercise. In response to a newly assessed moderate UAS threat level, the installation trained on detecting, tracking, and neutralizing drones in a multi-agency environment. The exercise featured the use of the Mobile Low, Slow Unmanned Aircraft Integrated Defense System, which includes radar and electromagnetic sensors for real-time surveillance and mitigation. Chief Warrant Officer 2 Nathanial Rodriguez, chief aviation officer for the 1st Armored Division, provides insight into the procedures followed once a drone is detected and neutralized. This training marks a significant step in enhancing C-UAS interoperability, communication and response protocols—setting a new Army standard for protecting personnel, infrastructure and critical resources.