Army Adopts Stealth Tactics to Protect Modern Command Posts from Advanced Detection Technologies

The U.S. Army is shifting its approach to command post operations in an effort to stay ahead of advanced detection technologies used by adversaries. At the Piñon Canyon Maneuver Site in southeastern Colorado, soldiers are experimenting with new tactics and equipment designed to make their command centers nearly invisible to modern surveillance systems. This includes using smaller, more mobile command posts that can be quickly relocated, reducing the risk of being detected by drones or sophisticated sensors.

Major General Patrick Ellis, commander of the 4th Infantry Division, emphasized the vulnerability of traditional large-scale command posts with exposed antennas and satellite dishes during past conflicts like the Global War on Terror. These static structures were easy targets for adversaries equipped with advanced detection capabilities. In response to this threat, the Army is now focusing on developing Next Generation Command and Control (NGC2) systems that prioritize mobility and stealth.

The NGC2 initiative aims to provide commanders with a unified suite of interconnected hardware and software tools, enabling faster decision-making in complex combat scenarios. However, alongside these technological advancements, there is an increasing emphasis on the physical architecture of command posts. Soldiers are adopting smaller, more dispersed command centers that can operate effectively without attracting undue attention from enemy surveillance.

During recent exercises at Piñon Canyon, DefenseScoop observed units employing video and text messaging to coordinate across vast distances, reducing reliance on traditional radio communications that could be intercepted or jammed by adversaries. While some sub-units still lack access to these cutting-edge capabilities, the Army is actively testing various trade-offs between security, speed, sustainment, and synchronization to refine its approach.

The Stryker vehicle used by General Ellis exemplifies this shift towards a more agile command structure. The vehicle now integrates commercial-grade screens for combat operations and can connect via Starlink satellite internet, enabling seamless communication across long distances without broadcasting signals that could be detected by enemy sensors. This blend of mobility and advanced connectivity represents the Army's evolving strategy to protect its critical command infrastructure in an era of sophisticated warfare.