The New York National Guard is currently testing pocket-sized drones that the Army hopes will one day be widespread across its force. These mini unmanned aircraft have already been deployed with units such as the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division, and their compact size allows a single soldier to carry the drone, controller, and batteries as part of their standard combat load. Once in the air, these devices can transmit live video and high-definition still images of the surrounding area.
In 2019, some active-duty units began using these small drones, while Special Forces teams in Afghanistan had them a few years prior. The Army aims to equip all 7,000 squads with these tiny devices soon. According to Lt. Col. Gary Barney, commander of the 27th IBCT’s 2nd Squadron, 101st Cavalry Regiment, these drones can help a team monitor areas that would otherwise be unattainable due to terrain, time, or enemy disposition. Additionally, the drones will limit the possibility of personnel being decisively engaged by the enemy, reducing the chance of direct or indirect fire contact.
New York Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Andy Huang commented on the training, noting that the drones were “small and lightweight, and with how high it can go, you can’t really hear it.” This allows soldiers to gather intelligence without being detected by enemy forces. Although these drones have some limitations, such as short battery life and difficulty maneuvering in windy conditions, soldiers remain optimistic about the future capabilities widespread use will provide them.
Spc. Jeffrey Anicet, a joint fire support specialist with 1st Battalion, 258th Field Artillery Regiment, said that these drones make it easier for observers to target rounds when working with aircraft on guided ordnance, enabling them to precision-drop ordnance along specified coordinates exactly where they want them. As the Army continues to develop and refine this technology, these pocket-sized drones have the potential to significantly enhance situational awareness and support operations in the field.
