WASHINGTON — Army brigades are struggling to overcome electronic warfare and AI-generated disinformation during wargames at the National Training Center, a large training area in the Mojave Desert. The 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, acting as a full-time Opposing Force, simulates combat conditions, including real radio jamming, to test visiting units.
Visiting units often demonstrate an over-reliance on technology and lack the adaptability to effectively utilize backup systems when their primary networks fail, according to current and former OPFOR officers.
“We are definitely seeing, many times over, an over-reliance on technology,” said Capt. Jake Thomas, who heads the information warfare section of the OPFOR staff.
Despite employing a range of electronic warfare tools, including backpack jammers and systems similar to those used by Russia, the Opposing Force cannot completely disable visiting units’ communications. A new tactical satellite (TACSAT) upgrade for battalion headquarters and above is proving difficult to jam.
Units can often revert to backup communication systems, following a four-layer protocol known as PACE – Primary, Alternative, Contingency, and Emergency – but these backups lack the advanced features troops have become accustomed to. Switching to these systems can slow down decision-making and lead to uncoordinated maneuvers.
“Using their PACE plan … they are able to operate around some of the jamming,” added Capt. Jonathan Maher, former deputy commander for Centaur Squadron, which controls most of OPFOR’s EW assets. “But those communications between the higher and lower echelons capture longer … It ultimately creates a slower reaction that gives us a tactical advantage.”
Former Commander of Centaur Squadron, Capt. Ethan Christensen, noted that a successful strategy for the OPFOR often involves causing visiting units to commit combat power in a fragmented manner.
The Opposing Force is also utilizing artificial intelligence to create disinformation, including deepfake voices of visiting commanders issuing false orders. Col. Kevin Black, who commands the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, stated, “We’ve tested it successfully here. Anything from AI-generated memes to AI-generated operational orders, AI-generated voice manipulation and spoofing.”
Training Shortfalls And Culture Gaps
A challenge lies in the differing expertise between combat arms officers and signals soldiers. Combat arms officers may lack a deep understanding of communication systems, while signals soldiers may not fully grasp how those systems integrate into broader battle plans.
Capt. Thomas, who began his career as an infantryman, acknowledged the learning curve involved in bridging this gap. He has spent seven years with the OPFOR regiment, participating in eight to ten simulated battles annually.
Col. Black emphasized the importance of empowering junior leaders to utilize their PACE plans and make decisions on the spot, even when primary communication systems are compromised. “The number one thing is those junior leaders you’ve entrusted and empowered up front are probably the best I’ve ever seen at jumping through our PACE plan,” he said.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the role of the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment?
The 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment serves as the full-time Opposing Force at the National Training Center, simulating realistic combat scenarios for visiting Army brigades.
What is PACE?
PACE stands for Primary, Alternative, Contingency, and Emergency, and refers to the four layers of communication systems Army doctrine requires units to have in place.
How is the Opposing Force using artificial intelligence?
The Opposing Force is using generative AI to create disinformation, including AI-generated memes, operational orders, and deepfake voices of commanders giving false orders.
As the Army continues to modernize, will units be able to adapt to the evolving challenges of electronic warfare and disinformation, or will over-reliance on technology continue to hinder their effectiveness in simulated combat scenarios?
