A New Horizon For Maneuver Support Experimentation: The Final MSPIX and a Vision For The Future

This article details how the 1st Armored Division improved its protection strategy during Warfighter Exercise 25-1. It explains their Converse of Targeting methodology, Protection Working Group adjustments, tiered Protection Prioritization List implementation, enhanced common operating picture development, and rear command post manning restructure to better integrate protection across warfighting functions.

By Major Luke J. Grieder

This article examines the critical integration of the protection warfighting function within modern military operations. It emphasizes synchronized planning, stakeholder integration, training requirements, and institutional knowledge development. The author highlights lessons from recent exercises and conflicts, advocating for comprehensive protection planning across all warfighting functions to ensure mission success in multidomain operations.

By Sergeant First Class Mark D. Moore

This article highlights the need to revitalize and standardize war-gaming in the U.S. Army at the battalion and brigade levels. Captain Aleksandrs V. Schuler advocates for integrating modular, resource-light war-gaming into the military decision-making process (MDMP) and professional military education (PME) to close gaps in course of action (COA) analysis, enhance leader development, and improve readiness for large-scale combat operations.

By Captain Aleksandrs (Aleks) V. Schuler

Lieutenant Colonels Bryan B. Ault and Douglas D. Bazil discuss the challenges of protecting Soldiers and critical assets in modern combat. They explore solutions for force protection, signature management, and integrating the protection warfighting function at the division level.

By Lieutenant Colonel Bryan B. Ault and Lieutenant Colonel Douglas D. Bazil

This article examines the U.S. Army’s protection warfighting function, its role as the connective fabric among other functions, and how risk management principles preserve combat power and enable operational success.

By Lieutenant Colonel Michael Carvelli

The article discusses the Maneuver Support and Protection Integration Experiment (MSPIX) 24, facilitated by the U.S. Army Futures Command to evaluate emerging technologies aimed at addressing protection capability gaps within the Army. During the event held in May 2024, Soldiers tested 13 innovative systems developed by both government labs and private industry, providing valuable feedback for further development.

By Colonel Kenneth J. Frey and Mr. David L. Nobles

The article "Survivability: The Foundation of Protection" by Mr. Douglas M. Loggins emphasizes the importance of survivability in military operations, highlighting its role in enhancing combat effectiveness through tactical measures and individual Soldier proficiency. The piece outlines essential survivability enablers, such as engineering support, camouflage, and CBRN defense, which are critical to preventing detection and mitigating threats.

By Mr. Douglas M. Loggins

This list is an important reference for the professional development of all protection leaders in the Army. Continuous self-development is one of the ways that we can maintain and improve our skills, challenge and refine our beliefs, and reach our full potential in an ever-changing world. These resources will improve our understanding of the protection warfighting function and its role in the diverse myriads of Army missions.

By The Protection Staff

This article examines the role of the 52d BEB CBRN R&S Platoon in KRF-13, highlighting its contributions to CBRN reconnaissance, M1135 NBCRV maintenance, mission-essential training, and cultural immersion in South Korea. It showcases the platoon’s impact on readiness, interoperability, and strategic deterrence in the Indo-Pacific region.

By First Lieutenant Addison S. Sanders

The article examines the broken implementation of Risk Management (RM) in the U.S. Army, highlighting how units fail to properly assess and address risk to force and mission during military decision-making. It proposes solutions through structured risk matrices and proper integration of RM across warfighting functions.

By Major Courtney A. Zimmerman

Protection Analysis discusses the U.S. Army's efforts to analyze and enhance its protection capabilities through a comprehensive, multiyear capability-based assessment (CBA) led by the Maneuver Support Capability Development Integration Directorate (MS-CDID) at Fort Leonard Wood.

By Mrs. Sonia L. Taylor

The EOCOP and Its Place in LSCO discusses the critical role of the Explosive Ordnance Common Operating Picture (EOCOP) in supporting maneuver commanders during large-scale combat operations (LSCO). The EOCOP, implemented by the 71st EOD Group during Warfighter Exercise 23-1, provides a detailed and scalable representation of explosive threats, helping commanders make informed decisions without disrupting operational tempo.

By Captain Stephen M. Hartman

This article discusses the critical need to integrate warfighting and nonwarfighting protection functions into a cohesive construct.

By Mr. Stephen D. Carey Ms. Melissa E. Chadbourne Colonel Barrett K. Parker (Retired)

Major General Christopher G. Beck reflects on the progress made in Protection capabilities over the past year at the Maneuver Support Center of Excellence, emphasizing the collective responsibility of the U.S. Army to safeguard its forces and operational success. He highlights key initiatives such as training updates, the establishment of the Protection TRADOC Proponent Office, and the successful Protection Senior Leader Forum. He also encourages continued collaboration and innovation.

By Major General Christopher G. Beck

Reimagining How We Fight" by Colonel John F. Antal (Retired) discusses the evolving nature of warfare, highlighting key disruptors such as artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and the transparent battlespace that are reshaping military strategy. It examines the implications of these technological advancements and explores the unique challenges of urban conflicts, arguing for a reimagined approach to future warfare.

Reviewed by Colonel Barrett K. Parker (Retired)