US Army Commander Reports Armor Remains Vital in Drone-Heavy Combat Training Against Ukrainian Forces
A US Army commander, Captain Allan W. Watson of Blackhawk Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, has shared insights from a recent combat training exercise in Germany where his troops faced Ukrainian soldiers experienced in drone warfare. The exercise, held at Hohenfels Training Area, pitted Watson's soldiers against the 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment, supported by Ukraine's 412 Regiment, known as 'Nemesis.' The Ukrainian unit brought real combat experience with drones, presenting a significant challenge. Watson noted that persistent drone surveillance exposed their movements and put armored vehicles at risk. However, his soldiers adapted by changing how they used their armored vehicles, hiding Bradleys in terrain, leveraging natural cover, avoiding predictable routes, and considering their visibility to overhead drones. Despite losses of Bradleys and tanks, which Watson considered expected in such high-pressure simulations, he concluded that armor still provides crucial mobility, protection, ... 
