Two units under the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) that managed counter-unmanned aerial system (UAS) programs will discontinue operations in a push to transition funds from counterinsurgency activities to large-scale, multidomain combat operations.
The Army plans to terminate the operations of its Rapid Equipping Force (REF) and Asymmetric Warfare Group (AWG) by Sept. 31st, 2021, after 14 years of handling the service branch’s materiel support and operational advisory activities for deployed personnel, the Army News Service reported Friday.
AWG previously managed efforts to integrate commercial technologies into counter-UAS operations, while REF handled the deployment of network communications and wireless video technologies for underground operations.
According to TRADOC officials, REF and AWG heads will work to transition personnel, programs, equipment and operations to other agencies over the next year in line with the reorganization effort.
The Army is continuing efforts to employ “plug and play” technologies for counter-UAS operations under the oversight of the Joint Counter-Small UAS office, according to the report.