INNOVATION

An official website of the United States government

Here's how you know

Official websites use .mil

A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.

Secure .mil websites use HTTPS

A lock () or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Innovation in Europe and Africa

Europe Africa Innovation Videos

Video by Sgt. Erik Thurman

Portrait of a Pyrotechnician

11th Armored Cavalry Regiment

May 16, 2014 | 2:58

Frank Pope, pyrotechnics supervisor at Fort Irwin, Calif., provides realistic special effects for Soldiers preparing to deploy to the war zone, while working in conjunction with Troopers of the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment.

More

Tags

Fort IrwinSoldiers trainingpyrotechnicspyroACRIED11th Armored Cavalry Regimentexplosion

More

Up Next

Marine Week Charlotte MAGTF Demonstration

Marine Week Charlotte MAGTF Demonstration

Marine Week Charlotte MAGTF Demonstration

Marine Week Charlotte MAGTF Demonstration

Decker - AFCBJOY

Decker - AFCBJOY

Portrait of a Pyrotechnician

Portrait of a Pyrotechnician

More Videos

Latest News On Innovation in Europe and Africa

In a world where paratroopers fall from the sky, one platoon is flipping the script. Forget parachutes. This time, they're learning to fly a little differently.

Led by Chief Andrew Topits, a UAS instructor with 1st Squadron, 91st Cavalry Regiment (Airborne) , who’s leading the charge—one rotor at a time—throughout the year at Grafenwoehr Training Area. His mission? To make sure Sky Soldiers across every rank know how to operate Unmanned Aerial Systems, or UAS. Yes, that’s Army-speak for “drones.”

“The experience so far has been fantastic,” said Chief Topits, visibly pleased that his students are flying drones. “This has been our second course. Everyone is coming out here and crushing it thanks to our aptitude assessment that we’re running beforehand—making sure these new operators have the skills necessary to operate these systems.”

Unlike off-the-shelf hobby drones, the paratroopers aren’t simply handed a controller and told to “send it.” Instead, they’re building their own aircraft from the ground up. Wires, soldering, and screws.

“All of these drones, the students have built themselves. They put a lot of care and effort into building them,” Topits explained. “They take pride in their work. They’re not just out here flying them going crazy just to have a good time. They’re out here to get work done.”

That “work” includes everything from reconnaissance to supporting live-fire exercises—essential skills in a modern battlefield where eyes in the sky can mean the difference between success and failure.

Still, seeing paratroopers hunched over circuit boards instead of parachutes is a sight that takes some getting used to. As the Army continues to modernize its formations, initiatives like this ensure that the 173rd Airborne Brigade remains on the cutting edge—proof that even the most seasoned jumpers can learn a few new tricks.

The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army's Contingency Response Force in Europe, providing rapidly deployable

173rd Airborne Brigade Trains Drone Operators at Grafenwoehr

May 14, 2025 | 0:41

In a world where paratroopers fall from the sky, one platoon is flipping the script. Forget parachutes. This time, they're learning to fly a little differently.
Led by Chief Andrew Topits, a UAS instructor with 1st Squadron, 91st Cavalry Regiment (Airborne) , who’s leading the charge—one rotor at a time—throughout the year at Grafenwoehr Training Area. His mission? To make sure Sky Soldiers across every rank know how to operate Unmanned Aerial Systems, or UAS. Yes, that’s Army-speak for “drones.”

U.S Army Sgt. Jacob Fritz, lead manufacturer, 2nd Multi-Domain Effects Battalion, explains his tasks and leadership position in 2MEB's innovation lab, Apr. 2, 2024, on Mainz Kastel TMP Station in Wiesbaden, Hessen, DE. The innovation lab was created to find cost-effective and beneficial ways to revolutionize warfighting with techniques such as 3-D printing and soldering. (U.S. Army video by Sgt. Benjamin Purcey and Sgt. Deziree Keay)

Using innovation to save equipment costs

May 1, 2025 | 0:50

U.S Army Sgt. Jacob Fritz, lead manufacturer, 2nd Multi-Domain Effects Battalion, explains his tasks and leadership position in 2MEB's innovation lab, Apr. 2, 2024, on Mainz Kastel TMP Station in Wiesbaden, Germany. The innovation lab was created to find cost-effective and beneficial ways to revolutionize warfighting with techniques such as 3-D printing and soldering.

U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 3 David Mesa, assigned to 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, discusses unmanned aerial systems drone validation during Combined Resolve 25-02 at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center on Hohenfels Training Area, Hohenfels, Germany, May 5, 2025. Mesa explains the role of UAS enhancing battlefield awareness and supporting multi-domain operations. Combined Resolve is part of the Army’s “Transforming in Contact” initiative, which assesses the effectiveness of electronic warfare and counter-unmanned aerial systems, as well as how force structure changes and current tactics align with emerging technologies. (U.S. Army video by Pfc. Carlos Marquez)

“Tomorrow” by Andrew Potterton is licensed under De Wolfe Music Library. To request a copy of this 5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment’s license please email team@dewolfemusic.com

3ID Drone Validation: CW3 Mesa on Eyes Above the Fight

May 6, 2025 | 1:00

U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 3 David Mesa, 3rd Infantry Division, discusses unmanned aerial systems drone validation during Combined Resolve at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center on Hohenfels Training Area, Germany, May 5, 2025. Combined Resolve is part of the Army’s “Transforming in Contact” initiative, which assesses the effectiveness of electronic warfare and counter-unmanned aerial systems, as well as how force structure changes and current tactics align with emerging technologies.

Related:
More about Combined Resolve

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Aaron Ritzema, commander, 2nd Multi-Domain Effects Battalion, 2n Multi-Domain Taskforce, and Spc. Samantha Zaldivar, an unmanned aerial vehicle operator with the Extended Range Sensing and Effects Company of the 2nd MDEB, begin preparations and training for Arcane Thunder 25 on Mainz Kastel Station, Germany, April 15, 2025. The battalion innovation lab added a virtual drone flight simulation to the established mission command software to streamline the reconnaissance process. (U.S. Army video by Sgt. Kevin Dunnaway)

Wiesbaden Drone Pilot Learns to Fly

May 1, 2025 | 0:52

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Aaron Ritzema, commander, 2nd Multi-Domain Effects Battalion, 2n Multi-Domain Taskforce, and Spc. Samantha Zaldivar, an unmanned aerial vehicle operator with the Extended Range Sensing and Effects Company of the 2nd MDEB, begin preparations and training for Arcane Thunder 25 on Mainz Kastel Station, Germany, April 15, 2025. The battalion innovation lab added a virtual drone flight simulation to the established mission command software to streamline the reconnaissance process.

Col. Joshua Glonek, 3rd Brigade 10th Mountain Division Brigade commander discusses how the U.S. Army's Transforming in Contact initiative is shaping how his unit trains and may influence the future of army training during Combined Resolve 25-1, at Hohenfels Training Area, Feb. 1, 2025. During CbR 25-1, TiC utilizes new technologies and systems designed to enhance its warfighting readiness and ability to respond to crisis or conflict.

Transforming in Contact during Exercise Combined Resolve

Feb. 7, 2025 | 2:43

Col. Joshua Glonek, 3rd Brigade 10th Mountain Division Brigade commander discusses how the U.S. Army's Transforming in Contact initiative is shaping how his unit trains and may influence the future of army training during Combined Resolve 25-1, at Hohenfels Training Area, Feb. 1, 2025. During CbR 25-1, TiC utilizes new technologies and systems designed to enhance its warfighting readiness and ability to respond to crisis or conflict.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Nicholas Chavez, an air traffic control specialist assigned to 3rd Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, describes the features and capabilities of the Amy's new Next Generation Tactical Vehicle-Hybrid prototype during Combined Resolve 25-01 at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center, Hohenfels Training Area, Hohenfels, Germany, Jan. 14, 2025. The Next Generation Tactical Vehicle-Hybrid (NGTV-H) is a diesel-electric light reconnaissance vehicle. During Combined Resolve 25-1, the U.S. Army is implementing its Transforming in Contact initiative, utilizing new technologies and systems designed to enhance its warfighting readiness and ability to respond to crisis or conflict.
(U.S. Army video by Sgt. Chandler Coats)

Next Generation Tactical Vehicle-Hybrid during Combined Resolve

Jan. 22, 2025 | 1:08

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Nicholas Chavez, an air traffic control specialist assigned to 3rd Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, describes the features and capabilities of the Amy's new Next Generation Tactical Vehicle-Hybrid prototype during Combined Resolve 25-01 at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center, Hohenfels Training Area, Hohenfels, Germany, Jan. 14, 2025. The Next Generation Tactical Vehicle-Hybrid (NGTV-H) is a diesel-electric light reconnaissance vehicle. During Combined Resolve 25-1, the U.S. Army is implementing its Transforming in Contact initiative, utilizing new technologies and systems designed to enhance its warfighting readiness and ability to respond to crisis or conflict.

U.S. Army 1st Lt. Francesco La Torre and U.S. Army Warrant Officer Justin Love discuss the 173rd Airborne Brigade's inaugural Innovation Symposium, held March 26-27, 2025 in Vicenza, Italy. The symposium showcased how the 173rd Airborne Brigade is supporting innovation by enabling bottom-up problem-solving to improve warfighter readiness and deploy technology to increase warfighting lethality.

The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army's Contingency Response Force in Europe, providing rapidly deployable forces to the U.S. European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility. Forward deployed across Italy and Germany, the brigade routinely trains alongside NATO allies and partners to build partnerships and strengthen the alliance. (U.S. Army video by Chris House)

173rd Airborne Brigade hosts inaugural Innovation Symposium

April 1, 2025 | 1:00

U.S. Army 1st Lt. Francesco La Torre and U.S. Army Warrant Officer Justin Love discuss the 173rd Airborne Brigade's inaugural Innovation Symposium, held March 26-27, 2025 in Vicenza, Italy. The symposium showcased how the 173rd Airborne Brigade supports innovation by enabling bottom-up problem-solving improving warfighter readiness and deploy technology to increase warfighting lethality.

Soldiers demonstrate counter-drone tech in Germany

Soldiers demonstrate counter-drone tech in Germany

The U.S. Army showcased several sophisticated systems Soldiers operate to detect and respond to unknown, potentially hostile drones during a demonstration at Joint Multinational Training Center in Hohenfels Training Area, Germany, March 25, 2025.

Related:
Full story

Soldiers live fire FPV drones in Germany

Soldiers live fire FPV drones in Germany

Soldiers conducted a live fire of first-person view drones for the first time at the Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Feb. 17-20, 2025. Although drones have been incorporated into training for years, this event combined FPV drones with live munitions in a series of live fire flights, all within range safety standards. The success is a result of collaboration between U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command, 7th Army Training Command, Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine and the 173rd Airborne Brigade.

Related:
Full story

Ssg. Gary E. Bowers, assigned to the 173rd Brigade Support Battalion, 173rd Airborne Brigade, describes the multiple uses of the Flying Basket drone at Gasinci training area, Croatia, Mar. 11, 2025.
The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army's Contingency Response Force in Europe, providing rapidly deployable forces to the United States European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility. Forward deployed across Italy and Germany, the brigade routinely trains alongside NATO allies and partners to build partnerships and strengthen the alliance.
(U.S. Army video by Vincenzo Vitiello)

Drone Training

March 13, 2025 | 1:27

Ssg. Gary E. Bowers, assigned to the 173rd Brigade Support Battalion, 173rd Airborne Brigade, describes the multiple uses of the Flying Basket drone at Gasinci training area, Croatia, Mar. 11, 2025.

U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Christian Lehr and Sgt. 1st Class Tyler Baumgartner, the officer and noncommissioned officer in charge of the Innovation Lab of the 2nd Multi-Domain Effects Battalion, 2nd Multi-Domain Task Force, spearhead technological advancement on Mainz Kastel Station, Germany, April 7, 2025. The innovation lab creates quick solutions to fill gaps in support during military operations. The innovation lab provides real-time, cost-saving solutions to the Army to increase its capabilities. (U.S. Army video edited by Sgt. Kevin Dunnaway with footage and color grading by Sgt Benjamin Purcey)

Wiesbaden Soldiers create solutions in Innovation Lab

April 22, 2025 | 1:00

U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Christian Lehr and Sgt. 1st Class Tyler Baumgartner, the officer and noncommissioned officer in charge of the Innovation Lab of the 2nd Multi-Domain Effects Battalion, 2nd Multi-Domain Task Force, spearhead technological advancement on Mainz Kastel Station, Germany, April 7, 2025. The innovation lab creates quick solutions to fill gaps in support during military operations. The innovation lab provides real-time, cost-saving solutions to the Army to increase its capabilities.

This condensed version of a longer video production features U.S. Army Capt. Ronan Sefton, an intelligence officer assigned to 2nd Cavalry Regiment, explaining the creation of 2CR's drone innovation lab and its transformative capabilities and implications for the future of U.S. Army warfare during an interview at Balli Airfield UAS Facility, Vilseck, Germany, April 7, 2025. 2CR's Small Unmanned Aerial Systems Program involves the design, 3D printing, assembling, and testing of custom-built drones, all done exclusively by 2CR Soldiers. This enables the regiment to rapidly respond to changing battlefield conditions and quickly overcome environmental challenges. (U.S. Army video by Sgt. Chandler Coats)

The full-length version of this video can be found at:

https://www.dvidshub.net/video/958665/army-drone-innovation-lab-represents-new-model-battlefield-adaptation

"Keeping the Dream Alive" by Damon Baxter & Sergei Petrovski and "Blissful" by Glyn M. Owen are licensed under DeWolfe Music Library. To request a copy of the 5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment’s license please email team@dewolfemusic.com.

Army Drone Innovation Lab represents new model for battlefield adaptation

April 14, 2025 | 3:00

U.S. Army Capt. Ronan Sefton, an intelligence officer assigned to 2nd Cavalry Regiment, explaining the creation of 2CR's drone innovation lab and its transformative capabilities and implications for the future of U.S. Army warfare during an interview at Balli Airfield UAS Facility, Vilseck, Germany, April 7, 2025. 2CR's Small Unmanned Aerial Systems Program involves the design, 3D printing, assembling, and testing of custom-built drones, all done exclusively by 2CR Soldiers. This enables the regiment to rapidly respond to changing battlefield conditions and quickly overcome environmental challenges.

Army Specialist Samantha Zaldivar operates a homemade simulator during Chimera Sunrise

CHIMERA SUNRISE PUTS INNOVATION LAB AT THE CENTER OF NEXT-GEN SENSOR-TO-SHOOTER TRAINING

A homemade simulator, a high-altitude balloon, and a new task organization came together last week in Chimera Sunrise, a virtual sensor-to-shooter exercise that pushed the boundaries of multi-domain operations inside the 2nd Multi-Domain Task Force (2MDTF), 56th Artillery Command’s Innovation Lab.

Related:
Full story

In a world where paratroopers fall from the sky, one platoon is flipping the script. Forget parachutes. This time, they're learning to fly a little differently.

Led by Chief Andrew Topits, a UAS instructor with 1st Squadron, 91st Cavalry Regiment (Airborne) , who’s leading the charge—one rotor at a time—throughout the year at Grafenwoehr Training Area. His mission? To make sure Sky Soldiers across every rank know how to operate Unmanned Aerial Systems, or UAS. Yes, that’s Army-speak for “drones.”

“The experience so far has been fantastic,” said Chief Topits, visibly pleased that his students are flying drones. “This has been our second course. Everyone is coming out here and crushing it thanks to our aptitude assessment that we’re running beforehand—making sure these new operators have the skills necessary to operate these systems.”

Unlike off-the-shelf hobby drones, the paratroopers aren’t simply handed a controller and told to “send it.” Instead, they’re building their own aircraft from the ground up. Wires, soldering, and screws.

“All of these drones, the students have built themselves. They put a lot of care and effort into building them,” Topits explained. “They take pride in their work. They’re not just out here flying them going crazy just to have a good time. They’re out here to get work done.”

That “work” includes everything from reconnaissance to supporting live-fire exercises—essential skills in a modern battlefield where eyes in the sky can mean the difference between success and failure.

Still, seeing paratroopers hunched over circuit boards instead of parachutes is a sight that takes some getting used to. As the Army continues to modernize its formations, initiatives like this ensure that the 173rd Airborne Brigade remains on the cutting edge—proof that even the most seasoned jumpers can learn a few new tricks.

The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army's Contingency Response Force in Europe, providing rapidly deployable

173rd Airborne Brigade Trains Drone Operators at Grafenwoehr

U.S Army Sgt. Jacob Fritz, lead manufacturer, 2nd Multi-Domain Effects Battalion, explains his tasks and leadership position in 2MEB's innovation lab, Apr. 2, 2024, on Mainz Kastel TMP Station in Wiesbaden, Hessen, DE. The innovation lab was created to find cost-effective and beneficial ways to revolutionize warfighting with techniques such as 3-D printing and soldering. (U.S. Army video by Sgt. Benjamin Purcey and Sgt. Deziree Keay)

Using innovation to save equipment costs

U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 3 David Mesa, assigned to 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, discusses unmanned aerial systems drone validation during Combined Resolve 25-02 at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center on Hohenfels Training Area, Hohenfels, Germany, May 5, 2025. Mesa explains the role of UAS enhancing battlefield awareness and supporting multi-domain operations. Combined Resolve is part of the Army’s “Transforming in Contact” initiative, which assesses the effectiveness of electronic warfare and counter-unmanned aerial systems, as well as how force structure changes and current tactics align with emerging technologies. (U.S. Army video by Pfc. Carlos Marquez)

“Tomorrow” by Andrew Potterton is licensed under De Wolfe Music Library. To request a copy of this 5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment’s license please email team@dewolfemusic.com

3ID Drone Validation: CW3 Mesa on Eyes Above the Fight

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Aaron Ritzema, commander, 2nd Multi-Domain Effects Battalion, 2n Multi-Domain Taskforce, and Spc. Samantha Zaldivar, an unmanned aerial vehicle operator with the Extended Range Sensing and Effects Company of the 2nd MDEB, begin preparations and training for Arcane Thunder 25 on Mainz Kastel Station, Germany, April 15, 2025. The battalion innovation lab added a virtual drone flight simulation to the established mission command software to streamline the reconnaissance process. (U.S. Army video by Sgt. Kevin Dunnaway)

Wiesbaden Drone Pilot Learns to Fly

Col. Joshua Glonek, 3rd Brigade 10th Mountain Division Brigade commander discusses how the U.S. Army's Transforming in Contact initiative is shaping how his unit trains and may influence the future of army training during Combined Resolve 25-1, at Hohenfels Training Area, Feb. 1, 2025. During CbR 25-1, TiC utilizes new technologies and systems designed to enhance its warfighting readiness and ability to respond to crisis or conflict.

Transforming in Contact during Exercise Combined Resolve

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Nicholas Chavez, an air traffic control specialist assigned to 3rd Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, describes the features and capabilities of the Amy's new Next Generation Tactical Vehicle-Hybrid prototype during Combined Resolve 25-01 at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center, Hohenfels Training Area, Hohenfels, Germany, Jan. 14, 2025. The Next Generation Tactical Vehicle-Hybrid (NGTV-H) is a diesel-electric light reconnaissance vehicle. During Combined Resolve 25-1, the U.S. Army is implementing its Transforming in Contact initiative, utilizing new technologies and systems designed to enhance its warfighting readiness and ability to respond to crisis or conflict.
(U.S. Army video by Sgt. Chandler Coats)

Next Generation Tactical Vehicle-Hybrid during Combined Resolve

U.S. Army 1st Lt. Francesco La Torre and U.S. Army Warrant Officer Justin Love discuss the 173rd Airborne Brigade's inaugural Innovation Symposium, held March 26-27, 2025 in Vicenza, Italy. The symposium showcased how the 173rd Airborne Brigade is supporting innovation by enabling bottom-up problem-solving to improve warfighter readiness and deploy technology to increase warfighting lethality.

The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army's Contingency Response Force in Europe, providing rapidly deployable forces to the U.S. European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility. Forward deployed across Italy and Germany, the brigade routinely trains alongside NATO allies and partners to build partnerships and strengthen the alliance. (U.S. Army video by Chris House)

173rd Airborne Brigade hosts inaugural Innovation Symposium

Soldiers demonstrate counter-drone tech in Germany

Soldiers demonstrate counter-drone tech in Germany

Soldiers live fire FPV drones in Germany

Soldiers live fire FPV drones in Germany

Ssg. Gary E. Bowers, assigned to the 173rd Brigade Support Battalion, 173rd Airborne Brigade, describes the multiple uses of the Flying Basket drone at Gasinci training area, Croatia, Mar. 11, 2025.
The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army's Contingency Response Force in Europe, providing rapidly deployable forces to the United States European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility. Forward deployed across Italy and Germany, the brigade routinely trains alongside NATO allies and partners to build partnerships and strengthen the alliance.
(U.S. Army video by Vincenzo Vitiello)

U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Christian Lehr and Sgt. 1st Class Tyler Baumgartner, the officer and noncommissioned officer in charge of the Innovation Lab of the 2nd Multi-Domain Effects Battalion, 2nd Multi-Domain Task Force, spearhead technological advancement on Mainz Kastel Station, Germany, April 7, 2025. The innovation lab creates quick solutions to fill gaps in support during military operations. The innovation lab provides real-time, cost-saving solutions to the Army to increase its capabilities. (U.S. Army video edited by Sgt. Kevin Dunnaway with footage and color grading by Sgt Benjamin Purcey)

Wiesbaden Soldiers create solutions in Innovation Lab

This condensed version of a longer video production features U.S. Army Capt. Ronan Sefton, an intelligence officer assigned to 2nd Cavalry Regiment, explaining the creation of 2CR's drone innovation lab and its transformative capabilities and implications for the future of U.S. Army warfare during an interview at Balli Airfield UAS Facility, Vilseck, Germany, April 7, 2025. 2CR's Small Unmanned Aerial Systems Program involves the design, 3D printing, assembling, and testing of custom-built drones, all done exclusively by 2CR Soldiers. This enables the regiment to rapidly respond to changing battlefield conditions and quickly overcome environmental challenges. (U.S. Army video by Sgt. Chandler Coats)

The full-length version of this video can be found at:

https://www.dvidshub.net/video/958665/army-drone-innovation-lab-represents-new-model-battlefield-adaptation

"Keeping the Dream Alive" by Damon Baxter & Sergei Petrovski and "Blissful" by Glyn M. Owen are licensed under DeWolfe Music Library. To request a copy of the 5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment’s license please email team@dewolfemusic.com.

Army Drone Innovation Lab represents new model for battlefield adaptation

Army Specialist Samantha Zaldivar operates a homemade simulator during Chimera Sunrise

CHIMERA SUNRISE PUTS INNOVATION LAB AT THE CENTER OF NEXT-GEN SENSOR-TO-SHOOTER TRAINING

More