‘A game changer’: New tech helping Fort Hood soldiers stay out of the line of fire
FORT HOOD, Texas (KWTX) -Soldiers at Fort Hood are learning new technology that could take them out of the line of fire on the battlefield.
Soldiers with the 36th Engineer Brigade are getting the chance to try out new technology that allows them to remotely control their breaching machinery.
The casualty expectancy for breaching the line on the battlefield can be as high as 50 percent but that can change with new tech.
“The intent of the operation is to remove all soldiers from the breach,” said Maj. Mike Caddigan, Brigade Operations Officer, 36th Engineer Brigade. “So, our instant will be zero percent casualties, putting these vehicles in the fight instead of using manned vehicles.”
This semi-autonomous breaching process will consist of three different types of vehicles. Drones will be in the sky for intelligence gathering and smoke, MCLC’s or Mine Clearing Line Charge vehicles and, of course, the dozers.
The dozers need to be able to cut a hole enough for tanks and other vehicles carrying personnel to get through it can continue the fight.
“We’re able to operate these machines from a distance,” said Lt. Jake Marr, 36th Engineer Brigade. “Which, limits the negative impact on our soldiers with response to casualties.”
For soldiers like Spc. Marco Carrillo, who operates a dozer manually, learning to do it by remote has been a game changer.
“If I was inside, I wouldn’t be able to get out of dozer while I’m being shot at,” said Spc. Carrillo. “With the R/C kit, now I can be 400-meters away in a safe zone.”
It has taken a year of preparation to get to this point of actually learning to use the new technology.
“We’re learning throughout,” said Maj. Caddigan. “Really we’re striving to really inform the Army on how to reduce and remove soldiers from the point of breach.”
Being able to remotely control dozers and other breaching vehicles makes it safer for the engineers to clear that path for the rest of the team.
Copyright 2025 KWTX. All rights reserved.
