Fort Carson Hosts Joint Military Training to Improve Space-Aided Battlefield Tactics

On January 31, 2025, at Fort Carson, Colorado, the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command’s (SMDC) 1st Space Brigade, in collaboration with the 4th Infantry Division Combat Aviation Brigade and U.S. Marine Corps Forces Space Command (MARFORSPACE), conducted a pivotal joint air assault and medical evacuation (medevac) training exercise. This operation focused on validating rapid deployment methods for personnel and tactical space systems, ensuring effective close space support in modern combat environments.

As warfare increasingly depends on space-based capabilities, integrating space operations with ground and air forces is critical for enhancing battlefield effectiveness. This exercise demonstrated how Army space Soldiers, aviation units, and joint forces can collaborate to achieve greater tactical flexibility and mission success.

Background & Context

The Role of Space in Modern Warfare

Space operations have become an essential element of military strategy, providing critical support in:

• Satellite Communications (SATCOM) – Enabling secure communication for troops on the battlefield.
• Navigation & Positioning – Supporting precision-guided munitions and troop movements.
• Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) – Monitoring adversary activities and battlefield conditions.
• Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations – Detecting and mitigating enemy interference in communication networks.

The U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command (SMDC) plays a leading role in defending space assets and supporting ground forces with real-time data and surveillance. This joint training exercise underscores the Army’s efforts to integrate space expertise with ground and air units for enhanced battlefield operations.

Why Close Space Support Matters

Traditional warfare has relied heavily on air superiority and ground combat tactics. However, modern conflicts require seamless space integration to:

• Support rapid troop deployment in hostile environments.
• Enhance command and control capabilities through satellite networks.
• Counteract enemy electronic warfare threats by securing communication links.

This exercise at Fort Carson tested these capabilities, ensuring that Army space Soldiers can deploy efficiently in real-world combat situations.

Details of the Training Exercise

Location and Purpose

The joint training operation took place at Fort Carson, Colorado, a key military installation known for advanced combat training and operational readiness exercises. The primary objectives were:

• Deploying Army space Soldiers via air transport.
• Practicing tactical vehicle loading and unloading under combat conditions.
• Executing reconnaissance missions for battlefield assessment.
• Conducting medical evacuation (medevac) drills.

Key Participants and Their Roles

• 18th Space Control Company, 1st Space Battalion – Tasked with deploying space-based assets and supporting ground operations with satellite communication monitoring and interference detection.
• 4th Infantry Division Combat Aviation Brigade – Provided airlift capabilities via CH-47 Chinook helicopters, ensuring quick transport of personnel and equipment.
• MARFORSPACE (U.S. Marine Corps Forces Space Command) – Integrated joint space capabilities into the exercise, enhancing interoperability between different military branches.

Training Operations

1. Air Transport & Deployment

Troops from the 18th Space Control Company were airlifted via CH-47 Chinook helicopters to a designated landing zone. This simulated a real-world rapid deployment scenario where space Soldiers must quickly set up operational space assets in a combat zone.

2. Tactical Vehicle & Space Equipment Deployment

Soldiers practiced loading and unloading a small tactical vehicle and a portable space control system, ensuring they could effectively deploy space-based assets under battlefield conditions.

3. Reconnaissance & Field Operations

Ground teams conducted area reconnaissance, identifying potential threats to satellite communications and securing the battlefield for further operations.

4. Medevac & Casualty Evacuation Training

The exercise also included a medical evacuation (medevac) drill, reinforcing the Army’s commitment to combat casualty care and rapid response in conflict situations.

Command Insights & Strategic Importance

Capt. Daniel McGee, from the 18th Space Control Company, emphasized the importance of this training, stating:

“As a space control company, we are exercising our proficiency to conduct rapid deployment into a theater with our space-enabled assets. This ensures that Army Space can effectively support maneuver forces in close and deep fights.”

This exercise marks a significant step forward in integrating space capabilities with expeditionary forces, demonstrating the Army’s commitment to adapting to modern battlefield demands.

Strategic Importance & Future Implications

Enhancing Operational Readiness

The integration of space and air domains is pivotal for the U.S. Army’s operational readiness. By conducting joint exercises, the Army ensures that its personnel are adept at deploying space-enabled assets swiftly and effectively. This capability is crucial for maintaining a tactical advantage in modern warfare, where rapid response and adaptability are essential.

Integration of Space and Air Forces

Collaborative efforts between space and air units, such as the partnership between the 18th Space Control Company and the 4th Infantry Division Combat Aviation Brigade, exemplify the Army’s commitment to a cohesive operational approach. This integration facilitates seamless communication and coordination, enhancing the effectiveness of missions that rely on both space-based and aerial assets.

Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations

The Army’s focus on electromagnetic spectrum operations underscores the importance of securing and managing the electromagnetic environment. By deploying teams to monitor satellite communications and identify sources of interference, the Army ensures the integrity and reliability of its communication networks, which are vital for command and control during operations.

Future Developments in Military Space Operations

Looking ahead, the Army is poised to expand its space capabilities. The development of an enlisted space operator Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) is a testament to the Army’s commitment to cultivating specialized expertise within its ranks. This initiative aims to enhance the Army’s proficiency in space operations, ensuring that it remains competitive in future conflicts.

Furthermore, the Army’s Space Training Strategy focuses on integrating space capabilities and awareness at all levels of command. By embedding space education into training pipelines, the Army ensures that its personnel are well-versed in the applications and implications of space operations, thereby enhancing overall mission effectiveness.

Conclusion

The recent joint training exercise at Fort Carson highlights the U.S. Army’s dedication to advancing its space and air integration efforts. By refining rapid deployment methods and enhancing close space support, the Army is better equipped to face the challenges of modern warfare. As the strategic importance of space continues to grow, such initiatives ensure that the Army remains at the forefront of military innovation and effectiveness.