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1/14th Cavalry Puts Eyes in The Sky
MOSUL, Iraq - A cavalryman completes the five-count sequence and issues the command "launch, launch, launch."
The tactical unmanned aerial vehicle is suddenly airborne moving at 70 knots.
The crewmembers exchange grins, knowing the mission has started off on the right. They also know that when it ends, the information gathered on this mission might save lives.
The UAV, otherwise known as a Shadow, is operated by Fort Lewis-based Troop D, 1st Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team). UAVs continuously provide real-time imagery for the area around Forward Operating Base Fulda.
The soldiers who operate the Shadow understand that the safety and security of Iraq is a critical part of their mission, said Staff Sgt. Ralph Larson, the Shadow platoon sergeant. The Shadows are force multipliers because they monitor areas more efficiently than soldiers scouting the area on foot, he explained.
Video taken from the Shadow shows details like the number of people entering and leaving a building and whether they are carrying weapons, explosive devices or other ordnance, he explained.
"The mission of the Shadow is to provide overhead camera footage wherever the brigade deems a hotspot or for reconnaissance of houses, cities and/or road searches," said Larson.
Overhead footage provided by the Shadow can also identify possible improvised explosive devices. If a possible IED is detected, the unit on the ground in the area is notified before explosive-ordnance-disposal personnel are notified so whoever is in the area can stay clear of it, said Larson.
The area around the suspected IED is secured to prevent anyone traveling in that area from being injured.
"We want EOD to detonate IEDs, not Iraqis," he added. EOD's mission is to dispose of explosive devices.
"We serve a lot of roles out here. I'd like to think we save a lot of lives. Every leader wants UAV support in one way or another," said Larson. "We let them know what our capabilities are and find out what their mission requires so we can cater our abilities to their needs."
The Shadow is monitored and controlled from the forward operating site, usually located within the tactical operations center or tactical air command.
"This gives the commander of the operation we are supporting the ability to dynamically retask the Shadow and better support the units' operational needs," said Larson.
The video and telemetry data received from the Shadow can be transmitted globally via the Trojan Spirit system. Anybody in the world with the ability to access the Trojan Spirit network can view the data, Larson explained.
"The UAV can see fresh [newly placed] IEDs," said Larson. "It can even identify a bottle on the side of the road." During one mission, the Shadow detected a possible IED, but the troops that went to inspect laughed when they found a half-full water bottle, he added.
"I didn't mind them laughing. I was more impressed it was detected and the measures were taken to ensure the safety of the troops passing through," Larson said.
The Shadows patrol a large area. They have identified possible threats to convoys, assisted in finding weapons and provided other information needed to keep the troops on the ground safe, said Larson.
Since the inception of the Shadow, video has secured areas where scouts would have had to go before. The Shadow will continue to play a role in providing real-time video for the brigade to prevent the loss of lives for both Coalition forces and the local Iraqis.
Troop D and the Shadow have been in Iraq since November as a part of Operation Iraqi Freedom supporting Task Force Olympia in operations in northern and western Iraq.
Release #040315d |
