Investigating Engineers in Ukraine: Insights Gleaned from a Recent Case Study

Investigating Engineers in Ukraine: Insights Gleaned from a Recent Case Study

U.S. Army's Strategy to Integrate Real-Time Media into Common Operational Picture

The U.S. Army is taking steps to replicate the success of DeepStateMAP, an open-source intelligence cell that integrated real-time media into a common operational picture (COP), in enhancing its own COP. Here's a look at the key strategies the Army is considering:

Steps to Replicate Success

1. Enhance Data Collection and Integration: Engineer reconnaissance teams should be equipped with advanced sensors and devices to collect real-time data on terrain, enemy positions, and infrastructure. Geospatial engineers should leverage tools like Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and geospatial analysis software to process and visualize this data effectively. The data should then be integrated into the COP using standardized protocols to ensure seamless sharing across different units and command levels.
2. Implement Advanced Communication Systems: The U.S. Army should invest in secure, high-bandwidth communication networks that allow for real-time transmission of data from the field to command centers. This would enable timely updates of the COP, ensuring that all units have the most current information.
3. Utilize AI and Analytics: Integrate AI and machine learning algorithms to analyze the data collected by reconnaissance teams and geospatial engineers. These tools can help identify patterns, predict enemy movements, and optimize resource allocation based on real-time intelligence.
4. Training and Collaboration: Provide comprehensive training to all personnel involved in the integration process to ensure they understand how to effectively use real-time data in their operations. Foster collaboration between engineer reconnaissance teams, geospatial engineers, and other units to ensure that all parties are aligned and working towards the same objectives.
5. Continuous Innovation and Adaptation: Regularly review and update systems to incorporate new technologies and methodologies. Encourage feedback from the field to identify areas for improvement and to adapt to changing operational needs.

Role of Engineer Reconnaissance

Engineer reconnaissance teams play a crucial role in providing actionable intelligence for tactical decisions. They conduct thorough analyses of the terrain to identify potential obstacles and routes for military operations, focus on identifying enemy positions and movements, and assess infrastructure integrity and potential targets for disablement or destruction.

Role of Geospatial Engineers

Geospatial engineers are essential for visualizing geospatial data to create maps and models that help in strategizing and executing military operations. They perform advanced geospatial analysis to predict enemy movements and identify strategic locations, and ensure that all geospatial data is integrated into the COP to provide a comprehensive view of the battlefield.

By following these strategies and leveraging the expertise of engineer reconnaissance and geospatial engineers, the U.S. Army can effectively integrate real-time media into its COP, enhancing operational effectiveness and strategic decision-making.

Notable Personnel

Captain Eugeen Yoon, an active duty Army engineer officer, is currently assigned to Charlie Company, 554th Engineer Battalion at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Previously, Captain Yoon was assigned to 1st Brigade Engineer Battalion (Mech) at Fort Riley, Kansas, and completed two rotational tours to EUCOM in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve.

Historical Context

On June 28, 2023, Scripps News published a video report about DeepStateMAP, a Ukrainian open-source intelligence cell that maintains a "war map" of Ukraine. DeepStateMAP's success is due to effective collection, exploitation, and integration of external media into a single common operational picture (COP).

The assistant brigade engineer serves as the primary point of contact to receive any media from the field and request geospatial engineer support in exploiting the data. Information collected by combat engineers can be integrated into the COP through the use of a geospatial information system (GIS). The disconnect between combat engineers and geospatial engineers in the Army can be rectified by establishing a single, consistent engineer element that habitually communicates its findings to the geospatial intelligence cell.

Engineer reconnaissance refines mission parameters and focuses subordinate priorities of work to efficiently apply resources on the battlefield. The US Army Corps of Engineers is responsible for surveying, categorizing, and creating the maps necessary for visualizing the battlefield. The assistant brigade engineer is in the best position to bridge interactions between engineer reconnaissance teams and the geospatial intelligence cell.

A successor to the ENFIRE kit, called the Automated Route Reconnaissance Kit, has been in development since at least 2018, aiming to refine the way the dedicated unit contributes to enhancing the commander's COP. The assistant brigade engineer is also dual-hatted as the designated representative of the brigade engineer battalion, serving as the liaison officer for communicating the interests and employment of engineers to enable maneuver operations. By maintaining a habitual connection with the brigade geospatial intelligence cell and facilitating collaboration between geospatial engineers and geospatial intelligence imagery analysts, the assistant brigade engineer can play a crucial role in ensuring the success of the Army's efforts to integrate real-time media into its COP.

1. To further enhance the Army's defense capabilities, the integration of technology such as data-and-cloud-computing and AI can be utilized for analyzing data collected by engineer reconnaissance teams and geospatial engineers, providing insights on enemy movements and optimizing resource allocation.
2. In addition to traditional roles, military personnel like Captain Eugeen Yoon can leverage their expertise in technology, such as data-and-cloud-computing and AI, to contribute to the analysis and interpretation of large amounts of data, thereby aiding in strategic decision-making.
3. The U.S. Army should also consider the use of technology in military intelligence, such as real-time media integration and data-and-cloud-computing, to strengthen its reconnaissance and geospatial engineering capabilities, thereby improving its overall operational picture and decision-making processes.

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