Soldiers hone decision-making, operational skills through technology engagement at DIRT Days
The Civil-Military Innovation Institute (CMI2), in collaboration with the 1-109th Infantry Regiment of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard and the U.S. Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) Army Research Laboratory, successfully hosted the third Fiscal Year 2025 iteration of its Driving Innovation in Realistic Training (DIRT) Days program, designated as DD25-03, from 06 to 10 JUNE 2025.
Held at the CMI2 Adaptive Experimentation Facility at Fort Andrew in Lizemores, WV, this dynamic field exercise showcased cutting-edge military technologies through immersive training and experimentation scenarios. The event provided 43 Soldiers with vital exposure to advanced systems aimed at reshaping the future battlefield.
“This exercise is a critical step in our goal to bridge emerging technology and frontline operational needs,” said Brian Gazaway, Lead Planner for DIRT Days. “By integrating Soldier feedback in real-time, we ensure future battlefield technologies are not only innovative but operationally relevant.”
Focus on Future-Facing Technology & Soldier Relevance
Technologies fielded during the DD25-03 exercise were sourced from DEVCOM innovation hubs at the DEVCOM Soldier Center (Boston, MA), Fort Benning (GA), Fort Campbell (KY), and Fort Harrison (MT), as well as public university researchers from the University of Memphis and North Carolina Agriculture and Technical State University, and industry partners SeraStar and Empty Shell. Each solution was tailored to improve:
- Situational awareness on complex, multi-domain battlefields
- Real-time, data-driven decision-making for tactical advantage
- Multi-domain operational effectiveness across diverse combat scenarios
In an environment deliberately designed to mirror austere and contested operational conditions, Soldiers encountered challenges specific to distributed mission command and control.
“As we were out trying to command and control the battlespace and reduce our signature, they [adversary force] had SIGINT sensors all across the battlefield and showed us, very specifically, when and how we made ourselves detectable to the adversary force, which is invaluable,” said LTC David Caudle, Battalion Commander of the 1-109th Infantry Regiment.
Citing the challenges of similar training on a traditional military installation, LTC Caudle noted the benefits of the Fort Andrew facility in rural West Virginia.
“What drew us out here is, a lot of this modernization effort or problem solving that we are trying to do involves new tech, new capabilities, and from a policy perspective, it’s really hard to do something like this type of this training on a traditional military installation,” LTC Caudle said. “What we are doing here helps us solve and understand what we look like to the enemy sensing apparatus. It makes us better.”
Training Beyond Technology: Tactical Readiness in Ropes
As part of the DD25-03 programming, Soldiers also participated in a Basic Ropes Training Course. This element was developed to enhance mobility and confidence in vertical terrain and included instruction in basic knot tying, harness usage, belay techniques, and rappelling under various conditions. This training supports not only physical readiness but also reinforces team cohesion and operational versatility in non-standard environments.
Immersive Experimentation & Impact
Throughout the event by creating real-world conditions and prioritizing immersive experimentation, Soldiers provided critical feedback on prototype systems designed to enhance battlefield readiness and operational effectiveness. Feedback included daily discussions and researcher engagement ensured end-user needs remained at the center of every evaluation, advancing innovation from the ground up.
“The most important element of any DIRT Days events is the Soldier’s perspective,” Gazaway said. “At a DIRT Days, they [Soldiers] give direct, daily feedback to shape how these tools and technology evolve. It’s a core part of what makes DIRT Days special, we’re advancing innovation from the ground up.”
The DIRT Days initiative is a cornerstone of CMI2’s mission to align technological advancement with frontline operational feedback and real-world Soldier needs.
For more information about CMI2, its innovation programs, or future exercises, visit cmi2.org.
Featured Image
Team Effort at DIRT Days DD25-03 – Soldiers from the 1-109th Infantry Regiment, along with partners from CMI2 and DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory, gathered at Fort Andrew in Lizemores, WV, during the DIRT Days DD25-03 event held June 6–10, 2025. The exercise emphasized collaboration and innovation in military training. Photo by Earle Boggs for CMI2.
