Pathfinder-Supported Solutions Continue Winning Streak
The U.S. Army’s commitment to Soldier-led innovation continues to flourish, this time with another standout performance at Dragon’s Lair XI, the military’s premier innovation competition. Tactical solutions developed through the Pathfinder Program, a joint effort by the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Army Research Laboratory (DEVCOM ARL) and the Civil-Military Innovation Institute (CMI2), have now clinched top honors in five consecutive events: Dragon’s Lair VII through XI.
This remarkable run underscores not only the ingenuity of individual Soldiers, but also the transformative impact of Pathfinder’s structured innovation ecosystem. The program empowers Soldiers to solve real-world tactical problems with access to expert engineering support and rapid prototyping through Design, Innovation, Research, and Technology (DIRT) Labs, supported by DEVCOM ARL and CMI2.
Pathfinder: Empowering Tactical Innovation at the Edge
Aligned with the Army’s Transformation in Contact modernization strategy, the Pathfinder program identifies Soldier-submitted problems, matches them with private and public sector capabilities and accelerates them toward transition and fielding. The program combines the creativity of frontline warfighters with the technical expertise of DEVCOM ARL and CMI2 to develop scalable, field-ready solutions.
Whether it’s rapid-fire mortar deployment or modular drone transport, Pathfinder innovations consistently prove that empowering Soldiers is key to accelerating capability overmatch and battlefield advantage.
“Congratulations to the two winning teams and all of the other participants,” said Zenovy Wowczuk, founder of CMI2. “Soldier-inspired innovation is simple listening to the experts, and our role at CMI2 is to get these concepts transformed into kits for use in the field.”
Dragon’s Lair XI
Pathfinder-supported entries have now dominated five consecutive Dragon’s Lair competitions, introducing solutions spanning AI-enabled targeting, logistics tools, and combat readiness enhancers, each born from real tactical experience and made mission-ready through focused collaboration.
Winning Innovation: 81mm Mortar Quick Emplacement System
By 1LT William Rambin and SFC Jesus Naranjo – 82nd Airborne Division
The winning innovation at Dragon’s Lair XI came from two Soldiers of the 82nd Airborne Division, who identified a critical field need and developed a solution in collaboration with the Airborne Innovation Lab, a Pathfinder DIRT Lab at Fort Bragg.
The 81mm Mortar Quick Emplacement Mount is a custom-designed system that enables secure storage and rapid deployment of the mortar from the Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV), replacing the improvised methods often used in fast-paced, austere environments.
Key benefits of the system include:
- Increased crew safety
- Faster response times for indirect fire support
- Enhanced mission agility without sacrificing lethality
By stabilizing the weapon during movement and compressing set-up time, the mount empowers airborne infantry units to remain mobile and combat-ready under pressure.
Runner-Up: Modular Drone Case
By SGT Talen Valerio and SPC Alexander Soto – 82nd Airborne Division
Also from the 82nd Airborne and developed in collaboration with the Airborne Innovation Lab, the Modular Drone Case claimed runner-up honors with a versatile, field-adapted solution for small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS).
Designed with modular, customizable inserts, the case supports multiple drone platforms and allows rapid deployment on foot, in vehicles, or during airborne operations. Its MOLLE-compatible, lightweight build optimizes for maximum payload efficiency and field mobility.
This innovation enables:
- Multi-platform drone carriage in one case
- Airborne deployment capability
- Operational speed and flexibility for dismounted units
Purpose-built by Soldiers for Soldiers, the case strengthens unit readiness and adaptability in modern, tech-enabled warfare.
“Building on the tremendous work accomplished so far, we now begin rapidly developing these technologies and delivering them into Soldiers’ hands to increase the force’s lethality,” Wowczuk said.
About Dragon’s Lair
Inspired by the format of the hit TV show “Shark Tank,” Dragon’s Lair gives Soldiers a platform to pitch their ideas directly to senior Army leaders. Winning entries often receive not only recognition, but rapid support for development, prototyping, and potential implementation.
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