Condor Rebirth protects armored units on the modern battlefield

By 1st Lt. Tyler WilliamsApril 5, 2026

FORT HOOD, Texas — The 1st Cavalry Division and industry partners successfully tested integrated sensor and battle tracking systems during Exercise Condor Rebirth at Fort Hood, Texas, March 23-27.

Operation Condor integrates innovation
Chief Warrant Officer 2 Trenton Huntsinger, the air missile integrator for 1st Cavalry Division Artillery, 1st Cavalry Division, demonstrates the Picogrid Unmanned Aircraft System integration system to Col. Nick Dvonch, the 1st cavalry Division Artillery commander, during Condor Rebirth on Fort Hood, Texas, March 24, 2026. Operation Condor Rebirth allowed capability providers to test new equipment, collaborate across teams, and integrate with the 1st Cavalry Division during a field exercise simulating real-world battlefield conditions. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Spc. Julian A. Winston) VIEW ORIGINAL

The systems are designed to provide a unified view of air and ground threats for commanders at all levels.

The exercise, which incorporated Bradley Fighting Vehicles and dismounted infantry, focused on collecting data from distributed sensors integrated into the maneuver formations, feeding that data into AI-supported command post systems that produced a single common operating picture for commanders. This allowed commanders to identify the threat and respond in real time.

Operation Condor integrates innovation
Troopers assigned to the 2nd Squadron, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, observe their objective during Operation Condor Rebirth on Fort Hood, Texas, March 24, 2026. Operation Condor Rebirth allowed capability providers to test new equipment, collaborate across teams, and integrate with the 1st Cavalry Division during a field exercise simulating real-world battlefield conditions. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Spc. Julian A. Winston) VIEW ORIGINAL

"The biggest problem we tend to have is network integration and being able to share that data across echelons. That's what we demonstrated in this exercise," said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Trenton Huntsinger, air missile integrator assigned to 1st Cavalry Division Artillery. "We've taken the opportunity not only to bring sensors and effectors, but also the integration process to make them work."

As part of the Army's broader Transforming in Contact initiative, the 1st Cavalry Division is integrating new technology into its formations to maintain a decisive advantage on the modern battlefield.

Operation Condor integrates innovation
Pfc. Sean Conley, an air defense battle management system operator assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division sets up an acoustic counter unmanned aircraft system sensor system during operation Condor Rebirth on Fort Hood, Texas, March 24, 2026. Operation Condor Rebirth allowed capability providers to test new equipment, collaborate across teams, and integrate with the 1st Cavalry Division during a field exercise simulating real-world battlefield conditions. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Spc. Julian A. Winston) VIEW ORIGINAL

"Our goal is to create a transparent battlefield, where a soldier or commander can get a clear, complete picture of what's happening in real time," said Col. James Leidenberg, III Armored Corps intelligence officer. "This isn't just about technology; it's about giving our troops the confidence to make the best decisions, making them more effective and most importantly, keeping them safer. Ultimately, this effort at Fort Hood is setting a new standard for the entire Army."

This exercise underscores III Corps and the 1st Cavalry Division as leaders within the Army at integrating sensors, networks and effects to defeat UAS threats at echelon.