Tennessee Guardsmen train on new Infantry Squad vehicles

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Guardsmen from the Tennessee National Guard's 278th Cavalry Regiment became the state's first licensed drivers on the Army's new Infantry Squad Vehicle during training at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, March 31-April 2, marking a key step in the unit's transition to a faster, more deployable force.

The certification comes as the 278th begins converting from an Armored Brigade Combat Team to a Mobile Brigade Combat Team - a shift aligned with the Army's transformation efforts to field lighter, more agile units capable of rapid deployment in combat and domestic response missions.

Select Soldiers from across the state completed Infantry Squad Vehicle Operator New Equipment Training, hosted by the 101st Airborne Division, and will now return to their units to train others.

"I was thrilled to finally be able to get hands-on with these new vehicles so I can begin teaching my Soldiers about them," said Staff Sgt. Albert Ziss, training noncommissioned officer for Lebanon's 3rd Battalion. "Everyone at my unit has been looking forward to getting and operating these new ISVs since they were first announced."

Last May, the 278th learned it would be among the first National Guard units to transition to the Mobile Brigade Combat Team structure. MBCTs are designed to be lighter, faster and more lethal than traditional armored formations, while also being more cost-effective and deployable more quickly.

"For decades, the 278th has been Armored Cavalry and we pride ourselves on being the best at what we do," said Ziss. "So being one of the first National Guard units to transform into this new, more lethal structure is only fitting and we're proud to do it."

The Infantry Squad Vehicle is central to that transformation, enabling infantry Soldiers to move faster with their equipment, reach objectives more quickly and operate with greater flexibility on the battlefield.

"When we heard that we were getting these new ISVs as replacements to our current tactical vehicles, everyone was excited," said Ziss. "Now, after training with one, I see how incredibly easy they are to use and drive, and how much more versatile they are than our current vehicles. The ISV is so much better than we could've hoped for."

The nine-passenger ISV, built by GM Defense and based on the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 platform, is lightweight and designed for rapid deployment, including airdrop and helicopter sling-load operations.

"One of the many great things about these vehicles is that they are light, easy to work on, and can be configured to perform countless missions required by Soldiers," said Staff Sgt. Robert Mines, master driver for the 101st Airborne Division and course instructor. "Also, 90 percent of the parts required for maintaining the ISV are commercial, off-the-shelf. These vehicles are much easier to maintain and repair than their predecessors."

Because the ISV is based on a commercial platform, it is also easier for Soldiers to operate.

"It is not very difficult to drive or maintain these vehicles," said Mines. "They handle, maneuver, and run like a typical truck, so most Soldiers are very comfortable with that already. The dashboard and layout were kept like a traditional civilian car or truck, making it very intuitive to operate."

Despite those similarities, the ISV is built for combat and can transport nine Soldiers with full combat loads across rugged terrain. Its modular design allows units to configure the vehicle for a variety of mission sets.

"Staff Sgt. Mines gave all of us detailed training on all of the possible uses and capabilities of the ISVs and how to operate them safely while getting the most benefit from them," said Ziss. "I thought that one of the most interesting features was the ability to lock a rescue litter into the back to rapidly evacuate a wounded Soldier if needed. I hope I never have to use it, but glad to know it's there."

Units across Tennessee have begun receiving the new vehicles and will continue transitioning in the coming months. The newly certified operators are expected to accelerate fielding and help the 278th build a more agile and lethal force.

"These vehicles are just what we needed, and I look forward to getting them at our armories," said Ziss.

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