Army Expeditionary Warrior Experiments (AEWE) 2023

The Army Expeditionary Warrior Experiments, commonly referred to as AEWE, serve as the U.S. Army's primary venue for assessing small unit modernization and innovation. In 2023, these experiments reached a critical inflection point, focusing heavily on how emerging technologies and tactical concepts could be integrated into the maneuver force to maintain overmatch against near-peer adversaries.

The Objectives of AEWE 2023

AEWE 2023 was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of cutting-edge technologies within a simulated expeditionary environment. The primary objective was to inform the development of the Army of 2030 and beyond. By conducting live, force-on-force evaluations at Fort Moore (formerly Fort Benning), the Army aimed to stress-test new systems in realistic conditions, allowing soldiers to provide direct feedback on equipment usability, lethality, and sustainability.

Key Technology Focus Areas

The 2023 iteration prioritized several key technological domains essential for modern conflict:

• Unmanned Systems: Integration of small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) and unmanned ground vehicles (UGV) to conduct reconnaissance and provide logistical support without risking human lives.
• Network Modernization: Improving communications resiliency, ensuring that small units can maintain situational awareness in contested electromagnetic environments.
• Lethality and Precision: Testing advanced optics, night vision enhancements, and smart weapon platforms that allow squads to engage targets with greater accuracy and reduced collateral impact.
• Energy and Power: Evaluating portable power solutions to ensure that increasingly digital soldier kits remain operational throughout extended missions.

Human-Machine Teaming

A significant portion of the 2023 experiments was dedicated to "human-machine teaming." The experiments explored how soldiers interact with autonomous agents. This goes beyond simple remote control; it involves AI-enabled platforms that can assist with navigation, casualty evacuation, and data processing. The goal was to determine how much information a squad leader can process before being overwhelmed, and how technology can serve as a "force multiplier" rather than an administrative burden.

The Role of the Soldier

While technology is the vehicle for progress in AEWE, the soldier remains the centerpiece. AEWE 2023 emphasized the "Soldier-Centered Design" philosophy. This approach ensures that technical complexity does not hinder combat performance. Data collected during the 2023 experimentsranging from heart rate monitors to survey responseshelped the Army understand the cognitive load placed on infantry squads when managing multiple technical systems simultaneously.

Looking Ahead: Shaping the Force of 2030

The outcomes from AEWE 2023 have provided the U.S. Army with invaluable data regarding the "how" of future warfare. The findings have informed requirements documents for major modernization efforts, influencing procurement decisions and training doctrines. By examining both successes and failures in the 2023 scenarios, the Army continues to refine its approach to multi-domain operations, ensuring that small units remain agile, connected, and lethal in an increasingly complex global landscape.

In summary, the 2023 Army Expeditionary Warrior Experiments served as a vital laboratory for innovation. Through the rigorous testing of robotics, network systems, and soldier equipment, AEWE helped define the operational requirements necessary to ensure that the U.S. Army remains the worlds preeminent fighting force well into the future.