US Army Establishes New Drone and Electronic Warfare Command for Pacific Region

The US Army has established a new military formation — the 7th Infantry Division of the Pacific Joint Forces Command.

The new structure has merged the 1st Joint Task Force and the 7th Infantry Division into a single command, according to Task & Purpose.

The new formation is the first of its kind, as it combines traditional ground forces with relatively new units specializing in modern methods of warfare. Specifically, this involves the use of cyber capabilities, electronic warfare, and the large-scale deployment of drones.

The unit comprises approximately 12,000 service members and is headquartered at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. In practice, the formation will operate as a self-sufficient “cover force,” combining missions of reconnaissance, counterintelligence, cyberattacks, and artillery operations.

The new division includes two Stryker brigade combat teams, which will coordinate with long-range artillery. Thanks to the concept of joint operations, the forces plan to deploy unmanned surface vehicles and long-range kamikaze drones.

A large-scale reorganization of Army units is taking place against the backdrop of a general restructuring of the US military presence in the Pacific region. The process includes the redeployment of some units, the reinforcement of the island of Guam, and the delivery of new weapons.

The 1st Joint Task Force itself was established in 2017, after which similar task forces were deployed in Europe.