FORT POLK, LOUISIANA — The 3rd Mobile Brigade Combat Team of the 101st Airborne Division used Infantry Squad Vehicles (ISVs) equipped with inverters to power unmanned systems and soldier-borne electronics during a training rotation in April 2026. The training occurred at the Joint Readiness Training Center at Fort Polk, Louisiana.

The unit equipped its Infantry Squad Vehicles with inverters to provide standard 120V power. "Every squad functionally had their own generator without having to tow a trailer, or a generator, behind it," said Col. Ryan Bell, commander of the 3rd Mobile Brigade Combat Team.

"As we field technology, power generation becomes increasingly problematic. The [ Integrated Tactical Network ], all the soldier-borne equipment, all require batteries that have to be recharged. [ Enhanced Night Vision Goggles ] require batteries, particularly to use thermals," Bell said. "As we add drones …the [ Short Range Reconnaissance ], the [ Medium-Range Reconnaissance ], they all have to be charged."

Bell stated that more power is needed, such as hybrid generators that could deliver up to 10 kilowatts. He suggested sizing generators so they can be mounted on the five-seater ISV-Utility variant the Army plans to field. "We are also excited to get the ISV-U, which will give us more utility lift capacity. Having a single, common platform across the formation will simplify our logistics chain. The utility variant will be extremely helpful for mission command and power generation for our command posts."

"As future ISVs are fielded, we need to ensure they are utilized as power generation platforms, particularly for our squads. Our use of the vehicle as a sustainment platform by adding commercial off-the-shelf racks on the back was very helpful," Bell said. He also stated that troops need batteries that carry more charge and last longer to reduce the number of batteries they have to charge and carry.