Fort Carson hosts Ivy Mass 2024: largest joint task force training

(FT. CARSON, Colo.) — On Monday, Fort Carson held a large-scale training exercise that integrated air, ground, cyber, and space-based systems called Ivy Mass.

There were 31 different Department of Defense organizations who took part in the convergence of forces, all demonstrating how the Ivy Division uses converging effects to win on today’s modern battlefield.

Major General David S. Doyle, the Commanding General for the 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson said it is crucial training; especially as threats continue to develop overseas.

“So this is one of those things where we synchronize and consolidate all the things that the United States military has to be able to fight and win,” he said. “So, by training to do this, we’re better prepared to do it when the time comes.”

This Ivy Mass training marked the largest joint task force training using all military branches in Fort Carson’s history.

Spectators from the Pentagon and contractors from army defense companies were also on-site to look for ways to improve military tech. But also, to view the Army’s latest acquisition; an M7A4 Bradley vehicle. It features a tethered drone that can knock out radio signals, pinpoint flight durations, and serve as a target locator.

“We have to be prepared to fight any adversary… Some of those have capabilities that are very similar to ours, whether it’s tanks, or aircraft, or electronic capabilities, or cyber capabilities,” Maj. Gen. Doyle explained. “So, if we’re not prepared to deal with all of that, we will not be able to do the job that we need to do. That’s why we focus on bringing all of our combat power to bear.”

Those serving on the front lines say it helps to understand how their network of allies operates on the battlefield.

“We’re not going to go out and win the war alone wherever the battle is,” Cpt. John Sullivan, an Apache Pilot in the Army said. “If I can remain hidden behind a hill and an air force jet can go up and take care of that asset.”

It is not just soldiers who share this sentiment. Marines say they too have a lot to gain from the cross-training.

“We are all part of the same Department of Defense and the ability to work these systems in a peacetime environment and garrison allows us to work out some of the hiccups,” Staff Sgt. Matthew Faley. “We do have and learn from these, develop more robust systems, continue joint communication operations like comes to fighting enemies outside of the States.”

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