U.S. Army Military Police train with the Javelin Mobile Biometric Collection system at Camp Shellby, Mississippi, on July 21, 2025. The Javelin series of Mobile Biometric Collection are lightweight modular systems for collecting fingerprint, face, iris and voice. (Photo courtesy of 200th MP CMD)
Biometric integration is a critical component for future large-scale mobilization and large-scale combat operations.
by Lt. Col. Paul L. Janker
The strategic importance of biometrics and forensics in future Large-Scale Mobilization Operations and Large-Scale Combat Operations (LSMO/LSCO) cannot be overstated. These technologies are not niche tools reserved for specialized units; they serve as force multipliers across multiple warfighting functions. By directly enhancing capabilities in protection, intelligence, movement and maneuver, fires and sustainment, biometrics provide an operational edge. Traditionally deployed by Component 2 and 3 units at the division, theater or corps level, these capabilities must now be assessed in realistic environments. Under the Army Transformation Initiative, the force is called to embrace a culture of experimentation—unlocking the full potential of these tools to drive operational innovation.
SUPPORTING MANEUVER
Advanced biometric systems presently support rapid enrollment and identification, often delivering accurate enrollment and responses in under 60 seconds. By using software applications on existing hardware devices (such as the Tactical Assault Kit and Nett Warrior), the Army reduces redundant equipment and decreases weight burdens on tactical units. This capability allows platoon- and company-level forces engaged in LSCO the ability to identify high-value targets within one minute of capture, even under the pressures of rapidly shifting battle conditions. Such efficiency not only supports current counterinsurgency operations but also aligns directly with transformation efforts to establish agile, lean and innovative warfighting methods.
ENHANCING FIRES
In today’s dynamic battlespace, precision and timeliness in fire support are essential. Biometrics and forensics generate actionable intelligence to distinguish between combatants and non-combatants—an attribute that minimizes collateral damage while maximizing impact. Current systems push data to the cloud for operator use; however, transformation efforts demand a more integrated approach. By feeding biometric data into a unified command and control network (such as Next Generation Command and Control, or NGC2), combined with emerging artificial intelligence and machine learning applications, commanders can receive real-time situational awareness. This synthesis supports both long-range precision fires and targeted non-kinetic operations, ensuring that every warfighter has an accurate and comprehensive picture of the threat environment within LSCO.
A Soldier practices enrolling a subject on a mobile biometrics collection device. (Photo by Master Sgt. Justin P. Morelli, U.S. Army)
STRENGTHENING INTELLIGENCE
The vast amount of data produced during large-scale operations requires sophisticated analytical tools. Biometrics and forensics serve not only to verify identities but also to sift through noise and pinpoint adversarial networks within the LSCO environment. Collaborations with organizations such as the U.S. Army Reserve Military Intelligence Readiness Command and ongoing experimentation by Product Manager Biometrics (PM Biometrics)—with varied aerial and ground sensors—are laying the groundwork for transformative intelligence operations. This integrated approach eliminates outdated, siloed methods and provides commanders with a strategic, multidomain view that supports faster, more informed decision-making.
BOLSTERING PROTECTION
Force protection remains a top priority, yet it is often evaluated only through simulation or virtual exercises. Biometrics and forensics offer tangible means to control access to vital installations, secure logistical supply lines and monitor sensitive nodes for potential threats within the LSCO environment. Current initiatives involving PM Biometrics and partner commands (including the 200th Military Police Command, U.S. Army Military Police School and the 75th Innovation Command) are leading exercises that demonstrate these capabilities in realistic training environments. These efforts inform the ongoing development of doctrinal and resource adjustments (doctrine, organization, training, materiel, leadership and education, personnel, facilities and policy) that improve readiness and reduce risks to personnel and assets.
Soldier touch points like Panther Strike and Titan Warrior were conducted in 2024. Panther Strike was led by the 300th Military Intelligence Brigade at Camp Williams, Utah, and Titan Warrior was conducted by the 200th Military Police Command at Camp Shelby, Mississippi. The exercises produced positive results with much appreciation for the smaller size and faster speed provided by the new equipment, and suggestions included shortening the training, as operation of the equipment was intuitive.
U.S. Army Reserve Brig. Gen. Melissa Adamski (left), commanding general of the Military Intelligence Readiness Command, listens as 290th Military Police Brigade commander U.S. Army Reserve Col. Jonathan Bennett (right), explains details of military police / military intelligence integration outside of Camp Bobcat, Aug. 14, 2024 at Camp Shelby, Miss. The 338th Military Intelligence Battalion (Interrogation), Military Intelligence Readiness Command, participated in Titan Warrior 24, a multifunctional military police exercise with a detention operations focus hosted by the 290th Military Police Brigade, 200th Military Police Command. (U.S. Army Reserve photo by Lt. Col. Joshua Frye)
According to Staff Sgt. Jeremy Justice, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 14th Military Police Battalion (HHC, 14 MP BN), who participated in the Panther Strike touch point, the “devices were easy to use and would be easy to teach new Soldiers; they were very straightforward.” Staff Sgt. Taylor Downing, HHC, 14 MP BN, who participated in the Titan Warrior touch point remarked “I love the devices, especially how compact and small they are.” Col. Jonathan Bennett, 200th Military Police Command, who also participated in the Titan Warrior touch point gave an overall assessment that “the Soldiers like the equipment; we’d like to be the first ones to receive them.”
BEYOND THE TACTICAL EDGE
The benefits of biometrics extend well beyond the immediate tactical battlefield. When integrated into broader intelligence, law enforcement and joint operational frameworks, these capabilities can disrupt adversary networks, dismantle criminal enterprises and facilitate the cooperation necessary to maintain global security. By breaking down organizational silos and fostering interagency collaboration, the Army Transformation Initiative envisions a future where biometric data enhances every aspect of warfighting—from the tactical to the strategic level.
U.S. Army Reserve soldiers assigned to both the Military Intelligence Readiness Command and the 290th Military Police Brigade, and international military police partners representing Belgium, Canada, Germany and the Netherlands, pose for a photograph outside of Camp Bobcat, Aug. 14, 2024 at Camp Shelby, Miss. The 338th Military Intelligence Battalion (Interrogation), Military Intelligence Readiness Command, participated in Titan Warrior 24, a multifunctional military police exercise with a detention operations focus hosted by the 290th Military Police Brigade, 200th Military Police Command. (U.S. Army Reserve photo by Lt. Col. Joshua Frye)
INVESTING IN THE FUTURE
As adversaries continuously evolve their methods to remain hidden, our forces must be equipped with versatile and adaptive technologies. Investments in cutting-edge biometric and forensic systems—coupled with robust training and agile integration into existing networks—are essential for maintaining superiority on future battlefields. The transformation strategy directs resources to eliminate redundant legacy systems and reallocate funds toward technologies that enable rapid enrollment, secure data integration and swift target identification. These advances not only reinforce operational superiority but also create a leaner, more agile force prepared for emerging threats.
CONCLUSION
Integration of biometrics and forensics in future LSMO and LSCO is a critical component to success on tomorrow’s battlefield. By integrating advanced biometrics with the Army Transformation Initiative, every warfighting function—from maneuver and fires to intelligence and protection—benefits from technological innovation and operational efficiency. This comprehensive approach embodies the renewed vision of a modernized Army: Agile, lethal and capable of sustaining superiority across every domain of warfare. As these capabilities are fully integrated into our operational framework, the Army stands to meet the challenges of the future while enhancing national security at home and abroad.
For more information, go to Project Manager Terrestrial Sensors at peoiews.army.mil/pm-ts.
COL. PAUL L. JANKER leads Project Manager Biometrics located at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. He holds an M.B.A. from the College of William & Mary and a B.S. in international law from the United States Military Academy. He has served in the U.S. Army as an armor officer with multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. He has 11 years of experience in Army acquisition and is DAWIA Certified Advanced in program management and Practitioner in test and evaluation.
