US Army's 2nd Cavalry Regiment Soldiers train on MAPS technology at Rose Barracks, Germany, December 13, 2024. (US Army)
The US Army’s 2nd Cavalry Regiment, stationed at Rose Barracks in Germany, is leading the charge in modernizing battlefield navigation and positioning capabilities.
As the Army prepares for the release of the next-generation Mounted Assured Positioning, Navigation, and Timing System (MAPS Gen II) in 2025, these soldiers are training on its predecessor, MAPS I. This effort ensures they stay ahead of adversaries in an increasingly contested and electronic warfare-heavy environment.
For nearly two weeks, from December 2-13, 2024, the regiment conducted intensive hands-on training, refining their skills with MAPS I.
The current system, first fielded in 2019, was part of the service’s modernization strategy to enhance mounted maneuver operations in complex and contested environments.
However, the introduction of MAPS Gen II promises to take these capabilities even further, with improved resistance to jamming, spoofing, and signal disruptions—essential in today’s battlefields.
Why MAPS Matters: The Modern Battlefield Challenge
In modern warfare, positioning and navigation systems are critical to maintaining operational superiority. Global Positioning System (GPS)-dependent technology has long been a core asset for military forces, but with adversaries investing heavily in electronic warfare (EW), US forces face growing challenges.
EW systems used by near-peer competitors can disrupt GPS signals, rendering forces blind and vulnerable.
Enter the Mounted Assured Positioning, Navigation, and Timing System (MAPS). Designed to withstand jamming and spoofing attacks, MAPS integrates anti-jamming technology and anti-spoofing features to ensure uninterrupted GPS data.
The US Army’s 2nd Cavalry Regiment, stationed at Rose Barracks in Germany, is leading the charge in modernizing battlefield navigation and positioning capabilities.
As the Army prepares for the release of the next-generation Mounted Assured Positioning, Navigation, and Timing System (MAPS Gen II) in 2025, these soldiers are training on its predecessor, MAPS I. This effort ensures they stay ahead of adversaries in an increasingly contested and electronic warfare-heavy environment.
For nearly two weeks, from December 2-13, 2024, the regiment conducted intensive hands-on training, refining their skills with MAPS I.
The current system, first fielded in 2019, was part of the service’s modernization strategy to enhance mounted maneuver operations in complex and contested environments.
However, the introduction of MAPS Gen II promises to take these capabilities even further, with improved resistance to jamming, spoofing, and signal disruptions—essential in today’s battlefields.
Why MAPS Matters: The Modern Battlefield Challenge
In modern warfare, positioning and navigation systems are critical to maintaining operational superiority. Global Positioning System (GPS)-dependent technology has long been a core asset for military forces, but with adversaries investing heavily in electronic warfare (EW), US forces face growing challenges.
EW systems used by near-peer competitors can disrupt GPS signals, rendering forces blind and vulnerable.
Enter the Mounted Assured Positioning, Navigation, and Timing System (MAPS). Designed to withstand jamming and spoofing attacks, MAPS integrates anti-jamming technology and anti-spoofing features to ensure uninterrupted GPS data.
This means that, even in contested environments where signals are degraded or manipulated, US forces can confidently determine their position and maneuver with precision.
David Moore, a trainer from the Army’s Project Manager for Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PMPNT), explained its significance in a statement saying that:
“Even in a contested environment, MAPS will continue to project information… so if you drive for another three hours, MAPS is still going to predict exactly where you are.”
For soldiers of the 2nd Cavalry Regiment—the Army’s only permanently stationed Stryker Brigade Combat Team in Europe—this system is more than just an upgrade. It also served as a lifeline in high-stakes scenarios.
Training for Success: Hands-On Experience
The training at Rose Barracks combined classroom instruction, troubleshooting drills, and real-world implementation using MAPS-equipped Stryker vehicles.
These exercises were led by trainers from PMPNT, the Army’s lead developer for positioning and navigation modernization, based at Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland.
Soldiers immersed themselves in the system’s operations, learning to navigate and maintain position accuracy in environments designed to simulate electronic warfare threats.
Specialist Joe Nein, a signal operations support specialist, underscored the value of MAPS:
“The MAPS system is more ‘spoof proof,’ and it gives you GPS. Instead of the enemy being able to mess with your positions and know where you are, it is going to be harder for electronic warfare to identify your position.”
MAPS also transmits position location information (PLI) to higher command, enabling battlefield leaders to make rapid, informed decisions about force movements and resource allocation.
The ability to operate without being compromised by EW attacks provides a critical tactical edge.
Soldiers participate in a training class on MAPS at Rose Barracks, Vilseck, Germany, December 13, 2024. (US Army)
Shaping the Future with MAPS Generation II
While MAPS I is already a game-changer, MAPS Gen II is poised to elevate the Army’s capabilities further.
Slated for release in June 2025, the next-generation system promises even stronger protection against jamming and spoofing, ensuring the Army remains prepared to counter future threats.
This improved system will deliver:
Enhanced anti-jamming technology to block interference.
Advanced anti-spoofing features to eliminate false signals.
Greater accuracy in degraded environments, ensuring uninterrupted navigation.
The current training serves as a crucial feedback loop for developers, as soldiers on the ground provide insights into MAPS’ performance, usability, and limitations. This collaboration ensures that Gen II will be a refined, soldier-ready system capable of outpacing evolving threats.
The 2nd Cavalry Regiment’s role in Europe cannot be overstated.
Stationed at the crossroads of NATO’s eastern flank, these soldiers are regularly deployed to participate in multinational exercises such as Eagle Partner 24 and Defender Europe 24.
These exercises simulate large-scale conflicts and test interoperability among allied forces, preparing units to face adversaries like Russia in any potential scenario.
MAPS ensures that the 2nd Cavalry Regiment can execute precise mounted maneuvers across varied terrains, no matter how contested the electronic battlespace becomes.
With US forces investing heavily in power projection in Europe—including the $10 billion military buildup in Guam and other Pacific regions—systems like MAPS are central to deterring aggression.
Conclusion: Staying Ahead of the Fight
The US Army’s commitment to modernizing navigation systems through MAPS represents a proactive response to today’s and tomorrow’s challenges.
For the 2nd Cavalry Regiment, mastering MAPS I at Rose Barracks is not just about training; it’s about preparing for the realities of modern combat, where electronic warfare and contested environments are the new norm.
With MAPS Gen II on the horizon, these soldiers are ensuring the Army stays ahead of its adversaries, leveraging cutting-edge technology to maintain the upper hand. Their dedication reflects a broader strategic goal: to enable US forces to navigate, maneuver, and fight anywhere in the world—no matter how contested the environment becomes.
As the Army continues to evolve, the 2nd Cavalry Regiment stands at the forefront of this transformation, setting the standard for precision, readiness, and resilience on the modern battlefield.
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