Tucker Chase
The US Army’s 173rd Airborne Brigade should field expeditionary three-dimensional (3D) printing capabilities to increase its combat readiness. As the Army’s contingency response force in Europe, the 173rd Airborne Brigade’s ability to innovate and rapidly deploy are crucial for supporting US military operations in Europe, Africa, and Central Command. The Army should equip the brigade with large-scale, deployable metal and plastic printers. Doing so will enable swift tactical solutions and serve as a model for the Army’s modernization efforts in preparation for future conflicts.
Leveraging Initial Success
Though nascent, the Army is prioritizing additive manufacturing in combat in preparation for large-scale conflicts. The Army recognized the benefits of 3D printing with the launch of the Advanced Manufacturing Center of Excellence (AM CoE) in 2019. In 2024, the AM CoE built the world’s largest hybrid additive and subtractive apparatus, the Jointless Hull, capable of printing an entire M1 Abrams tank. Additionally, Additive Manufacturing Research estimates the DoD will grow its 3D printing budget from $0.3 billion in 2023 to $1.8 billion by 2032. Lt. Gen. Christopher Mohan, AMC’s acting commander, emphasizes the “growth requirements coming primarily out of units in Europe.”
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