U.S. Army's 56th Stryker Brigade Begins Training with Upgraded Combat Vehicles

Soldiers from the U.S. Army’s 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team (SBCT) have begun hands-on training with newly upgraded Stryker armored vehicles. The first batch of 25 vehicles has arrived at Fort Indiantown Gap, marking the initial phase of a larger delivery of 324 modernized Strykers.

Enhanced Protection and Upgraded Features

The latest Stryker variant features a redesigned double-V hull that significantly enhances blast protection compared to the older flat-bottom models. This improvement increases crew survivability, particularly against roadside bombs and explosive threats. In addition, the upgraded Strykers come with new safety enhancements, improved communications systems, and minor mechanical modifications that require operators and maintainers to adapt to the updated design.

Training Program for Soldiers

The training is structured as a "train-the-trainer" model, where experienced soldiers are trained to become subject matter experts within their units. The program is divided into two specialized streams:

• Driver Training: Focuses on handling the upgraded vehicle and understanding its new safety mechanisms.

• Maintenance Training: Equips soldiers with technical knowledge to repair and sustain the vehicle in the field.

Around 55 soldiers will complete the driving module, while 30 soldiers will undergo maintenance training. The sessions are being led by General Dynamics Land Systems, the manufacturer of the Stryker vehicle.

Soldiers' Experience with the Upgraded Stryker

According to Capt. Matthew McCabe, logistics officer for the 2nd Battalion, 112th Infantry Regiment, the training will enable soldiers to become proficient with the new systems and better prepared for future operations.

“It’s allowing these individuals to go back to their units, be the subject matter experts, and it’s allowing us to get our hands on a piece of equipment that’s more modern than what we had before,” McCabe said.

Sgt. Robert Leamer, vehicle commander with Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 111th Infantry Regiment, noted that while the handling of the new Stryker remains similar to previous models, key design updates—especially in armor protection and safety features—stand out.

“A lot of updates seem to be with the armor, with the new hull,” Leamer said. “They have some safety features, like the emergency shut-off for the fuel, and a couple of comms things, but as far as these Strykers, they seem to roll very similar to the old ones.”

Preparing for Future Operations

This training program is a crucial step in preparing the brigade for full-scale deployment and combat readiness. Capt. McCabe emphasized that the training will set the brigade up for success in fiscal year 2026, once all soldiers return from their current deployments and the upgraded Strykers are fully integrated into their units.

With enhanced protection, better survivability, and an improved training framework, the 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team is gearing up to maximize the effectiveness of these modernized combat vehicles in future missions.