APRIL 6, 2026 – Guardsmen from the Tennessee National Guard’s 278th Cavalry Regiment became the state’s first licensed drivers on the new Infantry Squad Vehicle during training held at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, March 31-April 2.
Select Soldiers, from across the state, completed the ISV Operator New Equipment Training, hosted by the 101st Airborne Division, and are now ready to take that training back to their units as the 278th begins its transition from an Armored Brigade Combat Team to a Mobile Brigade Combat Team.
“I was thrilled to finally be able to get hands-on with these new vehicles so I can begin teaching my Soldiers about them,” said Staff Sgt. Albert Ziss, Training Non-Commissioned Officer for Lebanon’s 3rd Battalion. “Everyone at my unit has been looking forward to getting and operating these new ISV’s since they were first announced.”
Last May, the 278th learned it would be one of the first National Guard units to transform from an Armored Brigade Combat Team to a Mobile Brigade Combat Team, aligning with the U.S. Army’s new transformation initiatives. MBCTs are lighter, faster, and more lethal than traditional Armored Brigade Combat Teams, as well as more cost-effective, while being able to deploy faster into combat areas or respond to natural disasters.
“For decades, the 278th has been Armored Cavalry and we pride ourselves on being the best at what we do,” said Ziss. “So being one of the first National Guard units to transform into this new, more lethal structure is only fitting and we’re proud to do it.”
The main vehicle used by an MBCT is the Infantry Squad Vehicle which allows infantrymen to move faster with all their equipment, reach more objectives quicker, and makes them more flexible and agile on the battlefield.
“When we heard that we were getting these new ISVs as replacements to our current tactical vehicles, everyone was excited,” said Ziss. “Now, after training with one, I see how incredibly easy they are to use and drive, and how much more versatile they are than our current vehicles. The ISV is so much better than we could’ve hoped for.”
The nine-passenger ISV is built by GM Defense and based on the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 platform. It is versatile, ultra-light, and can easily be air-dropped onto the battlefield or sling-loaded by helicopter.
“One of the many great things about these vehicles is that they are light, easy to work on, and can be configured to perform countless missions required by Soldiers,” said Staff Sgt. Robert Mines, Master Driver for the 101st Airborne Division and course instructor. “Also, 90 percent of the parts required for maintaining the ISV are commercial, off-the-shelf. These vehicles are much easier to maintain and repair than their predecessors.”
Because they are based on an existing Chevrolet truck platform, not only are they easier to maintain, but also easier to learn how to operate.
“It is not very difficult to drive or maintain these vehicles,” said Mines. “They handle, maneuver, and run like a typical truck, so most Soldiers are very comfortable with that already. The dashboard and layout were kept like a traditional civilian car or truck, making it very intuitive to operate.”
Even with similarities to commercial vehicles, the new ISVs are incredibly robust. They can transport 9 Soldiers with full-combat load and equipment, to include all weapon systems and gear, through various, rugged terrain. They are also designed to be modular and configured for the needs of the Soldiers and the types of missions they conduct.
“Staff Sgt. Mines gave all of use detailed training on all of the possible uses and capabilities of the ISVs and how to operate them safely while getting the most benefit from them,” said Ziss. “I thought that one of the most interesting features was the ability to lock a rescue litter into the back to rapidly evacuate a wounded Soldier if needed. I hope I never have to use it, but glad to know it’s there.”
278th units throughout Tennessee have started receiving the new ISVs, and throughout the next few months, will make the transition to the new vehicles. These newly trained drivers will help the unit become a more proficient and lethal force prepared to dominate the battlefield.
“These vehicles are just what we needed, and I look forward to getting them at our Armories,” said Ziss.
Story by Lt. Col. Darrin Haas
Tennessee National Guard Joint Public Affairs Office