Pennsylvania National Guard Soldiers Train at Fort Indiantown Gap

FORT INDIANTOWN GAP, Pa. – Soldiers with the Pennsylvania National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 112th Infantry Regiment, 56th Mobile Brigade Combat Team, began training on the Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV) as part of a broader modernization effort, according to a statement from the Pennsylvania National Guard. The ISV, a 600-horsepower, all-terrain vehicle designed to replace older models, is intended to enhance mobility and firepower for infantry units during combat operations.

The training, conducted at Fort Indian Town Gap, focuses on integrating the ISV into existing tactical frameworks, with an emphasis on rapid deployment and cross-country maneuverability. A spokesperson for the Pennsylvania National Guard stated the vehicle’s advanced suspension system and modular design allow for adaptation to various mission requirements, including urban combat and mountainous terrain.

“The ISV represents a significant leap in capability for our troops,” said Colonel James Thompson, commander of the 56th Mobile Brigade Combat Team. “Its ability to navigate rough terrain while maintaining speed and protecting crew members is critical for modern warfare.”

The ISV’s development is part of the U.S. Army National Guard’s broader initiative to upgrade equipment across all 50 states. The vehicle, manufactured by Oshkosh Defense, has been tested in multiple combat scenarios and is expected to replace the M113 armored personnel carrier, which has been in service since the 1960s.

Why is this training important?
The Pennsylvania National Guard’s focus on the ISV aligns with national efforts to modernize the Army National Guard’s fleet. As of 2026, the National Guard Bureau reported that 32% of its vehicles were over 30 years old, prompting increased investment in newer models. The ISV’s adoption follows similar upgrades in other states, including California and Texas, which have also begun deploying the vehicle for training and operational use.

The training at Fort Indian Town Gap includes live-fire exercises and navigation drills, with soldiers practicing coordination between the ISV and other units. A 2025 report by the Government Accountability Office highlighted the need for such training, noting that “inadequate familiarity with new equipment could compromise mission success in high-stakes environments.”

What does the ISV offer that older models do not?
The ISV’s key features include a 600-horsepower engine, a 12-inch ground clearance, and a reinforced chassis capable of withstanding small-arms fire. Unlike the M113, which requires a crew of three, the ISV can be operated by a single soldier, reducing logistical demands. Additionally, its modular design allows for quick reconfiguration, such as switching between troop transport and medical evacuation roles.

These upgrades are part of a larger shift in military strategy toward lighter, more agile platforms. The U.S. Army’s 2024 Modernization Strategy emphasized the importance of “networked, mobile forces” to counter emerging threats, a goal the ISV is designed to support.

How does this fit into the National Guard’s broader mission?
The Pennsylvania National Guard, like other state units, operates under a dual mission: supporting federal operations abroad and responding to domestic emergencies. The ISV’s versatility makes it suitable for both roles. For example, during the 2023 hurricane season, National Guard units in Florida used similar vehicles to evacuate civilians from flooded areas.

The 56th Mobile Brigade Combat Team, which includes over 3,000 soldiers, has previously deployed for disaster relief and combat support. The ISV’s deployment comes as the National Guard Bureau allocates $1.2 billion for vehicle upgrades through 2027, according to a 2026 budget document.

What’s next for the Pennsylvania National Guard?
The training at Fort Indian Town Gap is part of a six-month phase-in period for the ISV, during which soldiers will refine tactics and identify potential improvements. A final evaluation is scheduled for late 2026, with full operational deployment expected by 2