New U.S. military recruits are getting hands-on experience with some of America’s most advanced and feared battlefield weapons, ranging from precision-guided missiles to cutting-edge drone defenses.

Among the systems being tested is the Javelin missile launcher, a shoulder-fired, fire-and-forget weapon renowned for its devastating accuracy against tanks and armored vehicles. The Javelin has earned a global reputation as one of the most effective anti-armor systems ever built.

Recruits also trained with Drone Defender and Dronebuster, specialized electronic warfare tools designed to neutralize hostile unmanned aerial systems by jamming their communication links and GPS signals. These portable counter-drone devices have become increasingly important as drones continue to reshape modern warfare.

Rounding out the training was the Avenger Short-Range Air Defense (SHORAD) platform, a mobile, turret-mounted system capable of engaging aircraft, helicopters, and drones. Mounted on a Humvee, it provides ground forces with a rapid-response air defense shield.

Military officials say exposing new soldiers to these advanced systems early in their careers helps prepare them for the realities of 21st-century combat, where drones, precision strikes, and mobile defenses are essential.

With U.S. forces continuing to modernize, the combination of battle-tested weapons like the Javelin and next-generation drone defenses underscores America’s commitment to staying ahead of evolving threats.