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Outthinking Adversaries: The Future of Warfare in a Multi-Domain World

December 24th, 2025

Military historians, professionals, and strategists attributed U.S. military victories in World Wars I and II to two basic points:

1) The U.S. possessed deeper industrial capacity to support the war, and

2) As a result of American cultural norms and values, U.S. Soldiers were better prepared to outthink their adversaries.(1)

While these variables’ impact on American success in the World Wars is debatable, the discussion frames a larger, crucial question for the U.S. Army: What should the Army focus on to remain the dominant land force in future wars?

The Army, along with other elements of the U.S. government, continually reflect on this question.(2) Most recently, the Army introduced modernization efforts, including the multidomain operations (MDO) concept and its subsequent doctrine.(3) These efforts emphasize adapting to the evolving nature of war by the integrating information and warfighting capabilities across multiple domains.

Other national capabilities, such as irregular warfare (IW) and counterterrorism (CT) forces, could be used to prevent our adversaries from escalating conflicts from competition to general war. However, if preventative IW and CT measures fail, the U.S. Army prioritizes employing smart Soldiers and synchronizing their military and intelligence actions in time, space, and purpose to generate outsized battlefield effects.

The Army may also leverage historical lessons from its past victories to think about how to address emerging battlefield challenges. Regardless of the solution, adapting to warfare’s evolving complexities and emphasizing the ability to outthink our adversaries is a critical requirement.

The purpose of this article is to advocate for increasing the American Soldier’s ability to outthink the Army’s adversaries within the MDO context, paying special attention to ensuring that Soldiers understand how to integrate technology and multidomain capabilities beyond a pure combat situation. To help illustrate this point, I briefly examine the evolution of Army doctrine from WWI to today.

MDO Definition

In response to the 2018 National Defense Strategy Commission (NDSC) report, military scholars and professionals identified the need for a new Army operating concept to account for how the Army and the joint force would explain fighting and winning against our adversaries in new and contested domains.(4) This call to action helped fuel today’s MDO doctrine, which the Army articulates in its Field Manual (FM) 3-0, Operations.

FM 3-0 defines MDO as “the combined arms employment of joint and Army capabilities to create and exploit relative advantages, defeat enemy forces, and consolidate gains.”(5) MDO is the Army’s approach to address the evolving character of modern warfare by focusing on the integration of its elements of combat power across five domains — land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace.(6) However, the Army went a step further and also incorporated new domains and threats, such as cyber and unmanned air systems, into MDO. Nonetheless, it is important to appreciate that many of MDO’s conceptual elements can be traced back to WWI and WWII.

Evolution of Military Doctrine

WWI and WWII

Military scholars and professionals argue that MDO principles are not new to the Army nor the Department of War.(7) During WWI, the U.S. Army synergistically combined maneuver, fire, and air support, creating a combined arms doctrine that allowed the Army to suppress enemy fire and seize objectives while applying rudimentary, multi-domain principles.(8) The Army’s use of the Curtiss JN-4 “Jenny” for reconnaissance and light bombing illustrates this approach. Initially produced as a training biplane, the Jenny also served in various roles, including reconnaissance and light bombing, and became one of the most iconic American aircraft of the war.(9) Similarly, in WWII, the integration of aerial artillery spotters into the Army’s existing combined arms teams also gradually nudged the Army toward multidomain operations and tactics while demonstrating how U.S. Soldiers are keenly aware of the need to outthink their adversaries.(10)

The Cold War Era AirLand Battle (ALB) Doctrine

During the Cold War, the United States and our allies needed a doctrine that could be utilized to effectively compete against the Soviets’ Red Army and the Warsaw Pact’s massive manpower pool.(11) This led to the creation of the AirLand Battle (ALB) doctrine in the late 1970s and 1980s. ALB aimed to integrate air and land forces to counter a potential Soviet invasion in central Europe, focusing on the synchronization of land and air power to create an overmatch.

ALB doctrine was built on four basic tenets:

(1) Seizing the initiative through proactive engagement with the enemy,

(2) Fighting at depth, striking targets throughout the entire operational area,

(3) Remaining agile to adapt to changing conditions, and

(4) Synchronizing operations across all domains, with all services to find the best solution to emerging militaries problems.(12)

Global War on Terrorism (GWOT): Full-Spectrum Framework (FSO)

While ALB was effective in large-scale operations, the GWOT dictated a different approach to armed conflict, leading to the development of the Army’s full-spectrum operations (FSO) doctrine.(13) FSO aimed to position the Army to thrive in the GWOT’s low-intensity conflicts and so-called small wars. During GWOT, the Army focused on counterinsurgency (COIN), IW, and CT to address the ever-present need to combat insurgents and non-state actors.(14)

This strategy enabled the Army to operate across both large-scale combat operations (LSCO) and small wars. However, the heavy emphasis on COIN, IW, and CT during this period resulted in the Army’s lack of preparedness for large-scale conflicts with near-peer adversaries.(15) Russia’s 2008 invasion of Georgia highlighted this issue, prompting the Army to reevaluate its operational doctrine.

Unified Land Operations (ULO)

In 2011, the Army introduced unified land operations (ULO) to describe how it would seize, retain, and exploit the initiative to gain and maintain a position of relative advantage in sustained land operations. ULO aimed to prevent or deter conflict, prevail in war, and create favorable conditions for conflict resolution. However, ULO did not account for the technological advancements made by strategic rivals like Russia and China, particularly in standoff and anti-access and area-denial (A2/AD) systems.

Unconventional Warfare (UW), IW, and CT operations can fill this gap during competition short of armed conflict. Special Forces (SF) Soldiers and other UW agents can operate in the gray zone to counter the threat of standoff and A2/AD without escalating military operations into war. These small SF units and agents conduct expedient and vital military operations to extinguish small fires to prevent the proverbial forest from catching fire.(16) However, if small conflicts scale into conventional war, special operations forces (SOF) evolve their activities into direct action operations to create favorable conditions for conventional units.(17)

Recognizing the shortcomings of FSO and ULO, the Army developed and adopted MDO to account for A2/AD’s prominence in LSCO.

Multidomain Operations to Address the Emerging Threats

MDO within the Diplomacy, Information, Military, and Economics (DIME) Framework

Prior to being called multidomain operations, MDO was initially called multidomain battle (MDB).(18) However, scholars and military strategists realized the limitation of using “battle” as part of operation concept, leading to replacing battle with “operations” to include other national actions as part of MDO framework.(19) Using battle indicates actions associated with military engagements, while operations include activities outside of military domains.

From the national perspective, MDO is defined as of various national means to deal with other countries.(20) These means include diplomacy, information, military, and economics.(21) DIME outlines the four pillars used in national strategy to achieve foreign policy objectives and address security challenges.(22)

The military domains are land, maritime, air, cyberspace, and space, while the social domains include politics, economics, and information. In total, there are nine “domains” that nation-state competitions could occur: politics, diplomacy, economics, information, cyberspace, space, land operations, maritime forces, and military air forces.(23)

While politics, diplomacy, and economics fall under the executive office and Congress, and information is managed by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, the Department of War can influence the other five domains. During armed conflict, the military is responsible for five domains, making military actions significant factors in winning nation-state competitions. However, civilian leadership can utilize military domains at any time during nation-state competitions, but military actions are often restricted until a conflict threshold is crossed.

In the escalation of the force continuum, wars reside at the end of the continuum, while diplomacy resides on the opposite end, making military underutilized during nation-state competitions that are short of armed conflict.(24) Additionally, it is said that war is a continuation of policy with other means, making it challenging to identify when one activity ends and the other begins.

Blurred Line Between Diplomacy and War

Given that war and diplomacy exist on the same continuum, adversaries continue to blur the line between the two. Recognizing America’s military superiority, rival nations challenge the U.S. in non-military domains using methods short of war. To avoid direct military confrontation, they undermine America’s interests in other domains without crossing the threshold of armed conflict. Consequently, the blurred line between civil and military operations necessitates that military professionals stay informed about developments outside military domains. This awareness enables them to identify opportunities for contributing to nation-state competition, even in situations short of armed conflict.

Competitions Short of Armed Conflicts

Strategist Sun Tzu asserted that the greatest victory is winning a war without having to fight at all.(25) In alignment with Sun Tzu’s thinking, GEN James C. McConville posited, “In competition, our Nation’s goal remains winning without fighting by leveraging all elements of national powers.”(26) Hence, with MDO, the United States should leverage all available assets to deter our adversaries from escalating competition into armed conflict. Accordingly, even in competitions short of war, the military should play a role in deterring adversaries.(27)

For example, recognizing the blurred line between competition and conflict, the Army operationalized theater information advantage detachments (TIADs).(28) TIADs are specialized military units focused on enhancing information operations and optimizing the information environment within a specific operational theater. This capability could be leveraged by civilian authorities outside of armed conflict and employed by combatant commanders during armed conflict.(29) As a result, TIADs close the capability gap that adversaries could exploit during nation-state competition short of armed conflicts.(30) While they enhance the Army’s capabilities in information operations during competition and conflict, the evolving threats posed by an adversary’s A2/AD systems highlight the necessity for a comprehensive MDO framework to effectively counter these challenges.

The A2/AD Problem

Due to the advancement of the adversaries’ A2/AD systems, the MDO framework and capabilities are essential to overcoming these new challenges.(31)These A2/AD systems are newly developed capabilities that aim at preventing or delaying the deployment of the U.S. forces into theater or to isolate our forces from being reinforced. For example, the advancement of A2/AD allows adversaries to use long-range precision strikes and integrated air defense (IAD) systems to create standoff distance and anti-access operations while manipulating electromagnetic spectrum to isolate or disintegrate forces within their respective area of operations.(32) Ultimately, our adversaries aim to undermine U.S. military superiority using those two systems: anti-access to prevent the U.S. from reaching the theater of operations, and area-denial to disorient units when inside theater of operations.

To counter adversaries’ strategy to undermine our military superiority via A2/AD, MDO aims to penetrate and disintegrate such standoff systems to facilitate our freedom of movement in and outside the theater of operation and freedom of maneuver within the battlespace.(33) The creation of multidomain units, such as the Army’s multidomain task force is an modernization effort designed to overcome A2/AD problems by posturing forces inside theater of operations to provide positional advantage.(34) The positioning of these MDO capabilities intends to overcome the A2/AD challenge by increasing multi-national and multi-services human and capabilities convergence.(35) The U.S. Army defines convergence as “the rapid and continuous integration of capabilities in all domains, the electromagnetic spectrum, and the information environment that optimizes effects to overmatch the enemy through cross-domain synergy and multiple forms of attack, all enabled by mission command and disciplined initiative.”(36)

To implement convergence, MDO prioritizes the synchronization of multiple assets to produce a great battlefield impact, also called synergy. Like the integration of land forces with aircraft in previous conflicts, synergy is the simultaneous employment of multiple military assets to produce greater effects on the battlefield and create multiple dilemmas for the enemy. Ultimately, MDO aims to overwhelm adversaries by simultaneously executing multiple actions across multiple domains to create a dilemma for the enemy to create a window of vulnerability to exploit.(37)

Recommendations

Integrating MDO Strategies Beyond the Battlefield

MDO emphasizes synchronization of multiple military efforts to achieve a greater military outcome. This approach should be extrapolated to other national efforts beyond just military actions. For example, during nation-state competitions, the United States should synergistically and continuously employ all nine domains to create continuous dilemmas even during competition short of armed conflicts. An example of this recommendation is demonstrated by what COL Mike Rose, 3rd Multi-Domain Task Force commander, asserted: “The U.S. Army needs to constantly advance and transform to not only combat foes but help ally nations with humanitarian assistance as well.”(38) This mindset demonstrates looking beyond the traditional role of the Army by examining other national and global initiatives.

Integrating Intellectual Growth into MDO Modernization

Future MDO modernization efforts should encompass not just the integration of military capabilities across multiple domains, but also a robust emphasis on Soldiers’ cognitive capabilities to outthink adversaries. The Army should prioritize intellect alongside technological advancement, ensuring that Soldiers are equipped to navigate the complexities of modern warfare. In alignment with this recommendation, GEN Charles Flynn explained, “Weapons are important, but weapons and material are not going to win, organizational change is what is going to drive our solutions.”(39) Organizational initiatives such as recruitment programs, Soldiers’ quality of life projects, and continuous education program are an essential part of getting the right Soldiers into the Army formation and developing them to perform effectively in complex operational environments.

Integrating AI to Future MDO Modernization Efforts

Future MDO efforts should put more emphasis on artificial intelligence (AI) integration to enhance greater situation awareness and responsive decision-making processes. To demonstrate the vital need of this capability, COL Rose explained, “The Tactical Intelligence Targeting Access Node allows us to integrate terrestrial, airborne, stratospheric and space center data to accelerate our abilities to understand the environment.”(40) As the battlefield becomes more complex, technology that could aid in quick and accurate decisions will be invaluable for military leaders. Hence, incorporating AI modernization initiatives now could increase operational advantages in future fights

Conclusion

While material and technological modernization efforts are being prioritized, Soldiers’ ability to outthink adversaries is the determining factor in winning past wars. Therefore, the prioritization of intellect should drive how the Army implements Soldier recruitment, conducts operational training, performs leadership development, and arranges organizational structure.

Like the two factors that determine the outcomes of WWI and WWII, winning future wars will depend on Soldiers’ ability to outthink adversaries and the availability of the U.S. military-industrial complex to support the war. We must enhance the MDO framework by expanding its application beyond military actions to include all nine domains — politics, diplomacy, economics, information, cyberspace, space, land operations, maritime operations, and air operations.

Moreover, this article emphasizes the importance of developing Soldiers’ cognitive capabilities alongside technological advancements, advocating for robust training programs. Finally, the article recommends integrating AI to improve situational awareness and decision-making. These strategies aim to prepare the military to outthink adversaries and maintain superiority in future conflicts.

Notes

1 Martin Van Creveld, The Transformation of War: The Most Radical Reinterpretation of Armed Conflict since Clausewitz (New York: Free Press, 1991); Wiliamson Murray and Allan R. Millett, A War to Be Won: Fighting the Second World War(Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 2000); Martin Blumenson, “Review: The American Way of War,” Armed Forces & Society 2/4 (Summer 1976): 595-599, www.jstor.org/stable/45345986.

2 U.S. Army, “Army of 2030,” Army News Service, 5 October 2022, www.army.mil/article/260799/army_of_2030; “The Future of the Battlefield,” Global Trends, April 2021, www.dni.gov/index.php/gt2040-home/gt2040-deeper-looks/future-of-the-battlefield.

3 U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command Publication 525-3-1, The U.S. Army in Multi-Domain Operations 2028, 6 December 2018, adminpubs.tradoc.army.mil/pamphlets/TP525-3-1.pdf; Field Manual (FM) 3-0, Operations, March 2025, armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/ARN43326-FM_3-0-000-WEB-1.pdf.

4 “Evaluating DoD Strategy: Key Findings of the National Defense Strategy Commission,” Congressional Research Service, 19 March 2019, crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IF/IF11139/2.

5 FM 3-0.

6 Tom McCuin, “Brigades Lead Transforming in Contact Initiative,” Association of the U.S. Army (AUSA), 22 October 2024, www.ausa.org/news/brigades-lead-transforming-contact-initiative.

7 Geir eidell Nedrevage, “What is a Domain? Understanding the Domain Term in Mult Domain Operations,” Forsvaret, 2023, fhs.brage.unit.no/fhs-xmlui/handle/11250/3087369.

8 MAJ Jose L. Liy, “Multi-Domain Battle: A Necessary Adaptation of U.S. Military Doctrine,” (School of Advanced Military Studies, 2018), apps.dtic.mil/sti/pdfs/AD1071121.pdf.

9 Ibid.

10 MAJ Edward Richardson, CPT Bol Jock, SSG Maggie Vega, and Mark Colley, “Testing the Newest Army Long-Range Weapons System: Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon and Mid-Range Capability,” Field Artillery Professional Bulletin 24/2 (2024), www.dvidshub.net/publication/issues/71667/#page=54; William G. Dennis, “U.S. and German Field Artillery in World War II: A Comparison,” The Army Historical Foundation, armyhistory.org/u-s-and-german-field-artillery-in-world-war-ii-a-comparison.

11 FM 100-5, Operations, August 1982, archive.org/details/FM100-5Operations1982.

12 Ibid.

13 COL Grant S. Fawcett, “History of U.S. Army Operating Concepts and Implications for Multi-Domain Operations,” (School of Advanced Military Studies, 2019), apps.dtic.mil/sti/pdfs/AD1083313.pdf.

14 Jared M.Tracy, “From ‘Irregular Warfare’ to Irregular Warfare: History of a Term,” Veritas 19/1 (2023), arsof-history.org/articles/v19n1_history_of_irregular_warfare_page_1.

15 COL Gregory Wilson, “Anatomy of a Successful COIN Operation: OEF-Philippines and the Indirect Approach,” Military Review (November-December 2006), www.armyupress.army.mil/Portals/7/PDF-UA-docs/Wilson-2008-UA.

16 “U.S. Special Operations Forces (SOF): Background and Considerations for Congress,” Congressional Research Service, 4 March 2025, crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/RS/RS21048.

17 Ibid.

18 COL Marco J. Lyons and COL (Retired) David E. Johnson, “People Who Know, Know MDO: Understanding Army Multi-Domain Operations as a Way to Make It Better,” AUSA, November 2022, www.ausa.org/sites/default/files/publications/LWP-151-People-Who-Know-Know-MDO-Understanding-Army-Multi-Domain-Operations-as-a-Way-to-Make-It-Better-28NOV22.

19 Ibid.

20 David S. Alberts, “Multi-Domain Operations (MDO): What’s New, What’s Not? Presentation to 23rd ICCRTS,” November 2018, static1.squarespace.com/static/53bad224e4b013a11d687e40/t/5bf59e2bb8a0458f9489209a/1542823467565/23rd_ICCRTS_presentations_51.

21 Nedrevage, “What is a Domain?”

22 Dr. Harry R. Yarger, Strategic Theory for the 21st Century: The Little Book on Big Strategy (Carlisle Barracks, PA: U.S. Army War College Press, 2006), press.armywarcollege.edu/monographs/723.

23 Nedrevage, “What is a Domain?”

24 Ibid.

25 Sun Tzu, The Art of War, classics.mit.edu/Tzu/artwar.

26 “Army Multi-Domain Transformation: Ready to Win in Competition and Conflict,” Chief of Staff Paper #1, 16 March 2021, api.army.mil/e2/c/downloads/2021/03/23/eeac3d01/20210319-csa-paper-1-signed-print-version.

27 Alberts, “Multi-Domain Operations;” Nedrevage, “What is a Domain?”

28 Mark Pomerleau, “Army Tests New Information Unit in Pacific,” Defense Scoop, 23 August 2023, defensescoop.com/2023/08/23/army-tests-new-information-unit-in-pacific.

29 Ibid.

30 Fawcett, “History of U.S. Army Operating Concepts.”

31 Ibid.

32 Ibid; Lyons and Johnson, “People Who Know, Know MDO.”

33 Ibid.

34 Tristan Lorea, “‘Transformation in Contact’ Changes Army Approach to Combat,” AUSA, 16 October 2024, www.ausa.org/news/transformation-contact-changes-army-approach-combat.

35 Ryan R. Duffy, “Convergence at Corps Level: Bringing It All Together to Win,” (Army Command and General Staff College, April 2020), apps.dtic.mil/sti/citations/AD1158906.

36 Ibid.

37 Ibid.

38 SGT Daniel Lopez, “Multi-Domain Transformation in a Complex World,” 16 October 2024, www.dvidshub.net/news/483285/multi-domain-transformation-complex-world.

39 Ibid.

40 Ibid.

By CPT Bol Jock

CPT Bol Jock, PhD, is a Field Artillery officer with the Fire Support Test Directorate (FSTD) at Fort Sill, OK. In his current role, he is the battery commander for FSTD and the operational test officer for the Army’s newly developed long-range missile systems, the Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon System (LRHW) and Mid-Range Capability (MRC). CPT Jock’s previous position included foreign military advisor to the Royal Saudi Land Forces, brigade fire control officer, battery commander, company fire support officer, and platoon fire direction officer. CPT Jock has a Ph.D. in industrial and organizational psychology. His dissertation examined the correlations between authentic leadership and the workplace motivations of millennial information technology engineers.

This article appears in the Winter 2025-2026 issue of Infantry. Read more articles from the professional bulletin of the U.S. Army Infantry at www.benning.army.mil/Infantry/Magazine or www.lineofdeparture.army.mil/Journals/Infantry.

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“Nuts!” a Christ Story

December 24th, 2025

One of my favorite Christmas tales comes from the Battle of the Bulge.

December 22 1944 – Encircled by German forces at the Battle of the Bulge, the 101st Airborne Division, under acting commander Brigadier General McAuliffe received a message from German General Heinrich Freiherr von Lüttwitz delivered under flag of truce.

To the U.S.A. Commander of the encircled town of Bastogne.

The fortune of war is changing. This time the U.S.A. forces in and near Bastogne have been encircled by strong German armored units. More German armored units have crossed the river Our near Ortheuville, have taken Marche and reached St. Hubert by passing through Hompre-Sibret-Tillet. Libramont is in German hands.

There is only one possibility to save the encircled U.S.A. troops from total annihilation: that is the honorable surrender of the encircled town. In order to think it over a term of two hours will be granted beginning with the presentation of this note.

If this proposal should be rejected one German Artillery Corps and six heavy A. A. Battalions are ready to annihilate the U.S.A. troops in and near Bastogne. The order for firing will be given immediately after this two hours term.

All the serious civilian losses caused by this artillery fire would not correspond with the well-known American humanity.

His response was perfect.

To the German Commander.
NUTS!
The American Commander

Believe it or not, the story gets even better. Upon hearing the reply, the German envoy was confused, not understanding the context.

An American Colonel quickly set the German straight, “If you don’t understand what ‘Nuts’ means, in plain English it is the same as ‘Go to hell.’ And I will tell you something else – if you continue to attack we will kill every goddam German that tries to break into this city.”

Posted in Morale | Comments Off on “Nuts!” a Christ Story

Next-Generation Drone Pilots Face Off at Comp

December 24th, 2025

Army’s newest drone and robotics talent went head-to-head at Victoria Barracks last month in the finals of Rise of the Drones and War of the Machines.

The culmination of months of training, designing and testing at Battle Lab’s MakerSpace sites across the country had finals competitors assembling, configuring, flying and repairing first-person-view (FPV) drones and robotic ground systems.

The event represents a step forward in building Army’s uncrewed systems capability, with 161 new FPV drone pilots and 98 uncrewed ground vehicle operators trained through the MakerSpace program.

Commander Battle Lab Colonel Pete Allan said the competitions played an important role in supporting Army’s future capability needs.

“We’re clearly seeing that robotics and automated systems are reshaping how militaries fight, so activities like Rise of the Drones and War of the Machines are part of how Army rapidly adapts at the forward edge,” Colonel Allan said.

The Battle Lab MakerSpace training model, originally conducted over six weeks, was condensed to four weeks to demonstrate the ability to accelerate capability when required.

‘There are lessons to be learned from Ukraine and the Middle East. Innovating in the FPV space is critical.’

Participants received instruction and mentorship as they progressed from assembly to simulation to live flights. Some completed the initial training in less than three days.

Competitor Captain Jesse Wood, of Headquarters 7th Brigade, said the training was highly relevant to contemporary warfare.

“There are lessons to be learned from Ukraine and the Middle East. Innovating in the FPV space is critical,” Captain Wood said.

“The course stepped us through UAV fundamentals, flight characteristics, basic controls and customising the software and settings. We also spent time in simulation before our first flight.”

Private Dan Leeks, a competitor from the 8th/9th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, said the program armed him with the skills and confidence to employ FPV drones.

“We learned how to solder the boards and motors, program the drones and test-fly them. I started with no experience, but now I’d be confident employing them in my job,” Private Leeks said.

By Captain Andrew Lee, ADF

Posted in Drone, Guest Post, International, Robotics | Comments Off on Next-Generation Drone Pilots Face Off at Comp

AV Delivers JLTV-Mounted LOCUST Laser Weapon Systems to US Army

December 23rd, 2025

ARLINGTON, Va., December 18, 2025 –AeroVironment, Inc. (“AV”) (NASDAQ: AVAV), a leading provider of counter-unmanned aircraft system (C-UAS) technologies, today announced the successful delivery of two Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV)-mounted mobile C-UAS Laser Weapon Systems (LWS) to the U.S. Army as part of the second increment of the Army Multi-Purpose High Energy Laser (AMP-HEL) prototyping effort. These systems were delivered to the Army’s Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO), now integrated into the Portfolio Acquisition Executive Fires, reflecting the Army’s ongoing transformation and acquisition reform efforts.

In September, AV announced delivery of the first increment of AMP-HEL prototype systems–two LOCUST LWS integrated on the General Motors Defense Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV) platform. This second-increment system on the Oshkosh JLTV platform features the same 20kW-class LOCUST LWS with a larger aperture beam director, improving lethality performance.

“AV continues to deliver proven, efficient, modular laser weapon systems that perform and protect in real-world threat environments,” said Mary Clum, President, Space, Cyber & Directed Energy for AV. “Integrated as part of these AMP-HEL systems, LOCUST is a cost-effective, rugged, precise, and scalable solution that is addressing the ever-evolving UAS threats our warfighters are facing on frontlines today. With the technology proven, we remain focused on advancing capabilities while scaling manufacturing to meet the growing demand.”

AV delivered its first LOCUST LWS to RCCTO as part of the Palletized-High Energy Laser (P-HEL) program in 2022. With more than three years of operational deployment outside the United States, these state-of-the-art LWS have demonstrated exceedingly high operational availability rates for prototype systems after first generation lessons learned informed necessary improvements now supporting current technology development efforts. During these deployments, the LOCUST-equipped P-HEL systems, now integrated on AMP-HEL, have performed their designed mission against UAS threats in real world combat.

“Directed energy is no longer a future concept—it is a proven force-protection capability,” said John Garrity, Vice President of AV’S Directed Energy business unit. “Since deployed, LOCUST-equipped P-HEL systems have actively protected warfighters, allies, and critical infrastructure against aerial threats. With LOCUST’s target acquisition, tracking and precision beam control, warfighters have an easy-to-use, reliable, trusted, and proven solution against the very real and evolving threats of modern warfare.”

Designed to be platform-agnostic and rapidly deployable, AV’s directed-energy systems integrate seamlessly with Army command-and-control architectures, providing a critical C-UAS capability that protects Soldiers and assets across a wide range of missions and environments. These systems have been successfully integrated in fixed-site base defense systems and on maneuverable platforms, including the ISV and JLTV, and mounted on the Light Medium Tactical Vehicle for increased mobility.

www.avinc.com

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NSA Strengthens Its Safety Solutions for Frontline Workers with the Addition of Nasco Industries

December 23rd, 2025

NASCO is NSA’s third acquisition this year, bringing the total to 18 acquisitions to date

CLEVELAND / December 18, 2025 / National Safety Apparel (“NSA”), is pleased to announce the acquisition of NASCO Industries, Inc., a U.S.-based manufacturer of premium flame-resistant rainwear and protective outerwear.

This strategic addition marks NSA’s third acquisition in 2025 — reinforcing the company’s commitment to disciplined, long-term growth. In total, NSA has now completed 18 acquisitions, underscoring its position as a leader in the personal protective equipment (PPE) industry.

Founded in 1979 and headquartered in Washington, Indiana, NASCO has built a strong reputation for high-quality protective outerwear solutions designed for workers in demanding environments, including utilities, oil & gas, construction, transportation and industrial sectors. Its product portfolio features flame-resistant rainwear, high-visibility apparel and rugged outerwear engineered to help protect against electric arcs, flash fires, chemical splashes, roadside hazards and harsh weather, depending on the garment, while prioritizing comfort and mobility.

“We are thrilled to welcome NASCO into the NSA family,” said NSA CEO Chuck Grossman. “This partnership strengthens our position in the flame-resistant rainwear market and expands our coverage in the electric utility PPE segment. NASCO’s craftsmanship, reputation for excellence and commitment to innovation align perfectly with our mission to deliver best-in-class safety solutions to frontline workers.”

The integration of NASCO’s flame-resistant rainwear lines will strengthen NSA’s portfolio of safety solutions for electrical, industrial and service sectors. These products will be seamlessly incorporated across the platform, unlocking new opportunities for innovation and delivering enhanced value to customers.

“Joining forces with NSA represents an exciting new chapter for NASCO,” said NASCO CEO Jordan Sherman. “For decades, we’ve focused on building high-performance protective solutions. NSA’s resources, culture and dedication to quality make them an ideal partner to advance that mission and deliver even greater value to the workers who rely on our products.”

“This acquisition caps off a milestone year for NSA,” said Blue Point Partner Jonathan Pressnell. “NASCO’s expertise and complementary product lines strengthen NSA’s market position and create meaningful opportunities for continued innovation and growth. Blue Point is proud to support NSA’s vision and remains committed to providing the resources needed for sustainable expansion.”

NSA is actively seeking additional partnerships with like-minded founders and business owners who specialize in safety products. Business owners interested in learning more may contact Blue Point Managing Director, Business Development Megan Kneipp at mkneipp@bluepointcapital.com.

Posted in Advertiser, Clothing, FR, Industry, Press Release | No Comments »

Safe-Pro USA Appoints 20+ Year Defense and Protective Equipment Industry Leader as VP of Marketing and Sales as it Expands its Ballistics Business

December 23rd, 2025

Ballistics Protection Business Ramps-Up Activity Targeting Law Enforcement and Government Contracts with New High-Performance Products and Marketing Plans

AVENTURA, Fla. – December 19, 2025 – Safe Pro Group Inc. (Nasdaq: SPAI) (“Safe Pro” or the “Company”), a developer of artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled defense and security solutions, today announced that its ballistic protective products unit, Safe-Pro USA (SPUSA), has appointed Michael Wratten as its new Vice President of Marketing and Sales. This appointment is part of broad business development and expansion initiatives currently under way as it responds to the increased domestic need for advanced, high- performance body armor and the demand for explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) protective gear designed to support ongoing international humanitarian demining missions.

Mr. Wratten brings more than two decades of strategic leadership, product innovation, and operational excellence in the defense and protective equipment industry to Safe-Pro USA. He has founded multiple entities focused on protective solutions, driven product strategy and design, negotiated key contracts, and fostered long-term partnerships across military, law enforcement, and commercial markets. His experience includes founding Shellback Tactical, a protective products company serving law enforcement acquired by US Patriot where he served as vice president, as VP of strategy, business, and product development at Chase Tactical and as VP at US Armor. Mr. Wratten has also advised and served as a consultant for strategy and product design at Spartan Armor and at PREVAIL. For 20 years, he also served as an officer with the Los Angeles and West Covina police departments. At Safe-Pro USA, Michael will lead strategic growth initiatives, oversee brand, and market expansion, and apply growth strategies across tactical, ballistic and EOD products lines.

“As we continue our mission to develop innovative ballistic protection solutions than can help our military, law enforcement and public safety personnel meet the ever-evolving threats, Michael’s unique combination of industry leadership, on the street experience and entrepreneurial spirit make him an ideal fit for Safe Pro,” said Dan Erdberg, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Safe Pro Group.

In response to increased customer activity and recent orders for ballistic plates and protective gear, Safe-Pro USA is currently implementing multiple long-term growth initiatives including:

• Expanding its Ballistic Products Portfolio – In response to the latest National Institute of Justice (NIJ) 0101.07 ballistic protection standard, SPUSA submitted five ultra-light and ultra-thin body armor and vest products for testing and certification. Obtaining the NIJ 0101.07 certification for its products will be a key differentiator in the market and will enable Safe-Pro USA to access federal and state contracts as end users in these markets upgrade the ballistic protection gear for their personnel.

• ISO 9001 and Business and Manufacturing Process Improvements – Ahead of anticipated increased production demands, SPUSA is in the final phase of its business and manufacturing process improvement program which includes obtaining a Six Sigma certification and ISO 9001 quality management certification milestones. Collectively, these efforts will enable Safe-Pro USA to meet common requirements in federal and state contracting while improving production efficiency and quality.

• Increased Marketing and New E-Commerce Sales Capability – Building on SPUSA’s over 30 years of experience serving the needs of military and law enforcement customers, in 2026, it will implement a series of marketing and sales activities including online and offline brand-building programs. This effort is designed to increase the awareness and visibility for its high performance, American-made products with potential law enforcement and government customers. Starting in January, SPUSA will be participating in the 2026 Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade ShowSM (SHOT Show®), one of the largest of its kind events for target shooting, hunting, outdoor recreation and law enforcement where it plans to highlight its new NIJ 0101.07-compliant ultra-light and ultra-thin body armor. During 2026, SPUSA also intends to launch a new e-commerce, direct-to-consumer sales channel for select, in- demand products as well as conduct an array of industry-wide product marketing and advertising programs.

Commenting on his appointment, Michael Wratten added, “I am grateful for the opportunity to join the Safe-Pro USA team at time when innovation in American-made ballistic protection is urgently needed. Safe-Pro USA’s long history and proven expertise in the development of advanced armor composites creates a solid foundation for the future and that is why I am so excited to support its further growth into the large defense and law enforcement markets.”

Safe-Pro USA, a HUBZone-certified small business, is a specialist in the manufacturer of ultra-premium bullet and blast resistant protection equipment utilized by domestic and international customers in the military, law enforcement, and humanitarian/peacekeeping markets. It has more than 30 years of combined experience in the U.S. defense industry with a proven expertise and strength in the design, engineering, and manufacture of advanced armor composites. Safe-Pro USA offers a full array of bullet and blast resistant personal protection equipment including complete Explosive Ordnance Disposal Systems, demining aprons and bomb blankets, body armor and ballistic plates. Many of its products are available for purchase by Federal, State and Local government customers and agencies under a Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) contract by the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA).

For more information about Safe Pro Group, its subsidiaries, and technologies, please visit safeprogroup.com and connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and X.

About Safe Pro Group Inc.

Safe Pro Group Inc. (NASDAQ: SPAI) is a mission-driven technology company delivering AI-enabled security and defense solutions. Through cutting-edge platforms like SPOTD, Safe Pro provides advanced situational awareness tools for defense, humanitarian, and homeland security applications globally. It is a leading provider of artificial intelligence (AI) solutions specializing in drone imagery processing, leveraging commercially available “off-the-shelf” drones with its proprietary machine learning and computer vision technology to enable rapid identification of explosives threats, providing a much safer and more efficient alternative to traditional human-based analysis methods. Built on a cloud-based ecosystem and powered by Amazon Web Services (AWS), Safe Pro Group’s scalable platform is targeting multiple markets that include commercial, government, law enforcement and humanitarian sectors where its Safe Pro AI software, Safe-Pro USA protective gear and Airborne Response drone-based services can work in synergy to deliver safety and operational efficiency. For more information on Safe Pro Group Inc., please visit safeprogroup.com.

Posted in Armor, Industry, Press Release, SHOT Show | No Comments »

Badger Ordnance Announces Condition One Charging Handle (C1CH)

December 23rd, 2025

Badger Ordnance (North Kansas City, MO) is pleased to introduce the Condition One Charging Handle (C1CH), the 4th generation from the inventors of the ambidextrous charging handle. The C1CH is a sleek and robust ambidextrous charging handle made for the AR15/M16/M4 family of weapon systems.

Unlike other offerings on the market, our C1CH is machined from 7075 forgings, rather than billet or extrusions, resulting in a significantly stronger charging handle. This is a commitment that we have maintained since we originated the ambidextrous charging handle, because we believe that it is a necessary quality for end-users, despite the additional effort required to manufacture. Large stainless-steel pins hold the ergonomically designed latches, featuring vertical serrations in the front and back, offering a nonslip grip, and are rounded at the ends to reduce snagging. This improvement comes after extensive testing with a manufacturing partner in their rifle testing, along with feedback from users requiring the use of plate carriers and vests in their work.

The C1CH width is a narrow 2.42″ wide, offering enough purchase to easily make ready while not being overly bulky. The rear of the C1CH has heightened fencing to aid in diverting felt gas blowback from the shooter’s face. Finished in a Type III hardcoat anodizing, offered in both black and tan colorways. In 2026 we will be bringing our 7.62 and MCX compatible models to market.

The C1CH is available now directly from Badger Ordnance and from participating dealers.

Posted in Press Release, Weapon Accessories | No Comments »

How Burn Proof Gear Revolutionized Suppressor Safety

December 23rd, 2025

As suppressors have become more common on modern rifles, shooters quickly discovered a serious challenge that came with them: heat. Suppressors reduce noise and visible flash, but they also trap hot gases, causing temperatures to rise extremely fast during sustained fire. In just a short shooting session, a suppressor can become hot enough to burn skin instantly or melt nearby gear such as gloves, slings, packs, or clothing.

Early suppressor covers were often designed as simple accessories rather than true safety equipment. Many failed under real use, melting, slipping, or transferring heat instead of stopping it. Burn Proof Gear was created to solve that problem.

A problem solved by real-world experience

Burn Proof Gear was founded after its creator experienced firsthand the failure of existing suppressor covers. During a range session, a hot suppressor damaged clothing and gear, and a commercially available cover failed almost immediately when exposed to real heat. It became clear that most products on the market were not designed for sustained or hard use.

Rather than improving appearance or comfort, Burn Proof Gear focused on one goal: protecting the shooter from extreme heat. The result was equipment built to perform under demanding conditions, not just light or occasional use.

A smarter approach to heat management

Most early suppressor covers failed because insulation and outer fabric were sewn together, allowing heat to transfer directly through the cover, burning or melting the exterior fabric. Burn Proof Gear solved this by creating the original fully fire-retardant system.

Their design uses a two-layer system. The inner layer is made from braided fiberglass yarns and saturated with high temperature resins that improve the product’s stability and minimize irritating fiberglass dusting during cutting and installation, (stretchable mesh sleeving) designed to withstand extreme heat and create insulating air gaps around the suppressor. The outer shell is constructed from durable, heat-resistant fabrics such as Kevlar® or Nomex®, which protect against abrasion and wear without contacting the hot metal directly.

This layered construction allows the cover to reduce heat transfer effectively while maintaining a slim, secure fit.

Material choices that matter

Every material used by Burn Proof Gear is selected for durability and heat resistance. High-strength, heat-stable thread ensures seams remain intact even after repeated exposure to high temperatures. Fabric selection is equally deliberate, and Burn Proof Gear is transparent about performance differences between finishes.

Solid-color fabrics offer the highest heat resistance, while camouflage patterns, due to their dye processes, are rated for slightly lower temperatures. This allows customers to choose the right product based on how they shoot and how much heat their setup generates.

Extending protection beyond the suppressor

Burn Proof Gear applied the same heat-management principles to other rifle components, including the handguard. As gas systems heat up during firing, rails can quickly become uncomfortable or unsafe to grip. Products like the Rail-Rap provide an insulating layer that protects the shooter’s support hand without adding bulk or interfering with weapon handling.

Made in the USA, built with purpose

Burn Proof Gear designs and manufactures its products in the United States, maintaining direct control over quality and consistency. Producing in-house allows the company to work closely with specialized materials and ensure each product meets its performance standards.

Purpose-built for serious use

Today, Burn Proof Gear is known for equipment designed around safety, durability, and real-world performance. While many products on the market are intended for occasional or recreational use, Burn Proof Gear focuses on solutions for shooters who demand reliability under heat, movement, and sustained firing. Suppressor covers have become a critical node in the supply chain for Special Operations Command (SOCOM) and federal law enforcement.

By treating heat management as a safety issue, not a convenience, Burn Proof Gear has earned its reputation as a trusted name in suppressor and firearm thermal protection.

For more information on our gear or estimates please email sales@burnproofgear.com or visit BurnProofGear.com.

Posted in Guest Post, Suppressors, Weapon Accessories | No Comments »