The link below is a virtual visit to an ICBM launch capsule. Turn on the audio and listen to Emergency Action Messages, “Klaxon! Klaxon! Klaxon!”
www.aerospaceutah.org/virtual-tours/ICBM
Visit an ICBM Launch Facility
May 6th, 2024Texas Tactical Police Officers Association After Action Report
May 5th, 2024ROUND ROCK, Texas – April 28, 2024 – The Texas Tactical Police Officers Association recently held its 40th annual state conference; title sponsored this year by Sons of Liberty Gun Works. The conference was held over five days at the Kalahari Resort in central Texas, with more than 800 officers attending from tactical teams across multiple states. This was a 200-person increase from the previous year.
Wednesday of the conference included a Range Day, sponsored by Staccato. Approximately 45 vendors brought their firearms and tactical equipment for demonstration and testing by attendees. The range day included a side match competition benefiting the foundation recently created by the wife of fallen Austin Police officer Jorge Pastore, who was killed during a hostage rescue operation in November 2023. Over $4,000 was raised by officers for the foundation, and Staccato donated a pistol for the competition that was given to the winner.
Thursday and Friday were devoted to a vendor show inside the Kalahari Resort, primarily sponsored by First Spear. Two hundred vendor businesses attended the trade show, with more than 20 registering as Platinum Sponsors. TTPOA partnered with several vendors for frequent giveaway contests during the show. Local walk-in traffic boosted the vendor show attendance to over 1000. This was the second year in a row that the TTPOA sold out vendor space for the conference, even with an expanded footprint from the previous year. The TTPOA also hosted several operational debriefs at the resort from different agencies who had experienced unique or high-profile tactical situations over the previous year. Friday eveningat the conference banquet, over $70,000 in training and firearms donated by vendors were given away during a raffle fundraiser for the Association.
The 800 attendees spent Saturday and Sunday participating in 56 different classes to choose from, held at 12 different ranges and facilities across the Austin area. TTPOA hosted several nationally renowned firearms and tactics instructors as well as SWAT instructors from across Texas; focusing on areas of rifle and pistol shooting, team CQB tactics, night vision work, long-range shooting, combatives, emotional and psychological well-being, K9 encounters, less-lethal devices, and operational planning. Attendees received TCOLE credit for the classes they attended.
Dan Colasanto, TTPOA President, had high praise for the record-setting event and looked forward to future years: “At this year’s Conference we broke a record for attendance. Our attendance numbers have been steadily increasing over the last few years and we anticipate 1000 attendees in the future. We continue to provide top notch instruction from some of the best instructors in the nation. Fortunately, we are able to do this at an affordable price and will continue to do so. Future events will include our annual SWAT Competition as well as a Sniper competition. Hope to see you at one or all of these events.”
Andy Adkins, TTPOA Vendor coordinator, had specific thanks for all the conference vendors: “Our Vendors are amazing and make our show first class; as well as creating the avenue for TTPOA to accomplish its primary mission to put quality training in the grasp of law enforcement officers from around the world. I want to emphasize my sincere thanks to SOLGW as our Title Sponsor for the entire Conference; as well as Staccato, FirstSpear, and 5.11 Tactical for unbelievable support as well. It’s always one of the times of the year I look forward to the most. Our vendors do a phenomenal job of bringing the most innovative gear and products to put in the hands of officers from around the country. The products created, released, and displayed at our show make it clear that these companies are dedicated to the men and women serving their communities and their objective of making their hometowns a better place to be. So to our Vendors, on behalf of the TTPOA and its membership, THANK YOU!!! To the LEOs and active USMIL folks thinking about checking us out next year, you won’t be disappointed!!!”
The TTPOA has also announced they have signed a five-year contract with Kalahari Resorts to hold the annual conference at their Austin-area resort for the next five years, through 2029. With future construction plans underway for Kalahari conference floor space and hotel capacity, TTPOA anticipates being able to accommodate more vendors and conference attendees at the Round Rock Kalahari.
Registration is currently open for the annual TTPOA SWAT Competition, to be hosted this year by the Harris County Sheriff’s Department from October 2 – October 6 in Harris County, Texas. Last year’s competition hosted 36 teams, with several from out of state. Interested competitors can find more info at ttpoa.org. The SWAT competition will also be open to any interested vendors for a two-day vendor show at the competition facilities.
Interested vendors for the competition or next year’s conference can contact Andy Adkins at andy.adkins@ttpoa.org.
For complete media coverage of this year’s conference, check out TTPOA’s Instagram at www.instagram.com/ttpoa .
Caracal USA Unveils New Enhanced F Pistol Torture Testing Video
May 5th, 2024From submersion in water to burial in sand and mud, even confronting bore obstructions, the Enhanced F Pistol emerges victorious, proving its capability to excel in the harshest environments imaginable.
Nampa, Idaho (April 2024) – Caracal USA, a leading US Based manufacturer of small arms for the law enforcement and defense markets, is thrilled to announce the release of its latest video showcasing the unparalleled durability and reliability of the Caracal USA Enhanced F Pistol.
Titled “Enhanced F Pistol – Torture Testing,” this riveting video takes viewers on a journey through extreme conditions to demonstrate the unmatched resilience of the Enhance F Pistol. From submersion in water to burial in sand and mud, even confronting bore obstructions, the Enhanced F Pistol emerges victorious, proving its capability to excel in the harshest environments imaginable. Designed to meet the demands of professionals and personal protection alike, the Enhanced F Pistol sets a new standard for ruggedness and dependability. With its innovative engineering and meticulous craftsmanship, this firearm ensures consistent performance, no matter the circumstances.
“We’re excited to showcase the incredible durability and reliability of the Enhanced F Pistol through our torture testing video,” remarked Jeffrey Spalding, CEO and President of Caracal USA. “This demonstration underscores our commitment to providing firearms that perform flawlessly under any conditions, giving shooters the confidence they need when it matters most.”
The 9mm polymer, striker-fired pistol offers users a snag-free carry in a low-profile design with superior ergonomics. Combined with the Quick-Sight™ System, which places both the front and rear sights on a single focal plane, the Enhanced F achieves target acquisition incredibly fast, even on second shots. All metal parts are QPQ nitride with an enclosed post-oxidizing surface treatment for increased durability and protection against wear and corrosion. Enhanced F barrels are SAAMI proof tested for +P ammo. The trigger shoe, trigger safety, and trigger bar are combined into a one-piece, multi-function unit (MFU) which is designed to create an extremely intuitive pistol for shooters of all skill levels.
The Enhanced F, designed with a combative edge, incorporates features that enable the user to act fast, even in the closest of encounters with low felt recoil. Ergonomically developed with a high, deep tang, the pistol feels like an extension of the user’s arm, and the snag-free exterior allows for rapid draw without catching on clothing or gear. The rear slide serrations provide a positive grip space for single-hand racking. The pistol also accepts accessories, lasers, and lights on the 1913 Picatinny rail forward of the trigger guard.
Caracal USA’s Enhanced F pistol is available in a variety of configurations, including a threaded barrel for a suppressor. Sight options and finish options are also available. Holsters are available from many manufacturers including but not limited to Alien Gear, HOFTAC iNDUSTRIES, Crossbreed, Craft, Urban Carry, and Phalanx Defense Systems just to name a few.
Amazon and Crye Precision File a Joint Lawsuit Against Counterfeiters
May 5th, 2024Amazon has its own Counterfeit Crimes Unit (CCU) which is a global team dedicated to partnering with law enforcement, brands, and other stakeholders to disrupt counterfeiters and their networks.
In April, Amazon filed a joint lawsuit with Crye Precision (Crye Precision: 2:24-cv-00394, United States District Court Western District of Washington) against companies attempting to sell counterfeit products in the Amazon store.
“Amazon is a distinguished ally in our ongoing global battle against counterfeiters. While most companies turn a blind eye to bad actors, Amazon’s pledge to eradicate counterfeit products is a leading example of how to support brands and protect intellectual property,” said Jonathan Antone, general counsel and chief of staff for Crye Precision. “With Amazon’s CCU leading the efforts, we can prioritize our focus on designing and manufacturing life-saving apparel and gear for military and law enforcement personnel.”
DAF Looks to Strengthen CATM Career Field, Deliver Better Training
May 5th, 2024
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texa —
Air Force Security Forces is looking to strengthen the combat arms training and maintenance community while also delivering better training opportunities for Airmen and Guardians.
The Combat Arms Working Group, a joint effort between the Air Force Security Forces Center, Headquarters Air Force Security Forces and major command representatives, is focused on evolving CATM for the first time since a Security Forces merger in 1997, said Chief Master Sgt. Donald Gallagher, SF career field manager.
At that time, law enforcement and security specialists were combined and the military working dog and combat arms disciplines were not individual specialties. With those things in mind, more than 50 CATM professionals met recently in San Antonio to establish a concept of action for the manpower agency to use to create the first ever CATM Air Force job qualification standard.
“The current standard is the most complicated formula in the Air Force and uses outdated methods and statistics to establish CATM manpower,” said Jason Seibel, Air Force Combat Arms Program chief at AFSFC.
“It is imperative we have a full team of CATM professionals at every installation across the enterprise to provide first-class weapons training to our warfighting Airmen and Guardians,” he said. “With Air Force Force Generation, Ready Airman Training and Multi-Capable Airmen, the demand is only going to increase, and we need to get this right, right now.”
The Air Force Job Qualification Standard is key to the success of the career field. Together with the career field education and training plan approved earlier this year, CATM instructors will now have a training roadmap from the moment they enter the career field as junior Airmen until they’re master sergeants, Seibel said.
“This comprehensive change has never been attempted before, so the working group broke some serious glass in creating an AFJQS with over 320 training objectives,” he said. “This will all culminate over the next 12 months as current CATM members with a special experience identifier 312 will be converted to a seven level in the career field.”
Establishing the working group is key to molding CATM for the future.
“It provides an immense step forward by bringing professionals together who have long-time working knowledge in the field and allows in-depth collaboration,” said Senior Master Sgt. William Johnson, Air Force Reserve Command CATM Functional Manager.
Together, they are building an in-depth training track for the new era of CATM instructors “to ensure they have the knowledge and understanding of how a professional Air Force CATM section should operate with a sense of integrity to the profession,” he said.
Building a truly balanced and in-depth training program is expected to give current and new instructors a deep understanding of what it actually takes to operate a CATM section.
“It will also give those in the career field an overall sense of pride for their profession and military career,” Johnson said.
The benefits also filter down to those who cycle through CATM for their weapons training needs, often right before important deployments.
“Airmen and Guardians will see professional instructors with a passion for weapons, safety and teaching … being comfortable handling something that may make them not so comfortable,” Johnson said. “It will allow students to have a more enjoyable experience doing things outside of their comfort zones and to me, this is the most important accomplishment for CATM instructors to accomplish their mission.”
Each working group season also allows everyone’s voice to be heard and considered.
“Having ideas from across the enterprise regardless of whether you’re from regular Air Force, Reserves or National Guard … every idea could be the one that is the missing link to provide the correct path for the career field. It’s truly a pleasure to be a part of the group and assist with the forward movement of the career field,” Johnson said.
By Debbie Aragon, Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center Public Affairs
Agilite to Reveal New Products at SOF Week 2024
May 4th, 2024
Agilite will be unveiling new products and giving sneak peaks at products in development at their booth (1516) at SOFWeek next week. If you don’t have a meeting booked with the Agilite team reach out to Michael Litwin at Michael.L@agilitegear.com
C&H Precision to Showcase Full Line of Products at the 2024 NRA Annual Meetings
May 4th, 2024RICHMOND HILL, Ga. – May 2, 2024 – C&H Precision will be in attendance at the 153rd NRA Annual Meetings and Exhibits, May 17-19, 2024. The event takes place in Dallas at the Kay Bailey Hutchinson Convention Center. C&H Precision Family of Companies will be exhibiting on the show floor in booth #4404.
“C&H Precision is excited to get to Dallas and show off all of our products at this year’s NRA Annual Meetings,” said Buck Holly, owner of C&H Precision. “This event is an amazing gathering of our nation’s most passionate Second Amendment advocates. We eagerly anticipate three days of engaging in comprehensive discussions about firearms with numerous industry professionals, media representatives and everyday gun owners.”
C&H Precision will be showcasing its full line of optics, which features Duty, EDC and Competition pistol optics, as well as multiple new products in 2024, including:
ERD-1: a motion-activated red dot sight that features a 27.5 mm window, parallax-free up to 100 yards
ERD-2: a motion-activated red dot sight that features a 22 mm circular window, parallax-free up to 100 yards
LPVO: a variable optic featuring magnification anywhere from a factor of two to a factor of twelve, a 24 mm objective lens and a glass-etched first focal plane
Invited members of the media are encouraged to contact Jackson Crawford at prchprecision@murrayroadagency.com to schedule a meeting to visit the C&H Precision booth and get a first-hand look at the new products.
For more information on C&H Precision visit www.chpws.com or find C&H on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
Autonomous Multi-domain Launcher Meets Another Program Milestone
May 4th, 2024
REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. — Mission success.
Another pivotal stride was made by the Autonomous Multi-domain Launcher as the combined team of the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Aviation & Missile Center and the Ground Vehicle Systems Center conducted a successful live fire of a Reduced Range Practice Rocket fired from the AML at Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona.
“The team has worked diligently over the past four years to achieve this milestone of a long-range missile launch from a fully robotic platform,” said Lucas Hunter, AML project manager for DEVCOM AvMC.
AML is an initiative to develop and demonstrate an autonomous, unmanned, highly mobile, C-130 transportable launcher. The prototype launcher will be capable of convoy operations, autonomous way point navigation, tele-operation and remote launcher turret and fire control operation. It will also launch longer munitions while remaining compatible with the current munitions.
One of the primary goals of AML is providing fires forces with additional launcher platforms to mass fire with minimal impact on force structure manning. AML will also give the Army a three-times increase in fire power and magazine depth.
During its time at YPG, the AML launched three RRPRs in a successive ripple fire mission. In all, six RRPRs were successfully fired from the AML in a demonstration of the launcher’s ability to maneuver under supervised autonomy from a hide location to a firing point, turn to an assigned heading and execute fire control commands from a remote gunner position.
Over the past week leading up to the initial live fire, the AML successfully demonstrated each of its mobility modes: tele-op, waypoint navigation and convoy operations.
Soldiers from the Tennessee Army National Guard 1-181st Field Artillery Regiment were also on hand to train on and operate the AML.
The team was pleased with the outcome, Hunter said, noting that the AML program proves the level of expertise contained within the DEVCOM formation and its ability to combine efforts across centers to address the needs of the Army’s Warfighters.
“The AML team leveraged three major Army S&T investments, the Palletized Field Artillery Launcher, Autonomous Transport Vehicle System and Secure Tactical Advanced Mobile Power to rapidly and economically develop the AML prototype,” Hunter said.
AML’s success at YPG paves the road to its next test at Valiant Shield 24, a bi-annual, joint service field-training exercise to be held in summer 2024.
By Katie Davis Skelley, DEVCOM Aviation & Missile Center Public Affairs
