SIG MMG 338 Program Series

Meet the Paratrooper Who Jumped Out of a Plane 100 times — and He’s Just Getting Started

November 21st, 2024

AVIANO, Italy — Jumping out of an airplane is a feat that demands both courage and trust. Now imagine doing it 100 times. That’s exactly what 1st Sgt. Jovon Propst, Spartan Company, 54th Brigade Engineer Battalion, achieved on October 9, 2024, when he made the jump, earning the prestigious title of centurion paratrooper.

“I get asked all the time, ‘How did you make it that far?’ I say, ‘My jumps don’t get scratched. It’s just my luck,” Propst said.

Born in Concord, North Carolina, and raised in the vibrant heart of New York City, Propst’s journey to becoming a centurion paratrooper is as dynamic as his personality.

“When it comes to the weather or a mission, it’s always a go for me,” he said. “I’ve had a very intriguing career.”

Propst’s military career began with the now disbanded 307th Engineer Battalion at Fort Liberty. From there, his dedication and skill led him to 3rd Special Forces Group, where he earned the coveted jumpmaster title.

His journey didn’t stop there; he continued to make his mark in the 425th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 11th Airborne Division, stationed in Alaska. It was in Alaska that Propst served as a drop zone safety officer under Col. Joshua Gaspard, who was a squadron commander at the time. Their time together solidified Propst’s reputation as a calm and dependable leader, especially in high-pressure airborne operations. Propst is now serving under Col. Gaspard for the 173rd Airborne Brigade in Italy.

Propst’s love for adrenaline doesn’t end with the Army. He once volunteered as a firefighter in Bell County, Texas — a role that allowed him to continue serving others while feeding his need for action.

For now, Propst remains committed to the Army, calling it home. However, when the time comes to hang up his uniform, he’s already looking ahead to his next adrenaline-fueled mission. After retirement, he plans on becoming a smokejumper so he can fight forest fires from the sky. Propst’s journey from paratrooper to potential smokejumper shows that for some, the sky isn’t the limit — it’s just the beginning.

By CPT Jennifer French

Forsway Secures 2.3 MEUR Funding from the European Space Agency to Build Xtend 5G, an Independent Satellite Connectivity System

November 20th, 2024

Stockholm, November 13, 2024: Forsway, provider of cost-efficient hybrid satellite terrestrial solutions and equipment for broadband connectivity, secures a major development funding contract from the European Space Agency (ESA) with support from the Swedish National Space Agency (SNSA). In the new project, Xtend 5G, Forsway will build a next generation 5G NTN two-way/hybrid satellite connectivity system enabling the combined use of satellite and ground infrastructure to provide seamless connectivity anywhere, regardless of network. Xtend 5G will provide European government, defence, emergency services and critical infrastructure sectors with seamless connectivity anywhere, anytime, in an open or closed network and with full system control.

The Xtend 5G development will be co-funded by ESA’s ARTES 4.0 Space for 5G/6G & Sustainable Connectivity programme line. The Xtend 5G system will be an independent connectivity solution to satellite platforms with the aim of providing a main connectivity source or essential backup for a critical system. The white label solution will enable any security solution being ported on top.

-Tobias Forsell, CEO at Forsway, “We are thrilled to launch this exciting partnership with ESA & SNSA. The new communication system will be a highly beneficial tool for security, government organizations, the energy sector and others demanding secure, robust, and fast communication where full control over the connectivity ecosystem is crucial. Xtend 5G can be employed in an open or closed network format.”

 

“To meet strict requirements of government and public agencies, we will offer a highly customizable and fully secure solution to address their needs. Additionally, Xtend 5G will provide a robust backup connection for critical infrastructure installations that may be vulnerable due to geographical location.”

Antonio Franchi, ESA Head of the 5G/6G NTN Programme Office, “We believe hybrid communication technologies that integrate satellite, 5G NTN and mobile networks will play an important role in future connectivity ecosystems. ESA is interested in supporting private sector companies that can enhance ground segments for future satellite systems in Europe and boost regional capacity with comprehensive, dual-use technology and highly dependable connectivity. We are pleased to support Forsway in this unique project with funding, guidance, and expertise.”

Embracing the Future with Advanced AI and UAV Technology – Made in Wales Dragon Mk3 D-25

November 20th, 2024

Together with our partners, UAVE Ltd, we continue to expand our range of British-designed and manufactured drones.

Consistent with the company policy of CANEI, (Continuous And Never Ending Innovation) we have test flown and confirmed a new heavy lift wing for the Mk3 D-15 to increase payload capacity to 25 kilos.  The D-25.

“The D-25 is identical to the long-established highly reliable Mk3 D-15, which has flown many hundreds of hours. The new D-25 with a larger wingspan of 4.65m has delivered on our expectations.

“Waiting in the wings is also a further spial development from our design and engineering teams, to focus on a twin-enginefurther enhanced D-50 aircraft. This would have a payload capacity of 50 kg and full redundancy across all aircraft systems” explained Philip Slater, MD.

In 1999, BCB in Cardiff designed and made its first VTOL (Vertical Take-off and Landing) micro drone and patented Sense and Avoid Technology so UAVs could be safely flown indoors.

Separately, in 2007, UAVE conducted its airworthiness demonstration flight of the Prion MK3 for the CAA. Thislong-flight endurance fixed-wing drone aircraft has now been operating BVLOS at West Wales Airport and multiple other UK and international locations as a MALE (Medium Altitude, Long Endurance) UAV, long-range aircraft; the Prion Mk3 or, for defence clients, the Dragon15 (D-15).

 

BCB and UAVE, two sovereign-owned, British manufacturing SMEs, joined forces in 2023 to fully engage with UK defence, border and blue light forces and deliver a platform with a global reach of this sovereign strategic capability

The design brief for the D-15 was to ensure that the aircraft should have a capacity of 55 litres of payload space and 15 kilos of payload, be a long-range effector, 1,000 km one-way, and most importantly be able to adapt and fit multiple sensors and payloads/payload agnostic to integrate with future new technologies which become available as required. To date, this spiral development has now seen over 26 differing payloads, including tracking, laser designators, EW, telecoms rebroadcast, and surveying equipment integrated into the D-15 in addition to routine ISTAR capability. All of the aircraft’s critical supply components are manufactured in the UK.

www.bcbin.com

5.11 Releases New Everyday Carry Offerings for Fall 2024

November 20th, 2024

Costa Mesa, Calif. (Nov. 18, 2024) – 5.11®, the global innovator of purpose-built apparel, footwear and gear todayannounced the launch of its latest Everyday Carry (EDC) offerings in time for fall and holiday shopping season. Designed to meet the needs of both tactical professionals and everyday adventurers, this new collection includes a range of versatile tools, accessories, and apparel that are engineered to provide maximum utility, comfort, and style, ensuring that users are always equipped and ready for the demands of their day.

“The EDC line is designed to empower our customers, whether they’re out in the field or navigating daily life,” said Troy Brown, CEO of 5.11. “We understand the importance of gear that performs under pressure, and this collection reflects our dedication to providing dependable solutions for every situation.”

Deploy TL-USB

Deploy PL-USB

Deploy K-USB

The 5.11 Deploy TL-USB, PL-USB, and K-USB lights are compact and versatile lighting solutions built for ideal peace of mind. The Deploy TL-USB ($80) is the largest of the trio, delivering 1000 lumens of powerful brightness for more demanding situations. The Deploy PL-USB ($60) offers a slimmer profile with 300 lumens, making it a great pocket-sized option for quick, reliable lighting. The smallest of the group, the Deploy K-USB ($30), is a keychain-sized flashlight offering 150 lumens of light in an ultra-portable form. All three models feature rechargeable USB-C functionality, durable weather-resistant construction, and multiple lighting modes, ensuring dependability in a wide range of environments. Whether you need maximum visibility or a more compact everyday solution, the Deploy series has a reliable lighting tool for any scenario. All Deploy lights are offered in black, and the Deploy PL-USB and K-USB are also available in ranger green.

Response XR1T

Response XR1C

Response XR1P

Made for high-end, professional performance, the Response XR1 line offers multiple levels of lights designed to meet the varying needs of professionals in high-pressure environments. All three models offer powerful illumination in a compact form, making them ideal for law enforcement, military personnel, and first responders.

The Response XR1T ($75) is the largest of the trio, offering enhanced grip and durability, while the Response XR1C ($65)is more compact than the XR1T, perfect for every day without compromising on performance. Despite being a mostly polymer construction, the Response XR1P ($50) strikes a balance between size and power, offering high performance in a portable form. All models feature multiple lighting modes, are constructed from rugged, impact- and weather-resistant materials, and are dual-fuel 18650 rechargeable compatible.The XR1 series provides reliable, long-lasting lighting in demanding conditions. All Response XR1 lights are offered in black, and the Response XR1P is additionally offered in orange.

Fix It Gift Set

Everyday Gift Set (limited edition)

Covert Gift Set

The 5.11 Fix It, Everyday, and Covert Gift Sets are curated collections designed to provide practical solutions for various lifestyles, making them ideal gifts for outdoor enthusiasts, tactical professionals, and those who pride being prepared every day. The Fix It Gift Set ($30) features a Base 1SF keychain knife, Hardpoint MK1 carabiner, and an EDT Multitool, making it the perfect compact toolset for quick repairs and adjustments. The limited edition Everyday Gift Set ($40) is a knife set featuring both the Icarus DP, a 3.5” blade, and the Base 3DP frame lock knife, a smaller 2.75” blade for added convenience. The Covert Gift Set ($50) is tailored for discretion and style. This set offers low-profile, technical items for users who value both functionality and subtlety. It includes the Icarus RT Mini with a 2.8” reverse tanto blade, a Hardpoint M1+MD two-piece removable carabiner and docking system, an EDT Hex mini screwdriver, and a Steel Jacket Money Clip. Each set reflects 5.11’s commitment to durability, reliability, and versatility, making them thoughtful gifts or stocking stuffers for anyone who values high-quality, mission-ready gear.

Endo.K Insert

The Endo.K Insert ($15) is designed for seeking optimal knee comfort without sacrificing mobility. Engineered with a lightweight and durable design, the ENDO.K Insert offers superior breathability and cushioning, making it ideal for prolonged wear in demanding environments. Its anatomical shape with silicon grip print ensures a secure fit within 5.11 pants and functional gear, while the flexible construction allows unrestricted movement during dynamic activities.

For more information about 5.11 and its full line up of product offerings, or to find a 5.11 store near you, visit www.511tactical.com.

2024 NDIA Future Forces Conference Poster #6 – Signature On Target Round

November 20th, 2024

The S.O.T. round is a modular line of ammunition, housing an energetic payload, it is capable of displaying a distinct flash and smoke signature upon bullet impact.

This technology affords operators the unique ability to precisely identify the impact location of their rounds without informing the enemy of their origin.

As always, the POC data is on the poster for those interested in learning more.

Black Hills Designs – Individual Signal Kit

November 20th, 2024

The Individual Signal Kit from Black Hills Designs is an all-in-one kit of signaling tools.

Contents:

Signal Mirror: This essential tool allows for precise visual signaling, helping you communicate your location effectively.

ISK 17 Signal Panel: Featuring a special cut for easy integration with chem lights, the blaze orange and pink panel enhances visibility and can be easily fastened to a wide range of items, making it a versatile signaling solution.

Mini Red Light: This compact light is perfect for low-light situations, providing essential visibility without compromising your position.

Chem Lights: An assortment of red, green, and blue chem lights can be used to signal actions, stages, or warnings, offering multiple options for effective communication.

Glow-in-the-Dark Paint Marker: Perfect for marking last known directions, verbiage, or signs that indicate whether a structure or room has been cleared, ensuring vital information is visible even in darkness.

Fastening Tools: Includes 4 durable rubber bands and 36 inches of paracord, ideal for fastening or creating different signaling tools as needed.

Adhesive Toe Warmers: Fashion these toe warmers to various signaling equipment to communicate effectively in the thermal spectrum, increasing your visibility to thermal imaging devices.

Signal Streamers: Our vibrant thermal pink and orange streamers, along with a dedicated thermal streamer, serve as throwable signals, providing multiple options to grab attention quickly while effectively communicating in the thermal spectrum.

Thermal/Visible Blackout Bag: Maintain stealth and protect your gear with this specially designed blackout bag. Ideal for storing cracked chemlights when the signal is no longer needed.

Positive Identification Armband: This armband features glow-in-the-dark and reflective inserts in red and white, ensuring easy identification in low-light conditions.

WW2 Airborne Cricket Clicker: More than just a historical novelty, this clicker serves as a legitimate form of identification for friendly or foe. It can effectively communicate the presence of individuals to deconflict in close quarters, enhancing operational safety.

Get yours at www.blackhillsdesigns.net/product/i-s-k-individual-signal-kit.

HCMH II Harness Bison Belt

November 20th, 2024

A collaboration between Helix Operations, Ferro Concepts and DOM Systems, the HCMH II Harness Bison Belt gives operators the ability to carry belt kit while using the HCMH II harness system.

The HCMH II Harness Bison Belt is based on the well-regarded Ferro Concepts Bison Belt which was designed to be very light and slim. According to Helix, the DOM Padded Belt is the best solution they have found to add comfort when wearing thin clothing or carrying a heavy load and with minimal additional weight.

Available from Helix Operations.

What Is Space Force Fit?

November 20th, 2024

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (AFNS) —

Military service members are expected to be fit – it’s all a part of making sure a fighting force is ready for duty and the U.S. Space Force is no exception.

Guardians may spend more time tracking satellites and space debris and staying alert for hostile missiles than engaging in hand-to-hand combat, but that doesn’t mean they can slack off when it comes to physical training. As the newest military service, the U.S. Space Force is taking a more holistic health approach to fitness standards.

“Regular exercise isn’t just about building physical strength; it’s about optimizing our potential,” said Chief Master Sgt. Jacqueline Sauvé, Space Systems Command senior enlisted leader. “Research consistently affirms that exercise isn’t merely a routine; it’s a vital component fostering resilience, mental clarity and holistic health. From safeguarding against cardiovascular risks to bolstering mental well-being, fitness is a mission imperative.”

When the Space Force was first established in December of 2019 without its own formal health and fitness program, it relied mostly on the Air Force’s standard Physical Fitness Assessment test, which includes a plank, crunches, hand-release and conventional push-ups and a 1.5 mile run, or shuttle run to gauge the fitness levels of Guardians.

Early in 2020, the Space Force began the development of a service-specific human performance capability for its Guardians — the Holistic Health Approach, which consists of continuous fitness, performance health optimization and capacity-building. The HHA is intended to increase short and long-term health outcomes for the force by meeting Guardians “where they are” and showing them what “right” looks like.

“It’s a more comprehensive and malleable approach to overall health and wellness, to include physical fitness and public health and prevention,” said Christine Heit, U.S. Space Force Headquarters holistic health approach lead. “For decades, the U.S. Department of Defense has pushed out one-size-fits-all programs that do not take into account differences in individuals. Continuous Fitness is the U.S. Space Force’s developing approach to quantify and qualify important fitness metrics that are unequivocal markers of health, in an enduring, persistent and year-round manner. These metrics are cardiorespiratory fitness, purposeful physical activity and body composition.”

“Wearable fitness technology, such as fitness trackers, helps to make this possible and is now at a point where it can be employed for just such a purpose,” said Carl Sheppard, U.S. Space Force Headquarters holistic health and senior human performance advisor.

“By being able to appraise fitness in an ongoing continual manner, the goal is to leverage physical fitness requirements to actually improve, optimize and maintain health,” Sheppard said. “As opposed to wielding it as a hammer or being constrained by arbitrary test standards.”

“Performance Health Optimization includes the U.S. Space Force Body Composition Program and lifestyle medicine principles,” Heit said. “That allows us to not only have metrics rooted in science for health but also to teach our Guardians ways to make lifestyle changes to increase overall health. Our priority is for Guardians to be healthy and we make concerted efforts to build skills with Guardians to help them be successful.

“To assess body composition, the space Force uses waist-to-height ratio (WHtR). More well-known and often used measures of body composition include body mass index and body fat percentage models such as tape testing and skin-fold testing,” Sheppard said. “While useful in certain public health and athletic settings, these approaches fail to identify the most important aspect of body composition as it relates to health and injury: where is the fat?”

“What we know from scientific literature is that excess abdominal fat, especially when it is stored deeper in the abdomen next to our organs, is a much more significant indicator for the risk of acquiring obesity-related preventable disease and injury, than body fat percentage alone,” Sheppard said. “This accumulation of abdominal fat is referred to as ‘central adiposity’ and WHtR is a very sensitive test to identify it.”

The public health message is simple: “Keep your waist circumference to less than half your height,” said John Hofman, certified strength and conditioning specialist at Los Angeles Air Force Base, the headquarters of Space Systems Command.

“Air Force physical assessments are once or twice annually depending on a person’s score,” Heit said. “People were observed cramming for an assessment, working only in the weeks leading up to the test. The Space Force wanted to develop a science-based mechanism for fitness and health outcomes that promoted consistent physical activity rather than episodic preparation.”

“As a result, the Space Force partnered with the Air Force Research Laboratory to conduct a two-year study using portable wearable fitness devices, which started in June of 2023,” Heit said. “Guardians can voluntarily opt-in to the study and be exempt from the Air Force physical fitness assessment as long as study criteria are met: 600 exercise minutes a month, monthly cardiorespiratory fitness readings and engagement with the AFRL study team. There are also plans to connect increased physical fitness to improved cognitive performance and mission readiness.”

In addition, Space Force is also implementing Guardian Resilience Teams at every U.S. Space Force base, with a virtual team to help geographically separated units and remote Guardians. These teams will include a holistic health integrator, certified strength and conditioning specialist, licensed mental health provider and physical therapist.

“The purpose of the Guardian Resilience Teams is to make sure U.S. Space Force service members have the kind of support they need not just to be physically fit,” Hofman said. “But also, mentally and emotionally ready to perform at the highest level.”

“I like to tell people, ‘We’re just trying to manage stress — enormous stress,” Hofman said. “How do you do that? Well, there’s no real magic pill — it’s eating right, it’s sleep, it’s exercise.”

It’s safe to say Hofman understands the toll stress can take. He spent more than 15 years as an expert tactical strength and conditioning specialist for both law enforcement and fire/rescue. He has won numerous awards, including an Emmy Award for Branded Content in 2021 for Did You Know: ‘Silent No More’ an officer suicide-prevention video, as a member of the California Peace Officer Standards and Training Team. He also played college football and competed for 12 years on the U.S. canoe and kayak team, where he competed in two Olympic trials.

“Space Force wants to make sure our Guardians are getting positive reinforcement and positive feedback to make healthy choices for themselves,” Hofman said. “’Fit for duty’ is always the most common question — what does that mean? Does it mean that because you can run a mile and a half in under 12 minutes and do lots of pushups you’re fit for duty? I don’t think so.”

To Hofman, ‘fit for duty’ isn’t just one physical component, but a comprehensive set that takes the whole person into account. Biofeedback from portable wearable fitness devices and bloodwork can help tailor workouts to exactly what an individual needs — but Guardians may need some help in interpreting the data, Hofman explained.

“For example, if someone is always stressed out, long, slow running is a good way to reduce the cortisol (stress hormone),” Hofman said. “Maybe someone likes to do a lot of boot camps and high-intensity training. This will spike the cortisol, so we can educate them on proper recovery tactics to help bring it down so they can sleep better.”

People are more likely to stick to a workout routine if they enjoy it, so Hofman said he often begins consultations by asking the Guardians what they like to do and going from there.

“Do you eat well? I don’t mean eat perfectly,” Hofman added. “We don’t need to add more stress to eating. Eating shouldn’t be that complicated. We don’t look at diets — we look at habits.”

“The Guardian Resilience Team also has a licensed mental health professional to help Guardians with their mental health, and a physical therapist to help them deal with pain – someone with chronic pain is not going to function at their peak mental and physical ability,” Hofman said. “Chronic sleep problems also take a physical toll on the body and mind and can interfere with a Guardian’s efforts to eat well and exercise.”

“By using a more well-rounded, holistic approach, you’re creating a feedback loop,” Hofman said. “You provide the resources to educate and help to explain what this information is, to keep that loop going. You’re providing resources so they can take accountability for their well-being and you’re there to support them versus, here’s a check box, you’re done.”

“We want Guardians to be aware of what they’re doing — and make those corrections and make healthy choices for themselves,” Hofman said. “We peel back the onion, and now we have a well-rounded individual fit for duty.”

“Our Guardians need to be mentally and physically ready to meet the unique demands of Space,” said Tim Stearns, DrPH, MPH, Los Angeles Air Force Base Guardian resiliency team lead. “When our Guardians are empowered, educated, and given the skills to be successful, they become the most lethal version of themselves and that’s exactly what the HHA does!”

“Guardians are encouraged to participate in fitness activities they enjoy with proper body mechanics, technique, and form resulting in stronger Guardians,” Stearns said. “A physically stronger Guardian is a more resilient Guardian, and a resilient Guardian is a Guardian ready to dominate in the Space Domain and in life. Coach Hofman improves the quality of lives of Guardians by creating a positive relationship with physical fitness that will endure throughout their military career and beyond.”

Story by Lisa Sodders, Space Systems Command Public Affairs

Photos by Van D. Ha