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Scarlet Dragon Links Military, Industry to Test Artificial Intelligence for Warfighters

December 21st, 2025

FORT BRAGG, N.C. — On a cold, December day deep in Fort Bragg’s training area, Soldiers, Airmen, Marines and civilian industry partners came together to test the latest drone and counter unmanned aircraft systems technology, while rapidly sharing targeting data through the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency’s Maven Smart System.

Scarlet Dragon is the XVIII Airborne Corps’ premier innovation exercise, where new ideas and technologies are tested to solve current issues on the battlefield. “We’re focused on bringing new technologies and approaches to solve operational capability gaps and requirements that we identify from operational plans around the globe,” said Rob Braun, XVIII Airborne Corps chief technical officer.

The Scarlet Dragon exercise series started in 2020 as a table-top exercise in the basement of the XVIII Airborne Corps’ headquarters and has evolved into a triannual innovation event where joint services, government agencies, and industry partners come together to test and integrate the latest technology for the modern warfighter.

During this iteration, known as Scarlet Dragon 26-1, the XVIII Airborne Corps tested several initiatives. The 18th Field Artillery Brigade trained with the U.S. Air Force to rapidly load and deploy an M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System from a C-17 Globemaster III, all while simultaneously receiving targeting data through the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency’s Maven Smart System. The streamlined data-sharing allows the HIMARS unit to rapidly deploy anywhere in the world and quickly set up for offensive or defensive engagements. “We’re doing cold-load training with a C-130, putting the HIMARS on the aircraft, driving it off, executing a rapid-fire mission, and getting back on quickly,” said 2nd Lt. Ryan Mitchell, 18th Field Artillery Brigade, HIMARS platoon leader. “Through Scarlet Dragon, we are doing advanced targeting with data received through Maven, rapidly getting that information to the launcher so we can deploy and shoot faster.”

Another initiative included real time data sharing and tracking between AH-64 Apache helicopters from the 82nd Airborne Division’s Combat Aviation Brigade, drones and small UAS with the XVIII Airborne Corps Air and Missile Defense team, Sentinel radars from the 82nd Airborne Division, and newly fielded SGT STOUT systems from the 108th Air Defense Artillery Brigade. The Sentinel radars and SGT STOUTs tracked Apaches and drones, pushing data to the Corps headquarters to validate faster early warning systems for troops on the ground. Apache pilots tested their ability to identify and track small drones, while the SGT STOUT Short Range Air Defense system teams validated their tracking and targeting capabilities.

The integration of the SGT STOUT into the maneuver force is a critical step in providing protection against short-range air threats. “What I like about Scarlet Dragon is how I push, not just the Soldiers, but also the equipment that we have to our limits and to see what we are capable of and how we can improve our system capabilities,” said Spc. Daniel Rosas, XVIII Airborne Corps air defense battle management system operator. “With the way the world is currently moving, especially when it comes to UAS or drones, it is a big threat and it helps for us to push forward on what we can adapt when it comes to gauging and tracking these threats.”

Scarlet Dragon gives service members and industry partners the opportunity to test new ideas and innovations in an open and minimum-risk environment. “That’s what I really like about Scarlet Dragon,” said CW4 Sean Benson, XVIII Airborne Corps Senior Geo-Intelligence Imagery Technician. “It’s not an exercise with defined timelines or deliverables. It’s whatever we want to try to get to the outcome we need. If you have an idea and it sticks when you throw it on the wall, we’ll give it a shot.”

The Future of Scarlet Dragon

With every iteration of Scarlet Dragon, the integration process is refined and the technology improves. In the future, the Scarlet Dragon exercise series will be tied in with Fort Bragg and XVIII Airborne Corps’ new Lt. Gen. James M. Gavin Joint Innovation Outpost, which will officially open on Jan. 23, 2026.

“During Scarlet Dragon 26-1, the XVIII Airborne Corps and Fort Bragg held a soft opening for our new Joint Innovation Outpost, or JIOP,” said Lt. Gen. Greg Anderson, commanding general of the XVIII Airborne Corps. “With the JIOP and our Scarlet Dragon series of exercises, we will be able to develop and test Soldier-driven, rapid innovation and technical transformation while providing the Army a model to revolutionize the acquisition process. It is making us more lethal at the tactical and operational levels of war.”

The JIOP will allow Soldiers to bring innovative solutions to the facility to work with civilian industry and academic partners to refine and produce new technology that can then be tested in Scarlet Dragon exercises and eventually shared across the Joint Force.

In 2026, Scarlet Dragon will shift to the Indo-Pacific theater and U.S. Army Japan for their annual combined exercise with the Japanese Ground Self Defense Forces, Yama Sakura.

By MAJ Matthew St Clair, XVIII Airborne Corps Public Affairs

Posted in Army, Guest Post | Comments Off on Scarlet Dragon Links Military, Industry to Test Artificial Intelligence for Warfighters

Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon System Battery activates on Joint Base Lewis-McChord

December 21st, 2025

JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash — In a significant advancement of its military capabilities today, the U.S. Army activated the Bravo Battery, 1st Battalion, 17th Field Artillery Regiment, 3d Multi-Domain Task Force, a unit fully designated to operate the Dark Eagle, the services Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW) system.

Soldiers and Families gathered in the overcast (location/1-17 FA motor pool) for a ceremony to stand up the battery that will utilize the Dark Eagle system. The ceremony represents a pivotal moment in the Army’s ability to deliver decisive effects in support of the Joint Force across the Indo-Pacific.

“The environment we face is complex and fast evolving,” said Lt. Col. Jeffrey M. Orban, the 1-17th FAR commander. “The Indo-Pacific is vast, dynamic, and critically important to global stability. Our allies, our partners, and our nation depend on our ability to deter aggression.”

Hypersonic systems, capable of flying at speeds greater than five times the speed of sound (Mach 5) provide a combination of speed, range, maneuverability, and altitude that enables highly survivable and rapid defeat of time-critical and heavily defended targets.

”1st. Sgt. Davenport and I are committed to building the formation and ensuring every Soldier within it pursues excellence,” said Capt. Adam Donlan, the Bravo Battery commander. “We must be ready once we receive the TELs [transporter erector launcher] to deploy to the Pacific and deter our adversaries.”

In July 2025 the 3d Multi-Domain Task force successfully deployed the Dark Eagle system for the first time, demonstrating the unit’s ability to project long-range fires capability.

Adm. Samuel Paparo, commander, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command said, “The deployment of the LRHW system to Australia marks a significant achievement for U.S. Indo-pacific Command, as it validates the Army’s ability to deploy, position, and exercise command and control (C2) of the system in a forward environment.”

By 1LT Junelle Sweitzer

Posted in Army, Fires, Guest Post | Comments Off on Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon System Battery activates on Joint Base Lewis-McChord

2026 Retired Soldier Handbook

December 20th, 2025

Knowing all the benefits and entitlements you’ve earned as a Retired Soldier is important not only for you, but for your family. The Retired Soldier Handbook is your guide to keeping updated on new or changing laws, regulations, and more from many government agencies specifically impacting Retired Soldiers, their families, and surviving spouses.

Get your copy of the 2026 Retired Soldier Handbook online at soldierforlife.army.mil/Army-Retirement/Post-Retirement.

Posted in Army, Veterans | No Comments »

Gun Tote’n Mamas Launches its Classic Clutch in New Distressed Buffalo Caramel Color

December 20th, 2025

NORTHBROOK, Ill. – December 16, 2025 – Award-winning Gun Tote’n Mamas® (GTM), the leading provider of women’s protection solutions, is excited to announce the new GTM-CZY/22CRML Clutch. Crafted from exclusive distressed full-grain buffalo leather designed by GTM, this purse blends rugged luxury, durability and function in a timeless GTM silhouette. Available now in the long awaited rich Distressed Buffalo Caramel color.

GTM does more than make bags. As a champion of women’s protection, the brand creates essential tools that help women live boldly and stay prepared without sacrificing personal style. The new GTM-CZY/22 is built for women who want protection and style in a form that fits seamlessly into everyday life.

“Our classic clutch is designed to give women the confidence and readiness they count on,” said Claudia Chisholm, president of Gun Tote’n Mamas. “We are ecstatic to have our long awaited new Distressed Buffalo color in Warm Distressed Caramel! This leather adds a distinctive touch while delivering the strength, security and beautiful style women expect from GTM.”

Product Features:

Ambidextrous design with flapover closure, magnetic snap and secure top-entry zipper
Removable chained tassel that marks the firearm draw side for fast access
Distressed full-grain buffalo leather that softens with use
Front zippered organizer compartment
Main compartment with one open pocket and one zippered pocket
Khaki GTM logo lining for clear interior visibility
Padded gun compartment
Three-sided zipper opening for top, side or angled draw
Standard GTM holster included
Slash-resistant shoulder strap reinforced with 11-ply wire
Adjustable strap for crossbody or shoulder wear with quick clip-on/off design
Overall bag size – 10? (W) × 8? (H) × 3.5? (D)

MSRP: $169.95

The GTM-CZY/22 Distressed Buffalo Clutch is in stock and ready to ship at gtmoriginal.com.

GTM remains committed to prioritizing women’s protection. For more information, visit gtmoriginal.com or call 847-446-0700 Ext. 105.

Posted in For the Ladies, Holsters, Press Release | No Comments »

EOTG holds Close Quarters Tactics Course for Recon Marines

December 20th, 2025

OKINAWA, Japan —

CAMP HANSEN, Okinawa, Japan?– U.S. Marines with Force Reconnaissance Company, 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Marine Division completed a Close Quarters Tactics Course from Sept. 15 to Nov. 5, across Camp Hansen. This training, hosted by the III Marine Expeditionary Force’s Expeditionary Operations Training Group, aimed to enhance their lethality as small unit leaders during high-paced, close-quarters combat.

“Close quarter tactics is probably the most dangerous thing that we can do. It is extremely high risk. We’re shooting very close to one another in a confined space.”

– Capt. Christopher Ori Jr., an infantry reconnaissance officer with Force Reconnaissance Company

The Marines started their three-week course by conducting ranges simulating various urban scenarios of escalating complexity. They practiced transition drills from rifle to pistol during both static and dynamic ranges.

After these ranges, the Marines moved on to house qualification. This event consisted of teams of four navigating a shoot house to clear doors and hallways to secure a building. The evaluation began with a briefing on the scenario, followed by dry runs with no ammunition, and then the Marines were tested in a live-fire qualification. This event tested their ability to work together in close quarters while safely firing in proximity to one another.

The Marines then entered the platoon tactics portion of the course, conducting limited scale raids on specific target objectives. Using civilian vehicles to blend into their environment, a group of Marines scouted the objective area while other Marines moved to their objective point to complete an assigned mission, where they were required to distinguish threats from non-threats.

The culminating event of the course was an aerial sniper vehicle interdiction. The Marines fired from helicopters to engage and halt a target vehicle. Then other Marine reinforcements moved in to secure and extract the target personnel and equipment.

For the majority of the course, Marines used non-lethal live ammunition, known as Special Effects Small Arms Marking System rounds. These paintball-like rounds enhanced the realism of the training while maintaining a safe environment. The course also included live role players to simulate opposing forces and non-threat personnel.

On Nov. 5, the Marines graduated the CQTC course, completing their required training to carry out their duties effectively in support of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit.

“It’s a huge capability for the 31st MEU and for III MEF, having a well-trained, professional, and capable maritime raid force that we can bring to the fight,” Ori said. “Whether it’s limited scale raids or striking a specific target, that’s where we come into play.”

Story by U.S. Marine Corps story by Lance Cpl. Eadan Avramidis, PEO Land Systems with images by LCpl Justin Cledera.

Posted in Guest Post, Training, USMC | No Comments »

Quantum Systems Acquires FERNRIDE

December 19th, 2025

As part of its expansion into a multi-domain provider, Quantum Systems acquires FERNRIDE and integrates solutions for ground autonomy.

Gilching, 17 December 2025: Quantum Systems, Europe’s market leader in AI-powered unmanned systems, today announced the acquisition of FERNRIDE. With the acquisition of FERNRIDE, Quantum Systems is expanding its leadership position from air and software intelligence to autonomous ground mobility, creating a connected, cross-domain offering for intelligent unmanned systems.

FERNRIDE offers an industry-proven software platform for ground autonomy in the areas of container terminals, defence logistics, yard operations and autonomous driving. The technology is already in use by well-known customers. In 2025, FERNRIDE became the first company to obtain TÜV approval for autonomous trucks in Europe, has already used them in initial tests with the German Armed Forces and expanded its portfolio to include defence logistics.

‘FERNRIDE has developed one of the most advanced and scalable autonomous ground platforms,’ said Martin Karkour, Chief Revenue Officer of Quantum Systems. ‘By integrating their technology into MOSAIC UXS, we are consistently implementing our vision of creating a connected ecosystem in which unmanned systems think, move and act as a single entity across different dimensions.’

‘Europe urgently needs sovereign autonomy solutions. By joining forces with Quantum Systems, we can take our technology to a new level,’ said Hendrik Kramer, CEO and co-founder of FERNRIDE. ‘Together with Quantum Systems, we are accelerating the deployment of our platform in the European defence sector, which is currently the most urgent environment globally for scaling autonomous ground systems. In the future, this experience will also be transferred back to civilian logistics applications,m making our society safer and more resilient.’

Quantum Systems’ operational experience in Ukraine has demonstrated the relevance of the interaction between air and ground robotics. The integration of FERNRIDE solutions into MOSAIC UXS, Quantum Systems’ autonomous mission software, is intended to enable multi-domain operations that improve situational awareness and decision-making. Quantum Systems’ operational experience in Ukraine has demonstrated the relevance of the interaction between air and ground robotics. The integration of FERNRIDE solutions into MOSAIC UXS, Quantum Systems’ autonomous mission software, is intended to enable multi-domain operations that improve situational awareness and decision-making.

No details regarding the financial aspects of the acquisition will be disclosed.

Posted in Industry, International, Press Release, Robotics | No Comments »

FS Holdings Appoints Industry Veteran Lynn Twiss as Vice President of Marketing for FS Holdings and FirstSpear

December 19th, 2025

ST. LOUIS, Mo. (Dec. 22, 2025) – FS Holdings, the parent organization for FirstSpear®, FirstSpear Technology Group®, Atlas 46®, and Black Crest®, today announced the appointment of Lynn Twiss as Vice President of Marketing. In this dual-role capacity, Twiss will drive overarching leadership and brand strategy for the FS Holdings family of brands while maintaining direct leadership as Vice President of Marketing for the flagship brand, FirstSpear.

This strategic appointment marks a significant milestone in the organization’s growth and is aligned with the holding group’s core ethos: “Protect, Serve, and Build.”

Twiss brings over three decades of marketing leadership experience in the firearms, military, and outdoor industries. As the founder of GUNLAND LLC, he has served as a strategic architect for some of the most recognized brands in the space. His career includes pivotal roles such as helping rebuild Kimber from early bankruptcy into a premier firearms manufacturing brand, and key leadership positions at Leupold & Stevens and SIG SAUER Electro-Optics, where he oversaw the marketing launch of the BDX (Ballistic Data Xchange) system and supported critical military contract wins.

His arrival signals a decisive move to better align the commercial, industrial, and defense verticals of the company and focus them on coherent, long-term growth.

“As we continue to reinforce our existing footprint across ground, maritime, aviation and industrial domains, it is critical that our voice is as powerful and precise as our technology,” said Scott Carver, CEO of FS Holdings. “Lynn has spent the last year and a half embedded with our teams as a mentor and advisor, so this move into a full-time executive role is a natural fit. He combines an understanding of the defense sector with the ability to build demand for our lifestyle and industrial brands. He understands that while FirstSpear is ‘Built for The X™,’ the broader mission of the group is to ‘Protect, Serve, and Build’ across every aspect of our customers’ lives.”

“FirstSpear is built on a foundation of uncompromising quality and innovation. That same seriousness runs through the broader FS Holdings portfolio, even though it shows up in very different forms,” said Lynn Twiss. “An operator stepping off with FirstSpear kit, an MRO tradesman starting a shift in Atlas 46, or someone choosing Black Crest for their day-to-day are all facing different kinds of stakes, but they share the same expectation that when the moment turns critical, the gear will not be the point of failure.

For most of my career I have worked beside product and design teams that obsess over details a customer may never notice directly, but will always feel. That is the discipline I want to support here. My focus is to help each brand push further in its own lane, to keep earning trust through performance, and to let the work speak first. If we do that well, the stories will follow.”

In this role, Twiss will oversee global marketing operations, brand architecture, and digital transformation across the portfolio. He will be responsible for articulating the distinct identities of the sub-brands while leveraging their shared technologies and values to drive cross-market growth.

About FS Holdings

FS Holdings is a U.S.-based portfolio company focused on equipping professionals across military, law enforcement, industrial, and lifestyle markets. Through its brands FirstSpear, FirstSpear Technology Group, Atlas 46, and Black Crest, the group applies technical innovation, advanced materials, and design expertise to create products that “Protect, Serve, and Build.”

About FirstSpear

Founded in 2010, FirstSpear® equips elite military and law enforcement professionals with uncompromising equipment for those bound for “The X.” Guided by its “Built for The X™” ethos, FirstSpear produces lightweight, mission-focused equipment engineered for the most demanding operational environments.

About Atlas 46

Founded in 2013, Atlas 46 manufactures premium, USA Made gear for tradespeople, MRO professionals, and mechanics. With modular innovation and industrial-grade craftsmanship, Atlas 46 delivers high-performance solutions built to meet professional standards.

About Black Crest

Black Crest is a men’s athleisure brand combining design sensibility with everyday comfort and style. The brand offers technical performance apparel for life beyond the mission, designed in the United States and manufactured to exacting standards internationally.

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

CZ to Supply Pistols to the German Army

December 19th, 2025

Uhersky Brod, Czech Republic (December 19, 2025)

Ceska zbrojovka a.s. (CZ) has achieved one of the most significant milestones in its history. The German Army (Bundeswehr) has selected a CZ pistol as its new standard sidearm.

“We are honored that the German Bundeswehr has chosen CZ as itspartner. Our success in this rearmament tender is one of the most significant achievements in CZ’s modern history. It clearly confirmsthe outstanding reputation our firearms have earned through active deployment in real combat conditions. We look forward to a long-term cooperation with the Bundeswehr and to fulfilling all its requirements in line with the contract,” said Jan Zajic, CEO and Chairman of the Board of CZ.

CZ was awarded this contract following an open international tender, prevailing over several global competitors. The pistols designated as P13 for the Bundeswehr are based on the CZ P-10 C OR (Optics-Ready) model, featuring a Flat Dark Earth (FDE) finish. It is a modern striker-fired service pistol designed for professional use, renowned for its reliability, durability, and intuitive handling. It features excellent ergonomics, high magazine capacity, and precise construction, making it a preferred choice among military and law enforcement customers in many countries.

CZ will work closely with its authorized partner in Germany, POL-TEC GmbH & Co., to fulfil the contract and provide comprehensive support to the Bundeswehr.

A Tradition of Quality and Innovation

CZ is a leading European manufacturer of firearms for military, law enforcement, and commercial customers, with a tradition dating back to 1936. CZ products are exported to nearly 100 countries worldwide. Through close cooperation with experts and elitemilitary and police units, CZ develops its firearms to meet the evolving needs of modern military and law enforcement forces. CZis a proud member of Colt CZ Group SE.

Posted in Contracts, International, Press Release, weapons | 1 Comment »