GORE-Tex Professional

Army Launches 2024 Network Field Experimentation

July 16th, 2024

JOINT BASE McGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. — Army C5ISR Center scientists and engineers are kicking off the annual Network Modernization Experiment, known as NetModX, as they move capabilities from the lab to a field environment to assess performance of projects.

The Command, Control, Communication, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Center — shortened as C5ISR Center — and partner organizations will experiment over nine weeks with a broad spectrum of network-related capabilities in an operationally realistic, threat-informed environment to prove out disruptive and transformative C5ISR technologies, according to Joe Saldiveri, the event’s lead strategic planner. The C5ISR Center is an element of the Combat Capabilities Development Command.

NetModX 24 encompasses experimentation with dozens of technologies as C5ISR Center joins Army programs of record, cross-functional teams and industry partners across three locations in New Jersey and Maryland. The event supports programs of record gather experimentation data for decision-making as well as incorporating industry participation into the modernization process.

The Army Network is one of the chief of staff of the Army’s top priorities and enables critical capabilities across five modernization priorities: future vertical lift, long-range precision fires, network, next generation combat vehicle and Soldier lethality.

“NetModX is a unique venue for the Army to understand how emergent technologies perform in a converged field environment early in the development process. This approach leads to a tighter coupling between government programs and industry to mature technologies that address Army needs,” Saldiveri said.

For the second consecutive year, NetModX 24 will use a live, virtual and constructive environment that enables experimentation in a distributed manner. LVC assists the NetModX team to provide an all-inclusive service by combining real and simulated capabilities to stimulate technologies under experimentation, according to Noah Weston, C5ISR Center’s Strategic Experimentation Office chief.

The LVC environment offers multiple experimentation benefits, such as a reduction in the need for expensive or scarce real systems, the ability to rapidly iterate through experiment permutations and the ability to run experiments faster than real time.

“The C5ISR Center continues to invest and work with partners in building out LVC capabilities — to ensure we are pushing the state-of-the-art boundaries,” Weston said.

Soldier participation is also a key component to build upon work from scientists and engineers. 75th Innovation Command Soldiers will provide real-time feedback on how systems would affect operational mission performance.

“Soldier participation allows developers to gain insights into how Soldiers would interact with the programs, providing valuable lessons across the range of technology readiness levels,” Weston said.

The experimentation enables the Center to reduce risk for the Army and provide information critical for data-driven technical and programmatic decisions, according to Beth Ferry, acting C5ISR Center director.

“NetModX will help enable the Army to meet the Chief of Staff’s goal for an agile and robust Network as our top modernization priority,” Ferry said.

By Dan Lafontaine, DEVCOM C5ISR Center Public Affairs

Quantum Systems Deploys Receptor AI in Ukraine for the First Time

July 15th, 2024

Munich, Germany, 12.07.2024 – Quantum Systems, the Munich-based manufacturer of dual-use reconnaissance drones that use multi-sensor technology to collect data for government agencies and commercial users, confirms for the first time the deployment of a previously unreleased AI sensor upgrade of the type “Receptor AI” in Ukraine. The new upgrade kit is based on a Jetson Orin Nvidia chip and several sensors for the Vector reconnaissance drone. The further development enables optical navigation during the day and at night and in poor visibility conditions, as well as automated AI-supported object recognition and identification.

Enabling navigation in GNSS-denied conditions
In times of electronic warfare, navigation is the biggest challenge for the use of drones. The new Quantum Systems upgrade offers a further option for signal-independent positioning of reconnaissance drones and fundamentally improves their use under GNSS-denied conditions. The new module is being tested and further developed at the company’s recently opened development site in Ukraine.

“Receptor AI” enables autonomous flight at night and in bad weather thanks to infrared-supported visual navigation. Object sensor technology has also been significantly improved. Hardware and software upgrades now allow better object detection, classification, identification and tracking of objects.

Equal weight and range of the system with update kit

“We are implementing the upgrade without any weight changes and with the same range,” says Daniel Kneifel, Director of Software Engineering at Quantum Systems. “We are designing these adaptations without fundamental changes to the existing platform architecture.” 

“We are demonstrating that AI does not have to be an abstract topic, but offers tangible benefits in use. For Quantum Systems, the combination of hardware and software is crucial to being able to offer market-leading solutions in the field of aerial intelligence.”

Sven Kruck
CRO and Managing Director
Quantum Systems

SIG SAUER Opens Registration for New Hampshire ROSE Retreat

July 15th, 2024

NEWINGTON, N.H., (July 15, 2024) – SIG SAUER is pleased to bring the ROSE Retreat, to the home of SIG SAUER World Headquarters in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, on November 4-7, 2024.

The ROSE Retreat, hosted by SIG SAUER, is the industry’s only luxury, all-inclusive event that brings women together into the heart of a community for shared experiences through a guided firearms journey with nine-time World Champion, Team SIG professional shooter, and ROSE visionary Lena Miculek. 

“At the ROSE Retreat, you will experience a supportive community, a comfortable atmosphere, a commitment to learning, and I am excited to bring it to our hometown,” began Lena Miculek.  “The journey into firearms ownership and use is personal and can be overwhelming.  At the ROSE Retreat, you will gain the understanding and the confidence to take you from where you are right now, to the next step of your journey with a group of women who share the same goal.”

The ROSE team at SIG SAUER would like to welcome the community to our hometown of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, also recognized to be our SIG SAUER World Headquarters. From the moment of arrival, every detail of the journey is carefully planned to include accommodations, entertainment, dining, transportation, the use of firearms, concealed carry gear, and ammunition.

Attendees will explore the state-of-the-art SIG SAUER Experience Center at SIG SAUER Academy where they will immerse in a full day of hands-on training from Lena Miculek and guest instructor Max Michel. The SIG Experience Center is a 40,000 square foot flagship store showcasing the latest SIG SAUER products, indoor shooting range, historical museum, and cutting-edge training.

“Join me at the ROSE Retreat in beautiful New Hampshire, home of SIG SAUER, for an empowering experience where you’ll learn, grow, and have a fantastic time. This retreat is designed to build your confidence and empower you through top-tier training, supportive camaraderie, and unforgettable memories,” concluded Miculek.

To register or learn more about ROSE Retreat New Hampshire in Portsmouth, NH on November 4-7, 2024, visit sigsauer.com/rose.

Sneak Peek – Range Shirt and Range Pants from NorArm Tactical

July 15th, 2024

NorArm is launching two new products, the Range Shirt and Range Pants.

The camouflage pattern seen here is what they have decided to call Wild Tiger Stripe, inspired by the Middle-Eastern energy drink Wild TIger, made popular by the Global War on Terror veterans. Everyone who buys this shirt will also receive a free sticker that they based on the original Wild Tiger logo.

They are looking at launching the Range Shirts this month, while the Range Pants will be somewhat delayed.

Sign up for their newsletter so you won’t miss the launch.

norarm.com

Blast From The Past: BDS – The Grey Uniform That Almost Was

July 15th, 2024

Long before Wolf Grey became all the rage, there was something else. In the early 1990s Army Special Operations Command experimented with a layered clothing system called Battle Dress System. Leveraging lessons learned from the original Extreme Cold Weather Clothing System (ECWCS), it featured a Capilene Next to Skin layer, Fleece mid-layers including a bib and pile jacket, a Gore-Tex undergarment and an outer layer called the SOF BDU. The underlayers were all Black and eventually became the Lightweight Environmental Protection (LEP) component of SPEAR. In all, BDS consisted of six layers with an additional NBC layer that was never developed.

Developed as a Tech Base project, the goal was quite ambitious. BDS was touted as offering “protection against weather extremes, ballistic threats, chemical and biological threats, and enemy detection. The uniform is intended solely for combat. It will be multi-layered and will be adaptable to different weather conditions. The uniform will have integrated detection avoidance technologies as well as a chemical and biological agent protective layer. The rest of the system will additionally provide the user with a load-bearing system that adapts to the mission at hand as well as attachable/detachable body armor components.”

The system itself was quite popular with those that used it, offering material and design improvements over ECWCS which was just beginning to see widespread fielding.

The SOF BDU consisted of a smock-like combat jacket and field trouser in a hue called Mouse Grey. These were essentially over garments that were intended to be worn as an outerlayer, over any combination of the other components depending on the weather. The material was new and consisted of Nylon, Cotton and Kevlar for increased abrasion resistance.

The design of the jacket was unlike anything else in the inventory with large Napoleon pockets on the chest and a hood that could be stored in the collar. It also boasted pit zips for ventilation, a rank tab on the chest and pockets mounted on the sleeves. The pants were quite similar to the M1950 field trouser and incorporated thigh tapes designed to help stabilize the load in the cargo pockets. They also added a zippered lower leg opening in order facilitate donning and doffing. There was also a Boonie hat as part of the system.

It was trialled along with a laid carriage and armor suite crafted by JS Industries called the Predator System. JS Industries eventually morphed into Paraclete Industries and Predator was a modular system which used system similar to PALS.

The Predator system was made from a greenish mesh and a Grey-Green Cordura which didn’t quite match the clothing.  The Soft Snap attachment is an integral part of the pouch.  It consists of 1″ webbing about twice as long as the pouch, with a stiffened end which is done by doubling webbing over a strip of polyethylene plastic.  It works just like PALS with one exception. The strap is attached to the back of the top of the pouch.  There is a tunnel sewn into the back of the pouch.  The strap is woven over and under the lattice work of webbing strap on the vest and the stiffened portion is tucked into tunnel on the back of the pouch which secures the pouch to the vest.  So there’s no actual metallic snap, it’s all webbing. Several companies use similar systems now to interface with PALS platforms. However, Soft Snap has a much larger gap between rungs.

Today, when readers learn about BDS and its Charcoal colored Gore-Tex undergarment they are surprised that it wasn’t the outer most layer. One of the first military applications of Gore-Tex in the mid-80s was a lightweight 3-layer undergarment available commercially and known as a “Stealth Suit.” Although SOF units had had ECWCS for some time, this was still before camouflage hardshells were commonly available. Instead, this offered a lightweight waterproof breathable layer which could be stored in an ammo pouch. These commercial Gore-Tex undergarments were used by a variety of troops, becoming quite popular in Canada, and worn under their BDUs in order to maintain camouflage. The term stealth came about since shells at the time were quite noisy, making a “swish” sound while the stealth suit was worn under the combat uniform and was much quieter.

Some of the details of the system’s development are outlined in the book “The Commandos” by Douglas Waller in an interview with Sal Raineri. In my opinion Sal is the father of BDS and worked after retiring as a Green Beret at the Directorate of Combat Developments at the USAJFKSWCS, a tiny organization which eventually grew and grew into USASOC G8. Another alumnus of that shop is LTC Robert Harris (USA, Ret) who had served in the 9th Inf Div High Technology Test Bed and brought with him what became known as the Harris Assault Vest (Eagle Industires) as well as a bolo-style bayonet for the M16 that never went into production.

With its solid grey color the system was rejected, primarily due to institutional prejudice. At the time, everything was Woodland and OD. USASOC nominated BDS for the SEP program but the Infantry Center wasn’t interested. When LEP was finally adopted later in the decade, it was without the SOF BDU.

Princeton Tec NSNs – Vizz Tactical

July 15th, 2024

Princeton Tec offers a full line of lights, from handheld to head mounted. Many of them have been assigned National Stock Numbers which are critical for units that rely solely on the standard stock system. One example is the Vizz Tactical headlamp.

It offers up to 550 lumens for up to 66 hours from three AAA batteries and is IPX7 rated.

The lamps include the following and can be programmed for which comes on first:

1 Maxbright LED (dimmable)

1 Red Ultrabright LED

1 Blue Ultrabright LED

1 Green Ultrabright LED

1 IR Ultrabright LED

This chart breaks down how far each lamp will throw and how long it will run.

The NSN is: 6230-01-676-6148 with a noun of LIGHT, HEAD, UTILITY

For those of you who wish to purchase a Vizz Tactical directly from Princeton Tec, visit princetontec.com/product/vizz-tactical.

MATBOCK Monday: TacJob Opportunities

July 15th, 2024

MATBOCK is preparing for the next phase of its Joint Light Tactical Vehicle Hybrid Electric Vehicle contract and is looking to hire.

Below is a list of jobs they will be hiring:

– Senior Program Manager

– Assistant Program Manager

– Supply Chain Manager

– Chief Engineer

– Principal Mechanical Engineer

– Mechanical Engineer

– Software Engineer

– Systems Engineer

– Electrical Engineer

– Mechanics

These positions will be at their Virginia HQs, but there are also opportunities for remote work. If you’re interested in applying, please send your resume to jobs@matbock.com

Airborne, SOF Soldiers Test New Weapon Sights

July 15th, 2024

FORT LIBERTY, N.C. — Airborne and special forces Soldiers at Fort Liberty are testing the latest small arms weapon sights.

The 82nd Airborne Division, joined by the 3rd and 10th Special Forces Groups, are in the final stages of testing the Family of Weapons Sights – Individual, or FWS-I, for static line and military free fall airborne infiltration.

The FWS-I program will provide Soldiers with thermal enablers for individual weapons.

“The FWS-I gives Soldiers the capability to see farther into the battlefield, increase surveillance and target acquisition range, and penetrate day or night obscurants,” said Lashon Wilson, a test coordinator for Project Manager Soldier Lethality.

“American paratroopers and special operations Soldiers are renowned for attacking when and where least expected and almost exclusively at night,” said Staff Sgt. Derek Pattle a test NCO with the Airborne and Special Operations Test Directorate, also known as ABNSOTD.

“Conducting forced entry operations during daylight hours leaves paratroopers exposed to enemy ground fire and counterattack during airborne assault,” he added.

“That’s why mastering night vision devices and targeting systems is a critical skill for Army paratroopers and Special Operators and vital to mission accomplishment during forced entry parachute assault.”

According to Capt. Joseph Chabries, a plans officer at ABNSOTD, the core question for military equipment employed by Army paratroopers and special operations regarding is in its survivability.

“’Can the system survive airborne infiltration?’” said Chabries.

“Individual paratroopers as well as vehicles and cargo delivery systems are bristling with technology, which can at times be fragile,” he added.

“Ensuring these systems are both suitable and effective for issue to airborne forces often requires a more technical approach.”

Staff Sgt. Dalton Carter, a weapons squad leader with 2nd Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division said, “I feel as if this is a step in the right direction for army night vision and lauded the operational features the FWS-I can provide his squad.”

The FWS-I test also exposed many veteran paratroopers to operational testing for the first time.

Sgt. David Brown, a fire team leader in Bravo Company, 1-325 Airborne Infantry Regiment, serving as a test participant during static line testing, said, “I feel like the FWS-I can be a real force multiplier for key leaders during hours of limited visibility or when the battlefield might be obscured.”

During post-drop operations, jumpers assembled for accountability and to ensure all FWS-Is were fully mission capable by performing a system functions check and collimation using the mobile boresight collimation station, which is used to evaluate the bore sight retention and repeatability of the FWS-I before and after static line and military free fall infiltration.

The data from the mobile boresight collimation station allows the test team to determine if and how much the boresight reticle on the FWS-I was moved or displaced due to any shock induced from exiting the aircraft, the opening of the parachute canopy or landing on the ground.

“ABNSOTD is one of the few organizations in the Department of Defense that maintains a bore sight collimation capability and the only mobile system of its kind,” said Mr. Jacob Boll, ABNSOTD’s operational research analyst.

The ABNSOTD instrumentation section is charged with maintaining and employing this unique capability and trained extensively to conduct post-drop weapons testing before beginning operational testing of FWS-I.

Maj. Joshua Cook, deputy chief of ABNSOTD’s Test Division described the importance of testing and how it plays into the future of technology in warfare.

“Operational testing is about Soldiers and ensuring the systems developed are effective in a Soldier’s hands and suitable for the environments in which they train and fight,” Cook said.

By Mr. Mike Shelton, Test Officer, Airborne and Special Operations Test Directorate, U.S. Army Operational Test Command