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Rock’a Lock’a BANG! BANG! 2026

June 9th, 2026

During OPERATOR EXPO I was glad to learn that SPARROWS Lock picks will be expanding Rock’a Lock’a BANG! BANG! for 2026

Geared towards covert entry specialists and first responders this highly immersive training convention has quickly established itself as a high caliber industry event with impressive instructors, sponsors and media attention.

The main event will run Sept 17-20th in Carson city, Nevada in a Massive Maximum security prison.

It will feature new material including helicopter infil/exfil training.

There will also be an optional range day on September 16th.

SUBJECT MATTER:

  • Lock Picking  
  • SERE – including resistance
  • Vehicle extraction with TNT rescue
  • Remote Camera Access
  • Lever lock picking
  • Impressioning 
  • Forensics 
  • First Aid under fire 
  • CQC with shock vests
  • Prison Tattoos 
  • Interrogation  
  • Shot Gun breaching with ROYAL ARMS
  • Long Range
  • Draw from concealed with TENICOR
  • Helicopter Infil/Exfil 

FIELD REPORT

Previous attendees have called this event “edutainment” with long days, high level talks and true hands on learning from industry specialists.

A strong social atmosphere is what has made Rock’a Lock’a BANG! BANG! stand out, featuring large group dinners, high level talks, fire breathing, prison tattoos and team missions.  

All skill levels are welcome and all tools are provided. 

 

INSTRUCTORS

SPARROWS instructors for the event have impressive credentials including: Former Rangers, RECON, FBI hostage Negotiators, Military Intelligence, Navy SERE instructors, Homicide Detectives, WMD Emergency Response team Members, TNT rescue’s Demo Crew, Former Secret service and those who have won international competitions. This is a rare opportunity to learn from the very best in their field and those who have used these skills in the real world.

SPONSORS

Sponsors will have representatives at this event for demonstrations, evaluations and hands on testing to gain operator feedback.

SPARROWS Lock Picks, Royal Arms, Oakley SI, 5.11, Tenicor, BLADETECH, 3M Peltor, Compliant Technologies, KCI USA, Mechanix, TNT Rescue, Skull Hawk, Visit Carson City.

Tickets are on sale now and are expected to sell out quickly.

For those who cannot make it SSD will be in attendance and providing coverage. If you’re going to be there, see you at the prison.

ROCK’A LOCK’A BANG! BANG! 2026 – SPARROWS Lock Picks

Posted in TacCraft, Tachacker, Training | No Comments »

Belleville Boot Flyweight MXG Now Available to US Army and US Air Force

June 9th, 2026

Belleville Boot Company, America’s oldest continuously operating military boot manufacturer, proudly announces the American Made Flyweight MXG™ hot weather steel toe boot is now officially available and shipping worldwide.

Engineered for maximum protection and comfort in demanding conditions, the MXG’s design is ideal for flight line operations and maintenance personnel. Leveraging Belleville’s proven military craftsmanship with modern performance materials, the MXG weighs in at one of the lightest steel toe boots available, helping to reduce fatigue while maintaining reliability and protection service members expect in the field.

In addition to being one of the lightest Berry Compliant steel toe boots on the market, the MXG also features:

  • Ultra-lightweight athletic strobel-stitch construction
  • Belleville exclusive VIBRAM® “Incisor” outsole
  • ASTM F2412-18 and F2413-18 certified steel toe
  • Temper-Dri® moisture wicking lining
  • Berry Compliant

For more information visit www.bellevilleboot.com

Posted in Air Force, Army, Boots, Press Release | No Comments »

Ghost X Tactical MPLS Headlamp from Princeton Tec

June 9th, 2026

New for 2026 is the Ghost X Tactical MPLS Headlamp from Princeton Tec is compatible with MOLLE as well as helmets thanks to an inculded NVG and ARC rail adapter.

I’m really excited about this light. It offers 300 lumens dimmable light and 320 mWr IR output, with an IP68 rating. What’s more, the Ghost Mode switch only allows activation of IR High, IR Low, or IR Strobe settings, so no accidental white light incidents.

Light colors include white, red, blue, green and IR.

Offered in Black, MultiCam, OD, and Tan as a headlamp only, or as a full MPLS kit.

princetontec.com/product/ghostx-mpls

Posted in Advertiser, Lights | No Comments »

Mustangs of the 4th Joint Communications Squadron (4JCS), Joint Communications Support Element (Airborne) Complete Mustang Challenge

June 9th, 2026

Recently, the Mustangs of the 4th Joint Communications Squadron (4JCS), Joint Communications Support Element (Airborne), put their skills, endurance, and determination to the test during their annual Mustang Challenge.

So, what is the Mustang Challenge?

It is a rigorous competition designed to evaluate Soldier readiness through a demanding series of events that test physical fitness, technical proficiency, military knowledge, and teamwork. Conducted during the Squadron’s two-week U.S. Army Reserve Annual Training period, this year’s challenge consolidated key Army and JCSE training requirements into three intense days of mission-focused competition.

The competition began with Weapons Qualification and a Soldier Board, challenging competitors to demonstrate both marksmanship and professional military knowledge. On day two, the pace intensified with Stress Shooting, where Soldiers were required to maintain accuracy, speed, and composure after navigating the newly implemented Combat Field Test (CFT). Competitors then transitioned to Land Navigation, relying on their map-reading skills, compass proficiency, and confidence to successfully maneuver across unfamiliar terrain.

The final day began before sunrise with an 8-mile ruck march, testing both physical endurance and mental resilience. Competitors then moved into a 24-hour field training exercise, where they demonstrated proficiency with high-frequency radio systems and conducted CN Team equipment validation. Throughout every event, the Mustangs displayed the adaptability, technical expertise, and determination that define the Squadron and contribute directly to mission success. After meeting with JCSE’s Element Command Team, 335th Signal Command (Theater) Commanding General and Deputy Commanding General (both were previous Commanders of 4JCS) paid the Mustangs a visit and joined in on the training right along side the troops! Probably brought back some fond memories of their time as Mustangs.

When the scores were finalized and the competition came to an end, one troop emerged on top. Congratulations to Lima Troop, the 2026 Mustang Challenge Champions, for earning top honors and securing bragging rights for the year ahead.

The Mustang Challenge continues to strengthen readiness, sharpen warfighting skills, and reinforce the culture of excellence that drives the mission forward.

Train Hard. Communicate Harder. Sound the Charge!

(Photos by U.S. Army SGT Brandon Best)

Posted in Army, Comms, Guest Post | No Comments »

New Leadership of Technology Systems Division at Rohde & Schwarz

June 8th, 2026

On July 1, 2026, Hansjörg Herrbold and Andreas Hägele will take over as Executive Vice Presidents Technology Systems at Rohde & Schwarz. They follow Dr. Luis Alejandro Orellano, who will leave the company on June 30 at his own request. The decision to establish a dual leadership position is a logical next step to align the division even more consistently with customers and markets.

Munich, June 5, 2026 — Rohde & Schwarz relies on two experienced, entrepreneurial managers with a strategic vision. Hansjörg Herrbold and Andreas Hägele will strategically divide responsibility for the different topics of the Technology Systems Division.

Herrbold has more than 20 years of experience in defense at Rohde & Schwarz, providing comprehensive knowledge of customers and their requirements. Among other things, he led the naval communications segment on a long-term growth path. Most recently, he headed the Information and Business Technology Division and was a member of the group’s Corporate Management in this role.

Hägele has extensive expertise in critical infrastructure and physical security. In his five years with Rohde & Schwarz, he has established the Microwave Imaging business unit and particularly led the R&S QPS security scanner to success. More than 2,000 scanners are now used at airports around the world to ensure secure, convenient passenger screening. Prior to that, he worked at a digital security company, where he was managing director and was responsible for several hundred million euros in revenue.

In their new position, Hansjörg Herrbold and Andreas Hägele will remain or become members of the Corporate Management of Rohde & Schwarz.

Posted in Comms, EW, Industry, International, Press Release | No Comments »

Mehler Protection to Showcase Body and Platform Protection Solutions at Eurosatory 2026

June 8th, 2026

FULDA, KÖNIGSLUTTER, GERMANY (05 June 2026)

Mehler Protection, part of Mehler Systems and a leading provider of ballistic body and platform protection solutions, will present its latest developments at Eurosatory 2026, taking place from 15–19 June in Paris.

Visitors can meet the team in Hall 5B, Stand C220, where Mehler Protection will showcase a broad portfolio of protection solutions ranging from advanced platform armour systems to personal protection equipment. With Eurosatory serving as one of the defence industry’s most important meeting points, the brand will place particular emphasis on its platform armour capabilities, highlighting solutions designed to enhance vehicle survivability and occupant protection.

Among the key exhibits will be SCILT, Mehler Protection’s close-range Counter-UAS system designed to protect vehicles against FPV drones, loitering munitions, and other small aerial threats approaching from short distances and low angles. Developed as a dedicated last layer of vehicle protection, SCILT addresses a growing capability gap between conventional air-defence systems and passive armour solutions.

In addition, visitors will gain an early insight into a new protected mobility concept developed in cooperation with a major European vehicle manufacturer. The project highlights the flexibility of Mehler Protection’s M-RACC protection architecture and its ability to support a broad range of operational requirements while maintaining a strong focus on occupant protection, operational flexibility, and mission effectiveness. Further details regarding the project will be announced before Eurosatory.

Alongside its platform protection portfolio, Mehler Protection will present a comprehensive range of personal protection systems for military and law enforcement applications.

Among the highlights will be the latest generation of the ExoM Exoskeleton, a passive load-bearing system designed to reduce operator burden while improving mobility under heavy loads. Visitors will also be able to explore the full M.U.S.T. configuration, a modular protection system that can be scaled according to mission requirements.

Additional exhibits will include the MOBAST protective vest system developed for the German Armed Forces, covert and overt body armour systems, military waistcoats, plate carriers, soft- and hard-ballistic protection solutions, ballistic helmets, and shields.

Eurosatory remains one of the world’s leading defence and security exhibitions, bringing together armed forces, procurement authorities, industry representatives, and technology providers from around the globe.

Learn more about Mehler Protection: mehler-protection.com

Posted in Advertiser, International, Press Release, Tradeshow | 1 Comment »

USMC Issues Sole Source Notice for 5.56mm Anti-Drone Rounds

June 8th, 2026

According to a sole source notice issued last week, Portfolio Acquisitions Executive Marine Corps (PAE MC), Program Manager, Combat Support Systems (CSS), PdM Ammunition (PdM AMMO), Quantico, VA 22134, intends to enter into a sole-source negotiations and subsequently award an Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (ID/IQ) contract to Drone Round LLC for the 5.56mm “L Variant” Anti-Drone Rounds. This effort is estimated for award December 2026.

Launched earlier this year, the 5.56mm Drone Round “L Variant” projectile separates into several pieces to act in a similar fashion to a shotgun, making it effective against drones.

According to the Marines, it is the only kinetic munition currently available in the commercial or defense marketplace that meets the Marine Corps’ strict minimum capability requirements for immediate c-sUAS defense. Specifically, this round is the only solution offering “drop-in” compatibility that requires no physical modifications, specialized upper receivers, or distinct weapon platforms to be operable in current-issue Marine Corps 5.56mm weapons (e.g., M27 M4, and M4A1). Furthermore, its deployment requires zero additional New Equipment Training or specialized occupational specialties, rendering it immediately effective upon issue. Failure to deliver this capability places an unnecessary risk to Marines and could lead to mission failure and loss of life. Market Research indicates that Drone Round LLC is sole manufacturer and reseller of this ammunition. The appliable North American Industry Classification System code is 332992, Small Arms Ammunition Manufacturing.

Posted in Ammo, C-UAS, Contracts, USMC | No Comments »

CTOMS Celebrates 20 Years

June 8th, 2026

In 2026, CTOMS proudly marks the twentieth anniversary of active operations. Founded by Chris Kopp in response to the 2002 loss of Canadian soldiers in Afghanistan, the company was formally incorporated in 2005 and launched operations in 2006. What began as a personal mission to honor the fallen has become a leading provider of tactical medical training and equipment solutions for military, law enforcement, first responders, and prepared citizens.

CTOMS has always followed a training-first philosophy: skills and knowledge must come before gear. Our evidence-based programs focus on critical thinking, self-reliance, and the full spectrum of care, from Care Under Fire to prolonged field care. Through CTOMS Academy, we offer accessible online tactical and emergency medicine courses. We also develop our own innovative brands including MGTD Systems™, TRACE™, FireFly™, CTOMS Essentials™, and PROKITS™, and are a proud distributor of industry leading brands.

Over two decades, we have trained thousands of professionals, supplied frontline agencies across Canada and internationally, and refined our methodologies based on real-world feedback, research, and rigorous evaluation. Our newly unveiled 2026 logo with its longsword, King Cobra, golden wings, and crocus flower symbolizes this journey: resilience after tragedy, the seamless integration of tactical and medical excellence, and the lifelong pursuit of mastery.

Looking Forward

As we enter our third decade, CTOMS remains dedicated to becoming a world leader in tactical, medical, and rescue solutions. We will continue expanding CTOMS Academy, developing cutting-edge gear, and supporting those who do the work with the best training.

Thank you to our clients, partners, instructors, and team for two decades of saving lives. Here’s to the next twenty years!

Visit us at: ctomsinc.com

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

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