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Fort Lee Renamed for Buffalo Soldier, Medal of Honor Recipient

July 19th, 2025

FORT LEE, Va. — Medal of Honor recipient Pvt. Fitz Lee was honored today during a ceremony renaming the installation after him.

The ceremony, which took place at the U.S. Army Ordnance Training Support Facility, featured the unveiling of new signage displaying “Fort Lee,” which will be installed at all garrison access control points. Additionally, the Sustainment Gate was renamed Lee Gate, and Sustainment Avenue was changed to Lee Avenue.

“Today, we gather not simply to unveil a new name for this installation, but to honor the full arc of service, sacrifice and commitment that has defined it for generations,” said Maj. Gen. Michelle Donahue, commanding general of the Combined Arms Support Command and Fort Lee. “We gather with respect, to celebrate the legacy of all who have served here and to look forward to the future.”

Donahue also acknowledged the installation’s previous namesakes, Lt. Gen. Arthur Gregg and Lt. Col. Charity Adams, praising their pioneering service, leadership and perseverance.

“Their stories will remain vital parts of this installation and our museum collections,” she stated. “We are committed to ensuring their legacies are preserved and honored as they helped shape this post into the center of excellence it is today.”

Lee enlisted in the Army as a private in 1889 and served with the 10th Cavalry, known as “Buffalo Soldiers,” during the Spanish-American War.

“We honor our installation with the legacy of Pvt. Fitz Lee who was a native of Dinwiddie County, a Buffalo Soldier and a Medal of Honor recipient,” said Col. Rich Bendelewski, Fort Lee garrison commander.

Lee earned the Medal of Honor for his exceptional courage during a daring rescue mission in Cuba in June 1898.

“We are proud and excited to be here today honoring our fellow Buffalo Soldier Pvt. Fitz Lee,” said Trooper Nina Amos, National President of the 9th & 10th (Horse) Calvary Association. “Lee was a Soldier who served with honor, integrity, valor and conviction.” Lee was awarded the Medal of Honor during the War with Spain.

As he was boarding transport ships bound for Cuba, Lee, along with 50 other troopers, was chosen for a special assignment behind enemy lines to reinforce and resupply Cuban fighters seeking liberation from Spanish rule, according to the National Park Service’s Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument website.

On June 30, 1898, Cuban freedom fighters and some American volunteers aboard the U.S.S. Florida attempted an amphibious landing at Tayacoba, Cuba. The landing party immediately engaged with Spanish soldiers from a nearby blockhouse. The Cubans and Americans retreated, leaving behind a group of wounded comrades. After four failed attempts, U.S. commanders decided to try one last time to retrieve the survivors.

Lee and three other Buffalo Soldiers answered the call. They rowed ashore amid intense small arms fire, and upon reaching the shore, located the survivors and brought them safely back to the U.S.S. Florida, the site stated.

“That kind of courage – deliberate, determined and selfless – defines the very best of our Army,” Donahue said. “Pvt. Lee didn’t act for recognition. He acted because it was the right thing to do. Because that’s what Soldiers do.”

Lee was born in June 1866 in Dinwiddie County, Virginia, which is only a few miles from the installation that bears his name.

“A name is never just a name – it’s a reflection of our values, our history and our aspirations,” said Kevin Massengill, Dinwiddie County administrator. “This base has always been more than a neighbor to Dinwiddie; it’s been a family.”

For more than a century, our residents have worn its uniform, worked its gates and supported its mission, he said.

“By bearing the name of our own, Fort Lee now tells a story rooted in this land – one that speaks not only of a history we inherited, but a legacy we choose to honor: a Dinwiddie son,” Massengill said.

Lee’s health declined quickly after the rescue mission. He received his Medal of Honor while he was in the hospital on June 23, 1899, at Fort Bliss, Texas, and was medically discharged from the Army on July 5, 1899.

Lee moved to Leavenworth, Kansas, after discharge to live with fellow retired Buffalo Soldiers. He died at the home of a friend on Sept. 14, 1899, and was buried with full military honors at Fort Leavenworth National Cemetery.

“By bearing his name, this installation deepens its connection to our local heritage and our Army’s enduring values,” Donahue said. “Fitz Lee’s legacy is one of bravery, humility and unwavering commitment – qualities we must all strive to embody.”

“Fort Lee will continue to be a place where Soldiers are forged, leaders are developed, and the strength of our Army is sustained,” Donahue concluded. “Let us carry that responsibility with pride, with humility, and with an unwavering commitment to excellence.”

By Ericka Gillespie and Jefferson Wolfe

XQ-67A Demonstrates Autonomy and Datalink Interoperability During High Desert Flight Test

July 18th, 2025

HIGH DESERT TEST RANGE, Calif. – 16 July 2025 – AFRL’s XQ-67A, a second-generation Autonomous Collaborative Platform (ACP), successfully demonstrated integration of government reference autonomy during a recent flight test in the California High Desert.

The flight showcased the integration of government-owned autonomy on the XQ-67A, paired with active tactical datalink communications, to enable dynamic mission execution and real-time coordination with both crewed and uncrewed systems. The event marked a major milestone in advancing scalable, modular autonomy and seamless interoperable crewed-uncrewed teaming (C/U-T).


GA-ASI unmanned jets include (top to bottom) MQ-20 Avenger®, XQ-67A and YFQ-42A.

“This successful test underscores the Department’s commitment to fielding autonomous systems that can integrate into joint operations using existing tactical networks,” said Mike Atwood, Vice President of Advanced Programs for General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI). “Government owned autonomy on the XQ-67A is a concrete step toward deployable, combat-relevant autonomy that works with and alongside crewed platforms.”

During the flight, the XQ-67A executed test points to validate the integration of mission systems on the aircraft, including autonomy, mission computing, networking, power and thermal management, and datalinks. Through a tactical datalink, the aircraft received real-time updates and situational data, giving it the ability to coordinate seamlessly with crewed aircraft and other autonomous systems in the future.

The XQ-67A platform, built by GA-ASI under contract with AFRL, plays a critical role in exploring the platform sharing approach to achieving scalable affordable mass. Its performance in this flight test advances the Air Force’s vision for an integrated autonomous force that can support and augment current and future crewed platforms.

The successful demonstration in the high desert highlights the promise of combining government-owned autonomy with proven tactical communications infrastructure. This approach accelerates technology transition and supports AFRL learning objectives regarding the integration of mission systems within the context of the highly relevant XQ-67A testbed.

Anduril Awarded $99.6M for U.S. Army Next Generation Command and Control Prototype

July 18th, 2025

As an Allied combined arms formation rolls quickly through a heavily fortified enemy area, the dangers they face are unknown. Enemy adversaries could be dug in, difficult to identify, and ready to open fire. A soldier launches a drone to perform reconnaissance of the area, spotting a series of dangerous enemy positions. But there are only minutes to convey that critical information to the Battalion and Brigade commanders and adjust tactics before large groups of soldiers advance. With the right software tools, commanders are able to receive and process this information from miles away on a mobile device, and then transmit new orders to their subordinates that integrates real-time intelligence before they engage the enemy. In a matter of seconds, the lethality and effectiveness of the advancing unit is significantly upgraded.

The information age is transforming the battlefield. Soldiers must be equipped to go into battle with the best technology American industry can muster, with connectivity from the outer edge to the operations center. As the battlespace becomes digitized — and timely data, information processing, and decision-making decide success or failure — a transformed, modernized Army will need transformed, modernized software, networking, and communications equipment.

Next Generation Command and Control (NGC2) is the Army’s answer to this challenge. It’s the principal Army initiative to modernize the service’s communications and networking technologies, equipping the warfighter with seamless and resilient connectivity at the edge while simultaneously supplying commanders with the best decision-making information available — all through a modular, extensible, and open architecture software platform.

Anduril Industries today announced that it was awarded a $99.6 million Other Transaction Authority (OTA) agreement by Program Executive Office Command, Control, Communications, and Network (PEO C3N) to lead the delivery of an NGC2 prototype, integrating partner capabilities from other technology-first companies like Palantir, Striveworks, Govini, Instant Connect Enterprise (ICE), Research Innovations, Inc. (RII), and Microsoft.

For NGC2, Anduril and its partners will create an ecosystem that can rapidly integrate a range of technologies into a singular architecture so that soldiers can access various kinds of compute, communications, and information processing capabilities all at once. Time-sensitive decisions will be faster, and soldiers will be more connected across Corps to Company. Critical data might include enemy locations, logistics and sustainment information, terrain mapping, tactical control measures, and weapons statuses. In turn, Lattice Mesh will enable machine-to-machine interfaces that deliver effects in a fraction of the time compared to legacy systems and networks.

Lattice Mesh is already the foundational edge platform that underpins several Joint and Service initiatives, including the DoD’s Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office Edge Data Mesh. In the same fashion, Lattice will create immediate Joint interoperability for the Army’s Command and Control ecosystem. As a result, NGC2 will connect digital assets, remote sensors, command posts, and soldiers on the ground with real-time intelligence and systems. This solution is in stark contrast to the siloing of data and intelligence across classified and unclassified stovepiped systems that currently exists.

The announcement of OTA continuation follows an 18-month competitive experimentation process, which Anduril entered in late 2023. From the ground up, Army Futures Command has reimagined a new construct for command-and-control in just two years, considering multiple proposals from industry with the intent of standing up NGC2 at rapid speed. Contrasted with a typical five to seven year timeline, the Army moved from proof-of-concept to capability validation in just one year, a pace which Army CTO Alex Miller called “astronomically fast.” The Army established NGC2 as a program office in April 2025.

Anduril and its partners will deliver the NGC2 prototype to the 4th Infantry Division immediately upon award, working through a series of Soldier touchpoints and exercises to stress the performance of the software solution in operational environments at scale. The capability will be integrated onto compute nodes aboard multiple different types of mechanized vehicles throughout the 4th Infantry Division. Throughout the process, we will continue to evaluate new products, partners, and technologies that could strengthen the NGC2 ecosystem, contributing to continued improvement and evolution of NGC2. This prototype will serve as a proof-of-concept that with Anduril software, tactical units are better connected, informed, and more agile as they conduct real-time operations — precisely aligned with the Connected Warfare mission at Anduril as it works with customers across the Department of Defense.

This latest announcement from the Army is a reflection of Anduril’s commitment to delivering every conceivable battlefield advantage to the United States military — starting with the information they use and ending with the weapons they carry. And we’re still just getting started.

www.anduril.com

TriggerTech Acquires Hawkins Precision to Expand Product Portfolio and U.S. Manufacturing Presence

July 18th, 2025

TORONTO, July 16, 2025 – TriggerTech, a leading manufacturer of high-performance trigger systems, is pleased to announce the acquisition of Hawkins Precision, a Colorado-based manufacturer of premium precision rifle components.

The acquisition marks a significant milestone for TriggerTech, enhancing its capabilities in the precision shooting market and establishing a permanent manufacturing footprint in the United States.

“Hawkins Precision has earned a stellar reputation for engineering and manufacturing best-in-class rifle accessories, and we’re thrilled to welcome their team into the TriggerTech family,” said Bryden Richardson, CEO of TriggerTech. “This acquisition brings deep product expertise, strong customer relationships, and operational leverage that will help us serve the precision rifle community even better.”

Founded in 2011, Hawkins Precision is known for its innovative bottom metals, scope rings, magazine systems and muzzle brakes which are trusted by competitive shooters, hunters, and OEMs. The combination of TriggerTech’s patented zero-creep trigger technology and Hawkins Precision’s accessory systems will unlock opportunities for new product development and category expansion.

“We’ve long admired TriggerTech’s engineering excellence and customer-first mindset,” said Andy Hawkins, Founder of Hawkins Precision.”Joining forces allows us to accelerate growth while continuing to deliver the performance our customers expect.”

Strategic Highlights:

U.S. Manufacturing Presence: Hawkins Precision’s facility in Colorado Springs provides a strategic domestic production base to support U.S. government contracts and commercial customers.

Customer and Brand Alignment: Both companies serve leading OEMs, distributors, and performance-focused end users in overlapping channels.

Operational Leverage: The integration creates opportunities for supply chain efficiencies, shared R&D, and enhanced service levels for both brands.

Product Synergy: The acquisition expands TriggerTech’s product offering to include premium rifle accessories that are highly complementary to its core trigger systems.

Hawkins Precision will continue to operate under its existing brand, with ongoing support from Andy Hawkins, who will be staying on as the Head of Product Development, and the rest of the Hawkins leadership team to ensure continuity and customer satisfaction.

SIG SAUER Celebrates Major Milestone: 100 Million Round Annual 6.8mm Ammunition Capacity

July 18th, 2025

American Manufacturing Creates Economic Growth for Arkansas
JACKSONVILLE, AR – SIG SAUER, a leading U.S. defense manufacturer and proud ammunition partner to the U.S. military, achieved the milestone of 100 million 6.8mm round annual capacity at its state-of-the-art facilities in Jacksonville, Arkansas.  SIG SAUER is invested in continual increases to overall capacity, paving the way to double output over the next few years. This achievement solidifies SIG SAUER’s pivotal role in supporting the U.S. Army’s Next Generation Squad Weapon (NGSW) Program, delivering transformational 6.8mm ammunition to equip America’s warfighters with unmatched velocity and lethality.

This milestone reflects SIG SAUER’s significant capital investments in advanced machining, innovative technology, and cutting-edge equipment at its Jacksonville, AR facilities. Leveraging automation and novel manufacturing techniques, SIG SAUER is home to some of the most modern ammunition production capabilities in the world. Since breaking ground in Arkansas 2017, SIG SAUER invested over $225M in facilities and equipment, bringing over 675 jobs into the state with an overall economic impact of $300M annually.  “This incredible accomplishment proves what we already know: Arkansas is an arsenal for democracy,” said Governor Sanders. “Congratulations, SIG SAUER – I’m proud that you chose Arkansas to plant your roots and continue to deliver on your commitment to our workforce, community, and Arkansans’ right to keep and bear arms.”

SIG SAUER’s infrastructure ensures a sustainable, high-volume production of 6.8mm ammunition while maintaining output for legacy calibers such as 5.56mm and 7.62mm as well as a complete pistol ammunition line.  “Achieving 100 million rounds of 6.8mm ammunition capacity is a proud moment for SIG SAUER and our all-American workforce in Arkansas,” said Sean McGee, Vice President, Ammunition Operations. “Our 6.8mm ammunition, paired with the M7 and M250 rifles, delivers unmatched performance to meet the demands of today’s battlefield. We are honored to lead the way in modernizing small-arms technology and building the arsenal of the future.”

Located in Jacksonville, Arkansas, the SIG SAUER ammunition plant encompasses six extensive facilities on a 100+ acre campus, serving as a hub for innovation and production, highlighting SIG SAUER’s commitment to R&D and technological advancement. Our latest state-of-the-art addition to the SIG SAUER Arkansas ammunition campus, a 210,000 square ft. facility, is designed to significantly boost production capabilities and facilitate high volume precision manufacturing of new 6.8mm ammunition. This advanced structure is strategically equipped with high-capacity production lines, which enable the facility to achieve an output of 100 million rounds of 6.8mm ammunition per year, with continual increases to overall capacity, paving the way to double output over the next few years.

PHLSTER Now Has a CAGE Code

July 18th, 2025

We’re proud to announce that the Department of Defense has officially assigned PHLSTER Holsters a CAGE (Commercial and Government Entity) Code. This milestone enables us to better serve government agencies, law enforcement, and military customers through streamlined procurement and contracting processes.

CAGE Code: 13XU9

Whether you’re outfitting an agency or selecting gear for a unit, PHLSTER products are now easier to acquire through federal and state procurement channels.

For purchasing or contract inquiries, please visit: www.phlsterholsters.com/official-purchasing

Thank you for your continued support as we grow to meet the needs of professionals in the field.

Mission First Tactical Guardian OWB Modular Hole Pattern Light Bearing Holster

July 18th, 2025

Horsham, PA – (July 15th, 2025)Mission First Tactical (MFT) manufacturers of state-of-the-art, USA made rifle/carbine accessories and holsters, is pleased to announce the introduction of the MFT Guardian OWB Modular Hole Pattern (MHP) Light Bearing Holster. When carrying a firearm has become the standard, the MFT Guardian MHP Light Bearing Holster gives you the comfort, confidence and the security you need for everyday-carry.

The new MFT Guardian MHP OWB Light Bearing Holster is anoutside the waistband/appendix holster (OWB) in both right & left-hand positioning. This state-of-the-art holster design brings MFT’s patented magnetic retention system (ILMRS™) into an ultra-thin comfortable profile. The ILMRS™ system offers consistent retention on every draw with no adjustment or wear concerns.

“The MFT Guardian MHP Light Bearing Holsters utilize an In-line Magnetic Retention System with a 15# maximum pull, strong Neodymium magnet to keep your firearm secure,” said David Edelman, Vice President, Mission First Tactical. “This system maintains fully loaded pistol in holster without any locking devices. Retention does not key off of the (WML) Weapon Mounted Light.”

This light bearing holster features an “Integrated Barrel Stabilizer Insert” (IBSI) that is engineered to keep the pistol in-line to holster body spine, allowing the system to work with or without an under barrel mounted weapon light. Each holster is handmade to precise tolerances for each model of handgun using the most advanced techniques and materials available for an all-day comfortable carry. An MFT 1.5″ High Ride Adjustable Belt Loop Attachment is included, making everyday-carry a little more convenient. The belt slides through the loops of the attachment and keeps the firearm high and tight to the body. The belt slot design securely attaches onto the belt for safety and security. 

Features:

– Modular Hole Pattern

– 15 degrees of adjustable cant – 7.5° in each direction from center 

– Softened radius – prevents “hotspots“

– Mid-height sweat guard – Aids in preventing body contact with pistol

– Full trigger guard coverage

– Slide mounted optic relief cut

– Co-witness – Suppressor-height sight channel

– Made in the USA at MFT facilities

MSRP: $124.99

* Not for use with threaded barrels or after-market comps; firearm modifications may cause function issues. 

MFT approved compatible weapon mounted lights include; Streamlight: TLR7, TLR7A, TLR7X, and TLR-7 HL-X USB. Surefire: XC1 and XC2. Nightstick: TCM-550XL and Inforce Wild: 1.

MFT approved hole patterns include: Blade-Tech™: Duty Drop, Short Drop, Tek-Lok and DCL Combat Loop. G-Code: RTI GCA 33, 34, 35, Belt Slide, Safariland: UBL Duty Drop, Paddle, QLS, model 745BL Clip-on Holster Belt Loop, model 565BL Hi-Ride Belt Loop, model 567BL injected molded belt loop.

To learn more about the new MFT Guardian MHP OWB Light Bearing Holster and the complete product offerings from Mission First Tactical, please visit www.missionfirsttactical.com

FirstSpear Friday Focus – SHERPA in MultiCam Black

July 18th, 2025

The SHERPA, now offered in MultiCam Black, is a versatile and discreet equipment bag built for hard use and adaptable to a wide range of environments. Designed in collaboration with FirstSpear’s professional users, it delivers performance whether you’re heading to the range, boarding a boat, or responding to a call-out.

Its compact form makes it ideal for day use, with a durable 500D construction and premium hardware that ensures long-lasting reliability. The large main compartment includes removable and reconfigurable interior organizer panels, allowing users to customize storage for mission-specific gear.

Two padded pistol pockets provide secure transport for handguns, while the loop interior is compatible with hook-backed Ragnar pockets and cell tags, adding modular storage flexibility.

A removable padded shoulder strap with rugged HK hooks offers comfortable carry, whether slung across your body or thrown over a shoulder. The Sherpa maintains a low-profile, discreet appearance, helping it blend into civilian settings without drawing unwanted attention. This bag meets the demands of users who don’t compromise on function or form.

Whether you’re carrying firearms, tools, or everyday essentials, the Sherpa is sized and built to handle it all. With its intelligent layout and field-proven design, it’s a trusted companion for professionals and enthusiasts alike. The optional DELUXE SHERPA DIVIDER, sold separately, further enhances internal organization for those with more specialized loadouts. FirstSpear is the premier source for cutting edge-tactical gear for military, law enforcement and those who train. For more information visit First-Spear.com.