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11th Airborne Division Launches First-Ever “Angel Ascent” to Accelerate Soldier-Driven Innovation and Arctic Readiness

June 15th, 2026

The 11th Airborne Division hosted its inaugural “Angel Ascent” innovation event at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson this week, marking a major milestone in the division’s commitment to warfighting transformation and Soldier-driven solutions for the Arctic’s unique operational challenges.

The event, modeled as a “Shark Tank-style” pitch competition, brought together Soldiers from across the division to present their innovative solutions to a panel of senior leaders and subject matter experts from various industries and organizations, including the University of Alaska Fairbanks, the 673rd Air Base Wing, DEVCOM, and the U.S. Army Arctic Regions Test Center (ARTC). Angel Ascent will become a bi-annual fixture, alternating between JBER and Fort Wainwright, and is designed to harness the ingenuity of Soldiers at every rank, empowering them to drive continuous transformation in support of the Army’s warfighting mission and the profession of arms.

Maj. Gen. John P. Cogbill, commanding general of the 11th Airborne Division, emphasized the impact of Soldier-driven innovation on the division’s transformation. “The hardest part of today was picking a winner, because every Soldier who stepped into the arena to pitch their idea is a winner,” Cogbill said. “Each of these innovative solutions will be prioritized in our division’s innovation plan. My promise is that every one of these ideas will continue to move forward because we want to see them scale and make a difference on the ground.”

Over the course of the day, junior enlisted Soldiers, warrant officers, and officers presented a range of technology concepts and process improvements aimed at enhancing Arctic mobility, survivability, and mission effectiveness. Among the technologies and concepts pitched were cold-weather power solutions, advanced load carriage systems, and new approaches to Arctic sustainment.

The top award went to “Wardrive,” a passive reconnaissance small unmanned aerial system (sUAS) payload that detects adversary wireless emissions and automatically uploads and reports location data back to the operator. Wardrive was developed and pitched by WO1 Brian Raab of the 2/11 Multi-Functional Reconnaissance Company.

“We may not be a Transformation in Contact division, but you wouldn’t know it if you talked to our Soldiers or saw what’s happening here,” Cogbill said. “Our division is transforming because we have innovators at every level, figuring out how to fight, adapt, and win in the Arctic.”

Cogbill also highlighted the importance of partnerships and the division’s unique expertise. “Alaska presents challenges you won’t find anywhere else, and our Soldiers are the subject matter experts in solving them. We’re working with universities and industry partners to turn these ideas into real-world solutions that will save lives and make our Army more lethal and resilient.”

The event underscores the Army’s commitment to continuous transformation, strengthening the Army profession, and leveraging the full potential of its people. Angel Ascent aligns with the Army People Strategy and the Department of Defense’s focus on accelerating warfighting advantage through innovation.

“We’re going to keep pushing, keep growing, and keep learning from each other,” Cogbill said. “This is just the start of a culture of innovation that will define the 11th Airborne Division and set the standard for the Army.”

By MAJ Ian Roth

Posted in Army, Guest Post | No Comments »

Scouting America Launches Military Family Fee Waiver to Support Service Members and Their Families

June 14th, 2026

IRVING, TX (June 8, 2026) – Scouting America announced its Military Family Fee Waiver, a new initiative designed to reduce financial barriers and expand access to Scouting programs for all new and renewing youth members whose parents or guardians are currently serving as active-duty military (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Space Force and Coast Guard), Reserves and National Guard. The program underscores Scouting America’s longstanding commitment to supporting military families and ensuring youth have access to character-building, leadership development, and outdoor experiences.

Through the Military Family Fee Waiver, eligible families may receive a waiver of national registration fees, helping make participation in Cub Scouting, Scouts BSA, Venturing, and Sea Scouting more accessible during times of service-related transition. Frequent relocations, deployments, and changes in family circumstances can present unique challenges for military families, and this initiative helps ensure continuity in youth development opportunities.

“Military families make tremendous sacrifices in service to our country,” said Roger Krone, president and CEO of Scouting America. “The Military Family Fee Waiver is one way we can give back by making it easier for young people in these families to build confidence, develop leadership skills, and experience the adventure and camaraderie that Scouting offers.”

Scouting America has a long history of serving military-connected youth, including units based on military installations around the world. The new fee waiver strengthens that connection by removing a common barrier to participation and inviting more families to take advantage of Scouting’s programs.

Scouting provides youth with opportunities to learn practical skills, serve their communities, and develop resilience, benefits that can be especially meaningful for those navigating the unique demands of military life. Programs emphasize teamwork, responsibility, and personal growth, equipping young people with tools that last a lifetime.

Eligible families are encouraged to contact their local Scouting America council for details about the Military Family Fee Waiver and application process.

For more information about Scouting America and its programs, visit www.scouting.org.

Posted in Press Release, Scouting | Comments Off on Scouting America Launches Military Family Fee Waiver to Support Service Members and Their Families

Savage Arms Helps Raise $1 Million for Youth Shooting Sports Through Support of MidwayUSA Foundation

June 14th, 2026

WESTFIELD, Massachusetts – June 10, 2026 – Savage Arms, an iconic firearm manufacturer, has reached a significant milestone in its continued commitment to youth shooting sports, helping raise more than $1 million for youth shooting teams and organizations through its support of MidwayUSA Foundation.

Since partnering with MidwayUSA Foundation in 2020, Savage Arms has played an important role in sustaining and growing youth shooting sports programs across the country. Funds raised through this partnership provide long-term financial support to youth shooting teams, ensuring future generations have access to safe, competitive and educational shooting sports opportunities.

“True to their vision, they build quality firearms for shooting sports enthusiasts of all ages. Through this partnership with us, their products allow youth shooting teams in our program to conduct community fundraisers. The fundraising product grant model gives donors the chance to win a high-value item, and in return, the team earns contributions to their endowment that will fund their team forever. Savage Arms is leaving a legacy by supporting MidwayUSA Foundation’s mission,” said John Linquist, MidwayUSA Foundation’s Relationship Manager. The majority of Savage Arms’ products are used in MidwayUSA Foundation’s fundraising product grant programs. Funds raised and donated to a team endowment are matched by MidwayUSA Foundation’s matching program, enabling rapid endowment growth through sponsor-provided products.

This $1 million milestone reflects Savage Arms’ ongoing dedication to conservation, outdoor traditions and the development of young athletes through participation in shooting sports. By supporting the MidwayUSA Foundation, Savage Arms is helping youth programs nationwide build stronger teams, expand opportunities and provide valuable experiences that teach leadership, responsibility, confidence and discipline.

Posted in Fundraising, Press Release, Shooting Sports | No Comments »

250 Years of America, 251 Years of Readiness

June 14th, 2026

Porsha Auzenne of the Fort Polk Public Affairs Office created this graphic which commemorates not only the US Army’s 251st birthday but also our nation’s founding 250 years ago.

Happy birthday to the institution that’s been fighting for our freedom longer than we’ve been a nation!

Happy birthday US Army!

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Army Commissions Second Cohort of Tech Executives into Executive Innovation Corps

June 14th, 2026

JOINT BASE MYER-HENDERSON HALL, Va. — The U.S. Army commissioned its second cohort of senior technology leaders into the Executive Innovation Corps, known as Detachment 201, during a ceremony June 10 at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall.

Detachment 201 is a specialized Army Reserve unit designed to bridge the gap between private-sector innovation and military modernization. It reflects the War Department’s broader push to leverage private-sector technical capabilities to address complex national security and defense challenges.

The program selects applicants who are highly skilled civilian technology professionals at the executive or C-suite level to serve as part-time strategic advisers. These officers use their advanced expertise in commercial tech and private industry to offer a different perspective and advise senior Army leaders on solving military problems.

The three newly commissioned officers of Cohort 2 are Dane Knecht, chief technology officer of Cloudflare; Sam Pallura, managing director and chief technology officer of Sutter Hill Ventures; and Serkan Piantino, co-founder of Facebook AI Research and former vice president of products at Reddit.

The officers shared their perspectives on joining the unit:

“I was drawn to Detachment 201 because it’s a unique opportunity to apply private-sector technical expertise to national defense challenges,” Knecht said. “I’m excited to contribute to helping the Army innovate and maintain a strategic advantage.”

Pallura, whose father served in the US military, pointed to his desire to help solve some of the Army’s most critical problems. “The Army’s most pressing technology challenges in AI, cyber defense, and large-scale distributed systems require leaders who can evaluate a technical architecture in the morning and advise a general in the afternoon,” he said.

Piantino noted the shifting nature of global conflict. “As the character of warfare evolves, the armed forces must rapidly adapt to new domains and prepare for continued technological change,” he said. “Those who have the experience to contribute to that mission have a duty to offer their service.”

The program’s inaugural cohort, launched last year, commissioned four other leading innovators from the tech sector, including Shyam Sankar, chief technology officer at Palantir; Andrew “Boz” Bosworth, chief technology officer at Meta; Bob McGrew, former research lead at OpenAI and current advisor at Thinking Machines Lab; and Kevin Weil, former chief product officer at OpenAI.

Over the past year, the pilot cohort of Detachment 201 has provided strategic counsel on the Army’s critical challenges. Their work has influenced key initiatives, including munitions supply chain data analysis, Organic Industrial Base investments, and foundational strategies for autonomous systems and counter-drone technologies.

The Army’s acquisition pipeline for highly skilled talent is managed through the modernized Direct Commissioning Program, which has been overhauled to compete more effectively with the private sector for technical talent. By streamlining the centralized application process, the military has reduced the onboarding timeline from more than 18 months to approximately six months. This pathway allows senior corporate leaders to serve in uniform part-time without abandoning their civilian careers.

For more information on the Direct Commissioning Program, visit www.army.mil/dcp.

By U.S. Army Public Affairs

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

Allen-Vanguard Secures Over $3 Million Worth of New Contracts in Africa

June 13th, 2026

Allen-Vanguard, a global leader in Cyber Electromagnetic Activities (CEMA), has secured over $3 million worth of new contracts for its vehicle-based Electronic Countermeasure (ECM) system (3XXX) and highly adaptable man-portable ECM system (SCORPION 2) to enhance the force protection and C-IED capability of two African nations. Allen-Vanguard will be at Eurosatory, Hall 5a – DE345 to discuss all their integrated RF protection products and capabilities to defeat modern threats.

Allen-Vanguard are experts in delivering integrated, platform-agnostic RF electronic warfare, counter-RCIED and counter-UAS solutions. It has over 25 years of operational experience in the design, development and deployment of integrated, platform-agnostic systems tailored to counter evolving threats in high-risk environments. Its capabilities enable the detection, disruption and protection of personnel across complex battlespaces, supporting defence, security and public safety organisations worldwide. Allen-Vanguard combines proven technology with comprehensive training, threat-informed updates and through-life support to ensure sustained effectiveness and mission readiness in high-risk operational scenarios.

Due to the sensitivity and security risks associated with the customer’s theatre of operations, it is not possible to disclose the purchasing nations or specify the deployment plans for this new capability. However, these initial orders are a major force protection capability uplift for the end user. It will deliver enhanced individual, vehicle and vulnerable point protection to security forces operating in high-risk Radio Controlled Improvised Explosive Device (RC-IED) environments and, in addition, help mitigate the increasing threat posed by the use of Uncrewed Air Systems (UAS), such as drones, to conduct aggressive ISTAR activity or deliver lethal effects.

The contracts come with a full support package, including training for users, technicians and mission-fill development. This support includes the deployment of Field Service Representatives to ensure the development of indigenous ECM capability and reach back to the Threat Management Team.

This team of RF experts optimise algorithms specific to the end user’s needs to combat evolving threats specific to their region of operations. This comprehensive wrap-around support maximises the protection offered by the ECM systems, both from a physical capability perspective but also from the essential changes to tactics, techniques and procedures necessary to keep operators safe.

Stuart Wilson, Director Business Development & Marketing at Allen-Vanguard, said: “We have a long history of providing force protection capability to African nations and associated peace-keeping forces, and we are extremely pleased to secure these new contracts to maintain and enhance this important relationship with the region. Unfortunately, the significant threat to security forces in Africa from UXOs, IEDs, RC-IEDs and other RF hazards remains high, and has only been exacerbated by the growing threat from UAS. Our systems are not only market leading in relation to their technology and capability, but our support packages also ensure purchasing nations improve their wider ECM capability and remain updated with the latest algorithms and software to maintain their protection. For this reason, we are trusted and operationally proven with NATO countries and peace-keeping forces globally.”

Posted in CIED, Contracts, EW, International, Press Release | No Comments »

Air Commandos Make History: 492nd, 919th SOW Airmen Graduate Argentine Mountain School

June 13th, 2026

BARILOCHE, Argentina — For the first time in United States Air Force history, two Airmen have successfully completed the rigorous mountain warfare course at the Escuela Militar de Montaña in Bariloche, Argentina, according to Director of the Argentine Mountain Warfare School, Col. Ignacio García Solórzano. The graduation of members from the 492nd Special Operations Wing and the 919th Special Operations Wing marks a major milestone, representing the first time in 20 years that any U.S. military personnel have completed the prestigious school.

Set in the unforgiving, rugged terrain of Patagonia, the mountain school is designed to push students to their absolute physical and mental limits. These Air Commandos faced a demanding curriculum focused on high-altitude operations, specialized cold-weather survival, and moving quickly through mountainous landscapes. Over several weeks, they mastered advanced rock climbing, complex rope safety techniques, and the use of single-rope bridges to cross dangerous mountain rivers.

“Prior to attending this school, I had completed extensive land navigation training in steep mountain terrain, hiked glaciers, and completed several multi-day trips. Nothing compared to the level of mountaineering we would endure during this course,” said the participating Airman from the 919th SOW. “They took what I had previously considered intense hiking and went vertical. While I had some experience, this school introduced an entirely new element: multi-pitch rock climbing.”

Beyond the tactical skills acquired, the training served as a vital platform to strengthen the strategic partnership between the United States and Argentina. U.S. Airmen trained alongside their Argentinean military counterparts, integrating into combined teams on dangerous terrain. This shared experience fostered mutual trust and “interoperability” — the ability for different nations’ militaries to work together seamlessly during a mission. The integration was so successful that one of the U.S. Airmen was voted by their classmates to receive the “Best Teammate Award,” a powerful testament to the camaraderie and mutual respect.

After initially graduating, both Air Commandos were invited to stay for the school’s instructor course. They both successfully graduated from this advanced cadre training and received an invitation from the Argentinean military to return as guest instructors for future iterations of the mountain school.

“When you look back at the legacy of the original Carpetbaggers in World War II, they forged new alliances through innovative intelligence and the drive to accomplish the impossible,” said Col. Zak Blom, 492nd SOW commander. “By mastering this course and becoming instructors alongside our Argentinean partners, these Airmen are writing the next chapter of that legacy — tackling challenges that haven’t been touched by U.S. forces in decades.”

Col. Scott Hurrelbrink, 919th SOW commander, echoed the significance of the accomplishment.

“What these Air Commandos achieved in Patagonia is nothing short of historic,” Hurrelbrink said. “By conquering this environment and bridging a two-decade gap with Argentina, they proved the unwavering strength and reach of our international alliances.”

Breaking a two-decade hiatus since the last U.S. military participation in 2006, these achievements signal a renewed and highly active commitment to military cooperation between the two nations. By sending Air Force Special Operations Command personnel to one of South America’s premier mountain warfare schools and having them recognized as elite instructors, the U.S. Air Force is reinvigorating critical alliances in the region.

The successful completion of this course and the follow-on instructor training by the 492nd and 919th SOW Airmen directly enhances the global posture of U.S. special operations forces. By mastering mobility, survival, and instruction in extreme mountain conditions alongside international partners, these Air Commandos ensure they remain adaptable, lethal, and fully prepared to lead complex missions in any climb and any place.

Story by Elizabeth Easterling and MSgt Jonathan D McCallum

492d Special Operations Wing

Posted in Air Force, Guest Post, International, Mountaineering, Training | No Comments »

Spearheading the Spectrum: How CPT Curtis Hart is Driving Acquisition Reform and Electromagnetic Dominance for PdM EWI

June 13th, 2026

In an era where the battlefield is increasingly defined by invisible frequencies and data dominance, the Army Acquisition Corps is under a clear mandate: deliver capabilities faster, smarter, and with the Soldier at the center of the design process. It is a daunting task that requires moving away from the sluggish procurement cycles of the past and embracing agile, iterative modernization.

Product Manager Electronic Warfare Integration (PdM EWI) is proud to highlight a leader who isn’t just adapting to these acquisition reforms—he is defining them. MeetCapt. Curtis Hart, Assistant Product Manager (APM) for PdM EWI.

In his short but profoundly impactful tenure, Hart has become a catalyst for change. He stands at the forefront of the Army’s electromagnetic warfare modernization, bringing a rare blend of technical acumen, operational experience, and a relentless commitment to the warfighter.

Bridging the Gap to Next-Gen Command and Control

Hart’s portfolio spans the full spectrum of Army electromagnetic warfare. He is charged with supporting the legacy Electronic Warfare Planning and Management Tool (EWPMT) while concurrently driving the development of the cutting-edge Electromagnetic Warfare Command and Control (EWC2) the Army’s web application aligned with Next Generation Command and Control (NGC2).

Managing a transition of this magnitude is a classic acquisition challenge, but under Hart’s guidance, EWC2 has rapidly evolved into a modern, web-based application. Today, it provides commanders with real-time Electromagnetic Operating Picture (EOP) visualization and critical decision support. His leadership has been instrumental in bridging the gap between legacy systems and the NGC2 architecture, ensuring warfighters are seamlessly equipped with the tools necessary to dominate the spectrum.

Transformation in Contact: Speed to Relevance

At the heart of the Department of War’s acquisition reform is the concept of “Transformation in Contact” (TiC) — the ability to iteratively field, test, and refine capabilities directly with operational units. Throughout his time with Project Manager Electromagnetic Warfare & Collection (PM EW&C), Hart has been the tip of the spear for these global operational engagements.

He serves as the primary facilitator for training, fielding, and equipping Soldiers on both EWPMT and EWC2. By orchestrating these activities, he directly supports the Army’s flagship NGC2 experimentation efforts with the 4th Infantry Division (4ID) and the 25th Infantry Division (25ID).

A prime example of Hart’s impact is his leadership during the Ivy Sting exercise series. He successfully facilitated the integration of EWC2 with 4ID’s NGC2 architecture, enabling the division to conduct electromagnetic warfare operations in a fully modernized environment. This integration is not just a localized win; it is a foundational steppingstone for Project Convergence Capstone 6 (PC-C6) and a scalable model for future Army-wide adoption.

“Capt. Hart is a creative thinker who always brings a solution to the problem, he is spearheading Army Acquisition Reform by leading the charge on NGC2 TiC engagements,” said Lt. Col. Troy Merkel, Product Manager EWI. “His ability to bridge operational needs with acquisition innovation is setting a new standard for the Army.”

Closing the Loop: Soldier-Centered Design

Perhaps the most shining example of Hart’s alignment with modern acquisition reform is how he champions Soldier-centered design. Recognizing that the best software is builtwiththe user, not justforthe user, he revolutionized how PM EWI handles feedback from the field.

Hart incorporated a Human Systems Integration (HSI) Subject Matter Expert into the team to build a streamlined, online feedback loop. Now, Soldiers can complete assessments while in the field, sending critical usability data directly to the developers. This close collaboration, particularly with the 4ID CEMA Cell, successfully aligned EWC2 with real-world operational needs, posturing the division for success in exercises like Ivy Mass and beyond. It is the epitome of agile software development in action.

The Leader Behind the Mission

Hart’s drive is forged by profound operational experience. Commissioned in 2016, he served in field artillery units at Fort Bliss, TX, and Fort Drum, NY, and deployed to Iraq in 2023 and Afghanistan from 2020 to 2021.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from James Madison University and, highly fitting for his current role, a Master of Science in Systems Engineering Management from the Naval Postgraduate School. When he isn’t driving modernization efforts, Hart enjoys spending quality time with his wife and two children, hitting the golf course, and tackling DIY projects at home.

Hart’s relentless drive, innovative spirit, and unwavering commitment to Soldiers are setting the pace for Army Acquisition Reform. He proves that with the right leadership, the acquisition process can be as agile and lethal as the forces it supports. He is, without question, a true superstar of the PdM EWI and a model for the next generation of Army Acquisition leaders.

Courtesy Story

Capability Program Executive – Intelligence & Spectrum Warfare

Posted in Acquisition, Army, EW, Guest Post | No Comments »