SIG SAUER - Never Settle

EOTECH Launches New CUAS Holographic Weapon Sights

August 10th, 2026

Plymouth, MI (August 2026) – The battlefield is everchanging. Today, small, low-cost drones are proliferating across the world, posing significant threats to military installations, personnel, and critical infrastructures. To combat this aerial threat, EOTECH is proud to announce the development of the HWS CUAS.

The Counter Unmanned Aircraft Sight (CUAS) provides the individual soldier with advanced capabilities to immobilize drones. Available in both the EXPS3 and XPS3 models, the HWS CUAS includes a sophisticated aiming reticle that enables rapid engagement of both stationary and moving drones.

Used for stationary drones, the reticle consists of a primary aiming dot with fractured outer circles to enhance target acquisition. Additional lead references provide intuitive holds for crossing targets at varying distances. Assuming a 30-mph drone crossing at a 90-degree path, the user would simply position the inner left or right dot on drones at 50m out and use the outer chevrons to engage drones at 90m out.

“Holography is essential when designing large pattern reticles. The CUAS reticle is achieved through complex and often expensive unconventional optics to correct for parallax error and other aberrations.” Said Todd Estes, VP of Engineering for EOTECH. “The holographic solution ensures that all the potential aiming points stay in focus at the target position regardless of the size and shape of the reticle. Holographic optical elements provide a wider field of view and unrecognizable parallax compared to conventional lenses.”

The EXPS3 model offers side buttons that are useful when using night-vision systems or magnifiers. It is equipped with an adjustable, lockable quick-detach lever for easy attachment and removal. The EXPS3 model also provides lower 1/3 co-witness with iron sights. The XPS3 version offers true co-witness height, rear buttons, and a 7/64 hex crossbolt for a more permanent mounting solution.

EOTECH HWS CUAS Specifications:

L x W x H:

3.8″ x 2.3″ x 2.6″ (96.5 x 58.4 x 65 mm) (EXPS3)

3.8” x 2.1” x 2.5” (96.5 x 53.3 x 64mm) (XPS3)

Weight:

11.2 oz (317.5 g) (EXPS3)

9.0 oz (255 g) (XPS3)

Water Resistant:

33ft (10m) depth (NV)

Mount:

1″ Weaver or MIL-STD-1913 rail

Zero Adjustments:

0.5 MOA per click

Brightness:

20 daylight settings

10 NV settings (night vision compatible model)

Power Source:

1 x CR123 battery

Battery Life:

1,000 continuous hours at nominal setting 4 at room temperature

Country of Origin:

Made in the USA

For more information, please visit www.eotechinc.com.

Posted in Advertiser, C-UAS, Optics, Press Release | No Comments »

BFG Monday: The Damage You Can’t See

August 10th, 2026

The range day is over. Your rifle is back in the case. The optic survived hours of steady rain. Your radio still works. The batteries have power.

Everything looks fine, so you wipe down the exposed surfaces, close the cases, load the truck, and head home.

Weeks later, you open that same case before the next training day.

A faint haze has formed across the lens. The battery contacts are beginning to discolor. The radio powers on, but the connection is inconsistent. You expected the equipment to be ready. Instead, you are inspecting contacts, changing batteries, and trying to determine what happened between the last range day and this one.

There were no drops. No impacts. No obvious equipment failures.

The conditions that caused the damage were sealed inside the case.

Surface Dry Is Not Equipment Dry

Rain is easy to recognize. You can see it running across an optic, collecting on a rifle, and soaking into equipment.

Sweat, humidity, condensation, and rapid temperature changes are less obvious, but they can still leave moisture on and around the gear you depend on.

The risk does not end when that equipment is placed inside a protective pouch or hard case.

Those systems shield equipment from impact, dirt, abrasion, and the outside environment. They can also trap moisture that is already present. The exterior of a case may be completely dry while the equipment and air inside remain damp.

Once the case is closed, that moisture can remain near lenses, battery terminals, electrical connections, metal components, and other sensitive surfaces. What begins as light fogging or discoloration can develop into corrosion, unreliable connections, and equipment that requires attention before it can be used again.

Wiping down exposed equipment is an important first step, but a towel can only reach the surface. It cannot always reach moisture around electrical connections, beneath battery covers, along seams, behind lenses, or within the enclosed environment of a pouch or case.

Temperature changes can make the problem harder to recognize. Equipment moved from a cold range, vehicle, aircraft, or outdoor environment into warmer storage may develop condensation after it has already been packed.

Before closing the case, ask one more question:

Is the equipment still warmer, colder, or more humid than the environment where it will be stored?

If it is, the condition inside the case may continue to change after the latches close.

Ideally, equipment would remain unpacked with sufficient airflow until completely dry and adjusted to the storage environment.Real operations rarely make that possible.

The team is moving. Vehicles are loading. The range is closing. Equipment has to return to an arms room, locker, truck, pack, or deployment bag. There may not be enough time, space, or airflow to leave every optic, radio, battery, and electronic device spread across a table.

That creates a dangerous assumption: if the outside feels dry, the equipment is ready to store.

Surface dry and equipment dry are not always the same thing.

Before You Close the Case

A few steps can help reduce the amount of moisture stored with sensitive equipment:

• Wipe down all exposed surfaces.

• Inspect battery compartments, contacts, connectors, seams, and lens areas.

• Remove batteries when required by the equipment manufacturer or unit procedure.

• Allow equipment to air out whenever conditions permit.

• Check pouches, packs, and cases for moisture before repacking.

• Consider whether a temperature change could create condensation after the case closes.

• Follow the equipment manufacturer’s inspection, storage, and maintenance requirements.

These steps matter, but time and operational conditions do not always allow equipment to dry fully before it has to be packed.

That is where moisture management inside the case becomes important.

The Next Requirement Changes the Consequence

Finding moisture during scheduled maintenance is a problem. Finding it during pre-mission checks changes the requirement.

The same fogged optic, corroded contact, or unreliable connection now costs time the user or team may not have.

For an individual user, that can mean damaged equipment, lost training time, or an expensive replacement. Across a military unit or agency, it can contribute to additional maintenance, equipment downtime, and critical gear that is unavailable when needed.

Protecting equipment is not only about whether it survives the initial exposure. It is also about whether it remains ready after that exposure is over.

Protective Cases Solve Only Half the Problem

Some of the equipment most vulnerable to moisture is also among the most valuable equipment in the loadout.

Night vision systems rely on clear lenses, electrical components, and dependable battery connections. Radios and GPS units must function without hesitation. Optics must remain clear. Batteries must provide reliable power. Weapons and tools contain metal components that can degrade when moisture remains against their surfaces.

Much of this equipment already travels inside padded pouches, lockers, packs, hard cases, or vehicle kits. Those systems protect against movement, impact, abrasion, and the outside environment.

They do not automatically remove moisture enclosed with the equipment.

A rugged case can help prevent an optic from being crushed. A padded pouch can protect night vision equipment during movement. Neither guarantees that the environment inside remains dry.

That is the difference between external protection and internal moisture management.

Active Moisture Removal Versus Passive Moisture Control

Disposable desiccant packets are commonly used for passive moisture control during storage and transport. They eventually have to be replaced and may not address all the moisture introduced through rain, sweat, humidity, condensation, or temperature changes.

DRYOUT® Active Moisture-Removal Technology™ takes a different approach.

Its patented layered material pulls moisture away from equipment, absorbs it, and traps it within the material. This supports two types of moisture management.

The first is preventative. DRYOUT can remain with sensitive equipment inside a pouch, pack, range bag, or case to help manage moisture within the enclosed storage environment.

The second is post-exposure recovery. After equipment encounters rain, sweat, humidity, condensation, or changing temperatures, DRYOUT helps pull remaining moisture away from optics, electronics, batteries, and other sensitive gear.

DRYOUT is reusable and resettable for repeated use. Collected moisture can be released through airflow or controlled heat according to the product care instructions. No batteries, electronics, or external power are required.

DRYOUT does not replace proper inspection, maintenance, or drying procedures. It adds active moisture management to the protection system already surrounding the equipment.

Blue Force Gear® protects the outside.

DRYOUT helps manage the moisture trapped inside.

Readiness Continues After the Gear Is Packed

The mission may be over. The range may be cold. The equipment may be back inside its case.

The exposure does not necessarily end there.

Damage may continue developing while equipment sits untouched and trapped moisture remains near the lenses, contacts, connections, and components inside.

The next time the case opens, you should be reaching for equipment that is ready to work, not discovering a problem that began after the last use.

Before you close it, consider what you may be sealing inside.

Because the damage you cannot see is still damage.

Explore the DRYOUT line at Blue Force Gear.

About Blue Force Gear

Blue Force Gear® is a leading innovator in lightweight tactical equipment, best known for producing some of the world’s most trusted weapon slings. The company continues to redefine load carriage with its Ten-Speed® multi-use pouches, MOLLEminus® platforms, and patented Helium Whisper® attachment system.

Driven by a commitment to performance and weight reduction, Blue Force Gear® engineers its products using proprietary ULTRACOMP® high-performance laminate materials, delivering durability without unnecessary bulk. This relentless focus on innovation, combined with precision manufacturing and attention to detail, has positioned the brand at the forefront of modern tactical gear.

Blue Force Gear® is a Great Place to Work® Certified company, reflecting its dedication not only to the warfighter, but to the people behind the mission.

For more information, visit www.blueforcegear.com.

Posted in Advertiser, Guest Post, Load Carrying | 1 Comment »

Air National Guard Squadron Sharpens Readiness in Jungle Terrain

August 10th, 2026

Wind moves through the trees at Schofield Barracks’ East Range as leaves crunch underfoot and boots sink into mud. Humidity clings to uniforms as security forces airmen navigate steep terrain, flowing water and unfamiliar surroundings, trading the familiar landscape of the Midwest for the jungle terrain of Oahu, Hawaii.

For two weeks, July 13-27, airmen assigned to the Ohio Air National Guard’s 178th Security Forces Squadron challenged themselves through annual training designed to strengthen small-unit tactics, decision-making and expeditionary readiness.

The training combined classroom instruction with hands-on field exercises, including jungle familiarization, dismounted patrolling, ambush training, land navigation and rope systems. The realistic environment challenged airmen to apply what they learned while operating in unfamiliar terrain.

This was part of an 18-month effort by the squadron to increase its focus on small-team operations and prepare airmen to make tactical-level decisions in increasingly decentralized environments that will be needed in the future, said Air Force Maj. Eric Minshaw, 178th Security Forces Squadron commander.

The jungle environment quickly became one of the most valuable instructors.

“The terrain and the environment have been perfect,” Minshaw said. “It certainly has been the greatest challenge that we’ve faced out here, just navigating through the water and elevation changes.”

For Air Force 1st Lt. Kyle Mackerig, a guest jungle instructor assigned to the 820th Base Defense Group at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, the training provided an opportunity to share knowledge gained through his experience operating in jungle environments.

Mackerig graduated from the Army Jungle Operations Training Course in May 2025 and joined the 178th SFS to help airmen develop the skills necessary to operate in jungle terrain.

The goal extended beyond simply learning how to navigate. The training challenged airmen to remain effective when conditions were unfamiliar, and the path forward was uncertain.

“The jungle is the classroom, not the objective,” said Air Force Master Sgt. Bradley Akers. “Our purpose is to push our airmen beyond their comfort zones in one of the world’s most demanding environments, reinforcing disciplined leadership, teamwork and adaptability. Those are the qualities that make them more capable defenders, regardless of where the mission takes them.”

That challenge took many forms throughout the two weeks. Airmen hiked through steep terrain and mud, navigated waterways and practiced moving through the jungle while carrying their equipment.

During one exercise, they made their way to a river and moved chest-deep through the water, testing whether their packs could float and learning how to operate in and around a water obstacle. They emerged from the river covered in mud, carrying another lesson from an environment far removed from what they typically encounter in Ohio.

For Air Force Staff Sgt. Macy Flannery, squadron member, the experience also provided an opportunity to strengthen the bonds within her team. Flannery, who is in her fifth year of service, said the training challenged them to work together while learning basic survival skills and small-unit tactics.

“It’s been a good bonding experience for our team,” she said. “We’re going through it all together and having to do a lot of teamwork for our different training experiences.”

Mackerig said the teamwork he witnessed throughout the training gave him a new appreciation for the squadron.

“The biggest thing that surprised me about working with the [National] Guard, and in particular the 178th, is how tight-knit they are, how much of a family they are,” he said. “Everyone feels welcome here, even from being an outsider.”

That sense of teamwork became evident throughout the training, as airmen and noncommissioned officers looked after one another and shared skills developed through previous training and experience.

“We’ve got a great team,” Minshaw said. “The NCOs that we have and the instructor cadre that have come in [are] absolutely top shelf.”

From checking water supplies and applying sunscreen to sharing specialized skills and helping teammates navigate difficult terrain, the small actions demonstrated the team’s commitment to one another, he said.

“It’s really awesome to see the team come together” and use some of the special skills they have in the training environment and then teach their teammates, Minshaw said, adding that the ultimate value of the training lies in what airmen take with them when they leave. Training environments like this allow airmen to discover their limits in a controlled setting, giving them the confidence to face future challenges.

“It’s better to find … your breaking points and move past those in a training environment like this, rather than to be caught flat-footed in our operational environment,” Minshaw said.

As the airmen leave the mud, water and steep terrain of Schofield Barracks, the lessons learned in the jungle will follow them. The physical challenges, tactical problems and moments of uncertainty provided more than a test of endurance. It allowed them to build confidence, strengthen teamwork and develop the ability to make decisions in unfamiliar environments.

By Air Force TSgt Tiffany Scofield, 178th Wing

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

Soldier Insights Help Advance Cheyenne Development

August 9th, 2026

REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. — The Project Office for the Future Long Range Assault Aircraft recently executed a critical design iteration of the Army’s next-generation assault aircraft, the MV-75 Cheyenne, at Redstone Arsenal during a special user evaluation. Over the course of a week in mid-May, a team of operators from the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade (CAB), engineers and trainers gathered to focus on a critical aspect of modern aviation: the pilot display system and its impact on cognitive workload.

Welcoming the group, Col. Jeffrey Poquette, project manager for FLRAA, highlighted the unique capabilities this new assault tilt-rotor will bring to the battlefield. He emphasized that the insights gathered during this intensive week-long session will directly inform the detailed design of the Cheyenne and will shape decisions leading up to the first flight and eventual delivery to the 101st Airborne Division.

A Collaborative, Operator-Focused Approach

This was not just a technical exercise — it was a collaborative effort designed to put operators at the center of the design process. Leading the effort was Tia Larsen-Calcano, a human factors engineer in PM FLRAA and Maj. Craig Hunninghake, FLRAA assistant program manager.

Participants included pilots and crew from the 101st Airborne Division, subject matter experts from the Army Aviation Center of Excellence/Operational Test Directorate along with representatives from the U.S. Army Special Operations Aviation Command and the Army’s Aviation Flight Test Directorate. This cross-functional team structure ensured that the evaluation captured a wide range of operational perspectives, from those who will fly and fight in the Cheyenne to those responsible for training, testing and integrating the aircraft into Army formations.

Critical to this evaluation was the APEX2 lab from the U.S. Army’s Combat Capabilities Development Command. This office specializes in hardware and software rapid prototyping, and human factors-based evaluation of the aircrew behicle interface.

“The team at APEX2 quickly integrated a tiltrotor flight and avionics model using existing laboratory assets and software baselines from other platforms,” said Hunninghake. “Their ability to capture user feedback, update design concepts with user recommendations overnight and fly the participants’ ‘dream data set’ all within a single week is unmatched. This empowered the operators to actively participate in the design and evaluation of the avionics that they will one day fly.”

CW2 Julian Dilg, a UH-60 Black Hawk pilot, noted “The displays are inherently different, so we were able to work together and bounce ideas off of each other and gain insight.”

CW2 Jordan Brooks, a CH-47 Chinook pilot, added, “Sharing those insights gave us the ability to find enough common ground to work with in order to decide what changes needed to be made to display the information needed to fly it most effectively.”

Pilot Display System: Reducing Cognitive Load, Enhancing Performance

A central focus of the evaluation was the pilot display system. The digital interface provides aviators with critical flight, navigation and mission data. As the Army transitions to the advanced tilt-rotor Cheyenne, the complexity and speed of operations demand a display that not only presents information clearly but also minimizes cognitive workload.

Throughout the evaluation, pilots from the 101st and other organizations performed a series of simulated missions and scenarios. They provided real-time feedback on the intuitiveness of the display, the clarity of alerts and warnings, and the ease of accessing key data such as power applied versus power available, a crucial metric for tiltrotor performance and safety.

Operators highlighted the importance of being able to quickly interpret engine and power management data, especially during high-stress maneuvers or degraded visual environments. The evaluation team paid close attention to how information was prioritized and layered on the display, seeking to avoid information overload while ensuring that no critical cues were missed.

When asked what had the most meaningful impact on the entire team during the week, Dilg and Brooks emphasized, “We knew that it wasn’t just a check-the-box exercise. The entire team made us all feel valued and they really appreciated the input that we provided. We were happy to provide the input, but we were impressed at the way the team seemed to appreciate the work we put into this week.”

Both pilots agreed that flying the Cheyenne virtual prototype on the first day before they began evaluating the data sets familiarized them with the new aircraft, which was extremely helpful.

Informing Detailed Design and First Flight Decisions

The feedback from the evaluation is already shaping the detailed design of the MV-75’s cockpit. Engineers from Bell and Army program offices are incorporating operator recommendations to refine display symbology, streamline menu navigation and enhance alerting logic. For example, several pilots noted that grouping power management data with related performance cues reduced the time needed to make critical decisions, directly supporting safer and more effective operations.

These operator-driven insights are not just academic, they inform key decisions ahead of the MV-75’s first flight. By validating display concepts and workload management strategies early, the program reduces risk and increases the likelihood of a successful test campaign and smooth transition to operational units.

Preparing for the Future

The collaborative approach of the special user evaluation — bringing together operators, testers, engineers and trainers — demonstrates the Army’s commitment to fielding an aircraft that meets the real-world needs of its aviators. By focusing on the pilot display system and cognitive workload, the FLRAA program is setting the stage for a safer, more effective and more user-friendly MV-75 Cheyenne, ready to serve the 101st and the broader Army aviation community for decades to come.

By Heather Douglas, Capability Program Executive Aviation

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

Army Modifies Body Composition Program, Adopts Waist-to-Height Ratio

August 9th, 2026

WASHINGTON — The Army has replaced the long-standing height and weight tables, circumference-based tape test, and supplemental body fat assessments with the waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) health assessment tool. This immediate change is part of a broader effort to accurately assess Soldier health, increase force readiness and continue to align the Army Body Composition Program with medically validated practices.

“This is about lethality and health,” said Sgt. Maj. Monsanto, Deputy Chief of Staff, G-1, Directorate of Prevention, Resilience, Readiness. “We are adopting new metrics to ensure our Soldiers are healthy and physically fit to fight and win.”

Under the new policy, all Soldiers will undergo a WHtR assessment twice per calendar year. A waist to height ratio of less than 0.55 is the new benchmark for compliance. The implementation of this assessment measures a Soldier’s waistline at the navel (belly button) and divides that measurement by their height in inches, which produces the ratio for record. The Army will conduct a 180-day assessment of the new WHtR to validate accuracy and determine if adjustments are needed.

Soldiers whose WHtR is 0.55 or greater will receive a confirmation test by another team on the same duty day to verify accuracy. If a Soldier fails the WHtR assessment, placement in the Army Body Composition program will follow to begin the process for compliance.

“Our human resource continuous transformation initiative requires that we modernize how we improve readiness and our warfighting lethality,” said Sgt. Maj. Monsanto. “By incorporating the Waist-to-Height Ratio, we are becoming more adaptive and agile, ensuring our Soldiers are healthy and physically fit to fight and win.”

The Army will continue to use a formal flagging action for Soldiers whose waist-to-height ratio is 0.55 or higher. Under the updated policy, these Soldiers are flagged and enrolled in the Army Body Composition Program until they meet the standard. No separation actions for failing WHtR will occur during the Army’s initial 180?day assessment period.

To ensure standards of professionalism remain consistent across the Army, commanders at any time may direct a Soldier to undergo a WHtR assessment if they are concerned that the Soldier does not meet the WHtR standard.

This transition to the Waist-to-Height Ratio marks a significant step in modernizing the Army’s approach to health and fitness. By adopting an accurate and medically validated standard, we are ensuring our Soldiers are prepared for the demands of the modern battlefield and fostering a healthier, more lethal force.

By Army Public Affairs

Posted in Army, Guest Post, Profession of Arms | No Comments »

USAA Unveils The National Military Monument, Honoring More Than 41 Million Americans Who Have Answered the Call to Serve Since the Revolutionary War

August 9th, 2026

Immersive experience on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial invites every American to remember and honor generations of military service during the nation’s 250th anniversary commemoration.

SAN ANTONIO, TX – July 27, 2026 – As Americans continue commemorating our nation’s 250thanniversary, The National Military Monument will open to the public on July 28, offering a one-of-a-kind tribute honoring more than 41 million Americans who have answered the call to serve across 250 years of our nation’s history. Located on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., the monument invites visitors to reflect on the generations of Americans whose courage, sacrifice and commitment has shaped our country and safeguarded the freedoms we enjoy today.

Drawing from military and public records dating back to the Revolutionary War, the monument honors generations of Americans who answered the call to serve. Because no single historical record captures every individual who has served, the names displayed have been assembled from multiple trusted sources, such as National Public Records (Virginia Beneficiary Identification and Records Locator Subsystem, National Parks Service, WWII Army Enlistment, Multiple POW Lists), Veteran Service Organizations and USAA Members who opted in.

“This monument is ultimately about people,” said Juan C. Andrade, President and CEO of USAA. “Every name represents someone who stepped away from family and chose something greater than themselves. Their service has protected the freedoms we enjoy today and shaped the nation we call home. We hope every person who walks through The National Military Monument leaves thinking about someone they know who served, reflecting on their sacrifice and carrying forward a deeper sense of gratitude.”

This monument brings tradition and technology together, its towering double-sided flags blend classic monument design with cutting-edge digital screens that illuminate the names of generations of military servicemembers. As visitors walk alongside the monument, the flags appear to gently wave in the wind, creating a powerful reminder that behind every stripe is a person, a family and a story of service.

Throughout the installation, interactive kiosks invite visitors to search for parents, grandparents, siblings, friends and loved ones who have served. For many, the experience will transform from simply viewing a monument into discovering a personal connection to America’s military story.

Beginning July 28, visitors can also search online, confirm loved ones are included and submit names that are not yet represented, allowing this living tribute to continue growing over time. Due to privacy protections and the availability of public records, some currently serving military members and veterans may not yet appear.

The National Military Monument opens to the public at 10:00 a.m. ET on Tuesday, July 28, and admission is free. Visitors can learn more, search for names and submit additional records by visiting USAA.com/Monument250.

More than a monument, this installation stands as a national expression of gratitude and respect for the millions of Americans whose service has defined our country’s first 250 years and continues to safeguard its future.

Posted in History, Memorial, Press Release, Veterans | No Comments »

Air National Guard Details Bonuses, Policy Changes Amid ‘Summer Surge Incentives’

August 9th, 2026

ARLINGTON, Va. – The Air National Guard is rolling out sweeping recruiting and retention transformation initiatives—removing accession barriers, expanding enterprise support and reshaping how it competes for the talent required to build dominating air power and ensure wartime readiness.

The ANG has also launched a “Summer Surge Incentive,” which pairs $7,500 bonuses with 3-year enlistment contracts, to secure ANG reenlistments and to recruit Airmen looking to transfer from active duty or the Air Force Reserve.

“It is all part of an effort to continue reaching individuals seeking purpose, growth and the opportunity to make a lasting impact,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Mark Williams, director of Recruiting and Retention for the Air National Guard. “As the Air National Guard recapitalizes and modernizes its force to meet the needs of tomorrow, we must also evolve how we recruit and retain the talent our missions require.”

While the ANG has led a string of successful recruiting campaigns in years’ past, recent efforts highlighted an important lesson for U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. James Chubb, chief, Air National Guard Recruiting and Retention Accessions Branch.

“Standing still is not an option,” he said. “The Air National Guard wins when every state succeeds with recruiting efforts,”

Another new initiative empowers the Air Guard’s highest-producing recruiters to support wings facing the greatest recruiting challenges.

“This initiative creates an enterprise approach to recruiting, allowing us to maximize talent across the nation instead of limiting success to individual states,” said Chubb, adding the measure also significantly expands Air Guard “visibility by saturating key recruiting markets with experienced professionals who consistently produce results.”

Recruiting and Retention’s Marketing Branch launched an enterprise-wide “Guard What Matters” campaign and empowered local marketing teams with a 179% increase in funding while also transitioning wings to a data-driven funding model in lieu of a fixed allocation model.

“Every Airman protects something meaningful – family, community, freedom or future generations,” said Chubb. “This campaign connects military service to those deeply personal motivations while reinforcing the Guard’s unique role as both a community and national defense force.”

To generate reach and a strong social media program, the Marketing Branch created a collaborator program, which leverages hand-selected social media influencers to provide training, promotion, and development support to recruiting teams and wings.

The ANG’s R&R Directorate at the Air National Guard Readiness Center, Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, implemented several procedural and policy changes following a collaborative, top-to-bottom analysis of workflows and challenges.

“The best ideas rarely originate at headquarters. They come from the recruiters serving their communities every day,” said Chubb. “Our responsibility is to listen, remove barriers, and provide them with every possible advantage to succeed.”

In an effort to unlock recruiting capacity, empower high-performing teams, and accelerate state, wing and national end strength growth, R&R implemented a Strength Management Initiative (SMI) adjustment that give wings the ability to fill positions at 100% plus four or 10% (whichever is greater) provided the wing maintains 90% or greater effective manning.

“One of our greatest challenges is balancing recruiting success with limited authorized vacancies,” said Chubb. “As recruiters successfully fill formations, available positions naturally become scarce, creating an artificial ceiling on continued growth.”

The SMI, Chubb added, provides states the flexibility to temporarily exceed authorizations while remaining within overall end-strength objectives, allowing the Air Guard to retain recruiting momentum, preserve high-quality talent and build on critical career fields.

“As we approach the end of the fiscal year, every accession and every retained Airman matters,” said Chubb. “By consolidating accession and retention incentives into a focused campaign, we encourage immediate action from qualified applicants while helping commanders retain experienced Airmen.”

Chubb said the future of successful recruitment marketing efforts will depend on collaboration, not competition among recruiters and other services, which is why the ANG Digital Recruiting Training and Standards Program was created “on the philosophy of train, create and collaborate,” Chubb said.

The program aims to create an enterprise where innovative digital media tactics developed by one recruitment team can benefit others – encouraging states to share digital content, recruiting campaigns and community-engagement ideas rather than “work in isolation.”

In the continued spirit of collaboration, the Air Guard established Recruiting Leadership Councils – made up of regional recruiting leaders – that serve to anticipate changes in recruiting markets.

In the end, recruitment efforts shine a light on what the Air Guard has always offered to those who may want to join the ranks of the nation’s primary air reserve component, said Williams, the recruiting and retention director.

“It’s about meaningful work, professional development and the opportunity to serve our nation, state and communities,” he said. “Whether you are a high school graduate, attending college or already established in the workforce, the Air National Guard offers a proven pathway to gain valuable skills, develop as a leader and achieve long-term personal and professional success.”

By MSgt Erich Smith

Posted in Air Force, Guest Post, TacJobs | No Comments »

Watch the Story of Pyrodex

August 8th, 2026

Pyrodex is a black powder alternative which dates back to 1947 in a homemade lab outside Seattle. In 1976 Hodgdon Powder Co began producing this flammable solid, changing the game for black order enthusiasts. This is their story.

To learn more, visit hodgdonpowderco.com/articles/pyrodex-50th-anniversary-legacy.

Posted in Ammo | No Comments »

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