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Terrain 365 Introduces the Narwhal-AT Folding Knife

March 23rd, 2025

A Rustproof, Streamlined Folder with a Low-Profile Flipper Action

New for March 2025, Terrain 365™ launches their newest folder model, the Narwhal-AT. A sleek and streamlined, rustproof folder for use on land or in the water. Featuring a fast, low-profile flipper tab, our Terravantium™ super alloy blade, all titanium hardware, Hyperglowpivot rings, and signature fullers in the handle and blade. A precision-made study in purpose-driven, spartan yet capable design. Like its namesake, “narwhal”, this folder is unique in its adaptation to the world around it. A highly successful hunter with a simple, sleek and streamlined yet blunt body. Available with a solid titanium framelock side and titanium presentation side with and without various handle scale material options.

The Narwhal-AT is available with Terravantium™ super alloy, all titanium hardware, titanium framelock and G10, micarta, carbon fiber or fat carbon scales.

Creative Director and Co-Founder Patrick Ma of Terrain 365 states,

“I wanted to design a full-sized folder that was inspired by the simplicity and ergonomic balance of a capsule shape. In keeping with the streamlined design direction, I used a low-profile flipper tab that could easily flip open the blade with your thumb or index finger. Something about the final appearance reminded me of the predatory marine mammal the narwhal so the name stuck. ”

The Narwhal-AT is available starting at $365.00 on their website.

Posted in Guest Post, Knives | No Comments »

Spectra Group Train Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to Use Troposcatter MTTS

March 23rd, 2025

Spectra Group (UK) Ltd, a specialist provider of secure voice, data and satellite communications systems, has been supporting the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to enhance their strategic communications expertise, particularly by maximising the capabilities and hence benefits of using Comtech’s Troposcatter Modular Transportable Transmission System (MTTS).

Spectra Group acquired the global distribution rights for Comtech’s Troposcatter Family of Systems (less USA, Canada and Mexico which is retained by Comtech) in 2024 and late last year Spectra Group also announced opening their Australia office to better support the Asia region.

Tropospheric scatter is a communications capability that uses the Troposphere (up to about 13km altitude) to provide high bandwidth communications. It is satellite independent and works in a GPS/GNSS denied environment, so is suitable for use in a Peer-on-Peer conflict/Multi Domain Integration. Troposcatter inherently has very low latency and can provide huge bandwidth, potentially enabling analysis and manipulation of large data, which combined with its low operating cost makes it suitable for strategic down to tactical headquarters. Troposcatter MTTS is the most flexible, rapidly deployable, modular transit case troposcatter system available for when the operational situation demands high power, typically 500W. Key benefits for the AFP include rapid deployability, exceptional mobility and robust performance in challenging environments, enabling critical voice, data, and video communications in situations where traditional infrastructure is unavailable.

Throughout March, Spectra Group has been providing a comprehensive familiarisation and training package to the AFP to ensure that they are not only able to unlock the full capability of their MTTS Troposcatter systems but also embed indigenous knowledge and expertise to maintain the capability for the future.

Shaun Barry, Business Development Manager at Spectra Group said: “We have been working hard over the last couple of years to develop opportunities in the Asia region and this training programme is a good example where we are directly supporting our customers to not only get the best from their equipment now but also sustain that capability into the future. The region is extremely geographically complex which presents multiple strategic communication challenges for security forces and Spectra Group has have a number of superb systems including Troposcatter, SlingShot and soon GENSS that provide the perfect solution to these challenges.”

www.spectra-group.co.uk

Posted in Comms, International, Press Release, Training | 1 Comment »

188th Infantry Brigade Innovation Lab Invests in Drone Training for Future Combat

March 23rd, 2025

FORT STEWART, Ga. – The 188th Infantry Brigade is breaking new ground in Army training and readiness with the launch of its Innovation Lab, a future forward initiative dedicated to the development, construction, and integration of drones in modern warfare.

As part of First Army’s mission to prepare Reserve and National Guard units (Compo 2 and Compo 3) for mobilization, the 188th Infantry Brigade is embracing emerging technologies to enhance warfighter capabilities. The Innovation Lab provides Soldiers with hands-on experience in drone assembly, programming, and field training, preparing them for efficiency on the battlefields of the future.

Maj. Trevor Barrett, the Brigade Innovations Officer, emphasized the lab’s value in fostering a culture of adaptability.

“This is the future and the sooner we can expose Soldiers to this technology the better and more proficient we will be,” Barrett said. “This makes our Army stronger, more adaptive, and more lethal.”

The Innovation Lab is a collaborative space where Soldiers from various military occupational specialties (MOS) work together to construct and modify drones tailored to mission-specific needs. Using commercially available components and 3D printing, the lab enables Soldiers to design drones for reconnaissance.

In addition to drone construction, the Innovation Lab integrates small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS) into field exercises and combat simulations. Soldiers undergo training on drone piloting and electronic warfare countermeasures to prepare them to operate effectively in both offensive and defensive scenarios.

“I think sUAS operation will be a required skill for many MOS and you will see multiple variants in the US inventory,” Barrett said.

The Innovation Lab serves as a multifaceted learning tool for drone technology, with Soldiers being trained on both the assembly and field use of the sUAS. The drones that have been built will be introduced at upcoming training events and competitions for the brigade.

“We plan on using these systems this summer at eXportable Combat Training Capability (XCTCs) and the second annual Pershing Cup Best OC/T Competition,” Barrett said.

This initiative aligns with the Army’s broader modernization efforts, leveraging grassroots ingenuity to develop practical solutions for warfighters at all levels.

“Like most Soldiers, I am a student of warfare and have seen how drones have changed the modern battlefield,” Barrett said. “The overall objective is to become masters of these systems, learn to employ them effectively, and modify them to defeat our enemies.”

As the 188th Infantry Brigade continues to refine its drone training program, the Innovation Lab is a tangible testament to the Army’s commitment to adaptability and technological advancement. With each flight and every experiment, Ready Brigade Soldiers are not just learning to use drones—they are shaping the warfighting future.

Story by SSG Marlana Cureton, 188th Infantry Brigade

Posted in Army, Guest Post, Training, UAS | No Comments »

WWII Veterans Return to Pacific Battlefields for 80th Anniversary and Historic U.S.-Japan “Reunion of Honor” Ceremony

March 23rd, 2025

NASHVILLE, Tenn., March 21, 2025 — In commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima, the Eagle Society is honored to support the Iwo Jima Association of America in escorting seven World War II veterans back to the Pacific battlefields. The veterans will travel to Iwo To (formerly Iwo Jima), where they will participate in the Reunion of Honor Ceremony, and continue to Okinawa, Japan, to commemorate with Walter LaSota, a Battle of Okinawa veteran.

WWII Veterans and U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to attend Iwo Jima 80th anniversary Reunion of Honor ceremony

Next week’s ceremony brings together former enemies who are now the strongest of allies. More than 18,500 Japanese and 6,800 American lives were lost in the Battle of Iwo Jima, with the ceremony a solemn reminder of the enormous sacrifices. Okinawa, the final and bloodiest battle of the war, saw more than 12,000 American and 100,000 Japanese and Okinawan lives lost. For many veterans, returning to these sites offers a powerful opportunity for reflection, healing, and closure.

World War II veterans making this journey include CSM Delmar D. Beard (US Army) from Glendale, AZ; Joe Caminiti (USMC) from Bristol, CT; Capt. Ed Cavallini (USMC) from Seaside, CA; Charles Cram (US Navy) from San Diego, CA; Nils Mockler (USMC) from Putnam Valley, NY; Frank Wright (USMC) from Lodi, CA; Lt. j.g. Patrick Zilliacus (USNR) from Playa Del Rey, CA; and Walter LaSota (USMC – Okinawa Veteran) from Reading, PA.

The trip begins by visiting the Battle of Guam site where U.S. forces liberated the island in 1944. Travel continues to Iwo To for the 80th anniversary commemoration and Reunion of Honor Ceremony, attended by U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Their journey concludes in Okinawa, visiting the USMC base.

Eagle Society’s founder, Michael Davidson, is known for honoring and supporting veterans. He organizes trips to educate today’s leaders on American history, heroes, and heritage. Davidson has taken veterans to Normandy for the 80th anniversary of D-Day, but this is the first journey of this scale in the Pacific. Given the advanced age of many veterans, he explains the trip’s importance:

“We’re losing our WWII veterans daily, and with them, I fear we’re also losing the hard-earned lessons they fought valiantly to teach us. Our Pacific War veterans, in particular, remind us that duty, honor, and country are not just words – they’re a call to action, especially amid rising geopolitical conflict and clashing worldviews. This journey offers a profound opportunity to reflect, honor their sacrifices, and recommit to being better citizens. The Eagle Society is dedicated to preserving these heroes’ stories, so future generations not only remember but apply their lessons to today’s challenges.”

About Eagle Society:

Eagle Society is a 501(c)(3) impact accelerator that leverages networks and transformative leadership experiences inspired by America’s founding vision to foster a renewed commitment to civic life.

Posted in History, Press Release, Veterans | Comments Off on WWII Veterans Return to Pacific Battlefields for 80th Anniversary and Historic U.S.-Japan “Reunion of Honor” Ceremony

American Suppressor Association Endorses Senate Introduction of the PARTS Act

March 23rd, 2025

WASHINGTON, DC – On Thursday, March 13th, Senator Tim Sheehy (R-MT), joined by seven colleagues in the Senate, introduced the ASA-supported Protecting Americans’ Right to Silence (PARTS) Act as S. 1039. This bipartisan proposal will reform the outdated definition of “firearm silencer” in the Gun Control Act.

“We applaud Senator Sheehy for standing up for the rights of millions of law-abiding gun owners,” said Knox Williams, president and executive director of the American Suppressor Association. “No one should have to have a law degree to understand the technical serialization requirements for a simple hearing protection device. Senator Sheehy has done gun owners a great service by introducing this bill.”

The PARTS Act is co-sponsored by Senators Mike Lee (R-UT), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Pete Ricketts (NE), Ted Budd (R-NC), Steve Daines (R-MT), Jim Justice (R-WV), and John Cornyn (R-TX). Representative August Pfluger (R-TX) introduced the companion bill in the House of Representatives.

Background

PARTS Act refines the definition of a suppressor, narrowing it to cover complete devices or a single essential component, such as a frame or receiver. This shift eliminates the ambiguity of broader terms that have been used in the past, such as “combination of parts,” which has led to regulatory confusion.

The PARTS Act eliminates unnecessary paperwork that the ATF requires upon the purchase of consumable suppressor parts, such as wipes. This would be similar to the process during the purchase of other non-serialized firearm components. The PARTS Act will ensure greater access to these parts for legal suppressor owners.

The bill also addresses and heads off regulatory concerns that were raised in an open letter to the ATF in November 2023, to prevent plans to classify certain suppressor parts as regulated suppressors.

As suppressor wait times reach historic lows, the PARTS Act will better ensure that the growing popularity of suppressed shooting remains accessible and protected under clear, common-sense regulations.

This legislation intends to protect access to the market for everyday people while avoiding the regulatory reversals which have historically hurt consumers across industries.

amsuppressor.com

Posted in 2A, Press Release, Suppressors | Comments Off on American Suppressor Association Endorses Senate Introduction of the PARTS Act

Air Force Awards Contract for Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) Platform, F-47

March 23rd, 2025

WASHINGTON (AFNS) —

The Department of the Air Force announced today the contract award for the Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) of the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) Platform, marking a major milestone in the advancement of air superiority. The contract, awarded to Boeing, will lead to the development of the F-47, the world’s first sixth-generation fighter aircraft.

“I’m thrilled to announce that, at my direction, the United States Air Force is moving forward with the world’s first sixth-generation fighter jet,” said President Donald J. Trump during a press briefing at the White House. “Nothing in the world comes even close to it, and it’ll be known as the F-47.”

This decision follows a fair and thorough source selection process conducted by the Air Force, reaffirming the NGAD Platform as the most capable and cost-effective solution to maintain air superiority in an increasingly complex and contested global threat environment. The decision reflects the Air Force’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge technology to the warfighter while optimizing taxpayer investment.

“In terms of all of the attributes of a fighter jet, there’s never been anything even close to it, from speed to maneuverability, to what it can have, to payload. And this has been in the works for a long period of time,” Trump added. “America’s enemies will never see it coming.”

In May 2024, the Air Force conducted a strategic pause in the program to ensure it was making the right decision for its warfighters and for the security of the nation. During this time, the Air Force continued collaborating with industry to aggressively mature critical technologies and accelerate innovation.

“Now we have the F-47, which sends a very direct, clear message to our allies that we’re not going anywhere… and to our enemies that we can, and we will be able to project power around the globe, unimpeded, for generations to come,” said Secretary of Defense, the Honorable Pete Hegseth.

Hegseth stated the F-47 represents a significant advancement over the F-22, which is currently the U.S. Air Force’s primary air superiority fighter.

“This is a historic investment in the American military, in the American Industrial Base, that will help revive the warrior ethos inside our military, which we’re doing–rebuilding our military,” Hegseth added. “We know this is cheaper, longer range and more stealthy.”

As the cornerstone of the NGAD Family of Systems, the F-47 is designed to integrate next-generation stealth, sensor fusion, and long-range strike capabilities to counter the most sophisticated adversaries in contested environments. Its adaptability and modular design ensure seamless integration with emerging technologies, positioning it as a dominant platform for decades to come.

“With this F-47 as the crown jewel in the Next Generation Air Dominance Family of Systems, we believe that this provides more lethality,” said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin. “It provides more capability, more modernized capability, in a way that is built to adapt, along with our Collaborative Combat Aircraft.”

Over the past five years, in strong partnership between the Air Force and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, X-planes have been laying the foundation for the F-47. These experimental aircraft have flown hundreds of hours, advancing stealth, range, and autonomous systems while refining operational concepts.

“Hopefully, these magnificent planes will be built and in the air during my administration. It’s ready to go. They’ve already built much of what has to be built in terms of production, including the sheds.” Trump added. “We will ensure that the USA continues to dominate the skies.”

By leveraging cutting-edge digital engineering techniques and government-owned architecture, the F-47 benefits from a streamlined and accelerated development timeline compared to previous fighter programs. These advancements enable rapid technology integration, ensuring the F-47 remains adaptable and upgradable to meet future mission requirements and counter emerging threats.

“Air dominance is not a birthright, but it’s become synonymous with American airpower, but our dominance needs to be earned every single day,” said Allvin. “Since the earliest days of aerial warfare, brave American Airmen have jumped into their machines, taken to the air, and they’ve cleared the skies. That’s been our commitment to the fight, and that’s really been our promise to America, and with this F-47 we’re going to be able to keep that promise well into the future.”

The contract award funds the engineering and manufacturing development phase, which includes maturing, integrating, and testing all aspects of the F-47. This phase will produce a small number of test aircraft for evaluation. The contract also includes competitively priced options for low-rate initial production.

Future basing decisions and additional program elements will be determined in the coming years as the Air Force advances the F-47 toward operational deployment.

Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

Posted in Air Force, Aviation, Contracts, Press Release | 8 Comments »

Disabled Veterans Overcome Obstacles Through Adaptive Sports

March 22nd, 2025

Winter Sports Clinic offers “Miracles on a Mountainside”

SNOWMASS VILLAGE, Colo. – Veterans with disabilities often face significant challenges after military service, including traumatic brain injuries (TBI), spinal cord injuries, vision loss or amputations. For some, recovery can be incredibly difficult. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recognizes the value traditional and recreational therapy-based models play in the healing process. During the week of March 31 – April 5, 2025, VA and DAV (Disabled American Veterans) will co-host the 39th National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic (NDVWSC), also referred to as Miracles on a Mountainside.

This premier rehabilitative and adaptive sports event allows disabled Veterans with traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries, orthopedic amputations and visual impairments explore recovery through participation in downhill and cross-country skiing, sled hockey and other adaptive sports.

This year, approximately 400 disabled Veterans will participate and work to overcome real and perceived limitations.

Below are a few of the countless story opportunities waiting for you to tell.

Ryan Garza, a U.S. Marine Corps Veteran, did four tours in Afghanistan – and it was on that fourth tour that Lance Corporal Garza’s truck drove over an improvised explosive device (IED), severely injuring his right leg. Doctors tried for several years to save Ryan’s leg; however, he eventually decided to amputate in 2015. After the amputation, Ryan then went on to deal with thoughts of suicide, depression, and hopelessness.

In 2022, Ryan joined us for the first time at the Winter Sports Clinic. He shared, “I never thought I’d be able to snowboard. You feel the wind, you hear the ice and it gets me excited. It’s an awesome feeling!”

Mariela Meylan, a U.S. Army Veteran, was struck by a truck while serving in Kuwait. She suffered a TBI, collapsed lung, and severed liver; then had a stroke and slipped into a coma – for eight months. Meylan can offer her perspective about the ways the Winter Sports Clinic has helped her heal over the years by showing her she can still participate in adaptive sports.

Physical Therapist Kendra Betz has served for years as the Winter Sports Clinic Seating and Prosthetics Coordinator. “The Winter Sports Clinic is a premier and unparalleled adaptive sports event that provides outstanding support for Veterans to face and overcome challenges as part of a multi-faceted rehabilitation program,” she said. “Our goal is to optimize Veteran participation, well-being, and quality of life, as they breathe life to the catchphrase, ‘Miracles on a Mountainside,’ here in Snowmass every year.”

For the past decade, Betz’s daughter, Maddie, who works in a technology industry that supports people with disabilities, has volunteered with her mom in Snowmass, helping Veterans get out on the slopes, properly outfitted with their adaptive equipment. This dynamic duo provides insight into the role therapists, instructors, volunteers, and others play in helping Veterans reach their highest potential.

U.S. Air Force Reserve Citizen Airman Maj. Monica Riggs attended her first Winter Sports Clinic in 2024. The former Mrs. Kansas 2018 flew more than 100 combat missions during her 18 years of service, but in 2019, she received a diagnosis of neurosarcoidosis that changed her life.

Although life post-diagnosis comes with its challenges, Riggs remains determined not to let her chronic inflammatory disorder define her.

Riggs and many others can expand on these sentiments and share how the clinic earned the nickname “Miracles on a Mountainside.”

For more information contact our team at wintersportsclinic@va.gov, or 303-619-1145.

Posted in Guest Post, Veterans | No Comments »

Blue Force Gear Presents: How MARCO Literally Changed the Game of Tactical Marking

March 22nd, 2025

Whether you’re military, law enforcement, or security personnel, the ability to quickly and reliably mark people, places, and things during operations is non-negotiable. In this video, Chris Sizelove and Jared Reston discuss tactical marking and how MARCO allows them to do things they would otherwise not be able to do.

Chris and Jared both have stories about the frustrating inefficiencies of traditional chemlight marking methods. The approach before BFG’s revolutionary MARCO design involved bundling together ten 6-inch chemlights with 550 cord or something equivalent. But each light was too bright, so the SOP was to partially tape the individual lights to dim them. This ridiculous process still didn’t solve the problem that these bundles were heavy, clunky, and impractical in other ways they discuss in the video.

Blue Force Gear’s MARCO Marking Light Dispenser radically changed tactical marking by addressing the vast deficiencies of traditional marking using chemlight bundles. It’s lighter, holds thirty chemlights per dispenser, optimizes brightness, can protect the lights from UV exposure, and doesn’t present a snag hazard. It’s all that you need and nothing you don’t and “you’re not giving anything up to have them” as the guys mention in the video.

Jared and Chris discuss the numerous applications for marking. In a professional setting, marking is essential for room clearing and the chemlights are also useful in various ways in training environments or range use. MARCO is one of those BFG products that literally changed the game and allowed operators to greatly improve their abilities and techniques. Watch the full video to learn more about lighting philosophy and the MARCO Dispenser from Blue Force Gear.

Jared is a seasoned law enforcement veteran with over 20 years of service at Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. Since retiring in 2020, he now travels the nation teaching firearms and tactics to prepared citizens, military personnel, and law enforcement agencies. For more information on Jared or to take a training course from him, visit his website.

Posted in Advertiser, Guest Post | No Comments »