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Archive for June, 2018

The IDF Is Now Looking To Adopt Camouflage Uniforms

Sunday, June 24th, 2018

Israeli Camo

The IDF Technological and Logistics Directorate, in association with IDF Ground Forces, has just stated a pilot program to select a new camouflage field uniform. Up until this point, IDF uniforms were issued in OD Green, but “operational considerations and “camouflage simulations” drove the decision to opt for a camouflaged uniform.

Several hundred troops, from units within the Airborne Basic Training base, Bardelas co-ed infantry unit, 8200 Intelligence unit, and others are testing new uniforms, which consists of two separate camouflage variants in use with 3 shirt styles and 1 combat pant style. The uniforms feature rank, flag, unit, and combat solider patches, and are made of “advanced” breathable wicking fabrics.

Interestingly, MultiCam, a standard camouflage choice of US and Allied forces deployed in the Middle East region, was determined as not a good fit for Israeli terrain; while Southern Israel is vastly arid, Northern Israel, along with Southern Lebanon and Syria, is green and wooded.

Credit to Agilite Gear for breaking the story. You can check out the post on their blog here.

Cyberspace-Electromagnetic Activities Program Builds Maneuver Unit Readiness

Sunday, June 24th, 2018

FORT IRWIN, Calif. — Cyber warriors from U.S. Army Cyber Command and its 780th Military Intelligence Brigade (Cyber), 1st Information Operations Command, and the Army Cyber Protection Brigade, are supporting 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division training and readiness as part of ARCYBER’s ongoing Cyberspace Electromagnetic Activity, or CEMA, Support to Corps and Below, or CSCB, program.

A Soldier with 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, launches an RQ-11 Raven unmanned aerial vehicle during Decisive Action Rotation 18-08 at the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, Calif., June 3, 2018. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Spc. Dana Clarke)

Under CSCB, Army Cyber elements have been providing the 3rd Brigade Combat Team with cyberspace support during its train-up and current participation in Decisive Action Rotation 18-08 at the National Training Center here.

The CSCB initiative, which has supported select BCT rotations at the Army’s Combat Training Centers since 2015, improves readiness by helping Army maneuver units to integrate CEMA into their processes and operations. The program embeds cyber warriors into a brigade’s CTC preparation and training to develop unit cyberspace capabilities, requirements, planning and operations and integrate cyber with its multi-domain operations initiatives and key related warfighting processes such as intelligence, reconnaissance, communications, electronic warfare and information operations.

Soldiers of the 780th Military Intelligence Brigade embedded with the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, establish a location to conduct cyberspace operations during Decisive Action Rotation 18-08 at the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, Calif., June 6, 2018. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Jeff Storrier)

CSCB helps Army maneuver units to leverage networks as a warfighting platform and a key organic element of multi-domain operations in an increasingly complex and technical battlespace without borders. The program improves the readiness of Army maneuver units to defend cyber key terrain and exploit cyberspace opportunities in response to real-world contingencies. It is also helping the Army to develop cyberspace requirements and capabilities, define and integrate operations in a rapidly evolving warfighting domain, and build the understanding that protecting people, systems and networks from attacks in cyberspace is a shared responsibility of commanders at all levels.

Col. Robert Magee, commander of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, discusses his brigade’s operations and the integration of cyberspace operations into its concept of maneuver with Military Times reporter Mark Pomerleau in an interview during the 3rd BCT’s participation in Decisive Action Rotation 18-08 at the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, Calif., June 6, 2018. To enable and develop the cyber capabilities of brigades training at NTC and merge cyber effects into BCTs’ approach to multi-domain operations, elements from U.S. Army Cyber Command’s ongoing Cyberspace Electromagnetic Activity Support to Corps and Below program provide tactical cyber forces and incorporate cyberspace planning into brigade mission command and decision-making processes. Embedded with the brigades during their training rotations, cyber warriors both become part of the BCT’s operational force and enable its staff to unite cyber efforts with key related warfighting disciplines such as intelligence, reconnaissance, communications, electronic warfare and information operations. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Jeff Storrier)

“The bigger picture is that at the corps, division and brigade levels, having that (CSCB) team embedded into the formation will allow me to leverage some other assets, which will potentially effect and decisively change the situation on the ground,” said 3rd Brigade Combat Team commander Col. Robert Magee.

By U.S. Army Cyber Command

Task Force Dagger Foundation Recognizes Tracfone Support for Special Operations Service Members

Sunday, June 24th, 2018

Funds Will Be Used to Support Special Operators’ Family Needs Not Fully Covered By Military, Dept. of Defense, Veterans Affairs or Insurance; Hundreds of Thousands of Vets Already Served by TracFone’s SafeLink Service Under Federal Lifeline Program

WASHINGTON, D.C. and MIAMI – June 21, 2018 – The nonprofit Task Force Dagger Foundation (TFDF) is announcing new support from TracFone Wireless, Inc. (TracFone), America’s top no-contract cell phone service provider, to help meet the special needs United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) service members and their families.

Charles “Keith” David, managing director, Task Force Dagger Foundation said: “We respond to immediate needs that are short fuse and critical in nature. When we receive a request for assistance, we respond within two hours or less to get the needed support into the hands of the service member and his or her family. The needs that are covered are so varied that they are hard to describe and include everything from flights, lodging, rental cars, and other items too numerous to describe. If it is requested by the Command, then is is a verified need and we take action. TracFone deserves recognition for agreeing to step up and help those who have served our nation.”

Under the federal Lifeline program, the SafeLink Wireless service provided by TracFone reaches hundreds of thousands of the more than one million veterans now enrolled in the Lifeline program. TracFone is among the many consumer, senior, and military support voices today opposing a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) proposal that would end Lifeline service for up to 1.3 million vets.

Where will the TracFone money provided to the Task Force Dagger Foundation go?

The nonprofit provides programs and service in three major areas:

Immediate Needs – TFDF assists Special Operations personnel and their families with needs that are not covered by the Military, Department of Defense, Department of Veterans Affairs, or insurance. Our average response time from request to support is two hours.

SOF Health Initiatives – TFDF assists Special Operations Forces (SOF) personnel and their families with care and treatment focusing on how to heal the person versus treatment where providing prescription medication is the answer. TFDF works with various organizations on ways to treat Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) and to reduce the number of veteran suicides.

Rehabilitative Therapy Events – TFDF sponsors activities that foster a sense of well-being, offer encouragement, and assist the service member’s rehabilitation and recovery from wounds and injuries sustained while serving our country.

ABOUT TASK FORCE DAGGER FOUNDATION

Task Force Dagger Foundation provides assistance to wounded, ill, or injured United States Special Operations Command members and their families. We respond to urgent needs, conduct Rehabilitative Therapy Events, and provide next-generation health solutions for issues facing our service members. Our cohesive programs enable families to seize the moment and live life. https://www.taskforcedagger.org/

About TracFone Wireless, Inc.

TracFone is a no-contract cellphone service provider owned by TracFone Wireless Inc., America’s largest no-contract cell phone provider. TracFone Wireless is a subsidiary of América Móvil S.A.B. de C.V. (“AMX”) (BMV: AMX; NYSE: AMX; Nasdaq: AMOV; LATIBEX: XAMXL). AMX is the leading provider of telecommunication services in Latin America.

Air Force Specialty Code 14F – Information Operations Officer

Saturday, June 23rd, 2018

In mid-May Chief Of Staff of the Air Force, Gen Dave Goldfein awarded four officers the new Information Operations occupational badge. Although it’s hard to see in this photo, it features a Trojan Horse, long associated with deception in war. In fact, the practitioners of this field, also have a new Air Force Specifically Code, 14F to go along with the badge. In the past, these functions were performed generally by Intelligence Officers (AFSC 14N), unrated Staff Officers (16G), and Behavioral Scientists (61B) based on ad-hoc training for duty positions.

This is an officer AFSC which uses information-related capabilities to influence, disrupt, corrupt or usurp the decision making of selected audiences to create desired effects.

Currently, part of their qualification includes attending Military Information Support Operations aka PSYOPS training with the Army at Ft Bragg, as well as Courses in Tactical Deception and Operations Security.

However, the Air Force is standing up a new schoolhouse at Hurlburt Field, Florida, which is coincidentally the headquarters of the Air Force Special Operations Command. A new 15-week course will come online in 2019 and focus specifically on the Air Force application of IO.

The careerfield itself remains small, but there are multiple IO Squadrons within the Air Force which conduct a wide variety of intelligence functions. This is sure to lead to confusion about the specialized focus of the 14F AFSC.

Photos via CSAF twitter feed.

Mounts Plus – M240 Bullet Bag

Saturday, June 23rd, 2018

Officially called the Balanced Ammunition Delivery System (B.A.D.S.), it will work with the FN MAG/M-240 and the German MG3 machine guns.

BADS accommodates up to 125 rounds of ammo to be easily loaded by the gunner within ten seconds while in a standing or sitting position. This increased ammo capacity enables the gunner to engage the target for up to 150% more time on target while on assault, on patrol, or in a hasty defensive position without a need to change the ammo box. Rather than placing the weight of the ammunition to the side of the weapon, BADS puts less stress on the operator and the M240 system. Additionally, unlike legacy ammo boxes, the ammunition deflection plate ensures spent cartridges are ejected away from the gunner.

www.mountsplus.com/blog/balanced-ammunition-delivery-system-b-d-s-fn-magm-240-german-mg3-machine

Ask SSD – Where Can I Get A KCRF Patch?

Saturday, June 23rd, 2018

There are two ways to get a “Keep Calm and Return Fire” Patch.

The first is to run into me at one of the many industry events I attend each year and do for one.

The second way is to purchase one from my friend Dave at Mojo Tactical in Honolulu, Hawaii. Since most people don’t make it go Honolulu regularly, it’s a good thing his website is back up. He offers the patch in multiple colors, but this one remains my favorite.

mojotactical.com

Defoor Proformance Shooting 1st Qtr 2019 Course Calendar Opens Tomorrow

Friday, June 22nd, 2018

Giving everyone a heads up, Defoor Proformance Shooting’s first quarter 2019 classes will be available at 0630 Eastern, tomorrow morning. Kyle promises new, proven curriculum for 2019 plus some surprises.

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Historically, classes fill quickly. There will be full sellouts in 3 of the 5 locations within minutes of posting. The other two dangerously close from what they’ve been told by the hosts.

defoor-proformance-shooting.myshopify.com

L3 and Optics 1 Awarded Opportunity to Provide Small Tactical Optical Rifle Mounted Micro-Laser Range Finder to US Army

Friday, June 22nd, 2018

The Department of Defense recently announced that L3 Technologies and Optics 1 are the two vendors who will compete for each one the of Small Tactical Optical Rifle Mounted Micro-Laser Range Finders (STORM) for the US Army.

L3 Technologies Inc., Londonderry, New Hampshire (W91CRB-18-D-0007); and Optics 1 Inc., Bedford, New Hampshire (W91CRB-18-D-0008), will compete for each order of the $236,019,734 firm-fixed-price contract for the Small Tactical Optical Rifle Mounted Micro-Laser Range Finder. Bids were solicited via the Internet with two received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of June 20, 2025. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, is the contracting activity.

The program has been around for many years. This 2013 video from PEO Soldier goes over the basic attributes of STORM. Hoever, new systems procured from this contract will offer improved performance.

Seen here is the STORM PI by L3 Insight Technologies.

It offers integrated infrared (IR) illumination and aiming lasers (IR and variable), and a Digital Magnetic Compass (DMC). When operated in conjunction with a GPS, may be used to display target location as geo-spatial coordinates (grid or slant). When weapon-mounted, the visible aim laser enables the STORM to be co-aligned with existing optics, and the IR illuminator and IR aim laser facilitate target acquisition and aiming in low ambient light conditions.

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The Optics 1 offering is said to be a larger version of their Integrated Compact Ultralight Gun-Mounted Rangefinder (I-CUGR), seen above, with improved capabilities.