SIG MMG 338 Program Series

Archive for 2018

Matbock Monday – Strike Force Energy

Monday, June 25th, 2018

As most of you probably know, the Matbock team is also heavily involved in Strike Force Energy.

They are the epitome of the “vetrepreneur” movement. Others talk about it, but they are making it happen. The best vetrepreneurs have a secret ability: they possess the humility to understand that they don’t know everything, and they need to partner with more experienced entrepreneurs to win.

Look at Navy SEAL Sean Matson. He partnered with successful serial entrepreneur Bruce Schlee to create the sugar-free, 160mg caffeine, zero-calorie Strike Force Energy. Their goal is the total disruption of the energy boost beverage market currently crowded by Red Bull, Monster, Rockstar, 5-hour Energy, and more. Or, as Bruce says, “as we scale we are either going to be the best or be bought out by the best.”

9CC4B116-8687-462A-8E4F-BCAC535D59FC

Recently, Sean was featured on Forbes.com. Check it out here.

The Summit Experience – Day One

Monday, June 25th, 2018

A few years ago, the Boy Scouts of America opened the Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve, a 14,000 acre high adventure camp near Buckley, West Virginia thanks to a donation of $50 million from the Stephen D Bechtel, Jr Foundation.

So far, the Summit Bechtel Reserve (SBR) has been used for two National Scout Jamborees as well the Centennial celebration of the Order of the Arrow. When such events aren’t under way, it serves as the Paul R Christen High Adventure Base, joining the other three bases currently in operation.

This summer, I’m attending SBR along with my youngest son and other members of our Scout Troop. SSD has quite a few readers who were either Scouts growing up, or still participate in the Scouting movement. I thought it would be worthwhile to chronicle our experience.

When I was a Scout I attended the 1981 National Scout Jamboree at Fort AP Hill, Virginia, as well as Philmont Scout Reservation in New Mexico. During the last two Jamborees, I visited my sons at SBR and I was very impressed with the facility.

SBR boasts multiple distinct program areas: The Park (skateboarding), The Trax (BMX), The Pools (scuba and swimming), The Cloud (popular science & robotics), The Bows (archery sports), The Barrels (shooting sports), The Ropes (challenge courses in the trees), The Rocks (climbing, bouldering and rappelling), The Zip (zipline), Low & High Gear (mountain bike headquarters locations connecting over 36 miles of downhill and cross country mountain bike trails), The Canopy (canopy tours). Additional activities include ATV riding along with white water rafting and climbing in the nearby countryside.

The high adventure base offers several focused programs, concentrating on activities in the various program areas such as the Marksman which includes shooting sports and archery. We selected the Summit Experience, as it gives a taste of each of the areas.

In true Scouting fashion, just as we drove up to the JW and Hazel Ruby Welcome Center, it started pouring. Fortunately, check in was inside.

EF172AEE-B4E3-490B-9E0E-4D21D4ED2376

We had a few hiccups with paperwork, but overall, the experience was slow, but painless.

2FDF8BAB-2CCE-476A-9A4E-C147346ECF00

We were assigned to Camp B which is close to the CONSOL Energy Bridge making main camp, known formerly as Lonnie Poole Gateway Village, quite convenient. Although our tents were already set up, we had to swap one out due to a broken zipper and holes. Shower and restroom facilities are located close by.

Dinner was tasty and consisted of turkey and mashed potatoes with carrots and rolls with pumpkin pie for dessert. Drinks were water, lemonade, Powerade and fruit punch.

It is a seven-day program and today was essentially devoted to in processing. Over the next few days we’ll tell you about our impressions of the program.

To learn more, visit www.summitbsa.org/programs/national-high-adventure-base/summit-experience.

TacJobs – Remington Outdoor Company Seeking Senior Web Designer

Sunday, June 24th, 2018

Huntsville, AL –  Remington Outdoor Company is seeking a Senior Web Designer to join the ROC team.  Our team is dedicated to delivering high-quality products to our valued customers and dedicated to demonstrating our two core principles, passion for precision and pride in craftsmanship.”

The Senior Web Designer is responsible for strategizing, implementing and managing all design and maintenance activities required to support ROC Websites, ecommerce and web-based software.  This position is responsible for maintaining the day-to-day functions of all website properties and conducts necessary troubleshooting.  A qualified candidate would be knowledgeable in the latest web trends and key principles needed to design and maintain websites as it relates to responsive design, UI/UX and SEO.  The candidate should be experienced in a variety of content management systems and ecommerce platforms.  For a full job description and a complete list of required skills click here.

Remington offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package.

Malicious Actor Targeting Private Vendors Through GSA STARS II by E-Mail Spoofing  

Sunday, June 24th, 2018

This is an advisory sent out by the Defense Logistics Agency. We share it verbatim.

A fake solicitation purporting to be from Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) for a “REQUEST FOR QUOTATION” has been targeting GSA STARS II vendors in the public sector.

The e-mails are not from DLA.MIL – The e-mail may appear to be from DLA on first glance; however, the “Reply-To” address of the fake e-mails ends with a “@dla-mil.us” extension. In some cases, “stars2@americanconsultants.com” has been identified to supposedly send messages on behalf of a DLA Contract Specialist – these are also fake.

Some e-mails suggest the companies use the “stars2” Google Group “https://groups.google.com/a/americanconsultants.com” for more information or to unsubscribe from the e-mail communication. The “stars2” group is NOT a DLA affiliated group.

To view full details of the notice along with visual examples, please go to: www.dla.mil/Portals/104/Documents/InformationOperations

In closing, please remain vigilant and be cautious when opening attachments. The specific e-mail attachment was not identified to contain malware, but the financial risks are high if the scammer is able to get a company to send them a virtual grocery list of technical items. Be sure to contact your typical DoD point of contact when engaging business to ensure the best possible communication and safety. Questions or comments can be directed to the DLA CERT’s Fusion Cell: CERTFusionCell@DLA.MIL.

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.