September 2019 | Soldier Systems Daily Soldier Systems Daily

Archive for September, 2019

Colt Statement Regarding Cessation Of Commercial AR-15 Production

Thursday, September 19th, 2019

Company Response to Questions about Colt Participation in Consumer Markets

WEST HARTFORD, Conn. (September 19th, 2019) – There have been numerous articles recently published about Colt’s participation in the commercial rifle market. Some of these articles have incorrectly stated or implied that Colt is not committed to the consumer market. We want to assure you that Colt is committed to the Second Amendment, highly values its customers and continues to manufacture the world’s finest quality firearms for the consumer market.

The fact of the matter is that over the last few years, the market for modern sporting rifles has experienced significant excess manufacturing capacity. Given this level of manufacturing capacity, we believe there is adequate supply for modern sporting rifles for the foreseeable future.

On the other hand, our warfighters and law enforcement personnel continue to demand Colt rifles and we are fortunate enough to have been awarded significant military and law enforcement contracts. Currently, these high-volume contracts are absorbing all of Colt’s manufacturing capacity for rifles. Colt’s commitment to the consumer markets, however, is unwavering. We continue to expand our network of dealers across the country and to supply them with expanding lines of the finest quality 1911s and revolvers.

At the end of the day, we believe it is good sense to follow consumer demand and to adjust as market dynamics change. Colt has been a stout supporter of the Second Amendment for over 180 years, remains so, and will continue to provide its customers with the finest quality firearms in the world.

Very respectfully,

Dennis Veilleux, President and Chief Executive Officer

Posted in 2A, Black Rifle, Industry, Press Release | 14 Comments »

The SureFire Optimized Bolt Carrier

Thursday, September 19th, 2019

Fountain Valley, CA—SureFire, LLC, manufacturer of the world’s finest—and most innovative—illumination tools and tactical products, has launched an informational video on its revolutionary Optimized Bolt Carrier (OBC).

The SureFire OBC is designed to greatly increase the reliability of an M4/M16/AR variant during both unsuppressed and suppressed firing. The OBC comes as a package with the OBC bolt carrer group as well as buffer and buffer spring. This patented design makes numerous improvements to the standard Mil-Spec full-auto bolt carrier group starting with delayed unlocking of the bolt during the firing sequence. This delayed unlocking is a result of a lengthened cam pin slot and our neutrally balanced counterweight. This delay allows expanding gases more time to exit the bore, lowering chamber pressure by 15%, which not only reduces wear and tear on parts, but also reduces back-pressure gases exiting the ejection port.

FC1C5105-1C85-4C5E-92AC-674499EBFB4F

Next the shortened gas carrier key in conjunction with shorter buffer allow a 60% increase in stroke. This increase in stroke gives the magazine more time to feed, which can be essential as gas ports erode and magazines become dirty from austere environments. This additional stroke also provides smoother and more reliable feeding due to increased inertia when the OBC picks up a round from the magazine.

The previously mentioned neutrally balanced counterweight works three times in the cycle of operation. First the counterweight delays unlocking, as mentioned before. Secondly, the counterweight keeps the carrier group to the rear for additional time, allowing more time for reliable feeding of ammunition from the magazine and nearly eliminating bolt-over-base malfunctions. Lastly, this counterweight improves carrier and barrel extension lock-up, nearly eliminating bolt bounce. The OBC also reduces felt recoil, allowing for better tracking of sights and more control of the weapon when firing. Coated with an advanced anti-friction coating, the OBC resists friction during use and makes cleaning easy. For the ultimate in reliability, choose the SureFire OBC.

www.surefire.com

Posted in Advertiser, Press Release, Weapon Accessories | 15 Comments »

MDM 19 – Over Snow Mobility Solutions from Darley Defense

Thursday, September 19th, 2019

Darley Defense showcased the Ranger snow shoe offered by a collaboration between US-based Serket and Norways’s Fimbulvetr. Seen here with Bogs neoprene boots.

Ranger Features:

B4 Binding™
-Functional, low-profile fit
-Exceptional durability
-Quick and easy operation – even with gloves

Fenris Crampon™
-AISI 316 Stainless Steel bites hard in all conditions

All Direction Hinge™
-Adapts to the terrain
-Reduces strain on ankles and knees
-Improved ergonomics
-Flexible tail adapts to all terrains
-Thermoplastic Elastomer Unibody for incredible strength, durability and smooth weight distribution

Posted in Advertiser, MDM, Mobility, Mountaineering | 3 Comments »

MDM 19 – Blue Force Gear Stackable Ten-Speed Pouch

Thursday, September 19th, 2019

Based on customer requests, Blue Force Gear has developed stackable versions of their popular Ten-Speed pouches.

It uses BFG’s MOLLEminus PALS compatible interface made from stong ULTRAcomp.

~~Coming soon~~ Available now from www.blueforcegear.com/stackable-ten-speed-m4-mag-pouch.

Posted in Advertiser, Load Carrying, MDM | 3 Comments »

Is The Army Looking to Expand Use of MOLLE 4000 Airborne Rucksack to General Purpose Forces?

Thursday, September 19th, 2019

Terry Baldwin sent me a link the other day with this note:

I admit, this particular item of kit has really captured my interest. It seems from the pictures that the “final” version of the rucksack is even more of a large ALICE-clone than the prototypes suggested. The rigging geometry, likewise, would be very familiar to you or me. It also appears, from a separate slide briefing that it is being considered not only for Airborne units but also as a possible Service-wide replacement for the Molle Large. Note, the standard Molle waistpad / belt used with the prototypes has been replaced by what looks like an OCP version of the pad /belt on the Marine’s FILBE pack. The shoulder straps also have a new 4-point connection arrangement above the envelope pad. Interesting stuff.

He had run across a sources sought notice from earlier this year. The Army is looking to build more of its new MOLLE 4000 Airborne Rucksacks. What is interesting is the description. Up to now, it has only been intended for airborne troops.

Considering the numbers of 130,000 packs and the Army’s concentration on modernizing it’s Close Combat Forces, this looks like a possible fielding for the BCTs.

Here’s the info on the MOLLE 4000 Ruck:

“The new MOLLE Rucksack for Airborne and General Purpose Forces [ emphasis added] is a Government-owned design. It has an approximately 4000 cubic inch capacity and made of 1000 Denier nylon coated fabric, has an external frame, adjustable shoulder straps and an adjustable waist belt. The exterior of the rucksack has multiple storage pockets and pouches of varying dimensions. The interior of the main compartment of the rucksack has a pouch for carrying a radio / hydration bladder or other similarly sized equipment. The interior of the main compartment of the rucksack has a center zippered flap that divides the main compartment into two approximately equal upper and lower halves. The bottom of the rucksack has a separate [Air Items] storage compartment and above that a zippered access into the lower part of the main compartment.”

LTC Terry Baldwin (USA, Ret) contributed to this report.

Posted in Contracts, Packs, Parachuting | 25 Comments »

1st SFAB Trains and Certifies Military Advisors for Worldwide Employment

Thursday, September 19th, 2019

FORT BENNING, GA. – The 1st Security Force Assistance Brigade, an Army conventional force for training and advising globally, had the opportunity to enhance their capabilities and train their military advisors over a two-week period during Advisor Forge at Fort Benning, Georgia, August 5 through 18, 2019.

Across scorching hundred degree temperatures in field environments, the Army’s advisors trained in partnering with a foreign force, conducting sling-load operations, establishing electronic equipment for global communication and emergency medical relief scenarios.

The training exercise focused on the development of skills for Army advisors to provide support, advise, and liaise with foreign conventional security force partners in time of worldwide employments.

“Through adaptability, we can be prepared for all different presented issues and come together as a global team to solve them,” said Sgt. Michael Fletcher, an intelligence analyst assigned to 1st Security Force Assistance Brigade.

The culminating exercise was an opportunity for participating Soldiers to enact 1st SFAB’s mission statement of supporting local security operations to build partner security capacity and capability and achieve regional security in support of US National Interests.

“The reason why we are in the SFAB is to create enduring innovative solutions,” said Cpt. Travis Coley, Headquarters and Support company commander within the 6th Battalion, 1st Security Force Assistance Brigade, “We exist to empower conventional foreign security forces in establishing sustainable methods to solve issues.” Coley believes SFAB Soldiers are able to do so by applying their training in the understanding of local customs, culture, traditions and political nuances.

The military advisors and instructors of the 1st SFAB, formed in 2017, includes 529 Soldiers, 360 that are officers. It is the first brigade of its kind. According to the Pentagon. Six fully operational brigades are expected to train and preform at the highest capacity by 2020.

By PVT Daniel Alkana

Posted in Guest Post, Profession of Arms | Comments Off on 1st SFAB Trains and Certifies Military Advisors for Worldwide Employment

Samson Manufacturing MPX Handguards Now in Titanium Cerakote Finish

Thursday, September 19th, 2019

KEENE, NH – Samson Manufacturing is now offering their popular MPX Handguards in a Titanium Cerakote finish. These narrow profile, M-LOK® handguards are the answer for those wishing to replace the larger and heavier factory handguard on their SIG SAUER MPX pistols and carbines. Now in three color options—Titanium, Black and FDE—the MPX Handguards are available in 8” and 14” lengths.

The continuous top rail and ample M-LOK slots allow you to put your accessories wherever you need them. The handguards are made from 6061 aluminum and mount securely to the receiver using the existing mounting hardware.

Order yours in any color, or all three colors, now on the Samson website.

For more information visit www.samson-mfg.com or contact esales@samson-mfg.com.

Posted in Press Release, Weapon Accessories | Comments Off on Samson Manufacturing MPX Handguards Now in Titanium Cerakote Finish

Army Cyber Leaders Talk Workforce Strategies, Talent Management

Wednesday, September 18th, 2019

WASHINGTON — The military is doing a great job recruiting cyber talent into military and civilian service, but retention is more difficult, said the deputy assistant secretary of defense for cyber policy said at the Billington Cybersecurity Summit in Washington.

“We have people lined up out the door that are ready to come onboard and do the mission, whether it’s cyber operations or traditional cybersecurity,” Burke E. “Ed” Wilson said at last week’s event.

Wilson said Congress gave the military some unique authorities that have helped in hiring qualified civilians.

“This has allowed us to hire with more agility based on the talent,” he said. “That’s been a big win, and we’ve seen very good results over the last 18 months.”

But the challenge is retention. “Clearly, we don’t do well on salary in the military, but we’ve been able to handle that with bonuses,” Wilson said, adding that the strategy is working well, except in some niche areas.

John “Jack” Wilmer, the Defense Department’s deputy chief information officer for cybersecurity and chief information security officer, said young people are attracted to the military because it has a “cool mission.” To keep them, the military provides them with some really great training opportunities, he said.

Cyber games, for example, allow them to go toe-to-toe with some of the best cyber warriors from other countries, he said. “We try to incentivize people and connect them with opportunities,” he added.

Army Lt. Gen. Stephen Fogarty, commander of Army Cyber Command, said another way to incentivize the workforce while solving difficult cyber problems is to organize the cyber workforce into teams.

Teams can be made up of people who are experts at electronic warfare, information operations, intelligence, developers, malware analysts and other specialties based on the type of operation they’re engaged in, he said.

The teams can extend outside the U.S. military and include foreign military partners, commercial vendors and academia, Fogarty said.

“We very rarely act without a consortium of partners. I can’t think of a single operation that didn’t include multiple partners,” he said. “Young people reach out to their peers and build their own networks. They’re very successful at building these ad hoc relationships, and they get after the mission.”

By David Vergun, Defense.gov

Posted in CEMA, Guest Post | 2 Comments »