Victorinox’s new Knife, Combat Rescue is Swiss made and features a safety blunted serrated blade which also makes it a great choice for jumpmasters thanks to its one-handed opening and no-slip grip. It’s lightweight at 3 oz and also incorporates a Phillips head screwdriver which can also be used on knots.
Available exclusively from the Windrose Group.
www.windrosegroupllc.com or call 570-974-6089.
Good morning and Happy MATBOCK Monday!
Weighing in at 7oz The Rapid IFAK Deployment pouch was specifically designed to support post assault operations when dealing with an active shooter. The pouch is designed to hold 7 Phokus Research Group “Shield Kits” for immediate care as well as a MATBOCK J-LIFT or 5 Shield Kits and an S-LIFT). It can be worn as a stand-alone fanny pack or cross chest attachment, MOLLE or mounted to an operators belt. The versatile design allows for endless possibilities to support the operator’s needs.
Don’t forget to tune in on Monday at 4:30 PM EST as we go live to demo the the Rapid IFAK Deployment pouch.
WASHINGTON — The Army recently implemented a new directorate to support requirements within the electromagnetic spectrum, enabling the force to prioritize, integrate, and synchronize its data-enabled warfighting capabilities to fight and win in a multi-domain battlefield.
In February, the Department of the Army’s Management Office-Cyber directorate reorganized to DAMO-Strategic Operations, or DAMO-SO, said Brig. Gen. Martin F. Klein, the organization’s director.
The organization, which falls under the Army’s G-3/5/7 office, was created to work “horizontally across the Army,” by partnering with other communities of interest throughout the Army Staff, Army Training and Doctrine Command, and Army Futures Command, to name a few, Klein said.
DAMO-SO will generate policies and programs to help resource and execute information technology, mission command, space, and enterprise capabilities, Klein said. Further, the program will refine the force’s approach to joint multi-domain operations, which could subsequently impact the Army’s force structure, resources, and strategy.
The move to DAMO-SO also signifies the Army’s push to move beyond the “information age to the cognitive age,” Klein added. Adopting a cognitive-based technological approach could augment the Army’s decision-making process through data collection and analysis.
The directorate is currently working to collect data from the Army’s warfighting systems and structure to fully understand how and where they can increase capabilities within the electromagnetic spectrum.
“This is a historic time for us,” Klein told reporters Tuesday. “For our senior leaders to have the foresight to stand up [DAMO-SO] … I think it will provide not only the Army but the joint force with great effects.”
Cloud architecture
One of the critical focus areas within the DAMO-SO directorate is tied to the Army’s effort for standardized data architecture and cloud computing technologies.
“What [DAMO-SO] is trying to do is breathe energy into this digital transformation, by making sure that … we have common data standards [and] common architecture to make our data available,” he said.
The directorate has worked closely with the Army Chief Information Officer/G-6, the Enterprise Cloud Management Office, Network Cross-Functional Team, and other entities to define and improve the Army’s cloud-computing architecture.
“What we’re trying to do is work with current systems that we have in the Army’s inventory, to make sure that we digitally enable them and transform them to provide immediate use to the warfighter,” Klein said.
“We are also looking at the satellite connections that enable our enterprise to connect with our integrated tactical network through our regional hub nodes,” he added. The directorate will continue to work with the Army Space and Missile Defense Command to accomplish this task.
Creating a reliable cloud-computing capability at both the enterprise and tactical levels will help integrate the Army’s weapons systems and non-kinetic maneuver technology, Klein said.
He also mentioned work using cloud abstraction, which refers to the deployment of applications or data to facilitate the interoperability between systems. In theory, cloud technology will allow the Army to more effectively share data and integrate weapons systems across its formations.
“I think we have turned a corner, and we are beginning to see ourselves clearly in this digital transformation environment, through the work that we have done within the cloud,” Klein said.
Dialing in the Army’s electromagnetic spectrum capabilities will help the force compete and win with a complex and uncertain environment, he added.
By Devon Suits, Army News Service
If you want to understand what is going on in American cities, check out these free publications from the US Army Special Operations Command. This research was conducted by the National Security Analysis Department of The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory.
Many SSD readers will just nod, but some of you will have your eyes opened once you read about how insurgencies are conducted. Take for example, that fist on the cover…look familiar?
There’s a whole library available. Get yours here.
The new SCUBAPRO A2 dive watch was developed for all levels of divers, from beginners to advanced, technical and working divers. The A2 offers full timekeeping functions and a Sport mode. When it’s time to go diving, the A2 provides everything an advanced recreational diver wants and everything a technical diver needs. It starts with wireless air integration that monitors tank pressure and provides true remaining bottom time. The digital tilt-compensated compass offers easy navigation underwater or on the surface. The A2 lets you choose from six Dive Modes, including Trimix and CCR, and because it’s designed with Human Factor Diving, it incorporates cutting edge biometrics that enables you to live your life in dive mode. Whatever type of diving you do, the A2 is ready to go there with you.
With advanced, technical, CCR, and freedivers in mind, Smart technology wireless air-integration can handle multiple transmitters. Optional air-integration monitors tank pressure and provides true remaining bottom time (RBT) calculations based on the workload from breathing (transmitter sold separately). The Heart rate monitor records your heartbeat and skin temperature (with SCUBAPRO HRM Belt only; sold separately) that can be factored into the decompression calculation along with workload. Digital tilt-compensated 3D compass allows for easy navigation. Predictive Multi-Gas ZH-L16 ADT MB algorithm accommodates eight gases (21-100% O2) plus two in CCR mode. PDIS (Profile Dependent Intermediate Stops) calculates an intermediate stop based on N2 loading, current, and previous dives and breathing mixes for safer diving. Microbubble levels let you adjust the level of conservatism in the algorithm to match your experience level, age, and physical conditioning.
Multiple Dive Modes: Scuba, Gauge, Apnea, Trimix, side mount, CCR. Sport mode offers sport-related functions like a swim stroke counter, activity counter (pedometer), and stopwatch. High-resolution matrix display with large numbers is easy to read underwater, even in adverse conditions. Lightweight design is so comfortable on the wrist you won’t want to take it off. Intuitive menu and four-button controls make it easy to navigate through the system. Bluetooth Low Energy interface lets you download dives to any iOS or Android device or PC/Mac. Firmware can be user-updated by going to scubapro.com. Power is provided by a standard CR2450 battery that is rated for up to two years/300 dives. The computer’s maximum operating depth is 394′ (120m) and is altitude adjustable from sea level to approximately 13,300′ (4,000m). Included with the computer are a protection foil, quick card, arm strap extension, read first (the user manual is available online)—optional equipment: transmitter, heart rate belt.
SCUBAPRO Aladin A2 Dive Watch Wrist Computer:
• Compactness & Convenience of Wrist-Style Dive Computer
• Versatile Wristwatch-Style Computer: Worn-On-the-Surface As-Well-As-Underwater
• Full Timekeeping Functions, 6-Dive Modes Plus Sport Mode
• Features & Functions Enable You to Excel-In-Your Sport
• Everything Advanced Recreational Divers Want, & Everything Technical Divers Need
Optional:
Wireless Air Integration Monitors Tank Pressure & Provides True Remaining Bottom Time (RBT)
• Digital Tilt-Compensated 3D Compass Allows for Easy Navigation, Underwater & On Land
• Algorithm: Predictive Multi-Gas ZH-L16 ADT MB
• Accommodates 8-Gases (21-100% O2) Plus 2-In CCR Mode
Intuitive Menu System:
Clearly Marked Button Controls
Easy to Access & Understand All Functions
Just-the-Right Balance of Topside Features, Underwater Functions & Ease of Use
4-Button Controls
Easy to Navigate Thru-System
• Quickly Becomes an Integral Part of Your Diving Life & Everyday Life-As-Well
PDIS (Profile Dependent Intermediate Stops):
Calculates Intermediate Stop
Based-On N2 Loading
Current & Previous Dives
Breathing Mixes for Better Diving
• Microbubble Levels Let You Adjust Level of Conservatism In Algorithm
• Multiple Dive Modes: Scuba, Gauge, Apnea, Trimix, Side Mount, CCR
• Sport Mode: Sport-Related Functions, Swim Stroke Counter, Stopwatch Can-Be-Activated
OVERLAND PARK, Kansas – July 20, 2020 – RCBS, the leading manufacturer of ammunition reloading equipment for rifles and pistols, announced today it has commenced shipping of five new product kits designed to simplify the needs of both novice and professional reloaders while reducing cost.
The four new reloading kits plus one case prepping kit feature the essential equipment needed to begin common reloading projects. The new kits have been designed to save users both time and money by providing them with a well-rounded assortment of tools without the added hassle of purchasing individual pieces.
“As more people look to reloading to solve their ammunition needs, there is a growing request to help simplify the tools needed for those getting started or to upgrade their current equipment list,” said Will Hemeyer, Senior Product Manager for RCBS. “The newest kits from RCBS offer a considerable cost savings and were specifically designed to assist these reloaders by providing them with all of the essential gear they need while saving time in the process.”
New RCBS items available include the Rebel Plus Reloading Kit, the Rebel Master Kit, the Partner Reloading Kit-2, the Explorer Reloading Kit-2 and the Case Prep Kit. With prices ranging from $274.95 to $649.95, these kits help answer the needs from both entry level and expert reloaders alike.
Each of the kits is packed with premium RCBS items along with several new items released for 2020. The Explorer Reloading Kit-2 and Partner Reloading Kit-2 have been upgraded from earlier offerings to include the new 1,500 Grain Digital Pocket Scale for the most accurate measurements possible. The Explorer Reloading Kit-2 also contains the new Uniflow III Powder Measure which was designed with a single metering screw to accommodate both rifles and pistols while promoting consistent, reliable accuracy for any load needed.
The Rebel Plus Reloading Kit and Rebel Master Kit also include the Uniflow III Powder Measure but have been updated with the new Rebel Single Stage Press. Constructed from a sold cast iron frame, the Rebel Single Stage Press has ben meticulously machined to exacting tolerances and features the tallest opening of any RCBS Single Stage press on the market.
For more information on the new RCBS kits be sure to visit your local retailer or go to www.RCBS.com.
ANOKA, Minnesota – July 21, 2020 – Team Federal Congratulates their youngest competitive trap shooter Grayson Stuart who completed Amateur Trapshooting Association’s (ATA) Grand Slam. Stuart completed this amazing accomplishment following his title run at the Western Zone Handicap shoot held at the Spanish Fork Gun Club in Utah on July 19. The 15-year-old from Riverton, UT, is the third youngest in ATA history to log a Grand Slam according to Trap and Field Magazine.
“The ATA Grand Slam is achieved when a shooter completes the final discipline, of the three shooting events: 200 straight in a 200-Target Singles Event, 100 straight in Handicap from the 27-yard mark, 100 straight in Doubles,” said Federal Youth Shooting Sports Program Manager Jon Zinnel. “According to ATA records, less than 500 shooters in the world have completed their Grand Slams.”
“I set new goals each year to keep my focus through the shooting season and so far, this season has been great,” said Stuart. “I could not be any more excited with accomplishing my ATA Grand Slam at the 2020 Western Zone. Now I need to shift my focus back to the range and prepare for the Grand American in a couple of weeks.”
Stuart relied on Federal Top Gun and Gold Medal Paper to achieve his ATA Grand Slam. Even the most challenging targets are no match for consistent, hard-hitting Federal Top Gun. The loads’ high-quality lead shot produces even patterns that crush clays. The look, feel and performance of Gold Medal Paper shotshells make them the favorite of the most serious clay target shooters. The loads combine Federal Premium Ammunition’s classic paper hull and high-quality brass head with an ideal design that provides less felt recoil and effective shot hardness.
“We look to young shooters like Grayson to help energize trap shooting to the younger generations,” concluded Zinnel. “Grayson did an outstanding job representing the Federal brand. It was obvious that he had fun and enjoyed sharing that excitement with others. We congratulate him on this impressive accomplishment.”
Federal ammunition can be found at dealers nationwide or purchased online direct. For more on Federal ammunition, visit www.federalpremium.com.
Fort Belvoir, Va. — The Army recently issued a contract award to rapidly prototype hybrid electric drives into an Army combat vehicle as a key step in scaling-up this widely available commercial technology.
Hybrid electric drives (HEDs), used today in commercial cars, buses, heavy trucks and other vehicles, could significantly reduce Army vehicle costs related to maintenance and fuel consumption, increase reliability, and improve performance, with no added size, weight and power (SWaP) demands.
Under an Other Transaction for Prototype Authority (pOTA) agreement, issued by the Army Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO) on July 16 in the amount of $32.2 million, BAE Systems will deliver two vehicles retrofitted with HEDs. The entire effort, from contract to delivery, is expected to take 24 months.
The HED – consisting of an upgraded engine, a transmission replaced by an electric drive motor, and the addition of lithium ion batteries – turns engine power into electricity for greater mobility and operating additional onboard equipment.
“By rapidly prototyping HEDs on a small scale, we can jump-start advanced electrification and hybridization of Army platforms, and encourage our industry partners to invest in these products to meet Army standards,” said LTG L. Neil Thurgood, director of Hypersonics, Directed Energy, Space and Rapid Acquisition, who oversees the RCCTO.
With the HED replacing the traditional heavy mechanical powertrain, the design has the potential to provide increased automotive performance, increase survivability by reducing the thermal and acoustic signature of the vehicle, increase acceleration capability, and improve lethality. The Army anticipates reduced fuel consumption by as much as 20 percent, and with a smaller number of parts, vehicles with HED technology should be easier to maintain.
Under the contract, the Army will use the A2 Bradley as the surrogate vehicle. BAE will integrate two HED vehicles, which will then undergo contractor performance assessments, testing and validation, ultimately leading to the transition to Program Executive Office Ground Combat Systems (PEO GCS). The RCCTO is working closely with PEO GCS throughout the effort.
“HEDs add a high-voltage generator that turns engine power into electricity for greater mobility and for operating additional equipment, both of which increase combat effectiveness,” said Mike Foster, director of the RCCTO’s Rapid Acquisition Prototyping Project Office. “It also offers the ability, because of its electric powertrain, to conduct silent over-watch missions and silent mobility.”
The Bradley is being used because of the small form factor fit of the engine, which is smaller than other tracked vehicles and can then scale-up to be applied to other platforms, including future vehicles.
Once the two vehicles are complete, the RCCTO will conduct additional field assessments on the HED technology with Soldier feedback prior to the handoff with PEO GCS.
The Army RCCTO, headquartered at Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is chartered to develop rapid prototypes and field residual combat capabilities. Its top focus areas are hypersonics and directed energy, but the organization is also conducting rapid prototyping in areas such as the hybrid Bradley, an electronic warfare kit for dismounted threat mapping, and advanced radars.
By Nancy Jones-Bonbrest, Army Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office
