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Archive for April 8th, 2021

Ironhorse Firearms is Back!

Thursday, April 8th, 2021

For Immediate Release: Salt Lake City, UT – A:er a successful partnership and collaboration, Iron Horse Firearms and Blackwater Worldwide have mutually agreed to end the relationship and pursue endeavors more in alignment with the respective brands.

Iron Horse Firearms will continue to manufacture their flagship products of the Sentry 12 and the Iron Horse line of thumb operated AR-15 style rifles. All products remain in full production and dealers will continue to receive orders on schedule.

“We’re grateful for our time with the team at Blackwater Worldwide and all of the opportunities that the relationship created. As we move into this next chapter, we’re looking forward to the continued development and manufacture of our line of products under the original Iron Horse Firearms brand, as well as branching into some of our E-Commerce and manufacturing software offerings designed for businesses in the firearms industry.”
– Ryan McDonald, CEO of Iron Horse Firearms

Mission First Tactical Introduces the React M-LOK Compact Foregrip

Thursday, April 8th, 2021

Designed to minimize material and dimension, this compact, textured vertical grip provides a positive grip surface for any shooter.

Horsham, Pa. (April 2021) – Mission First Tactical, LLC (MFT™), a leader in USA-made rifle/carbine accessories, is proud to introduce the React™ M-LOK Compact Foregrip (SKU: RCG-MLOK). This compact, textured vertical grip is designed to minimize material and dimension, all while providing a positive grip surface for the shooter. It allows the support hand to apply rearward pressure, keeping the weapon shouldered, yielding better muzzle control and accuracy.

The React M-LOK Compact Foregrip provides an ultra-low-profile design while maintaining a wide grip that will fill the palm of the shooter’s hand providing maximum comfort. Its contoured shape and texture keep the grip firmly in the palm of even the sweatiest of hands, preventing any sort of potential slippage. Complimenting various shooting grip styles, the React M-LOK Compact Foregrip’s vertical length maximizes stability.

Available in Black and Scorched Dark Earth. MSRP $22.95. International shipments do not require an export license as this item ships freely.

Mission First Tactical products come with a Lifetime Warranty. For more information on Mission First Tactical, visit www.missionfirsttactical.com.

Burlington Reaches Production Milestone of 1 Million Yards for Army Green Service Uniforms

Thursday, April 8th, 2021

April 8, 2021, Greensboro, NC – Burlington Industries LLC, a division of Elevate Textiles, is excited to report the production of over one million yards of fabric for the new Army Green Service Uniforms. The one million yards of fabric is equivalent to about 200,000 jackets, 115,000 hats and belts, 320,000 pants and 195,000 ties—nearly 575 miles of fabric. If laid end to end, this amount would stretch from Burlington’s divisional headquarters in Greensboro, North Carolina to New York City.

Burlington is proud to be an integral part of the United States Military defense supply chain for more than 55 years. The development of the new, worsted wool blended Army Green Service Uniform fabric has been in progress for over two years and includes partnerships with garment producer Fechheimer, the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support Philadelphia (DLA), the United States Army and several private industry partners. In line with Burlington tradition, the process remains focused toward serving those in the United States Armed Forces. These new fabrics allow their wearers the confidence to perform at their best while experiencing unmatched comfort and durability. These fabrics are produced at the company’s facilities in Raeford and Cordova, North Carolina out of 100% American-made yarns.

“Burlington is thrilled to have reached the milestone of producing over one million yards of the new Army Green fabric, and we continue to be honored to serve the men and women of the U.S. Military with a dedication to quality and innovation. The worsted wool fabrics of our Raeford operation and brand consistently provide soldiers with comfort, durability, wrinkle resistance and color capability unlike any other,” said Joey Underwood, President of Burlington and Safety Components.

Since 1923, Burlington has been a global textile leader with core competencies in worsted wool and performance synthetics, and inherent FR fabrics. Offering a diverse range of vertical manufacturing capabilities and numerous fiber and fabric blends, Burlington® Military is proud to provide quality fabrics for United States Military personnel. Through innovation, Burlington’s in-house Research and Development department, Burlington Labs®, engineers advanced fabrications and technical finishes that are applied to protect and enhance performance while providing troops protection, easy-care and superior comfort in all of their diverse environments. Burlington Military combines the resources from the Burlington and Safety Components business units to create an extensive military products platform of diversified fabrics developed to service the specific needs of the military market.

www.burlingtonfabrics.com

Meopta MeoPro Air Binoculars Now Shipping

Thursday, April 8th, 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TAMPA, FL, April 7, 2021 – Meopta Sport Optics is now shipping its long-awaited MeoPro Air binoculars.  Available in 8×42 HD and 10×42 HD, the Air elevates the MeoPro line to a new level of performance with its advanced optical system, ergonomic open-hinge design, and handsome new body style built to withstand the harshest hunting environments.

Featuring high-definition, extra-low dispersion fluoride glass with Meopta’s proprietary MeoBright lens coatings, the Air delivers maximum resolution and contrast with bright images and vivid colors throughout the entire field of view.  This exceptional low-light performance – a hallmark of all Meopta optics – allows hunters to see fine detail more clearly at dawn and dusk when it matters most.  Meopta’s MeoShield anti-abrasion lens coating offers added protection to exterior lenses in the field, and the MeoDrop hydrophobic lens coating easily repels rain, dust, and grease from exposed lens surfaces.  The body is made from lightweight magnesium-alloy and protected by durable rubber armoring that provides a secure, non-slip grip.   

“The Air takes the MeoPro line to the next level of performance,” said Pavel Stastny, Senior Director of Sales and Marketing at Meopta. “It has a new, modern look and feel.  The open-bridge design is extremely comfortable and easy to hold for prolonged periods while glassing, and the optical performance is simply unparalleled at this price point.”

The diopter adjustment is integrated into the top end of the focus knob.  Twist-up eyecups are easily removed for cleaning and designed for use with or without eyeglasses.  Both models are tripod adapter ready, nitrogen purged, and fully sealed for fogproof and waterproof performance in the most demanding conditions.  Like all Meopta optics sold in the United States, they are backed by Meopta’s Lifetime Transferrable Warranty.

MeoPro Air Binocular Specifications:

Retail Pricing:

MeoPro Air 8×42 HD:             $979.00

MeoPro Air 10×42 HD:           $999.00

www.meoptasportsoptics.com/us

“Biden-Harris” Administration Announces Initial Actions to Address the “Gun Violence Public Health Epidemic”

Thursday, April 8th, 2021

Yes, the quotes in the headline were added by the editor. When more people are beaten to death each year by fists than killed by all rifles (including hunting accidents), you know someone is intentionally lying to you. Words have meanings, well until MINITRU redefines them at least, and an epidemic this is not. As for the “Biden-Harris” administration, that’s more telling than anything else that has happened, including falling up stairs repeatedly.

Regardless, a couple of these proposed actions could directly affect the US firearms industrial base as well as the US citizens who buy from them. As such executive actions cannot be directly implemented without the publication of proposed rules changes and a mandatory 30-day comment period, be prepared to provide feedback to the executive branch. In the past, ill informed schemes hav even foiled by responses to proposals. The stabilizing brace issue is particularly sticky for the “Biden-Harris” administration as they were created to assist disabled Americans to safely and effectively use firearms, not to mention the fact that they are currently employed on firearms owned by millions of Americans.

The “Biden-Harris” administration couldn’t even wait until Thursday like they had announced, to unveil their initial list of executive actions to curtail civil rights. This list was published on Wednesday evening. In case you missed it elsewhere, here it is:

Today, the Biden-Harris Administration is announcing six initial actions to address the gun violence public health epidemic. The recent high-profile mass shootings in Boulder – taking the lives of 10 individuals – and Atlanta – taking the lives of eight individuals, including six Asian American women – underscored the relentlessness of this epidemic. Gun violence takes lives and leaves a lasting legacy of trauma in communities every single day in this country, even when it is not on the nightly news. In fact, cities across the country are in the midst of a historic spike in homicides, violence that disproportionately impacts Black and brown Americans. The President is committed to taking action to reduce all forms of gun violence – community violence, mass shootings, domestic violence, and suicide by firearm.

President Biden is reiterating his call for Congress to pass legislation to reduce gun violence. Last month, a bipartisan coalition in the House passed two bills to close loopholes in the gun background check system. Congress should close those loopholes and go further, including by closing “boyfriend” and stalking loopholes that currently allow people found by the courts to be abusers to possess firearms, banning assault weapons and high capacity magazines, repealing gun manufacturers’ immunity from liability, and investing in evidence-based community violence interventions. Congress should also pass an appropriate national “red flag” law, as well as legislation incentivizing states to pass “red flag” laws of their own.

But this Administration will not wait for Congress to act to take its own steps – fully within the Administration’s authority and the Second Amendment – to save lives. Today, the Administration is announcing the following six initial actions:

The Justice Department, within 30 days, will issue a proposed rule to help stop the proliferation of “ghost guns.” We are experiencing a growing problem: criminals are buying kits containing nearly all of the components and directions for finishing a firearm within as little as 30 minutes and using these firearms to commit crimes. When these firearms turn up at crime scenes, they often cannot be traced by law enforcement due to the lack of a serial number. The Justice Department will issue a proposed rule to help stop the proliferation of these firearms.

The Justice Department, within 60 days, will issue a proposed rule to make clear when a device marketed as a stabilizing brace effectively turns a pistol into a short-barreled rifle subject to the requirements of the National Firearms Act. The alleged shooter in the Boulder tragedy last month appears to have used a pistol with an arm brace, which can make a firearm more stable and accurate while still being concealable.

The Justice Department, within 60 days, will publish model “red flag” legislation for states. Red flag laws allow family members or law enforcement to petition for a court order temporarily barring people in crisis from accessing firearms if they present a danger to themselves or others. The President urges Congress to pass an appropriate national “red flag” law, as well as legislation incentivizing states to pass “red flag” laws of their own. In the interim, the Justice Department’s published model legislation will make it easier for states that want to adopt red flag laws to do so.

The Administration is investing in evidence-based community violence interventions. Community violence interventions are proven strategies for reducing gun violence in urban communities through tools other than incarceration. Because cities across the country are experiencing a historic spike in homicides, the Biden-Harris Administration is taking a number of steps to prioritize investment in community violence interventions.

• The American Jobs Plan proposes a $5 billion investment over eight years to support community violence intervention programs. A key part of community violence intervention strategies is to help connect individuals to job training and job opportunities.

• The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is organizing a webinar and toolkit to educate states on how they can use Medicaid to reimburse certain community violence intervention programs, like Hospital-Based Violence Interventions.

• Five federal agencies are making changes to 26 different programs to direct vital support to community violence intervention programs as quickly as possible. These changes mean we can start increasing investments in community violence interventions as we wait on Congress to appropriate additional funds. Read more about these agency actions here.

The Justice Department will issue an annual report on firearms trafficking. In 2000, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) issued a report summarizing information regarding its investigations into firearms trafficking, which is one way firearms are diverted into the illegal market where they can easily end up in the hands of dangerous individuals. Since the report’s publication, states, local, and federal policymakers have relied on its data to better thwart the common channels of firearms trafficking. But there is good reason to believe that firearms trafficking channels have changed since 2000, for example due to the emergence of online sales and proliferation of “ghost guns.” The Justice Department will issue a new, comprehensive report on firearms trafficking and annual updates necessary to give policymakers the information they need to help address firearms trafficking today.

The President will nominate David Chipman to serve as Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms. ATF is the key agency enforcing our gun laws, and it needs a confirmed director in order to do the job to the best of its ability. But ATF has not had a confirmed director since 2015. Chipman served at ATF for 25 years and now works to advance commonsense gun safety laws.

A Look at US Army CEMA in INDO-PACOM

Thursday, April 8th, 2021

For those of you unfamiliar with Cyber-Electromagnetic Activities, these Tropic Lightning Soldiers from the 25th Infantry Division recently conducted training in the dense Hawaiian training area. There’s a lot of biomass out there and it presents challenges to signal capture, geo-location, and countermeasures. These Soldiers talk about how they contribute to the fight.

The 355th Wing Flies Toward the Future

Thursday, April 8th, 2021

DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. (AFNS) —

The needs of tomorrow’s Air Force must be met today, and the 355th Wing remains on the leading edge of this effort to ensure its continued ability to wield lethal, ready combat airpower anywhere, anytime.

Airmen from the 355th Wing, 621st Contingency Response Wing and AFWERX Agility Prime teamed up to move a LIFT Aircraft electronic vertical takeoff and landing aircraft using a military aircraft for the first time. The eVTOL vehicle was transported from Springfield, Ohio to Austin, Texas, March 23 – 24.

This effort was a proof of concept for the Air Force as the 355th Wing, the 621st CRW and other units across the force look to integrate the eVTOL technology into upcoming training. AFWERX and industry partners are working together to aggressively develop this to support the Department of Defense as it pursues further agile combat employment capabilities.

“We are working with industry and Air Force partners to continue developing this next-generation technology to eventually be able to do anything that a traditional aircraft can do,” said Maj. Brendan Gallagher, 563rd Rescue Group chief of weapons and tactics. “Due to the hard work and preparation of our loadmasters and the 571st Mobility Support Advisory Squadron, we were able to safely and effectively load the equipment onto the HC-130J.”

Loading this equipment onto the HC-130J Combat King II for the first time was no simple task, however. Air Force cargo specialists and flight engineers at LIFT Aircraft worked together to figure out configuration the eVTOL would need to be placed in for safe travel, proving that they can be transported using relatively small military aircraft with minimal equipment.

“With it being new, unfamiliar equipment, we had to come with a lot of variants and contingencies,” said Tech. Sgt. Joseph Wruck, 571st MSAS air transportation team sergeant. “Alongside the 79th Rescue Squadron, AFWERX and LIFT, we came up with a simple, safe and expedited way to load the aircraft with minimal specialized equipment by using the ramp system. The load took roughly 40 minutes, but we can get that down to 15 minutes in the future.”

The further integration and testing of this technology will ensure its employability in austere environments. In the future, operators expect this aircraft will be able to support a variety of missions, including personnel recovery and initial airfield assessment.

“The idea and execution of moving (the aircraft) in a more deployable state is a great validation of the design and how it was built,” said Jace McGowan, LIFT Aircraft flight development engineer and chief pilot. “We took the aircraft from just over 15 feet to just under eight. We are also working to get the time from unloading it off the aircraft to ready to fly down under two hours.”

As Airmen and industry partners look toward the future of innovation with this technology, AFWERX continues pushing it into new environments to test its capabilities.

“This load exercise came on the heels of major flight testing in Springfield, and we have more testing coming up in Austin and the Bushwhacker exercise (the 355th Wing’s agile combat employment exercise) in May,” said James Bieryla, AFWERX Prime division chief.

Bushwhacker is the 355th Wing’s ongoing series of agile combat employment exercises. The next iteration is scheduled this summer and will be the first time AFWERX eVTOL vehicles are integrated into dynamic military exercise scenarios.

“Our goal within Prime is to find emerging technology with dual capabilities and transition to deploy them rapidly after working with many mission partners to meet the needs of our operators and warfighters,” Bieryla said. “This movement with LIFT exemplifies how we aren’t content to sit around and wait on anything. We are getting after the chief of staff’s call to ‘Accelerate Change or Lose’.”

The eVTOL aircraft’s use in the upcoming Bushwhacker exercise is expected to demonstrate capabilities including personnel recovery and resupply. The 355th Wing also looks to test other more in-depth use cases in the future. This will improve dynamic forward adaptive basing concepts by pushing capabilities closer to the fight.

“This is the first milestone in developmental operations of eVTOL in rescue and attack, which highlights how the wing continues to actively engage on the front end of these efforts to continue building our readiness for tomorrow’s fight,” Gallagher said. “By doing this, we are furthering the rescue and attack capabilities as we look toward the future, because these are the next generation of flying platforms.”

The future is now and the Air Force is adapting and innovating the way it operates to ensure its ability to deter and defeat any near-peer adversary that may arise.

“Innovation is critical and under AFWERX Agility Prime, we have a unique opportunity to leverage their capabilities and resources by working with technology developers and flight engineers earlier in the process to rapidly make changes and develop these technologies to meet mission requirements,” Gallagher said. “Instead of waiting to receive a product, we are getting engaged early to help shape it to meet our needs, which will pay large dividends once the product is mission ready.”

The eVTOL is in the beginning stages of its growth, but the potential of this technology cannot be overvalued. As it develops further, the effects of these aircraft will be seen around the globe.

“We are currently working with AFWERX to explore the next level of what is possible with this technology to meet the longer-term goals operators have,” McGowan said. “Getting this feedback from the operators is a great opportunity to shape things going forward. We are very happy to be able to work alongside the Air Force and meet the needs of the service.”

The ever-changing climate of conflict requires the Air Force and DoD to constantly adapt and innovate. The efforts of AFWERX Agility Prime, the 355th Wing and 621st Contingency Response Wing exemplify the Air Force’s commitment to increase capabilities and testing new equipment, ensuring the force remains ready for tomorrow’s fight.

By SrA Jacob T. Stephens, 355th Wing Public Affairs