SIG MMG 338 Program Series

Archive for April, 2021

Air Force Rewrites Basic Doctrine, Focuses on Mission Command, Airpower Evolution

Monday, April 26th, 2021

MAXWELL AIR FORCE, Ala. (AFNS) —

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Charles Q. Brown, Jr. recently signed perhaps the most sweeping change of Air Force basic doctrine in the service’s history, marking a major milestone in the service’s strategic approach to “Accelerate Change or Lose.”

Core themes to the revised Air Force Doctrine Publication-1: The Air Force are the foundation and evolution of airpower and the concept of mission command.

“When it comes to airpower, it’s about the fact that we can fly, fight and win anytime and anywhere. That is tried and true – how we exploit the air domain, operating in and through the air domain,” Brown said. “That’s what we’ve done since we became an Air Force, and that’s what we’ll continue to do. How we do that might change based on what we see happening in the world and where technology might take us.”

With the Air Force recently releasing its new mission statement – To fly, fight and win … Airpower anytime, anywhere – the general said that “leaders need to ensure that all Airmen – active duty, Guard, Reserve or civilian – understand how much they contribute to airpower.”

The document defines the concept of mission command as a return to the philosophy of mission accomplishment guided by the commander’s intent, while operating in environments characterized by “increasing uncertainty, complexity and rapid change.”

“To drive commander’s intent, we have to be very broad in our thinking,” he said. “We have to give Airmen the leeway, without being very prescriptive, to lead and execute while still meeting intent. When Airmen are empowered, they’ll be able to make things happen that we didn’t even think about.”

In the document’s “CSAF Perspective on Doctrine,” Brown reminds Airmen: “Leaders must push decisions to the lowest competent, capable level using doctrine as a foundation for sound choices.” This core idea resonates throughout the rewrite.

AFDP-1 also updates the legacy airpower tenet of “centralized control, decentralized execution” to “centralized command, distributed control and decentralized execution.” This evolution allows for a framework from which to develop new operating concepts, strategies and capabilities to address rapidly changing and increasingly challenging operating environments.

Brown’s new focus on mission command and centralized command, distributed control and decentralized execution postures the Air Force to execute what he lays out in his “Accelerate Change or Lose” vision: “We must focus on the Joint Warfighting Concept, enabled by Joint All-Domain Command and Control and rapidly move forward…”

While AFDP-1 marks a significant departure from the generally slow pace of change in doctrine, it represents the significant change in focus by the Air Force from retrospective and incremental to future-focused and poised to seize opportunity.

Doctrine represents the best practices and principles that articulate how the Air Force fights. The recent rewrite of AFDP-1 represents a consolidation from 141 pages to 16 pages and a refinement of “the most fundamental and enduring beliefs describing airpower and the Airman’s perspective.”

With the March 2021 release of the “Interim National Security Strategic Guidance,” President Joe Biden reminded the nation “the distribution of power across the world is changing, creating new threats.”

AFDP-1 is poised to reorient the Air Force for the era of great power competition and accelerated change.

Air University Public Affairs

JK Armament Announces Official Release of War Eagle Comp/Flash Hider Device

Monday, April 26th, 2021

Bruneau, ID (April 23, 2021)- JK Armament is proud to announce the highly anticipated release of the War Eagle muzzle device. Not only is the War Eagle an exceptional device for combating both muzzle signature and felt recoil, but installation is also extremely user-friendly without the need for shims, timing, or any special tools. The War Eagle Comp/Flash Hider is designed to interface with the Quick-Attach Taper Mount 1 for use with any JK 155 Modular Solvent Traps or most 1.375×24 TPI HUB-compatible attachments. It also compatible with all SilencerCo® ASR™ mounting systems without the need for additional locking mechanisms. 

“We’ve been developing the War Eagle from the very beginning, and we’re just as excited as our customers to see a new, easy-to-use, advanced mounting option for solvent traps and silencers” states Jake Kunksy, founder and owner of JK Armament. Kunksy further says, “The taper on the War Eagle ensures concentricity and also prevents a solvent trap or silencer from backing off of the mount. Ultimately you end up with an incredibly strong seal that still allows for rapid attachment or removal of solvent traps for transport or swapping from gun-to-gun while on the range”

The JKA War Eagle is available in two different pitches; 1/2×28 TPI for .22LR and 5.56mm and 5/8×24 TPI for .30-caliber devices. Pistol-caliber devices are anticipated later in the year.

Specifications:

(1) JK Comp / Flash Hider
Color: Black
Coating: DLC
Material: Heat Treated 17-4 Stainless Steel
Weight: 3.3 oz
OAL: 2.32″
Thread Pitches: 1/2×28 TPI (5.56mm and .22LR), 5/8×24 TPI (.30 caliber)

Additional Details:
+ No timing required
+ True dual-use muzzle device
+ 13/16″ wrench flats on the front
+ 3/4″ rear wrench flats on the rear
+ compatible with JK Quick Attach Taper Mount 1

Made in Idaho.
To order or for more information visit us online here:  jkarmament.com/products/jk-war-eagle-comp-flash-hider-hd  

TacJobs – Eagle Industries Seeks Product Design Engineer

Monday, April 26th, 2021

Join our talented team. Employees at Vista Outdoor are passionate and committed to delivering quality products to our customers. Our culture centers on an engaged and accountable workforce. Our goal is to attract and retain a diverse workforce: rich in talent, background, ideas and experience.

Responsibilities and Qualifications
Our Eagle Industries Inc. Virginia Beach, VA facility is seeking a Product Design Engineer II to add to our team. The Product Design Engineer II will be responsible for developing nylon soft good products for our Vista Tactical Nylon brands. This position will work closely with all facets of our business: marketing, sourcing, purchasing, manufacturing, quality, scheduling, and operations to assure coordinated transition of products to manufacturing. The ability to lead projects and work in cross functional teams is essential.

Responsibilities, Including but not limited to:

• Position will require taking nylon soft good product designs from concept through production.

• Uses computer-assisted design/drafting including pattern making and CAD software to develop designs.

• Approves final samples of proposed projects, checking dimension of parts, materials to be used, relation of one part to another and relation of various parts to whole structure or project.

• Travel to manufacturing facility (Puerto Rico), trade shows, and vendor visits.

• Able to evaluate current market trends and identify future needs for new projects.

• Utilize knowledge of various sewing and cutting machines, design practices, mathematics, nylon, webbing and other materials and other physical sciences to complete designs.

• Responsible for maintaining an organized design file system.

• Participate in concurrent design reviews.

• Evaluate and approve drawings, routings, materials lists, specifications and other documents.

• Create and revise technical drawings.

• Develop Quality Control and inspection criteria for new products.

• Evaluate and solve production problems.

• Train sewers/assemblers or conduct training to introduce new processes.

• Prepare/manufacture prototypes as required.

• Must allow time studies and product design processes videotaping.

• Additional duties assigned by Supervisor.

Qualifications:

• 5+ years’ experience general engineering or product development

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

• Creative Design, Industrial Design, or Engineering in related field

• Basic sewing skills with multiple types of machinery

• Strong project management skills

• Experience guiding interdepartmental teams

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office, Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop

• Proficient in pattern design software

• Must be a self-starter and results oriented

• Experience with accessory products for shooting sports, Military/LE, etc. a plus

We offer a highly competitive salary, comprehensive benefits including: medical and dental, vision, disability and life insurance, 401K, PTO, tuition reimbursement, and the ability to add value to an exciting mission!

Our Postings are not intended for distribution to or use in any jurisdiction, country or territory where such distribution or use would violate local law or would subject us to any regulations in another jurisdiction, country or territory. We reserve the right to limit our Postings in any jurisdiction, country or territory.

Equal Opportunity Employer Minorities/Females/Protected Veteran/Disabled

Apply Here

Diamond Age NeoSteel Tactical Helmet Now Available in Full-Cut Option

Monday, April 26th, 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The world’s toughest combat helmet adds a full-cut option along with a high-cut model introduced in the late summer of 2020.

McKinney, Texas (April 2021) – Texas-based, materials science and ballistics specialists, Diamond Age, are pleased to announce the Full-Cut model option of its next-generation steel NeoSteel™ Helmet. Designed to offer maximum coverage, the Full-Cut option meets and exceeds VPAM-3+ Special Threats ballistic requirements.

The ACH-style helmet is a modular combat helmet produced using the most technologically advanced metal alloys offering all-day comfort, balance, protection, and, unlike the current K-pot polymer-produced helmets today, will not degrade over time thus weakening its protective capabilities.

In addition, Diamond Age has reduced lead-time for products to meet the demand of its customers without sacrificing on materials, technology, or performance. The new Diamond Age NeoSteel Full-Cut, as well as the High-Cut helmets and Face Protection Module, are currently in stock and will ship within days rather than weeks.

The NeoSteel Helmets are an evolution in personal protection offering the lightest possible weight at 3.25 lbs. with high levels of ballistic performance in a steel helmet. NeoSteel Helmet offers best-in-class performance for minimal backface deformation (BFD) and impact trauma. Unlike current polymer-based helmets, the NeoSteel is also environmentally stable, providing users years of consistent rim-to-rim protection, without material degradation that would severely compromise protection performance.

Diamond Age has spent years of research and rigorous developmental testing to arrive at a tactical helmet designed to meet the requirements and needs of combat environments, as well as being an affordable personal protection helmet for civilians.

Diamond Age NeoSteel Helmet in Full-Cut or High-Cut is now available in Black, Foliage Green, or Tan and in Medium or Large/Extra-Large (Full-Cut available in Large/Extra-Large only) for an MSRP starting at $195.00 without accessories.

Creating Binocular Night Vision Capability Using Existing PVS-14s: TNVC TNV/PVS-14 Powered Bridge Mount (PBM-A)

Monday, April 26th, 2021

Since it’s introduction at SHOT Show 2019 the TNVC TNV/PVS-14 PBM-A (Powered Bridge Mount) has been fielded by a number of users, including military, law enforcement, and commercial end-users. The patent pending Powered Bridge Mount is a unique product that allows individuals and organizations that already have PVS-14 Monocular Night Vision Devices (MNVDs) to obtain capabilities similar to dedicated Binocular Night Vision Goggles (BNVGs) at a fraction of the cost of purchasing new devices.

tnvc.com/shop/tnvc-pvs14-powered-bridge-mount

While bridge systems that allow two PVS-14 MNVDs to be bridged together are not in and of themselves unique, the TNVC TNV/PVS-14 PBM-A features a unique power control system that not only allows both PVS-14s to powered and controlled using a single power control knob and on-board AA battery located within the Powered Bridge Mount rather than individually, but also allows the device to use an external battery pack for extended battery life, similar to the USSOCOM AN/PVS-31A BNVD.

The TNV/PVS-14 PBM-A also features a distinctive “yoke and harness” attachment system to provide the best possible image to the end user by ensuring optical and mechanical alignment of the individual PVS-14s, and is stable enough for collimation.* Like the TNV/DTNVS, USSOCOM BNVD, USMC SBNVG, and Army ENVG-B, the TNV/PVS-14 PBM-A is an articulating system that allows the individual monoculars to be rotated up from the center hub, allowing users to move the monoculars out of their field of view without fully stowing the entire goggle. This can be especially helpful inside of vehicles and other confined spaces with low overhead clearance. When the goggles are fully stowed, the articulating feature allows the device’s center of gravity to be located much closer to the head, reducing end user neck strain and fatigue.

Binocular night vision goggles offer significant advantages over individual monocular systems, such as improved depth perception and situational awareness, allowing end-users to process information faster and more accurately. While purpose designed dedicated binocular systems do continue to have advantages over bridged MNVDs such as overall system weight, many individuals and organizations already possess PVS-14 MNVDs and it may not be possible or cost-effective to immediately replace them with dedicated binocular systems. The TNV/PVS-14 PBM-A allows those individuals and organizations to obtain many of the advantages of binocular systems without having to purchase brand new dedicated BNVGs.

For more information, please visit tnvc.com/shop/tnvc-pvs14-powered-bridge-mount or e-mail sales@tnvc.com

*non-user level maintenance, requires collimation test set

Jolly Green II Completes Developmental Testing

Monday, April 26th, 2021

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. (AFNS) —

The Air Force’s new combat search and rescue helicopter, the HH-60W Jolly Green II, completed its developmental test program at Eglin Air Force Base, April 13.

The final test by the Sikorsky and Air Force team was on the aircraft’s weapon systems. The goal of the test was to both demonstrate the performance of the weapons while optimizing weapon-system configurations.

“The timely completion of this test program represents an amazing accomplishment by the HH-60W Integrated Test Team,” said Joe Whiteaker, the 413th Flight Test Squadron HH-60W flight chief. “The team consistently overcame tremendous adversity through a mix of innovation and sheer determination.”

The result of those labors ensured both the warfighter and the program’s decision-makers were well-informed on the Jolly Green II’s performance.

The test efforts began May 2019 with the first HH-60W flight. The aircraft arrived at Eglin AFB to the 413th FLTS November 2019, although various tests took place in other locations. The integrated test team accumulated more than 1,100 flight test hours across six aircraft testing the full spectrum of aircraft systems.

Some of the notable developmental tests included aircraft performance, communications systems, environmental tests at McKinley Climatic Lab, aerial refueling, data links, defensive systems, cabin systems, rescue hoist and live-fire of three weapon systems.

The test aircraft will be modified for operational use before being transferred to their respective Air Force rescue unit. The Jolly Green II’s developmental test mission will move to the Combat Search and Rescue Combined Test Force for follow-on testing at Nellis AFB, Nevada in 2022.

“I am incredibly proud of the many people from so many organizations who have come together to pull off a really challenging test program,” said Lt. Col. Wayne Dirkes, the 413 FLTS commander. “The team’s relentless focus on keeping the end in mind, aligning activity with their goals and moving forward quickly with discipline resulted in execution of a safe and highly successful test program in the face of incredible pressure.”

Story by Samuel King Jr., Eglin Air Force Base Public Affairs

Additional photos by MSgt Tristan McIntire

Silent Warrior Foundation Announces the 6th Annual Whiskey & War Stories Honoring Operation Eagle Claw

Sunday, April 25th, 2021

The Silent Warrior Foundation is proud to host the 6th Annual Whiskey & War Stories™, which will be held on August 21, 2021, at the Scottsdale Resort at McCormick Ranch, Arizona.

This annual fundraiser will honor the men of Operation Eagle Claw. An in-depth discussion of the mission moderated by board member David Hall, SOCS (SEAL), USN, Ret. will be the highlight of the event. This night will bring together members of the rescue team and former hostages.

There will also be an online auction of tactical unicorns and military memorabilia to help raise funds for the charity.

Last year’s 5th Whiskey & War Stories™ brought together the men of Operation Ivory Coast otherwise known as the “Son Tay Raid” and raised over $200,000 to benefit veterans in need. This event also kickstarted the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Son Tay Raid.

Individual tickets for the event are $150 per person. A limited number of Patriot Sponsor Packages are also available for $3,500. This special package includes a table for 8 and a VIP meet and greet with the men of Operation Eagle Claw on Friday, August 20, 2021.

Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased from the Silent Warrior Foundation’s website.

Special room rates available. Click here to book your room at the resort.

The Silent Warrior Foundation is a 501 (c) 3 charity serving active and former U.S. military veterans and their families since 2010.

SCUBAPRO Sunday – Charles Upham

Sunday, April 25th, 2021

In honor of ANZAC day on the 25th of April, I wanted to share a story about an amazing ANZAC soldier. For those unfamiliar, ANZAC is the acronym formed from the initial of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. It started when the Australian and New Zealand soldiers in Egypt were grouped before the landing on Gallipoli in April 1915. The acronym was first written as “A & NZ Army Corps”; however, clerks in the corps headquarters soon shortened it to ANZAC as a convenient telegraphic code name for addressing telegram messages. Australia and New Zealand both observe ANZAC Day, which is their Memorial Day to remember their fallen.  It starts with a sunrise service, followed by ANZAC biscuits and beer with brothers and family.  ANZAC Day started as a remembrance of the invasion of Gallipoli (a plan hatched by Winston Churchill, the First Lord of the Admiralty in WWI), but now it is used as a Remembrance Day for all who have been lost to war.  

I had the privilege of spending an ANZAC day in Perth a few years back and it was amazing to see how similar we are to our brothers in the Pacific. So, on the 25th of April, raise a glass to all of our brothers that have helped support us in everything we have done and helped promote freedom in the world. The ANZACs are the only countries that have been with the U.S. in every war we have fought since WWI, including Vietnam and the Global War on Terror.

Now….to the amazing soldier I mentioned.

Charles Upham is a true warrior in every sense of the word. He was a Captain in the 20th BN, 2nd New Zealand Expedition Force who served in Europe and North Africa during WWII. He is considered the highest decorated Commonwealth soldier of the war. Captain Upham is one of only three people to receive the Victoria Cross (VC) twice (the UK’s version of the Medal of Honor). He is the only person to receive the award twice in World War II.

Only three men in history have earned a second VC. The other two who managed this feat were medical officers: Col A. Martin-Leake, who received it in the Boer War and the First World War; and Capt N. G. Chavasse, killed in France in 1917, who was the only soldier to be awarded the VC twice during World War I. Interestingly, Chavasse’s family was related to Upham’s.

Captain Upham was awarded his first VC in May 1941 during the Battle of Crete on the Greek island. Upham led his platoon over 3,000 yards without heavy weapons during the initial phases of the fighting and took a heavily defended German position head-on. He single handly destroyed 3 German machine gun positions with grenades and a pistol coming within a dozen yards of the last.  Afterward, he helped evacuate the wounded under heavy fire, and when it appeared an entire company was about to be cut off in the fighting, he was sent to retrieve them. He covered over 600 yards through enemy territory to recover the platoon and led them to safety. He would later organize a counterattack on the advancing German forces that killed over 50 of the enemy before falling back. As he pressed forward, 2 Germans popped out and fired upon him, where Upham played dead. He crawled to a tree with only one functioning arm to prop up the rifle and took out the two Germans as they advanced upon him.  Later, still heavily wounded, he led his platoon and, through clever tactics, duped a section of German troops into exposing themselves, at which point he quickly cut down 22 with a Bren light machine gun.

The Battle of Crete lasted 11 days, and when it was over, Upham had put together an excellent resume for gallantry that could only be rewarded with the United Kingdom’s highest military honor.

He was awarded his second VC while in Egypt during the Battle of El Alamein. During the attack, he was wounded once again. Despite his injuries, he managed to destroy an entire truckload of Germans with hand grenades. He then moved on and destroyed a tank, several gun emplacements, and vehicles, even though he was shot through the elbow and his arm was broken. The enemy launched a massive counterattack. His company held its position till it was reduced to only six survivors.  Upham was eventually taken prisoner.

As a POW, Capt. Upham attempted several escapes to include jumping off a moving truck, jumping off a moving train, and, on one occasion, he tried to escape in broad daylight by climbing the fence. When a prison guard threatened to shoot him, Upham calmly ignored him and lit a cigarette. (that’s some James Bond stuff right there). He was later transferred to Colditz Castle and remained there until the end of the war.

It was reported that when King George was told about the recommendation being made for Upham’s second VC, the King remarked to Major-General Howard Kippenberger that a “bar to the cross” would be “very unusual indeed” and enquired firmly and asked, “Does he deserve it?” Kippenberger replied, “In my respectful opinion, sir, Upham has won it several times over.”

After the war, Capt. Upham moved back to New Zealand and became a farmer.  It is said that for the remainder of his life, Upham would allow no German manufactured machinery or cars onto his property.