June 2021 | Soldier Systems Daily Soldier Systems Daily

Archive for June, 2021

AT&T Launches Animal Assisted Therapy for First Responders

Sunday, June 20th, 2021

Man’s Best Friend’ Comes to FirstNet: AT&T Launches Animal Assisted Therapy Initiative to Further Health & Wellness for America’s First Responders

30+ “ROG the Dog” Therapy Animals Stationed Nationwide to Deploy Following Emergencies like Hurricanes, Wildfires and Man-Made Disasters

What’s the news? In advance of the 2021 storm season, FirstNet®, Built with AT&T* – the nation’s only network built by public safety, for public safety – is introducing “ROG the Dog” animal assisted therapy to support public safety on the front lines. This new initiative builds off of the launch of the FirstNet Health & Wellness Coalition and reinforces our commitment to Be There for America’s first responders by further supporting the health and well-being of those who serve their communities each and every day.

Why is this important? Compared to the general population, first responders experience higher rates of depression, PTSD, burnout, anxiety and other mental health issues.1 In law enforcement, one study found a more than 20 year difference in life expectancy compared to the average American male.2 uIn addition, it’s estimated 20-25% of all first responders experience post-traumatic stress.3 Therapy dogs are proven to have a positive impact on mental and physical health. Studies have shown that interacting with animals can improve coping and recovery, enhance morale, decrease stress, and reduce the effects of PTSD and emotional distress.4 And as public safety’s partner, we have a responsibility unlike any other wireless carrier to deliver for the first responder community. That’s why we’ve gone beyond our commitment to build and operate FirstNet and are providing this unique type of support to keep them mission ready.

What is ROG the Dog? Affectionately named after the FirstNet Response Operations Group (ROG) – the team led by former first responders that guides the deployment of the FirstNet fleet of dedicated deployable network assets – ROG the Dog is actually a fleet of trained Labradoodles who specialize in animal assisted therapy for first responders. We’re collaborating with Global Medical Response (GMR) to provide the therapy dog services, which are especially meant for times of crises following natural or man-made disasters. GMR chose Labradoodles as their therapy dog breed because of their temperament, they are hypoallergenic, and well suited to providing calm and care in the middle of chaos. The ROG the Dog initiative is currently comprised of over 30 animals located across the U.S.

What is the FirstNet Response Operations Program? To strengthen public safety’s command and control of their network, we launched the FirstNet Response Operations Program in 2018. This program aligns with Homeland Security’s National Incident Management System with a focus on life safety, incident stabilization and property conservation. With FirstNet, public safety agencies have access to a dedicated, nationwide fleet of 80+ land-based and airborne portable cell sites, like FirstNet One – all at no additional charge. The deployable network assets are designed to keep FirstNet subscribers connected to the information they need, no matter where their mission takes them. This allows first responders to make rescues, communicate and coordinate their emergency response, or aid in recovery, even in the hardest hit areas or most remote parts of the country.

When public safety calls upon the FirstNet fleet for additional support, the FirstNet Response Operations Group works with the agency to assess the situation and either deploy an asset, or identify and provide alternate solutions that could better serve public safety – such as expediting network restoration, quickly turning-up indoor coverage, and now, providing therapy dog services following a crisis. So far this year, public safety has requested support more than 125 times for planned and emergency events covering everything from COVID-19 vaccination centers to winter storms.

How can public safety request ROG the Dog? Agencies on FirstNet can request ROG the Dog in the same way they request an asset from the FirstNet fleet. And just like the fleet, ROG the Dog is available at no additional charge. Simply, call 1-800-574-7000 or contact their FirstNet Solutions Consultant and the Response Operations Group team will work with you to determine if your request meets the requirements for therapy dog services.

What is FirstNet? FirstNet is the only nationwide, high-speed broadband communications platform dedicated to and purpose-built for America’s first responders and the extended public safety community. Shaped by the vision of Congress and the first responder community following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, FirstNet stands above commercial offerings. It is built with AT&T in public-private partnership with the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) – an independent agency within the federal government. With more than 16,000 public safety agencies and organizations subscribed – accounting for more than 2.2 million connections nationwide5 – the FirstNet network is providing first responders with truly dedicated coverage and capacity when they need it, unique benefits like always-on priority and preemption, and high-quality Band 14 spectrum. These advanced capabilities help fire, EMS, law enforcement and more save lives and protect their communities.

Where can I find more information? For more about the value FirstNet is bringing to public safety, check out FirstNet.com. And go here for more FirstNet news.

1 Purvis, M., Fullencamp, L. & Docherty, M. (2020). Animal Assisted Therapy on Law Enforcement Mental Health: A Therapy Dog Implementation Guide. Bowling Green University.

2 www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4734369

3 www.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/dtac/supplementalresearchbulletin-firstresponders-may2018

4 Tedeschi, P. and Jenkins, M. (2019). Transforming Trauma: Resilience and Healing through our connections with animals. Purdue University Press.

5 As of April 2021.

Posted in K9, Press Release | Comments Off on AT&T Launches Animal Assisted Therapy for First Responders

You Never Know Where They’ll Show Up

Sunday, June 20th, 2021

Todays contribution is from @camopatternaddicted

The Soldier Systems Daily logo Patch from @milspecmonkeyactual

You never know where they show up.

Backround:

Patchbook in Pencott Snowdrift with Pencott Badlands Velcro costum made by Husar.ltd

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Arc’teryx Is Not Anti-Gun

Saturday, June 19th, 2021

Truth be told, Arc’teryx doesn’t have a corporate policy on guns. Why would they? They are a Canadian clothing company. Granted, they have a division dedicated to Law Enforcement and Armed Forces customers, but they remain an outdoor brand.

But that didn’t stop a viral narrative from forming today after an employee of Arc’teryx’s corporate sales team sent this email to a member of the US firearms industry who has done business with Arc’teryx in the past, purchasing clothing embroidered with their corporate logo.

This image went viral. It’s an email from an actual Arc’teryx employee, but it doesn’t reflect policy.

Several people reached out to me to see if it was true. I told them I’d find out, and I did.

The email looked legitimate, but I was skeptical of the story since I had just received an Arc’teryx fleece along with others from SIG Sauer during a Defense Media event a few weeks back. What’s more, SIG Academy’s pro shop is well stocked with LEAF product embroidered with the SIG logo.

Instead of what is asserted in the email, interaction with the tactical industry (to include firearms related businesses) has transitioned to the LEAF team from corporate sales since those businesses have more in common with LEAF.

What I gather happened was that the Service Coordinator misunderstood the situation and thought that since the Professional & Corporate Sales Team would no longer handle those clients, Arc’teryx writ large was no longer doing business with them. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Internally, this has been addressed.

I reached out to the receiver of the email who wishes to remain anonymous, but they didn’t answer my query which was very short suspense. Unfortunately, they went to others in the firearms industry to verify the purported policy shift rather than taking the issue up the chain at Arc’teryx.

Within 10 minutes of contacting Arc’teryx I was able to verify that the information in the email was incorrect and did not reflect corporate policy.

Arc’teryx provided me with this statement:

“The email screenshot expressing a restrictive policy on corporate sales to tactical industry business was sent out in error. It does not reflect our current policy. The customer has been notified, apologized to, and been put in touch with a representative from the Arc’teryx LEAF business unit”.

In the end, this is a horrible misunderstanding gone viral. Unfortunately, many are embracing the narrative to validate their own feelings rather than looking at the facts and understanding that this is a very big misunderstanding. Still others have used this incident for gain.

If you’ve ever been frustrated by so-called cancel culture, this is a classic example where narrative got out in front of fact. And the fact is, Arc’teryx LEAF remains committed to continue to conduct business with its industry partners, just like it has for over a decade.

Posted in Advertiser, Arc'teryx, Industry | 215 Comments »

Wilde Custom Gear – Father’s Day Weekend Sale!

Saturday, June 19th, 2021

Honor Dad With The Best Tactical Gear Available!

Save 10% with code DAD at checkout.

Valid on new website orders.

Posted in Sales | Comments Off on Wilde Custom Gear – Father’s Day Weekend Sale!

TacJobs – US Navy SERE Instructor

Saturday, June 19th, 2021

US Navy SERE Instructors are volunteers from various rates across the Navy.

To apply, contact Shore Special Programs at (901) 874-3872 or DSN 882-3872.

Posted in Navy, Profession of Arms, SERE, TacJobs | 1 Comment »

A New Member in the Family: Rheinmetall Mission Master XT, an Extreme Terrain Autonomous UGV

Saturday, June 19th, 2021

Rheinmetall proudly announces the release of the Mission Master XT, the latest member of its successful Mission Master family of Autonomous Unmanned Ground Vehicles (A-UGVs). Unlike the Mission Master SP platform, which is already introduced to the market, the Mission Master XT has a diesel-powered engine. Responding to a new set of needs, the Rheinmetall Mission Master XT is highly mobile even in the toughest terrain and capable of carrying impressive payloads. The Mission Master XT was developed by Rheinmetall Canada.

A true companion when the going gets tough
The Rheinmetall Mission Master XT thrives in extreme terrain. It easily tackles ice, snow, and sub-zero weather conditions, as well as sandy, rocky and mountainous topography. Its advanced amphibious capabilities allow it to float and swim while maintaining its full payload capacity. Weighing in at 2217 kg, this powerful A-UGV can carry a 1000 kg payload in all scenarios, allowing troops to transport special equipment to hard-to-reach locations. The diesel-powered engine allows it to travel 750 km without refuelling, while lithium-ion batteries enable up to 6 hours of silent watch operations.

Another remarkable feature of the Rheinmetall Mission Master XT is its continuous tire inflation system, which adjusts the tire pressure as needed based on the terrain. Featuring high endurance and survivability, the A-UGV keeps moving on even with 2 cm-holes in the tires.

Autonomous, intelligent and easy to control
Like the other platforms in the Rheinmetall Mission Master family, the Mission Master XT is optimized to take on dull, dirty and dangerous tasks, allowing soldiers to focus on their core missions more effectively and in greater safety. It is driven by Rheinmetall PATH, a proven autonomy kit (A-kit) that enables a wide range of autonomous driving and navigation capabilities.

The Mission Master family is fully compatible with NATO-standard battle management systems and can be controlled through a variety of teleoperation options. “The most multifunctional of these is a smart tablet developed by Rheinmetall, which allows the operator to control any Mission Master platform and payload through a single interface, a first for the market”, explains Alain Tremblay, Vice-President of Business Development and Innovation at Rheinmetall Canada. “For instance, users can monitor camera feeds or direct a weapon station, then quickly program the platform to navigate itself autonomously to a desired location, all from the same device”, adds Mr Tremblay.

If necessary, this robust, tried-and-tested mechanical platform can operate in manned configuration, with an integrated joystick and emergency seat.

Multi-mission capabilities
Thanks to its modularity, the Rheinmetall Mission Master XT can take on multiple missions in any situation. The scope of activities the A-UGV can conduct includes logistic transport, surveillance, fire support, rescue, medical evacuation, CBRN detection, communication relay and a multitude of other client-specific requirements. Rheinmetall is committed to maximum operational safety at all times, keeping a human in the loop in all kinetic operations.

A powerful component of Joint All Domain Operations
As enemy capabilities become increasingly advanced, the ability to quickly leverage large amounts of data in order to make informed decisions in the field is more critical than ever. Foreseeable force deployments are likely to take the form of multinational Joint All Domain Operations (JADO) that encompass every dimension of the modern battlefield: land, air, sea, cyber and information space as well as outer space.

Just like the other members of Rheinmetall’s Mission Master family the new Mission Master XT features a unique NATO standard battle management system (BMS) integrated into every platform. This allows each system to process large amount of tactical data. The Mission Master XT thus becomes an integral member of the tactical combat team able to share and exchange information from its vehicle and module sensors to improve the team’s common operating picture. The BMS also uses information in the network from other contributors to improve its own situational awareness with regard to terrain as well as the location of friendly and enemy forces. The built-in BMS allows many Mission Master platforms to operate as an UGV team when carrying out standard military missions in direct support of troops on the ground.

Finally, the Mission Master XT will also benefit from the systematic integration of new artificial intelligence applications, allowing it to evolve and continue contributing to successful outcomes in the complex JADO battlespace of tomorrow.

Renaming of the existing Mission Master
To make room for the newcomers in the Mission Master family, the existing Mission Master platform now becomes the Rheinmetall Mission Master SP. Named for its role as “silent partner”, the Mission Master SP remains an invaluable asset for dismounted troops in a wide range of missions, including high-risk situations.

www.rheinmetall.com

Posted in Advertiser, International, Press Release, Robotics | 2 Comments »

You Never Know Where They’ll Show Up

Saturday, June 19th, 2021

ChimeraXR Training sported a set of wings during a recent demo in NC. If you haven’t seen their VR technology, you’ve got to check it out.

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5.11 Named the Official Sponsor of 2021 Spartan US Events

Friday, June 18th, 2021

IRVINE, CA (June 18, 2021) – 5.11, Inc., the world’s leading innovator of purpose-built apparel, footwear and gear, today announced it has renewed its partnership with Spartan, the world’s leading endurance sports and extreme wellness brand, as the official “Tactical Gear Partner” of US Spartan events and a host to Spartan Workout Tour events at 5.11 retail stores across the United States.

As an Official Sponsor of Spartan events in 2021, select 5.11 retail locations across the U.S. will host the Spartan Workout Tour beginning early this summer. The Spartan Workout Tour is a 90-minute bodyweight session that challenges the mind while training and sculpting the body. Spartan coaches cater to all levels of fitness, prompting everyone to get involved. Upon completion of the challenging and rewarding workouts, participants will receive commemorative Spartan Workout Tour t-shirts, 5.11 special event discounts, as well as participation in raffle opportunities for 5.11 and Spartan prizes.

The first 5.11 location to host the Spartan Workout Tour will be the 5.11 store in Commerce, California on Saturday, June 19, followed by Rockville, MD on July 17, and Nashville, TN on August 7. The Spartan Workout Tour series will finalize with a stop at the 5.11 store in Atlanta, GA on Saturday, August 28.

The partnership brings together two brands with strong roots in supporting fitness and training enthusiasts from all walks of life, from beginners and professional competitors to servicemen, servicewomen and civilians.

“Partnering with Spartan is a natural fit, and we are excited to work together again in serving the obstacle race community,” said 5.11’s Chief Marketing Officer, Debra Radcliff. “Just as the 5.11 mindset is to Always Be Ready, the Spartan community trains to build and maintain capable bodies and minds. Together, we will help participants push themselves throughout the training and competing process.”

In addition to the Workout Tour events, 5.11 will also have a physical presence at the Spartan Race Honor Series, Spartan Games, Workout Tour U.S., and Spartan World Championship offering on-site activations ranging from giveaways and special offers to demos and guest appearances.

“The Spartan community has come to trust and value 5.11’s gear and everything the brand stands for,” said Spartan’s Vice President of Global Partnerships Ian Lawson. “The two brands share the same values for fitness, wellness and grit, as well as a commitment to honoring servicemen and women and we’re excited to renew and expand our partnership for the 2021 season.”

“This is a great opportunity for our stores to serve their communities and promote personal health.” Radcliff stated. “Whether you’re training for a Spartan race or just looking to kickstart your fitness regime, we encourage anyone to attend.”

To learn more, or to register for a Spartan Workout Tour session, visit www.race.spartan.com/en/workout-tours.

For more information on 5.11, please visit www.511Tactical.com. For the latest on 5.11’s activations, follow @511Tactical. For more information and to sign up for a Spartan event near you, visit Spartan.com.

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