September 2022 | Soldier Systems Daily Soldier Systems Daily

Archive for September, 2022

Big City Mountaineers Partners with MYSTERY RANCH and Outside Inc to Further Mission Through Outside’s Inaugural Find Your Good Campaign

Wednesday, September 14th, 2022

GOLDEN, Colo. (September 12, 2022) – Big City Mountaineers (BCM), a leading provider of outdoor and backcountry experiences for youth for more than 30 years, is pleased to announce that the organization has partnered with MYSTERY RANCH and Outside Interactive Inc. to launch an inaugural Find Your Good fundraising campaign, with a donation match campaign in September.

The Campaign runs, September 12-22, with the culmination of the Backpacker Get Out more finale at Neptune Mountaineering on Sept. 22, 2022, Gear and Skills Clinic and Pint Night Celebration (7:00 PM – 9:00 PM) Benefitting Backcountry Squatters (CU Boulder Chapter) and Big City Mountaineers.

2022 marks the launch of Outside Interactive Inc’s Find Your Good campaign. The Find Your Good platform was created to connect people who love to spend time outside with like-minded nonprofits that are anchored in the outdoors. Find Your Good supports nonprofits in seven categories: hiking and camping, cycling, running, climbing, winter sports, healthy living, and sustainability.

“The Find Your Good initiative is an incredible tool to help connect people with nonprofits who have similar principles and values, rooted in the outdoors,” said David Taus, executive director, Big City Mountaineers. “Outside Interactive Inc’s dedication to supporting Big City Mountaineers and other organizations with similar values really catalyzes BCM’s goal of breaking down barriers to outdoor access for young people from disinvested communities.”

“I’m so thrilled to have Big City Mountaineers as a member of our first cohort of Find Your Good,” says Kristin Hostetter, head of sustainability and community partnerships at Outside Interactive Inc. “The work BCM does is so important and impactful, not only to the kids they serve but the outdoor community at large. We’re honored to support them and share their incredible work with our audience.”

To further bolster the 2022 Find Your Good campaign, BCM has also partnered with MYSTERY RANCH, makers of premium load-bearing equipment. MYSTERY RANCH has pledged to match every dollar donated to BCM on the Find Your Good Platform up to $5,000 from September 12-22.

“MYSTERY RANCH makes fantastic backpacks. I love their mission to minimize the burden on the wearer to enjoy the outdoors; it really is an apt metaphor for the work BCM does,” said Taus. “We are thrilled to have MYSTERY RANCH as a partner and look forward to working with them through the Find Your Good campaign.”

“The work that BCM has done over the years has been incredible,” said Michelle Fleming, product marketing manager, MYSTERY RANCH. “It strongly aligns with MYSTERY RANCH’s belief that the outdoors is a transformative place. Providing access to the outdoors for youth who lack equitable access to nature is so important. The support BCM receives from companies like Outside Interactive Inc. and MYSTERY RANCH is critical to their programming and we are so honored to be a part of Find your Good and this meaningful collaboration.”

To support BCM and double your impact through this generous matching campaign, please make your tax-deductible donation here: www.pledgereg.com/big-city-mountaineers

To learn more about Big City Mountaineers and the work they do to make the outdoors more

accessible to young people please visit the following website: www.bigcitymountaineers.org

Posted in Advertiser, Charity, Press Release | Comments Off on Big City Mountaineers Partners with MYSTERY RANCH and Outside Inc to Further Mission Through Outside’s Inaugural Find Your Good Campaign

Gerber – Limited Edition StrongArm

Wednesday, September 14th, 2022

Gerber Legendary Blades has released a limited edition version of their StrongArm fixed blade knife featuring green handle and stonewash blade.

Introduced in 2014 the StrongArm is Gerber’s best-selling fixed blade. It features a 420HC steel full-tang blade and rubberized diamond-texture grip and a MOLLE-compatible multi-mount sheath system.

It is limited in quantity and available only on gerbergear.com.

Posted in Knives | Comments Off on Gerber – Limited Edition StrongArm

ZeroTech Optics Expands Binocular Offerings

Wednesday, September 14th, 2022

ZeroTech Optics expands its Binocular offering to include HD options built with a primary purpose; to deliver best-in-class performance, reliability and value for outdoor enthusiasts around the world

Nashville, TN, Sept 13, 2022 – In July this year ZeroTech Optics hit the market with four new mid class binocular offerings to cater for the hunter, birder and outdoors enthusiast. Today We are excited to unveil our Thrive HD binocular series featuring industry leading ED glass boasting both durability and optical performance in all weather conditions.

THRIVE HD Optics are continuing to set new industry standards in performance, made to compete against the top performing binoculars at a fraction of the cost. We took the Thrive series core elements and introduced new, industry leading features such as the latest generation ED (Low Dispersion) glass with generous depth of field, superior low Light performance thanks to the Dielectrically Coated Bak 4 Prisms.

The addition of these features results in brilliant image quality and unparalleled user experience, we added a smoother fast focus wheel and attractive textured grip panels covering the strong however light full magnesium alloy construction provide excellent control in all conditions whilst the integrated rubber lens covers* ensure the optics remain protected from dust and debris. New to the Thrive HD series is the included flip top bino caddy harness system is the ultimate outdoor companion and makes for hands free carry and storage of basic essentials while hunting, birding or hiking.

* 10×42 and 8×42 models only

The THRIVE HD series binoculars comes in four optical configurations:
• 8x25mm (compact)
• 10x25mm (compact)
• 8x42mm
• 10x42mm

Thrive HD Optics were designed in Australia to withstand the harsh and rapidly changing environments that the country is known for, Thrive HD optics have been tested from the tropical north, through the harsh deserts to the brutal southern highlands by some of the worlds most accomplished hunters and outdoors enthusiasts. Thrive HD Optics are built to weather all conditions and be the ideal companion for your next adventure.

Backed by our Triple A lifetime warranty ZeroTech products are engineered to provide our customers with the best possible experience.

Additional features in all models include:
• ED Glass – Excellent Clarity, Field of View (FOV) and Light Transmission
• Ergonomic rubber armour
• Waterproof
• Fully Multi Coated (FBMC) lenses
• Unconditional Lifetime Warranty
• High quality flip top caddy with integrated harness and auxiliary shoulder strap included

Pricing and Availability

All up to date information can be found on our website – www.zerotechoptics.com

Dealers

ZeroTech Optics is expanding its US dealer network, contact us for dealer enquiries.

More Information

You can visit the company website at: www.zerotechoptics.com

Socials: www.instagram.com/zerotechoptics

Posted in Optics, Press Release | Comments Off on ZeroTech Optics Expands Binocular Offerings

Prometheus Design Werx – All Terrain Pouches

Wednesday, September 14th, 2022

Zipper Opening Accessory Pouches, Waterproof Rated to IPX7

Prometheus Design Werx introduces their new, All Terrain, zippered, waterproof accessory pouches in three sizes. Instead of the simpler, flat, 2-dimensional construction method, a more complex and time intensive, 3D box type construction was used in the making of these, dramatically improving usable space. With high frequency seam welding and waterproof zippers, the All Terrain Pouches were able to achieve an IPX7 waterproof rating. The 600D RPET fabric is rugged yet light weight and 2 styles also feature translucent windows to easily ID interior contents. These pouches are ideally suited for rainy weather, travel in all conditions, to any activities in and around water.

The PDW ATP-1, ATP-2, and ATP-3 are available in Universal Field Gray.

The Design and R&D Team at PDW states:

“These took us a while to do. We worked on these for over 2 years until we arrived at the final iterations which we were happy with. We saw an opportunity to create a waterproof accessory pouch that went beyond the typical flat style. By adding walls to create a box type construction, we were able to push these into the Z-axis realm and have a 3-dimensonal shape with LxWxH volume. Using high frequency seam welding and waterproof zippers were able to attain an IPX7 waterproof rating. These All Terrain Pouches will be ideal for storing small personal effects, first aid, fire making supplies, EDC tools, and much more, in a truly waterproof environment. Each style features our M.OLLE C.ompatible A.rray (MCA™) on the back to mount to any PALs friendly system.”

The PDW ATP-1 and ATP-2 will be available for $19 and $23 respectively, at noon Pacific, today, Wednesday September 14, 2022 via their website, prometheusdesignwerx.com. The ATP-3 will follow later in late September.

Posted in Advertiser, Guest Post, Load Carrying | 3 Comments »

Montana Public Safety Officer Standards & Training Approves Victory-First Red Dot Sight Handgun Instructor Course

Wednesday, September 14th, 2022

Victory-First was selected to teach the first Montana Public Safety Officer Standards & Training (P.O.S.T) approved RDS (Red Dot Sight) Handgun Instructor Course sponsored by the Montana Law Enforcement Academy. Law Enforcement firearms instructors from several agencies from across the state met to attend the three day event in Helena Montana. Victory First also conducted an additional Red Dot for Law Enforcement Operator course for two days after the Instructor course to introduce those who were new to or looking to gain some experience with an RDS equipped handgun as it applied to Law Enforcement. The Montana State Attorney General, Austin Knudsen was among the participants in the pilot course.

The Rangemaster for the Montana Law Enforcement Academy Michael Dale said “The training events were a huge success and we have already started plans for the future to have more scheduled events that will offer experienced Instruction to Montana Law Enforcement across the state.”

“It is always a privilege for me to help Law Enforcement continue to progress and improve their policies and programs.” Matt Jacques, Owner of Victory First stated. ” I am honored that the staff of the Montana State Academy asked me to provide a foundation for their education to propel their RDS handgun program forward. It was an honor to have the Attorney General in attendance and to participate in the complete event as well.”

MLEA Mission statement:

“The mission of the Montana Department of Justice Law Enforcement Academy is to serve law enforcement agencies and the communities they represent by providing a positive atmosphere where relevant and realistic training for new and veteran public safety professionals can occur.”

If your department or agency would like to learn more about the RDS programs or other LE specific courses offered by Victory First, please contact via email: Matt@Victory-First.com or info@Victory-First.com

Posted in LE, Press Release, Training | Comments Off on Montana Public Safety Officer Standards & Training Approves Victory-First Red Dot Sight Handgun Instructor Course

AeroVironment Introduces Next-Generation All-Electric VAPOR 55 MX Helicopter Unmanned Aircraft System, Built for Heavier Payloads and Longer Distances

Wednesday, September 14th, 2022

• Next-generation VAPOR 55 delivers more simplified, modular design with performance improvements that optimize user experience

• Redesigned for increased levels of operational efficiency with 25 percent increased endurance and 20 percent increased payload capacity

• New payload interface and tool-free quick rail mount enables quick and easy field integration of both current and future payloads for increased mission flexibility

VAPOR 55 MX is more rugged and packable than its predecessor and can stay in the air longer, hover and cover more ground. (Image: AeroVironment, Inc.)

ARLINGTON, Va., Sept. 13, 2022 – AeroVironment, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVAV), a global leader in intelligent, multi-domain robotic systems, today announced the launch of the next-generation VAPOR® Helicopter unmanned aircraft system (UAS), VAPOR 55 MX. Delivering new levels of operational performance with a completely redesigned modular autonomy framework, VAPOR 55 MX enables increased endurance and expanded payload capacity to meet current and emerging needs of defense, commercial and industrial customers.

“The new VAPOR 55 MX is an easy-to-maintain system that incorporates a highly versatile modular architecture and tool-free rail system for simple, efficient integration of third-party or custom payloads, allowing users to adapt to multi-sensor, multi-mission requirements including utility inspection, aerial surveying, public safety and defense applications,” said Trace Stevenson, AeroVironment vice president and product line general manager for small UAS.

Built on the class-leading endurance and payload weight performance of its predecessor, VAPOR 55 MX features a new sleek and efficient low-profile design that enables the helicopter UAS to stay in the air 25 percent longer and operate in all weather. VAPOR 55 MX is heavy-lift capable and its increased usable payload capacity allows users to choose from single or multiple payload configurations.

This expansive modular payload bay can carry up to 12 pounds of payload with more than 70 minutes of flight endurance while still maintaining the 55-pound gross take-off weight (GTOW) restricted by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for commercial customers. For military customers that require more take-off weight, VAPOR 55 MX is capable of a 65-pound GTOW and can carry up to 22 pounds of usable payloads with a reduced endurance trade-off, nearing the edge of Group 3 weight class.

To learn more about the all-electric VAPOR 55 MX Helicopter UAS, visit www.avinc.com/uas/vapor.

Posted in Press Release, UAS | Comments Off on AeroVironment Introduces Next-Generation All-Electric VAPOR 55 MX Helicopter Unmanned Aircraft System, Built for Heavier Payloads and Longer Distances

AGR Program Changes on the Horizon

Wednesday, September 14th, 2022

ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. (AFNS) —

In line with Lt. Gen. John Healy’s strategic priorities of “Ready Now!” and “Transforming for the Future,” Air Force Reserve Command is instituting changes to the Active Guard and Reserve program effective Oct. 1.

On that day, roughly 6,000 AGR positions will complete the transition to “term” and have initial tour determination and extension approval authority at the wing commander level. Career status will be granted at six cumulative years of service in the AGR program.

“The AGR program will continue to provide promotion, career progression, retention, education and professional development opportunities for Reserve Citizen Airmen,” said Healy, chief of the Air Force Reserve and commander of AFRC. “Taking care of our Airmen will remain our priority during the transition as commanders ensure they have the critical AGR positions filled to be combat ready to meet operational demands in the future.”

As always, the program may lead to Airmen earning an active-duty retirement after attaining the required years of total active federal military service.

Career AGRs who wish to remain in the AGR program will continue to adhere to existing guidance and will accept permanent change of station, permanent change of assignment, training, developmental education and force development opportunities in accordance with Air Force Manual 36-2114, section 6.6.

AGR term positions were successfully introduced in 2019, and provide more agility in recruiting, retaining and managing AGR talent. After three years of implementation and review, AFR leadership is instituting changes to the AGR program. The transformation is part of AFRC’s mission and compliance with Healy’s task order “to ensure units are mission ready and properly resourced.”

Wing commanders, or their equivalent, will have tour length determination and extension approval authority. In the past, initial term tours were fixed at three years, with an extension up to five years requiring Deputy Commander, Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC/CD) or Deputy to the Chief, Air Force Reserve (AF/RE-D) approval. Now, advertisements for initial tour lengths – two, three, four or five years – will be determined by wing commanders and above. Tour extensions may not exceed a total tour length of five years.

The second change will remove the AGR career status option from the AGR continuation decision process. AGR members will be granted career status after completion of six cumulative years in the AGR program, in accordance with Department of Defense Instruction 1205.18, section 6.6.

Over the next month, communication will be provided through virtual town hall meetings, Facebook Live events, email and MyPers messages, and updates to command social media sites regarding the AGR changes.

For additional information, elevate any questions through your Numbered Air Force A1 staff or Headquarters Commander Support Staff.

Air Force Reserve Command Public Affairs

Posted in Air Force, Army, Guest Post, Profession of Arms | 1 Comment »

LA Sheriff’s Department Approves Langdon Tactical RDO for Duty Use

Tuesday, September 13th, 2022

(Los Angeles County, CA) – Langdon Tactical is proud to announce that the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has approved the LTT RDO solution on Beretta 92 pistols for duty use department wide.

The department approved LTT’s solution after more than two years of testing, including multiple deputies extensively evaluating the LTT slides over several thousand rounds. The LASD Deputies found Langdon’s RDO solution to be safe, effective, and high quality.

“This decision by LASD solidifies not just LTT’s position in the pistol red dot market but sends a message industry wide about the future of handgun optics” says Ernest Langdon, President of LTT “we’re looking forward to working with LASD and their Deputies as we introduce our Duty RDO pistols for the LE and commercial markets.”

Coinciding with the LASD policy update, LTT is launching their Duty RDO pistol, complete with the LTT optic solution on a duty approved (no other customization) Elite LTT 92. LTT also offers 92 RDO slides for those Deputies, Officers, or individuals who already have a 92 series pistol and want to add optic capability.

Check out all of Langdon’s Red Dot Ready options & pistols, along with the full line up of LTT products at www.LangdonTactical.com.

Posted in LE, Press Release, weapons | 2 Comments »