July 2023 | Soldier Systems Daily Soldier Systems Daily

Archive for July, 2023

Blue Force Gear Enforces Its Trademark Rights

Monday, July 3rd, 2023

POOLER, GA, June 29, 2023—Blue Force Gear, Inc., an industry-leading manufacturer of innovative tactical gear, equipment, and accessories, has asserted its trademark rights and reached a settlement with Green Force Gear out of Finland. BLUE FORCE GEAR is the owner of numerous domestic and international trademarks, including: (1) BLUE FORCE GEAR®; (2) BFG®; (3) “BFG Reticle Design” trademark; and (4) its famous, widely-recognized, distinctive, non-functional and unique cross trademark, which is used in connection with a variety of products, including the TRAUMA KIT NOW!®, MICRO TRAUMA KIT NOW!™, and the HAMMOCK®.

Green Force Gear has agreed to permanently discontinue any and all uses of the infringing marks and designs in the United States, United Kingdom, Europe and throughout the world (subject to a phase-out period), and has agreed to resolve the matter pursuant to a settlement agreement and for an undisclosed monetary amount. The specific terms of the settlement agreement have not been disclosed.

BLUE FORCE GEAR is committed to protecting its intellectual property, including its trademarks patents and copyrights, and to ensuring that consumers are able to purchase genuine, non-counterfeit BLUE FORCE GEAR products. Blue Force Gear’s General Counsel, Justin Charles Ward, stated: “We take the procurement and enforcement of intellectual property very seriously, both domestically and internationally.”

About Blue Force Gear

Blue Force Gear is a leading provider of high-quality tactical gear, specializing in designing and manufacturing advanced gear systems and accessories. The company’s products are used by the military, law enforcement, and civilians worldwide and are known for their quality, durability, and innovative design. To learn more, visit blueforcegear.com.

Posted in Advertiser, Industry, Press Release | 7 Comments »

Wilde Custom Gear 4th of July Sale

Monday, July 3rd, 2023

www.wildecustomgear.com

Posted in Sales | Comments Off on Wilde Custom Gear 4th of July Sale

The Horse Cav Rides On

Monday, July 3rd, 2023

FORT CAVAZOS, Texas — First Team Troopers have been preserving the traditions of the U.S. Cavalry, performing drills and ceremonies at events locally near Fort Cavazos, or overseas in partner nations for over 50 years.

In 1972 the 1st Cavalry Division Horse Cavalry Detachment was activated. Since then, it has demonstrated its proficiency from the local change of commands to being a part of the Army-Airforce Football game. Capt. Michael Gates, an experienced rider who previously commanded the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment “Blackhorse” Horse Detachment, recently assumed command of the 1st Cavalry Division detachment.

“They’re putting me through the same training program that all the new Troopers go through,” Michael said. “I want to see how everything works out here because learning how things are done at the 1st Cavalry Division is very important to me.”

When not performing in parades across the pond in the U.K. or exhibiting at local rodeos, the detachment hosts a weekly demonstration every Thursday. Mounted drills from the U.S. Army’s 1883 Manual of Cavalry Tactics are presented to newly arrived Troopers, their families, and others from the local Texas community.

“We came out to see Fort Cavazos and the 1st Cavalry Divisions demonstration,” said Angel Callan, the site director for the Florence Independent School District’s ACE program. “Many of these students don’t get to experience anything like this; we’re trying to expose them to different colleges and careers.”

Detachment Troopers perform other historical duties besides mounted drills, such as creating riding saddles in their leather shop, building and maintaining their Model 1878 supply wagon, and training and caring for their horses and mules.

“I had no prior knowledge of horsemanship or how to do any leather work,” said Spc. Isaac Hernandez, a detachment Trooper, drives the supply wagon and helps make the unit’s leather items. “As soon as the opportunity to join, I jumped on it. This is a great experience to teach me how to ride horses and get me in tune with a different side of the Army.”

The Horse Cavalry Detachment staff is always ready to give a tour so families can visit and see the animals. Troopers are invited to visit the detachment and try out for a position with the First Team’s Horse Cavalry.

“Come give it a shot; you don’t know you’ll love it until you’re out here,” said Gates. “I had zero experience before I joined the Blackhorse team; I fell in love with it head over heels. I just bought my horse, and I will get involved with the cavalry and horsemanship in my free time.”

By SGT Alex Romey

Posted in Army, Guest Post, History | 5 Comments »

Rheinmetall Mission Master CXT – Fire Support for Counter UAS Role

Sunday, July 2nd, 2023

Rheinmetall is proud to present the Mission Master CXT – Fire Support, equipped with Dillon dual M134D miniguns. This innovative and reliable countermeasure is specially designed to defeat small unmanned aerial systems (UAS). It can fire an impressive 6,000 rounds per minute and defeat drone targets day and night.

With the ability to autonomously detect and track aerial and land targets, while also prioritizing safe fire engagement by the operator (man in/on the loop), this pioneering technology is set to revolutionize counter-UAS operations. What’s more, it features wolfpack capability, meaning that one operator can manage multiple unmanned ground vehicles at the same time.

Rheinmetall will display its counter-UAS solution for the very first time at DSEI in September 2023.

Posted in DSEi, Guest Post, International, UAS | 2 Comments »

Cylinder & Slide Browning Hi-Power Armorer’s Punch Set

Sunday, July 2nd, 2023

The C&S BHP Armorer’s Punch Set includes 7 tools. A screwdriver to remove the magazine catch, 2 punches to remove the sear, thumb safety, ejector, hammer, sear spring, firing pin stop and firing pin, 1 brass punch to start the trigger pin out and a cup tip punch to complete the removal of the trigger pin, 1 #53 drill bit to remove the roll pin that holds the right ambi safety wing for the Girsan and the BHP pistols with an ambi safety and 1 roll pin punch to remove the seat bar and extractor.

Posted in Weapon Accessories | Comments Off on Cylinder & Slide Browning Hi-Power Armorer’s Punch Set

GA-ASI, CAL FIRE and CA ANG Complete Flight Demo of REAP Pod on MQ-9A

Sunday, July 2nd, 2023

Pod Provides Communications Infrastructure in the Event of Natural Disaster

SAN DIEGO – 30 July 2023 – In collaboration with the California Air National Guard (CA ANG), National Guard Bureau (NGB), AT&T FirstNet, California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (OES), and the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA?ASI) successfully completed a flight demonstration of the Rosetta Echo Advanced Payloads (REAP) Pod on an MQ-9A Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA). During natural disasters, it’s fairly common for first responders and residents of affected areas to lose cellular communications due to downed infrastructure. The REAP Pod provides potentially lifesaving communications infrastructure from an aircraft, ensuring lines of communication remain open between providers of emergency services and those desperately needing assistance.

This flight demonstration, held on May 25, 2023, showcased bridged communications networks providing seamless connectivity between airborne and ground participants. The system showcased the ability to bridge VHF/UHF networks, function as a P25 repeater, connect geographically disparate mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs), and most importantly, provide both FirstNet and emergency 911 cellular capabilities.

As California heads into its heavy wildfire season, the REAP Pod on CA ANG MQ-9As will provide needed communications to support CAL FIRE’s rescue efforts.

“GA-ASI is excited to showcase the capabilities of the REAP Pod,” said GA-ASI Vice President of Mission Payloads and Exploitation Satish Krishnan. “The CA ANG MQ-9As with REAP can ensure CAL FIRE and other first responders maintain critical communications infrastructure at a time when it’s most urgently needed and can help save lives.”

The REAP Pod was developed through a collaboration between GA-ASI and Ultra Intelligence and Communications. The system features a suite of advanced communications equipment that helps support disaster relief operations, including VHF/UHF Line of Sight (LOS), P25, MANET, FirstNet Cellular, and a high-bandwidth LOS backhaul. The REAP pod also has the ability to support military waveforms like Link 16.

As manufacturer of the REAP Pod, GA-ASI aims to ensure the successful initial deployment of the pod as an operational proof of concept. This deployment serves a larger objective by advancing the implementation and effectiveness of the REAP Pod and setting the stage for potential adoption by the Air National Guard on the MQ-9A and the Army National Guard on MQ-1C Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS).

www.ga-asi.com

Posted in Comms, Press Release, UAS | Comments Off on GA-ASI, CAL FIRE and CA ANG Complete Flight Demo of REAP Pod on MQ-9A

III MIG Conducts Exercise Vanguard

Sunday, July 2nd, 2023

CAMP HANSEN, OKINAWA, JAPAN —

U.S. Marines with III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, recently conducted exercise Vanguard to enhance and refine the III MIG’s information warfare capabilities in Okinawa, Japan, from June 9-16, 2023.

The exercise, provided an opportunity for Marines from diverse functional areas, including intelligence, communications, and cyber warfare, to come together and demonstrate their synchronized efforts within a simulated mission environment.

“Exercise Vanguard is the MEF Information Group’s demonstration of the ability to take our [information] capability forward into austere locations while maintaining command and control and the ability to exercise the MEF’s information warfare capability,” said U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Joshua Cox, the III MIG Information Warfare Coordinator.

Operations throughout the exercise included establishing an expeditionary control node, a small information processing unit that provides leaders with battle space awareness in expeditionary advance base operations. The EABO concept relies on leveraging various assets and the usage of expeditionary infrastructure to maintain a presence in austere locations.

Through the lens of EABOs, leaders receive timely and accurate information about the operational environment, including intelligence, surveillance, and enemy movements. Allowing Marine Corps forces to shorten the decision cycle, extend operational reach, and maintain a presence in vital areas.

“For this exercise, it represents a remarkable opportunity for our Marines to advance their proficiency in delivering expeditionary communications”

1st Lt Elijah Jeong, a communications officer with III MIG

To gather information, the Marines used various sensing and communication equipment designed to provide a wide range of capabilities, including seismic and acoustic sensors, free space optics, traditional military satellite communications, and commercial solutions like Starlink programs.

“The sensors provide the III MEF commanding general with battle space awareness through being activated in different areas. The sensors were placed to cover the enemies’ most likely courses of action and what equipment they are using,” explained U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Johnathan Alderman, an infantry Marine with the Ground Sensor Platoon, 3rd Intelligence Battalion, III MIG.

WIDEBAND SYSTEM-EXPEDITIONARY TERMINAL

Photo by LCpl Joseph E. DeMarcus

The exercise allowed Marines to demonstrate the stand-in forces concept, specifically in the context of EABO. SIF units are small, low-signature forces capable of sustaining operations within austere and challenging environments.

The employment of SIF units improves situational awareness for leaders, maintains U.S. security interests, deters potential adversaries, and ensures comprehensive coverage of contested maritime terrain. Exercises like Vanguard play a crucial role in showcasing stand-in forces within III MIG, highlighting III MIG’s dedication to evolving and adapting to meet the challenges of the future.

III MIG functions as the vanguard of III MEF, operating in the Indo-Pacific region’s information environment, and supports Marine Air Ground Task Force operations with communications, intelligence, and supporting arms liaison capabilities.

By Sgt Andrew King, The Official United States Marine Corps Public Website

Posted in Guest Post, USMC | Comments Off on III MIG Conducts Exercise Vanguard

SK Customs Partners with Omar “Crispy” Avila to Honor our Nation’s Heroes this Independence Day

Saturday, July 1st, 2023

HAYMARKET, Va. June 29, 2023 — SK Customs® is proud to commemorate Independence Day along with with Omar “Crispy” Avila to honor recipients of the Military Badge of Merit, the modern-day Purple Heart Medal.

“As Independence Day approaches, we recognize the sacrifice and unwavering dedication of those who have served our great Nation,” said Simon Khiabani, owner and founder of SK Customs. “Last year, we partnered with Purple Heart Homes, the Purple Heart Integration Project and U.S. Army veteran and content creator, Omar “Crispy” Avila. This partnership pays homage to our combat-wounded veterans through the limited-edition 240th Purple Heart Colt 1911 firearm, representing the spirit of freedom as we celebrate America’s independence.”

After being deployed to Iraq in 2007, Avila’s vehicle was struck by a 200 lb IED, resulting in burns up to 75% of his body and amputation below the knee of his right leg. Sergeant Avila retired from the U.S. Army in 2010 after serving for nearly a decade and devoted his life to serving other Veterans and helping wounded warriors across the Nation.

As a Purple Heart recipient, Avila shows us what it means to commemorate wounded veterans through his video of the Purple Heart Commemorative Colt.

Through the SK Gives Back initiative, SK Customs donates a portion of the proceeds raised by the sale of this production to Purple Heart Homes and Purple Heart Integration Project.

To learn more about SK Guns®, and SK Customs®, visit skguns.com. ?

Posted in Charity, Firearms, Press Release, Veterans | Comments Off on SK Customs Partners with Omar “Crispy” Avila to Honor our Nation’s Heroes this Independence Day