October 2023 | Soldier Systems Daily Soldier Systems Daily

Archive for October, 2023

SECAF Authorizes Space Force Good Conduct Medal

Sunday, October 29th, 2023

U.S. Space Force Guardians are now eligible to receive the Space Force Good Conduct Medal (SFGCM) if eligibility criteria are met, effective immediately.

This medal recognizes “exemplary behavior, efficiency, and fidelity of enlisted members of the United States Space Force,” according to a memo signed by Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall Aug. 30, 2023.

The memo also outlined award eligibility for the SFGCM will be retroactive to the date the U.S. Space Force was established by law, Dec. 20, 2019.

Eligibility for the award includes members demonstrating the Space Force core values of Character, Connection, Commitment, and Courage; members will receive the SFGCM after serving in the Space Force for three years.

Award of the SFGCM is automatic unless denied by the unit commander.

This new medal comes after Executive Order 8809, Good Conduct Medal, was amended by Executive Order 14085, Expanding Eligibility for Certain Military Decorations and Awards, dated Oct 3. 2022, and will be reflected in the next revision to DAFMAN 36-2806, Military Awards: Criteria and Procedures, Attachment 14.

By Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

Posted in Guest Post, Profession of Arms, Space | Comments Off on SECAF Authorizes Space Force Good Conduct Medal

Meprolight Announces: Tens of Thousands of MEPRO MOR Sights Sold to a South American Country

Saturday, October 28th, 2023

October , 2023 Israel. Meprolight (1990) Ltd. – a member of the SK Group (founded by Mr. Samy Katsav) and a leading manufacturer of electro-optical systems, thermal and night vision equipment, as well as self-illuminated sights for military, law enforcement and civilian applications.

The company has announced the sale of tens of thousands of its MEPRO MOR sights to a South American country.

The MEPRO MOR sights effectively address three distinct needs within a single, sophisticated product – functioning as a battery-free passive reflector sight, a visible pointer, and an invisible IR pointer. Consequently, this advanced solution yields substantial cost savings, enveloping operational and maintenance expenses that would otherwise be incurred by deploying three separate sights. Additionally, the MEPRO MOR sights enhances mission flexibility, further elevating its utility and adaptability.

The sight’s battery-free reticle system enables accurate, fast, and instinctive firing at all times without the need to turn the sight ON; even if the sight is switched to OFF or has no batteries, its light-collecting fiber- optic and a tritium capsule ensure full day and night reticle availability.

Developed based on IDF requirements, the MEPRO sights has been designed with a 30mm diameter lens to ensure easy and rapid target acquisition with both eyes open; it effectively supports instinctive close-range firing in urban and CQB conditions, as well as shooting at longer distances in open- terrain operations, while under harsh environmental conditions and combat stress.

The MEPRO MOR sights features a unique simultaneous zeroing mechanism for all its aiming devices; zeroing can be conveniently performed day or night while saving time and ammunition.

Golan Kalimi ,S.V.P. Sales & Marketing – Defense – stated: “The MEPRO MOR sights is a result of successful collaboration with the IDF and has been actively utilized by diverse forces globally, including India, for several years. In this vast country, the system’s ability to endure challenging conditions, such as extreme heat and humidity, and support users in remote locations holds tremendous significance. We take immense pride in its continued operational deployment by the IDF, where it has consistently demonstrated outstanding performance in all environmental conditions. The recently secured contract with the South American state serves as further validation of the MEPRO MOR sights unwavering reliability, as it continues to garner trust from various armed forces across the world.”

For more information on Meprolight, please visit: www.meprolight.com

Posted in Contracts, International, Lights, Press Release | Comments Off on Meprolight Announces: Tens of Thousands of MEPRO MOR Sights Sold to a South American Country

U.S. Patriot Donates Protective Gear to Safeguard Communities in Israel

Saturday, October 28th, 2023

U.S. Patriot, a GALLS® company, is donating $735k worth of protective gear to communities across Israel to help in their defense.

Lexington, KY (October 2023) –U.S. Patriot Tactical, a GALLS® company, has donated $735K of protective gear, footwear, eyewear, defense tools, and outerwear to humanitarian organizations in Israel. The gear and equipment will be distributed to the protectors who work tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of their communities.

“We pride ourselves on providing gear and equipment to protect the protectors across our country. It is our privilege to step up to help communities in Israel who suddenly have enhanced needs to defend themselves,” said Mike Fadden, CEO of U.S. Patriot. “There is no way we can repair the losses they have suffered. I hope this contribution will help prevent further loss of lives.”

Furthermore, U.S. Patriot, a Charlesbank Capital Partners portfolio company, is excited to launch a website where supporters can donate gear and clothing. On this website, patrons can select and donate items identified in high demand by the agencies protecting Israeli communities. All donations will be dispatched directly to the Israeli organizations in need.

Posted in Industry, Press Release | Comments Off on U.S. Patriot Donates Protective Gear to Safeguard Communities in Israel

Soldier Touchpoint Supports XM30 Combat Vehicle Program

Saturday, October 28th, 2023

WARREN, Mich. — Soldiers from the 1st Cavalry Division out of Fort Cavazos, Texas, helped the Army better understand how Armored Brigade Combat Teams may fight in the future, thanks to a Soldier touchpoint held in September at the Detroit Arsenal in Michigan.

The Soldiers from Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment supported a virtual experiment with the XM30 combat vehicle program, providing feedback on how Soldiers might best utilize the vehicle in a combat scenario.

“The input we gain from our Soldiers in these touchpoints is invaluable to the vehicle development process,” said Brig. Gen. Geoffrey Norman, director of the Next Generation Combat Vehicles Cross-Functional Team, which is based at the Detroit Arsenal.

“These touchpoints are part of the iterative process between our Army engineers and our industry partners to ensure we deliver the vehicle the Army needs for 2030 and beyond.”

During the experiment, Soldiers from the platoon worked in a vehicle simulator, with Soldiers serving as the crew of the simulated XM30 and infantry dismounts who would be transported in the rear of the vehicle.

The XM30 is now under development and will replace the Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle in the Army’s Armored Brigade Combat Teams in the future. The first XM30s will be delivered to the first unit equipped in fiscal year 2029. XM30 will have a crew of two Soldiers and will carry infantry Soldiers in the rear of the vehicle.

Virtual experimentation is helping the Army to determine what functions or tasks a member of the dismount team could perform to support the crew.

“We’re running through a variety of simulations and scenarios to assess the benefits of different configurations,” explained the first lieutenant who led the group of Soldiers participating in the virtual experiment. “Most of these Soldiers have live experience in Bradleys, they understand the mission sets and they know what they would like to see in the XM30.”

During the experiment, after the Soldiers participated in a mission scenario, engineers would immediately conduct an after-action interview, gathering input from the Soldiers on what worked and what didn’t. Other engineers studied a wide range of hard data, determining in which crew scenario the Soldiers were best able to meet mission goals.

“The engineers here in Detroit are really listening to what we have to say,” said a participating staff sergeant. “I think it is pretty exciting to see how the Army is taking what we’ve seen in the field and putting that together with this new technology to create a better system.”

Another staff sergeant who participated in the virtual experiment said that even though the XM30 is still in development — currently two companies are under contract by the Army to build and deliver physical prototypes by 2026 — “there are some things in this simulated version that I wish we had now, that will simplify tasks for the crew.”

The staff sergeant said all the Soldiers who participated in the touchpoint understood the important role they were playing.

“We’re making the connection between the user world and the influencer world. That’s pretty cool,” he said.

Norman said a number of additional Soldier touchpoints are scheduled throughout the XM30 development process.

By Dan Heaton, Next Generation Combat Vehicles Cross-Functional Team

Posted in Army, Guest Post | Comments Off on Soldier Touchpoint Supports XM30 Combat Vehicle Program

FALCO Holsters Redefines Concealed Carry Comfort

Friday, October 27th, 2023

Enhanced Customization for Unparalleled Fit and Retention

Ft. Lauderdale, FL – October 26, 2023 – FALCO® Holsters, a globally renowned name in bespoke leather holsters, proudly introduces new concealed carry solutions. Elevating craftsmanship to new heights, the company unveils cutting-edge leather inside-the-waistband (IWB) and shoulder holsters featuring enhanced retention screw customization, an integrated sight rail, plus a luxuriously soft leather underlay protecting the gun finish, adding comfort for gun owners, and increasing the overall sturdiness of the holsters.

Katarína Zacharová, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for FALCO Holsters, commented, “We pride ourselves in listening to what our customers want, so we tasked our engineers with creating new IWB and shoulder holster models to incorporate more adjustable retention screws. Next, we incorporated an integrated sight rail with a layer of soft leather on the inside of the holster. Together, these features offer added protection from abrasions during unholstering and reholstering. The suede layer makes for a quieter, smoother draw and delivers even more stability to these holsters.”

Enhanced Retention Screw Customization

Most holsters have one screw near the trigger guard, but with multiple strategically placed screws, users are empowered to precisely tailor the fit and retention strength of their holsters, ensuring a secure and personalized carrying experience. “The additional screw is closer to the barrel, letting you choose exactly where to apply the retention pressure on your gun,” said Zacharová.

Integrated Sight Rail

Beyond safeguarding pistol and revolver sights and the holster’s interior from wear, the integrated sight rail channel ensures the holster stays open even without the firearm. “Incorporating these features significantly extends the holster’s lifespan,” Zacharová added.

Soft Leather Underlay

By incorporating the soft leather underlay mounted over the integrated sight rail channel on the inside of the holster, firearm finishes and sights are more protected from daily wear. “The result is a holster that not only secures and shields your firearm from wear but encourages a better drawing experience,” she added. “Plus, the life of the holster is lengthened because there is less stress on the interior.”

New FALCO Leather IWB Holsters

• Leather IWB Holster for a wide variety of pistols and revolvers

• Two retention screws allow customization of retention preference and draw speed

• Integrated sight rail channel protects the sights and the holster

• Soft, black leather underlay shields the handgun from wear and enhances its overall durability

• Proprietary FALCO stainless steel belt clip ensures balanced wearing

• Open muzzle design allows for extended threaded barrels and prevents the accumulation of dust and dirt inside the holster

• Holster remains open even without gun inside

• Covered barrel and trigger guard for safe handling

• Steel-reinforced thumb break for secure weapon retention

• Hand-cut, stitched, lacquered, and finished by leather artisans

• Durable FALCO “Signature Stitching”

• Lifetime Limited Warranty

• 30-Day Buyback Guarantee

• A123 IWB Holster, Premium: hand-colored Italian full-grain leather, MSRP: $129.95

• A223 IWB Holster, Classic: pre-tanned Italian full-grain leather, MSRP: $109.95

New FALCO Leather Shoulder Holsters

• Horizontal leather shoulder holster for a wide variety of pistols and revolvers

• Includes a single shoulder harness or cross shoulder harness and leather tie-down straps

• Multiple retention screws allow customization of retention preference and draw speed. Pistol holsters (2 screws), revolver models (3 screws)

• Integrated sight rail channel protects the sights and the holster

• Soft, black leather underlay shields the handgun from wear and enhances its overall durability

• Steel-reinforced thumb break for secure weapon retention

• Slits on the back of the holster allow it to be worn on the belt as OWB

• Open muzzle design allows for extended threaded barrels and prevents the accumulation of dust and dirt inside the holster

• Holster remains open even without gun inside

• Covered barrel and trigger guard for safe handling

• Hand-cut, stitched, lacquered, and finished by leather artisans

• Durable FALCO “Signature Stitching”

• Lifetime Limited Warranty

• 30-Day Buyback Guarantee

• Premium models feature hand-colored full-grain Italian leather

• Classic models feature pre-tanned full-grain Italian leather

• D127 Pistol Shoulder Holster, Premium: MSRP: $215.95

• D227 Pistol Shoulder Holster, Classic: MSRP: $189.95

• D128 Pistol Cross Shoulder Holster, Premium: includes double magazine counterbalance, MSRP: $295.95

• D228 Pistol Cross Shoulder Holster, Classic: includes double magazine counterbalance, MSRP: $269.95

• D129 Revolver Cross Shoulder Holster, Premium: includes double speed loader counterbalance, MSRP: $295.95

• D229 Revolver Cross Shoulder Holster, Classic: includes double speed loader counterbalance, MSRP: $269.95

Contact Vice President of Sales and Marketing Katarína Zacharová at katarina@falcoholsters.com to learn more about becoming a trusted FALCO Holsters retailer.

For more information about FALCO Holsters, visit FALCOHolsters.com.

Posted in Holsters, Press Release | 2 Comments »

Helikon-Tex – Chicom Chest Rig

Friday, October 27th, 2023

Helikon-Tex has revamped the Chicom Chest Rig.

They’ve taken the classic, combat proven design and made it from hard wearing Cordura.

It features three pockets with removable hook & loop flap closures as well as PALS webbing on either side wing. Each of the pouches will accept AR as well as AK sized magazines. Additionally, it will accept a dangler-style pouch below the mag pouches.

Inside the front panel there is a flat pocket for documents or inserts from Helikon-Tex’s VIS system, padded with soft loop.

Not only can you remove the H-harness and attach the CCR to the front of a plate carrier, but you can also attach day packs to the rear.

I love the color choices; in addition to your basic Black, Coyote, Olive Green, and MultiCam, they also offer RAL 7013, PL Woodland, US Woodland, and Rhodesian Brushstroke.

www.helikon-tex.com/kk-ccr-cd-chicom-chest-right

Posted in Load Carrying | 3 Comments »

TacJobs – S&S Precision

Friday, October 27th, 2023

S&S Precision is currently hiring Procurement Specialist, Graphic Designer, CNC Machinist/Programmer, Inside Sales, Seamstress, and General Assemblers.

Go to their careers page for more information: www.sandsprecision.com/careers

Posted in TacJobs | Comments Off on TacJobs – S&S Precision

US Army Ground Vehicle Systems Center Selects Persistent Systems for 10X Robotics/AI Program

Friday, October 27th, 2023

October 25, 2023

Manned-unmanned teaming effort follows prior 10X in which company provided critical network

Persistent Systems, LLC (“Persistent”), a leader in mobile ad hoc networking (MANET) technology, was one of eight organizations selected by the National Advanced Mobility Consortium (NAMC) to support them in the execution of the U.S. Army Ground Vehicle Systems Center (GVSC) Task Request 22 Robotics and Artificial Intelligence 10X Dismounted Infantry Platoon, a program set to end in a technology demonstration in September 2024, in Fort Moore, Ga.

Managed by NAMC, this 10X program aims to make Army infantry platoons 10 times more effective through the testing of select unmanned vehicles and other systems in a simulated urban environment—with Persistent Systems providing the data-agnostic, high-throughput IP communications backbone.

“We are very excited to, once again, be supporting 10X,” said Jeffrey Washington, Director for Business Development, U.S. Army/UGVs, at Persistent Systems. “We see our selection by the GVSC’s Dismounted Robotic Systems branch as a vote of confidence in the communications and support work we did during the previous 10X effort, which wrapped up with a demonstration in September 2022.”

During that prior effort, which had forces employ a mix of unmanned systems and other technology to cross an open area, the Persistent Systems Wave Relay® MANET established vital command-and-control links, while the company’s Cloud Relay™ beyond-line-of-sight capability helped developers remotely address software issues on third party platforms.

This time around, there will be even more equipment to network and an urban environment to consider. Still, company officials say they’re up for the job. “Our MANET is self-forming, self-healing, and highly scalable,” said Washington. “We’ve worked with a wide range of platform partners, and in the past, we have scaled up our network to link hundreds of nodes.”

Posted in Army, Comms, Contracts, Press Release, Robotics | Comments Off on US Army Ground Vehicle Systems Center Selects Persistent Systems for 10X Robotics/AI Program