February 2024 | Soldier Systems Daily Soldier Systems Daily

Archive for February, 2024

SIMONE Travel Belt from Station IX

Thursday, February 15th, 2024

The Gen 2 SIMONE travel belt is now available on Station IX’s French site, and will be for sale on the US site this week.

Originally created in 2021, the survival, immersion and movement – ONE (SIMINE) belt has been updated and is now manufactured by the French firm Hexatac.

Unlike other travel belts on the market, the SIMONE doesn’t use Velcro or a zipper to retain the items secreted within the belt, but rather relies on Spandex to keep them secure. This allows the wearer to access the items without removing the belt, with full 360 deg access.

The outer material is Hypalon and the SIMONE features an internal rigid skeleton to accommodate holsters or other waist mounted items. Finally, the carbon buckle is nonmetallic.

Offered in Small, Medium, and Large.

Posted in Grey Man, Load Carrying | Comments Off on SIMONE Travel Belt from Station IX

US Navy Updates Uniform Policy, Authorizes Hands In Pockets

Thursday, February 15th, 2024

According to recently released GENADMIN message, the US Navy has updated several u form and appearance policies, including reversing course on hand in the pockets. Sailors are now authorized to have hands in their pockets when doing so does not compromise safety nor prohibit the proper rendering of honors and courtesies

Another change is the authorization of the wear Coyote backpacks with the NWU Type II and III.

The message also authorizes two new warfare pins, the Surface Chaplain Officer Qualification (SCO) Insignia and Aerial Vehicle Pilot (AVP) Warfare Qualification Insignia (Officer).

Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Mikal Chapman

Chaplains began receiving their new pin late last year while the first AVP wings were awarded last May in Pensacola.

Photo by Ensign Elias Kaser

Below is the entire message:

CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED//

ROUTINE

R 141633Z FEB 24 MID600117190288U

FM CNO WASHINGTON DC

TO NAVADMIN

INFO CNO WASHINGTON DC

UNCLASS

NAVADMIN 031/24

PASS TO OFFICE CODES:

FM CNO WASHINGTON DC//N1//

INFO CNO WASHINGTON DC//N1//

MSGID/GENADMIN/CNO WASHINGTON DC/N1/FEB//

SUBJ/NAVY UNIFORM POLICY AND UNIFORM INITIATIVE UPDATE FEBRUARY 2024//

REF/A/DOC/COMNAVPERSCOM/23AUG21//

AMPN/REF A IS NAVPERS 15665J, U.S. NAVY UNIFORM REGULATIONS.

RMKS/1. This NAVADMIN announces updates to Navy uniform policies for calendar year 2024. These policy updates are the result of Sailor feedback, command sponsored requests and direction from Navy leadership.

2. The following Navy uniform policy changes are effective immediately:

a. Female Combination Cover. The female combination cover, also referred to as the bucket cover, is reinstated as an optional Navy uniform component for female Sailors (E-1 through O-10) when wearing Service Dress and Dinner Dress Uniforms. The bucket cover is now also optional for female officers and chief petty officers (CPOs) when wearing Service Khaki and Summer White Uniforms. Note: the bucket cover will not be available for personal purchase at Navy Exchange Uniform Centers and will need to be privately obtained if desired for wear.

b. Tiara. The tiara is reinstated as an optional Navy uniform component for all female Sailors (E-1 through O-10) when wearing Dinner Dress Blue and White Jacket Uniforms. Note: the tiara will be available for personal purchase as a special order item via Navy Exchange Online Customer Service with a lead time of approximately four weeks.

c. Physical Training Uniform. Black or navy-blue leggings/tights are authorized for optional wear with the Physical Training Uniform shorts and fitness suit pants.

d. Grooming, False Eyelashes. Female Sailors are authorized to wear false eyelashes or eyelash extensions that project a natural appearance and are no longer than 14 millimeters in length as measured from the eyelid to the tip of the eyelash. False eyelash color will match the color of the natural eyelash. Eyelash extensions cannot hinder wear of protective eyewear.

e. Officer Headgear Cap Insignia. Warrant Officer One Officers (W-1) will no longer wear the unique W-1 cap device. All officers (W-1 through O-10) will wear the same officer cap insignia consisting of two gold crossed fouled anchors with burnished silver shield surmounted by a burnished silver eagle facing to wearer’s right and may be embroidered or made of metal. While allowed immediately, in order to allow time for W-1 officers to transition this new policy becomes mandatory on 1 October 2024.

f. Chaplain Religious Faith Emblem (Chaplain Staff Corps Insignia). Navy Chaplains are authorized to wear religious faith emblems above their grade insignia on uniform components with rank tabs. The religious faith emblem is a 1 1/2-inch by 1 1/2-inch black patch with gold embroidered chaplain corps insignia centered on the fabric and positioned upright. When worn, the religious faith emblem will be sewn or affixed to the uniform using a velcro fastener directly above the rank tab.

g. Surface Chaplain Officer Qualification (SCO) Insignia. Navy Chaplains assigned to qualifying afloat units who meet qualification criteria are authorized wear of the SCO breast insignia on Navy uniforms. Wear of the SCO will be in accordance with reference (a).

The SCO may be metal or embroidered. The SCO insignia design consists of the bow-on aspect of a warship on a background of ocean swells and scroll banner underneath displaying the Navy Chaplain motto, Vocati Ad Servitium.

h. Aerial Vehicle Pilot (AVP) Warfare Qualification Insignia (Officer). Chief Warrant Officers and Warrant Officers (737X) successfully completing prescribed training requirements are authorized to wear the AVP breast insignia on Navy uniforms in accordance with reference (a). The AVP insignia consists of a silver bordered gold shield, a delta pointing downward, crossed fouled anchors and stylized wings.

i. Female T-Shirts. All female Sailors are authorized to optionally wear T-shirts specifically designed for female bodies with Navy uniforms. Female t-shirts will conform to Navy’s requirement for color, fabric, and neck configuration (e.g., crew neck, v-neck) per reference (a). The intent of this policy update is to address expressed dissatisfaction regarding the required wear of male or unisex t-shirts that are not designed to fit female bodies.

j. Personal Appearance. The restriction on placing hands in pockets while in uniform is rescinded. Sailors are authorized to have hands in their pockets when doing so does not compromise safety nor prohibit the proper rendering of honors and courtesies.

k. Backpacks. Commercially procured coyote brown backpacks are authorized for optional wear with the NWU Type II and III. Coyote brown backpacks will be worn in accordance with reference (a).

3. Ongoing Navy uniform initiatives:

a. Maternity Pilot Program (MPP). The MPP is successfully entering its third year of providing participating Sailors free uniforms ready for wear at their doorstep. Since the program commenced in 2022, over 1300 Sailors have participated in the program. During 2024, the program will continue to provide pregnant

Sailors the option to choose from four maternity sea bag variations encompassing all maternity uniforms and a cardigan sweater with alterations and applicable accoutrements attached. For more information about the program visit https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/References/US-Navy-Uniforms/Maternity-Pilot-Program/.

b. Size Modernization Program (SMP). The SMP is a multiphase, five-year uniform improvement program with an initial focus on female uniform improvements. The objective of the SMP is to deliver Navy Sailors with a modernized and consistent uniform fit and sizing system.

c. Female Officer/CPO Summer White Uniform. A white overblouse is being added to the list of authorized optional uniforms for the female officer and CPO Summer White Uniform. The new overblouse is the first line of components delivered by the SMP. Availability of the Summer White Uniform overblouse is planned for early fall 2024.

A dress white overblouse is also being developed as an optional component for the female officer and CPO Service Dress Blue Uniform with estimated introduction after calendar year 2024.

d. Female Service Uniform Slacks. The Navy is currently evaluating service uniform slacks with back pockets for females.

The focus of the evaluation is to determine the functionality and acceptability of female uniform slacks with back pockets. If the evaluation to include Sailor feedback is determined to be positive, the future design of female slacks will include back pockets.

e. Uniform Surveys. Uniform surveys will be distributed throughout 2024 to continue to capture Fleet-wide input. Surveys have been determined as the best method for the Uniform Matters Office to capture diverse and unbridled Sailor feedback that is crucial to planning, research and execution of uniform improvements and uniform and grooming policy updates. Surveys will be announced on the Uniform Matters and MyNavy HR websites. Access to surveys will be via QR codes or hyperlinks posted on the Uniform Matters and MyNavy HR websites.

f. Hat Liners. The Navy Exchange Service Command is adding synthetic liners to their list of uniform accessories for the Navy Working Uniform (NWU) eight-point cover. The purpose of synthetic hat liners is to address Sailors’ expressed concerns regarding unwanted hair removal or loss resulting from donning and doffing the NWU eight-point cover. The liner will be sold separately and must be sewn into the cover for proper placement and wear. Availability is expected to commence mid-February 2024 at most major Fleet concentration areas and online via https://www.mynavyexchange.com/.

4. Questions regarding this NAVADMIN should be addressed via e-mail to Mr. Robert B. Carroll, Navy Uniform Matters and Emerging Issues Branch (OPNAV N13X), at robert.b.carroll3.civ@us.navy.mil, or ETCM Richard Baumert (OPNAV N13X) via richard.a.baumert2.mil@us.navy.mil or PSC Sache Hagans (OPNAV N13X) at sache.m.hagans.mil@us.navy.mil.

5. Questions regarding the MPP should be addressed to the Uniform Matters Office (OPNAV N13X) at Navy_MPP.fct@navy.mil or LS1 Meagan Cobia, Uniform Matters Special Assistant, meagan.l.cobia.mil@us.navy.mil.

6. Questions regarding the SMP, Service Uniform Slacks and Summer White Overblouse initiatives, should be addressed to Ms. Louise Caulfield (Navy Clothing and Textile Research Facility) at louise.a.caulfield.civ@us.navy.mil or Dr. Brianna Plummer (Navy Clothing and Textile Research Facility) at brianna.l.plummer2.civ@us.navy.mil.

7. Questions regarding the Hat Liners should be addressed to Ms. Angela Brown (Navy Exchange Service Command) at angela.brown@nexweb.org.

8. Feedback and recommendations regarding uniform policy, uniform components and uniform availability are welcomed and can be provided via e-mail at UMO_CMC@navy.mil, via the MyNavy UNIFORMS App, or via

MyNavy Portal at https://www.mnp.navy.mil/, select Professional Resources, U.S. Navy Uniforms and *Ask The Chiefs*.

9. Retain this NAVADMIN until policy changes are incorporated in reference (a), superseded or cancelled, whichever occurs first.

10. Released by Vice Admiral Richard J. Cheeseman, Jr., N1.//

#0001

NNNN

CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED//

Posted in Clothing, Navy, Profession of Arms | 7 Comments »

Green Berets Leverage Immersive Simulator for Training

Thursday, February 15th, 2024

FORT CARSON, Co. — Members of the special forces community are utilizing training software that employs, to some degree, artificial intelligence. Operators with 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) completed multiple iterations of VirTra simulation training at the Human Performance Training Center on the 10th SFG (A) Complex, Feb. 2, 2024.

Applicable for both law enforcement and military, the VirTra simulator is a program featuring technology that can present different scenarios to its users which helps sharpen shooting skills. The program is fully customizable, helping individuals prepare for real-life incidents, while also providing accurate ballistics and military weapons qualification courses.

10th SFG’s (A) cognitive performance specialist, Jake Blumberg, oversaw the training iterations that were conducted in the HPTC. Blumberg described the structure of the training and designed it to be as realistic and similar to combat as possible, explaining that the Green Berets were guided through a series of exercises to spike their heart rate before executing shooting scenarios.

“This allows us to pair marksmanship with a variety of different training environments where they are coupled with a strength coach to simulate physical stress,” said Blumberg. “[Operators] are then able to create a variety of different ranges and targets to really hone their craft.”

Blumberg mentioned that 10th SFG(A) is the only Special Forces Group in the U.S. Army that has full-time access to this sort of technology and to think of the VirTra simulator as a more advanced version of the U.S. Army’s already well-known Engagement Skills Trainer.

“This [technology] provides what the EST can in terms of weapons qualification and flat range practice,” Blumberg remarked. “But VirTra also incorporates different types of drills, from reaction drills to threat-not-threat scenarios.”

The different scenario options that VirTra features include active threat, hostage situation, threat recognition and high-risk entry. Through these scenarios, the VirTra simulator is actively analyzing the decisions that its users make and then adjusting what happens in the program based on those decisions.

Several Green Berets were afforded the opportunity to this unique training and one team captain commented that it gives him and his Soldiers unlimited opportunities to practice the fundamentals and increase their personal shooting skills, since using the simulator doesn’t use any live ammunition.

Since this technology is local to 10th SFG (A), this allows the operators to hone their craft at any time of the day and not spend time reserving ranges or acquiring other supplies.

“Everything comes down to increasing lethality, so the more triggers we pull in the correct manner, that’s what we want,” said the team captain. “Practice makes permanent — ultimately we want to be training the fundamentals all the time and this is another venue for guys to pull their personal weapon and become better at the basics.”

By SGT David Cordova

Posted in Army, Guest Post, SOF, Training | Comments Off on Green Berets Leverage Immersive Simulator for Training

Achieve Precision Long-Range Accuracy with WATCHTOWER Firearm’s Type 10 SPEC OPS Rifle

Wednesday, February 14th, 2024

SPRING, TX (Feb. 13, 2024) — WATCHTOWER Firearms, a veteran-owned firearm manufacturing company that’s redefining the firearms landscape through innovation, precision, and customer satisfaction, is now offering its best-in-class Type 10 SPEC OPS rifle at a new, lower price.

The Type 10 is a WATCHTOWER Firearms SPEC OPS platform for long-range precision shooting. The Type 10 is based on the DPMS high-profile pattern and manufactured from high-grade 7075-T6511 billet aluminum. WATCHTOWER has upgraded the fire control group by incorporating Hiperfire’s EDT2 Heavy Gunner trigger — a single-stage semi-auto LE/SWAT AR upgrade. The TYPE 10 includes WATCHTOWER’s Tru-Black PVD coated 7.62x51mm NATO MPI-tested Durabolt BCG — our most robust, durable, and easy-to-clean coating. The barrel is a stainless steel 18-inch .308 Win. with 1:8 rifling featuring a mid-length gas system finished in a black nitride coating. Surrounding the barrel is the 15-inch S7M free-floating handguard with M-LOK attachment slots at five positions, 4 QD points, and a full-length 1913 Picatinny rail. WATCHTOWER’s Dragon Slay-AR compensating muzzle brake is incorporated at the end of the barrel, a device to mitigate recoil, finished in a Tru-black PVD coating. This rifle also comes with B5 Systems reinforced polymer pistol grip and buttstock.

Initially carrying an MSRP of $1,649.99, it is now available for $1,402.49 – a 15 percent savings.

“Our SPEC OPS platforms are built to give shooters precision accuracy in an MSR-designed firearm that is as reliable as the sunrise,” said WATCHTOWER CEO Jason Colosky, a former Recon Marine serving throughout Southwest Asia and Southeast Africa. “The Type 10 is chambered in .308 Win and will serve long-range shooters competing at a high level, law enforcement personnel, and even hunters, over decades of use in all climatic conditions.”

WATCHTOWER Firearms proudly manufactures its innovative line of precision firearms solely in America. The company offers a lifetime manufacturer product warranty on all firearms to protect our customers against any manufacturing defects. If your firearm does have evidence of such defects, WATCHTOWER Firearms will accommodate fixing, repairing, or replacing your product.

To learn more about WATCHTOWER and the company’s unique vision for the firearms industry, visit www.watchtowerfirearms.com

Posted in Press Release, weapons | Comments Off on Achieve Precision Long-Range Accuracy with WATCHTOWER Firearm’s Type 10 SPEC OPS Rifle

Innovative Textile Technology Enhances Thermal Signature Management for Military Protection

Wednesday, February 14th, 2024

Adlington, United Kingdom: Military fabrics manufacturer Carrington Textiles reveals a cutting-edge technology for the defence market called Stealth, designed to revolutionise thermal signature management via a highly conductive textile technology for superior thermal shielding in the battlefield.

Stealth is engineered with patented fabric technology that manages dynamic energy waves for mission critical security and protection, mitigating the thermal signature of a soldier from sensors used in the modern battlefield.

Stealth, created in collaboration with advanced materials company Noble Biomaterials, delivers broad-spectrum SWIR/MWIR/LWIR thermal signature management in a lightweight, durable fabric.

Stealth utilises Noble’s CIRCUITEX® SIGMA technology, which is designed to mitigate thermal detection in military environments.

Paul Farrell, Carrington Textiles Sales Director says: “Initial feedback from wearer trials of this pioneering concept in military field training exercises and in camp observation, concluded that with Stealth the thermal signature of a soldier was mitigated completely at different distances, with the material being near indistinguishable from the surrounding terrain, regardless of viewing angles.”

Noble Biomaterials’ Chief Commercial Officer, Joel Furey, adds: “Our patented CIRCUITEX technology is designed to protect soldiers and equipment from detection by advanced sensors. We are proud to provide allied war fighters an operational advantage in combat situations.”

The new Stealth concept will be exclusively showcased at Carrington Textiles’ stand at Enforce Tac 2024, taking place from 26th until 28th February at the Nüremberg Exhibition Centre in Germany, in hall 7, stand 340.

Posted in Enforce Tac, International, Materials, Press Release | 3 Comments »

TacJobs – Multiple Positions with Unity Tactical

Wednesday, February 14th, 2024

Aim Higher. We’re hiring a Product/Electrical Engineer, a Dealer & OEM Administrator, an HR Manager and an Assembly Technician. Visit our Careers page to see full job descriptions and to apply.

www.unitytactical.com/company/careers

Posted in Advertiser, TacJobs | Comments Off on TacJobs – Multiple Positions with Unity Tactical

Join Mehler Systems at Enforce Tac 2024 for Cutting-Edge Innovations

Wednesday, February 14th, 2024

Join Mehler Protection, Lindnerhof, and UF PRO at Enforce Tac 2024.

About Enforce Tac

Scheduled for 26-28 February, Enforce Tac 2024 is poised to once again live up to its reputation as a foremost annual meeting place for industry professionals in a setting designed by experts for experts. This heavily attended international trade fair is a specialised platform for the presentation of ideas, information, and products related to internal and external security.

Enforce Tac runs three days and spans three exhibition halls. It’s the place to be for direct, discreet interaction with a diverse assemblage of security experts and qualified manufacturers from around the world.

Where to find us?

Visit Mehler Systems at Booth 7A-333 to explore firsthand our latest innovations and advancements in ballistic protection, carrying systems, and tactical clothing.

Mehler Protection unveils its high-end personal and platform protection solutions at Enforce Tac, spotlighting revolutionary innovation engineered to deliver uncompromising ballistic protection while ensuring optimal mobility and comfort for the operator, all without the burden of additional weight. Additionally, the booth will feature the FlexGuard Woman Soft-Ballistic Panel, which sets new standards and provides unique, tailored protection specifically designed for women. The event provides an ideal platform for showcasing a comprehensive selection of high-quality security equipment, robust anti-riot gear, industry-leading platform protection, and an extensive portfolio of soft- and hard-ballistic solutions to a professional audience.

UF PRO unveils its latest lineup, highlighting the premier Striker X Gen.2 Combat Pants, meticulously engineered for elite military special operations personnel. Born from the field and tailored to every mission, these pants offer unparalleled performance. Furthermore, UF PRO promises a unique Enforce Tac edition as they will introduce several new products across the pants, shorts, and jacket collections, offering attendees an exclusive preview. With this comprehensive unveiling, UF PRO underscores its commitment to innovation and delivering cutting-edge solutions across its entire range.

Lindnerhof introduces “The Beast,” a state-of-the-art Heavy Load Carrying System, emphasising comfort with pressure point-free construction, quick emergency releases, and intelligent weight distribution for 3D stability. Additionally, spotlighted is the groundbreaking modular protection system M.U.S.T., distinguished for its adaptability and multiple configurability, developed in collaboration between Lindnerhof and Mehler Protection. The focus also extends to brand-new tactical equipment for climbing and abseiling, which includes either a chest harness integrated into the plate carrier or a chest harness with a quick-drop function, alongside the “Shikari” waist harness.

mehler-systems.com/event/enforce-tac-2024

Posted in Enforce Tac, International, Press Release | Comments Off on Join Mehler Systems at Enforce Tac 2024 for Cutting-Edge Innovations

GPS-Denied Environment Technologies from OKSI

Wednesday, February 14th, 2024

The modern-day battlefield deploys platforms and systems that are heavily reliant on GPS signal. The proliferation of electronic warfare and GPS jamming in today’s conflicts create complexity, disrupting commonly used tactics and rending certain systems and munitions inoperable.

GPS-denied environments are one of our military’s most pressing technical topics, as DoD prioritizes the pursuit of battlefield solutions. From ground soldier situational awareness to UAS and loitering munitions, GPS has been a pillar for carrying out successful missions.

OKSI’s OMNISCIENCE Ecosystem of navigation and targeting algorithms is an integration-ready software stack for UAS/UAVs. We can provide visual-based navigation that delivers absolute position updates, RF-denied autonomous mission capability, and Cat I/II target geo-locating within GPS-denied environments. OKSI is experts in computer-vision and AI, with a proud and rich history in aerial platforms, aerial munitions, and EO/IR sensors and seekers.

If your platform/system is ready to deliver the highest level of technology to our warfighters, get in touch with us:

Email: info@oksi.ai
LinkedIn: lnkd.in/eXnEKMUM
Instagram: www.instagram.com/ai.oksi
website: oksi.ai/defense

Posted in Comms, Press Release | Comments Off on GPS-Denied Environment Technologies from OKSI