July 2024 | Soldier Systems Daily Soldier Systems Daily

Archive for July, 2024

MATBOCK Monday: 40MM Sight

Monday, July 29th, 2024

The Aquire Read Deploy (ARD) weapon sight, a state-of-the-art device designed and manufactured in the USA to elevate your accuracy and efficiency in the field.

Crafted from durable anodized aluminum, the ARD sight is versatile, mountable on either side or top rails, and built to withstand the rigors of combat. Its standout feature is the digital LCD screen, which displays the range of 40mm projectiles based on the angle of the weapon, the weapon system, and the specific round used. This technology is currently configured for the M203, 320, and PGL6 weapon platforms, accommodating various rounds, including High-Explosive (HE) and non-lethal options.

One of the most impressive aspects of the ARD sight is its adaptability. As new weapon systems and rounds are developed, the sight can be updated with the latest software, ensuring it remains at the cutting edge of military technology. This future-proof design means you’ll always have the most up-to-date targeting information at your fingertips.

What sets the ARD sight apart in the heat of battle is its simplicity. Estimating the range to the target and adjusting your weapon accordingly is intuitive. After the first round impacts, the digital readout allows for rapid adjustments, enabling you to bring your target into sight swiftly and accurately.

For a deeper dive into the ARD weapon sight’s capabilities and real-world applications, check out this informative video:

Whether you’re in training or on the battlefield, the ARD weapon sight is a game-changer, providing the precision and reliability you need to stay ahead of the enemy. Equip yourself with the ARD and experience the future of tactical targeting today.

To schedule a demo or find out more, please email sales@matbock.com or check out www.matbock.com/collections/accessories/products/ard-sight

Posted in Advertiser, Guest Post, Optics | 9 Comments »

Unveiled: Minted USMC Coins For 250TH Anniversary

Monday, July 29th, 2024

MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, VA —

The Marine Corps Heritage Foundation and the U.S. Mint unveiled a trio of commemorative coin designs honoring the 250 years of Marine Corps service and sacrifice during a minting ceremony July 17, 2024, at the National Museum of the Marine Corps.

The last coin minted in honor of the Marine Corps was for the Corps’ 230th anniversary in 2005, and the generated funds enabled the construction of the NMMC, where the 250th commemorative coins were officially revealed.

“This is a way for everyone in America to recognize the importance of 250 years of what the Marine Corps means to this country,” said retired U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. James W. Lukeman, the president and CEO of the MCHF.

The images on the coins, he said, cover 250 years of “every Marine is a rifleman.” The gold coin depicts the Marine Corps Color Guard while the flag raising of Iwo Jima is on the silver coin, and the clad coin features two Marines: one dons the continental uniform of 1775 with a musket, and the other in modern-day camouflage utilities wielding a M4 service rifle.

“Next year will mark 250 years of the Marine Corps making Marines and winning battles on behalf of our great Nation. These coins represent the cultural significance of our Corps and will directly contribute to the telling of our history and preserving our institution in the hearts of future generations.”

said the Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. Eric M. Smith.

On July 26, 2023, President Joe Biden signed into law the 250th Marine Corps Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act following its passing through congress, authorizing the minting of over 1 million commemorative coins.

“It’s so special for each of us, because there is so much care that goes into the design of these coins,” said Kristie McNally, the deputy director of U.S. Mint, regarding all the people involved in the design process of the coins. “It’s exciting to actually get to share them with the public.”

All surcharges generated from coin sales will support the MCHF and the NMMC’s future educational, historical, and cultural programs that preserve, showcase and educate the public on Marine Corps history, traditions and culture.

The commemorative coins become a part of the next year’s national celebration of the Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary, and this set will be the only commemorative coins minted in 2025.

Specifically, the signed legislation authorized the Department of Treasury to mint 50,000 five-dollar coins, 400,000 one-dollar coins, and 750,000 half-dollar coins.

“I am grateful to the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation, congressional leaders, and all those who made this coin possible,” said Smith. “We are honored that they would bestow this symbol of appreciation upon us.

To view the Marine Corps’ 250th Anniversary Commemorative Coins, please visit www.usmint.gov/learn/coin-and-medal-programs/commemorative-coins/us-marine-corps-250th-anniversary.

Sales will be available early 2025, at www.usmint.gov.

Story by Shaemus Sawyer, Marine Corps Base Quantico

Photo by LCpl Joaquin Carlos Dela T

Posted in Guest Post, History, USMC | 3 Comments »

ArktisUSA Launch Update

Sunday, July 28th, 2024

UK-brand Arktis has released this statement via social media regarding the planned launch of their US subsidiary.

Looks like October folks.

Posted in Industry | Comments Off on ArktisUSA Launch Update

Milestone in Hungarian Infantry Fighting Vehicle Programme: Rheinmetall Hands Over First Lynx from Domestic Manufacturing

Sunday, July 28th, 2024

At a ceremony on 24 July 2024, Rheinmetall handed over the first KF41 Lynx infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) produced at the Zalaegerszeg site in Hungary to the Hungarian armed forces. On behalf of the Hungarian government, Defence Minister Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky attended the handover. Dr Björn Bernhard (Head of Rheinmetall Vehicle Systems Europe) and Paul Walf (CEO Rheinmetall Hungary) welcomed the guests on behalf of Rheinmetall.

The first Lynx from Hungarian production was already completed in December 2023. Following extensive functional inspections as well as performance and quality acceptances, it has now been officially handed over to the Hungarian armed forces.

In Zalaegerszeg, Rheinmetall Group operates the world’s most modern competence centre for the production of tracked armoured vehicles, in particular the highly innovative Lynx. The factory was opened in August 2023.

Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky, Defence Minister of Hungary: “I often say that peace requires strength, which means a lot of kinds of strength, and in this regard, we have gained real and serious strength with Rheinmetall and in this alliance, which significantly enriches Hungary. This is a kind of strategic partnership that is more than strategy or partnership – this is a real alliance, and within this framework, we hope to win the future for Hungarians, and we’re building something that will remain for the next generations, and we’re strengthening Hungary.”

Dr Björn Bernhard, Head of Rheinmetall Vehicle Systems Europe: “We are grateful to be able to support the Hungarian armed forces as an industrial partner in the Lynx lighthouse project. We have now reached an important milestone within the project. With the production of the Lynx, we are seriously proving our commitment in creating local added value in Hungary and transferring technology to the country. This model is also transferable to other countries which might also be interested in similar partnerships”.

In August 2020, the Hungarian Ministry of Defence commissioned the Rheinmetall Group to supply combat vehicles and associated services worth over

€2bn as part of its “Zrínyi 2026” initiative. A total of 209 Lynx KF41s are to be supplied to the Hungarian armed forces in seven variants: IFV, command post vehicle, armoured reconnaissance vehicle, fire control vehicle, mortar carrier, medical vehicle and driving school vehicle. A Lynx air defence tank with a Skyranger 30 turret is also in progress as part of another development contract, placed in December 2023.

In the first production phase, Hungary will receive 46 German-made Lynx infantry fighting vehicles by the end of 2025. The first vehicle from this series was handed over in October 2022. Production of the remaining vehicles began at the end of 2023 as part of the Rheinmetall Hungary Zrt. joint venture between Rheinmetall (51%) and the Hungarian government (49%) in Zalaegerszeg.

The state-of-the-art development and manufacturing site in Zalaegerszeg was opened on an area of approximately 33 hectares as part of the industrial complex ZALAZone in August 2023. The site also includes an extensively equipped test centre with a firing tunnel. In addition to strengthening the local economy, the factory also contributes to promoting innovation and, above all, creates around 300 highly qualified jobs. Rheinmetall plans additional investments in the site in the coming years in order to further increase production capacity. The establishment of the IFV and other variants will also strengthen the development of the Hungarian economy and defence industry.

Thanks to its modular design, the Lynx KF41 is characterised by maximum adaptability. This means that the Hungarian customer’s specific national requirements can be precisely fulfilled. The state-of-the-art infantry fighting vehicle impresses with its scalable armament, various layers of protection, upgradeable systems and the ability to take on new roles in just a few hours after being fully converted.

Posted in Industry, International, Press Release | Comments Off on Milestone in Hungarian Infantry Fighting Vehicle Programme: Rheinmetall Hands Over First Lynx from Domestic Manufacturing

BlueForge Alliance Promotes Careers “Built to Last” with a Modernized Classic American Icon

Sunday, July 28th, 2024

BRYAN/COLLEGE STATION, TX – BlueForge Alliance (BFA), a nonprofit integrator supporting the United States Navy’s Submarine Industrial Base (SIB), has launched its second national marketing campaign — “Built to Last”— focused on elevating awareness of opportunities in maritime manufacturing.

The campaign seeks to reach a younger audience of next generation talent who may be unaware of the substantial opportunities for stable and impactful careers in maritime manufacturing. Parents, mentors, teachers, coaches, and other key influencers of this upcoming generation of professionals will also be reached to help spread awareness about these meaningful career opportunities.

Leading the charge in short commercials will be Rosie the Riveter, an icon of World War II who originally encouraged women to seek manufacturing industry roles supporting the U.S. military. The reimagined Rosie will choose a role in the current maritime manufacturing effort instead of service industry work, calling on the new generation to consider the same path.

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The campaign will lead its viewers to CareersBuiltToLast.com, a mobile-first website focused towards Gen Z. The site showcases well-paying, high-tech, high-ceiling manufacturing opportunities in comparison with more conventional careers. While discovering the benefits of these opportunities, they can also explore hundreds of training programs in all 50 states where they can gain skills and certifications to launch their careers.

“Stability, sustainment, and purpose are paramount for those seeking professional paths,” said Melissa Wren, principal for external affairs and administration, BlueForge Alliance. “The careers emphasized through ‘Built to Last’ ensure individuals and families are supported in long-term roles, and they ensure the United States Navy has the vessels it needs to remain the best in the world. We thank adam&eveDDB for its efforts in creating a campaign that meets the moment during this critical period in American history.”

“Built to Last” will utilize a broad multimedia, out-of-home, and new media approach, and will include both national media and regional outlets in areas of the country of key importance to the U.S. Navy.

“Many people across America aren’t aware of the huge opportunities for careers in maritime manufacturing,” said James Rowe, Managing Director at adam&eveDDB New York. “The gig economy has created a transitory workforce, and we wanted to demonstrate that there are incredible long-term career opportunities across American manufacturing. Bringing an icon like Rosie the Riveter into 2024 felt like a unique way to connect with a new generation and make them aware of the prospects that a career in manufacturing has to offer.”

The new campaign will complement BFA’s initial national marketing effort, “We Build Giants,” which supports BuildSubmarines.com, the recruitment hub for the 15,000-plus suppliers making up the Navy’s SIB. “We Build Giants” encourages individuals entering or already in the manufacturing workforce to consider careers at SIB suppliers.

In order to meet the Navy’s goal to add three submarines to its fleet each year beginning in 2028, sustain its existing undersea platforms, and support allies, an estimated 140,000 skilled workers are needed in the American maritime defense manufacturing workforce over the next decade.

Posted in Press Release, TacJobs | Comments Off on BlueForge Alliance Promotes Careers “Built to Last” with a Modernized Classic American Icon

DAF Stands Up Integrated Capabilities Office to Advance Operational Imperatives

Sunday, July 28th, 2024

ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) —

In an effort to codify the success and significant gains made in line with the Operational Imperatives, Department of the Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall stood up the Integrated Capabilities Office July 19.

Driven by the need to rapidly modernize the DAF to meet emerging challenges in an era of Great Power Competition, the ICO seeks to institutionalize the speed, agility and rapid innovation that the Operational Imperatives have brought to the force.

“The Integrated Capabilities Office will directly support the Department of the Air Force senior leadership team as we develop our integrated modernization plans for the Air Force and Space Force,” Kendall said. “China, our pacing challenge, is modernizing its military with the intent to defeat U.S. power projection capabilities. We will not let that happen.”

The Operational Imperatives were born out of necessity. Upon his arrival in 2021, Kendall ordered a series of studies and analyses that identified key capability gaps within the force. Seven areas of need were determined imperative to meet the pacing challenge: Resilient Space Order of Battle and Architectures, Joint All-Domain Command and Control, Moving Target Engagement at Scale, Next Generation Air Dominance, Resilient Forward Basing, B-21 Long-Range Strike Family of Systems, and Readiness for Wartime Posture.

Initiated under the DAF’s optimization for Great Power Competition, the ICO is a Secretariat-level office that will continue the work of the Operational Imperatives. Prior to initiation of GPC, the Operational Imperative teams operated mostly ad hoc, which allowed for innovation, speed and agility.

The ICO will facilitate agile Integrated Development Campaign Teams led and staffed by operational experts from the newly formed U.S. Space Force Space Futures Command and U.S. Air Force Integrated Capabilities Command, and acquisition professionals from Air Force Materiel Command’s Integrated Development Office and Space Force acquisition organizations.

The campaign teams will work imperative problem sets and provide data-driven solutions and recommendations. The ICO will incorporate these results into prioritized recommendations for modernization and will collaborate with other organizations to integrate these priorities, along with other portfolios, into the budgeting process.

The ICO will remain in a primarily advisory role but will have direct access to the Secretary and senior leadership, with the ability to make highly collaborative and unfiltered, recommendations to ensure emerging capability opportunities get a voice in the enterprise.

Many of the current Operational Imperatives will graduate to existing programs of record and stakeholder teams.

The ICO, in conjunction with the Integrated Capabilities Command and Space Futures Command, will optimize capability development through assessment, development, integration, and fielding of future capabilities that will rapidly modernize the DAF and preserve the advantages U.S. forces have benefited from for decades. The ICO is on schedule to be fully staffed and resourced by the end of 2024.

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Rheinmetall Manufactures 81mm Mortar Ammunition for the Swiss Armed Forces

Saturday, July 27th, 2024

The Düsseldorf-based technology group Rheinmetall has been commissioned by the Swiss Confederation to manufacture and supply 81mm mortar cargo ammunition. The total value of the order is in the mid double-digit million euro range.

The entire scope of supply comprises 81mm MX2-KM mortar weapons from Rheinmetall EXPAL Munitions SA as well as 81mm mortar cartridges Cargo for illumination white light, illumination infrared and smoke discharge based on RP (Red Phospor), which are manufactured by Rheinmetall Waffe Munition GmbH at the Neuenburg am Rhein plant. The delivery is scheduled to be completed by 2025 and includes various additional services as part of the product launch.

The cartridges are qualified for the MX2-KM mortar of the Swiss armed forces and, together with the weapon system, form a mortar system in which both the ammunition and the weapon system are manufactured by Rheinmetall.

At the end of the qualification measures, the cargo cartridges were verified at a test site on the Spanish coast. The order underscores Rheinmetall’s expertise in the production of state-of-the-art steep-fire mortar ammunition.

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Max Michel and Mason Lane Take Top Finishes at SIG SAUER Academy USPSA Area 7 Match

Saturday, July 27th, 2024

NEWINGTON, N.H., (July 25, 2024) – SIG SAUER, Inc. congratulates Team SIG Captain Max Michel and Team SIG professional shooter Mason Lane on their first-place finishes at the 2024 USPSA Area 7 Match hosted at SIG SAUER Academy. Max earned the top prize for the Carry-Optics Division and first overall; Mason earned the top prize for the Production Division and third place overall.

Max Michel competing at the SIG SAUER Academy USPSA Area 7 Match.“The atmosphere at the Academy for the Area 7 match was electric and for Max and Mason to each come away with first place divisional finishes and first and third overall is impressive. These results reflect hard work and dedication to their sport,” said Robby Johnson, Chief Marketing Officer, SIG SAUER, Inc. “I also want to recognize the team at SIG SAUER Academy on their collective achievement. This competition had the largest attendance of an Area 7 match ever and has garnered amazing positive feedback from both competitors and spectators. It takes many forces coming together to make a match like this happen and the Academy team makes it look easy to prove they are the best in the industry.”

At the USPSA Area 7 Championship, Max earned his first-place finish in the Carry-Optics Division and the first-place overall finish for the match using a P320-MAX pistol with a ROMEO3MAX Optic and SIG SAUER Match Elite competition ammunition.

Max Michel, Team SIG Captain added, “I’m thrilled to have won the Carry-Optics title and the overall title at the Area 7 competition. SIG SAUER Academy hosted an incredible event with a huge crowd and amazing stages. The biggest victory of the weekend goes to the staff and the entire team that put this match on the ground, they did a spectacular job showcasing the facility and what it means to be a part of Team SIG to the world.”

Mason Lane competing at the SIG SAUER Academy USPSA Area 7 Match.At the USPSA Area 7 Match, Mason earned his first-place finish in the Production Division and the thrid place overall finish for the match using a P320-XFIVE LEGION with iron sights and SIG SAUER Match Elite competition ammunition.

“This match stands as a historical full circle moment in time for me, as the first major USPSA match I ever competed in was this Area 7 match at SIG SAUER Academy in 2013. I can remember watching Max and admiring how easy he made it look and wanting to be on that stage someday,” said Mason Lane. “Fast forward to 2024 and seeing the transformation of SIG SAUER Academy on display at this match, being afforded the opportunity to represent the best firearms company, and having a podium finish was truly unbelievable and I am so honored to be part of Team SIG.”

The 2024 USPSA Area 7 Match at SIG SAUER Academy, in Epping, New Hampshire took place July 19 – 21, 2024 and hosted over four-hundred competitors. To learn more about the SIG SAUER Academy and SIG Experience Center league and match schedule visit sigsaueracademy.com.

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