September 2024 | Soldier Systems Daily Soldier Systems Daily

Archive for September, 2024

MTEAC Conducts Operational Testing of the Multiple Devices

Monday, September 16th, 2024

JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, WA–The U.S. Army Medical Test and Evaluation Activity (MTEAC), in collaboration with the U.S. Army Medical Materiel Development Activity (USAMMDA) Program Executive Office (PEO) Soldier, Soldier Medical Devices (SMD), conducted a significant operational test of advanced blood storage technologies from August 16 to 19, 2024. This test was carried out with the support of the 153rd Medical Detachment, Blood Support (MDBS), and the 551st Medical Company-Logistics of the 62nd Medical Brigade.

The operational test aimed to determine the suitability, survivability, and reliability of several new blood management systems, including the Freezer Ultra Low Temperature (FULT), the Blood Plasma Freezer, the Platelet Agitator and Incubator (PIA), and the Dry Block Heat Incubator. These systems are potential replacements for the aging equipment currently used by the 153rd MDBS, which is approaching the end of its lifecycle.

To support the Army’s modernization efforts, these new systems feature advanced capabilities such as modern interactive displays and improved system performance. The goal is to address capability gaps in Army laboratories and blood centers, ensuring more effective storage, maintenance, and delivery of blood products to Soldiers in the field.

The operational test was strategically designed to coincide with the 153rd MDBS and the 551st Medical Company-Logistics’ scheduled Field Training Exercise, ensuring that the evaluation of the new systems aligned with their Mission Essential Task List (METL) and MOS Individual Critical Task Lists (ICTLs) requirements. This integration allowed the test scenarios to not only assess the new technologies’ performance but also enhance the units’ readiness through realistic training exercises.

Prior to the record test, personnel from both units underwent training on the new systems, preparing them to deploy and operate the equipment effectively during the exercise. The operational test included various scenarios designed to stress the MDBS’s capabilities in receiving, storing, and transporting blood products. These scenarios were crucial in assessing the systems’ performance and ensuring they meet operational requirements.

Following the test, participants convened to review and discuss the performance of the new devices. Feedback from test players, and their command teams, emphasized the importance of thorough testing and user involvement to refine and enhance the systems before potential fielding. The command team also highlighted the value of this comprehensive testing in improving the efficiency of blood banks and ensuring that life-saving medical care is readily available to support Soldiers in combat.

By advancing these blood management systems, the Army aims to improve the readiness and effectiveness of its medical support units, ultimately ensuring that warfighters receive timely and critical care in dynamic operational environments.

Aligned under the U.S. Army Medical Center of Excellence, MTEAC is the only independent operational test and evaluation agency of medical and medical-related materiel and information technology products, supporting of the Army and DOD acquisition process. To learn more about the U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Activity and their mission visit medcoe.army.mil/usamteac.

By Mr. Eitter Rodriguez, U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Activity

Posted in Army, Guest Post, Medical | Comments Off on MTEAC Conducts Operational Testing of the Multiple Devices

Rheinmetall Expands Cooperation with ICEYE and Obtains Exclusive Rights to Distribute SAR Satellites to Germany and Hungary

Sunday, September 15th, 2024

Rheinmetall and ICEYE, the global leader in Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite operations for Earth Observation, are expanding their cooperation. The two companies signed a teaming agreement to this effect.

As part of this agreement, Rheinmetall will integrate ICEYE capabilities into their next generation battlefield systems. In addition, Rheinmetall and ICEYE are pursuing joint opportunities in several markets globally, including Germany and Hungary, where Rheinmetall now has exclusive rights to distribute ICEYE SAR satellites to military and government end-users under this agreement.

Armin Papperger, CEO Rheinmetall AG: “The space domain is an integral part of a defence strategy and of great relevance to our military clients. We are convinced that our combined capabilities will enable us to develop innovative approaches to offer customized solutions for our military customers in the future.”

In June 2024, the Düsseldorf-based technology group had already announced its participation in the world’s largest fleet of radar reconnaissance satellites. In this way, Rheinmetall aims to make space-based reconnaissance data usable on the tactical battlefield.

SAR satellites offer the advantage over conventional satellites that they can generate high-resolution images regardless of weather conditions or time of day. These are very detailed and make even the smallest objects on the earth’s surface identifiable. This can bring decisive advantages for the armed forces in terms of surveillance, target acquisition, reconnaissance or their own positioning on the battlefield.

Posted in Industry, International, Press Release, Space | Comments Off on Rheinmetall Expands Cooperation with ICEYE and Obtains Exclusive Rights to Distribute SAR Satellites to Germany and Hungary

Chief of the Defence Staff Declares DSEI Theme ‘Crucial’ and the Event a ‘Special Point in the Calendar’ as Themes Launched

Sunday, September 15th, 2024

UK Chief of the Defence Staff, Admiral Sir Tony Radakin KBC ADC, stresses “added importance of DSEI” within context of “various challenges across the globe.”

Admiral Sir Tony Radakin KBC ADC has launched the key theme for DSEI 2025, the UK’s flagship defence event, saying:

“The theme for DSEI of preparing our future armed forces is crucial. What is particularly significant for our senior leaders is how to prepare our Armed Forces for future challenges. That as the theme for DSEI 2025 is really important and really helpful for all of us in UK defence.”

The overarching theme for DSEI has been announced today as ‘Preparing the Future Force’, this will focus on the strategic, technological, and organisational shifts necessary to build and maintain a future-ready UK Armed Forces.

Held biennially in London, DSEI is a pivotal event for the defence industry to showcase newly developed and in-service capability to the global defence market in the halls of ExCeL, London.

DSEI also plays host to a conference for senior military, politicians and industry leaders to speak on key topics of current importance and for the future. The conference will be driven by the main theme Preparing the Future Force, and three sub-themes will guide discussions across the event:

1 Securing Advantage: Agile Acquisition & Supply Chain Security
This theme explores how defence organisations can enhance their agility through faster acquisition processes and stronger, more resilient supply chains. With emerging threats and geopolitical tensions constantly reshaping the global landscape, ensuring supply chain security is vital to sustaining military readiness and securing operational advantage.

2 Driving Advantage: Digital Transformation as a Force Multiplier
Digital transformation is transforming modern warfare, and this theme will explore how the integration of cutting-edge technologies, such as artificial intelligence, cyber capabilities, and data analytics, is multiplying force effectiveness. DSEI 2025 will highlight the role of digital infrastructure in enhancing decision-making, operational efficiency, and interoperability across defence ecosystems.

3 Maintaining Advantage: Workforce Management & Talent Acquisition
As technology continues to evolve, so too must the workforce that operates it. This theme addresses the challenge of recruiting, training, and retaining top talent in the defence sector. It will focus on the importance of workforce diversity, leadership development, and continuous learning in maintaining a competitive edge.

Grant Burgham, DSEI Director, said:

“With the themes for DSEI 2025 announced, it helps to set the framework for the event. DSEI is the premier event of its kind and is crucial in bringing together the UK Government, armed forces from across the globe and industry representatives from allied nations and partners. The significant buy-in from the top of UK defence is incredibly welcome and helps us to deliver the best event possible to our customers.

“DSEI is proud to play a key role in promoting the UK’s defence ethos, agenda and leadership while encouraging opportunity and cooperation with our global allies. The growing demand for DSEI has resulted in an expanded floor space dedicated to providing a platform for technology companies which spans both traditional and non-traditional defence businesses.”

Posted in DSEi, Press Release | Comments Off on Chief of the Defence Staff Declares DSEI Theme ‘Crucial’ and the Event a ‘Special Point in the Calendar’ as Themes Launched

The PROOF is in Greg Hamilton and Sean Murphy’s Third Consecutive Win?

Sunday, September 15th, 2024

PROOF Research®’s Greg Hamilton and KGM Suppressors’ Sean Murphy take home the coveted Real World Sniper Finale award from the grueling two-day competition held at the YO Ranch in Kerr County, Texas.

(L to R) PROOF Research’s Greg Hamilton and KGM Suppressors’ Sean Murphy with the 2024 RWSC Final 1st Place Award.

Columbia Falls, Mont. (September 2024) – For the third consecutive year, PROOF Research®’s Greg Hamilton, and Sean Murphy of KGM Suppressors, take home the highly coveted 1st place skull trophy from the Real World Sniper Finale held Aug. 31 – Sept. 1, 2024, at the YO Ranch in Kerr County, Texas.

The finale is an invite-only for competitors from prior Real World Sniper Challenges (RWSC) and top teams from the 2024 USASOC and International Sniper Competitions, as well as several teams fielded by the USMC Scout Sniper Association. These elite competitors included teams from the Army Special Forces, Army Rangers, Army National Guard Snipers, and the USMC Scout Snipers. The course requires teams in top physical and mental shape as it demands various challenges and tasks that snipers in real-world scenarios might face. Competitors dealt with unknown positions, targets, and target distances. Each stage required a different strategy for the team, testing speed, precision, teamwork, and working with limited information. In addition, marathon targets provided support with their robotic targets adding to the general chaos.

Sean Murphy took the primary shooter position with his AI AT-X with a PROOF Research carbon-wrapped pre-fit barrel in 6.5 Creedmoor. Greg Hamilton shot as secondary with a 6.5 Creedmoor 20” stainless PROOF Research barreled gas gun. Murphy also carried an extra 5.56 carbine with an 11.5” PROOF Research carbon-wrapped barrel.

“Like in real-world conditions, you have to carry in everything you will need for the two-day event,” Murphy explained. “Your guns, supplies, water, ammo, anything you will need you have to carry throughout the challenge on the ranch, including during some of the timed movements. When it was all said and done, we had covered ten miles on foot with our guns and all of our gear. It really is a serious competition that will test the metal of any hard-core sniper competitor. We are extremely honored to have again won this RWC Finale for a third year in a row.”

PROOF Research is a well-known brand within the precision rifle community and is one of the leading barrel brands used by champion competitors in the Precision Rifle Series (PRS) and National Rifle League (NRL). Developed to enhance mission success for our warfighters, PROOF Research’s carbon fiber barrels are designed for long-range accuracy, performance, and reliability under any environmental condition.

Find out more about PROOF Research barrels and rifles at proofresearch.com.

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Air Force Realigns to Ensure Readiness, Future Competitiveness

Sunday, September 15th, 2024

ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) —

The Air Force is organizing its major commands, or MAJCOMs, into Institutional Commands, responsible for organizing, training, and equipping Airmen, and Service Component Commands, responsible for preparing Airmen for warfighting in a combatant command’s area of responsibility.

The changes are part of the Department of the Air Force’s Great Power Competition initiative.

“Over the last three decades, our Air Force has incrementally become more fragmented,” said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin. “This gradual diffusion was the result of decisions made in the context of a different strategic environment. After some deep introspection, it has become clear that to dominate in this challenging strategic environment, we must have a force structure that is better aligned, clearly understood, and agile enough to exploit the rapid pace of change.”

The current major command structure has significant variances in how the U.S. Air Force organizes, trains and equips, and how it presents forces. Some MAJCOMS have the responsibility of capability development (e.g., Air Force Materiel Command), some strictly for presenting forces as a service component to a combatant command, and some MAJCOMs have both responsibilities. Some service component commands are also Numbered Air Forces, or NAFs, that report through MAJCOMs, while other service component commands are themselves MAJCOMs.

While this has been made to work in practice, it has evolved with new entities being bolted on, instead of baked in. Through the Reoptimization initiative, the U.S. Air Force has the opportunity to reset both definitionally and structurally. The foundation of the senior command structure in the Air Force will consist of two types of commands: Institutional Commands and Service Component Commands.

Institutional Commands will serve as enterprise integrators for capability modernization, acquisition and sustainment, developing human capital and generating readiness, while Combatant Command-aligned Service Component Commands will employ operational forces in pursuit of Combatant Command missions.

Institutional Commands will include the existing commands with the following modifications:

– Air Education and Training Command is expected to evolve into Airman Development Command, which will train and develop Air Force personnel across the entirety of their career.

– The new Integrated Capabilities Command is planned to accelerate force modernization by aligning capability development efforts to a singular, prioritized demand signal for future airpower capabilities, aligned with the Force Design. The transition of capabilities development into one institutional command will enable the service component commands to focus on readiness.

– Air Combat Command will integrate readiness for CONUS-based service-retained forces and prepare and present mission-ready forces to combatant commands.

– Air Force Materiel Command will consolidate and establish new centers to rapidly develop, procure, field and sustain a pipeline of competitive capabilities to deliver decisive advantages to the force.

– Air Force Reserve Command and the Air National Guard will provide strategic and operational depth and surge capacity by developing and managing an experienced, modernized and accessible Reserve Force.

Service Component Commands project air power to the joint force combatant commands through theater-assigned and rotationally allocated Air Force units in each of the CCMDs.

To streamline how the Air Force presents force offerings to Combatant Commanders, the Component Numbered Air Forces listed are planned to become Service Component Commands, reporting directly to the Secretary of the Air Force through the Chief of Staff of the Air Force. This alignment ensures the Air Force better prepares, presents and generates airpower effects for the Joint Force and enables service component commands to focus on preparation and presentation for their combat missions.

– Activate Air Forces Southern

– Activate Air Forces Central

– Activate Air Forces Northern and Air Forces Space

– Elevate and redesignate Air Forces Cyber. Note: The ultimate makeup and structure are still being finalized.

Pacific Air Forces; U.S. Air Forces in Europe – U.S. Air Forces Africa; Air Force Special Operations Command; Air Mobility Command; and Air Force Global Strike Command will be considered SCCs and will retain their current Combatant Command force alignment and readiness-related roles, responsibilities and authorities.

Streamlining Air Force organizations into either Institutional Commands or Service Component Commands will allow them to focus solely on developing Airmen, generating readiness and sustaining and delivering capabilities, or projecting airpower to the Joint Force, respectively.

Air Forces Southern, or AFSOUTH, will become the first Service Component Command under the new construct. AFSOUTH’s operational mission as the Air Force Component to USSOUTHCOM will not change. However, as a Service Component Command, AFSOUTH will be better positioned to advocate for service-related matters such as personnel, administration and unit training.

Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

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PWS Announces Partnership with Rescue 22 Foundation Shooting Team

Saturday, September 14th, 2024

BOISE, Id. September 11, 2024 – Primary Weapons Systems is proud to announce its sponsorship of the Rescue 22 Foundation Shooting Team. PWS will be the team’s exclusive rifle sponsor, providing team members with PWS piston-driven rifles to shoot in competitions.

The Rescue 22 Foundation (R22) is committed to addressing the mental and physical health of Veterans with service-connected disabilities. The R22 team works to provide trained service dogs to those with medically complex cases and improve their quality of life. Each service dog trained is given a new purpose and a chance to make a profound impact on a Veterans life. To promote this cause, the R22 Foundation developed a shooting team composed of Veterans, that compete across the U.S. alongside their service dogs in order to raise awareness for R22 foundation and show the positive impact service dogs have for Veterans.

“Our mission is to offer Veterans the care and support they need,” said R22 executive staff and team member, Jonathan Belton. “Our shooting team raises awareness around Veterans and service dogs, brings back that feeling of community and accountability and showcases the talent of some of our R22 family members. We’re excited to have PWS onboard to help us achieve these goals.”

“The PWS team is passionate about working with those who have proudly served our nation.” says PWS President Ben Fleming. “Being able to support the R22 shooting team is an honor, and we greatly look forward to seeing them succeed both on and off the competition field .”

For more information on the Rescue 22 Foundation and how to get involved, visit www.rescue22foundation.org and follow them on their social channels.

For more information on PWS, visit www.primaryweapons.com and/or stay tuned to PWS eNewsletters and social channels.

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The New traser P68 Pathfinder Solar – Powered by the Force of Nature

Saturday, September 14th, 2024

The P68 Pathfinder family by traser has always stood for boundless freedom and complete independence. Now, the Swiss outdoor watch pioneer is seamlessly carrying forward this product philosophy while introducing something entirely new: the first traser watch powered by the inexhaustible energy of the sun – the P68 Pathfinder Solar. Thanks to efficient technologies and a functional design, the P68 Pathfinder Solar is a reliable companion at any time, in any place, and under any circumstances.

Explorers, adventurers, and outdoor enthusiasts recognize the sun as a reliable point of reference for navigation and as an inexhaustible source of energy. These are two principles applied in the new P68 Pathfinder Solar. Like all models in the Pathfinder product family, the watch features a compass ring that can be adjusted using a screwed-down crown positioned at 8 o’clock. Together with the position of the sun and the hour hand, this allows for accurate determination of the cardinal directions – and therefore the route – even in the most remote locations and without the need for cell phone or GPS reception.

2 Minutes of Sun – 24 Hours of Adventure

Now, traser combines the compass ring with a true innovation: The grey dial of the P68 features a solar cell that sustainably powers the precise and efficient Swiss movement. Thanks to a quick-start function, just one minute of sunlight is enough to get a fully discharged watch running. After an additional minute, it has gathered enough energy for a full day. Once fully charged, the P68 Pathfinder Solar boasts a power reserve of eight months in darkness.

It is also thanks to self-illuminating trigalight technology that one can fully rely on the P68 not only in sunlight, but also under difficult lighting conditions and deep into the night. When conventional luminous materials have long faded in the darkness, the hands, indices, and dial of the P68 continue to glow consistently, and remain readable without any external power source for years.

Equipped for Every Challenge

traser pairs the geographic and energy independence of the P68 Pathfinder Solar with great physical resilience. A scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, a stainless-steel case with PVD coating water resistant up to 10 bar, and screw-down crowns protect the innovative watch technology inside the P68. A choice of a grey-brown or black textile strap, as well as a dark rubber strap, securely and comfortably fastens the timepiece to the wearer’s wrist.

The new P68 Pathfinder Solar by traser guarantees limitless independence. With this timepiece, no place is too remote, no journey too far, and no night too dark. Wearer and watch follow their own path – both drawing their drive from the inexhaustible power of nature.

Posted in International, Press Release, Watches | Comments Off on The New traser P68 Pathfinder Solar – Powered by the Force of Nature

Saber Junction Jumpstarts in German Countryside

Saturday, September 14th, 2024

HOHENFELS, Germany — Over 500 U.S. Army paratroopers jumped from multiple aircrafts as part of a training exercise involving airborne operations in Eglsee, Germany on Sept. 4, 2024, kicking off Saber Junction.

More than 4,500 military personnel from 11 countries are participating in Saber Junction, an annual training exercise at the U.S. Army’s Joint Multinational Readiness Center, Hohenfels, Germany from Aug. 25 to Sept. 19, 2024.

“What’s awaiting them is probably the hardest fight they’ve ever been in,” said Brig. Gen. Steve Carpenter, commanding general of 7th Army Training Command, U.S. Army, Europe and Africa.

“We want it to be the hardest here so when they get into combat, it seems just a little bit easier.”

The purpose of this exercise is to strengthen interoperability and readiness between participating NATO Allies and partner nations, enabling them to respond rapidly to any threat.

“The way by which warfare is taking place right now and we’re seeing it in Ukraine, we’re seeing it in other places around the world like the Middle East. Large-scale combat operations is something we always have to practice, we have to stay on top of all the changes taking place”, says Carpenter.

U.S. Army’s 173rd Airborne Brigade paratroopers kicked off the event by jumping from U.S. Air Force C-130 and C-17 aircrafts to demonstrate their ability to deploy and integrate with NATO allies and partners.

“We have to adapt to what’s going on in the Ukraine and we need to train that [to adapt] at combat training centers like this”, says Carpenter, “So that any adversary of the NATO alliance or any alliance the United States has, they would think it’s absolutely unthinkable to start a war with the United States or its allies and partners”.

By SPC Cambrie Cannon

Posted in Army, Guest Post, Parachuting | Comments Off on Saber Junction Jumpstarts in German Countryside