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Archive for September, 2024

Silencer Central Unveils Carnivore Camp Combo Giveaway with Nearly $25,000 in Prizes

Wednesday, September 4th, 2024

SIOUX FALLS, South Dakota (September 3, 2024) – Silencer Central, the nation’s largest suppressor dealer, announces the launch of its Carnivore Camp Combo Giveaway, celebrating the release of two highly anticipated silencers. One lucky winner will take home an incredible prize package valued at nearly $25,000, including the yet-to-be-released MeatEater by BANISH and BANISH 46-V2 suppressors, two rifles with optics, premium gear, and a 2024 Polaris Sportsman 570 Hunt Edition ATV.

“We are thrilled to release these new silencers and wanted to mark the occasion with an unforgettable giveaway,” said Brandon Maddox, Silencer Central CEO. “Thanks to our amazing partners, we’ve put together a prize package that will not only equip the winner with top-of-the-line gear but also help them enjoy the great outdoors to the fullest.”

The Carnivore Camp Combo Giveaway is a dream setup for any hunting enthusiast, providing everything needed to hunt, shoot and explore. The grand prize includes:

2024 Polaris Sportsman 570 Hunt Edition ATV
COMING SOON: BANISH 46-V2 suppressor (tax stamp included)
COMING SOON: MeatEater by BANISH suppressor (tax stamp included)
Weatherby Model 307 MeatEater rifle in .308
Henry Repeating Arms X-Rifle in .45-70
Vortex MeatEater Viper HS 4-16×44 scope
Vortex Viper HD 2-10×42
Two sets of Vortex 30mm scope rings
Pelican Protector 1720 rifle case
Pelican 1745 Air rifle case
Stone Glacier SKY 5900 backpack
5 boxes175-grain Federal Premium .308 Sierra MatchKing Gold Medal
5 boxes 300-grain Federal Premium .45/70 Hammerdown
A lifetime membership to OnX Hunt Elite
This giveaway is designed to equip the winner with everything they need to fill their freezer and make unforgettable memories in the field.

For those eager to win this ultimate hunting and shooting package, the contest runs from September 3 to 23, 2024. The winner will be announced after notification. Full rules and entry details can be found on the Carnivore Camp Combo Giveaway page.

Don’t miss your chance to experience the best in suppressors and outdoor gear – enter today!

For more information about Silencer Central, visit www.silencercentral.com.

SOARescue Accepting Army & Air Force COOL Grants

Wednesday, September 4th, 2024

SOARescue is proud to announce that we are now able to assist with and accept Air Force and Army Credentialing Opportunities On-Line Grants.

This change will allow our military students who are serving in the National Guard, Reserves, or Active Duty units to have access to our courses with fewer obstacles to manage. We hope to broaden the opportunity to the remaining branches soon.

Need help navigating the COOL process? Our admin and training team is here to help! We can answer any of you questions (or at least point you in the direction of someone who can) and get you everything you need for a successful COOL application.

Our decision to move forward with becoming an agency who partners with COOL was fueled by our desire to make our training as accessible as possible to the practitioners who would most benefit from it. We know our students come from many walks of life and having the capability to further their education and skills can only benefit them as individuals and practitioners.

We know that our training can be a substantial investment for students paying their own tuition, so we’ve made every effort to keep our pricing as fair and transparent as possible. Pricing for all courses is available on our website and easily found next to the class on the schedule. We also offer payment plans and multi-student discounts for agencies. We’ve collected an instructional cadre that have incomparable real-world experience in the topics they are teaching and make every effort to provide each of our students with invaluable training.

SOARescue quality is the best in the industry and cannot be bested elsewhere.

www.soarescue.com/fed-gov-mil

C&H Precision Announces Travis Tipps as New Marketing Director

Wednesday, September 4th, 2024

RICHMOND HILL, Ga. – September 3, 2024 – C&H Precision, a leading manufacturer of firearms accessories and optics, is pleased to announce the appointment of Travis Tipps as the company’s new Marketing Director. Tipps is a Marine Corps veteran with an extensive background in the shooting industry where he has developed a wealth of experience and expertise to bring to his new role. 

Tipps has gained valuable insights and knowledge throughout his career in various roles at brands and organizations covering firearms, ammunition and tactical gear. He has worked with renowned companies such as Daniel Defense, Strategic Armory Corps, Norma and Blue Force Gear on both the creative and strategic sides of the business. 

Tipps’ has also been involved in consulting, testing and evaluating new products, many of which are now in use by armed forces and law enforcement agencies. His firsthand experience as an infantry squad leader in the Marine Corps has instilled in him the importance of reliable equipment and the value of teamwork. 

“I grew up shooting from a very young age and have always been involved with firearms in some way,” said Tipps. “I’m passionate about this industry and what it represents for all 2A supporting Americans. Joining C&H Precision is a natural fit for me, as we produce products that not only enhance firearm capabilities but also foster a sense of pride and create conversations among enthusiasts.” 

As the new Marketing Director, Tipps will be responsible for developing and implementing strategic marketing initiatives to further strengthen C&H Precision’s brand presence and drive growth. His deep understanding of the industry and his passion for firearms will undoubtedly contribute to the company’s continued success. 

“We are thrilled to have Travis join our team,” said Patrick Kisgen, President of C&H Precision. “His extensive experience and passion for the industry make him the ideal candidate for this role. We are confident that his strategic vision and innovative ideas will propel our brand to new heights.” 

C&H Precision is known for its commitment to producing high-quality firearm accessories, optics mounting solutions, custom slide milling services and optics that meet the needs of 2A supporters. With Tipps on board, the company is poised to expand its reach and connect with a wider audience of firearm enthusiasts. 

For more information on C&H Precision visit www.chpws.com or find C&H on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.  

Gentex Corporation Announces Start of Production of Second Generation Advanced Combat Helmet Generation (ACH Gen ll) for the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA)

Wednesday, September 4th, 2024

CARBONDALE, PA – Gentex Corporation, the global leader in personal protection and situational awareness solutions for defense forces, emergency responders, and industrial personnel, has received production authorization from the Defense Logistics Agency for ACH Gen II. The Government will start receiving deliveries in the coming months.

Gentex’s state-of-the-art Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) design offers soldiers a helmet that is, on average, over 28% lighter than the legacy aramid Advanced Combat Helmet (ACH), while still providing the same level of ballistic protection. The ACH Gen II also has an innovative boltless retention design that allows the chin strap to be interchangeable with the Next Generation – Integrated Head Protection System (NG-IHPS) chinstrap.

Gentex is proud to continue its long legacy as a supplier to DLA and as a supplier of Advanced Combat Helmets to the US Government.

Second Annual ARROW Held at Camp Guernsey

Wednesday, September 4th, 2024

F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. (AFNS) —  

The second annual Advanced Recapture Recovery Operational Warfighter exercise successfully took place at Camp Guernsey, Aug. 5-23. Convoy Response Force teams from F.E. Warren Air Force Base; Minot AFB, North Dakota; and Malmstrom AFB, Montana, had the opportunity to train and execute asset protection procedures.

Last year, CRF teams successfully participated in the inaugural ARROW iteration, experiencing Air Force Global Strike Command’s newest revision. This year, the trend continued with each CRF team taking a week each to test their skills during multiple planned ambushes and attacks.

CRF teams are tasked with the protection of military assets during movements both to, from, and in the expansive missile fields of Minot AFB, F.E. Warren AFB and Malmstrom AFB. Teams continue to work with several different on-base agencies and local law enforcement teams in order to ensure the safety and security of military assets while in transit and on site.

ARROW continues to use the train-pause-train program during exercises, a program specifically developed to sharpen skills in the moment allowing the cadre to pause the exercise in the moment to instruct Airmen, rather than retrace and remember back at their home stations where details may have been lost.

“We’re assessing their ability to recapture and protect resources, we put teams through scenarios they might not be able to see at home station,” said Tech. Sgt. Kyree Joppy, 90th Ground Combat Training Squadron formal instructor and exercise coordinator. “It’s big for them to come here to show their capabilities while being a good place for them to test their weapons and vehicle capabilities on live ranges.”

ARROW is also the debut of the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle in a simulated combat scenario marking an Air Force wide first, underscoring AFGC’s modernization line of effort.

“The JLTV is the Department of Defense’s pick to replace the Humvee and with that in mind, that is what has been selected as the vehicle for AFGSC both in the missile field and CRF,” said Master Sgt. Kevin Brown, AFGSC A3 training and development team member and one of the head AFGSC coordinators for ARROW. “It’s got amazing capability, better range, higher top speed and its off-road capabilities far exceed the Bearcats and Humvees. This is a pretty good way for our Airmen to come out here and use these things and utilize them in the capacity they’ll be used in down the road as we phase out the Humvees.”

Through the introduction of the JLTV’s capabilities in the field and with continued springtime exercises like Nuclear Convoy Course, teams are given the chance to prepare and analyze their skills in a training environment specifically designed to mirror the challenges of the missile field.

Now with ARROW’s second year wrapped up, the exercise has again proved its ability to train, evaluate and sharpen the skills of CRF teams from all three missile wings; allowing them, and the wings, to ensure the nuclear enterprise’s continued safety and security.

By Senior Airman Landon Gunsauls, 90th Missile Wing Public Affairs

APEX Ammunition Partners with Canuck Guns for Canadian Distribution

Tuesday, September 3rd, 2024

Columbus, Miss. (September 3, 2024) – APEX Ammunition is pleased to announce its partnership with Canuck Guns for distribution of its award-winning shotshells throughout Canada. Canuck now has APEX Waterfowl Blends and S3 Steel loads in stock in 12- and 20-gauge.

“Canuck Guns is proud to partner with APEX Ammunition to bring the very best in custom loaded hunting shotshells to Canada,” said Phil O’Dell, President, Canuck Guns. “I personally used their ammunition for my Royal Slam offive different wild turkey subspecies in 2023. It took exactly five shells. This ammo simply works like no other. APEXhas long known Canadian hunters have wanted the best ammunition, and we are honored that they chose Canuck as their national distribution partner for Canada.” 

“As the APEX brand has grown, so has the demand for our product from our northern neighbors who are as passionate about hunting as we are,” said Jason Lonsberry, President and CEO, APEX Ammunition. “We are pleased to partner with the Canuck Guns team to ensure more Canadian hunters have access to our line of handcrafted ammunition through their local dealers and outfitters.”

APEX Waterfowl TSS-S3 Steel Blend shotshells arehandcrafted “duplex” loads that offer the best of both worlds, combining APEX’s premium, zinc-coated S3 Steel pellets with ultra-high density Tungsten Super Shot for a harder-hitting payload and improved terminal performance to reduce crippling.

APEX Waterfowl S3 Steel ammo features premium zinc-plated steel to ensure consistently round pellets with anti-corrosion properties and superior patterning performance. The zinc coating reduces friction, resulting in more consistent pellet drop when loading the shotshells and better movement of the pellets against each other in the firing process. The S3 Steel Waterfowl loads also use the same Tungsten-grade wad system found in APEX’s iconic Turkey TSS shotshells. The combination delivers lethal patterning, maximum barrel protection, and unmatched shot-to-shot consistency in a steel load.

Canadian Dealers and Outfitters who are interested in carrying APEX Ammunition shotshells may contact Canuck Guns at Dealer Inquiries.

Commemorate National POW Day on 19 September at the Airborne and Special Operational Museum in Fayetteville

Tuesday, September 3rd, 2024

To commemorate National POW MIA Recognition Day, join us at the ASOM on September 19 for a Lindsay Lecture Series event with MSGT Lawrence “Bud” Wilson, who was a prisoner of war during the Korean War for two years.

Register here. All active duty service members get in free upon registration.

MSGT Wilson’s Story

MSGT Lawrence “Bud” Wilson was an Army medic during the Korean War. On May 18, 1951, his team was surrounded, and life changed for him on that day.

“There was nowhere to run. I thought that was the end of me,” Wilson said.

He was taken as a prisoner of war by Chinese forces. For the next two years, four months and 18 days, he lost his freedom. And the captivity was hard.

“The first thing you came down with was diarrhea. The next thing was head lice and body lice,” Wilson described.

He and the other POWs lost almost a third of their weight while they were confined. They also came under fire.

But Wilson managed to survive the ordeal. Learn more about his time in captivity by joining us on the eve of National POW/MIA Day at the ASOM.

Employing Military Working Dogs in Large-Scale Combat Operations

Tuesday, September 3rd, 2024

SECTION 1

Introduction

“As they approached a grass-covered hut, a machine gun opened fire. The hut was, in fact, a camouflaged bunker. Chips (military working dog [MWD]) quickly escaped Rowell’s (handler) control and made a beeline for the bunker. Within seconds, the machine gun fell silent and an Italian soldier tumbled out with Chips chomping at his throat and arms. In short order, three others exited the bunker with arms raised. Chips was lightly wounded in the incident, suffering powder burns and several cuts.”

—Seth Paltzer, THE DOGS OF WAR: THE U.S. ARMY’S USE OF CANINES IN WWII[1]

From 13 to 18 May 2024, an analyst from CALL’s Corps and Division Branch (CDB) attended the 2024 U.S. Army Military Working Dog Leadership and Training Symposium. The analyst observed military initiatives for MWD support to large-scale combat operations (LSCO) at the Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center in Alpena, MI.

The symposium demonstrated the value MWDs contribute during LSCO, especially by providing Soldiers stand-off during detection and clearing tasks. Also, of note, many MWD programs especially, those in which MWDs perform tasks untethered to the handler, require long-term investment to train and groom MWDs to work in challenging operational environments.

During the symposium, MWDs demonstrated their capability sets, which are unique from any other instrument of war, through a broad range of scenario-based training events, such as search, tracking, detection, and bite techniques. The analyst also interviewed MWD experts from U.S. and allied partners to identify lessons learned from ongoing conflicts and gaps that exist within the U.S. Army MWD program in the context of LSCO.

SECTION 2

Key Symposium Takeaways

Canines have been useful to military organizations since their domestication. Few, if any, instruments of war have the successful track record and longevity of MWDs. They remain effective in a variety of environments, including dense vegetation, subterranean complexes, and trench networks. Even in the current operational environment, there are many situations in which MWDs outperform drones and conventional equipment. Unlike machines, MWDs make decisions, use intuition, and think outside of the realm of algorithmic predictions. This is a unique aspect to their employment in detection, search, attack, and reconnaissance roles. See figures 1, 2, and 3.

Figure 1. An MWD negotiates a tunnel at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea.[2]

Figure 2. An Army MWD receives its protective equipment before training at Al Asad Airbase, Iraq.[3]

Figure 3. An MWD is zip-lined in rolling jungle terrain with the handler in tow.[4]

The U.S. Army has adapted MWDs for the challenging environments of each conflict it has fought in, ranging from LSCO in WWII to counterinsurgency in the Global War on Terrorism. U.S. Army MWDs must adapt for 21st-Century LSCO. This will require experimentation, investment, and training for MWDs to aid U.S. Soldiers in their fight against a peer adversary in challenging environments.

SECTION 3

Ongoing Conflict Observations

Israel-Hamas Conflict. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have employed MWDs at a large scale since their counterattack against Hamas and invasion of Gazan territories in 2023. The IDF MWD attrition rate has averaged several dozen per week in their employment roles of detection and assault. This has led to significant IDF investment in MWDs to sustain such attrition.[5] Current IDF replacement rates will likely create shortages in the long term. The U.S. acquires MWDs from many of the same suppliers as the IDF, Chinese, British, and others while producing few domestically. The rate of procurement and attrition of MWDs by the IDF is likely going to impact the world market and the U.S. Army’s ability to procure MWDs.[6]

The IDF have primarily employed MWDs to clear the pervasive subterranean environments in Gaza while limiting risk to their Soldiers. MWDs require familiarization with subterranean environments from a young age to be effective in those conditions. Changes in air flow, sound echoes, temperatures, confined spaces, and low light reduce MWD detection and cognition abilities without familiarization.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict.[7] Since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) have used MWDs in many situations. MWDs have been used in rear areas and the close fight to achieve effects that cannot be accomplished by drones or other equipment. The AFU primarily employs their MWDs in unexploded explosive ordnance (UXO) detection roles while maintaining stand-off distance with a handler.

Since February 2022, the AFU has detected vast numbers of UXO using MWDs in rubbled urban environments and captured trenches.[8] Metal pollution from shrapnel and other debris have required them to use MWDs in addition to standard detection equipment. MWDs are more effective than detection equipment because of high metal pollution from shrapnel. The U.S. Army can expect similar mine-clearing requirements during LSCO.

Russian tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) have evolved to rigging positions with improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and booby traps before abandoning them to inflict casualties on the pursuing Ukrainian forces. MWD capability has enabled the AFU to clear these positions rapidly and to occupy them to consolidate territorial gains while preserving human life.

SECTION 4

U.S. Army Military Working Dog Gaps

Combat Training Center Involvement. The U.S. Army is currently transforming into an organization focused on fighting in large-scale conflicts against peer and near-peer adversaries. The U.S. Army uses combat training centers (CTCs) as venues for experimentation and adaptation during the shift away from counterinsurgency-focused warfighting. Two of the seven key tasks assigned to the CTC Program in Army Regulation (AR) 350-50, Combat Training Center Program, 2 May 2018, are to —

  • Provide a data source for lessons learned to improve doctrine, organization, training, materiel, leadership and education, personnel, facilities, and policy (DOTMLPF-P) in preparation for unified land operations.
  • Embed the most recent TTPs from current operations in theater to better prepare follow-on units.[9]

MWDs have had minimal involvement at the CTCs since 2022. The National Training Center (NTC) at Fort Irwin, CA, is the only CTC that has resident MWD handlers (military occupational specialty [MOS] 31K) assigned as observer coach/trainers (OC/Ts) and has only hosted three MWDs since 2022.[10] This has created several shortfalls. Current doctrine does not address the role of MWDs in LSCO.[11] Maneuver commanders are unfamiliar with their doctrinal employment. These two impacts have created integration gaps for MWDs in LSCO-focused training and operations.[12]

CTCs provide a realistic training environment to observe MWD’s integration into unit operations. To generate lessons for LSCO, MWD participation at the CTCs should increase. This can be accomplished by adding MWD capabilities to the CTC troop lists outlined in U.S. Army Forces Command (FORSCOM) Regulation 350-50-1, Training at the National Training Center, 29 October 2018.

“Off-Leash” Capability. A patrol explosive detector dog-enhanced (PEDD-E) is an MWD trained to operate off leash. The PEDD-E enables the handler to employ MWDs in the roles of detection, attack, and reconnaissance while maintaining distance from the search area. The value of this during LSCO when operating in unknown environments cannot be overstated for the preservation of human life while enabling maneuver.

The U.S. Army maintains additional MWD capabilities that have retained their funding. These capabilities each require the handler to employ MWDs “on leash.” This reduces MWD agility, flexibility, and the ability to preserve human life. The on-leash capability is not recommended for LSCO.

Scenarios where MWD capability is most valued during LSCO are near the forward line of own troops (FLOT). The off-leash PEDD-Es, when employed in environments such as rubbled urban structures, subterranean networks, and trench clearing, can identify and neutralize threats, inform U.S. personnel, and preserve human life.

U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) stopped funding the PEDD-E course in fiscal year 2024. Consequently, the Army will exhaust its inventory of off-leash trained MWDs between 2030 and 2032. The re-establishment of a PEDD-E training program and procurement of MWDs, training, and certification to restore this capability would likely range between two and three years.

SECTION 5

Conclusion

MWDs have consistently proven their value over centuries of evolving warfare. The United States and others have continuously adapted the employment tactics and training methodologies to tailor MWDs to the current operational environment. Drones and other detection and sensing technologies will continue to evolve. The ability to counteract and deny these technologies will also evolve. MWDs can operate in technologically nonpermissive environments and outperform technology in many situations.

AFU and IDF experiences demonstrate the value off-leash MWDs provide to maneuver forces during LSCO. The U.S. Army should consider these recent experiences and leverage resources like the CTCs to refine TTPs being employed by AFU and IDF partners. The U.S. Army may also want to reconsider funding levels for the program, considering the lead times required to train off- leash MWDs.

SECTION 6

Endnotes

1. Paltzer, Seth, THE DOGS OF WAR: THE U.S. ARMY’S USE OF CANINES IN WWII, The Army Historical Foundation, https://armyhistory.org/the-dogs-of-war-the-u-s-armys-use-of-canines-in-wwii/.

2. Photo by SRA Ashley L. Gardner, U.S. Air Force, www.pacaf.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/706335/ mwd-train-to-keep-paws-on-the-ground.

3. Photo by SPC Derek Mustard, Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve, www.dvidshub.net/image/6231629/military-working-dogs-wear-protective-equipment-live-fire-exercise.

4. Photo provided by the U.S. Army MWD Program, www.facebook.com/photo/.

5. In-person interview with an operations officer from the 1st Military Working Dog Regiment, British Army, 16 May 2024.

6. Ibid.

7. Ibid.

8. Ibid.

9. AR 350-50, Combat Training Center Program, 2 May 2018, page 2, armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/pdf/web/ARN8650_AR350_50_Final.pdf.

10. SFC Phillip Ventimiglia, NTC 31K OC/T, in-person interview, 14 May 2024.

11. Army Techniques Publication (ATP) 3-39.34, Military Working Dogs, 19 May 2022, armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_d/ARN35094-ATP_3-39.34-000-WEB-1. (common access card [CAC] required)

12. SFC Phillip Ventimiglia, NTC 31K OC/T, in-person interview, 14 May 2024.

By CPT Alexander Spook, CPT James Campbell, Center for Army Lessons Learned