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Archive for September, 2024

GoTAK Partners with ZBM2 Industries

Tuesday, September 3rd, 2024

In August 2024, GoTAK LLC partnered with ZBM2 Industries to provide our clients with excellent quality, made in the USA antenna kits for the GoTAK DMR models and the Beartooth MKII radios. ZBM2 Industries is a veteran owned and operated company specializing in antennas for comm solutions out of California.

The antenna kits increase the range of our DMR product line by 2-3x with the made in the USA antennas.

The full kit includes the following:

• 1x foul weather whip antenna
• 1x 6″ whip antenna UHF/915 only
• 1x stubby VHF/UHF/915 antenna
• 1x 2′ relocation cable
• 1x SMA to BNC adapter
• 1x BNC 90 degree adapter

Kits are available to purchase here and are available in custom colors by special order.

getgotak.com/products/gotak-bnc-antenna-kit

The antenna kit will soon be included in every order for the GoTAK DMR and GoTAK DMR Pro EUDs, exclusively available at getgotak.com

JayJays Introduces Clothing

Tuesday, September 3rd, 2024

UK kit manufacturer JayJays has added clothing to their offerings. Designed by Veterans in the firm’s Brecon workshop, the line consists so far of BALATH long sleeve and short sleeve base layers, TEPOR mid layer and ZEPHYR windbreaker jacket.

BALATH

Considered the cornerstone of JayJay’s layering system, BALATH is offered in long and short sleeved variants. The proprietary base layer fabric is a blended knit with 4 way stretch. It has Honeycomb on the outside and a Birds Eye weave on the inner. The Honeycomb draws out the moisture whilst the Birds Eye prevents heat escaping when static and traps heated air inside. Look for flat locked seam construction as well as moisture wicking, antimicrobial properties, superb UV protection and very fast drying.

TEPOR

Offered as a replacement for the old Norwegian Army shirt, the TEPOR is made from a 4-way stretch, waffle knit fabric for comfort and insulation. It features an athletic cut with full length front zipper and thumbhole cuffs. The jacket also has 2 large front pockets with waffle lining to keep hands warm and 2 large inside pockets.

ZEPHYR

Offered in MultiCam, the ZEPHYR is a modern day take on the classic zoot suit. Made from a DWR treated 70D ripstop fabric, it is a great wind layer and can be stored in a mag pouch with some room to spare. This hooded jacket is cut in an anorak style with a large pocket with zippers on either end at the waist. Additionally, the underarms feature mesh for venting during high activity.

Army Begins Cognitive Testing at Initial Entry Training

Tuesday, September 3rd, 2024

WASHINGTON — The Army has begun baseline cognitive assessments during Initial Entry Training, and all services will follow in the coming months, officials say.

The Army is taking a multipronged approach to reduce brain health risks, including improved awareness through a Force Health Protection Information Campaign; expanded brain health monitoring; identification of blast overpressure protective measures; tracking and monitoring blast exposure; and developing a comprehensive strategy to enhance and advance the science and medical care for brain injuries, said Col. Jama Vanhorne-Sealy, who oversees the Occupational Health Directive, Force Health Protection in the Office of the Surgeon General.

Fort Sill, Oklahoma, home of the United States Army Field Artillery School, was the first Army Initial Entry Training location to establish permanent cognitive testing, with all services scheduled to roll out the testing at all entry training locations by the end of 2024.

In addition, Army personnel will be evaluated at least every three years after initial screening, which can help identify any unusual cognitive change, Vanhorne-Sealy said. Early detection allows for early intervention to restore or enhance cognition, should it be necessary, she said.

A long-standing cognitive assessment program that began in 2007 has shifted from a pre-deployment and injury-centric model to a regular cognitive monitoring program, which means military health authorities can better help Soldiers throughout their career, said the Chief of Neurocognitive Assessment in the Office of the Army Surgeon General, Dr. Steven J. Porter.

The Cognitive Monitoring Program, much like the Army’s ongoing hearing testing, is a screening tool to assess for cognitive change in soldiers.

Cognitive assessment means documenting the way an individual thinks, reasons and remembers.

“Without ongoing testing, changes to a Soldier’s thought processes may not be evident until an event that could put both the Service Member or their unit in jeopardy,” Porter said.

Since June 2007, more than 3.4 million assessments have been collected, processed, and stored at the Neurocognitive Assessment Branch Data Repository at Joint Base San Antonio, Texas, to aid in treatment and track recovery after a concussive or suspected concussive event, Porter said. The testing identifies cognitive changes to help inform a Soldiers need for medical care, rest and recovery. Early identification can help avert further potential injury.

Vanhorne-Sealy said over time, advancements in understanding of brain functionality have led to improved testing, expanding the program to better evaluate areas of the brain potentially impacted by blast overpressure.

Blast overpressure is the sharp rise in atmospheric pressure from an explosive or firing of a weapon causing shockwave, traveling faster than the speed of sound. Blast overpressure exposure occurs when someone is close enough to physically feel the shockwave.

In a report by the House Committee on Appropriations regarding the Department of Defense Appropriation Bill of 2021, the Committee asked the Department of Defense to develop a cost analysis plan for conducting traumatic brain injury baseline testing for all new recruits.

Currently, a medical provider may request a Soldier’s cognitive baseline from the repository if it needed for treatment planning and tracking recovery. CMP authorities are working to develop a system to directly upload the test data to the Soldier’s medical record.

The CMP assessment tool is an FDA-approved medical device, and all test records are privileged information.

By Jonathan Austin, Army News Service

Caveat Emptor – Frosty Tactical

Monday, September 2nd, 2024

Buyer Beware – We received a note from advertiser, US Elite Gear, warning us about a website called Frosty Tactical.

We checked the site and they are offering proprietary products from US Elite and offering Arc’teryx LEAF products while they are not a dealer. Something isn’t right, steer clear…

US Elite Gear Statement:

A quick PSA to all our customers and tactical friends: if there’s any website that you’re purchasing from and the only method of payment is PayPal, it’s likely too good to be true. Our pals over at “Frosty Tactical” are out here scamming. We are NOT associated with this fraudulent website, Facebook page or Instagram @frosty.tactical

We’ve recently discovered that a website called Frosty Tactical is copying our content and misleading customers into thinking they are affiliated with U.S. Elite. We want to make it absolutely clear that we have no connection with Frosty Tactical.

**If you’ve placed an order through Frosty Tactical, please be aware that U.S. Elite is not responsible for any transactions or customer service issues associated with that site.**

Your trust is our top priority, and we’re committed to ensuring you have the best possible experience with U.S. Elite. To avoid any issues, please ensure you’re only purchasing from our official website: us-elitegear.com

**- The U.S. Elite Team**

Army Family Takes on New Meaning for Soldier Reunited with Biological Father Also Training at Fort Leonard Wood

Monday, September 2nd, 2024

FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. — When Pfc. Brayden Sumare’s bus pulled into Fort Leonard Wood, nothing could have prepared him for the twist of fate that awaited him just inside the doors of the 43rd Adjutant General Reception Battalion.

The 18 year old graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, in the summer of 2023, between his junior and senior years of high school. He arrived at Fort Leonard Wood in July, to complete his initial entry training.

Sumare, a native of Pine Bluffs, Wyoming, said he arrived at Fort Leonard Wood at about 3 a.m., and there was something oddly familiar about his bay leader, a trainee everybody called “Pops” — he exchanged a few lingering glances with him — but didn’t think much about it.

“The next day, I was laying down in my bunk as the bay leader was walking around getting all the new people’s names for the roster,” Sumare said. “When he got to me, he asked my last name, and I said ‘Sumare.’ And then he asked, ‘Brayden Hunter Sumare?’”

Sumare said he was bewildered and returned the man’s question with another question, “How did you know that?”

According to Sumare, he was “shocked” at the man’s response of — “I’m William Reeves” — his biological father.

Pfc. William Reeves said he will never forget the moment he realized he was looking into the eyes of his biological son.

“It was unbelievable,” Reeves said. “What are the chances we both joined the Army and were at Fort Leonard Wood at the same time for our training?”

Sumare said he thought they didn’t recognize each other because they both looked very different than when they met for the first, and only, time about four years ago.

“When I met him, he had long hair and a full beard. When I saw him at reception, he had a buzzed haircut and was cleanly shaven,” Sumare said.

To add to the unbelievable happenstance, Reeves said he had been nicknamed “Pops” before Sumare even arrived on post.

“I’m almost 40; I have life experience. My peers lean on me for that. They started calling me Pops and it stuck,” Reeves said.

Amanda Sumare, Brayden’s mother, said when Brayden called her to let her know he made it to Fort Leonard Wood and tell her Reeves was also there, she was awestruck, and it took her a minute to wrap her head around the coincidence.

“I was so very shocked. It is the craziest thing ever,” Amanda said.

Reeves, from Poteau, Oklahoma, said he and Brayden’s mother were young when they found out she was pregnant.

“It was unexpected. We did a DNA test when he was born, and he was mine. Our lives had gone in different directions and Brayden’s mother was living in Wyoming, engaged to the man who eventually became Brayden’s adopted father,” Reeves said. “I supported him financially but decided I didn’t want to be too involved and upset Brayden’s solid family unit.”

The two spent several days together at Fort Leonard Wood’s reception battalion, waiting to go to their separate training units.

“Over the next few days, as I watched him interact with other people, I saw familiar mannerisms. It was like looking in a mirror,” Reeves said. “I got to learn a lot from him, and I think that is really cool.”

Since Brayden had already attended BCT and earned the title of Soldier, Reeves said Brayden was able to help the new trainees at the reception battalion prepare for it.

“Brayden taught me how to Ranger roll my uniform. And not just me, he showed us all how. He also showed us what to pack before we left for our units and what to buy from the Exchange when we got a chance. I enjoyed watching him lead others. I am proud of Brayden. He has a bright future,” Reeves said.

According to Brayden, running into his biological father was, “one of those weird life things,” and he was glad he was there to help Reeves prepare for basic training and wish him well.

“I got to tell him goodbye, good luck and give him a hug,” Brayden said. “I think it is awesome that he joined.”

Amanda said she is impressed by both of them and their desire to serve.

“The Army is a good fit for Brayden because he isn’t one to just sit back and watch the world go by. He wants to be involved. He has a strong love and passion for our military and always has. He has so much potential. I am very proud to be his mama,” Amanda said. “I’m also proud of William for stepping up to serve our country. I wish him the best future.”

Brayden is in the middle of six weeks of advanced individual training, with Company C, 58th Transportation Battalion, learning the military occupational specialty of 88M Motor Transport Operator. Reeves is with Company D, 35th Engineer Battalion, for 14 weeks of one station unit training to become a 12C Bridge Crewmember.

“My fingers are crossed I may be able to attend his graduation next month,” Reeves said. “I like to joke — I am going to build the Army’s bridges, and he is going to drive his truck over it.”

By Melissa Buckley, Fort Leonard Wood Public Affairs Office

Team Remington’s Powell Wins Again, Eyes on NSCA Nationals Repeat

Monday, September 2nd, 2024

LONOKE, Ark. – August 30, 2024 – Remington Ammunition congratulates sponsored shooter Brandon Powell as he was the High Overall in the Main Event at the 2024 Northeast Regional Sporting Clay Championship. Powell also captured the Beretta FITASC Grand Slam and Super Sport titles. The event took place August 14-18, 2024 at Hopkins Game Farm in Kennedyville, Md., bringing together the best sporting clay competitors in the region. 

“Brandon’s outstanding performance at the 2024 Northeast Regional Championship gives him great momentum heading into the Sporting Clay Nationals in October, looking to repeat as the Main Event HOA,” said Remington’s VP of Marketing Jason Nash. “It has been amazing to watch Powell and all of our team members compete this year. Big Green looks forward to a strong finish to the 2024 season.” 

Team Remington competes and wins with Remington Premier shotshells. Top quality, consistency and accuracy come standard when trap, skeet or sporting competitors shoot the iconic Premier STS and Premier Nitro families of ammunition. 

Find Remington ammunition at dealers nationwide and online. For more information on Remington ammunition and accessories, visit www.remington.com.

USSOCOM Selects Envision Technology to Supply Miniature Aiming Ranging Lasers

Monday, September 2nd, 2024

On Friday evening, USSOCOM made the following announcement for their Miniature Aiming Ranging Laser program:

Envision Technology, Manchester, New Hampshire, is being awarded an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (H9240324D0012) with a maximum ceiling of $81,000,000 and a minimum ordering guarantee of $5,000 for range aiming laser systems, spares, engineering change proposals, repairs and new equipment training. This contract will be funded with the appropriate procurement; research, development, test and evaluation; and operations and maintenance funds. Fiscal 2022, 2023 and 2024 procurement funds in the amount of $7,545,230 are being obligated at time of award on the first delivery order. The work will be performed in Manchester, New Hampshire, and is expected to be completed by Aug. 29, 2029. U.S. Special Operations Command, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, is the contracting activity.

According to the requirement, The Miniature Aiming Ranging Laser (MARL) increases the Advanced Target Pointer/Illuminator Aiming Laser (ATPIAL/SAL) capability by adding a range finder function for the Assault Rifle or Designated Marksman Rifle (DMR) and Light Machine Gun (LMG) for 0-900 meter system accuracy. Weapons mounted range finders are commercially available for interim capability but require further development andintegration with visual augmentation systems (VAS) to achieve MAS-L objectives.

Envision offered the Miniature Advanced Rangefinder System (MARS). The contract is for Range Aiming Laser (RAL) systems, spares, Engineering Change Proposals (ECPs), repairs and New Equipment training (NET) in support of U.S. Special Operations Command (SOF AT&L). The work will be performed in Manchester, NH and is expected to be completed by 29 August 2029. This contract was awarded through a competitive SBIR Phase III. Envision Technology is a small business.

101st Airborne Division Conducts Historic Air Assault Mission

Monday, September 2nd, 2024

FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. –On Aug. 28, 2024, more than 3000 Soldiers assigned to the 2nd Mobile Brigade Combat Team “STRIKE”, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) finished their second rotation to the Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC) in eight months. However, the beginning of the exercise was transformative and historic. The 2MBCT conducted a “large-scale, long-range” air assault (L2A2) operation consisting of 80 aircrafts, across three states, flying from Fort Campbell, Ky. to Fort Johnson, La. Aug. 13-17.

After traveling for over 500 miles, including stops at six forward arming and refueling points (FARPs), scattered over multiple southern states, the 2MBCT arrived at JRTC..

The movement method was not a typical way a brigade travels to “The Box”, but a way that was reminiscent to the founding of the 101st. Traditionally, units move by ground to Fort Johnson, spend several days preparing before entering the combat scenario. The Strike Brigade moved by air-to-ground into simulated-contested landing zones.  Thus began a two-week bout with the well-known opposing forces “Geronimo,” 1st Battalion, 509th Infantry Regiment.

“The legacy that we have, dating all the way back to World War II when we were an Airborne Division fighting in Europe,” said U.S. Army Col. Travis McIntosh, the deputy commanding officer for support for the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) “Your 101st Airborne Division now is Air Mobile–it’s Air Assault, we have a number of helicopters. That’s how we fight in this division and we’re demonstrating that from Kentucky and Tennessee all the way down to Louisiana.”

This was much more than an aviation mission. On Aug. 13, troops and equipment from across the Division began their movement from Fort Campbell to FARP s across Mississippi and Louisiana. The sites, far from a simple pit stop along the operational path, provided vital sustainment for the troops and helicopters along the way.

“Our birds [aircraft] are able to come in get fueled, get armed and continue the fight,” said 1st Lt. James Tate, a quartermaster officer with Echo Troop, 2nd Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment, 101st Combat Aviation Brigade. “We can puddle hop across and get the birds further over a shorter period of time.”

The ability to send an entire brigade into an enemy area of operations further and faster is not the only aspect that allows this type of exercise to succeed – it also needs to be done at night.

“We conduct all our operations under a period of darkness,” said Tate. “We like the birds to get in, receive their fuel, get armed and off of our pads within 12 to 15 minutes.”

The quick turnaround represents a massive amount of coordination from within the division but training like this is only made possible by the support of the local communities, airports, and National Guard locations who hosted the FARPs.

“We are overwhelmed by the support from the community,” said McIntosh. “From law enforcement to the elected and appointed officials, airport management, emergency services, Louisiana National Guard, support has really poured on to the 101st Airborne Division here and we couldn’t be more grateful.”

The Soldiers of the Strike Brigade descended into JRTC for their training in an auxiliary manner as the Army continues to modernize, innovate and transform its warfighting capabilities. The L2A2 displays the combat power of today with 101st, just as airborne paratroopers did in World War II. The 101st doesn’t just keep older ways of combat entry relevant but to make those unique abilities the future of combat operations.

“We’re experimenting on some of the most modern equipment that the Army has fielded and we’re looking forward to providing that feedback to the Army,” said McIntosh. “We’re demonstrating the capability that’s only seen in the 101st Airborne Division and that’s long-range air assault.”

By SSG Kaden Pitt