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Archive for April, 2025

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Strike Industries Strike A2 Blast Shield

Tuesday, April 1st, 2025

Las Vegas, Nevada — Strike Industries has released a new Concussion Reduction Device, the Strike A2 Blast Shield, which directly attaches onto any A2 Flash Hider muzzle device (chambered for either 5.56mm or 9mm).

Similar to the Original Oppressor, the A2 Blast Shield is installed via rotating the device to tighten onto its internal detents after slipping it over an A2 muzzle device.

Its purpose is to redirect and reduce concussive blasts from live fire. The A2 Blast Shield also has six ports to help retain the birdcage’s natural flash suppression and compensating qualities. With its unique fork locking design, this Blast Shield includes a safety mechanism that allows for the fork to stay locked and secured even if the device has not been fully tensioned.

The A2 Blast Shield was inspired by Strike’s development of its Oppressors as this product was designed to solve a looming problem of aging military, government, and law enforcement agencies’ armories: With many AR-15 and M4-style rifles getting older, many of these entities have been forced to retire their old inventories to update with newer platforms which can be costly.

As a more cost effective solution, the Strike A2 Blast Shield is retailing for only $99.95 MSRP.

Opting for this quick upgrade is an easy decision to reduce and redirect concussive blasts not only making for a better shooting experience but it can also improve communication on the ground between officers or soldiers when in a live fire environment.

Being able to retain more situational awareness when training or engaging threats would be a boon to those in the line of duty. Civilian gun owners can also benefit from this enhanced shooting experience on the firing line both indoors and out.

For interested law enforcement agencies, please reach out to us for T&E requests or for bulk purchasing for your department via sales@strikeindustries.com. For media requests, please reach out to mkt@strikeindustries.com.

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Posted in Press Release, Weapon Accessories, weapons | Comments Off on Strike Industries Strike A2 Blast Shield

Reiger Defence Introduces VITOTRAX Maritime Suspension Seat at SOFINS 2025

Tuesday, April 1st, 2025

Hengelo, March 31st 2025 – Dutch shock mitigation specialist Reiger is proud to announce the introduction of its VITOTRAX Maritime Suspension Seat, specifically designed for high-speed military craft operating under extreme maritime conditions at sea or brown waters. The VITOTRAX will be introduced at SOFINS 2025 in France, the leading international event dedicated to special operations forces.

Reiger was already selected by the Royal Netherlands and the Belgian Navy and has successfully retrofitted the jockey seats of the Fast Raiding Interception and Special Forces Crafts (FRISC), vessels that are known to reach speeds and maneuvers that expose crews to forces up to 15G. Reiger worked on the design of the Seat Suspension Unit (SSU) for the jockey seat for two years, including extensive tests and trials by the maritime forces. Reiger have now implemented their SSU technology in a complete new seat, called the VITOTRAX Maritime Suspension Seat. This seat sets the new standard in shock mitigation, safety, and ergonomics for operators onboard of the FRISC. “Our focus has always been on combining top-level performance with maximum operator protection,” says Frans de Bruijn, CEO of Reiger. “VITOTRAX is designed and extensively tested to guarantee operator vitality during missions and preserve its health, this by delivering unmatched control over shock forces and body stability in extreme maritime conditions. Through advanced suspension engineering and dynamic impact mitigation, VITOTRAX ensures personnel remain physically resilient, reducing fatigue and long-term injury risks”

The VITOTRAX seat features:

– Progressive Link Suspension System (PLSS) – Converts impact forces into controlled motion, reducing spinal stress.

-Advanced damping technology – generating comfort at low speeds and protection at high speeds.

– Extreme Suspension Travel – Up to 248 mm of stroke, ensuring maximum shock absorption across all seat positions.

– Biomechanical Design – Optimized posture support to prevent fatigue and long-term injuries.

– Built for Harsh Environments – Corrosion-resistant and engineered for military-grade durability at sea.

Introduction
Designed, tested and manufactured in The Netherlands, VITOTRAX is built to meet the operational demands of special forces and naval units worldwide. To date almost 500 SSU’s have been delivered and successfully introduced into maritime operations. Reiger will introduce VITOTRAX during SOFINS 2025 at Camp de Souge, Bordeaux, from April 1–3, 2025. Visitors are invited to experience the seat and learn how this innovative solution enhances safety and mission success in the most demanding maritime environments

About Reiger
Reiger is a Dutch manufacturer from Hengelo, specialized in advanced suspension systems. The company is market leader in developing suspension systems for extreme off-road motorsports and other exceptionally demanding projects for over 45 years. With their decades of expertise in shock mitigation, Reiger delivers tailor-made products that meet the highest military standards: www.reigerdefence.com

Posted in International, Maritime, Press Release | 1 Comment »

AETC Prioritizes Data Literacy to Equip Staff for Digital Future

Tuesday, April 1st, 2025

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas (AFNS) —  

In today’s increasingly data-driven landscape, the ability to collect, analyze and interpret information effectively is paramount to developing a lethal and ready force. 

Recognizing this, Air Education and Training Command has launched a comprehensive initiative to enhance the data literacy of its staff, equipping them with essential skills for the digital age. 

“The initiative emerged from the command’s strategic operational approach and supports a key line of effort for the command,” Jerry Perez, AETC Chief of Force Development Experiences and Validation, told attendees during the command’s annual Force Development Summit, March 25. “Failure to adapt puts us behind our peers and competitors, impacting our ability to make the right and best decisions.” 

The initiative began with a self-assessment survey administered to AETC staff in November 2023, revealing that over 50% of respondents assessed their data literacy proficiency as basic or less. 

“This concerning trend underscored the need for upskilling,” Perez said. “We’ve got to be better than that. In today’s environment, a basic level is not going to be good enough.” 

The response to the trend has been a multi-pronged approach, Perez said. 

A new performance element, emphasizing foundational training in data literacy was introduced for this year. 

Three core competencies – data management, data analysis and data visualization – were identified, each with four proficiency levels, with the current focus on achieving basic and intermediate proficiency levels across the staff. 

A foundational data literacy course, developed in collaboration with AETC/A9 and AETC/A6, was made available on the AETC learning platform and is mandatory for all staff. 

Additionally, tailored learning pathways focusing on specific areas like AI and Power BI were created to further enhance data literacy skills. 

Looking ahead, AETC’s commitment to data literacy extends beyond this initial push, said Perez. 

A new civilian performance element for the 2025-2026 appraisal period will focus on the practical application of learned data skills. 

Senior staff at the director level will soon be required to undergo AI training. 

Furthermore, personalized learning pathways based on specific roles and responsibilities are being developed to provide more targeted training. 

“By investing in its workforce’s data literacy, AETC is taking proactive steps to ensure its readiness for the challenges and opportunities of the digital age,” Perez said. “This forward-thinking approach will undoubtedly pay dividends, enabling the command to make more informed decisions and maintain its competitive edge for years to come.” 

By Dreshawn Murray, Air Education and Training Command

Posted in Air Force, Guest Post | Comments Off on AETC Prioritizes Data Literacy to Equip Staff for Digital Future

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