We want to hear from our favorite people! If our gear has ever been an asset to you in your military service tell us about it. We’d love to tell your story!
Send it to marketing@lbtinc.com with subject line:
LBT STORY
Archive for the ‘Admin’ Category
LBT Wants To Hear Your Gear Stories
Saturday, June 27th, 2026US Army Ranger Hall of Fame Honors 2026 Inductees for Exemplary Service
Sunday, June 21st, 2026Columbus, GA – June 15, 2026 – The U.S. Army Ranger Hall of Fame selected 12 distinguished individuals to be inducted to the Ranger Hall of Fame on June 24, 2026, during a ceremony held at Fort Benning, Georgia.
Established in 1992, the Ranger Hall of Fame honors those who have demonstrated extraordinary valor, leadership, and commitment to the Ranger Creed. The 2026 inductees represent a diverse group of leaders whose service spans from WWII to modern-day operations in Afghanistan and Iraq.
2026 Ranger Hall of Fame Inductees:
• GEN Daniel B. Allyn – General Allyn is a warrior-leader whose 36-year career exemplified the Ranger ethos. As a captain serving in South Korea, he sought assignment to the 75th Ranger Regiment and quickly proved himself as commander of Company C, 1st Ranger Battalion. He led the night combat parachute assault to seize Torrijos Airport during Operation Just Cause. He later commanded 3rd Ranger Battalion, leaving an enduring mark on the Regiment. Throughout his career, General Allyn embodied selfless service, combat valor, and unwavering commitment to the Ranger legacy, making him a truly deserving member of the Ranger Hall of Fame.
• SGM Colin M. Boley – Throughout his 26 years of service he continually led the way in all assignments and missions as a leader. Ranger Boley served more than 12 years in the 75th Ranger Regiment serving in many positions from Team Leader to 1SG with 15 combat deployments totaling more than 7 cumulative years in a combat environment throughout his career. SGM(R) Colin Boley has proven to be a competent and motivational leader of men always leading from the front and setting the example for Rangers to follow. He embodies what a true warrior should be, while serving a great nation in time of war.
• MG Clarence K.K. Chinn – Throughout a distinguished 36-year career, Ranger Chinn not only upheld but exemplified the Ranger Creed, demonstrating extraordinary leadership and an enduring commitment to the Ranger ethos. In every assignment, from Chief of Operations at SOCOM to DCG at USASOC, CG at JRTC & Fort Polk and Army South, Ranger Chinn’s professionalism, character, and leadership set the standard. His combat experience, mentorship, and leadership across Ranger and conventional forces shaped thousands of soldiers and left an enduring mark on Ranger history.
• GEN Richard D. Clarke – General (Ret.) Richard D. Clarke is inducted into the Ranger Hall of Fame for distinguished and faithful service to our country, and for dedicating his life and career to the values set forth in the Ranger Creed. His military career spanned close to 40 years and included multiple combat deployments to Desert Storm, Joint Guardian, Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, Inherent Resolve, New Dawn; spending more than five years deployed in support of combat operations. He played a fundamental role in securing the nation and its interest during a period of complex, volatile, and unpredictable threats from strategic competitors and violent extremist organizations. Gen. Clarke’s dynamic leadership, professional competence, and unyielding personal commitment was essential to the success of numerous missions of national importance and vital to the security of the United States of America.
• MAJ Peter Dencker – Ranger Dencker was commissioned Infantry from West Point in 1969 and volunteered for Vietnam. In August 1970 he was assigned as a platoon leader in 1/7th Cav. In December 1970, he reported to H/75th as the XO. From March 1971 till June 1972, he Commanded H/75th. His final assignment was teaching and coaching football at West Point. His awards include the Silver Star, Purple Heart, Bronze Star/w “V” (5 OLC), Army Commendation Medal/w “V ”(1 OLC), Air Medal/w “V” (7 OLC), numerous other US and foreign Awards. H/75th was the most decorated unit during the Vietnam conflict.
• COL Larry Perino – Recognized for serving our nation for 25 years and five months in a career defined by courage, leadership, and devotion to the Ranger Creed. On October 3–4, 1993, as a platoon leader with B Company, 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, he led his Rangers during the Battle of Mogadishu as part of Task Force Ranger and Operation Gothic Serpent. Since retirement, Colonel Perino has continued to mentor Rangers, support alumni organizations, and share lessons from combat with today’s warriors. In 2021, he was awarded the Silver Star, presented in 2022 at Fort Benning, Georgia.
• MAJ Douglas Philippone – Recognized for his distinguished military career in the 75th Ranger Regiment in 1990 as an enlisted Anti-Tank Gunner in 1st Battalion. During his time in 3rd Ranger Battalion, Doug deployed four times to Afghanistan and Iraq. He led more than 100 direct action missions and earned three Bronze Star Medal awards, including two for valor, along with a Joint Service Commendation Medal for valor. Throughout his service, he embodied every stanza of the Ranger Creed.
• CSM Walter M. Rakow – Dedicated almost 50 years of service to his country on active duty, and as a civil servant, living the Ranger Creed every day. He held himself to the highest standards, whether on the field of battle or during peacetime. CSM Rakow’s life was marked by an unwavering commitment to faith, family, and country. His “dynamic” personality and direct approach to leadership inspired countless generations of soldiers and leaders through his unwavering commitment to the Army, the mission, and to those with whom he served.
• SFC Matthew L. Rierson– Recognized for extraordinary service, exceptional leadership, and a lifelong embodiment of the Ranger Creed. Throughout his distinguished career, he demonstrated remarkable courage, tactical mastery, and unwavering commitment to his fellow Rangers and the nation. Sergeant First Class Rierson’s legacy endures through the Rangers he inspired, the standards he set, and the example he provided of what it means to move further, faster, and fight harder. His induction into the Ranger Hall of Fame honors a Ranger whose life and service reflect the highest traditions of the Regiment and the United States Army.
• GEN Stephen J. Townsend – Recognized for distinguished service to our nation, unparalleled leadership, and a lifetime devoted to the values of the Ranger Creed. Throughout four decades of service, General Townsend always strived to live up to the charge of Abram’s Charter to the Rangers by demonstrating unwavering dedication to excellence and setting a steadfast personal example of courage, integrity, and honor. His exceptional leadership reflects the highest traditions of the Rangers, the United States Army, and the United States Department of Defense.
• Blair Brown (Honorary) – Celebrated for more than a decade of exceptional service, leadership, and dedication to the U.S. Army Ranger community through his role as Vice President and Executive Director of the National Ranger Memorial Foundation. Blair’s service is also deeply personal, shaped by the example of his father, Major Roger Brown, a 2004 inductee of the Ranger Hall of Fame. His sustained contributions reflect exceptional dedication, integrity, and impact in direct support of the Ranger community.
• Candyss Bryant (Honorary) – Celebrated for her extraordinary contributions to the Ranger community. A distinguished nonprofit leader and steadfast advocate, she brings nearly three decades of experience in development, operations, and stakeholder engagement. Bryant has served the Ranger community with unwavering dedication, consistently giving “100% and then some.” Her selfless service, disciplined work ethic, and commitment to excellence embody the spirit of the Ranger Creed. As President of the Ranger Legacy Foundation, Bryant leads the vision and development of the Ranger Legacy Center, a transformative initiative dedicated to preserving the history ad inspiring future generations of the values, and enduring legacy of our Rangers.
The Ranger Hall of Fame ceremony underscores the enduring legacy of the Ranger community and its commitment to excellence, leadership, and service.
About the Ranger Hall of Fame:
The Ranger Hall of Fame was established to honor and preserve the contributions of America’s most extraordinary Rangers.
Inductees are selected based on their distinguished service and embodiment of the Ranger Creed.
For more information, please visit Ranger Legacy Foundation.
Eyes on the Skies
Saturday, June 20th, 2026
The 820th Base Defense Group (BDG) conducted counter-small unmanned aerial system (CsUAS) training, May 7, 2026, reinforcing its focus on preparing air base ground defense Airmen to operate in an environment increasingly shaped by unmanned aerial threats.
The training emphasized the purpose, intent and significance of CsUAS integration into base defense operations. Instructors highlighted the growing use of small unmanned aerial systems for reconnaissance, surveillance and potential payload delivery, stressing the importance of early identification, rapid decision-making and integration of CsUAS considerations into existing defensive planning.
“My desire is for the Airmen to understand the importance of this system, with the additional understanding that we are trusting them to execute all battle drills in a moment’s notice to protect the base,” said U.S. Air Force Capt. Christopher DeLong, 822nd Base Defense Squadron (BDS) operations officer. “My Airmen, along with sister service members, will be responsible for ensuring our airspace is secured and defended from any hostile drones, so they must understand the enhanced responsibility they have.”
The purpose of the instruction was to establish a shared baseline of understanding across the force. Airmen were briefed on common small unmanned aerial system characteristics, threat indicators, employment methods and hands-on simulated incident instruction. The course also reinforced how CsUAS awareness must be incorporated into routine defensive posture and not treated as a standalone capability.
“Day 1 consists of CsUAS basics and system familiarization. This is the foundation of a member’s ability to work the system efficiently to give leaders the best picture of the battlespace during a quick reaction to a CsUAS incident,” said Tech. Sgt. Matthew Eichner, 822nd BDS flight sergeant and CsUAS course instructor. “Days 2-5 consist of hands-on training through a simulator. The Airmen worked through several battle drills to ensure they are capable of relaying vital information up the chain and supporting and carrying out the decision to implement kinetic and non-kinetic defense measures. This is vital to the protection of personnel and PL assets.”
The intent of the training was to standardize knowledge and improve overall readiness across defensive teams. Instruction focused on how CsUAS capabilities fit within a layered defense approach, integrating sensors, communications networks and both kinetic and non-kinetic response options.
The significance of the training lies in its contribution to installation protection and mission assurance. As small unmanned aerial systems become more accessible and more frequently employed in contested environments, base defense forces are required to adapt their tactics, techniques and procedures to maintain effectiveness against emerging threats.
“My three main takeaways focus on teamwork, military advancement and adapting to threats,” said Staff Sgt. Sawyer Logan, 822nd BDS CsUAS program manager. “First, successful operations require a strong team of skilled operators working together to make fast, high-stakes decisions. Second, the military is constantly innovating and fielding new systems to better protect our bases and personnel. Finally, as our enemies improve their capabilities, we must also adapt to find faster, more efficient ways to counter them.”
The 820th BDG’s emphasis on CsUAS training reflects a broader shift toward integrated base defense operations that combine awareness, detection and response capabilities into a cohesive framework. By increasing Airmen’s understanding of the threat environment and available response options, the unit strengthens its ability to protect critical assets, maintain operational continuity and reduce reaction time during potential incursions.
The training concluded with a reinforcement of key principles and an emphasis on continued professional development as CsUAS capabilities and threat systems evolve.
Story by Senior Airman Iain Stanley
93rd Air Ground Operations Wing
Parsons and DroneShield Highlight Open-Architecture Approach to Countering Evolving Drone Threats
Thursday, June 18th, 2026Recent Demonstration Showcases Interoperable Counter-UAS Capabilities for National Security and Critical Infrastructure Missions
Warrenton, VA. – 16 June 2026 – DroneShield, a global leader in advanced counter-unmanned aircraft system (C-UAS), recently highlighted its participation in a recent C-UAS demonstration with Parsons Corporation, showcasing how interoperable technologies can help organizations detect, track, and respond to evolving drone threats.
The demonstration brought together advanced sensing, command-and-control, and counter-drone technologies within a common operational environment, highlighting how organizations can leverage best-of-breed capabilities to improve situational awareness and accelerate decision-making during complex security operations.
As part of the demonstration, DroneShield provided drone detection, electronic warfare, and mitigation capabilities within Parsons’ DroneArmor™ command-and-control environment. The event highlighted how open architectures enable technologies from multiple providers to work together, giving operators greater flexibility to build solutions tailored to mission requirements.
DroneShield’s portfolio of counter-UAS and electronic warfare solutions is deployed globally across military, government, law enforcement, critical infrastructure, and commercial environments.
Parsons is a leading disruptive technology provider in the national security and global infrastructure markets, with capabilities across cyber and electronic warfare, space and missile defense, transportation, water and environment, urban development, and critical infrastructure protection. The demonstration underscored the value of industry collaboration in addressing increasingly sophisticated airspace security challenges. The demonstration underscored the value of industry collaboration in addressing increasingly sophisticated airspace security challenges.
“Drone threats continue to evolve, and organizations need technologies that work together seamlessly,” said Nate Webb, Director of Strategic Projects at DroneShield. “This demonstration highlighted the value of interoperability and open architectures, allowing customers to combine best-of-breed capabilities into effective counter-drone solutions that can adapt as mission requirements change.”
DroneShield’s solutions are designed to integrate with a broad range of command-and-control systems, sensors, and mitigation technologies. This approach enables customers to build layered counter-drone ecosystems that meet operational requirements while maintaining flexibility as technologies and threats continue to evolve.
GM Defense and Lockheed Martin Collaborate to Strengthen America’s Manufacturing and Defense Industrial Base
Wednesday, June 17th, 2026
BETHESDA, Md., and DETROIT, June 16, 2026 – Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] and GM Defense today announced a new collaboration to strengthen America’s manufacturing and defense industrial base, facilitated by the U.S. Department of War. Working under a memorandum of understanding (MOU), Lockheed Martin and GM Defense will explore opportunities to accelerate the delivery of critical capabilities and innovation by combining Lockheed Martin’s defense production expertise with General Motors’ advanced industrial capabilities in high-rate commercial manufacturing and engineering.
The collaboration will focus on three areas: strengthening defense supply chains, advancing manufacturing and design capabilities, and evaluating opportunities to expand production capacity through commercial manufacturing expertise and infrastructure. Initial efforts will include exploring ways to accelerate production readiness and apply proven commercial manufacturing approaches to support defense production requirements.
“America’s security depends not only on developing advanced technologies, but on our ability to produce them quickly, reliably and at scale,” said Frank St. John, chief operating officer, Lockheed Martin. “This collaboration brings together two leaders in American manufacturing and innovation to explore new ways to strengthen the defense industrial base, expand production capacity and accelerate delivery of critical capabilities for the United States and its allies.”
“Working together, GM Defense and Lockheed will further strengthen American manufacturing and national defense by driving greater speed, efficiency, and innovation in the aerospace and defense sectors,” said Steve duMont, president of GM Defense. “Over the coming weeks, we will be working to identify initial projects to pursue together.”
The collaboration reflects growing demand for greater production capacity, supply chain resilience and manufacturing agility across the defense sector. By combining commercial and defense expertise, the companies aim to identify opportunities that can accelerate production timelines while maintaining the quality, performance and reliability standards required for mission-critical systems.
About Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin is a global defense technology company driving innovation and advancing scientific discovery. Our all-domain mission solutions and 21st Century Security® vision accelerate the delivery of transformative technologies to ensure those we serve always stay ahead of ready. More information at www.lockheedmartin.com.
About GM Defense LLC
GM Defense delivers integrated vehicles, power, and autonomy and connectivity solutions to global defense, security, and government markets. The exceptional reliability of GM Defense’s technologies results from decades of proven performance and billions of dollars spent in independent research and development by its parent, General Motors, a world leader in global design, engineering, and manufacturing capabilities. For more information, please visit www.gmdefensellc.com.
Salomon Quest Cold Weather Forces WP EN Boot
Wednesday, June 17th, 2026
During last month’s Operator Expo in Ottawa, 911 Supply showed me the new Salomon Quest Cold Weather Forces WP EN boot.
Built for cold, snowy conditions, as you can see by the temperature rating it fits in between the Quest and Toundra which goes down to -40 degrees C. It features insulation and a waterproof membrane as well as an anti-static, anti-puncture and anti-slip sole.
Offered in Black and Coyote in sizes 4-15 with half sizes up to 13.
www.salomon.com/en-us/product/quest-cw-forces-wp-en-li8968/L49278700
The LunchTime System from Lightbearers
Tuesday, June 16th, 2026Our friends at MATBOCK gave us a look at something get discovered during the 2026 SOMA Scientific Assembly.
I’d simple say it’s a cool med box that slides open, but their description is better.
“The LunchTime System is a compact, rapidly deployable point-of-injury (POI) organization platform designed to stage critical medical components in a consistent, repeatable layout while enabling immediate deployment from a protected carry position.”
The LunchTime System consists of three integrated components that function together as a unified POI deployment platform:
LunchBox – rigid protective enclosure with configurable GripMatrix organization
LunchTray – sliding rapid-deployment interface between LunchBox and LunchBag
LunchBag – hard protective carry and mounting shell
One of the things I like about it is that it incorporates load carrying attachment points.
Available in Black, Green and Tan.
Halite Overbag Pro
Tuesday, June 16th, 2026During OpEx 911 Supply exhibited the Overbag Pro from Norway’s Halite which will add 14 deg C to any sleep system.
Insulated with continuous fiber Climashield APEX insulation with hydrophobic Aquaban DWR treat-ment in combination with a Pertex Quantum shell.
https://www.halite.no/products/overbag
