Welcome to the annual Wreck-It Ralph Convention!
Please join us as we endeavour to cover the massive Special Operations Forces Week event sponsored by the Global SOF Foundation.
Archive for the ‘Admin’ Category
2026 SOF Week
Tuesday, May 19th, 2026Here We Stand – 18 Years On
Sunday, May 17th, 2026
Today we celebrate our 18th anniversary of daily publication with this 42,658th post. It’s been a great trip and we look forward to many more.
Dear Industry – Cut The Slop
Friday, May 15th, 2026Dear Industry,
For the past several years we have been VERY generous here at SSD in publishing your press releases free of charge, regardless of whether you are an advertiser or not.
What’s more, despite being very clear that we don’t accept them in Adobe Acrobat format (PDF) we’ve republished entirely too many, even though they take a great deal of time to correct the multiple issues you introduce by sharing them in such a ridiculous format.
But now things have gone too far. Many of you have begun to use AI to create craptastic press releases. Referred to as “slop” for good reason, they sound awful when read aloud and are replete with artifacts on the back end.
No more…
As of today, we are no longer accepting narrative slop. It hurts our website’s reputation to publish this junk, both to our readership and to the AI looking for AI content to suppress in search engines.
Go and pay a human to create press releases, or write them yourselves. If however, you use tasteful images that have been created using AI such as the one above, we will accept those, but not that other junk.
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Eric G
Founder
101st ABN DIV (AA) First to Employ Aevex Atlas Technology at JRTC
Thursday, April 30th, 2026
FORT POLK, La.– The 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) became the first Division to use an Aevex Atlas Uncrewed Aircraft System (UAS) at the Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC), Fort Polk, Louisiana, April 5, 2026. Soldiers went through a mix of intensive classroom instruction, hands-on machine and flight operations. The comprehensive training culminates in the system’s first validation during the unit’s Combine Arms Live Fire Exercise (CALFEX), April 18, 2026.
The rotation marks the first integration of the Atlas system at JRTC, a result of the company’s partnership with Project Manager Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (PM UAS) to provide Soldiers with advanced loitering munition and UAS capabilities through flight simulations and mission planning.
“This is the product’s first time at JRTC. This is a new milestone. This product will be graded [at the CALFEX], it’ll be interesting to get that feedback from the operations group,” said Caroline Christian, Logistics Analyst, PM UAS.
As a multi-domain Group II Launched Effects system, the Atlas can be deployed from land, air, or sea. It provides forward-stationed commanders with organic, instant access to Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance (ISR) assets and smart munitions, significantly enhancing lethality at the Forward Line of Troops (FLOT).
The Atlas includes a scout drone, which surveys, finds targets, and can be seen through a live video feed on the handheld Soldier Robotic Controller (SROC). The Atlas autonomous attack drone, called a “Storm”, enables Soldiers to command precision strikes on targets in contested and denied environments.
By utilizing these autonomous systems, units can execute fire support missions without exposing personnel to enemy counter-fire.
“No human life is in danger when these attack drones are employed,” said Staff Sgt. Randy Denson, 3rd Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault).
The primary objective of PM UAS is to replace physical exposure with technological endurance. For the leadership at PM UAS, the value of the Aevex system is simple: it is better to lose a drone than a life.
“These drones keep our Soldiers out of harm’s way and safe. Pieces of metal can go in front of the line and get shot down. And Soldiers can be kept safe,” said Heather Cole, Assistant Product Manager, PM UAS.
Building proficiency with the Atlas system requires high-volume repetition. Soldiers “learn by doing”, an approach deeply rooted in Army doctrine.
“We want to make Soldiers bored, not because it’s boring, but I mean repetition,” said Blaine Tirendi, Director of Group 2 UAS, Aevex “So we’re having them plan different missions…So they understand the graphic user interface.”
Soldiers have noted the effectiveness of this “learn-by-doing” method.
“We’re on day six of training, [I feel] eight or nine out of 10 proficiency with the system,” said Staff Sgt. William Shouse, 3rd Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault).
By putting Aevex’s Atlas directly into the hands of 101st Soldiers, PM UAS is ensuring that the next generation of technology is built for the user, by the user.
“Our main mission is to get feedback from the Soldiers so that we can improve the technology,” said Cole.“We’re trying to make sure the technology grows so that it helps Soldiers in a wartime situation.”
The end state is for Soldiers to become self-sufficient in employing the Atlas system during high-intensity operations. Having the technology in the hands of the 101st allows developers to refine the platform for the future fight.
“The Aevex engineers who designed the Atlas system are here to integrate Soldiers’ feedback in real time. That feedback loop is very quick, we’re making changes and maturing the technology right now,” said Christian.
By SPC Mariam Diallo
National Service Animals Monument Receives $1 Million Donation, Marking Major Milestone Toward First Federally Authorized Monument Honoring Service Animals
Sunday, March 29th, 2026WASHINGTON, March 25, 2026 — The National Service Animals Monument (NSAM) today announced it has received an unrestricted $1 million donation, paid in full this month, accelerating efforts to build the nation’s first federally authorized monument honoring service animals and their handlers.
This landmark effort, led by NSAM—the nonprofit leading the initiative—and lead sponsor, the United States War Dogs Association , unites military, law enforcement, and assistance-animal communities in a historic national tribute in the Washington, DC region.
The announcement comes on the heels of a major legislative achievement. In 2023, bipartisan legislation signed by Joe Biden authorized the construction of the National Service Animals Monument on federal land in Washington, DC. Once completed, the monument will stand as a permanent tribute to the animals and handlers who have served—and sacrificed—throughout American history.
“This is a great kickoff to our capital campaign,” said Susan Bahary , founder and chair of NSAM and a renowned sculptor of national monuments honoring military and service animals. “We’re deeply grateful to the U.S. War Dogs Association for their leadership, vision, and support of this national monument that will be a tribute to those who served, both human and animal kind.”
NSAM has set an ambitious goal of raising $25 million and is inviting individuals, corporations, and foundations to support the creation of what leaders describe as a lasting national treasure.
“These animals are silent heroes of American service,” Bahary added. “They didn’t just assist—they protected, rescued, and saved lives. This monument will give them a permanent place in our nation’s heart.”
Chris Willingham , president of the United States War Dogs Association and a retired U.S. Marine Corps Master Sergeant who dedicated much of his 20-year career to the Military Working Dog Program, emphasized the importance of national recognition for both animals and handlers across all branches of service.
“For US War Dogs, a national monument that raises the status of our military K-9s is an essential education tool and a way to honor the legacies of MWDs past, present and future,” said Willingham. “We admire all that the board at NSAM is doing to bring this monument to life and feel privileged to play a small part in this significant project.”
The National Service Animals Monument will be the first of its kind to honor service animals and their human partners across the military, law enforcement, and assistance sectors—past, present, and future. It will highlight the extraordinary human-animal bond, including the life-changing impact of guide and assistance dogs that enable independence and transform the lives of veterans, first responders, and civilians.
Beyond recognition, the monument aims to serve as an enduring educational and cultural landmark—one that reflects core American values of service, sacrifice, duty, courage, and partnership. NSAM leaders believe its placement in a prominent, accessible location in the nation’s capital will create a powerful space for public reflection and national remembrance.
Through this initiative, NSAM seeks to elevate national awareness of the profound ways animals and humans serve one another under extraordinary circumstances, contributing meaningfully to the broader conversation about American values and the meaning of service.
Platatac – OT Shirt
Saturday, March 28th, 2026Platatac’s pitch for their new OT shirts is straightforward.
You already know the problem.
Too hot. Holds sweat. Useless under kit.
They aim to fix it.
Built to run under tactical gear or on their own — on task, in training, at work, or when things ramp up.
What matters:
Lightweight. Fast-drying. Perforated 75% Nylon / 25%
Spandex stretch. SPF 50+ UV Protection.
Already moving fast — and the ones running them aren’t giving them up.
Short Sleeve. Long Sleeve. Long Sleeve w/Hood.
Offered in 10 colours and camo patterns.
Kymeta Unveils New Conflict-Ready Kestrel u5 Satellite Terminal for Modern Warfare Connectivity
Thursday, March 26th, 2026
Redmond, WA – March 24, 2026: Kymeta Corporation, the world-leading flat-panel satellite terminal manufacturer, today announces its new Kestrel™ u5 – the smallest and most capable multi-orbit SATCOM terminal to the unmanned systems and national security sectors.
The Kestrel u5 provides a new and reliable way for modern warfighters and government teams to stay connected and adapt to multiple mission profiles, offering seamless connectivity (switching between beams in under 1 millisecond) across networks, constellations, and LEO, GEO, HEO, and Elliptical orbits. Designed to keep pace with the rapidly evolving technological landscape, this rugged terminal offers future-ready capabilities, including full-duplex functionality and support for remote upgrades.
Purpose-built for operations across land and sea, the Kestrel u5 offers a comprehensive solution for unmanned systems and other platforms. The terminal’s lightweight, low-profile and rugged design have been engineered to match the intense demands of modern warfare, where factors like constant movement, RF jamming, and shock damage continuously threaten the integrity of connectivity systems.
Flexible and easy-to-install, the terminal is comprised of a no-moving-parts architecture that mounts easily to the top of unmanned sea vessels and other next-generation vehicles. Its durability-first design incorporates shock absorption and patent-pending radome technology for optimal water-shedding speed and the ability to withstand, and recover from, periods of submersion in water.
With critical Low Probability of Detection/Interception features (LPD/LPI), the Kestrel u5 offers a best-in-class low thermal signature, underpinned by the terminal’s low power consumption (less than 100 W typical) and passive cooling system. To top its survivability advantage, the terminal’s use of Kymeta’s unique metamaterials-based antenna surface provides a narrow beam, reducing the risk of RF jamming or interference.
The Kestrel u5’s advanced connectivity features are encased in a durable yet highly compact and lightweight form factor (less than 11kg), freeing up valuable turret-top and hull space. Designed to adapt to modern conflict scenarios, the terminal’s slimline, easy-to-integrate form factor combines maximized uptime with flexible installation.
“The evolution of modern warfare has exposed the stark need for resilient, conflict-ready connectivity solutions,” said Tom Goebelbecker, SVP of National Security Programs at Kymeta. “Conflict scenarios are more data-driven and interconnected than ever before. As a result, for modern fighters, losing access to real-time communications and accurate data can mean the difference between success and failure for critical operations.”
“With the Kestrel u5, we have brought to market a connectivity solution that addresses key demands of the rapidly evolving battlefield. With our multi-network approach to LEO and GEO connectivity, this terminal takes a proactive approach to downtime, seamlessly switching across networks and enabling commanders with a redundant PACE plan. This innovative multi-orbit capability is protected by the terminal’s rugged outer layer. And this advanced connectivity and ruggedized form factor is delivered in a package with unmatched SWaP-C. All these factors combine to deliver an entirely new SATCOM capability that is set to change the game in how distributed teams connect, command, and survive.”
The terminal is available for order, with production units expected to become available in the next month. Broader availability is expected following this initial release period, as Kymeta continues to scale production to meet growing customer demand.
At Satellite x GovMilSpace 2026, in Washington D.C., Kymeta and partner SES will be offering live demonstrations of the Kestrel u5 and its advanced capabilities including operation on both GEO and LEO networks. The demonstration will take place on Tuesday, March 24, and Wednesday, March 25, on the rooftop of the Courtyard by Marriott Washington Downtown/Convention Center, marking the first public live viewing of the Kestrel u5 in action.
For further information, visit KymetaCorp.com
Haley Strategic – MOD Placard
Monday, March 9th, 2026
The MOD Placard features MOLLE on all exterior surfaces with built in slots for magazines inserts. Constructed from a single piece of nylon laminate with bartack bonding, it can be configured from a slick placard to a complete rig.
Berry Compliant and offered in MultiCam.
haleystrategic.com/mod-plus-placard-multicam
haleystrategic.com/mod-placard-multicam
