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The VSLAP-V1 from B.E. Meyers & Co., Inc. at SOF Week 2026

Monday, May 18th, 2026

B.E. Meyers & Co., Inc., a Defense Technology Manufacturer specializing in advanced photonic solutions for military, law enforcement, consumer, and aerospace applications worldwide, is proud to highlight their new VSLAP® series a compact high-power near infrared target pointer and illuminator. The VSLAP®-V1 is the latest device in production from the B.E. Meyers & Co. line of high-power lasers designed to enhance air-to-ground pointing, illumination, and communication. Its superior design provides increased output, ergonomic form factor, and better integration with weapon systems.

B.E. Meyers & Co. will be at Booth 1153 at this year’s SOF Week in Tampa, Florida from 18-21 May 2026.

Since the 1993 release of the IZLID®, B.E. Meyers & Co. has set the standard for high powered Near-Infrared laser pointers and illuminators. The IZLID®series is used in TACP, CCT, JTAC, SOTAC, ANGLICO and JFO applications and for other air-to-ground integration and communication needs. It’s now a widely used product by military agencies around the world chosen for its high power, ergonomics, ruggedness, and weapon system adaptability. Learning from decades of battlefield experience with the IZLID®, B.E. Meyers & Co. has further innovated with the introduction of the VSLAP®. The VSLAP® will continue to support warfighters with the same capability as the IZLID®, but with continued innovation to ergonomics, power output and weapon system integration.

At the core of the VSLAP® is B.E. Meyers & Co.’s patented DeathStar™ technology that co-aligns six individual laser diodes into a single concentrated beam, outputting up to 1.21 Watts of power. These co-aligned beams diverge over long distances and create the perception of a single beam with a much larger profile than traditional laser systems. The increased size of the beam profile increases its long-range visibility for high altitude aircraft communication. On-target illumination clarity is also improved by the six lasers in the DeathStar™ system. As the beams diverge downrange, they begin to overlap each other, which removes the inconsistencies in each of the individual defused Edge Emitting Lasers (EEL). This is vital for situational awareness when using the VSLAP®s 2.5º flood for target illumination.

The design of the VSLAP® allows for single handed operation and manipulation of the systems controls. The power lever allows users to choose between four power settings with just their thumb: Off, Low, Medium and High. These settings provide a wide range of power outputs, allowing the user to select the appropriate output for the environment. The top of the device has two fire buttons which sit in a natural position of the users’ fingers. An easily distinguishable constant on fire button, a secondary pulse fire button with settings at 2Hz, 5Hz, 10Hz and an unmistakable arrhythmic setting. Beam divergence is quickly adjustable by turning the front collar 1/8 turn to transition from a pointer to a 2.5º flood.

The VSLAP® can also be utilized on various weapon systems from Crew Served Weapons to rotary wing aircraft platforms. For these uses the device supports azimuth and elevation adjustments for precise targeting alignment. The built in proprietary Wakizashi® port allows simultaneous remote control and power supply, allowing a single operator to activate the laser while firing. Additionally, the Wakizashi® port supports data transfer, allowing users to remotely control the laser’s settings.

The VSLAP® is the next evolution of high-power, long-range combat communication and situational awareness. Its revolutionary DeathStar™ technology creates a substantial battlefield advantage to help our warfighters ensure mission success and bring them home safely.

For more information on the VSLAP® and other B.E. Meyers & Co., Inc products, please visit our video here: www.youtube.com

For specifications, please visit our product page here:
www.bemeyers.com/products/pointing-illumination/series/vslap/vslap

BFG Monday: Your Chemlight Bundle Is Obsolete

Monday, May 18th, 2026

For decades, deploying chemlights meant relying on an outdated and improvised process. Operators had to unwrap individual chem lights, bundle them together with 550 cord, tape them to control light output, then figure out how to secure the entire setup to a belt or kit using additional retention methods or carabiners. The process added unnecessary bulk, increased weight, and consumed valuable time better spent on weapons maintenance, mission planning, equipment preparation, and other tasks critical to operational readiness.

That is no longer the standard.

Blue Force Gear is proud to introduce the patent pending MARCO HR, a purpose built chemlight deployment system engineered for professional end users operating in environments where speed and efficiency matter.

Built for Modern Operations

Built from rugged injection molded nylon, the MARCO HRcarries and deploys thirty 2 inch chemlights in one compact system weighing only 9.6 ounces loaded. Traditional taped chemlight bundles can weigh nearly two pounds once assembled, adding unnecessary bulk to an already demanding loadout.

Using a palm actuated mechanical design, the MARCO HR simultaneously deploys and activates each chemlight instantly without additional handling or visual confirmation.

No tape. No wasted motion. The MARCO HR allows users to maintain concentration and situational awareness without looking down to confirm chemlight activation during low light operations.

The result is faster deployment, reduced movement, and improved efficiency during low light operations wheremaintaining focus matters.

The MARCO HR can be loaded in under one minute using the user’s preferred chemlight color including blue, green, red, IR, and white options which are sold separately.

This is not an incremental improvement to an old concept. It is a complete replacement for an outdated method that has remained unchanged for decades.

For more than twenty years, Blue Force Gear has led the industry by challenging conventional equipment design through advanced materials, patented technologies, and a relentless focus on reducing unnecessary weight without sacrificing durability or capability. From weapon slings and load carriage systems to pouch design and attachment technology, BFG products are trusted by military and law enforcement professionals worldwide because they are engineered to solve real operational problems.

Because lightweight equipment is not about comfort. It is about preserving mobility, reducing fatigue, and increasing effectiveness when performance matters most.

For users who prefer a more traditional carry configuration, the MARCO HR can also be paired with the new Ten-Speed Belt Pouch Hanger, which holds three larger chem sticks while maintaining a cleaner and more streamlined profile than traditional taped bundles.

The era of taped chemlight bundles is over.

The MARCO HR has arrived.

Learn more about the MARCO HR and the full MARCO Family of Marking Light Dispensers at www.blueforcegear.com.

For units seeking to increase survivability and operational performance through reduced load carriage by upgrading to Helium Whisper, contact the Blue Force Gear Military Department or visit BlueForceGear.com.

FirstSpear to Exhibit at SOF Week 2026, Showcasing Recon K9 Integration and Maritime Capabilities

Saturday, May 16th, 2026

FENTON, Mo. (May 14, 2026) FirstSpear®, the industry leader in innovation and standard-setting load-bearing technology and personal protective equipment, will exhibit at SOF Week 2026, taking place May 18–21, 2026, in Tampa, Florida. FirstSpear’s booth will be located in the Bayshore Ballroom at the Hilton Tampa Downtown as part of SOF Select, a focused industry exhibition running alongside the main SOF Week event. The booth will showcase FirstSpear’s full platform lineup alongside the newly integrated Recon K9® brand, with live demonstrations scheduled throughout the week.

SOF Week is the premier annual convention for the global special operations community, co-hosted by U.S. Special Operations Command and the Global SOF Foundation, drawing operators, acquisition leaders, government officials, and industry partners from around the world.

Recon K9 Live Demonstration

On Tuesday, May 19, FirstSpear will host a live Multi-Purpose Canine (MPC) demonstration in the courtyard of the Hilton Tampa Downtown, led by Jason Watson, founder of Recon K9.

The demonstration will feature a working K9 outfitted in Recon K9’s DT Alpha™ modular vest system, complete with an integrated camera rigging to showcase real-world operational capability, modular load carriage, and the equipment standard trusted by military, law enforcement, and federal agency K9 teams.

FirstSpear announced an exclusive, ten-year licensing and operations agreement with Recon K9, through which FirstSpearhas assumed full responsibility for the sales, marketing, manufacturing, distribution, and logistics of the Recon K9 brand, with Watson joining the FirstSpear team as part of the transition.

“In the SOF community, the K9 is not merely an asset; they are a fellow operator,” said Jon Laplume, FirstSpear co-founder and vice president of SOF Strategy and Product Development. “Our integration of Recon K9 applies FirstSpear’s material science and manufacturing precision to these products. We are making a strategic commitment to the safety and lethality of the entire team.

Featured Recon K9 products on display will include the DT Alpha Vest™ with Coverlet System™, OTB Ruck™, and Aviation Parachute Bag™.

Maritime Capabilities Demonstration with Prime Hall and Deep End Fitness

On Wednesday, May 20, FirstSpear will lead an off-site product demonstration at Bobby Hicks Pool (4120 W. Mango Ave., Tampa, FL 33616), running from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The demonstration will be supported by Deep End Fitness and Prime Hall, FirstSpear’s lead maritime Vanguard.

Hall, a former U.S. Marine Raider and water survival instructor, was appointed to the FirstSpear Vanguard Program earlier this year. In that role, he serves as a subject matter expert in FirstSpear maritime platforms. The demonstration will highlight the AAC Frog™ Kit (Assaulter Armor Carrier Frog Kit), including the patented Cummerbund Tactical Aid to Flotation (CTAF)™, which has become the standard for maritime operations across USSOCOM, the U.S. Air Force, and the U.S. Coast Guard.

“When seconds count, our maritime operators need equipment that helps them remain undetected, agile, and mission-ready,” said Hall. “The AAC-FROG and CTAF systems were engineered to provide that advantage, combining patented, low-profile design with industry-leading buoyancy, giving operators more lift, more mobility, and more survivability when it matters most.”

Booth and Product Focus

FirstSpear’s SOF Select booth will feature its full maritime and aviation platform suite, including the AAC Frog™ Kit, ABAV™ (Aircrew Body Armor Vest), CTAF™, FirstSpear LVPC™ (Low Visibility Plate Carrier), and new SOF requirement-driven chest rig configurations, alongside the full Recon K9® product lineup.

For technical inquiries related to K9, flotation, CTAF™, AAC-FROG, or other FirstSpear products, visit the FirstSpear booth.To request a meeting during SOF Week, contact sales@First-Spear.com

Catch Up with Hudson Supplies at OpEx 2026

Friday, May 15th, 2026

See the latest from Hudson during the upcoming Operator Expo, May 27 & 28, at the Infinity Convention Centre in Ottawa.

UNITY Tactical Hires MIKE Silva as Vice President OF Global Sales and Business Development

Friday, May 15th, 2026

Industry Veteran Brings Experience to Lead Global Sales and Growth Initiatives

May 14, 2026 (Broussard, LA) – UNITY Tactical®, a designer of components that integrate tactical systems and optimize the human factor, announced the hire of Mike Silva as vice president of global sales and business development. In this role, Silva joins the executive leadership team and is responsible for leading UNITY’s sales and business development efforts across its diverse professional and enthusiast markets worldwide. He will oversee the strategic expansion of UNITY’s global footprint, manage domestic and international partner networks, and direct capture strategy and program management for high-level defense and law enforcement contracts globally.

Silva is an industry veteran who brings more than 10 years of relevant experience. He spent seven years serving as director of business development to the U.S. DOD for Team Wendy® (an Avon Protection PLC company), where he managed sales and business development across all branches of military service. During his tenure, Silva successfully spearheaded strategic initiatives that drove a significant increase in military sales. His leadership there included standing up the NAVAIR HGU-98/P helmet program from its inception to the delivery of over 80,000 helmets for Navy and Marine Corps maintainers.

“Mike will bring an informed perspective to UNITY®,” said Jose Rizo-Patron, president of UNITY Tactical. “His experience leading business development efforts coupled with his deep understanding of the defense market will usher continued growth as we continue to expand our global footprint.”

“UNITY has established an unmatched reputation for innovation, product quality, and a relentless focus on optimizing the human factor,” Silva said. “As an avid hunter, I was a UNITY customer prior to joining the company. I am honored to join this incredibly talented team during such a dynamic period of global growth, and I look forward to delivering UNITY’s cutting-edge solutions to our military, law enforcement, and civilian customers worldwide.”

Prior to joining UNITY Tactical, Silva most recently served as director of business development and strategy for Clandestine Media Group™, leading client strategy and growth initiatives across defense, tactical and commercial markets through integrated media and marketing solutions. Before his time at Clandestine, he was the director of business development for Opto-Knowledge Systems Inc. (OKSI™), where he focused on government and B2B opportunities that aligned with the company’s technology roadmap.

Wilcox Industries Unveils the MINI-GL40: An Advanced, Modular 40mm Grenade Fire Control System

Friday, May 15th, 2026

NEWINGTON, NH, May 14th, 2026 – Wilcox Industries, a global leader in innovative weapon-mounting solutions and combat?ready technologies, today announced the release of the MINI-GL40™ Grenade Launcher Platform, a fully modernized and highly durable 40mm standalone system engineered for the evolving needs of today’s grenadier. The MINI-GL40 represents a significant advancement over traditional grenade launcher configurations, combining durability, ergonomics, integrated fire?control technology, and mission-adaptive performance in a single, lightweight package.

Re-Engineered for Modern Combat Requirements

At the core of the MINI-GL40 is a unique steel?lined barrel, designed to eliminate the accelerated wear commonly seen with aluminum-barreled launchers, especially when firing breaching rounds. Operators can confidently fire any length, low-velocity 40mm round without compromising barrel life or system reliability. Wilcox has also introduced a streamlined receiver, improved breach-opening controls, and redesigned ambidextrous safety selector switches, resulting in enhanced ergonomics and reduced overall weight.

Integrated RAAM GSS™ M Fire Control System

Every MINI-GL40 comes equipped with the Wilcox Rapid Acquisition Aiming Module – Grenadier Sighting System (RAAM GSS™ M), an advanced fire control suite featuring:

• A built-in ballistic computer and environmental sensors

• User-selectable ballistic tables and a two-position quick-select switch

• Automatic POA/POI adjustment based on ammunition type and target distance

• Day/Night capability with VIS laser, NIR aiming laser, and NIR illuminator

• An easy-to-read OLED display for accurate ranging and impact prediction

This integration dramatically increases hit probability day or night in complex combat conditions, reduces loadout requirements, and eliminates reliance on multiple external accessories that typically add weight, cables, and additional failure points.  The MINI-GL40 is sold as a complete system, and Wilcox will retrofit the RAAM GSS to previously purchased units at no cost.

A New Standard in Grenadier Capability

By consolidating what traditionally required multiple accessories, optics, lasers, switches, power sources into one cohesive platform, the MINI-GL40 gives operators more capability with fewer components, reducing weight, complexity, and potential failure points. This enhances fleet readiness and ensures operators can focus on the mission!

More Information

For additional information and product resources, please visit www.wilcoxind.com/MINI-GL40 or call 603-431-1331.

FirstSpear Friday Focus: FirstSpear X ATLAS46 Collection

Friday, May 15th, 2026

Atlas46 was founded in 2013 with one mission: to build American-made gear for professionals who can’t afford equipment failure. Now, Atlas46 and FirstSpear are teaming up for the first time with a nine (9) piece collection of MultiCam and Hi-Vis Orange products built for the tradesmen, maintainers, armorers, and technicians who keep America’s infrastructure running.

This isn’t lifestyle gear for social media photoshoots. The MultiCam 500D Nylon Duck Canvas exterior, known for its abrasion-resistance and durable, tactical-grade performance, is built for shipyards, flight lines, forward operating bases, and maintenance facilities where dirt, grease, and hard use are part of the uniform. The Hi-Vis Orange interior exists to help in finding the right tool fast when the clock is running.

The Pouch products use Atlas46’s AIMS and AIMS2 attachment systems, delivering 360-degree rotation in 15-degree increments with no tools or screws required. The MURPHY TOOL SPEED POUCH, COMPACT DOUBLE STACK TOOL POUCH, PROFESSIONAL TECHNICIAN’S POUCH, and 7 POCKET ELECTRICIANS POUCH are built to keep essential tools organized, accessible, and ready for work.

The Yorktown Carry Line includes theSAE, METRIC and MINI Yorktown Tool Rolls. Every piece is designed around the same principle: every tool has a place and wasted movement wastes time.The GEAR CARRY BAG and WIDE MOUTH TOOL TOTE are the ideal solutions for rugged, high-capacity general-purpose bags for professionals or do-it-yourself enthusiasts looking for fast access and reliable storage on the job. 

Made in the USA and Berry Compliant, this collection is built for the professionals who build, repair, and sustain the backbone of American capability. Because nobody wants to explain to the boss that the job got delayed because someone couldn’t find a 10mm socket. Visit First-Spear.com/Collections/Atlas46 to explore the entire collection.

To request an estimate click image above or visit First-Spear.com/Request-For-Estimate. FirstSpear is the premier source for cutting-edge tactical gear for military, law enforcement and those who train. For more information visit First-Spear.com.

Darley Recognized as a US Best Managed Company

Thursday, May 14th, 2026

ITASCA, IL, May 13th, 2026 — Darley is proud to announce it has been selected as a 2026 US Best Managed Company. Sponsored by Deloitte Private* and The Wall Street Journal, the program recognizes outstanding U.S. private companies.

The 2026 designees are U.S. private companies that have demonstrated excellence in strategic planning and execution, a commitment to their people, as well as maintaining financial performance and governance. This year’s class is making bold investments in digital transformation, including AI capabilities, and demonstrates the ability to drive sustainable growth and maintain resilience during times of volatility. Best Managed Companies are built on a foundation of trust and reflect a sense of purpose that fosters connections with their employees, customers and communities.

Ashley Everson, Chief Human Resources Officer, comments: “This recognition belongs to our people. Earning the U.S. Best Managed Companies award for a second year highlights the strength of our team, our culture of collaboration, and our shared commitment to operational excellence and disciplined growth.”

Applicants are evaluated and selected by a panel of external judges focused on assessing hallmarks of excellence in four key areas: strategy, ability to execute, corporate culture, and governance/financial performance. They join a global ecosystem of honorees from more than 44 countries recognized by the Best Managed Companies program.

About the Best Managed Companies Program

The Best Managed Companies program is a mark of excellence for private companies. U.S. designees have revenues of at least $250 million. Hundreds of private companies around the world have competed for this designation in their respective countries through a rigorous and independent process that evaluates four key criteria in their management skills and practices — strategy, execution, culture, and governance/financials. U.S. program sponsors are Deloitte Private and The Wall Street Journal. For more information, visit www.usbestmanagedcompanies.com