5th Group entered two Polaris MRZR Alphas in the recent MINT 400 Offroad race in Primm, Nevada.
Special Forces Operational Detachments negotiated the long distance, off-road course to hone their skills and vehicle maneuver capabilities.
Archive for the ‘Army’ Category
5th SFG(A) Runs Two MRZR in MINT 400 Race
Saturday, April 8th, 2023Infantry Squad Vehicle Program Approved for Full-Rate Production
Friday, April 7th, 2023
DETROIT ARSENAL, Mich. — The U.S. Army’s Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV) program was approved by the Program Executive Officer for Combat Support & Combat Service Support (PEO CS&CSS) on March 30 to transition to Full-Rate Production, or FRP. This green light represents a major Army acquisition programmatic milestone in “motorizing” Infantry Brigade Combat Teams, Security Force Assistance Brigades, as well as Army Ranger units. The Army Acquisition Objective currently stands at 2,593 ISVs.
The Army in June 2020 selected GM Defense LLC to produce the ISV. Based on the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 architecture, the ISV derives a high percentage of its parts from commercial-off-the-shelf components. The Army’s newest light tactical vehicle is dubbed a “better boot,” and its basic operational capabilities include:
Nine-Soldier squad carrying capability
3,200-lb. payload
External sling load/external lift by UH-60/CH-47 helicopters
Low-velocity air drop by fixed-wing C-130 and C-17 transport
Exceptional mobility over a wide variety of terrain.
John Hufstedler, product director, Ground Mobility Vehicles, PEO CS&CSS, said, “The comprehensive team responsible for bringing the ISV program to a full-rate production decision not only involves Army Acquisition professionals assigned to our PEO, but also relevant stakeholders and collaborative partners representing the Army’s funding community, Army Futures Command, Army Forces Command, Army Materiel Command and the testing community.
“Soldier touchpoints, developmental testing and operational testing have been key elements throughout the ISV program,” Hufstedler continued. “Leveraging a commercial vehicle and the world-class manufacturing capability of GM Defense has helped compress the time it takes to field a modernized capability meeting infantry Soldiers’ needs.”
The ISV has been rigorously tested, including production qualification testing and transportability certification, which included low-velocity air drops and helicopter sling loading. Developmental and operational testing enable units to train while offering feedback to the requirements and acquisition communities. This is aimed at improving a system’s utility and operational effectiveness in Soldier’s hands, as well as suitability for the environments in which Soldiers train and fight.
Reliability testing concluded earlier this year, which completed the ISV production qualification test.
To date, the Army has accepted more than 300 ISVs and has fielded three brigade sets of 59 vehicles, for a total of 177. The program is on track to continue to meet fielding plans, with two Brigade sets fielding this June.
By Rae Higgins, Program Executive Office Combat Support & Combat Service Support
PM SWAR Vision of the Army Soldier 2030 & Beyond Industry Day
Wednesday, April 5th, 2023Program Executive Office Soldier, Project Manager Soldier Warrior (PM SWAR) is hosting a two-day industry event on 17-18 May 2023 at the Embassy Suites Hotel, 8100 Loisdale Rd., Springfield, VA 22150, to inform DoD Contractors of the PM SWAR vision of the Army Soldier 2030 and beyond.
PM SWAR is interested in DiD contractors with experience in Heads Up Display (HUD) Hardware and Software, Sensor and Laser Technologies, Army Platform Integration, and Wearable Battery Technologies.
DoD participants for this event are:
Program Executive Office Soldier, Project Manager Soldier Warrior
Product Manager (PdM) Integrated Visual Augmentation System (IVAS)
Product Manager Soldier Maneuver Sensors (SMS)
Product Manager Soldier Precision Target Devices (SPTD)
Program Executive Office Simulation, Training and Instrumentation, Project Manager Synthetic Environment
Product Manager One World Terrain (OWT)
Program Executive Office Command Control Communications-Tactical (C3T), Project Manager Tactical Radios
Product Manager Handheld, Manpack and Small Form Fit (HMS)
Visit sam.gov to learn more.
3rd Infantry Division Soldiers Win Dragon’s Lair 8
Tuesday, April 4th, 2023
TAMPA, Fla. — The eighth iteration of Dragon’s Lair was co-hosted by the U.S. Special Operations Command and the 18th Airborne Corps, which brought the finalists to the University of South Florida’s Research and Innovation Park in Tampa on Mar. 29, 2023.
During the competition, seven innovations that were developed by individuals and teams were presented in front of a panel of expert judges from government, industry, academia and investors. Each innovator had seven minutes to present the concept, scope and application of their ideas, which was followed by 12 minutes of questions generated by the judging panel.
After careful deliberation, the judges selected the Mold Conditions Awareness Tool, or MCAT, that was presented by U.S. Army 1st Lt. Chris Aliperti and Pvt. Salem Ezz from the 3rd Infantry Division, as the top innovation of Dragon’s Lair 8.
The MCAT is a specialized 3D-printed device that uses sensors to detect temperature and humidity levels within barracks rooms to identify early signs of mold. The data is ingested in real-time to an application through Wi-Fi that enhances military leaders and barracks managers’ visualization to assess the conditions and remediate through taking action.
“Dragon’s Lair was a great opportunity to present our ideas to leaders across the Department of Defense and the civilian sector,” Aliperti said. “It is not every day you get to present your ideas on improving the Army to a three and four-star general, so it was a great honor to be selected.”
Aliperti and Ezz expected the first problem they would address would focus on national security. “We did not expect to find the greatest threat to our Soldiers right now was within their own living areas,” said Aliperti.
The 18th Airborne Corps was fortunate to have Ms. Kathi Vidal, U.S. Undersecretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the U.S. Patent and Trade Office, as a judge. Her experience and resources will help the innovator service members find a pathway to patent their intellectual property.
“I thought all the ideas today were so phenomenal,” said Vidal. “We saw these innovators really put their boots on the ground to see their projects through and create concrete solutions for real problems the Army currently faces.”
Ezz spent months developing the MCAT, and now it is being beta tested in barracks on Fort Stewart.
“It feels great to be recognized for our technical skills in software engineering and product management,” said Ezz. “This tool has been months in the making and it feels great that the hard work has been recognized by the Department of Defense.”
U.S. Army Gen. Bryan Fenton, commander of USSOCOM, presented Certificates of Achievement to the seven competing teams, thanking them all for their participation in Dragon’s Lair.
Canadian Army Brigadier General Pierre “Pete” Huet, the Assistant Commanding General of Operations, 18th Airborne Corps, directs modernization and innovation initiatives for the Corps.
“This was the best episode of Dragon’s Lair yet,” said Huet. “These innovators had their voices heard by industry and military leaders, and their concepts will make a real impact across the U.S. Department of Defense.”
With their selection, Aliperti and Ezz each were presented with the Meritorious Service Medal, they will be allowed to attend a military school of choice, and they will receive the support and resources from U.S. Special Operations Command and the 18th Airborne Corps to propel their idea’s implementation across the U.S. Department of Defense.
Story by SGT Jameson Harris
Photos by SGT Maxine Baen
82nd Abn Div Stands Up Gainey Company (Provisional)
Monday, April 3rd, 2023
Last week the 82nd Airborne Division stood their newest unit, Gainey Company in a provisional status as a dedicated innovation asset named in honor of retired CSM William Gainey.
Gainey Co (Provisional) is charged with challenging how the Division operates, becoming lighter, faster, and more lethal, ensuring that the 82nd’s Paratroopers are prepared to face any threat when they hit the drop zone.
The 82nd Abn Div has been leaning forward in the foxhole, working hard to integrate unmanned systems into how the Division fights and sponsoring the Airborne Innovation Lab. Gainey Co (Provisional) solidifies the Division’s dedication to adapting to the modern battlefield.
IVAS 1.2
Monday, April 3rd, 2023
IVAS 1.2 features an improved form factor and a lower profile heads-up display with distributed counterweight for improved user interface and comfort.
Cadet Sisters Compete at the US Army Small Arms Championships
Saturday, April 1st, 2023
Fort Benning, Georgia — This year’s U.S. Army Small Arms Championships was more than just a unique training event for two Texas A&M Reserve Officers’ Training Corps cadets, it was a family affair.
Cadets Hayle Mayer and Jesse Mayer, who are sisters, participated in the week-long, comprehensive, live-fire marksmanship training event that brings together more than 250 Soldiers from across the U.S. Army to the Maneuver Center of Excellence. The annual event, which is commonly called the All Army, is hosted by the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit and opens up with All Army competitors receiving a variety of classes from the USAMU champions and experienced trainers.
After that, the Soldier competitors, who were a mix of servicemembers from active duty, Reserve, National Guard and ROTC, put the lessons to the test on the ranges by competing in 11 different courses of fire during the week. The variety of matches allowed the Soldiers to compete in both rifle and pistol matches, with and without combat gear, as well a four-stage multigun match.
As a senior, All Army 2023 was Jesse’s second year to compete and the cadet said each year has been extremely helpful in developing her Soldier skills.
“I think both times that I have come here, I have really grown as a marksman…just learning the basics, what I am capable of, watching improvement each year, and just learning how complex marksmanship is. It’s been really incredible each time.”
For her sophomore sister, Hayle, it was her first All Army experience. With limited prior marksmanship experience and spending all week with an array of Soldiers with a range of marksmanship knowledge, Hayle said she was trying to absorb all that she could.
“I am just learning basically everything you can about shooting.”
Though Hayle and Jesse may at be different levels of marksmanship knowledge, the sisters say that military life in general is nothing new to them. In fact, they were born into that life since both their parents were Marines, both grandfathers were Soldiers and a grandmother was an Airman.
That meant that military life was just always there. It’s what we saw and respected, Jesse explained.
“Everyone was so disciplined and so patriotic. There was just such a higher purpose to the military that I always saw, and I wanted to be part of that.”
So when it came time for college, joining an Army ROTC program was nothing out of the ordinary because both our parents instilled a strong sense of independence and strength in us, Jesse said.
“Our parents really made sure that we always knew that we were capable of anything that we wanted to do. So there was nothing stopping us, as long as we put our minds to it and put in the hard work.”
And that’s exactly why Hayle and Jesse were at All Army. As part of their ROTC’s Ranger Challenge Team, the cadets competed in the USAMU training event to gather experience and knowledge that they could later share with other cadets. That way, the A&M Team will be stronger and more knowledgeable before we go to the Sandhurst Military Skills Competition at West Point, Hayle explained.
“We all want each other to do the best that we can.”
Jesse reflected that same espirit de corps as well when asked about if her and her little sister were competitive with each other.
“We are very competitive with each other, but also very supportive I think — we balance each other out.”
Sharing knowledge with her teammates, and her little sister, is just a way to pave it forward and frankly, just how we were brought up, Jesse explained.
“Growing up, I watched it—the honor, the sacrifice, and what it meant to give back and serve other people, your Country and your family.”
With all that, Jesse is proud to say that she is contracted to commission in May of 2024 and looks forward to carrying on her family’s tradition of service.
“It means a lot to me to serve my Country, to push myself in any way that I can, and it is part of a family legacy—being in the military—and I just want to complete that and do that for my family.”
Though military service is a tradition in the family, Hayle says it’s not something she feels like she has to do as well. She just wants to do it too, and that’s the advice she’d give to any other young adult, or even a little sister.
“Hold yourself to your own standards, not the standards of other people. If you want to do something, then that’s just the fact and just do it.”
By LTC Michelle Lunato
1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) Tests New Prototype Glider
Friday, March 31st, 2023
YUMA PROVING GROUND, Ariz. – In February 2023, 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) successfully tested a new unmanned aerial delivery platform, the GD-2000 glider (glider disposable 2000 lbs.). This glider is an alternative to the current means of supply delivery into diverse environments. Implementation of the glider will result in enhanced capabilities of the Special Forces detachments deployed through varied, and often restrictive, terrain.
Timely and accurate resupply is imperative to the success of combat operations.
This success does not only lie with the operators on the ground but also with utilizing emerging technology. The GD-2000 is a glider platform that Special Operation Forces innovators hope will revolutionize aerial delivery to Green Berets in the field.
“It’s an autonomous aircraft that carries 1,500 pounds of payload,” said Chip Yates, CEO of Yates Electrospace, and the creator of the glider.
“It flies for 15 minutes, flares and lands where you want it,” he continued.
Traditional supply delivery systems can be more cumbersome and more detectable by the enemy when compared with the glider. It was birthed out of a request from the U.S. Marine Corps as an alternative to the Joint Precision Air Drop System (JPADS). JPADS tend to be both larger in size and have limited ability to maneuver through the air, making them less accurate, especially over long distances or in high-wind conditions.
“What this glider does is give us a much greater [travel distance] and a much greater glide ratio into a target,” said a Special Forces detachment commander, whose team tested the glider.
The GD-2000 is a small aircraft designed to land at a precise location while being released from a greater distance than traditional supply drops. The glider can travel up to 40 miles once released and is completely disposable once on the ground, allowing it to be left in denied or contested territory without compromising the security of the Soldiers receiving the supplies or the technologies or techniques employed by the U.S. military.
“If we are able to get [the glider] up to 40,000 feet we’re looking at [travel distances] in excess of 25 to 30 miles. That’s a pretty unique capability and not matched by anything we currently have,” the commander said.
This would also allow for aerial delivery to remote islands that require a greater level of precision to reliably reach their destination. With some modifications, the designer of the glider claims it can also land and be recovered in a maritime environment, further enhancing resupply capabilities to the sort of small islands often found in the Indo-Pacific.
During the testing, the GD-2000 carried a 1,000-pound payload and was airdropped from a C-27J plane. During several drops, the glider landed within 30 meters of its intended target at Yuma Proving Grounds, Arizona. The hull of the aircraft was still intact and protected the cargo inside.
“[The glider] gives us the ability to drop this from a plane outside of controlled airspace into international air space and fly resupply in from an unmanned autonomous craft. It’s a huge enhancement to the mission” the commander said.
1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) is committed to innovating beyond the status quo. Today’s tests and experiments are done to ensure that tomorrow’s problems do not catch us off-guard. Enhancing our capabilities fosters an environment of competency within the unit and allows for our Soldiers to continue the mission of maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific.
Story by SGT Thoman Johnson, 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne)
