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AV Awarded US Army RCCTO Contract for Kinesis, Named Lead Software & Systems Integrator for HMIF

Tuesday, October 21st, 2025

ARLINGTON, Va.,–AeroVironment, Inc. (“AV”) (NASDAQ: AVAV) today announced a contract award from the U.S. Army Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO) for its tactical mission planning and command and control (C2) software for the Human-Machine Integrated Formations (HMIF) Increment 1 program.

HMIF accelerates the fielding of robotic formations to leverage machines to offload risk and provides Soldiers with additional information for decision-making for armored and infantry formations. Each formation will include ground and air systems and enablers to aid in the human decision-making process to find, fix, and engage enemy targets. HMIF prototype development supports existing and future robotic programs of record by mitigating risk associated with enabling capabilities such as the common architecture, communications and networking.

AV’s software solution, Kinesis, will provide a unified interface to meet the needs of HMIF for mission planning, tactical awareness, autonomy management, and payload control to simplify complex operations and accelerate mission capabilities with unmatched scale and speed.

“AV’s Kinesis software is a true force multiplier that allows a single tactical operator to control a mixed fleet of autonomous systems developed by multiple OEMs, transforming military operations and accelerating our combat readiness,” said Jason Hendrix, AV Vice President and General Manager. “By leveraging the simplicity and scalability of our open and modular software ecosystem, RCCTO is developing HMIF for ultimate mission flexibility–helping warfighters quickly, easily, and safely carry out autonomous missions across domains.”

Trace Stevenson, President of Autonomous Systems at AV, added: “We are delivering superior autonomous solutions to warfighters, not just through our trusted and proven platforms but with our advanced controllers and software capabilities that simplify sophisticated operations, augment force capacity, and drive mission outcomes. Together with U.S. Army RCCTO and an incredible team of industry partners, we are pushing the boundaries of the possible in multi-domain operations.”

Kinesis provides interoperability across tactical C2 platforms, including TAK/ATAK. Its built-in Software Developers Kit creates a collaborative development environment for expanded modularity and integrations of third-party software. To support the HMIF program’s software needs, AV is leveraging strategic partnerships with industry leading expertise from Applied Research Associates’ Neya Systems, Parry Labs, and QinetiQ. The team’s collective capabilities will provide robust solutions that offer unmatched operational efficiency and deliver a comprehensive solution for the U.S. Army’s HMIF requirements.

Posted in Army, Contracts, Drone, Press Release | No Comments »

E-4 Mafia

Monday, October 20th, 2025

E-4 Is Not A Pay Grade Its A State Of Mind

When I joined the Army Reserve during my Junior year of High School in 1985 we still had Spec-5 and Spec-6s in my unit although they would change later that year to hard stripe NCOs. Until the late 70s there was an also E-7 version. They were abbreviated SP4 through SP7. When they dropped all but the E-4 version the abbreviation became SPC.

The current rank is a leftover from a period during the Cold War Army which had a traditional striped NonCommissioned Officer track for combat arms Soldiers and a Specialist track for technicians. Allegedly, there were two super grades which would take a Soldier all the way to SP9 but I have yet to actually see any evidence of SP8 or SP9 and the ranks were discontinued in 1968 due to concerns a Specialist could be working for an NCO with a lower pay grade. However, the E-4 through E-7 versions were out there in droves throughout the Vietnam-era. Today, the pay grade of E-4 is the largest single pay grade in the Army and is crucial to getting things done. We salute you!

E-Mafia is offering a bundle of OCP embroidered Specialist Rank from Spec-5 through Spec-9 along with a slew of E-4 Mafia morale boosters.

Posted in Army, History, Morale | 2 Comments »

The Janus Program: Fueling the Army’s Future with Resilient, On-Demand Nuclear Energy

Saturday, October 18th, 2025

WASHINGTON — The Army highlighted its commitment to innovation, readiness and partnership during the Association of the United States Army’s Annual Meeting and Exposition October 14.

Secretary of the Army the Honorable Dan Driscoll announced the launch of The Janus Program, a next-generation nuclear power program designed to provide resilient, secure and reliable energy, strengthening warfighter readiness and combat lethality.

The Army is serving as the executive agent on The Janus Program, fulfilling President Trump’s Executive Order to advance nuclear technologies for national security by 2028. This program will ensure nuclear energy is a decisive advantage for the U.S. Army.

“This is about warfighting power,” said Secretary Driscoll, “Project Janus ensures our warfighters can train, deploy, and fight with the certainty that power will never be the limiting factor in victory.”

Modern combat depends on reliable energy sources to conduct global operations. The Janus Program will provide critical power to our installations and their communication networks, weapons systems, and command nodes. Janus is designed to prevent installation and mission vulnerability to grid instability, natural disasters, or adversarial attacks.

The program will field nuclear microreactors capable of operating independently of the civilian power grid, ensuring uninterrupted power for forces in any environment through collaboration with the Department of Energy (DOE). By leveraging its nuclear regulatory authorities in partnership with the DOE, the Army will move forward with microreactors that are safe, resilient, and adaptable.

“Drawing on my experiences leading Project Pele, I will be personally overseeing Project Janus to ensure we deliver the safest, most resilient, and most effective nuclear energy program possible,” said Jeff Waksman, Ph.D., Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Installations, Energy and Environment. “This effort will directly underpin readiness, lethality, and the warfighter ethos – providing warfighters with reliable power in any environment, at any time.”

The Army partnered with the Department of War’s Defense Innovation Unit to bring this microreactor technology to the force quickly and efficiently. The Army will further provide technical oversight and facilitate the uranium fuel cycle and nuclear supply chain.

“The Janus Program is a strategic leap forward in American energy dominance,” said Hon. Emil Michael, Acting Director of the Defense Innovation Unit. “By fusing the Army’s operational might with DIU’s innovation engine, we’re delivering resilient energy to the warfighter. Together, the Army and DIU are driving a domestic nuclear industry that will strengthen U.S. energy security.”

The Janus Program will give Soldiers the necessary edge in contested battlespaces by ensuring reliable uninterrupted, independent energy is available at all times. It will fuel installation resilience, power mission assurance, and guarantee warfighter dominance – ensuring the Joint Force remain the most lethal and ready force in the world.

SGT Woodlyne Escarne

Posted in Army, Guest Post, Power | 1 Comment »

Army, DIU Select Anduril to Advance Next-Generation Counter-UAS Fire Control Capabilities

Friday, October 17th, 2025

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – The U.S. Army’s Program Executive Office Missiles and Space, in coordination with Defense Innovation Unit, successfully completed the C-UAS fire control solution competition, selecting Anduril as the winner.

This result represents a critical step in identifying and integrating the most effective fire control solutions to counter the rapidly evolving threat of unmanned aircraft systems. “This competition allowed us to rigorously evaluate innovative technologies in a realistic operational environment, ensuring our Soldiers have the tools they need to maintain air superiority,” said Lt. Col. Adam Samiof, Product Manager, PdM C-UAS.

The Army will continue working closely with Anduril to refine and integrate this cutting-edge technology into its C-UAS architecture, ensuring the highest level of protection for our warfighters.

By Darrell Ames

Posted in Army, C-UAS, Contracts, Guest Post | 2 Comments »

Global Military Products and Hanwha Defense USA Sign Teaming Agreement to Modernize the Army’s Domestic Advanced Ammunition and Energetics Production Capabilities

Thursday, October 16th, 2025

TAMPA, FL – (October 14, 2025) – Global Military Products (GMP), a wholly owned subsidiary of Global Ordnance Holdings, announced today the signing of a strategic teaming agreement with Hanwha Aerospace to jointly pursue future U.S. Department of Defense opportunities in ammunition and energetics production.

“This partnership represents a significant step toward strengthening the domestic defense industrial base,” said Jeff Brunozzi, President of Global Ordnance Holdings. “By aligning GMP’s U.S. program management and manufacturing expertise with Hanwha’s advanced energetics and munitions technologies, we are positioned to bring cutting-edge capabilities to the U.S. Army and allied forces.”

Under the agreement, GMP and Hanwha intend to pursue operating contracts and establish new energetics and munitions technologies. The collaboration will focus on developing next-generation energetics, propellants, and ammunition components to support Army modernization efforts and ensure resilient, scalable U.S. manufacturing for critical munitions.

“Hanwha is committed to expanding our presence in the U.S. defense market through meaningful industrial partnerships,” said Mike Smith, President & CEO of Hanwha Defense USA. “Together with GMP, we aim to strengthen supply chain resilience and deliver advanced munitions solutions that enhance the readiness and capability of U.S. and allied forces.”

This agreement underscores GMP’s continued growth as a trusted U.S. defense partner It reflects the company’s long-term commitment to revitalizing domestic ammunition and energetics production infrastructure in support of the Army’s modernization priorities.

www.global-ordnance.com

Posted in Advertiser, Ammo, Army, Industry, International, Manufacturing, Press Release | No Comments »

TIAD Activation Marks New Chapter for ARCYBER

Tuesday, October 14th, 2025

Fort Gordon, GA —U.S. Army Cyber Command (ARCYBER) activated the second Theater Information Advantage Detachment (TIAD) during a ceremony held at the Cyber Conference and Catering Center at Fort Gordon Friday, October 3, 2025.

The activation marks a pivotal step in the Army’s evolving approach to information warfare.

Col. John Agnello, 2nd TIAD Commander, took charge of the ARCYBER TIAD, guiding a unit focused on supporting operations across the broader information environment. In remarks at TechNet Augusta earlier this year, Agnello highlighted the growing relevance of the TIAD’s mission in today’s complex strategic landscape.

“In an era where information is both weapon and shield, the mission of this detachment is nothing short of strategic necessity,” said Agnello “But no algorithm or system can replace the ingenuity and resolve of our soldiers. This TIAD is built on the shoulders of soldiers who bring not only technical mastery, but the courage to challenge, the creativity to adapt, and the conviction to lead. I’m honored to command a team that doesn’t just execute the mission; they embody it. They are the Army’s advantage in the information fight, and a key reason we’re positioned to succeed.”

The ARCYBER TIAD is one of three planned detachments tailored to specific geographic commands: Indo-Pacific, Europe, and ARCYBER itself. Each TIAD integrates disciplines such as cyber operations, electronic warfare, psychological operations, civil affairs, and public affairs into a unified team.

The activation ceremony served as an opportunity for soldiers and civilians from across the cyber and Information Operations community to gather and witness the birth of a unit that promises to redefine how the Army competes in the digital age.

Lt. Gen. Maria Barrett, Commander of ARCYBER, praised the TIAD concept during the Association of the U.S. Army’s 2024 annual meeting, noting that these detachments are essential for countering disinformation and malign influence:

“From the Signal Corps of World War II to the satellite networks of Desert Storm, the Army has always adapted to the character of conflict. Today, with the activation of this TIAD, we carry that legacy forward—into the information domain, where influence is decisive and truth must be defended. This is not just a new unit; it’s the next chapter in how the Army fights and wins.”

With its activation, the ARCYBER TIAD now stands at Initial Operating Capability—a foundational milestone that marks the beginning of its operational journey. As the unit builds toward Full Operating Capability, it will continue refining its integration across cyber, information, and influence disciplines, ensuring commanders have the tools and insights needed to compete effectively in the information environment across the competition continuum.

The road ahead is deliberate and mission-focused, with each step reinforcing the Army’s commitment to shaping the future of information warfare through innovation, agility, and the strength of its people.

Story by MAJ Lindsay Roman

U.S. Army Cyber Command

Posted in Army, Cyber, Guest Post | 1 Comment »

AUSA 25 – 250th Anniversary Pistol by SIG SAUER

Monday, October 13th, 2025

SIG SAUER has created a US Army 250th anniversary commemorative MHS pistol. This first article will be presented to the Army during this week’s AUSA meeting.

It features a black nickel finish and heritage walnut grips. This model will be available for sale to the public soon.

Posted in Advertiser, Army, AUSA | No Comments »

Army Expands Program Allowing Soldiers with Civilian Skills to Bypass Initial Training

Thursday, October 9th, 2025

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Army is adding 17 new military occupational specialties (MOSs) to its Civilian Acquired Skills Program (ACASP) effective October 1, 2025. The ACASP allows Soldiers with relevant civilian skills to bypass some initial training and start their military careers at an advanced level. This expansion brings the total number of eligible occupations to 60.

“ACASP offers a two-pronged benefit,” said Brig. Gen. Gregory Johnson, Director of Military Personnel Management. “The Army gets skilled specialists into the force faster and at a lower cost, while the Soldier receives a significant head start in their military career.”

Through ACASP, qualified applicants with verified civilian training, certifications, or experience can receive advanced rank, accelerated promotion, or modified training requirements upon enlistment. The latest update authorizes the following 17 new MOSs under ACASP:

While specific requirements vary by career field, all ACASP applicants must meet several general criteria. Candidates need verifiable work experience, training, or certification in a qualifying job and must satisfy all standard Army enlistment requirements, such as age, physical fitness, and background checks. To verify eligibility, applicants must also provide official documentation of their skills, which can include licenses, transcripts, or letters from an employer.

The revised ACASP MOS inventory will be available for applicants entering into the Regular Army, U.S. Army Reserve, and Army National Guard. For more information on the ACASP and the complete list of eligible MOSs, access the Smartbook DA PAM 611-21 here.

By LTC Andrew Yang, U.S. Army Directorate of Military Personnel Management

Posted in Army, Guest Post, TacJobs | Comments Off on Army Expands Program Allowing Soldiers with Civilian Skills to Bypass Initial Training