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WRAIR Advances Neurostimulation Research in New Partnership with NATO Committee

Thursday, November 28th, 2024

On October 16, 2024, the NATO Neurostimulation Committee visited the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research’s (WRAIR) Sleep Research Center (SRC). Hosted by Dr. Tracy Jill Doty, Chief of the SRC, the visit focused on learning about ongoing fatigue mitigation research using neurostimulation.

The NATO Neurostimulation Committee is a working group of leading researchers in neuroscience, cognition, and brain function. Established in July 2024, the committee addresses common limitations in neurostimulation research by conducting large-scale, multi-laboratory experiments across multiple countries. Its mission is to advance the understanding of cognitive performance enhancement through robust and thorough investigations. The committee’s work centers on neurostimulation, a field that encompasses various technologies and techniques for targeting specific brain regions. Dr. Doty, an expert in sleep and fatigue, provides valuable insights to these efforts.

“The committee didn’t previously have an expert in sleep and fatigue, but it’s a critical area where neurostimulation technology could make a substantial impact,” Dr. Doty explained. “Applying neurostimulation to maintain brain health under fatigue conditions is a growing field, and this partnership between the committee and the SRC is a natural fit.”

The SRC contributes to the committee’s international research efforts by developing brain stimulation methods to enhance slow-wave sleep and help service members maintain alertness during extended operations. These capabilities, including pioneering advancements in slow-wave sleep enhancement, have been a hallmark of the SRC’s work.

Service members often face challenges such as insufficient sleep or limited rest periods, which significantly impair cognitive performance and mission readiness. Studies show that a single night of sleep deprivation can impair alertness and cognition to levels comparable to a 0.08% blood alcohol concentration.

“The Sleep Research Center is at the forefront of neurostimulation technology,” said Dr. Doty. “We’re eager to explore new opportunities to advance this technology for military applications.”

Although still in its early stages, this collaboration between the SRC and the NATO Neurostimulation Committee holds significant promise for improving service members’ cognitive resilience and overall brain health.

Story by Zeke Gonzalez

Walter Reed Army Institute of Research

Posted in Army, Guest Post, Medical | Comments Off on WRAIR Advances Neurostimulation Research in New Partnership with NATO Committee

Bombardier Defense Delivers First Global 6500 Aircraft To The U.S. Army’s HADES Program

Wednesday, November 27th, 2024

Bombardier Defense delivered the first Bombardier Global 6500 aircraft in support of the United States Army’s High Accuracy Detection and Exploitation System (HADES) program during a ceremony held at Bombardier Group’s U.S. Headquarters in Wichita, Kansas

The Global 6500 is a proven platform providing range, speed, reliability and endurance. It represents the ideal fixed-wing solution for the U.S. Army’s next-generation intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft, flying higher, faster and farther than legacy airborne sensor platforms

With the ability to deploy in all weather conditions, and the support of Bombardier’s 24/7 worldwide services network, Bombardier’s Global family of aircraft has become the platform of choice for over 10 different mission types

The Bombardier Global 6500 aircraft delivered to the U.S. Army in support of the HADES program.

Bombardier Defense celebrated the delivery of the first Bombardier Global 6500 aircraft to the United States Army in support of the High Accuracy Detection and Exploitation System (HADES) program. Bolstered by the Global 6500’s high-performance capabilities, the fixed-wing platform will contribute to strengthening the U.S. Army’s aerial deep sensing abilities and marks a significant milestone toward the United States’ goal of modernizing its aerial military intelligence.

Joined by U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS), State of Kansas officials, and U.S. Army leaders, the celebration highlighted the delivery of the first prototype airframe for the next-generation intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) solution and the beginning of the next stage of the program to integrate systems.

“Bombardier Defense is honored to support the U.S. Army with the delivery of the first Global 6500aircraft, a high-performance platform that possesses the speed, endurance-at-range and altitude capabilities to support deep-sensing for the Army of tomorrow,” said Steve Patrick, Vice President of Bombardier Defense. “This best-in-class jet is the future-proofed solution to provide the U.S. Army with the capabilities needed to face current and future threats.”

“We are proud of the partnership with Bombardier Defense and the mission-focused professionals in the State of Kansas. We remain excited about the opportunities we can unlock by pairing the performance, versatility and reliability of the Global 6500 with modern payloads aligned to priority intelligence requirements. HADES is the centerpiece of the Army’s collection strategy, and the Global 6500 is the system that brings that strategy to life. This aircraft gives us the range, payload capacity, speed and endurance to deliver timely, relevant and responsive capabilities for the full spectrum of Army and Joint collection requirements.” – Andrew Evans, Director, HQDA G-2 ISR Task Force

“The partnership between Bombardier, the U.S. Army and the Wichita workforce has produced a next-generation aircraft equipped to meet the demands of warfare in a new era of technology,” said U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS). “The HADES aircraft has the tools needed to deter threats, conduct surveillance and help keep our country safe. This is the start of a new chapter in the aviation capabilities of our military and continues Kansas’ legacy of defense manufacturing.”

Fixed-wing platforms like Bombardier’s Global 6500aircraft, which flies faster, longer, and higher than legacy airborne sensor platforms, offer a significant advantage toward enhancing performance of aerial ISR missions. The Global 6500 provides several advantages for military entities, such as reliability, operational reach, and expanded operating areas. With a maximum endurance of up to 18 hours, and up to 750 flight hours between maintenance intervals, and part of the Global family that has an impressive 99.83% dispatch reliability, the Global 6500 aircraft is an ideal choice to accomplish operational objectives such as deep sensing.

Bombardier Defense has dedicated in-house engineering and support teams available 24/7 worldwide with the ability to incorporate modifications tailored to the customer’s need with complete certification capabilities across the full spectrum of civilian, military and hybrid operations. Bombardier brings decades of experience working with special mission operators and renowned mission systems integrators to adapt its proven platform for critical operations worldwide.

Posted in Army, Aviation, Contracts, ISR, Press Release | Comments Off on Bombardier Defense Delivers First Global 6500 Aircraft To The U.S. Army’s HADES Program

Lt. Gen. James M. Gavin Joint Innovation Outpost: A Legacy of Progress and Innovation

Tuesday, November 26th, 2024

FORT LIBERTY, N.C. — Fort Liberty held a defining moment on November 14, 2024, with the dedication of the Lt. Gen. James M. Gavin Joint Innovation Outpost. This event celebrated not just a new facility but the enduring legacy of Lt. Gen. Gavin, a leader whose vision for innovation resonates deeply with the Army’s mission today.

Army leaders, Soldiers, innovators and Gavin’s family gathered to honor his contributions while setting the stage for a future of cutting-edge capabilities. Gavin, fondly known as “Jumping Jim,” embodied the Army’s spirit of adaptation and excellence.

Chloe Gavin-Beatty, his daughter, shared during the ceremony, “My father was always asking, ‘How do we solve this problem? How can we do this better?’”

These words reflect his life’s work, from pioneering airborne warfare during WWII to advocating for advanced tactical systems as head of research and development. His foresight in utilizing helicopters for combat mobility predated their iconic use in Vietnam highlighting the kind of thinking that inspired this outpost.

Gavin’s belief in change wasn’t just professional — it was personal. As Chloe shared, even as a child, Gavin urged her to embrace innovation, recounting his own leap from the horse-bound Army of the 1920s to the technology-driven force he helped shape. His legacy underscores the value of questioning the status quo — a principle that guides the mission of the outpost bearing his name.,

The innovation outpost represents a leap forward for the Army. Capt. Robert Scalzo, senior software engineer for XVIII Airborne Corps, described the capabilities it offers as classified and unclassified spaces with unmatched flexibility.

“It’s not just about solving today’s problems but about building the infrastructure to tackle tomorrow’s challenges,” said Scalzo.

Purpose-built for adaptability, the space supports everything from warfighter exercises to large-scale technology conferences. Its proximity to key partners — including Defense Innovation Unit and local universities — removes barriers to collaboration, allowing ideas to flow freely and solutions to develop rapidly.

Unlike retrofitted buildings, the outpost’s design reflects a clear vision: to empower teams across the Department of Defense, academia and industry. It serves as both a resource and a hub, enabling the Army to outthink and outpace adversaries. It is equipped with cutting-edge resources designed to foster creativity and solve problems in real time.

Inside its walls will be 3D printing labs, virtual reality simulation suites and prototyping workshops, all enabling Soldiers and engineers to take ideas from concept to reality. These tools are vital for pushing innovation forward, offering the Army the ability to address challenges head-on. One standout example comes from the 82nd Airborne Division’s Innovation Lab, which used 3D printing technology to design and produce custom radio mounts for their Infantry Squad Vehicles.

Before this, they lacked the capability to ensure secure and reliable communication for their crews. Solutions like this underscore how these resources aren’t just high-tech — they’re essential for mission success.

The dedication ceremony also showcased the outpost’s importance as a resource for Soldiers at every level. Lt. Gen. Christopher Donahue, commanding general of the XVIII Airborne Corps, emphasized the need for such facilities in an unpredictable world.

“You have to have a facility that can out-think, out-adapt, and out-anything your adversary does,” Donahue stated.

The outpost embodies this ethos, offering the tools and partnerships needed to remain at the forefront of military innovation. Beyond the technology and infrastructure, the outpost represents something more profound: a commitment to the Army’s people.

Gavin’s leadership philosophy prioritized the well-being of his Soldiers, and this facility reflects that same care. Chloe Gavin-Beatty recounted how her father would walk the front lines to check on morale and ensure his troops had what they needed. Similarly, this innovation hub asks a simple but vital question of every Soldier: “What do you need to do your job better?”

From the Battle of the Bulge to the labs of today, the spirit of innovation has been central to the Army’s success. The Lt. Gen. James M. Gavin Joint Innovation Outpost builds on this tradition, creating a space where ideas can thrive, solutions can emerge and the Army can continue leading in a complex world.

As Chloe concluded during the ceremony, “This lab continues my father’s lifelong drive to solve problems and embrace change.”

Her words encapsulate the enduring impact of Lt. Gen. Gavin’s legacy and the transformative potential of this facility.

The outpost is more than a facility — it is a promise to the future. By fostering collaboration, advancing technology, and prioritizing Soldier readiness, it ensures the Army remains a step ahead. The dedication of this innovation hub is not just a tribute to the past but a bold statement of intent: to lead, to adapt and to succeed in an ever-changing battlefield.

By SGT Jacob Bradford

Posted in Army, Disruptive Tech, Guest Post | Comments Off on Lt. Gen. James M. Gavin Joint Innovation Outpost: A Legacy of Progress and Innovation

Red Cat Announces Production Selection for U.S. Army Short Range Reconnaissance Program

Thursday, November 21st, 2024

Red Cat’s next generation Teal system will be the Army’s Program of Record SRR sUAS, concluding the rigorous, multi-tranche competitive process

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, Nov. 19, 2024 — Red Cat Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: RCAT) (“Red Cat”), a leading American drone technology company, has been selected as the winner of the U.S. Army’s Short Range Reconnaissance (SRR) Program of Record. The production selection was made after a test and evaluation process of Teal’s next generation sUAS, completed by the Army Project Management Office for Uncrewed Aircraft Systems, Army Maneuver Battle Lab, Army Test and Evaluation Command, and Army Operational Test Center.

“This is a powerful moment in time, coming after five years of blood, sweat, and tears put into SRR by our incredible team. The long-awaited production selection marks a new era for our company and the future of American drones,” said George Matus, founder of Teal and CTO of Red Cat. “We were selected based on soldier feedback, technical performance, volume manufacturability, and system cost. Our top priority now is to start ramping production of the next generation system, recently announced as the Black Widow and WEB, and give warfighters the tools they need to be successful on the modern battlefield.”

“Warfare has undergone a dramatic transformation over the past two years, with a significant shift towards drone technology, exemplified by the SRR Black Widow. It is an honor to support the U.S. Army by delivering the Black Widow to our warfighters. We believe this advanced technology will enable the Army to shape the battlefield, save soldiers’ lives, and serve as a powerful tool in their arsenal,” said Jeff Thompson, CEO of Red Cat. “This long-term contract will give us the capability to continue to improve the Black Widow, scale production and improve margins.”

“Both the operational and tactical levels of war and maneuver of combat elements have evolved significantly over the past couple of years,” said Paul Edward Funk II, retired Four-Star Army General and Red Cat board member. “Operational success today depends on the ability to seamlessly move data across the battlefield. From a tactical perspective, small unmanned aerial systems that are rucksack portable are playing a vital role in Intelligence Surveillance & Reconnaissance, as well as surgical strike capabilities based on the real-time needs of the warfighter.”

The SRR contract selection builds on significant momentum for Red Cat, with the acquisition of FlightWave Aerospace, the announcement of the ARACHNID™ family of systems, and the creation of the Red Cat Futures Initiative. The company is focused on ramping production of Teal’s next generation system to meet the Army’s currently stated acquisition objective for 5,880 systems, which is subject to change over the 5 year period of performance. Red Cat is also preparing to meet increased demand across the rest of the U.S. DoD, federal government, and allied countries, to support operators and warfighters globally.

For more information about Red Cat and the U.S. Army’s Short-Range Reconnaissance Program of Record, please visit www.redcat.red.

Posted in Army, Contracts, Press Release, UAS | 2 Comments »

Meet the Paratrooper Who Jumped Out of a Plane 100 times — and He’s Just Getting Started

Thursday, November 21st, 2024

AVIANO, Italy — Jumping out of an airplane is a feat that demands both courage and trust. Now imagine doing it 100 times. That’s exactly what 1st Sgt. Jovon Propst, Spartan Company, 54th Brigade Engineer Battalion, achieved on October 9, 2024, when he made the jump, earning the prestigious title of centurion paratrooper.

“I get asked all the time, ‘How did you make it that far?’ I say, ‘My jumps don’t get scratched. It’s just my luck,” Propst said.

Born in Concord, North Carolina, and raised in the vibrant heart of New York City, Propst’s journey to becoming a centurion paratrooper is as dynamic as his personality.

“When it comes to the weather or a mission, it’s always a go for me,” he said. “I’ve had a very intriguing career.”

Propst’s military career began with the now disbanded 307th Engineer Battalion at Fort Liberty. From there, his dedication and skill led him to 3rd Special Forces Group, where he earned the coveted jumpmaster title.

His journey didn’t stop there; he continued to make his mark in the 425th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 11th Airborne Division, stationed in Alaska. It was in Alaska that Propst served as a drop zone safety officer under Col. Joshua Gaspard, who was a squadron commander at the time. Their time together solidified Propst’s reputation as a calm and dependable leader, especially in high-pressure airborne operations. Propst is now serving under Col. Gaspard for the 173rd Airborne Brigade in Italy.

Propst’s love for adrenaline doesn’t end with the Army. He once volunteered as a firefighter in Bell County, Texas — a role that allowed him to continue serving others while feeding his need for action.

For now, Propst remains committed to the Army, calling it home. However, when the time comes to hang up his uniform, he’s already looking ahead to his next adrenaline-fueled mission. After retirement, he plans on becoming a smokejumper so he can fight forest fires from the sky. Propst’s journey from paratrooper to potential smokejumper shows that for some, the sky isn’t the limit — it’s just the beginning.

By CPT Jennifer French

Posted in Army, Guest Post, Parachuting | 3 Comments »

Registration Now Open for the 2025 U.S. Army Small Arms Championships

Monday, November 18th, 2024

Soldiers from across the U.S. Army, U.S. Army Reserve, National Guard and Air National Guard are invited to attend.

Military Academy, College ROTC cadets and OCS candidates are also eligible to compete.

Soldiers will have the opportunity to learn from USAMU instructors before competing in rifle, pistol, and multi-gun matches.

Posted in Army, Profession of Arms | 1 Comment »

TacJobs – Army MOS 51C Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology Contracting Noncommissioned Officer

Monday, November 18th, 2024

Did you know the Army is looking for NCOs to reclassify into MOS 51C, Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology Contracting Noncommissioned Officer?

The MOS was established in December 2006 to meet the Army’s need for contingency contracting officers

Applicants must be in the ranks of promotable sergeant, staff sergeant, or sergeant first class with less than 10 years of service. Those with 13 years’ service may receive waivers.

If selected, you will attend the nine-week Army Acquistion Transition Course (AATC) at The Army Acquisition School (TAAS) located on the University of Alabama, Huntsville campus.

To learn more, visit asc.army.mil/web/topics/51c-rec.

Posted in Army, TacJobs | 2 Comments »

Red Dragon Snipers Showcase Skill at Finnish Championship

Saturday, November 16th, 2024

RICHMOND, Va. – For the third consecutive year, snipers from the 1st Battalion, 116th Infantry Regiment, 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team traveled to Finland to compete against their international peers at the HÄYHÄ 2024 Sniper Shooting Championship.

Three Red Dragon snipers — Staff Sgt. Joshua Johnson, Sgt. James O’Connell and Spc. Jonathan Farrar — competed Sept. 20-22 at a training site near Imatra, Finland.

“Being a sniper is the privilege of a lifetime,” O’Connell said. “It is something I’ve wanted to do since before I joined and something I’ve earned through hard work and a genuine love of country. Competing internationally is an honor I hope to earn again.”

The multiday event included numerous stages designed to test the snipers on their craft.

“While shooting was the central focus of the event, the Finnish cadre clearly demonstrated an understanding that our jobs are more than just being good behind the rifle,” O’Connell said.

Competitors had to prove their competency with skills, including tactical casualty care and calling in air support, and numerous physical challenges. O’Connell said those skills and the ability to conquer challenges using “raw physical strength” are all “critical to a sniper’s role” and part of what sets the sniper apart from the basic marksman.

“The competition was very dynamic and each event would require you to create a plan in less than 5 minutes and execute the plan,” Farrar said. “Events were timed and would require you to stealthily set up your shooting positions prior to engagements.”

To prepare for the competition, the three first trained independently. Farrar said he focused on “running, rucking and doing calisthenics” to face the physical challenges. Then, the snipers came together at Fort Barfoot for several days of more focused training.

“We trained on shooting in various positions, making simultaneous shots, stress shooting and stalking,” Farrar said.

O’Connell said the team focused on tackling targets at unknown distances and firing from the standing position.

“On my own time, I studied formulas I would use, focused on my physical exercise routine and on endurance cardio, and got trigger time on my personal rifle to stay sharp,” he said.

The snipers finished 9th out of 14 teams. Each Virginia sniper expressed appreciation for the work put in by their Finnish hosts and left the competition with a few valuable lessons.

“I learned that there’s a surprising amount of overlap in the way that we and the rest of NATO do things as snipers,” O’Connell said. “I feel confident that if I had an English-speaking Finn as my spotter, we would have no trouble working together and getting a good effect on target.”

Farrar called the HÄYHÄ 2024 Sniper Shooting Championship his best military experience to date.

“I enjoyed the competition because it was challenging [and] I was able to build relationships with the other competitors,” Farrar said. “Our community is small and we are always looking for ways to become better and more lethal.”

By SFC Terra C. Gatti, Virginia National Guard Public Affairs Office

Posted in Army, Guest Post | Comments Off on Red Dragon Snipers Showcase Skill at Finnish Championship