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USAMU Builds Lethality During M7 Fielding with 25th Infantry Division

Monday, February 2nd, 2026

Soldiers assigned to the 25th Infantry Division are training on the Army’s newest service rifle as part of the ongoing fielding of the M7, with instructors from the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit providing hands-on support focused on marksmanship fundamentals.

USAMU instructors are working alongside Soldiers to reinforce proven shooting techniques that apply across weapon systems. While the M7 introduces new capabilities, instructors emphasized that effective marksmanship still depends on mastering the basics.

“We’re not here to reinvent the wheel,” said Sgt. 1st Class Alexander Deal, team chief for the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit Service Rifle Team. “The fundamentals of marksmanship don’t change, even when the weapon system does.”

Deal said the training focuses on consistency and efficiency behind the rifle, especially as Soldiers transition to a new platform.

“When Soldiers pick up a new weapon, it’s easy to focus on the equipment,” Deal said. “What we’re reinforcing is that grip, trigger control, and follow-through still matter. If you have solid fundamentals, the weapon becomes easier to run.”

According to Deal, the techniques taught by USAMU instructors are rooted in competition shooting, where performance is measured under pressure.

“Competition shooting forces you to balance speed and accuracy,” Deal said. “Those same principles translate directly to combat. You have to be accountable for every shot, and you have to be consistent.”

Throughout the fielding, instructors observed Soldiers adapting quickly as they applied those principles during live-fire training.

“We’ve seen Soldiers gain confidence fast once they trust the fundamentals,” Deal said. “When they understand what right looks like, their performance improves.”

Deal said the intent of the training is to give units tools they can continue to use long after the fielding event ends.

“Our goal is to leave units better than we found them,” Deal said. “If leaders and Soldiers walk away with a stronger foundation in marksmanship, that training continues long after we leave.”

Training like this supports the Army’s broader effort to increase lethality across the force by pairing modern equipment with disciplined marksmanship.

SFC Timothy Hamlin

Posted in Army, Guest Post, Training, weapons | 1 Comment »

Fort Buchanan Advances Army Transformation Through Innovative Training Capability

Sunday, February 1st, 2026

FORT BUCHANAN, Puerto Rico —The Army’s home in the Caribbean is supporting the service’s transformation into a leaner, more lethal, and more agile force by modernizing how Soldiers train and generate readiness across the region.

Central to this effort is theMobile Marksmanship Training Simulator (MMTS), a deployable capability operated by Fort Buchanan’sTraining Support Center (TSC). The MMTS enhances marksmanship and engagement-skills training while reducing logistical demands and costs, directly supporting the goals of theArmy Transformation Initiative (ATI).

“Combined with the full range of capabilities available at the TSC, the MMTS has enabled Fort Buchanan to adapt how we support the warfighter. It has strengthened our training support and helped develop combat-ready formations across the region,” saidLuis Reyes, TSC manager.

The MMTS features full mobility, CO?-powered weapons that generate realistic recoil, and immersive, interactive scenarios that replicate operational environments. These capabilities allow units to train consistently regardless of range of availability or geographic constraints.

“The fact that we can take this system directly to Soldiers is a game-changer. It saves time and resources, allowing troops to focus on warfighter tasks instead of traveling long distances to training sites,” Reyes added.

Fiscal year 2025 marked the first year the MMTS was employed in Puerto Rico, and its impact was immediate. During the year, the system delivered more than800 hours of training to approximately 1,600 Soldiers, significantly expanding access to high-quality training while conserving time and resources.

According to Reyes, the MMTS does not replace Fort Buchanan’s fixedEngagement Skills Trainer (EST) 2000. Instead, it complements existing capabilities by extending training beyond fixed facilities. Together, EST 2000 and MMTS provide a layered, flexible approach that increases training frequency and efficiency while maintaining established standards.

“What the team at the Fort Buchanan TSC is doing—especially with the MMTS—is a clear indicator of the installation’s role as a warfighter readiness enabler. This capability strengthens readiness across the region and supports the Department of the Army enterprise,” saidBerenisse Rodriguez, chief of the Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security.

By expanding access to modern training and delivering measurable results, Fort Buchanan’s Training Support Center continues to implement Army transformation concepts—ensuring forces remain ready, lethal, and responsive to mission requirements across the Western Hemisphere.

“Whether preparing units for contingency response, disaster relief, homeland defense, or overseas deployments, the TSC ensures leaders and Soldiers have access to the tools and resources they need to succeed,” saidRodriguez.

With an annual budget exceeding$500 million, Fort Buchanan supports a military community of approximately15,000 personnel, including Active Duty, Reserve, Puerto Rico National Guard, Marine Corps Reserve, and Navy Reserve members. The installation’s mission is to enhance readiness and facilitate the deployment of military personnel to any location, at any time.

Story by Carlos Cuebas

U.S. Army Garrison Fort Buchanan

Posted in Army, Guest Post, Training | No Comments »

The Army and AMTEC Unveil New Production Line and Testing Range in Wisconsin

Saturday, January 31st, 2026

JANESVILLE, WI — In the latest effort to modernize the Defense Industrial Base (DIB), the Army has partnered with AMTEC Corporation to open a new 40mm grenade production line and test range at AMTEC’s Janesville, WI facility. This is another milestone in the Army’s ongoing campaign of industrial expansion and modernization of munitions production for the Joint force.

The ribbon cutting ceremony was held on January 22 with Maj. Gen. John T. Reim, Portfolio Acquisition Executive for Agile Sustainment and Ammunition and Commanding General of Picatinny Arsenal, Mr. Mark Nielsen, Veterans and Military Affairs Constituent Services Representative for Wisconsin Senator Ronald Johnson, and Ms. Susie Liston, District Director for Wisconsin Congressman Bryan Steil in attendance. Following the ribbon cutting, AMTEC executives walked the guests through the capabilities of the new line as they toured the production facility and the test range.

The grand opening of AMTEC’s new indoor 200m test range and the 72,000-square-foot manufacturing facility that houses the new, state-of-the-art 40mm M918E2 production line is the latest in a string of new facilities coming online as the Army continues to increase munitions production capacity and safety through modernization. The Army has invested $21M to open the new production line.

“The new line brings much-needed automation and flexibility as the manufacturing process shifts from a highly artisan process to an automated, high-volume production process,” said Reim. “Since 2022, $5.5B has been pushed into the DIB making it the largest investment in infrastructure and munitions production since World War II. This is the 11th new facility that the Army has stood up demonstrating our commitment to increasing production capacity, modernizing equipment and facilities, and improving safety and efficiency by deploying advanced manufacturing technologies.”

The M918E2 High Velocity Target Practice – Day Night Thermal (HV TP-DNT) cartridge provides Warfighters with a safer and more reliable cartridge that allows them the ability to maneuver during training in more realistic “Train as they Fight” scenarios. The new training cartridge is non-dud producing, meaning troops can now safely move across areas that once posed an unexploded ordnance (UXO) hazard. It also provides a day, night, and thermal visible impact signature that can be seen by the unaided eye, and thermal and night vision sights.

AMTEC will also realize cost savings and efficiency improvements with their new on-site test range. Previously, the company tested rounds at a nearby police test range, which required expensive satellite tasking and protection. The new test range accommodates the MK19, M203, and M320 weapon system platforms familiar to the 40mm portfolio. The test range will enhance precision testing capabilities for medium-caliber munitions, supporting quality assurance, rapid prototyping, and delivery of reliable munitions to U.S. Army and international allies.

“This investment provides a trifecta for the Army: advanced manufacturing capability, safety, and a modernized round that allows units to train as they fight,” said Reim.

A subsidiary of National Defense Corporation, AMTEC serves as the Department of War’s prime contractor for 40mm grenade ammunition and fuzing systems. AMTEC is a long-time partner and the largest manufacturer of 40mm ammunition in the world.

By Michael Chambers

Posted in Ammo, Army, Guest Post, Manufacturing | No Comments »

Army Intelligence Data Platform-Next (AIDP-Next) Virtual Industry Day 12 Feb 2026

Thursday, January 29th, 2026

Project Manager Intelligence Systems & Analytics is hosting an Army Intelligence Data Platform-Next (AIDP-Next) Virtual Industry Day 12 Feb 2026 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. EST.

The Industry Day will facilitate industry exchange, market research, and information sharing related to the future of AIDP-Next.

For more information and registration, visit forms.osi.apps.mil/pages/responsepage.

Posted in Army, C5ISR | No Comments »

CACI to Strengthen US Army Readiness and Spectrum Dominance with Next-Gen Electronic Warfare

Wednesday, January 28th, 2026

RESTON, Va.-CACI International Inc (NYSE: CACI) announced today that it has been awarded a five-year task order valued at up to $250 million to enhance spectrum dominance for the U.S. Army Capability Program Executive – Intelligence, Electronic Warfare & Sensors (CPE IEW&S).

“At CACI, we are making bold investments in battle-proven, software-defined EW solutions that allow us to stay one step ahead of the enemy and drive decisive action,” said John Mengucci, CACI President and Chief Executive Officer. “We empower warfighters to achieve and maintain spectrum dominance, especially when their lives are on the line in highly contested environments.”

CACI will leverage its intrinsic knowledge to provide comprehensive integration and sustainment of the technology to advance the Army’s multi-domain EW and spectrum dominance capabilities.

Posted in Army, Contracts, EW, Press Release | Comments Off on CACI to Strengthen US Army Readiness and Spectrum Dominance with Next-Gen Electronic Warfare

Fort Bragg Opens Lieutenant General Gavin Joint Innovation Outpost

Tuesday, January 27th, 2026

FORT BRAGG, N.C. — In support of the Department of War’s transformation initiative, Fort Bragg and the XVIII Airborne Corps officially opened the Lt. Gen. James Gavin Joint Innovation Outpost on January 23, 2026.

As the first facility of its kind, building on U.S. Army Division innovation labs, the JIOP serves as a center that bridges tactical and operational challenges with rapid innovative solutions. Designed as a hub for military personnel, academia, and industry, the JIOP aims to collaboratively address problems faced on the modern battlefield.

The facility is named in honor of Lt. Gen. James Gavin, who commanded the 82nd Airborne Division during World War II, leading the division through pivotal moments such as D-Day, Operation Market Garden and the Battle of the Bulge. Following World War II, Gavin became the head of U.S. Army Research and Development and was renowned for his innovative concepts, including the use of helicopters to transport infantry ? air assault ? and the development of modern air cavalry.

“We are honored to name this facility after Lt. Gen. James Gavin, a true visionary who understood the importance of innovation,” said Lt. Gen. Greg Anderson, XVIII Airborne Corps commanding general. “The JIOP will carry on his legacy by fostering the kind of bold thinking and collaboration that he championed throughout his career.”

Appropriately named after Lt. Gen. Gavin, the JIOP focuses on rapid innovation for the modern and future global battlefields.

“The future of warfare is here,” said Rob Braun, XVIII Airborne Corps Chief Technology Officer. “It’s driven by technology and success is impossible without partnerships. The Lt. Gen. James M. Gavin Joint Innovation Outpost is an investment in that future, where we will develop and test cutting-edge capabilities while forging enduring new partnerships with the best of the military, industry, and academia to meet the future head on.”

While the U.S. Army currently collaborates with industry through the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology office, the JIOP represents the first concerted effort to focus on rapid innovation coordinated with industry and academia at the operational level. The JIOP will connect Soldiers from all ranks and levels to innovative teams capable of developing solutions for current battlefield challenges.

“Every piece of technology we develop at the JIOP has one ultimate purpose: to enhance the lethality and survivability of our Soldiers on the battlefield,” said Col. Thomas Monaghan, director of the Joint Innovation Outpost. “This is about ensuring our warfighters can dominate any adversary, anywhere in the world.”

In addition to addressing modern battlefield problems, the JIOP will foster and strengthen ties between Fort Bragg and regional academic and industrial partners. “At the JIOP, we are creating a dynamic ecosystem where our Soldiers can collaborate directly with the brightest minds in industry and academia,” said Anderson. “This partnership is essential for accelerating innovation and maintaining our competitive edge.”

In recent years, Fort Bragg and the XVIII Airborne Corps have led the way in Soldier innovation through events like Dragon’s Lair and exercises such as Scarlet Dragon. Dragon’s Lair is a competition similar to Shark Tank, where Soldiers pitch innovative technological solutions that range from battlefield applications to improvements in daily quality of life. Scarlet Dragon involves industry partners field testing new technologies with the XVIII Airborne Corps and its subordinate units.

Looking ahead, Dragon’s Lair will feed the JIOP with innovative ideas, which will then flow into Scarlet Dragon for testing, creating a quick, tri-series process to rapidly address challenges for Soldiers in modern and future combat environments. “Fort Bragg has always been a proving ground for Army innovation, and the JIOP is the next chapter in that legacy,” added Monaghan.

MAJ Matthew St. Clair

Posted in Acquisition, Army, Guest Post | No Comments »

A ‘Tail’ of Service: Famous ‘Doggles’ Dog Nick Retires After Eight Years

Monday, January 26th, 2026

FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, Md. — The beloved military working dog known across the force for greeting users when logging in to military devices is now retired from active service.

Affectionately called “Doggles,” MWD Nick served eight years in the U.S. Army, seven of those here.

Nick specialized in explosives detection, where he helped technicians as they confronted and defeated explosives around the world. Some of the biggest assignments that Nick and handler Staff Sgt. Justin Peyton have worked include 58 United States Secret Service missions, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Summit, the Democratic National Convention, the Army’s 250th anniversary celebration, state funerals and the United Nations General Assembly.

“My favorite assignment was the United Nations meeting in New York City,” Peyton said. “We got to walk around the city, see sights and meet lots of people.”

The famous photo came from Nick’s nine-month deployment to Al Assad, Iraq with his previous handler, Spc. Joseph J. Lane. During this deployment, Lane and Nick supported the 5th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division.

“The goggles are worn to protect MWDs from debris and harsh weather,” said Lane in a 2023 interview. “In that photo, Nick was wearing them at the range for familiarization. We were at the range for night fire, and we flew in Black Hawks with night vision goggles.”

Nick’s photo was selected from among hundreds to be used by the Department of Dense Global Directory.

“When they saw Nick’s photo, the creators knew that was the one they wanted,” Peyton said.

Since becoming the face of the DoD Global Directory, Nick garnered a cult following among service members and Department of War civilians. A morale patch made by a small artist has been sold thousands of times.

“It has been nice to see lots of people take to him and fall in love with him,” Peyton said.

“This dog’s career is a direct reflection of the high standards and operational lethality we demand from every team in our unit,” said 2D MP Detachment (MWD) Commander Capt. Patricio Quezada, as he reflected on Nick and Peyton’s time with the unit. “Their success was built on the relentless work of a dedicated handler who exercised patience and translated that into an unbreakable bond between dog and handler.”

When adopting a military working dog after their service, handlers have priority. Nick will be living out the rest of his years with Peyton, his wife Lauren and two children.

“Knowing that Nick kept Justin safe for so long, knowing that he protects my husband, has given me a lot of comfort,” Lauren said. “We are looking forward to giving him a comfortable life in retirement.”

By Abigail Carey

Posted in Army, Guest Post, K9 | No Comments »

US Army, Polish Land Forces Conduct Operation Winter Falcon 2026

Saturday, January 24th, 2026

OLESZNO, Poland — Soldiers assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 66th Armored Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, conducted an armored live-fire exercise and technology demonstrations during Operation Winter Falcon 26 at the Drawsko Combat Training Center in Oleszno, Jan. 13.

The event demonstrated how modern military operations rely on integrating multiple systems, including unmanned aerial systems and counter-UAS capabilities, to strengthen defensive capabilities. The demonstration reflected how the United States and its NATO allies are modernizing to reinforce defenses in Poland and across the alliance.

Polish and U.S. forces fired their M1A2 Abrams tanks side by side on the firing line. This marked the first time Polish forces fired their M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams tanks alongside U.S. forces, demonstrating both the platform’s firepower and the coordination among partner nations. The commander of the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, Army Col. Matthew Kelley, emphasized the importance of communication when building relationships to deliver interoperability.

“We train to be ready for anything that might happen in the future,” Kelley said. “There is no way you could do that on your own.”

The commander also spoke about the importance of training in Poland and the value it brings to his troops.

“The strength of our allies together is how we demonstrate that resolve, that commitment, and you’ve [got to] do that in the place you may have to defend,” he said.

“After the live-fire exercise, a static display of UASs featured drones that can provide reconnaissance for ground and armored forces and engage enemy vehicles while the pilot remains in a secure position.

Polish vehicles, such as the M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System and the AH-64D Apache helicopter, were displayed alongside U.S. technology systems to counter opposing UAS.

The static display illustrated how both UAS and counter-UAS systems complement armored platforms such as the Abrams by providing reconnaissance, identifying potential threats at a distance and preventing adversaries from locating friendly forces.

When presented together, the systems demonstrated the growing role of UAS and counter-UAS technologies in reinforcing NATO’s defensive posture along Poland’s eastern region.

Operation Winter Falcon 26 underscored the importance of innovation for NATO’s armed forces in modern military operations. By linking armored elements, such as the Abrams tank, with UAS, U.S. and NATO forces demonstrated how coordinated technologies enhance readiness and strengthen overall defense.

PFC Andre Gremillion Jr

Posted in Army, Guest Post | No Comments »