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Two Divisions Team Up to Transform the Army

Tuesday, March 31st, 2026

Schofield Barracks, Hawaii (March 30, 2026) – Two U.S. Army divisions, dozens of industry partners, and multiple Army program offices have joined forces to help expedite the Army’s command and control and networking transformation.

Both divisions are leveraging a series of operational training events to experiment with Next Generation Command and Control (NGC2) prototypes: The 4th Infantry Division (4th ID), conducting Ivy Stings and the 25th Infantry Division (25th ID), conducting Lightning Surges.

The NGC2 ecosystem delivers information across all warfighting functions to enhance commanders’ decision-making and speed – with artificial intelligence (AI) playing a key role to quickly process and analyze huge volumes of data to the battlefield edge.

Just as NGC2 is eliminating stovepiped warfighting systems, the two divisions, their industry partners, evaluators, and the Army program offices are joining forces to share lessons-learned, reuse applications, and converge capabilities to help the Army scale the NGC2 framework.

Army leaders say the collaboration is paying off.

“The ingenuity and the creativity of the Soldiers, combined with continuous iteration with industry, has been instrumental. A lot of times, the industry partners are going home and fixing the code in almost real time,” said Maj. Gen. Patrick Ellis, commanding general of the 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson, Colorado. “We’re benefiting both of our divisions as we’re getting to do that continuously over time.”

The 4th ID recently completed Ivy Sting 5 – where the division employed NGC2 across 35 mission threads – while the 25th ID recently executed Lightning Surge 2, which focused on the digital kill chain and validated their prototype’s maturity to set the stage for integrating NGC2 into larger, joint and multinational exercises across the Pacific.

“We’re absolutely building on the lessons from the 4th ID, but our focus is applying those lessons to the unique challenges of the Indo-Pacific. By having two divisions prototyping in different operational environments, we are de-risking this effort for the entire Army and providing a more robust, validated set of capabilities for the future fight,” said Maj. Gen. James B. Bartholomees, commanding general of the 25th ID and U.S. Army Hawaii.

With its “See, Sense, Strike” concept at the forefront, the 25th ID recently completed its second in the series of Lightning Surge exercises, which featured the Division Artillery (DIVARTY) executing fully digital calls for fire missions – from sensor to shooter – using an industry prototyped NGC2 data platform and AI mission system that streamlined targeting data received from different sensors (See and Sense).

The Army’s new app-based, data-centric fires command and control system, the Artillery Execution Suite (AXS), which will eventually replace the Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System (AFATDS), ingested targeting information from the data layer and enabled the fires direction center (FDC) to quickly calculate all firing computations before sending for execution down the “last mile” to the guns (Strike).

“The new system is sensor agnostic [where it pulls information] into that data layer, simultaneously hitting the appropriate device or system at echelon, up and down the chain of command, where decision makers are able to determine the appropriate delivery asset down to our shooters,” said Col. Daniel Von Benkin, DIVARTY commander.

As the DIVARTY Operations Sergeant Major, SGM Kenneth Alexander, explained, the new process is “taking out the element of human error. The data goes machine to machine so we can focus on making decisions instead of just manually entering data.”

While the 4th ID successfully demonstrated using AXS within NGC2 to conduct fires missions during their earlier Ivy Sting exercises, the 25th ID leveraged Lightning Surge 2 to also experiment with compatibility through the data layer with AFATDS, ensuring it remains aligned with joint partners in its shared Pacific operational environment.

“Our mission at the 25th Infantry Division is to forge the fight to achieve decision dominance in the vast operational environment of the Pacific,” Bartholomees said. “These [digital fires support] capabilities are preparing us now as we deploy our force into the first island chain as part of Operation Pathway,” referencing a series of annual combat “rehearsals” in the Philippines with that nation’s Army and other multi-national partners.

In addition to the technical progress coming out of the prototype efforts, commanders and staff are sharing lessons learned to refine operational warfighting processes in line with the NGC2 concept.

Lt. Col. Adam Brinkman, 25th ID G6 and 125th Division Signal Battalion commander, said he is closely collaborating with the 4th ID’s G6 team to learn how they are applying AI tools to shorten the time needed to work through their higher priority target list.

“They have done really well in their war room to reduce what can be a very lengthy process,” he said. “We will add this knowledge to our roadmap, which will allow us to analyze large volumes of data to inform human decisions at machine speed.”

While the divisions are synchronized in scope, NGC2’s flexible framework adapts to the disparate mission sets across the force.

“The Army acknowledges that one size does not fit all,” said Brig. Gen. Shane Taylor, Capability Program Executive for Command and Control Information Network (C2IN), noting that NGC2’s data layer – the way data is stored and managed across all the warfighting functions – will be the most common characteristic across divisions.

“You’ll probably see the most diversity within the transport layer, which will take into account the tyranny of distance you have here in USARPAC [U.S. Army Pacific]. We want to give commanders the ability to tailor the kit based off their individual needs,” he said.

For both divisions, accelerating the fires digital kill chain is paramount to making the fires process faster, more precise and more lethal.

“Even with existing fires systems, the process still included manual steps that left room for human error,” Von Benken said. “In Lightning Surge 2, we focused on bridging those final gaps to create a true, end-to-end digital workflow, keeping the human in the loop to make the critical decision to call for fires.”

By Kathryn Bailey, CPE C2IN Public Communications Directorate

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CPE C2IN is rapidly delivering dominant C2 and network solutions through a dedicated partnership with warfighters and industry. We achieve this by harnessing the speed of commercial innovation and pioneering new capabilities, providing a persistent and decisive information advantage. CPE C2IN equips commanders to decide and act faster than any adversary, ensuring victory in a complex, ever-evolving contested environment.

Posted in AI / ML, Army, C5ISR, Guest Post | No Comments »

Panteao Productions Has a New Website

Monday, March 30th, 2026

Panteao Productions has launched a new website.

Many in the industry already know Make Ready TV, our streaming platform. What some may not realize is that Panteao Productions is the video production company behind it.

Panteao Productions was founded in 2009 as a firearms industry specific video production company built by firearms people. We started by producing instructional content focused on the safe handling and use of firearms with top instructors. From there, the work expanded into survival training, medical, shooting sports, hunting, documentaries, episodic shows, and branded content for the firearms and outdoor industry.

With more than 32 years in the firearms industry, we understand how to present products, training, and brand messaging in a way that is accurate, credible, and right for this audience. That matters. A lot of video gets produced without a real understanding of the product, the customer, or the culture around it. We know the difference, and it shows on camera.

The new website gives a clearer look at who we are, what we produce, the services we offer, and how we help content get seen.

panteaoproductions.com

Posted in Guest Post, Media | No Comments »

BFG Monday – The Elastic Pouch You Forget Is There

Monday, March 30th, 2026

“Military-grade elastic” is a well-known concept in the world of load-carriage today; but 15 years ago, it was a revolutionary idea. One that no one thought would work.

Photo courtesy of U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Isaac Cantrell

The idea was born when the CEO of Blue Force Gear (“BFG”) was nearly side-swiped by a cyclist careening out of an alley. As the “10-speed” cyclist swerved to avoid a collision, the CEO noticed a pair of water bottles tucked into the spandex pockets on the back of his jersey and the idea materialized. The water bottle was heavy, but it stayed in place. Could elastic work for a fully loaded M4 mag as well? That question (and BFG’s answer) changed the way gear manufacturers and warfighters have approached load-carriage for the past decade.

Blue Force Gear has always been an innovator – never reproducing something that was already on the market but rather approaching problems with a fresh look. If you recall from last week’s article, BFG’s design philosophy addresses the old military axiom “ounces equal pounds, and pounds equal pain.” A Pub Med article stated that “many injuries experienced by soldiers can be attributed to the occupational loads they are required to carry.” (1) BFG recognized our warfighters’ lives, backs, and knees are worth protecting and that’s why the attention to detail – and obsession with shaving ounces – goes into every product they produce.

Ten-Speed was another innovation by BFG to drastically reduce weight for the warfighter. Ten-Speed became known as their line of pouches that uses a proprietary elastic to retain objects. The pouches were originally developed and marketed for M4 magazines, but a few unexpected benefits were swiftly realized when they were beta tested.

Photo courtesy of Department of War

Ten-Speed pouches will stretch to accommodate just about anything, as long as they’re sized to fit within that pouch. This allows the user to carry critical items without changing pouches or having specific loadouts for each mission. One pouch…nearly unlimited utility. Ten-Speed pouches range in size from pistol mag to 417 mag and come in single, double, or triple configurations. Depending on the size selected, they fit various items such as different types of magazines, medical gear, small handheld radios, GPS units, multi-tools, knives, flashlights, and yes, even dip cans.

Ten-Speed pouches lay flat when they’re not in use, adding no bulk and virtually no weight to the user. This is crucial because form-factor is a concern no matter what the mission. Another Pub Med article stated that “it is most efficient to carry load as close to the body’s centre of mass (CoM) as possible.” (2) In addition to reducing risk of injury, men and women with smaller profiles can fit more places and move faster than those with bulkier kit. When a Ten-Speed pouch is needed, it stretches to accommodate an item.

The operational feedback that shaped Ten-Speed came directly from elite units conducting linear assault missions — operations carried out in the confined quarters of aircraft, subways, trains, and buses. In those environments, every millimeter of unnecessary bulk is a liability. A pouch that snags on a doorframe or catches on a seat could mean the difference between a clean entry and a compromised mission. Ten-Speed was built specifically to eliminate that risk.

Photo courtesy of U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jessi Roth

The best pouch is the one you forget is there. Ten-Speed pouches don’t add bulk, don’t weigh you down, and retain items beautifully until you need them and then lay flat when you don’t. BFG solves problems for the warfighter by drastically reducing weight and at the same time providing even more options, Ten-Speed is just another example of their innovation.

Keep an eye out for next week’s article where we’ll cover the technology that literally changed MOLLE pouches – Helium Whisper.

(1) pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25178432

(2) pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20060096

About Blue Force Gear®

Widely known for supplying the world’s best weapon slings, Blue Force Gear also leads the lightweight load carriage equipment revolution with Ten-Speed multi-use pouches, MOLLEminus platforms, and their patented Helium Whisper attachment system. Their proprietary ULTRACOMP high-performance coated fabric laminate material, unrivaled innovation, attention to detail, and obsession with reducing weight sets Blue Force Gear apart from others in the tactical equipment industry. Blue Force Gear is a Great Place to Work Certified Company. For more information on products, proprietary technologies, or how BFG continues to reduce weight for the warfighter, visit their website: www.blueforcegear.com

Posted in Advertiser, Guest Post, Load Carrying, Materials | No Comments »

PMTEC Elevates Electronic Warfare Training at Exercise Cobra Gold 2026

Monday, March 30th, 2026

LOPBURI PROVINCE, Thailand — U.S. Army Electronic Warfare (EW) Soldiers participating in the U.S. Army Pacific (USARPAC) Exercise Cobra Gold 2026 conducted spectrum-focused training designed to improve detection, protection, and disruption capabilities in a realistic electromagnetic environment at Fort Bhumibol, Thailand, Feb. 25 to March 6, 2026.

U.S. Indo-Pacific Command’s J7 Pacific Multi-Domain Training and Experimentation Capability (PMTEC) provided emitter support that allowed electromagnetic warfare teams to train against real electromagnetic signatures, transforming what would have been a theoretical exercise into a hands-on, operationally relevant experience. By introducing active electromagnetic signatures into the training area, PMTEC enabled Soldiers to train against real signals rather than relying solely on simulated or classroom-based instruction.

According to U.S. Army Warrant Officer Shelby Honzell, assigned to 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, without active emitters, Soldiers cannot fully execute mission-essential tasks such as electromagnetic support. For U.S. and partner forces refining their electromagnetic warfare capabilities, that realism depends heavily on having a realistic training environment.

“I really appreciate the fact that they are putting in the effort to get us emitters,” Honzell said. “It makes the training value much higher when there’s targets out there for these Soldiers to target.”

Electromagnetic warfare is not a skill set that can be mastered in a classroom alone. Without signals to detect, track, and disrupt EW Soldiers cannot fully execute their mission-essential tasks.

“If there are no emitters out there, it makes it difficult for EW to get sets and reps on targeting, as far as their training objectives,” Honzell said. “It makes a difference when Soldiers can physically operate their equipment against live signals and see how their actions affect the environment.” PMTEC’s support ensured those “sets and reps” were possible — enabling Soldiers to conduct direction finding, sensing, and jamming in a realistic electromagnetic environment.

This year’s Cobra Gold iteration also incorporated experimentation with Multi-Functional Reconnaissance Company (MFRC) tactics, techniques and procedures. The integration placed reconnaissance elements alongside EW teams, allowing both formations to better understand how they operate together in a modern fight.

“We’re testing out the MFRCs’ TTPs ensuring reconnaissance scouts and EW teams work as a unified force,” said Honzell. “This integration gives scouts a front-row seat to EW operations, ensuring both elements of reconnaissance are fully synchronized on the battlefield.”

That integration reflects a broader shift toward multi-domain operations — a cornerstone of USARPAC’s approach to modern warfare. Success depends on the seamless coordination of ground maneuver forces, reconnaissance, and electromagnetic effects. This coordination improves understanding of how electromagnetic warfare contributes to information collection, targeting, and force protection within a multi-domain framework.

Modern warfare increasingly plays out across the electromagnetic spectrum. According to Honzell, EW encompasses three primary functions: electromagnetic attack, including jamming and denial of enemy communications; electromagnetic protection, safeguarding friendly forces and ensuring force protection; and electromagnetic support, including direction finding and sensing to provide commanders with actionable intelligence.

Each of those roles requires exposure to realistic signals. PMTEC’s emitter support created that contested environment, enabling troops to practice detecting, protecting, and attacking within the spectrum — rather than simply discussing it.

The training environment also provided opportunities for collaboration with Thai counterparts. While Thai EW personnel were not fully integrated on the ground, their presence observing operations fostered shared understanding and future interoperability.

“The Royal Thai Army has shown a high level of engagement with our current operations and a strong desire for collaboration,” said Honzell. “This partnership has fostered a highly productive and collaborative training environment.”

As military operations increasingly rely on communications networks, sensors, and electronic systems, the ability to operate effectively in the electromagnetic spectrum remains a critical competency. By incorporating emitter support into Cobra Gold 2026, PMTEC enabled electronic warfare Soldiers to conduct practical, field-based training aligned with their operational requirements.

“You can’t fully replicate this kind of training in a classroom,” Honzell said. “Operating in a live electromagnetic environment better prepares us to execute our mission.”

Established in 2022, PMTEC is a transformative enterprise funded and resourced by the United States Indo-Pacific Command to enhance joint, combined, and coalition warfighting readiness, posture, and lethality in the Indo-Pacific. It has created and is constantly enhancing the largest coalition range system in the world, linking geographically distributed ranges and training areas across the Indo-Pacific theater and beyond. PMTEC is a key component of the Pacific Deterrence Initiative, reinforcing the U.S. commitment to homeland defense and a free and open Indo-Pacific. PMTEC’s integration of advanced training technologies and its alignment with U.S. national security and defense strategies make it a cornerstone of U.S. efforts to maintain regional stability and counter adversarial aggression.

Story by Eleanor Prohaska

U.S. Indo-Pacific Command

Posted in Army, EW, Guest Post | Comments Off on PMTEC Elevates Electronic Warfare Training at Exercise Cobra Gold 2026

The First Line of Defense is Language, Regional Expertise and Culture: How AFCLC Helps Secure the Homeland

Sunday, March 29th, 2026

MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. —

Defending the U.S. homeland is a cornerstone and the ultimate deliverable of the latest National Defense Strategy. It is also a task deeply intertwined with the specialized work of the AFCLC.

The AFCLC delivers a contribution to homeland defense by strengthening security cooperation with partner nations on U.S. borders, a mission directly supported by LEAP Scholars and tailored curriculum. This partnership helps contain threats before they reach the homeland.

“LEAP arms our Airmen with the linguistic and cultural tools that are essential for working hand in hand with Latin American mission partners,” said Capt. Konrad Bennett, Chief Security Forces 704thMunitions Support Squadron, Ghedi Air Base, Italy. “While many LEAP scholars are native speakers with cultural and family ties across the border, LITEs and e-Mentors provide professional vocabulary and sharpen language skills, giving Airmen confidence to interact fluidly with international partners.”

In his work as a LEAP Scholar, Bennett has seen firsthand how the AFCLC contributes to defending the homeland.

“As a Flight Commander at the Inter-American Air Forces Academy (IAAFA), I worked with a number of Spanish LEAP scholars,” he said. “They were frequently called upon to translate and serve as Subject Matter Experts with Mexico as well as multiple Central and South American mission partners. AFNORTH consulted my team for the development of a Security Forces career field for the Mexican Air Force, calling on us to showcase Security Forces techniques and training to a delegation from Mexico. By building partner capacity, the US enables Mexico to do its part to reduce threats on its side of the border. Additionally, one of my Airmen was tasked to translate for the ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives), CBP (Customs and Border Protection), DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration), ARNORTH (United States Army North) and Department of State for cross-border security discussions in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. Coordination between US and Mexican law enforcement agencies is crucial to a secure border and to reducing threats from transnational criminal and terrorist organizations.”

LEAP Scholar Tech Sgt. Edgar Bravo, Section Chief, Combat Arms/SFCA, 31st Security Forces Squadron with the 31st Security Forces Squadron, Aviano Air Base, Italy has also participated in activities that have strengthened security cooperation with partner nations and defended the homeland.

“The linguistic and cultural proficiency I gained through the Language Enabled Airman Program (LEAP) has been invaluable in strengthening security cooperation,” Bravo said. “I had the opportunity to put these skills to direct use during the ‘FUERZAS AMIGAS’ exercise preparation, a critical disaster-response drill in Juarez, Mexico. There, I served as the lead interpreter for the U.S. Army North (ARNORTH) Commander, facilitating vital communication with our Mexican counterparts. Separately, my expertise was tasked by Inter-American Air Forces Academy (IAAFA) and the Mexican Air Force (SEDENA), where I played a pivotal role in helping them pioneer a foundational plan to establish their own Security Forces career field. Both of these experiences underscore how LEAP equips us to build trust and interoperability with our partners, directly enhancing our collective ability to secure our shared borders and protect the homeland.”

Rather than a separate mission, the AFCLC’s mastery of language, regional expertise, and culture is the core of its contribution to defending the homeland.

“The NDS top priority is Defending the Homeland, which now includes the Western Hemisphere,” said Dr. Daniel Uribe, the Air Force Culture and Language Center’s U.S. Southern Command expert. “In addition to preparing to defend our region from kinetic attacks, the NDS recognizes that homeland defense also hinges on interagency coordination, allied integration and partnerships with Western Hemisphere nations. Our LEAP Scholars and the AFCLC are critical to these efforts. The LREC capabilities the AFCLC provides the Air Force and Space Force enable deeper connections with our friends and allies in the region through security cooperation efforts, multi-national exercises, and humanitarian relief efforts. These strong connections also serve to deter potential adversaries. Our LEAP Airmen and Guardians are key enablers to the NDS LOE 1 Defending the Homeland.”

By James Brown, AFCLC Outreach Team

AFCLC

Posted in Air Force, Guest Post | Comments Off on The First Line of Defense is Language, Regional Expertise and Culture: How AFCLC Helps Secure the Homeland

CSA Observes TiC at JRTC

Sunday, March 29th, 2026

FORT POLK, La. — Gen. Randy George, the Chief of Staff of the Army, and Sgt. Maj. of the Army Michael Weimer visited the Joint Readiness Training Center and Fort Polk March 19-20. The visit focused on observing a rotational training exercise and engaging directly with Soldiers in the field, including members from the 82nd Airborne Division. The emphasis was on continuous transformation and ensuring the force remains lethal, disciplined and ready.

George spent time in the “box,” JRTC’s premier training area known for its force-on-force exercises that prepare units to fight and win in complex operational environments. There, he met with Soldiers and discussed topics ranging from integrating emerging technologies to refining warfighting fundamentals. He also received a firsthand look at how Soldiers at JRTC are training in real time under the Army’s Transformation in Contact initiative.

He also met with Fort Polk leadership and received briefings on current and future projects.

George explored unmanned ground vehicles, aerial systems, counter-unmanned aerial systems, artificial intelligence and other technologies that enhance the Army’s readiness and warfighting capabilities.

Leaders received updates from George and Weimer on key installation projects and modernization efforts that support the Army’s priorities, including enhancing readiness, improving quality of life and enabling large-scale combat operations.

Throughout his stay, George presented coins to Soldiers and Department of the Army civilians for going above and beyond in their line of work.

He concluded his visit by dining with Soldiers at the Geronimo Dining Facility.

By Porsha Auzenne

Posted in Army, Guest Post | No Comments »

US and German Forces Compete for Coveted Marksmanship Badge

Saturday, March 28th, 2026

PIRMASENS, Germany– In a display of camaraderie and tactical skill, American service members from across the Kaiserslautern and Stuttgart Military Community joined their German Bundeswehr counterparts today for the Schützenschnur, a prestigious German armed forces badge for weapons proficiency.

The not only tested the participants’ marksmanship but also strengthened the spirit of cooperation recently forged during the German-American Friendship Days in Ramstein.

The diverse American contingent included soldiers from Public Health Command Europe, Veterinary Readiness Activity, Rheinland Pfalz, security forces from the 596th United States Forces Police Squadron, a member of the 86th Medical Squadron from Landstuhl Regional Medical Center and several of their Navy counterparts. This broad participation underscores the deep level of cooperation between the allied nations.

The Schützenschnur, a tradition with deep roots in German military history, is a highly respected decoration and a testament to a soldier’s shooting prowess.

Participants fired the German G36 rifle and the P8 pistol. The G36 is a 5.56x45mm assault rifle that has been the standard issue for the Bundeswehr since 1997 and the P8 is the German military’s standard service pistol.

For many of the American participants, the experience was a unique opportunity to step outside their own military’s standard procedures and equipment.

Sergeant Jhonas Lopez, Brigade S1 noncommissioned officer in charge at PHCE, shared his enthusiasm for the cross-cultural exchange.

“I enjoyed the most was getting to work with our International partners and get a feel of their weapon systems and comparing it to what we use on the U.S. side,” said Lopez.

The event was not without its trials. The demanding course of fire pushed the service members to their limits.

“The most challenging part was having to move to the next fighting position and engage the target,” Lopez explained. “My heart rate was running and it made it more interesting.”

Despite the difficulty, Lopez said his goal was to earn the highest-level badge. “Gold is the standard!” he declared.

The sentiment of partnership and mutual respect was echoed by the German hosts.

“My goal is for everyone to have fun, stay safe and earn a Schützenschnur they can wear with pride,” stated Bundeswehr Senior Master Sgt. Brian Wagner. “Above all, this was a chance to build partnerships with our allies, connect and exchange expertise.”

Notably, all participating soldiers from Public Health Command Europe achieved the gold standard. Earning the gold Schützenschnur, the highest of three levels, requires a soldier to achieve the top score on all weapon systems in the competition, demonstrating exceptional marksmanship.

The following soldiers from Public Health Command Europe were recognized for their participation:

Capt. Javier Pino

Sgt. 1st Class Marissa Henson

Staff Sgt. Tatiana Jones

Sgt. Syarra Bermudez

Sgt. Dayton Crawford

Sgt. Jhonas Lopez

By Michelle Thum

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

Heller Foundation Announces Partnership with Greenline Tactical

Friday, March 27th, 2026

Dear Friends, Supporters, and Partners,

I am thrilled to announce an exciting new strategic partnership between The Heller Foundation and Greenline Tactical, a premier provider of advanced firearms and tactical training. This collaboration represents a significant step forward in our shared mission to promote responsible firearms ownership, enhance personal and community safety, and ensure that law-abiding Americans have access to the highest-quality instruction grounded in real-world experience and constitutional principles.

As the lead plaintiff in the landmark District of Columbia v. Heller case—which affirmed the individual right to keep and bear arms for self-defense under the Second Amendment—I have dedicated my work through The Heller Foundation to education, training, and advocacy that empowers citizens nationwide. Partnering with Greenline Tactical allows us to expand our impact by designating them as our preferred training partners for firearms instruction and specialized active shooter response training.

This partnership is particularly meaningful because of the exceptional leadership and expertise of Don Edwards and Sam Houston at Greenline Tactical. Don Edwards, the founder and lead instructor, brings over 20 years of experience as a U.S. Army Special Operations veteran, with extensive service providing tactical advisory support to the Department of Defense in high-threat environments, including Iraq and Afghanistan. He is a FLETC-certified firearms instructor and a respected figure in the industry for his hands-on, no-nonsense approach to training.

Sam Houston, a 10-year U.S. Navy veteran who served as a Flight Tech and Sensor Operator in combat operations, complements Don’s expertise with specialized knowledge in night vision tactics, surveillance, and defensive skills. Together, Don and Sam have built Greenline Tactical into a trusted source for elite training, including their renowned Night Operations Summit and courses tailored for law enforcement, military, and responsible civilians.
I am especially enthusiastic about our joint focus on active shooter training for houses of worship, schools, synagogues, and other soft-target community institutions nationwide. In an era where threats to innocent lives are all too real, equipping faith leaders, educators, administrators, and congregants with practical, life-saving skills is essential to preserving our freedoms and protecting our communities.

As I often say: “I’m incredibly excited about this partnership with Greenline Tactical. Don Edwards and Sam Houston are true professionals with unmatched credentials—decades of elite military service, proven combat experience, and a commitment to excellence in training. By teaming up, we’re not just teaching skills; we’re strengthening the Second Amendment in action, helping everyday Americans defend themselves, their families, and their places of worship with confidence and competence.”

Kristie Tertel, our National Director of Legislative Policy and Senior Advisor to the White House, and Jessica Spindle, Global Director of Community Outreach and Business Development, share this heightened enthusiasm in a joint statement- and has been instrumental in advancing our policy and outreach efforts. They add: “This strategic alliance with Greenline Tactical, led by Don Edwards and Sam Houston, is a game-changer for The Heller Foundation. Their elite backgrounds ensure that our training programs deliver real-world preparedness, particularly for protecting vulnerable spaces like churches, schools, and synagogues. We’re proud to elevate responsible firearms education and active shooter response nationwide, empowering communities to exercise their constitutional rights safely and effectively.”

“As the founder of Greenline Tactical I’m proud to be partnering with The Heller Foundation to provide quality life saving skills to responsible citizens and I’m looking forward to the future of this relationship.” -Don Edwards , Founder and Lead Instructor, Greenline Tactical.

Sam Houston, Instructor at Greenline Tactical, adds his perspective: “For what it’s worth—my two cents—this partnership with The Heller Foundation is a natural fit. Don and I have spent years honing life-saving tactics in the most demanding environments, and now we get to bring that expertise directly to communities that need it most. Together, we’re building real preparedness for churches, schools, synagogues, and beyond, empowering good people to protect the innocent without apology.”

The Heller Foundation looks forward to rolling out joint training programs, workshops, and resources in the coming months. For more information on upcoming sessions or how your organization can get involved, please visit our website or contact us directly.
Thank you for your continued support of The Heller Foundation’s mission to defend, protect and educate on the Second Amendment. Together, we are building a safer, more prepared America.

Sincerely,

Dick Heller
Founder and Executive Director
The Heller Foundation

Posted in 2A, Guest Post, Training | No Comments »