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AFSOC Reveals Name for OA-1K: Skyraider II

Monday, March 3rd, 2025

FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla. —

AFSOCs newest airframe, the OA-1K, will officially be the Skyraider II. AFSOC leaders made the announcement today at the Special Air Warfare Symposium. The moniker renews the rugged and versatile nature of the A-1 Skyraider, which was in service from 1946 to the early 1980s.

“I am excited about the Skyraider II, I think we have a capability that’s only ours, and we are going to have the ability to shape that into something that the rest of the nation might not even know they need right now,” said Lt. Gen. Michael Conley, Air Force Special Operations commander.

The Skyraider II is a cost-effective crewed aircraft that is adaptable across the spectrum of conflict. It will have the ability to support special operations forces as well as the Joint Force through close air support, precision strike, and armed intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.

“AFSOC has enduring global missions,” said Brig. Gen. Craig Prather, AFSOC’s Director of Strategic Plans, Programs and Requirements. “While we don’t expect the Skyraider II to go mix it up with 5th and 6th generation fighters, it will provide value to our supported forces globally.”

The Skyraider II is a lean, agile, modular, and hardened aircraft but one of the most distinguishing feature, like its namesake, is its tailwheel. This prominent feature gives the Skyraider II the capability for short takeoffs and landings as well as the ability to operate from unimproved or austere airfields.

“Providing scalable and precision effects is where the Skyraider II will come in. The Skyraider II could take on missions from the southwest border to Africa and create dilemmas to those we are in competition with,” said Prather.

While in use during the Korean War and Vietnam War, the Skyraider provided extra muscle and firepower for Air Commando combat operations. Its sturdy and persistent nature was showcased when Maj. Bernard Fisher was awarded the first Medal of Honor for an Airman in the Southeast Asia War in an A-1E Skyraider. Later in 1968, Lt. Col. William A. Jones III also received the United States military’s highest decoration – the Medal of Honor – for his actions in an A-1H Skyraider.

The first Skyraider II is expected to arrive at Hurlburt Field in Spring 2025.

Air Force Special Operations Command

Posted in Air Force, Aviation, Guest Post, SOF | No Comments »

Forging Lifelines: 5th SFAB’s Medical Mission in the Indo-Pacific

Sunday, March 2nd, 2025

The 5th Security Force Assistance Brigade (5th SFAB) plays a pivotal role in enhancing medical capabilities across the Indo-Pacific, fostering stronger partnerships and improving the readiness of allied and partner nations. Through collaborative training, operational support, and knowledge sharing, 5th SFAB’s medical teams help partner forces advance their trauma care, casualty evacuation, and medical logistics, ensuring greater resilience during both peacetime and large-scale combat operations (LSCO).

Building Medical Readiness Through Collaboration

Since 2023, the 5th SFAB has conducted over 70 medical assessments and numerous training events with nine Indo-Pacific partners. These engagements focus on improving tactical combat casualty care (TCCC), prolonged field care (PFC), whole blood programs, and medical evacuation systems. By introducing advanced trauma care techniques and refining medical processes, 5th SFAB advisors help partner forces reduce casualty fatality rates, increase return-to-duty rates, and enhance overall battlefield survivability.

Advancing Tactical Medical Training

One of the cornerstone initiatives is training partner forces in TCCC and PFC. These programs teach critical skills for stabilizing casualties and providing lifesaving care in austere environments, ensuring that medical personnel can sustain injured soldiers until evacuation. Additionally, the implementation of whole blood programs improves trauma survival rates, aligning partner force capabilities with proven U.S. military practices.

Enhancing Medical Evacuation and Logistics

Effective casualty evacuation is essential during crises. 5th SFAB advisors work closely with partner forces to optimize evacuation routes, establish Patient Evacuation Coordination Cells (PECCs), and ensure seamless coordination between military and civilian healthcare facilities. By embedding medical advisors within partner force headquarters, the brigade enhances real-time reporting and facilitates bilateral evacuation requests, strengthening interoperability and reducing response times.

Supporting Medical Logistics and Supply Chains

Sustaining medical operations during high-casualty scenarios requires robust supply chains. 5th SFAB advisors collaborate with partner force logistics teams to assess supply levels, forecast consumption rates, and address Class VIII medical supply needs. By establishing pre-positioned stockpiles and implementing walking blood banks, partner forces can maintain critical care capabilities even in contested environments. The brigade also advocates for agreements such as Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreements (ACSAs) to ensure reliable resupply during operations.

Building Sustainable Medical Capabilities

The 5th SFAB’s approach emphasizes long-term capacity building through train-the-trainer programs and Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEEs). By empowering partner nations to develop and sustain their own medical training and operational systems, the brigade fosters enduring self-reliance and strengthens regional stability. Additionally, the use of tools like the Medical Advisor Specific Tool (MEDASAT) ensures consistent progress tracking and continuous improvement.

Strengthening Regional Resilience

Through its advisory efforts, the 5th SFAB is enhancing the medical readiness and interoperability of Indo-Pacific partner forces, ensuring they can respond effectively to both peacetime emergencies and combat operations. By sharing expertise, improving casualty care, and optimizing logistics, the brigade is helping to save lives and strengthen alliances across the region, reinforcing collective security and promoting long-term stability.

Conclusion

The 5th SFAB’s medical advising mission in the Indo-Pacific demonstrates the power of collaboration in strengthening regional security and resilience. By improving trauma care, enhancing evacuation systems, and supporting sustainable medical logistics, the brigade plays a crucial role in ensuring that partner forces are prepared to save lives and sustain operations during both crises and conflicts. These partnerships not only enhance the capabilities of individual nations but also contribute to the collective readiness of the Indo-Pacific region, fostering a network of allies capable of responding swiftly and effectively to any challenge.

By LTC Matthew Holtkamp

Posted in Army, Forces Focus, Guest Post | No Comments »

Big Guns Coffee: Fueling Service Members with Innovation and Purpose

Saturday, March 1st, 2025

For service members, coffee isn’t just a beverage—it’s a lifeline. Whether fueling pre-dawn PT, long deployments, or late-night missions, the right brew keeps warriors sharp and ready for whatever comes next. Big Guns Coffee is a veteran-owned company that doesn’t just talk about strength—it brews it.

A Military Legacy, A Coffee Revolution

Big Guns Coffee isn’t your average coffee brand. Founded by Marine Corps Veteran, entrepreneur, and motivational speaker T. Shane Johnson and his 9-year-old daughter Charli, this company embodies resilience, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.

T. Shane, who has overcome homelessness and life-threatening adversity, built Big Guns Coffee with the same unwavering determination that carried him through the toughest challenges of his military career. Charli, a budding entrepreneur with big ideas, envisioned a company that would not only produce exceptional coffee but push the boundaries of how and where it’s grown. Together, they launched the first-ever indoor hydroponic coffee farm in North Carolina—a bold step toward sustainable, American-grown coffee.

A Perfect Fit for Those Who Serve

As Big Guns Coffee expands, it aligns with the mission of The Army & Air Force Exchange Service, which provides goods and services at U.S. Army, Air Force, and Space Force installations worldwide. With its presence in department stores, convenience stores, restaurants, and more across 30+ countries and four U.S. territories, the Exchange has long been a trusted provider for service members. Big Guns Coffee is ready to be part of that legacy, bringing fresh, bold, and American-roasted coffee directly to the men and women who defend our nation.

Hydroponic Coffee: Innovation Meets Sustainability

For decades, coffee has been grown in tropical regions, thousands of miles from where it’s consumed. Big Guns Coffee is changing that narrative by pioneering hydroponic coffee farming, a soil-free method that allows coffee plants to thrive in nutrient-rich water. This innovative approach delivers superior quality by eliminating soil inconsistencies and exposure to harmful pesticides, resulting in a cleaner, richer flavor. It also champions sustainability, using significantly less water than traditional farming while reducing environmental impact and preventing fertilizer runoff.

Most importantly, it brings American-grown coffee to the forefront. Traditionally, coffee production in the U.S. has been limited to Hawaii, but Big Guns Coffee’s hydroponic farm in North Carolina introduces a fresh, homegrown option that is reshaping the industry.

Expanding Access: Bringing Big Guns Coffee to Military Retailers

Big Guns Coffee is on a mission to bring high-quality, fresh-roasted coffee directly to military communities. By partnering with the Army & Air Force Exchange Service, the company aims to make its blends more accessible to service members at home and abroad. Whether grabbing a cup before heading to the flight line or stocking up for field exercises, troops deserve the best—and Big Guns Coffee is ready to deliver.

A Veteran-Owned Business That Understands the Mission

Military-serving retailers like the Exchange prioritize brands that understand the unique needs of service members. As a veteran-owned company, Big Guns Coffee is built on the same principles that drive military excellence—discipline, resilience, and mission focus.

“Our goal is simple: to provide high-quality coffee to those who push their limits every day,” says T. Shane Johnson. “As a Marine, I know firsthand the importance of a strong cup of coffee. Now, we’re taking that commitment even further by bringing American-grown coffee to military communities worldwide.”

A Bold Future for Big Guns Coffee

With 38 specialty blends sourced from around the globe, Big Guns Coffee already offers an impressive selection. But the future of coffee is growing in North Carolina, where the first hydroponically grown coffee beans are being cultivated for military personnel and coffee lovers alike. The company is also exploring new ways to expand access, including their Sprouts Farmer’s Market launch in May, ensuring that service members, veterans, and their families have a go-to source for fresh, mission-ready coffee.

Posted in Guest Post, Veterans | No Comments »

Robots on the Frontline: Clearing Hazards with MTGR

Saturday, March 1st, 2025

Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va. —

As the geopolitical landscape continues to evolve, rapid capability fielding is proving critical to maintaining a decisive operational edge on the modern battlefield. In preparation for the future fight, Marine Corps Systems Command’s Program Manager Combat Support Systems (PM CSS) has achieved a significant milestone by fielding the Micro Tactical Ground Robot (MTGR)—a lightweight, agile, and modular robotic platform engineered for rapid standoff explosive hazard detection and neutralization.

Originally developed in partnership with industry for the U.S. Air Force’s EOD community, this capability has been adapted to meet the specific needs of the Fleet Marine Force (FMF) and stands as a prime example of the Corps’ Force Design modernization efforts– addressing evolving adversarial threats while aligning with the Pentagon’s strategic shift to the Indo-Pacific.

According to Capt. Timothy Guinan, project officer for the Explosive Hazard Defeat team, “The MTGR is a lightweight, backpackable robotic platform that embodies agility and modularity. Designed for dismounted combat engineers, it allows Marines to remotely assess and neutralize explosive hazards from a safe distance. This standoff capability is globally applicable, particularly in the congested and complex operational environments typical of the Indo-Pacific theater, where small, dispersed units must operate under the threat of improvised explosive devices and other explosive hazards.”

While survivability and lethality remain paramount, acquisition speed has emerged as an equally critical force multiplier. Fielded in less than a year from the program’s procurement decision, the rapid acquisition of MTGR reflects a paradigm shift in the Marine Corps’ approach to capability development.

Drawing on existing joint force programs and expertise, PM CSS’ Explosive Hazard Defeat team accelerated capability development while tailoring the system to meet the unique needs of the warfighter. Modernized technology paired with a user-friendly interface means that even Marines with minimal training can quickly become proficient operators.

The shift to the Indo-Pacific—with its geographically dispersed islands and maritime chokepoints—demands a force that is agile, expeditionary, and capable of operating in diverse and contested environments. The MTGR’s modular design allows it to be quickly reconfigured for various mission requirements, from explosive hazard detection to reconnaissance and surveillance. Rapidly fielding such a system underscores the Marine Corps’ commitment to modernization and ensures that Marines have the cutting-edge tools necessary to secure operational advantages.

Initial fielding of the MTGR capability began the last week of January 2025 with III MEF in Hawaii, where Marines concurrently completed new equipment training and integrating the system into their operations. This is the first step in a deliberate rollout that will extend to I MEF at Camp Pendleton, II MEF at Camp Lejeune, and Reserve Marines in the coming months. With a fielding objective of 154 systems, the Corps is prioritizing broad distribution to maximize operational impact.

Brian Johnson, logistics management specialist with the Explosive Hazard Defeat Team, emphasized the importance of fleet feedback in shaping effective solutions for Marines. He notes, “I’m most excited to get this system into Marines’ hands, train them, and see their reaction to a new capability that I truly believe in,” Johnson said. “Having worked with other robots, I can say this one stands out—it’s user-friendly, effective and well-suited for combat engineers. The effort behind selecting and refining this system paid off, and I think Marines will pick it up quickly and put it to good use.”

By Johannes Schmidt, MCSC Office of Public Affairs and Communication | Marine Corps Systems Command

Posted in Guest Post, Robotics, USMC | No Comments »

Friday Focus: New Stratton Flannel – 4oz

Friday, February 28th, 2025

The FirstSpear STRATTON FLANNEL – 4oz is a lightweight, long-sleeve shirt made from 100% cotton and is now offered in a new Green/Navy colorway.

The shirt includes two oversized chest pockets with button closures, providing secure storage for essentials like a phone or wallet, and features smooth metal buttons that ensure long-lasting wear.

Designed with an intentionally oversized fit, we recommend you size down one step from your normal t-shirt size for a standard fit. The button cuffs on the sleeves provide adjustable wrist comfort and styling versatility.

Made in the USA using imported cotton, this flannel is crafted to meet high-quality standards. This flannel’s lightweight design makes it ideal for layering (seen below paired with the FS Wind Cheater) or wearing alone in mild weather.

Whether for casual wear or outdoor adventures, the STRATTON FLANNEL – 4oz offers a balance of function and style.

FirstSpear is the premier source for cutting edge-tactical gear for military, law enforcement and those who train.

For more information visit First-Spear.com.

Posted in Advertiser, Clothing, FS Friday Focus, Guest Post | No Comments »

352nd SOW, Finnish Utti Jaeger Regiment strengthen NATO’s interoperability in austere weather environments

Friday, February 28th, 2025

KOUVOLA, Finland (AFNS) —

Finnish Special Operations forces from the Utti Jaeger Regiment and U.S. Air Force 352nd Special Operations Wing participated in a bilateral training, Jan. 28-31, 2025, at Utti Jaeger Regiment base, Finland.

The training included airdrop operations in cold weather conditions utilizing the 352nd SOW’s MC-130J Commando II.

“The desired learning objective is familiarization with an allied force,” said the 352nd SOW exercise mission commander. “With Finland joining NATO, we want them to gain familiarization of aircraft and procedures involving both cargo and personnel airdrops using proper safety procedures.”

This training qualifies forces from the Utti Jaeger Regiment on static line jumps, military free-fall – both high-altitude high-opening and high-altitude low-opening – jumps, allowing Finnish jumpmasters to perform required maneuvers with U.S. personnel and aircraft.

“We’ve worked with the Finnish military before, but this will be the first time with the Utti Jaegers since Finland joined NATO,” said the mission commander. “The 352nd, and U.S. forces are proficient and well-versed in airdrop and Utti Jaegers are experts in extreme cold weather environments. We can take our combined experience and put them together to get a better product.”

A U.S. Space Force Guardian assigned to the 352nd SOW used the exercise as an opportunity to integrate with SOF operations by providing digital force protection capabilities, allowing U.S. forces to characterize malicious electromagnetic activities through signature matching and anomaly detection.

“Testing these sensors allows for higher fidelity in characterizing interference used by adversaries,” the Guardian said. “With this exercise we seek to build our knowledge base and better understand processes and procedures to set up a baseline of operations for future deployments of these sensors or others like it.”

By SSgt Caroline Parks, 352nd Special Operations Wing

Posted in Air Force, Guest Post, Industry, SOF | No Comments »

Airmen of the Future: Wing Develops Next-Generation Maintenance Capabilities

Thursday, February 27th, 2025

MIDDLETOWN, Pa. —

The 193rd Special Operations Wing is implementing a new cross-training initiative called Ready Airmen Training, designed to increase aircraft maintenance efficiency. This new program — now exercised Air Force-wide — supports efforts to create a more adaptable and deployment ready force.

“We’re working to ensure our maintainers aren’t just locked into one specialty,” said the 193rd Special Operations Group unit deployment manager. “By giving them hands-on experience in multiple areas, we’re building a force that can operate more efficiently.”

Maintenance personnel at the 193rd have previously focused on specific specialties within their job titles. Under the new training model, Airmen are gaining experience across different maintenance specialties, allowing them to assist in multiple areas outside their duty assignment.

“When we deploy, we won’t have to send as many personnel,” the unit deployment manager said. “Our Airmen will have the capability to cover more ground instead of just within their discipline.”

This program enables maintenance personnel to support and assist in tasks outside their primary career field. Therefore, it allows a single expert to be accompanied by two trained personnel within this program, increasing efficiency and reducing the need for multiple specialists to be deployed for a single task.

“We aren’t trying to make a crew chief into an avionics troop,” A 193rd Special Operations Group avionics troop said. “It’s about teaching someone outside of my career field the skills needed in order to assist me, especially when deployed.”

The 193rd is building on its existing strengths by adopting a more flexible maintenance training approach, aligning with the Air Force’s evolving strategy. Leadership here is moving forward with this new program, despite potential challenges.

“The Air Force is evolving, and we’re evolving with it,” the unit deployment manager said. “By training smarter and making our teams more capable, we’re ensuring we can meet mission requirements wherever we’re needed.”

SSgt Bela Vaszlavik, 193rd Special Operations Wing

Posted in Air Force, Guest Post, MRO | No Comments »