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Hotspur Launches SOLDIER Line with Coin

Thursday, May 14th, 2026

To mark the launch of the new SOLDIER brand at the recent British Army RSM conference, Hotspur commissioned an exclusive coin and pin badge set for the occasion.

Each coin case was wrapped in a black outer card with silver hot foiling for the SOLDIER brand. We are tired of plain white card wraps that offer no branding or presence.

The case inside was covered in a camouflage pattern to match the event. We believe this is yet another design first from Hotspur. The SOLDIER brand is hot foiled into the lid for a touch of quality. The inside of the lid is also hot foiled with a quote to add to the overall impact. This can be an image, logo or writing.

The limited edition coin and pin badge were presented inside the box along with a mini catalogue designed specifically for the event. The feedback from the RSM’s present was very positive!

If you are considering a coin and/or pin badge project of any type, please contact us for a quote. There are no minimum numbers required and turn around is approx three weeks. We can look after all design and modelling for you with no extra / hidden charges.

Please contact us directly to discuss options:

Tel / Whapp: 07354 589764

Email: info@hotspur.co

Web: www.hotspur.co

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

Beyond Clothing Chosin Collection: L8 Extreme Cold Weather System

Thursday, May 14th, 2026

Beyond Clothing has introduced the Chosin Collection, a fourpiece L8 Extreme Cold Weather (ECW) system designed for operations in extreme cold environments where prolonged, stationary exposure makes heat retention crucial for survival. While the ECWCS 1-7 Layering System provides scalable protection across a broad range of conditions, it is not appropriate for sustained static exposure in the Arctic or High North Environments. The Chosin Collection was developed to fill that capability gap with additional insulation and protection for extended cold weather operations.

Above: By Photo by Corporal Peter McDonald, USMC – [1] (originally uploaded to en.wiki by Raul654), Public Domain, commons.wikimedia.org/w/index

The name Chosin refers the Korean War’s Battle of Chosin Reservoir, the coldest battle fought by U.S. forces, where temperatures fell as low as ?36°F and environmental exposure caused thousands of nonbattle casualties. The Chosin system is designed with that tragic lesson in mind: eliminate the environmental enemy so the warfighter can focus on the mission.

Integrated System Design and Testing

The Chosin Collection is a fully integrated system, with each component precisely engineered to complement the others. All features—like the ergonomic zipper pulls, pocket geometry on the bibs, and mapped insulation patterns in the mitts—were intentionally designed to work together when layered over a complete ECWCS configuration.

The system has undergone extensive testing and evaluation by Beyond Clothing personnel and end users across a wide range of coldweather environments, including ANWR, Alaska; Warroad, Minnesota; Bemidji, Minnesota; the Swiss Alps; and other global coldweather locations. Testing emphasized longduration static exposure, sustainment tasks, packability, and thermal retention overhighoutput movement.

Above: Beyond Clothing team testing multiple prototype variations of the Chosin ECW Mitt and Overboot.

Chosin Collection system highlights include:

• Laboratory stress tested to validate insulation and material performance

• Built to maximize warfighter lethality by minimizing environmental degradation

• Maximum packability for warmth-to-weight ratio

• Optimized for full mechanical mobility during static and lowoutput operations

• Rigorously tested by endusers in realworld cold environments

Above: Beyond Clothing team testing prototypes of the L8 Chosin ECW Parka and Bib.

Integrated L8 Polar Insulation

The Chosin Collection is a true ECWCS Level 8 (Polar Insulation) system for use when movement is limited, and maximum thermal retention is required. Unlike active insulation layers designed for movement, Chosin prioritizes wind blockage, full coverage, and heat retention during static and lowoutput operations.

The system consists of four components:

• Chosin ECW Parka

• Chosin ECW Bib

• Chosin ECW Mitt

• Chosin ECW Overboot

All components are Made in the USA, Berry Amendment compliant, and designed to layer over standard ECWCS ensembles.

Chosin ECW Parka

The Chosin ECW Parka is the system anchor and provides full upperbody protection from extreme cold exposure. It features a WINDSTOPPER® by GORETEX LABS shell combined with 10oz of Climashield® Apex insulation to prevent wind penetration and reduce convective heat loss.

An adjustable hood with a removable fur ruff provides facial protection from the elements, while insulated draft flaps minimize cold intrusion around zippers and cuffs. Bodymapped insulation balances warmth and mobility during extended static use.

Chosin ECW Bib

Designed to pair directly with the Chosin ECW Parka, the Chosin ECW Bib insulates and protects the lowerbody for prolonged cold exposure. Built with a WINDSTOPPER shell and Climashield Apex insulation, the bib can be worn over existing layers without restricting movement.

Fulllength, twoway side zippers allow rapid donning and doffing without removing boots and provide ventilation. Cordura® reinforced highwear areas improve durability during seated or kneeling observation, specifically for protection against use with crampons, snowshoes, or skies.

Chosin ECW Mitt

The Chosin ECW Mitt is a lightweight, highly packable solution for extreme cold hand protection. Insulated with Climashield Apex and lined with NATIVA™ Regen merino wool, the mitt emphasizes warmthtoweight efficiency for polar environments.

An extended gauntlet seals over outerwear sleeves, while grip zones and windblocking panels concentrate insulation in high heatloss areas. The design supports dexterity for tasks using ice axes, ski poles and during the use of snow machines, while prioritizing heat retention during static operations.

Chosin ECW Overboot

The Chosin ECW Overboot was developed to address one of the longstanding limitations of legacy extreme cold footwear: excessive weight and bulk that degrade mobility and endurance.

Traditional overboots designed for arctic use often prioritize insulation at the expense of mass, resulting in footwear that is cumbersome to move in, fatigues over time, and is impractical for extended dismounted operations.

In contrast, the Chosin ECW Overboot delivers significant cold-weather insulation at a fraction of the weight typically associated with legacy systems. Designed to fit over issued boots, it combines EVA foam insulation with compressible high-loft materials to retain warmth while remaining exceptionally lightweight and low profile.

The result is an overboot that improves thermal protection without immobilizing the warfighter.

A flexible, durable sole allows natural foot movement and supports normal gait, helping maintain mobility during prolonged cold exposure. Reinforced toe and heel areas increase durability for ground contact and uneven terrain, while the pack-flat design reduces rucksack volume when not in use.

The overboot is compatible with NATO 120 cable bindings and snowshoes, supporting arctic mobility platforms without requiring dedicated cold-weather boots or permanent integration. By reducing weight and preserving movement, the Chosin ECW Overboot enables operators to remain mobile and functional in extreme cold environments where traditional overboots can quickly become a liability.

Built for Extreme Cold Survival

Rather than prioritizing speed or aerobic output, the ChosinCollection is built for survival in the world’s coldest environments. When worn as a complete system, it provides neartotal wind blockage and full thermal coverage, allowing operators to remain effective in conditions where exposure alone can be missionending.

Availability

The Chosin Collection is available directly from Beyond Clothing in Multicam Alpine and OCP with support for government and unit purchasing programs.

• L8 Chosin ECW Parka: $1,455.99

• L8 Chosin ECW Bib: $1,059.99

• Chosin ECW Mitt: $374.99

• Chosin ECW Overboot: $434.99

More information is available at beyondclothing.com.

Posted in Advertiser, Clothing, Guest Post | No Comments »

Army Paratroopers Integrate Drones, Night Operations in Historic Company Live Fire

Thursday, May 14th, 2026

More than 700 paratroopers assigned to the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 11th Airborne Division, executed a historic company live-fire exercise at the Infantry Squad Battle Course at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, April 27-May 8.

The event marked the brigade’s first exercise incorporating friendly kinetic and strike small unmanned aerial systems with paratroopers employing first-person-view drones to strike simulated enemy positions and defend against live adversaries in the form of drones.

“This was the first time our companies had organic FPV drone pilots executing live-fire strikes on critical targets,” said Army Capt. Ian McKibbin, lead range safety officer and member of the brigade operations staff. “The drones, built with components from [the] 11th Airborne [Division] Innovations [Team] and the [2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 11th Airborne Division], Multifunctional Reconnaissance Company, were entirely controlled by the units on the ground. No live munitions were used, but the effect and accuracy were tremendous.”

The exercise challenged paratroopers to clear a six-room shoot house, breach wired obstacles, clear trench systems and engage reinforced bunkers, all while reacting to contact from enemy drones. The small UAS attacked with simulated munitions, forcing commanders to rapidly employ counter-small UAS and adapt their tactics in real time.

“Company live fires are designed to be complex and demanding,” McKibbin said. “This event was especially difficult due to the presence of hostile drones, which observed friendly movement and actively attacked with simulated munitions. It’s the first time we’ve had a live, thinking enemy in the form of these drones for this type of training exercise.”

Day and night lanes were executed with both blank and live ammunition. Parachute flares illuminated targets during night engagements, enabling soldiers to protect maneuvering squads and provide signaling or degrade enemy night vision capabilities.

The entire company maneuvered on the lane, with commanders assigning platoons and squads to objectives. The event validated company commanders’ ability to integrate direct and indirect fires and demonstrate proficiency in complex, live-fire operations.

The event included participation from three battalions and extensive support from brigade headquarters. The small UAS also captured video of critical points for maneuvering elements, enabling near-real-time after-action reviews for companies.

“This exercise represents a significant step forward in integrating new technology and realistic threats into our training,” McKibbin said. “Our paratroopers demonstrated adaptability, teamwork and the ability to fight and win in a complex environment.”

By Army MAJ Ian Roth, 11th Airborne Division

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

Stronger, Smarter, Sharper: Incirlik Airmen Elevate Tactical Skills Through European EOD Exercise

Wednesday, May 13th, 2026

INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Türkiye (AFNS) —

Explosive Ordnance Disposal Airmen from the 39th Civil Engineer Squadron, Incirlik Air Base, Turkiye, participated in Operation Deterrent Viking II, hosted by 786th Civil Engineer Squadron, Ramstein Air Base, at Baumholder Military Training Area, Germany, May 3–8.

The exercise brought together EOD personnel from across the European theater for a multi-day training exercise focused on enhancing operational readiness and strengthening regional EOD response capabilities through realistic, scenario-based training. Events included unexploded ordnance identification and disposal, land navigation, casualty evacuation procedures and controlled explosive operations.

“EOD plays a critical role in keeping the 39th Air Base Wing and our NATO partners ready to fight through effectively supporting our daily operations, post-attack airfield recovery, aircraft emergencies, UXO response, and suspicious package handling,” said U.S. Air Force Maj. William Berner, 39th CES commander. “The team will bring back what they’ve learned and incorporate those lessons into an already rigorous EOD training program so the whole flight can benefit.”

Participants operated and lived in field conditions designed to mirror mission environments, requiring the application of technical expertise under pressure while reinforcing disciplined coordination and team-based execution.

“It’s critical to conduct exercises like this so we can replicate likely situations that personnel may not routinely encounter or practice at their home stations,” said U.S. Air Force Capt. Alexander Um, 786th Civil Engineer Squadron EOD flight commander. “It gives EOD personnel the opportunity and freedom to hone their skills in a controlled environment.”

Operation Deterrent Viking II brought together more than 50 EOD personnel from across the globe, including Slovakia and Belgium. Throughout the exercise, participants executed mission-essential tasks in a dynamic environment while exchanging tactics, techniques, and procedures to improve collective effectiveness and interoperability.

“The most important part of the exercise, to me, was teamwork,” said U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Tori Payne, 39th Civil Engineer Squadron EOD training noncommissioned officer in charge. “Debriefing our drills throughout the week allowed us to collaborate and refine our tactics, techniques, and procedures.”

The exercise reinforced the value of integrated multinational training in building cohesive, rapidly deployable forces capable of responding to evolving security challenges across the theater.

“I hope everyone left Operation Deterrent Viking II with a stronger sense of camaraderie, as well as more confidence in their skills,” Payne said. “This week pushed us to a higher level both physically and mentally, and I’m grateful for the opportunity.”

Exercises like Operation Deterrent Viking II ensure 39 ABW EOD forces remain ready and postured to defend U.S. and allied interests across the European theater and globally.

SSgt Kadielle Shaw

39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

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

MYSTERY RANCH BLACKJACK Series Packs

Tuesday, May 12th, 2026

The BLACKJACK name isn’t new. It traces back to indigenous Mobile Guerrilla Force units advised by U.S. Army Special Forces during the Vietnam War. Small teams operating in difficult terrain, often without support, relying on gear that had to work every time.

That thinking carries forward here.

The current BLACKJACK line is modeled after the issue packs MYSTERY RANCH makes for the USSOCOM SPEAR program. They are the product of the same design and development process but with a few small changes for commercial offering.

The most notable difference is that the BLACKJACK packs have 1 inch web and hardware on the compression straps instead of ¾ inch, and the compression is slightly simplified on the 50 liter pack.

The critical throughline of all these packs is the MYSTERY RANCH Military Light Frame (MLF). Utilizing MYSTERY RANCH’s innovative frame construction with four vertical and three horizontal stays made from a nearly indestructible poly-glass composite. It’s rigid vertically for load transfer but moves with the user under load. The system drops a pound from the older NICE Frame design while improving functionality and interface with body armor.

The patented Futura Yoke allows quick micro-adjustments to dial in torso fit. The BVS system stabilizes the pack over armor and can be removed when not needed. It’s built to carry weight well for longer durations, not just for shorter movements.

Across the line, the packs follow the same approach. Consistent layout. Scalable volume. Built for repeatable loadouts.

The BLACKJACK 100 is set up for extended operations with a full sustainment kit, including a dedicated sleeping bag compartment and a removable lid that can be run as a bolt or E&E pack. The BLACKJACK 80 is patrol sized with full-length side access zips for faster entry without unloading everything. The BLACKJACK 50 leans toward assault use. It’s lower profile, more streamlined, but tied into the same ultra capable frame system.

The BLACKJACK 35 was added as an internally framed option, designed specifically for short-duration missions in the 24 to 48-hour range. It keeps the long, lean profile of the platform but strips things back to simplify movement and reduce weight when speed matters more than load carriage.

From short missions to extended sustainment, the BLACKJACK series covers the full range while maintaining the same core design language. These packs started with a requirement and have evolved to meet the moment, whatever the mission may be.

Stop by the MYSTERY RANCH booth to see the BLACKJACK lineup, SOF Select at SOF Week, Tuesday May 19 – Wednesday May 20 at the HILTON TAMPA DOWNTOWN, 211 North Tampa Street, Tampa, FL.

Posted in Advertiser, Guest Post, Packs, SOF Select, SOF Week | No Comments »

Salaknib 2026: 25th Infantry Division, Multinational Allies Launch JPMRC-X in the Philippines

Tuesday, May 12th, 2026

FORT MAGSAYSAY, Philippines— The U.S. Army’s 25th Infantry Division, in close partnership with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and multinational allies, has officially commenced the Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center-Exportable exercise.

Operating as Part II of the bilateral Exercise Salaknib, JPMRC-X runs from May 8 – 20, 2026. This rotation brings a premier, immersive combat training center experience directly into the Indo-Pacific theater, allowing forces to train in the complex, archipelagic environments where they operate.

“Our alliance with the Philippines is steeped in history for over 75 years as the oldest treaty ally,” said New Zealand Army Col. Aidan Shattock, deputy commanding general for interoperability of the 25th Infantry Division. “This is playing out with deep trust and understanding as we rehearse together during Operation Pathways.

During JPMRC-X, the 25th Infantry Division will execute complex, multi-domain operations. The exercise is designed to strengthen the division’s tactical proficiency and partner interoperability through tough, realistic training conducted across diverse and challenging terrain.

The training rotation will feature the 25th Infantry Division’s role as the spearhead of Army modernization. Participating units will leverage human-centered technology, including the integration of Unmanned Aircraft Systems to enhance situational awareness and the fielding of the Army’s Next Generation Squad Weapons the M7 rifle and M250 automatic rifle to advance squad-level modernization and mission effectiveness.

“Exercises like JPMRC-X demonstrate our enduring commitment as the land partner of choice, strengthen our allies, and deter aggression together,” Shattock added.

In addition to bilateral operations with the Philippine Army’s 7th Infantry Division, JPMRC-X features the integration of multinational partners, including forces from Australia, New Zealand, and Japan. This international coalition demonstrates a united, enduring commitment to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

All operations during JPMRC-X are conducted in close coordination with the Philippine government and local officials to ensure the safety of the civilian population and promote the strong, enduring US-Philippine partnership.

Salaknib highlights the enduring U.S.-Philippine alliance, enhancing interoperability and readiness through combined arms operations, multi-domain integration, and humanitarian assistance efforts for regional stability.

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

BFG Monday: The Burden Was Never the Mission

Monday, May 11th, 2026

For decades, warfighters have accepted unnecessary weight as part of the job.

Extra ounces became extra pounds. Extra pounds became fatigue. Fatigue became slower movement, reduced endurance, and increased physical wear over time. Everyone acknowledged the burden. Few questioned whether it was avoidable.

Blue Force Gear did.

Long before “lightweight” became an industry buzzword, Blue Force Gear engineered a system designed to reduce load carriage weight without sacrificing durability, capability, or compatibility. The result was Helium Whisper®, a patented attachment system that fundamentally changed what modern load-bearing equipment could be.

Helium Whisper pouches reduce weight by up to 50 percent compared to legacy pouch designs while remaining fully MOLLE and PALS compatible. They mount to existing armor carriers, belts, chest rigs, rucks, and issued platforms without requiring units to abandon current equipment investments.

That compatibility matters.

Decision makers responsible for procurement and modernization are not simply evaluating individual products. They are evaluating logistical impact, implementation timelines, sustainment costs, interoperability, and whether new equipment can realistically integrate into an already fielded ecosystem.

Helium Whisper was designed with those realities in mind from the beginning.

Even inconsistencies common in issued MOLLE platforms to include undersized or improperly sewn channels that often prevent rigid tabs from functioning correctly can be accommodated by Helium Whisper’s flexible attachment design. The system works across real-world equipment, not just ideal conditions.

But compatibility alone is not enough.

The equipment also has to survive operational use.

Helium Whisper has been combat proven by some of the nation’s most elite units, carries multiple NSN listings, and has been adopted as standard issue by Air Force Security Forces. Its reputation was not built through marketing claims. It was built through performance under load, in the field and over time.

Reducing weight is not about comfort. It is about increasing mobility, endurance, survivability, and overall combat effectiveness.

A lighter load allows warfighters to move longer, react faster, and carry what actually matters.

The path to a more capable force does not require replacing entire systems. Sometimes it starts with a smarter solution to a problem everyone else learned to tolerate.

The burden is optional. It has been for years.

For units seeking to increase survivability and operational performance through reduced load carriage by upgrading to Helium Whisper, contact the Blue Force Gear Military Department or visit BlueForceGear.com.

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

Kinetic C-UAS Industry Day Gathers Armament Experts for Networking, Tech Updates

Monday, May 11th, 2026

PICATINNY ARSENAL, N.J — More than 150 government and industry leaders convened at Picatinny Arsenal on April 28 for the Kinetic C-UAS Industry Day to forge critical partnerships and accelerate the development kinetic drone-defeat technologies to ensure U.S. warfighters maintain technological overmatch.

The summit centered on kinetic counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS), technologies engineered to detect, track and physically destroy hostile drones, distinct from non-kinetic systems that rely on electronic jamming or redirection.

Senior Scientific Technical Manager for Weapons and Software Engineering Tony Pezzano noted a desire to firmly establish the Armaments Center as a premier partner for kinetic C-UAS.

“We want to align the capabilities of our U.S. Government organizations with innovation and technology found in industry,” said Pezzano. “Defeating this threat requires a unified effort, and the partnerships we forge or strengthen today will directly impact the warfighter’s survivability and lethality tomorrow.”

Armaments Center Director Chris Grassano said during his opening remarks that the drone threat is rapidly multiplying and has moved beyond the “emerging” phase. To counter this, kinetic C-UAS solutions must prioritize three elements, effectiveness, affordability and the ability to swiftly transition from blueprint to battlefield deployment. Picatinny, he pointed out, is home to expert engineers and specialized labs, which industry can handily leverage.

The Armaments Center is prioritizing battlefield dominance to ensure that Soldiers never have to face a “fair fight.” Pezzano and his fellow co-organizer, C-UAS Thrust Area Manager David Goldstein, both took part in conversations afterwards to identify specific industry partners who could deliver the next generation of C-UAS technology, with a focus on efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

“Every base, vehicle, and warfighter needs a kinetic last line of defense that can keep pace with the evolving UAS technologies. It’s difficult to armor a drone so hard-kill solutions will always be needed,” said Goldstein.

By Tyler Barth

Posted in Army, C-UAS, Guest Post | No Comments »