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Developing a 2U LTOWB SOP for Damage Control Resuscitation

Monday, December 22nd, 2025

Managing two to three casualties in the real world from a first-line aid bag is not an ultralight solution in the modern age of DCR and Blood Cold Chain. There is an argument to be made that light and fast is an advantage, which is valid, but “heavier” often equals more capable (a Role 2 is more capable than POI, etc). That’s not to say bring the kitchen sink to the POI, just that efficiencies must be incorporated into the first-line bag to adhere to the standard of care, which includes carrying LTOWB (Low-Titer O neg Whole Blood).

As protocols evolve, medics are asked to perform more tasks during Damage Control Resuscitation (DCR) at the Point of Injury. Due to advances in medical research that have driven protocols over the past 20 years, there is no choice but to increase the average Liter size of the first-line aid bag.

To optimize the most current standard, the two-unit SOP, we have developed a stand-alone aid bag that breaks a few barriers.

Overview of DCR

To understand why the first-line aid bag design must evolve, it’s essential to define the operational challenges it faces. Effective DCR in the field requires maximizing efficiency and minimizing time to treatment. Medics are now expected to perform tasks that entire teams in Level 1 trauma centers often struggle to execute under controlled conditions.

DCR at the Point of Injury includes:

Mastery of TCCC fundamentals

Employing LTOWB at the point of injury, including cold-chain transport and blood warmers

Administering POI medications such as TXA and calcium

An advanced understanding of acute traumatic physiology to manage hemorrhage, optimize resuscitation, and mitigate shock, coagulopathy, and hypocalcemia

M9 Aidbag

Legacy products like the M9 bag paved the way for modern systems, which explains their longevity. But twenty years is a lifetime in this industry– and the M9 is showing its age. It’s heavy for its size (due to outdated construction), inefficient for modern resuscitation (it lacks the capacity to carry 2U of blood), and constrained by space in the main compartment. In short, it no longer meets modern requirements.

What follows is the result of years of advancement in design, manufacturing techniques, and application of DCR principles at the point of injury.

Figure A. M9 vs. CRO 26L: Larger capacity, improved ergonomics, and purpose-built for DCR.

Our design philosophy is to maximize durability without unnecessary bulk– every medic remembers carrying “bomb-proof” gear that is far heavier than it needed to be (ie, STOMP bag).

We use modern materials and construction techniques. By utilizing double-stitch seams and eliminating excess fabric in the name of “strength,” we achieve a lighter product that is equally as “bomb-proof” as legacy milspec standards. This includes removing all edge bindings, doubling as a weight saver with visible workmanship (not hiding sloppy sewing).

Figure B. Increased depth improves closure and eliminates the need for supplementary external pouches.

Figure C. M9 vs CRO DCR 26L

CRO 26L Aid Bag

The CRO 26L represents a deliberate step toward the ultimate goal: fitting all required resuscitation equipment for 2-3 combat wounded (an M9 bag equivalent) into a first-line bag capable of carrying two units of blood, and scaling to Prolonged Casualty Care setups (vents, monitors, etc.). It replaces the RATS pack capacity with a fraction of the offset from the body and offers much better space utilization.

Specifications:

Chassis-opening design

Weight: 3.8 lb (Empty RATS: 8 lb for comparison)

Volume: 26L

Removable waist strap (no hip pads)

Adjustable shoulder straps

Chest strap

Lightweight adjustable chassis

Customizable interior loop field

Figure D. Chassis-opening, complete workstation, optimized for custom organization of resuscitative equipment plus two units LTOWB

Chassis-Opening

This feature is, to our knowledge, first-in-industry. After observing countless trauma lanes, most modern DCR-focused medics primarily work off their belt, making an effort not to drop their aid bag unless the patient needs to be resuscitated with blood. The chassis-opening feature eliminates the need to flip the bag over to access the main compartment. Something that seems so minor is one of the main features gaining attention from our user base.

Combined with its weight, capacity, and configurability, the 26L is designed to support best practices in DCR, including whole-blood resuscitation at the point of injury.

Thank you for your community engagement on this project and for supporting our mission to innovate medical equipment and improve treatment protocols to enable faster, more capable medics.

If you have questions or would like a quote, email us at support@cromedical.com at

cromedical.com/shop/dcr-26l

Posted in Guest Post, Medical | 1 Comment »

US Marine Corps Fields MADIS to 1st LAAD

Monday, December 22nd, 2025

MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII – The U.S. Marine Corps took a major step forward with a state-of-the-art system designed for short-range detection, tracking and engagement of aerial threats. On Dec. 12, 2025, Program Executive Office Land Systems fielded two Marine Air Defense Integrated Systems (MADIS) to 1st Low Altitude Air Defense (LAAD) Battalion, Marine Air Control Group 18, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW). The fielding of these systems marks a pivotal step in enhancing expeditionary defense capabilities within the Indo-Pacific region.

The MADIS consists of two Joint Light Tactical Vehicles (JLTVs), one focused on detection and the other oriented toward offensive action. Working together, they form a maneuverable ground-based air defense weapon system designed to defeat unmanned aircraft systems and manned fixed wing and rotary wing aircraft threats while on the move and at the halt.

The full-rate production configuration of the MADIS employs a powerful combination of 30mm cannons, Stinger missiles and multifunctional electronic warfare equipment. The 360-degree threat detection and protection allow the system to simultaneously engage and neutralize threats with both kinetic and non-kinetic forces.

“These systems will increase capabilities of counter-unmanned aircraft systems operations and provide automatic target recognition and weapon assignment to decrease engagement times and reduce the cognitive load on the Marine operator,” said Lt. Col. Mike Billings, product manager for Future Weapons Systems at PM Ground Based Air Defense. “The next step is to deliver the full rate production MADIS to all low altitude air defense battalions and littoral anti-air battalions across the Marine Corps, at a rapid rate.”

Since the reactivation of 1st LAAD Battalion in 2023, the unit has consistently advanced the U.S. Marine Corps’ force design initiatives. Key milestones include the activation of Firing Battery Alpha in August 2024 and Firing Battery Mike in December 2025. Most notably, the successful fielding of MADIS units, today, marks a pivotal step forward.

“Owning these systems gives us direct control capability,” said Master Gunnery Sgt. Mario Guadarrama, battalion operations chief for 1st LAAD Battalion. “Reducing the gap between training and combat employment allows seamless integration with partners and allies throughout the Indo-Pacific region.”

Fielding the MADIS directly to 1st LAAD Battalion significantly enhances expeditionary ground-based air defense capabilities in support of 1st MAW. The primary mission of 1st LAAD Battalion is to provide close-in, low-altitude, surface-to-air weapon capabilities, and the MADIS is a strategic step forward for the battalion.

Story by 2nd Lt. Joseph Adcock, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing

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

18X Hits Major Milestone: Command Pilot Rating

Sunday, December 21st, 2025

CREECH AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. —

In 1913, the first two military aviation badges, silver wings, were issued to members of the U.S. Army Air Corps. As time went on, pilots of all airframes have been awarded their silver wings and given the rating of pilot, senior pilot and command pilot. Since then, the Air Force has grown rapidly by constantly adapting to new playing fields and integrating technology into everyday operations while preparing for the future fight.

This innovation led to a new class of airframe, remotely piloted aircraft. They perform a multitude of missions including intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and precision strike. However, it was not until 2025 that remotely piloted aircraft pilots or the 18X career field could be awarded the rating of command pilot on just their airframe.

There have been pilots in the RPA career field who have obtained this rating, but only if they had been on other airframes prior to being an RPA pilot.

Pilots of all airframes must have 15 years of service as a rated pilot, and 3000 total hours of flight time for the rating of command pilot, which is the highest rating a pilot can receive.

Compared to other career fields, they are relatively new, and their history began a little over 15 years ago. In 2008, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz brought attention to the shortage of pilots for the RPA mission.

To combat the shortage, it was initially decided that 100 graduates from standard undergraduate pilot training each year would learn to fly RPA’s instead of manned aircraft, but an official career field was not established.

“When I first started in the career field in 2009, we were just this test group,” said Lt. Col. Eric Baldock, 15th Attack Squadron director of operations. “The command pilot rating for us signifies how mature our career field has gotten and shows that it was needed to meet the Air Force’s mission requirements.”

In 2009, the 18X career field was established to create professional RPA pilots to meet joint warfighter requirements. It officially began in 2010 by Air Staff officials institutionalizing it with undergraduate RPA training and rolling out the first class of trained RPA MQ-1 Predator pilots.

In 2010, Lt. Gen. Philip Breedlove, then-Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, plans and Requirements at Headquarters Air Force, stated that the formalized training signified the Air Force’s commitment to RPAs and the importance of the aircraft to the joint community.

“I have been in the 18X career field since 2013, and I always saw the potential of what this career field could be,” said Lt. Col. Justin Storm, 489th Attack Squadron director of operations. “This career field fits into the Air Forces overall mission, and I see that growing with mission planning, intelligence and how we contribute to air power overall.”

Since 2010, the RPA mission has grown to the size of two wings entirely dedicated to it, including the 432nd Wing/432nd Air Expeditionary Wing and the 25th Attack Wing.

The RPA community have continually changed and adapted, honing their skills while innovating their technology such as the recent change to Automatic Takeoff and Landing Capability-enabled Satellite Launch and Recovery. Additionally, they continue to adapt by re-designating their squadrons such as the 489th ATKS becoming the 42nd ATKS sometime in 2026 and 11th Attack Squadron returning to combat operations from being a training squadron.

“Our career field has such an innovative spirit,” said Lt. Col. Ahmed Nelson, 17th Attack Squadron commander. “We have always been adapting and integrating technology into how we operate, and I think we will see more of that as time goes on. We have also over time been integrated in multiple domains and I think that, along with our sister services, that will expand as well.”

Additionally, they have performed combat and ISR operations 24/7/365 in multiple Areas of Responsibility around the globe over the last fifteen years.

“We have changed so much over the years since I have been in,” said Nelson. ”We have had a greater emphasis on our standardized training in how we get our young officers to be full-fledged pilots. Additionally, there was no such thing as dwell time or the Air Force Generation model which is better for our airmen, and they now have time to rest, repair and to certify before going to deploy. We also have huge/tremendous support from organizations like the Human Performance Team, which is read into our missions and can provide us appropriate mental health care.

As time goes on, the 18X career field will continue to grow their operations and conquer even more milestones. The 18X career field being able to obtain the command pilot rating without being on any other airframe is a testament to the pilots’ dedication to the future fight as the Air Force continues to adapt to obstacles as they come with new innovation.

“Our career field has experienced so much, and we still have so much more to come,” said Nelson. “I, myself, am the first 18X squadron commander for the 17th ATKS and it is an honor to be one of the firsts.”

The 18X career field being able to obtain the command pilot rating without being on any other airframe is a testament to their career field’s dedication to the future fight as the Air Force continues to adapt to obstacles as they come with innovation. They will continue to grow as MQ-9 Reapers and other RPAs continue to take to the skies piloted by the vital 18X pilots.

By Senior Airman Victoria Nuzzi, 432nd Wing/432nd Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

Posted in Air Force, Aviation, Guest Post, UAS | 1 Comment »

Scarlet Dragon Links Military, Industry to Test Artificial Intelligence for Warfighters

Sunday, December 21st, 2025

FORT BRAGG, N.C. — On a cold, December day deep in Fort Bragg’s training area, Soldiers, Airmen, Marines and civilian industry partners came together to test the latest drone and counter unmanned aircraft systems technology, while rapidly sharing targeting data through the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency’s Maven Smart System.

Scarlet Dragon is the XVIII Airborne Corps’ premier innovation exercise, where new ideas and technologies are tested to solve current issues on the battlefield. “We’re focused on bringing new technologies and approaches to solve operational capability gaps and requirements that we identify from operational plans around the globe,” said Rob Braun, XVIII Airborne Corps chief technical officer.

The Scarlet Dragon exercise series started in 2020 as a table-top exercise in the basement of the XVIII Airborne Corps’ headquarters and has evolved into a triannual innovation event where joint services, government agencies, and industry partners come together to test and integrate the latest technology for the modern warfighter.

During this iteration, known as Scarlet Dragon 26-1, the XVIII Airborne Corps tested several initiatives. The 18th Field Artillery Brigade trained with the U.S. Air Force to rapidly load and deploy an M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System from a C-17 Globemaster III, all while simultaneously receiving targeting data through the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency’s Maven Smart System. The streamlined data-sharing allows the HIMARS unit to rapidly deploy anywhere in the world and quickly set up for offensive or defensive engagements. “We’re doing cold-load training with a C-130, putting the HIMARS on the aircraft, driving it off, executing a rapid-fire mission, and getting back on quickly,” said 2nd Lt. Ryan Mitchell, 18th Field Artillery Brigade, HIMARS platoon leader. “Through Scarlet Dragon, we are doing advanced targeting with data received through Maven, rapidly getting that information to the launcher so we can deploy and shoot faster.”

Another initiative included real time data sharing and tracking between AH-64 Apache helicopters from the 82nd Airborne Division’s Combat Aviation Brigade, drones and small UAS with the XVIII Airborne Corps Air and Missile Defense team, Sentinel radars from the 82nd Airborne Division, and newly fielded SGT STOUT systems from the 108th Air Defense Artillery Brigade. The Sentinel radars and SGT STOUTs tracked Apaches and drones, pushing data to the Corps headquarters to validate faster early warning systems for troops on the ground. Apache pilots tested their ability to identify and track small drones, while the SGT STOUT Short Range Air Defense system teams validated their tracking and targeting capabilities.

The integration of the SGT STOUT into the maneuver force is a critical step in providing protection against short-range air threats. “What I like about Scarlet Dragon is how I push, not just the Soldiers, but also the equipment that we have to our limits and to see what we are capable of and how we can improve our system capabilities,” said Spc. Daniel Rosas, XVIII Airborne Corps air defense battle management system operator. “With the way the world is currently moving, especially when it comes to UAS or drones, it is a big threat and it helps for us to push forward on what we can adapt when it comes to gauging and tracking these threats.”

Scarlet Dragon gives service members and industry partners the opportunity to test new ideas and innovations in an open and minimum-risk environment. “That’s what I really like about Scarlet Dragon,” said CW4 Sean Benson, XVIII Airborne Corps Senior Geo-Intelligence Imagery Technician. “It’s not an exercise with defined timelines or deliverables. It’s whatever we want to try to get to the outcome we need. If you have an idea and it sticks when you throw it on the wall, we’ll give it a shot.”

The Future of Scarlet Dragon

With every iteration of Scarlet Dragon, the integration process is refined and the technology improves. In the future, the Scarlet Dragon exercise series will be tied in with Fort Bragg and XVIII Airborne Corps’ new Lt. Gen. James M. Gavin Joint Innovation Outpost, which will officially open on Jan. 23, 2026.

“During Scarlet Dragon 26-1, the XVIII Airborne Corps and Fort Bragg held a soft opening for our new Joint Innovation Outpost, or JIOP,” said Lt. Gen. Greg Anderson, commanding general of the XVIII Airborne Corps. “With the JIOP and our Scarlet Dragon series of exercises, we will be able to develop and test Soldier-driven, rapid innovation and technical transformation while providing the Army a model to revolutionize the acquisition process. It is making us more lethal at the tactical and operational levels of war.”

The JIOP will allow Soldiers to bring innovative solutions to the facility to work with civilian industry and academic partners to refine and produce new technology that can then be tested in Scarlet Dragon exercises and eventually shared across the Joint Force.

In 2026, Scarlet Dragon will shift to the Indo-Pacific theater and U.S. Army Japan for their annual combined exercise with the Japanese Ground Self Defense Forces, Yama Sakura.

By MAJ Matthew St Clair, XVIII Airborne Corps Public Affairs

Posted in Army, Guest Post | No Comments »

Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon System Battery activates on Joint Base Lewis-McChord

Sunday, December 21st, 2025

JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash — In a significant advancement of its military capabilities today, the U.S. Army activated the Bravo Battery, 1st Battalion, 17th Field Artillery Regiment, 3d Multi-Domain Task Force, a unit fully designated to operate the Dark Eagle, the services Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW) system.

Soldiers and Families gathered in the overcast (location/1-17 FA motor pool) for a ceremony to stand up the battery that will utilize the Dark Eagle system. The ceremony represents a pivotal moment in the Army’s ability to deliver decisive effects in support of the Joint Force across the Indo-Pacific.

“The environment we face is complex and fast evolving,” said Lt. Col. Jeffrey M. Orban, the 1-17th FAR commander. “The Indo-Pacific is vast, dynamic, and critically important to global stability. Our allies, our partners, and our nation depend on our ability to deter aggression.”

Hypersonic systems, capable of flying at speeds greater than five times the speed of sound (Mach 5) provide a combination of speed, range, maneuverability, and altitude that enables highly survivable and rapid defeat of time-critical and heavily defended targets.

”1st. Sgt. Davenport and I are committed to building the formation and ensuring every Soldier within it pursues excellence,” said Capt. Adam Donlan, the Bravo Battery commander. “We must be ready once we receive the TELs [transporter erector launcher] to deploy to the Pacific and deter our adversaries.”

In July 2025 the 3d Multi-Domain Task force successfully deployed the Dark Eagle system for the first time, demonstrating the unit’s ability to project long-range fires capability.

Adm. Samuel Paparo, commander, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command said, “The deployment of the LRHW system to Australia marks a significant achievement for U.S. Indo-pacific Command, as it validates the Army’s ability to deploy, position, and exercise command and control (C2) of the system in a forward environment.”

By 1LT Junelle Sweitzer

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

EOTG holds Close Quarters Tactics Course for Recon Marines

Saturday, December 20th, 2025

OKINAWA, Japan —

CAMP HANSEN, Okinawa, Japan?– U.S. Marines with Force Reconnaissance Company, 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Marine Division completed a Close Quarters Tactics Course from Sept. 15 to Nov. 5, across Camp Hansen. This training, hosted by the III Marine Expeditionary Force’s Expeditionary Operations Training Group, aimed to enhance their lethality as small unit leaders during high-paced, close-quarters combat.

“Close quarter tactics is probably the most dangerous thing that we can do. It is extremely high risk. We’re shooting very close to one another in a confined space.”

– Capt. Christopher Ori Jr., an infantry reconnaissance officer with Force Reconnaissance Company

The Marines started their three-week course by conducting ranges simulating various urban scenarios of escalating complexity. They practiced transition drills from rifle to pistol during both static and dynamic ranges.

After these ranges, the Marines moved on to house qualification. This event consisted of teams of four navigating a shoot house to clear doors and hallways to secure a building. The evaluation began with a briefing on the scenario, followed by dry runs with no ammunition, and then the Marines were tested in a live-fire qualification. This event tested their ability to work together in close quarters while safely firing in proximity to one another.

The Marines then entered the platoon tactics portion of the course, conducting limited scale raids on specific target objectives. Using civilian vehicles to blend into their environment, a group of Marines scouted the objective area while other Marines moved to their objective point to complete an assigned mission, where they were required to distinguish threats from non-threats.

The culminating event of the course was an aerial sniper vehicle interdiction. The Marines fired from helicopters to engage and halt a target vehicle. Then other Marine reinforcements moved in to secure and extract the target personnel and equipment.

For the majority of the course, Marines used non-lethal live ammunition, known as Special Effects Small Arms Marking System rounds. These paintball-like rounds enhanced the realism of the training while maintaining a safe environment. The course also included live role players to simulate opposing forces and non-threat personnel.

On Nov. 5, the Marines graduated the CQTC course, completing their required training to carry out their duties effectively in support of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit.

“It’s a huge capability for the 31st MEU and for III MEF, having a well-trained, professional, and capable maritime raid force that we can bring to the fight,” Ori said. “Whether it’s limited scale raids or striking a specific target, that’s where we come into play.”

Story by U.S. Marine Corps story by Lance Cpl. Eadan Avramidis, PEO Land Systems with images by LCpl Justin Cledera.

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

FirstSpear Friday Focus: Assaulters Gun Belt (AGB)

Friday, December 19th, 2025

The FirstSpear ASSAULTERS GUN BELT (AGB) is a purpose-built belt system designed to perform in high-stress operational environments. Built for durability and reliability, the AGB features a two-point, high-strength metallic buckle capable of supporting combat-equipped buddy drags when it matters most.

The belt provides the stiffness required to carry holsters, magazines, and mission-essential equipment without rolling or sagging under load. Its removable buckle allows the belt to be easily routed through smaller pant belt loops, making it practical for both overt and low-profile use.

When integrated with the AGB Padded Sleeve, the system delivers increased comfort during extended wear and adds 6/12 attachment points for secure, modular equipment placement.

The AGB is fully compatible with a wide range of FirstSpear components, allowing the end user to configure the belt for mission-specific requirements. With the padded sleeve installed, the belt becomes a stable, load-bearing platform suitable for full duty or combat setups. It is also compatible with the FirstSpear Base Belt and Base Belt Lite when used in conjunction with the AGB Sleeve, enhancing scalability across kit configurations. Whether employed as a streamlined gun belt or a fully built-out war belt, the AGB maintains stability during movement, transitions, and dynamic tasks. Its low-profile 1.75-inch design balances strength with mobility, avoiding unnecessary bulk.

The system is built to withstand harsh conditions and repeated use without compromise. Designed with professional end users in mind, the Assaulters Gun Belt delivers the strength, modularity, and reliability required for military, law enforcement, and special operations professionals operating in demanding environments.

To request an estimate click image above or visit First-Spear.com/Request-For-Estimate. 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, FS Friday Focus, Guest Post, Load Carrying | No Comments »

UK Launches New Military Intelligence Services as Hostile Threats Surge

Friday, December 19th, 2025

New unified organisation to speed up how Defence gathers and shares intelligence.

UK military intelligence will be more efficient, faster, and better able to anticipate future threats as the Ministry of Defence launches the new Military Intelligence Services (MIS). This major overhaul of Defence’s intelligence organisations comes amid increasing threats to the UK and will keep Britain ahead of hostile states and terrorists.

Following the recommendations in the Strategic Defence Review, the reforms bring every intelligence unit and organisation within Defence under one organisation for the first time, including units from the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force – speeding up how information is gathered, analysed and shared across the Armed Forces.

The announcement comes amid escalating threats to the UK, as adversaries intensify cyber-attacks, disrupt satellites, threaten global shipping lanes, and spread disinformation. These actions increasingly impact everyday life, driving up food prices, increasing economic uncertainty, and threatening energy security and national infrastructure.

To boost Defence’s resilience further, today also sees the launch of the new Defence Counter-Intelligence Unit (DCIU). Over the past year, hostile intelligence activity against the MOD has risen by more than 50%, revealing just how quickly our adversaries are intensifying their efforts.

The Minister for the Armed Forces Al Carns MP, and Minister for Veterans and People Louise Sandher-Jones MP, launched the MIS and DCIU at one of the UK’s key intelligence sites – Wyton in Cambridgeshire – which includes a football-pitch-sized intelligence fusion centre, bringing together top secret intelligence from across the Five Eyes partnership.

Defence Secretary, John Healey MP, said:

As threats increase, we are making defence intelligence smarter.

This Government is delivering the recommendations in the Strategic Defence Review, putting Britain at the leading edge of military innovation. For intelligence, this means cutting-edge technology, clearer structures and faster data flows. This gives us sharper insights into what our adversaries might do next, so we protect our forces, safeguard critical infrastructure, and deter changing threats.

Our intelligence work is usually unseen but always essential. I am grateful to all our Military Intelligence Services personnel whose round-the-clock vigilance keeps the UK secure at home and strong abroad.

The Military Intelligence Services bring together intelligence units from the Royal Navy, British Army, Royal Air Force, UK Space Command, and Permanent Joint Headquarters, ensuring they operate as one system.

Under the command of the Cyber and Specialist Operations Command, and the leadership of the Chief of Defence Intelligence, this will give Defence faster and clearer warnings of threats to our forces and the public, allowing the UK to use data from land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace in real time, sharpening the nation’s ability to deter adversaries before they act.

It will be supported by the new Defence Intelligence Academy who offer world-class training in key intelligence disciplines such as cyber, space and geospatial analysis.

General Sir Jim Hockenhull, Commander of the Cyber and Specialist Operations Command, said:

Intelligence sits at the heart of defence. Underpinning everything we do, it provides the insight and foresight we need and enables our operations.

In an increasingly complex and volatile world where threats are always evolving, our intelligence operations are always on, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The establishment of the Military Intelligence Services and the Defence Counter-Intelligence Unit are significant steps forward in strengthening the UK’s ability to anticipate threats, enabling faster and more precise action, supporting our Armed Forces, and protecting our citizens.

The Dawn Sturgess Inquiry, published last week, made clear that foreign intelligence services are now operating far beyond traditional espionage norms, targeting Defence personnel, technology programmes, supply chains, and wider defence industry both at home and overseas.

The Defence Counter-Intelligence Unit will unify counter-intelligence professionals from across Defence, giving them the tools and structure needed to disrupt and deter hostile activity more effectively.

Their work will protect the UK’s most sensitive capabilities – including the nuclear deterrent, high-tech industrial projects, and critical infrastructure – while strengthening cooperation with the UK intelligence agencies and NATO allies.

Earlier this year, the Prime Minister made a historic commitment to spend 5% of GDP on national security from 2035, alongside the largest sustained increase in defence spending since the end of the Cold War – hitting 2.6% of GDP by 2027 – and an extra £5 billion for defence this year alone.

From: Ministry of Defence and The Rt Hon John Healey MP

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