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Archive for the ‘Guest Post’ Category

Shaping a More Lethal, Lighter and Tactical Force at JPMRC

Thursday, October 24th, 2024

SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii — To provide leaders and the combined joint force a lethal division, the 25th Infantry Division’s primary focus is tailored to employ large-scale combat operations, commitment to readiness, and deployment of combat credible forces.

Consistent building and deployment of readiness are achieved through four points: Transformation in Contact, Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center (JPMRC) Hawaii, Operation Pathways and JPMRC X (Exportable).

JPMRC is the Army’s newest combat training center and generates readiness in the environments and conditions where our forces are likely to operate. JPMRC 25-01 includes training participants from the U.S. joint forces, all Army components and multinational allies and partners.

The Vice Chief of Staff of the Army, Gen. James J. Mingus, observed JPMRC training events on Oahu with the 25th Infantry Division and the 196th Infantry Brigade, where he was hosted by the division’s commanding general, Maj. Gen. Marcus Evans.

Evans emphasizes the importance of the JPMRC exercise in fostering joint operations.

“We are using JPMRC and our Warfighter Exercise in December to validate our transformation in contact construct with the 2nd Light Brigade Combat Team along with those lessons learned from 101st Airborne and 10th Mountain Division,” he said. “Innovation never stops at our level. We are in a relentless pursuit of excellence and strive to get 1% better every day.”

Through the campaign of learning, the 2nd Light Brigade Combat Team (2LBCT) sets to validate the division’s Transformation in Contact efforts during this year’s JPMRC iteration.

From 2nd Light Brigade Combat Team, Multiple Variants of the Silent Tactical Energy Enhanced Dismount (STEED), Squad Multipurpose Equipment Transport (S-MET), Skydio X10D Drone and Thales Modular Universal Battery Charger are all essential pieces of equipment being used to hone and improve the division’s warfighting capabilities.

Mingus observed training aimed at testing the division’s capabilities to respond to complex operational scenarios. JPMRC serves as an essential platform for evaluating the Army’s ability to operate effectively across multiple domains, including land, air, and cyber.

“The 25th Infantry Division is a critical component of our efforts in the Pacific,” Mingus said. “Readiness and partnership with our multinational partners are vital as we navigate an evolving landscape.”

The exercise involves service members from various branches of the U.S. military and multinational allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific Region, all engaged in live, virtual, and constructive training components, which generates a realistic and challenging experience for all participants.

After conducting a JPMRC rotation or training event, the Theater Army projects combat-credible forces, through Operation Pathways, forward into the Indo-Pacific and Asia. Operation Pathways is the United States Army Pacific’s operational approach to campaigning that applies readiness of combat-credible forces to build joint readiness, strengthen interoperability with our Allies and partners, and deny key terrain – human and physical — to our adversaries.

By SSG Brenden Delgado

Team O’Neil’s Tactical Driving Tuesday – Forward 180

Tuesday, October 22nd, 2024

As a follow-up to last week’s discussion of the reverse 180, Wyatt goes over the forward 180.

Learn those and other driving skills at Team O’Neill’s Tactical Driving Course at their facility in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. This five-day course includes driving under NODS and is available to military and other government agencies as well as civilians.

Spread Warmth, Make a Difference! Send a Woobie to Western NC

Saturday, October 19th, 2024

Western North Carolina still needs our help! As temperatures drop, the need for warmth is growing in WNC. We’re proud to announce our partnership with Uwharrie Outdoor Inc. to support relief efforts in the area. From now through December 31, for every Exfil Woobie Poncho Liner purchased, we’ll donate an identical one to those in need.

Now is the perfect time to buy—these woobies make the ideal gift for anyone who enjoys the outdoors or as a handy emergency item to keep in the truck. Get your holiday shopping done while making a difference in someone’s life!

Shop now and help spread warmth this season!

Exfil Woobie Poncho Liner

As cooler weather moves into Western North Carolina, the need for warmth has never been greater. First responders and volunteers are working tirelessly to provide essential items—like jackets and blankets—to those in need. But they can’t do it alone.

Here’s how you can help: From now until December 31, we’re partnering with Uwharrie Outdoor Inc. to support the community. For every woobie purchased, we will donate an identical one to the relief efforts in Western NC, helping provide comfort and warmth to those in need. Together, we can make a real difference.

Buy Now for $79.00 at raptortactical.com/exfil-woobie-poncho-liner.

After a Year of Development, Army Releases Blue Book

Saturday, October 19th, 2024

WASHINGTON — During the “Leading Change Brief” at the annual AUSA Annual Meeting & Exposition in Washington D.C. on Oct. 15, 2024, Sgt. Maj. of the Army, Michael A. Weimer, announced the U.S. Army has completed and released a digital Blue Book with a companion website. The Blue Book development was announced at last year’s AUSA Annual Meeting.

“You can’t build standards and discipline in a time of crisis,” Weimer said last year. “If we’re really going to be truly ready for large-scale combat operations, we have to have those standards and discipline before we get called upon for that.”

Command Sgt. Maj. Raymond S. Harris, U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, was tasked to lead the Blue Book development.

“To meet the SMA’s intent, we had to ensure that we created a digital version that can be accessed anywhere at any time on any device and that is what the team was able to do,” Harris said.

The purpose of the Army Blue Book is to support history, heritage, lineage, and standards and discipline while simultaneously reinforcing trust at echelon and strengthening the Army profession. The book also includes commonly violated or misunderstood standards. The Blue Book is based on the original intent of Baron von Steuben’s Regulations for the Order and Discipline of the Troops of the United States and will serve as the base for all unit standards books to create commonality and consistency throughout the Army.

The TRADOC team traveled to several installations across the Army to gather input for the Blue Book. “We wanted to hear from the force during Blue Book development,” said Sgt. Maj. Tyson Crosby, TRADOC Enlisted Initiatives Group and Blue Book lead planner. “We traveled to five installations, engaging with students and cadre from our Non-commissioned Officer Academies. We also solicitated input and insight from senior Army leaders.”

Although TRADOC was tasked with developing the Blue Book, Crosby said they wanted to ensure NCOs outside of TRADOC had input as well.

“The Blue Book mission was not a singular effort. We received great input and feedback from across the Army, making it a collaborative work. The Blue Book is for the entire Army and our overall plan reflects that,” Crosby said.

The final version of the Blue Book is 23 pages (three chapters), designed to be the first three chapters of a unit-level Blue Book. Once a user opens the Army Blue Book through the QR code, they can download the Blue Book PWA using the phones settings, which will create an app on the phone’s screen. In terms of useability, this will act no differently than app from an application store

Through Army University, TRADOC also developed a progressive web application centered around “Strengthening the Profession.” The webapp will serve as a leadership development and Army professionalism hub. It will also give users the ability to print a Blue Book PDF version. The Strengthening the Profession site will be contemporary and user friendly and will include hot topics, links to relevant sites, and professional articles all relevant to strengthening the Army profession and leadership. TRADOC will be the proponent of the site with regular reviews and updates.

The webapp can function like a native, downloadable app from an application store, but will require a QR code or the weblink to access first. When on the site, users can download the app that will take them directly to the site.

“The Army Blue Book was best developed as a PWA,” stated Matthew MacLaughlin, Army University’s mobile division chief. “The instructional designers determined how the info in the book would be optimized for the format, and then the computer scientists built the framework to ensure the execution is seamless and for all screen sizes.”

He added that while native applications have their place, the PWA format for publications allows for faster updates and provide a native-app experience for the user. The website can detect the user’s device type and will format accordingly.

Weimer said the Blue Book is for living by a standard and enforcing that standard amongst teams that are preparing for combat.

“Be disciplined and be brilliant at the basics,” Weimer said.

TRADOC will review the Blue Book content often and conduct updates as necessary.

The new Blue Book can be viewed online through the Central Army Registry website.

By SGM Jason Stadel

Jack Carr x BCM Mod 4 Pistol Grip

Friday, October 18th, 2024

The Bravo Company USA x Jack Carr Mod 4 Pistol Grip is here.

Featuring the Crossed Tomahawks design, it’s available in Black and Flat Dark Earth, and it’s made right here in the USA. With improved ergonomics, aggressive texture, and a streamlined fit, this grip isn’t just gear, it’s a game-changer.

Ready to upgrade your rifle? Head to the website now and get yours today.

shop.officialjackcarr.com/products/bcm-x-jack-carr-mod-4-pistol-grip

FirstSpear Friday Focus: Hoodlum Hoodie

Friday, October 18th, 2024

• ACM-MID 400
• Wicks away moisture
• Full length zipper
• Hood and pockets

The Hoodlum Hoodie is constructed from ACM-MID 400 which is a 100% polyester interior and 100% merino wool exterior designed to quickly wick away moisture from the skin and absorb into the outer wool layer. It features a comfortable fit that still has quite a bit of stretch to it. There is also a full-length front zipper and a form-fitting hood with two front handwarmer pockets that zip shut. Thumbholes have been built into the wrist over style cuffs as well. The Hoodlum Hoodie can be worn stand-alone or as a component of a clothing system.

ACM-MID 400: 100% Polyester Interior 100% Wool Exterior Made in the USA!

The form-fitting hood and thumbholes in the cuffs give it a stylish look, while also providing extra warmth and protection from the elements. This hoodie is designed to be comfortable and stretchy, while still providing a close and snug fit. The full-length front zipper makes it easy to get on and off. The sleeves are long enough to provide extra coverage, while the thumbhole cuffs keep your hands warm without sacrificing mobility. The merino wool exterior is naturally resistant to wear and tear, while the polyester interior is designed to withstand repeated washing and drying. And with its form-fitting design, you won’t have to worry about it losing its shape or stretching out over time. Why settle for an ordinary hoodie?

Visit FirstSpear to find American Made kit and accessories, Built For The X.

Team O’Neil’s Tactical Driving Tuesday – Reverse 180

Tuesday, October 15th, 2024

For the past few weeks we’ve been sharing a series of tactical driving tips from our friends at Team O’Neill. This week instructor Wyatt gets to the good stuff, the “J-turn” or Reverse 180.

In just a few weeks I’ll be putting these driving tips to good use at the Team O’Neil Tactical Driving Course at their facility in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. This five-day course includes driving under NODS and is available to military and other government agencies as well as civilians.

Tactical Tuesday: Flannels Like No Other

Tuesday, October 15th, 2024

Fall is here, and so is the perfect time to upgrade your wardrobe with Vertx Flannels. Simply put, these shirts are the ultimate combination of comfort and durability you’ve been searching for. Crafted from soft, breathable fabrics, they keep you cozy on those crisp days when nature calls.

Their timeless design is packed with features that let them transition effortlessly from casual outings to rugged outdoor adventures. Plus, with reinforced stitching, they’re as tough as you are.

Why settle for less this season? Gear up with Vertx Flannels this fall and experience unmatched comfort and resilience.