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Team O’Neil’s Tactical Driving Tuesday – PIT Maneuver

Tuesday, December 17th, 2024

If you’ve ever seen a cop use his vehicle to immobilize another vehicle, that’s a Precision Immobilization Technique or PIT Maneuver. Once again, Instructor Wyatt talks you through the technique but it’s something that you need to experience firsthand. There’s no better place to do it than Team O’Neil.

If you’re in need of in-person training like this, sign up for 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.

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

Vertx Launches the Trailslacker Pant: Versatility Meets Mission-Ready Design

Tuesday, December 17th, 2024

Vertx continues to set the standard for functional apparel with the release of their new Trailslacker Pant, designed to support the most demanding lifestyles—whether in the field, training on the range, or daily operations.

Engineered for performance, the Trailslacker combines rugged durability with tactical versatility, boasting features that cater to government and military professionals and outdoor enthusiasts alike. With 11 intelligently placed pockets, including CCW-compatible and hidden stash options, it ensures critical items remain secure and accessible.

The Trailslacker’s abrasion-resistant, anti-wrinkle fabric provides exceptional longevity, while 37.5® Active Technology keeps wearers comfortable in any climate by regulating core temperature and wicking away moisture. An athletic fit with articulated knees and a gusseted crotch delivers unrestricted mobility—perfect for tactical maneuvers or long hours on the move.

Available in Exhaust, Shock Cord, and Space Force Grey, the Trailslacker Pant is conveniently priced at $79.99. Whether your mission takes you to rugged terrain or urban environments, these pants are built to adapt and perform.

Get yours now at Vertx.com.

Posted in Advertiser, Clothing, Guest Post, IWA, Made In USA! | No Comments »

US Army Marksmanship Unit Prepares Soldiers with New Weapons System

Tuesday, December 17th, 2024

SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii — The U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit’s Instructor Training Group recently trained Hawaii-based Soldiers on the fielding of the Next Generation Squad Weapon system, Nov. 7-22, 2024, at Schofield Barracks. The training introduced Soldiers to the advanced capabilities of the NGSW, a weapon system designed to give U.S. troops a decisive edge on the battlefield.

Staff Sgt. Joseph Enloe, a Weapons Squad Leader with the 25th Infantry Division, expressed his enthusiasm for the training, describing it as “phenomenal” and a key factor in shaping future combat tactics.

The NGSW system, which includes the XM7 rifle, XM250 automatic rifle and the XM157 fire control system, is designed to enhance a Soldier’s lethality and survivability by providing precise targeting, improved range and advanced optics. However, as with any new technology, its effectiveness relies heavily on proper training and the integration of that technology with foundational marksmanship skills.

The integration of the XM157 Fire Control Unit is one of the most notable features of the NGSW. The system provides real-time range data and a corrected aim point for the shooter, significantly improving accuracy and engagement speed, said Staff Sgt. Jacoby Fannon, an instructor/shooter assigned to the USAMU. The technology is not a substitute for basic marksmanship training, it is designed to augment and enhance a Soldier’s existing skills.

“Soldiers are given increased capabilities to achieve overmatch when leveraging NGSW technology with continued outcome-focused training,” said Fannon. “The purpose of NGSW technology is to augment, not replace, a Soldier’s training. This approach ensures that even when the technology is unavailable or inaccurate, Soldiers can still rely on their basic skills, such as range estimation and manual targeting, to engage the enemy.”

“Training is very important, and we always have to train as we fight,” said Sgt. 1st Class Austinnick Rosario, a Platoon Sergeant assigned to Apache Troop, 3rd Battalion, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, “If we do it right, our jobs will be easier.”

The training structure included preliminary marksmanship instruction and evaluation to more advanced marksmanship tables that progressively build a Soldier’s skills. This layered training is designed to reinforce the basics while allowing Soldiers to fully integrate the advanced features of the NGSW system.

Marksmanship training remains consistent, regardless of the weapon system. The Army’s marksmanship tables are structured to provide all Soldiers, regardless of experience level, with the tools needed to develop proficiency. The training starts with the fundamentals and builds to more complex exercises that simulate real combat scenarios.

Throughout the training, Soldiers were guided by expert instructors from the USAMU. These instructors are not only experts in weapons systems but also in the science of teaching marksmanship.

“USAMU instructors were invaluable during the training, providing a lot of knowledge to share, and offering tips and feedback to help Soldiers maximize their effectiveness with the new system,” said Staff Sgt. Joseph Enloe, a weapons squad leader assigned to B. Co, 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division.

The USAMU’s role goes beyond simply teaching Soldiers to shoot well. They also emphasize the mental and strategic aspects of marksmanship.

“Qualification should be a confidence booster for both the operator and their leadership, underscoring the importance of mental readiness in addition to physical skill,” said Fannon.

Fannon’s insights into marksmanship training highlight how critical it is for Soldiers to develop the ability to think strategically.

“Practice will challenge the operator to trust their skill set by forcing the quick acquisition of stable firing positions,” he said. “Engaging targets at limited exposure times furthers the development of the mental chess match, a necessary skill when facing a well-equipped enemy.”

The fielding of the NGSW is a critical step toward ensuring that the U.S. Army remains at the cutting edge of combat technology. However, as these recent training exercises demonstrate, success in battle is not solely about the weapons you carry. The real key lies in the integration of new technologies with ongoing training, mental preparation and an emphasis on marksmanship fundamentals.

“The weapon system’s capabilities alone are impressive, but it’s the Soldiers’ ability to effectively use those capabilities that will determine success on the battlefield,” said Rosario.

By embracing a holistic approach to training that combines advanced technology with foundational skills, the U.S. Army is preparing its Soldiers for the future warfare.

By MSG Kulani Lakanaria

Posted in Army, Guest Post, Training, weapons | No Comments »

New Dismounted Spectrum Warfare System Rapidly Addresses Critical Army Need

Monday, December 16th, 2024

Fueled by the tailored use of acquisition pathways, Program Executive Office Intelligence, Electronic Warfare and Sensors (PEO IEW&S) greatly accelerated the timeline to field the Terrestrial Layer System – Brigade Combat Team (TLS BCT) Manpack. Soldiers and Army units received the system this past summer, marking the first unit issued milestone in providing an asymmetric advantage in the electromagnetic spectrum (EMS).

The TLS BCT Manpack is a fully configurable system capable of conducting radio frequency (RF) surveying, signals collection and direction-finding operations, electromagnetic attack and force protection operations, as well as EMS visualization and scanning/surveying operations. The system provides both mobile electronic attack (EA) and electronic support (ES) capabilities to inform the Commander’s decision-making process.

As the rebirth of the Electronic Warfare Corps within the Army is still recent, having a system that allows the pairing of non-kinetic options with the pre-existing kinetic weapons is key to fighting in a Multi-Domain environment.

“The TLS BCT Manpack system is providing the BCT Commander a tactical advantage with a robust state-of-the-art mobile EW capability for Multi-Domain Operations,”

said Maj. Austin Knighton, Assistant Product Manager for TLS BCT Manpack. The system is the Army’s first tailorable, modular, terrestrial capability that allows the integration of signals intelligence (SIGINT) and EW collection, processing, exploitation, reporting, and effects capabilities within the SIGINT Collection Team and Electronic Warfare Team elements.

“The TLS Manpack is a proven EW technology based on a design originally fielded to Army Special Operations Forces. It leverages existing COTS (commercial off the shelf technology) equipment that provides direction-finding capabilities to the tactical edge,” said Col. Leslie Gorman, Army Capability Manager – Electronic Warfare (ACM EW) Director. “Its smaller form factor and relatively light weight add to its functionality, important features for EW Soldiers supporting light infantry units.”

Getting the new EW capability into Soldiers’ hands was due in large part to the efforts of Project Manager Electronic Warfare & Cyber (PM EW&C), ACM EW, ACM Intelligence Sensors (ACM IS), the Army Test and Evaluation Center, and Electronic Warfare Officers (EWOs) in multiple operational units, to include the new Transform in Contact (TIC) units.

“This expeditious and near record turnaround was made possible by rapid prototyping and rapid fielding — underscoring the utility of Middle Tier Acquisition (MTA) to quickly bring a capability to fruition,” said Ken Strayer, PM EW&C. “Such focused urgency and execution to demonstrate, test, and rapidly procure this modular and mobile system is making a significant contribution to winning the EMS fight.”

In just a year, the TLS BCT Manpack program received requirements and achieved a production and fielding decision from the Army Acquisition Executive (AAE) with an initial fielding quantity award.

“The reason why we leaned forward to expedite TLS BCT Manpack fielding was to get the capability out to Soldiers, foremost the designated TIC units,” said Gorman. “This enables the ACM EW team to conduct immersive experimentation and operational feedback opportunities with EW Soldiers using TLS BCT Manpack and the PM. The feedback from these sessions will directly impact capability improvements.”

Specifically, the Soldiers provided human systems integration feedback through surveys and hands-on events. They looked at the size, weight, and power of the systems as well as the safety, survivability and usability of the user interface in both at the halt and on the move configurations. User feedback and recommendations were captured, vetted, and prioritized. EW Warfighters are now directly involved in designing systems that allow them to accomplish their mission.

“The system is going to be deployed to every brigade combat unit in the Army,” said Strayer. “This is exciting because we are finally getting program sensor data within an enduring capability out and into the hands of our electronic warfare officers, something we have been on a glide path for the last two years.”

The system has already been fielded to two TIC units with a plan to field up to two BCTs a month over the course of the next three years. PEO IEW&S delivers capability now through affordable and adaptable programs that pace the threat. The TLS BCT Manpack is part of the PM EW&C Portfolio with the mission to develop and field integrated capabilities for spectrum warfare.

By Brandon Pollachek | PEO IEW&S

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

RTS Tactical – Athletic Vest Carrier

Monday, December 16th, 2024

RTS Tactical is located right here in Florida and manufactures a range of armor (both hard and soft) as well as carriers and other load cartiage items, along with ballistic shields.

Their Athletic Vest Carrier was designed for those requiring a low-profile solution with a wide range of motion. It is lightweight, breathable, and concealable with adjustable shoulder straps and a double-layered elastic cummerbund for a more customized fit. In addition to the soft armor package specified by the user, the vest also accepts 6×8 or 7×9 trauma pads for added protection.

Offered in sizes Small – XXLarge in Black.

RTS Tactical tells me they have just started rolling this carrier out and due to high LE demand they are currently restricting sales to agency/unit orders but that it should be open for full commercial sale early next year.

Here’s some additional information from RTs Tactical.

Empowering Heroes: Our Commitment to Those Who Serve

At RTS Tactical, we’re more than just a gear manufacturer; we’re partners in the fight, dedicated to equipping those who serve and protect. We believe that true heroes deserve the best, and that’s why we pour our hearts and souls into crafting American-made tactical gear that exceeds expectations. Our custom-fit armor solutions provide unmatched comfort, mobility, and protection, because we understand that when lives are on the line, every detail matters. We’re driven by innovation, constantly pushing the boundaries to ensure our brave men and women in uniform have the confidence and courage to face any challenge. Choose RTS Tactical, and stand fearless.

Experience the RTS Tactical Difference

Ready to experience the unmatched comfort, protection, and performance of RTS Tactical’s custom-fit soft body armor?

Visit our website: www.rtstactical.com
Contact our sales team: sales@rtstactical.com
Call us: 786-769-2759

Posted in Armor, Guest Post, LE, Made In USA! | No Comments »

Survivability Under Fire: Expeditionary Medicine in Contested Logistics

Monday, December 16th, 2024

Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va. —

As the world enters an era of renewed great power competition, the Marine Corps is rapidly modernizing to meet the challenges of the modern battlefield.

Envisioning a return to contested littorals, Marine Corps Systems Command’s PM Combat Support Systems is fielding cutting-edge expeditionary medical capabilities designed to increase warfighter survivability behind enemy lines. Guided by Force Design, the Expeditionary Medical Systems team is rapidly deploying these advanced medical capabilities to ensure Marines are prepared for the future fight.

According to Navy CAPT Janine Espinal, EMS team lead and senior medical logistician: “These capabilities not only ensure we can sustain operations by providing life-saving care under fire, but also enhance survivability in Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations (EABO) environments, where rapid, adaptive medical support is essential to keeping Marines in the fight.”

Medicine Under Fire: A Battlefield Perspective

To envision these capabilities in action, consider this hypothetical scenario where Marines rely on expeditionary medical systems in a contested battlespace. The following situation report demonstrates how these tools would be employed behind enemy lines.

Situation Report
Location: Undisclosed, first island chain, INDOPACOM
Date: November 10, 20XX
Time: 1300 Hours

In the oppressive humidity of the Indo-Pacific’s contested littorals, a Marine platoon holds a critical position on a remote, undisclosed island—far from resupply or reinforcements. While the jungle provides natural cover, their advanced uniforms render them invisible, hidden from infrared and electromagnetic detection. To enemy sensors, they are phantoms—the ghosts of Devil Dogs past, returning to the theater where legends like GySgt John Basilone and LtGen “Chesty” Puller carved their legacy in blood and fire.

At a remote Expeditionary Advanced Base, a young Lance Corporal leans against a Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV), enjoying his favorite MRE. In this unforgiving battlespace, the chili mac is worth its weight in gold. Concealed by cutting-edge camouflage netting, the vehicle blends into the jungle, virtually invisible thanks to multi-spectral protection. Its rugged design powers through tough terrain, while the CASEVAC kit ensures it can be rapidly reconfigured to evacuate injured Marines from the front lines.

As the Marines advance through the dense jungle, they suddenly come under intense enemy fire. One Marine is wounded, requiring an immediate casualty evacuation to save his life. His squad lays down a heavy base of fire, enabling the vehicle to break contact and rush him to a concealed medical station. A Navy Corpsman, equipped with Damage Control Resuscitation (DCR) and Surgery (DCS) systems, quickly stabilizes the Marine. Portable refrigeration units keep life-saving blood on-site, ensuring critical care despite the distance from the ambush. Deep behind enemy lines, these expeditionary capabilities are a lifeline, enabling warfighters to survive and bring the fight tonight.

Although fictional, the scenario described is a close reflection of what our Marines are preparing to face on the future battlefield. To fight and win across the globe’s contested littorals, Marines need rapid, adaptive medical capabilities that enhance survivability when evacuation isn’t an option.

As noted by CMDR David Gribben, branch head for the Naval Support Branch at CD&I, “Our focus must be to ensure that our logistics approach is perfectly aligned with the Marines. As they get lighter and more agile, we’re doing the same with our medical capabilities. We’re matching their mobility with light, portable systems—shelter, communications, medical equipment—that integrate seamlessly with the Marine Corps’ logistics framework. This interoperability allows us to rapidly deploy and support Marines in contested environments, giving them the best chance of survival in the most austere conditions.”

Fielding Expeditionary Survivability

To address these challenges head-on, PM CSS’s Expeditionary Medical Systems Team recently hosted the Health Services Operational Advisory Group (HSOAG) at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., bringing together senior medical leaders from Okinawa, Hawaii, Germany and various CONUS and OCONUS locations. Over four days, Marines, greenside Navy medical personnel, and civilian acquisition professionals evaluated healthcare systems and structures, focusing on evolving capabilities to meet Force Design requirements.

During the HSOAG meeting, standing before a JLTV fitted with the latest CASEVAC kit, Rear Adm. Pamela Miller, Medical Officer of the Marine Corps, highlighted the critical importance expeditionary medical capabilities in 21st century warfare.

She noted: “The development of our medical capabilities is crucial because we need to stay relevant, preparing for future conflicts rather than the last. We’re facing new challenges not seen since World War II, and there’s urgency to adapt to meet the Commandant’s directive, Force Design, and work with the naval enterprise through Distributed Maritime Operations. With Fleet Health Services and Bureau of Medicine and Surgery leadership here, we’re aligning our focus to ensure we can support the warfighters in the next fight.”

Throughout the week, several key medical capabilities were highlighted, starting with the JLTV CASEVAC Kit, a crucial modification to the JLTV Utility variant. This system allows for the rapid transport of two litters and a jump seat in the cargo bed, enhancing casualty evacuation in austere, contested environments. Its adaptability supports operational flexibility on the battlefield, as emphasized by Rear Adm. Miller, who noted its vital role in boosting casualty evacuation capabilities and maintaining force lethality. According to Capt. James Minturn, JLTV project officer at PEO Land Systems, the flexibility provided by the CASEVAC kit is a key advantage in contested environments.

In his words: “The JLTV gives commanders options. They can use it for troop transport one moment, then quickly switch to casualty evacuation when needed. Instead of dedicating a vehicle solely to medical transport, the CASEVAC kit lets units adapt on the fly, which is critical in environments where vehicle movement is restricted. It’s all about maximizing capability without overcommitting resources.”

The Expeditionary Portable Oxygen Generation System (EPOGS) was another standout, offering a lightweight, mobile solution for delivering medical-grade oxygen. EPOGS improves reliability, mobility, and ease of transport, making it essential for forward-deployed operations in challenging environments.

Additionally, the Expeditionary Medical Refrigeration Unit (EMRU) provides extended cooling for critical medical supplies such as blood, vaccines, and medications, maintaining temperatures for over three days without external power. This capability significantly outpaces older systems, which had an eight-hour limitation.

Finally, the Damage Control Resuscitation (DCR) and Damage Control Surgery (DCS) systems were highlighted for their compact, modular designs, enabling life-saving trauma care near the front lines in contested environments. These scalable systems ensure critical care reaches Marines even when evacuation is delayed, aligning with the Corps’ focus on distributed operations and survivability behind enemy lines.

Anticipating the Future Fight

In the race to 2027, PM CSS’s Expeditionary Medical Systems team is advancing critical capabilities that enhance battlefield survivability for the Marine Corps, the Joint Force, and our international partners. Systems like the JLTV CASEVAC Kit, advanced refrigeration, and portable oxygen generation are essential for delivering timely medical support in contested environments. These innovations, backed by rapid acquisition processes, ensure operational readiness in the most challenging conditions.

Tested in exercises like Global Medic 2024 and proven in real-world conflictssuch as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, these expeditionary medical capabilities are critical for the future fight. Mobile medical units, damage control surgery, and forward-positioned resuscitative care have demonstrated their ability to reduce preventable deaths and maintain force lethality under fire. As these capabilities continue to evolve, they will remain essential in ensuring rapid response and adaptability in contested environments. By prioritizing joint collaboration and acquisition speed, PM CSS’ EMS team is setting the standard for medical readiness and ensuring our warfighters are equipped for success in an ever-evolving battlespace.

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

Photos by Jim Van Meer

Posted in Guest Post, Medical, Mobility, USMC | No Comments »

First Air Force Warrant Officers Graduate, Prepare to Enter Force

Sunday, December 15th, 2024

ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) —

The first 30 Air Force warrant officers graduated from the U.S. Air Force Warrant Officer Training School on Dec. 6, 2024, since the service reintroduced the corps earlier this year.

The reinstatement of Air Force warrant officers aims to address critical operational needs faced by the force today while maintaining and leveraging the unique expertise and capabilities of warrant officers as a strategic advantage during an era of Great Power Competition.

“This class has come to an important milestone but the task they have before them, is even more important,” said Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall. “And as going on into the Air Force and establishing the value that [warrant officers] bring to our service, and I am absolutely confident that you’re going to go do that … you’re ready to go do that, the school has prepared you well, there’s going to be others behind you, but you’re going to be the first.”

Historically, warrant officers served as technical experts and advisors but were phased out in 1959 as enlisted personnel and commissioned officers absorbed many of their duties. These reinstated warrant officers will support operations in specialized domains such as cyber, intelligence, and space.

The graduates completed an eight-week training program that covered leadership development, advanced technical skills, operational integration, and mentorship. The curriculum included coursework specific to their technical fields, such as cyber operations, intelligence analysis, and space mission planning, as well as general training in problem-solving and strategic planning.

“Those skills will serve you well as you blaze a trail for all future warrant officers in the Air Force,” Maj. Nathaniel Roesler, WOTS commandant, said. “We’ll need your technical expertise, and we’ll need your leadership, your humility, and your continued dedication to excellence.”

Warrant officers are expected to bridge the gap between enlisted personnel and commissioned officers. They will mentor enlisted members, assist in implementing commanders’ directives, and contribute to mission success in increasingly specialized and complex operational environments.

“Congratulations, Airmen,” said Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force David Flosi. “Your technical competence and commitment to serving others is a critical component of our national strategy. Our information domain is the most contested environment we operate in today – you must remain alert, agile and effective to ensure our mission success.”

As the graduates prepare to enter the force, their role in shaping the future of the Air Force is evident. This inaugural cohort will set the standard for generations of warrant officers, ensuring the Air Force remains ready to meet any challenge.

The new warrant officers are scheduled to report to their duty stations in early 2025. The next class of warrant officers is expected to graduate in March 2025.

By SSgt Emmeline James, Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

Posted in Air Force, Guest Post, Profession of Arms | No Comments »

Climate, Weather, & Optics

Saturday, December 14th, 2024

In the field, your environment often dictates the performance of your gear, and this is especially true when it comes to gun optics. Many shooting enthusiasts have heard of ‘thermal shift’, which occurs when an optic’s zero changes due to rapid changes in exterior temperature. But this is just one of the many ways that an operating environment can affect your optic’s capabilities.

Whether you’re in dense jungles, scorching deserts, or alpine snowfields, understanding how to adapt and safeguard your optical systems in these varying climates can make the difference between success and failure. This article delves into the nuances of how different biomes impact the performance and selection of optics, and how you can optimize your equipment selection for that environment.

The Impact

Why does this matter?

For military and security professionals, the reliability of an optic is obviously crucial. It’s not just about having a clear sight picture or consistent zero; it’s about ensuring your equipment can withstand and function optimally in extended exposure. Even within a given category (such as red dots, rifle scopes, etc.), there are often significant variances in how two different optics will handle certain weather conditions, temperatures, and altitudes.

Part of this comes from the quality of the optic’s manufacturing, but there are certain design elements that simply favor certain biomes over others. As optics have become an essential component of a gunfighter’s kit, it makes sense that any professional team would want to choose the optics that best suit their area of operation.

Major Biomes

Each biome presents unique challenges to optics. We’ll coverlessons from five of the most common biomes here:

1. Woodland/Jungle

2. Desert/Arid

3. Snow/Mountain/Alpine

4. Coastal/Swamp

5. Urban

Woodland/Jungle

Woodlands and jungles are characterized by dense vegetation, variable lighting conditions, and high humidity. These environments present unique challenges for optical systems.

Glass Quality is Essential: The varied lighting conditions and hard shadows in woodland environments can cause significant visual irregularities and chromatic aberrations. High-quality glass helps minimize these distortions, ensuring clear and accurate target identification despite the complex interplay of light and shadow. For rifle scopes, optics with apochromatic HD or ELD glass are ideal.

Short Range, High Precision: Although engagement distances are typically shorter in forests, the abundant cover and concealment make target acquisition and precision shooting crucial. Optics must offer quick target acquisition in close-quarter engagements yet be capable of engaging small, minimally exposed targets in the brush.

Snag Hazards: The dense vegetation in forests creates numerous snagging hazards. Moving through brush, your gear will get caught and snag occasionally. As such, your opticsshould be compact and streamlined, minimizing protrusions that could catch on branches or underbrush. Accessories like flip-cap scope covers, 1.93” (or greater) optic mounts, and even offset reflex optics should be regarded with some scrutiny.

Hydrophobic Coatings: In high-humidity environments, optics are prone to fogging and water spots. Hydrophobic coatings on lenses help maintain clarity by repelling water and preventing moisture accumulation on the glass surfaces. This is generally not an issue on high-quality optics, but some affordable optics may suffer in long-term exposure.

Desert/Arid

Deserts and arid regions are characterized by extreme temperatures, bright sunlight, and pervasive dust and sand. Over the past two decades, much has been learned about selecting optics for desert environments.

Sunlight Management: Long-term exposure to intense sunlight and harsh lighting angles requires accessories like scope shades and anti-reflective devices (ARDs) to reduce glare and improve visibility.

Reticle Illumination: Reticles need to be highly illuminated to stand out against the bright desert backdrop. Alternatively, using a black reticle can provide contrast without relying on battery-powered illumination.

Increased Magnification: Engagement distances in deserts are generally longer, necessitating optics with higher magnification to accurately identify and engage targets at range.

Color Definition: The desert landscape often have a tight band of natural colors, making camouflage highly effective. Optics with excellent color definition are crucial for distinguishing targets from the background.

Wide Field of View: Given the expansive and open nature of desert terrain, a wide field of view allows for effective scanning of large areas, aiding in target detection and situational awareness.

Thermal Stability: The extreme temperature fluctuations in deserts can affect the internal components of optics. High-quality construction and materials that withstand thermal expansion and contraction are essential to prevent failures or loss of zero.

Scratch Resistance: Windborne sand and dust can scratch and damage lenses. Optics with scratch-resistant coatings can endure the abrasive environment, maintaining clear visibility.

Capped Turrets: Dust and sand can penetrate seals and O-rings, causing damage and affecting functionality. Capped turrets help protect these vulnerable areas, ensuring the longevity and reliability of the optics.

Snow/Mountain/Alpine

Mountainous and alpine environments present challenges such as cold temperatures, high altitudes, and rugged terrain.

Temperature Sensitivity: Cold temperatures can cause grease inside the optics to gum up, hindering their operation. Optics designed for cold environments use specialized lubricants that remain functional in extreme cold. Once again, these greases tend to only be found in high-quality optics from field-proven manufacturers.

Battery Performance: Batteries lose charge quickly in cold weather. Soldiers should carry spare batteries in interior pockets of their clothing to keep them warm and ensure their electronics remain operational. It is not enough to keep them in your backpack or armor carrier pockets, as they will freeze and drain before you can use them.

Ballistic Performance: High altitudes and cold, thin air can significantly affect ballistic performance. Optics need to be precisely zeroed for these conditions to maintain accuracy.Optics with BDC stadia will likely be at least slightly off at their indicated distances, so MIL subtensions are ideal.

Durability: The rugged terrain of alpine environments increases the risk of slips and drops. Optics must be robust and impact-resistant to withstand these harsh conditions. If it isn’t drop-proof, it isn’t worth bringing out into the cold.

Fogging and Condensation: Preventing ice formation and fogging is critical in cold environments. The condensation from your breath—or even your sweat—is usually enough to fog up an optic in extreme temperatures, and face-coverings like balaclavas tend to exacerbate it. Thus, high-quality hydrophobic coatings on lenses are very important to ensure that optics remain clear, even in freezing temperatures.

Coastal/Swamp

Coastal and swamp environments are characterized by high humidity, saltwater exposure, and reflective surfaces.

Water Resistance: While most high-quality optics are waterproof, continuous exposure to water and humidity can test their limits. Optics should have robust seals and be rated fortheir waterproof performance.

Enclosed Emitters Only: These environments often have high precipitation, so reflex sights should feature an enclosed design to prevent rain from reaching and blocking the emitter.

Reflection Management: Water surfaces create numerous reflections, complicating visibility for magnified optics. Once again, high-quality glass and ARDs help manage these reflections, maintaining clear sightlines.

Material Quality: Saltwater is highly corrosive, requiring optics made from materials resistant to rust and corrosion. Seals must be robust to prevent salt spray from penetrating the device.

Frequent Cleaning: Sand and grit can adhere to optics due to water and condensation. Regular cleaning with fresh water prevents salt deposits and maintains optical clarity.

Urban

Urban environments present a complex array of visual contrasts, varying distances, and numerous cover and concealment options. Generally, we’re talking about dense urban centers with tall buildings that can greatly affect the environment at street level.

Visual Contrast: They don’t call it an ‘urban jungle’ for nothing. Like forests, urban settings offer an extremely wide range of lighting conditions and colors with hard shadows and high reflections. High-quality optics with excellent contrast and clarity are essential for target identification, particularly in windows or at elevated positions.

Varied Engagement Distances: Urban operations involve extreme variations in engagement distances, from long sightlines to close-quarters combat. Optics need to be versatile, offering both magnification and rapid target acquisition capabilities.Magnified optics should be paired with a close-range backup. Likewise, reflex sights are often best paired with a flip-up magnifier.

Wind Patterns: Tall buildings create unpredictable wind patterns, including updrafts, downdrafts, and full-value directional winds. When relying on MIL or pre-calculated wind holds, be aware that your reads might be very far from reality.

Low-Light Performance: Urban areas have significant artificial lighting, creating glare and reflections. At night, the stark lighting differences necessitate optics that can handle bright lights and shadows.

Thermals and Night Vision: Bright sources of light and varied heat sources complicate the use of thermal imaging and night vision. Advanced optics that can filter and adjust to these conditions are crucial for maintaining operational effectiveness.Hybrid systems also help to counteract issues like targets behind glass panes.

Conclusion

These are just a few of the biggest considerations for common biomes here in the United States, but many of the learnings can be applied to global environments.

Ultimately, understanding the specific challenges posed by different biomes is essential for selecting and maintaining the right optics for any mission. By considering factors such as lighting conditions, temperature extremes, and environmental hazards, soldiers can ensure that their optical systems perform optimally in any setting.

This guest post was provided by Primary Arms.

Posted in Advertiser, Guest Post, Optics | 1 Comment »