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The New Nemesis Camouflage Patterns are Being Released by Diversitex Inc Fabrics

Monday, April 17th, 2023

There’s something new brewing in the Tactical Camouflage industry! As earlier reported here on Soldier Systems Daily, Former US-SOF Veteran, DOD Contractor and Consultant; Clint Hoover has been working diligently to bring a new Special Operations inspired Camouflage to the industry. Around mid-summer 2022 the Alpha Groups Solution owner was challenged to converge all his cumulative real world experience & knowledge along with acquisitions sub-straight, product development. A real military pattern with an edgy legacy look and advanced color blends. The result is a “Keep It Simple Solution”.

The “Bigger News” for this Soldier Systems Daily release is the industry collaboration between Nemesis Camouflage and Diversitex Inc.

For those that may not know about Diversitex, you are looking at a company with over 50 years of textile experience. Establishing itself as a major supplier of camouflage around the world. Diversitex holds a unique position in the industry, blending technical know-how with a customer-focused approach to deliver the just right fabric for any application. Its focus on domestically crafted product and relationships with leading mills translates into a broad product selection and fast delivery times.

Here’s the news… this collaboration roll-out between Nemesis and Diversitex, focus will be on Nemesis Woodlands Wolf variation. So, standard 500d, 1000d, 70d, Heavy Mesh, along with Nyco Extreme Ripstop fabric. Diversitex will also introduce narrow width goods in Nemesis Woodlands in standard webbings.

The current plan is to roll out a new version of Nemesis Camouflage- “Woodlands Wolf” will be Nemesis “Desert Scorpion” Camouflage, then Nemesis “Night Ops” followed by Nemesis “Snow Tundra”.

Although we have a planned phase in schedule on pattern release, any of the 4 new Nemesis Camouflage patterns can be printed based on customers meeting the “Minimum Order Quantity” on the other 3 future Nemesis pattern releases. You can have it first!

For interested manufacturers you can reach out to Diversitex Inc. about the New Nemesis Camouflage fabrics: www.diversitexinc.com

POC: Marc Bergman (Diversitex)

And for more information on other Nemesis Camouflage products, Kydex plastic, Hydrographics and Vinyl. Go to www.alphagroupsolution.com

Posted in Camo, Guest Post | 4 Comments »

Croatia, Canada Join Minnesota Best Warrior Competition

Monday, April 17th, 2023

LITTLE FALLS, Minn. – Minnesota National Guard Soldiers and Croatian and Canadian Armed Forces competed to find this year’s best Noncommissioned Officer and Soldier during Minnesota’s 2023 Best Warrior Competition at Camp Ripley March 29-April 1.

The Minnesota Guard and Croatia have a 27-year relationship through the Department of Defense National Guard Bureau State Partnership Program, and Minnesota has longstanding ties with Canada.

“The continued coordination with partners like Croatia and Canada is rewarding for our Soldiers and leaders alike,” said Army 1st Sgt. Jack Esget, the competition’s noncommissioned officer in charge.

The Best Warrior Competition tested participants’ knowledge of Soldier skills over four days. The competition included an appearance board, written exams, essays, a physical fitness event, weapons qualifications, medical evacuation tasks, an obstacle course, a live-fire exercise, and a ruck march. In addition, this year’s contest featured the “Valor Ruck,” which included five stations, each highlighting the story of a Medal of Honor recipient.

“Camp Ripley is a world-class training site, and we are excited to host not only Minnesota’s best noncommissioned officers and Soldiers, but also seven competitors from Croatia and Canada,” said Army Command Sgt. Maj. Rian Hofstad, Camp Ripley’s garrison command sergeant major.

Of the 20 Minnesota National Guard, four Croatian, and three Canadian Soldiers who competed, only one Minnesota noncommissioned officer and one Minnesota Soldier will advance to compete at the next level, the National Guard’s Region IV Best Warrior Competition, hosted by the Ohio National Guard in May. Special recognition and pride go with the international allies as they place throughout the event.

On Day One, Soldiers conducted vehicle maintenance checks and services, changed tires and competed in the live-fire exercise. Next, the noncommissioned officers took on the valor ruck march around Camp Ripley’s cantonment area and tested their knowledge of Army tasks and drills.

“I hope this competition is a career-developing experience for all our competitors and that this opportunity continues to foster our long-lasting international partnerships,” Esget said.

On the second day of the competition, in cold and icy conditions, the noncommissioned officers treated a simulated casualty and performed vehicle maintenance and live-fire exercises. The Soldiers took on the valor ruck with an ice sheet covering Camp Ripley.

Participants also competed in low-light land navigation with snowshoes, combating the deep snowpack of north central Minnesota.

The 2023 Minnesota Soldier of the Year is Spc. Gabriel Senf, an infantryman with the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 135th Infantry Regiment. Army Staff Sgt. Leo Kerfeld, an infantryman with the Charlie Company, 2nd Battalion, 135th Infantry Regiment, is the Noncommissioned Officer of the Year.

By CPT William Hermanson, Minnesota National Guard

Posted in Army, Guest Post, Profession of Arms | 1 Comment »

CSAF Visits 179th Airlift Wing Ahead of Historic Mission Conversion

Sunday, April 16th, 2023

MANSFIELD-LAHM AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Ohio (AFNS) —

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. visited with Airmen and leadership at the 179th Airlift Wing at Mansfield-Lahm Air National Guard Base April 2, ahead of their historic mission conversion to a cyberspace wing.

During his visit, Brown met with Ohio National Guard leadership, conducted a roundtable with junior enlisted Airmen and hosted an all-call to express his support for the wing and highlight the vital role the 179th AW plays in accelerating change for the future.

“We are in the most dynamic environment we’ve ever faced so we have to be engaged in change and I can’t think of a place in our Air Force facing more change than right here in Mansfield,” Brown said. “Cyber engagements happen daily; they are happening right now. That’s why what is changing here and what you will do is so important, not just for our force, but for our nation.”

The Air Force selected the 179th AW to be the Air National Guard’s first cyberspace wing in the country, Aug. 25, 2022, and has been in the process of converting the wing, infrastructure and mission since.

“Mansfield has a unique opportunity. What you are doing here hasn’t been done. You can write the playbook for others to follow,” Brown said. “It’s important for us to engage here as you drive that change.”

Brown emphasized the important place Mansfield has in shaping the role of cyber operations in the Air Force. The theme of change and how Airmen must embrace and lean into it for future success was integrated into each part of the visit.

“A critical piece of my strategic approach is the key word … collaboration. As Airmen, we all need to be multi-capable to get the mission done,” Brown said. “We do not play to lose. I’m in it to win it and my job is supporting you so you can focus on doing your job.”

Before his departure, Brown gave Airmen the opportunity to ask questions before concluding his visit. He also thanked the wing for their resilience through the transitions they have made and will face. Brown reiterated his confidence in the wing’s ability to meet the needs of tomorrow.

“As you go through this historic change, don’t give up. It’s not about what we say that makes a difference, it’s about what we do,” Brown said. “I trust every one of you and I have your back.”

Story by Capt Jordyn Craft, 179th Airlift Wing

Photos by MSgt Joe Harwood

Posted in Air Force, Guest Post | Comments Off on CSAF Visits 179th Airlift Wing Ahead of Historic Mission Conversion

Raptor Pilots Test AF’s Next-Gen Helmet

Saturday, April 15th, 2023

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. – Developmental flight tests are underway for the Air Force’s new Next Generation Fixed Wing Helmet here.

Engineers with the 46th Test Squadron and the 28th Test and Evaluation Squadron oversee the helmet’s testing. Approximately five F-22A Raptor pilots from the 301st Fighter Squadron, a Reserve unit with the 43rd Fighter Squadron here, fly with the new lighter, cooler and more readily equipped helmet.

The NGFWH program goal is to provide pilots a more comfortable, stable, and balanced platform to accommodate helmet-mounted devices usage without imposing neck strain and discomfort to the user.

“It is common knowledge fighter pilots have long term neck and back issues,” said Maj. Brett Gedman, from the 301st Fighter Squadron. “Therefore, having a lightweight helmet, designed with the operator in mind, will have positive long-term impacts on the health of our fighter pilots during and after service.”

This series of tests marks the second round of developmental tests with the LIFT-manufactured helmet since it was awarded the contract in 2022. The NGFWH is set to replace the more than 40-year-old current model, known as HGU-55, used by all Air Force aircrew except F-35 flyers.

After each flight, the pilots report any feedback they have about wearability, visibility, communication, etc. The engineers compile that data to provide to the manufacturers. So far, outside of minor tweaks, the feedback is positive.

“The design of the helmet allows for unparalleled visibility, mobility, and comfort in the cockpit,” “The increased visibility combined with the mobility it provides made it a massive improvement over what I am used to flying with. It is clear this has been a generational leap in technology that the fighter pilot deserves, which is long overdue.”

Gedman said those factors are critical when operating in a high-G within visual range environment.

“With near peer threats narrowing the gap daily, it is critical the fighter pilots have every tactical advantage possible,” said Gedman. “Details matter, and it is coming down to the smallest details including the gear we wear.”

Along with Air Force aircrew, the new helmet also has a great effect on Aircrew Flight Equipment technicians. They are responsible for preparing, equipping, and maintaining the helmets for the aircrew.

Many flight advancements are now standard on the new helmet such as like night-vision goggle mounts and an adjustable occipital basket. With the legacy helmet, HGU-55, these items are added manually, adjusted, and fitted to the aircrew and take hours to prepare. To add a NVG mount to the legacy helmet, an AFE Airmen uses power tools to drill into the helmet to secure the bracket.

“From a pre-flight and build up standpoint, the new helmet is much better,” said Airman 1st Class Matthew Crouse, a 325th Operations Support Squadron AFE technician responsible NGFWH maintenance during the testing here. “It makes our job much easier in the long run, but because its so easy to adjust, we can make corrections if they are needed.”

When the Raptor squadrons leave Eglin soon for Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, the test engineers will follow for a new round testing with new pilots. Eventually, the tests will spread out to other aircraft and aircrew. The next aircraft type scheduled to test the helmets will be the HC-130J and B-1B Lancer.

By Samuel King Jr.

Posted in Air Force, Aviation, Guest Post, Helmets | Comments Off on Raptor Pilots Test AF’s Next-Gen Helmet

FirstSpear Friday Focus – Overrun Carriers

Friday, April 14th, 2023

This week, we’re highlighting overrun stock of some of our best selling carrier systems, Strandhögg™ V1 SAPI Cut, Sloucher, and the Ragnar Vest. These are limited stock items so pricing and quantity are available while supplies last.

The Strandhögg™ V1 SAPI Cut Plate Carrier takes its name from an old Norse Viking term for, a lightning raid, Strandhögg was one of the first formalized battle tactics to use covert infiltrators in advance of an actual raiding operation. This system can be worn with or without a soft armor panel depending on ballistic requirements, threat level and plates utilized. Using streamlined fit throughout, along with state of the art materials and production technology, you’ll find this carrier to be extremely comfortable without compromising durability and performance.

The Sloucher combines many of the most desirable features of both the Siege-R and the Sleeper. Stretch panels on the cummerbund and Tubes® closures keep the fit tight and allow for quick donning and doffing. The 6/12™ Pocket Attachment System provides a low profile. This carrier accepts front, back and side plates, SPEAR/BALCS cut soft armor (not included) and MASS accessories. The Sloucher provides the capability to support a full spectrum of operations.

Named for the intrepid explorer and cunning warrior Ragnar Lodbrok, the Ragnar Vest and its accessories are suited for a wide variety of roles and circumstances. The Ragnar Vest is covered in loop fabric and can be altered with different cummerbunds. Four special built-in pockets with retention tabs allow for storage of accessories based on situational requirements. This is a multi-mission vest with the flexibility to cover a variety of profiles.

Visit FirstSpear to find America’s premier tactical gear and equipment.

Posted in Advertiser, Armor, FS Friday Focus, Guest Post | Comments Off on FirstSpear Friday Focus – Overrun Carriers

In Edelweiss Raid, the Competition Is Seriously Steep

Friday, April 14th, 2023

How tough is the Edelweiss Raid?

When a U.S. team competed in the international military mountaineering contest for the first time in 2019, it made history as the first team ever to finish the competition on its inaugural attempt, placing 13th out of 23 teams.

In two days, teams cover 40 kilometers (24.85 miles) of rugged Austrian Alps terrain with up to 14,000 feet of cumulative elevation gain, completing various military tasks at 12 stations in the process. They carry a litter with their equipment — both for challenges and in case of real casualty situations.

U.S. National Guard soldiers — most from Vermont, home of the Army Mountain Warfare School and the 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Mountain) — returned to Austria earlier this year to compete in the biennial event. This time, the 16-member U.S. team competed in two groups. Both finished; one cracked the top 10.

“We all pretty much call it Type 2 Fun,” Connecticut National Guard Capt. Scott Stone, one of the U.S. competitors, said. “Which is basically … not ‘Ha ha, we’re all having a good time fun,’ but it’s one of things that once you’re done with it, it’s a really awesome experience.”

(Includes information from articles by Timothy Koster, Connecticut National Guard Public Affairs Office; and Army Capt. Mikel Arcovitch, Joint Force Headquarters – Vermont National Guard Public Affairs)

Posted in Army, Guest Post, Mountaineering | 5 Comments »

82nd Airborne Division Hosts Inaugural Innovation Drop Zone Competition

Thursday, April 13th, 2023

FORT BRAGG, N.C. — The 82nd Airborne Division hosted its inaugural Innovation Drop Zone competition, March 29, 2023, at the Airborne Innovation Lab at Fort Bragg. The Innovation Drop Zone is the culmination of an ongoing collaboration and partnership between the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command and the 82nd Airborne Division.

The event featured six groundbreaking projects developed into viable products over a six-month period. Each finalist team in the Innovation Drop Zone competition presented a unique problem statement, innovation solution and prototype created through this innovative partnership.

“I expect guns and leaders to the front in order to apply pressure to relieve friction and that’s exactly what our paratroopers are going to do today,” said Maj. Gen. Christopher LaNeve, commander of the 82nd Airborne Division.

Panel members included Maj. Gen. Christopher LaNeve, commander of the 82nd Airborne Division; Command Sgt. Maj. Randolph Delapena, command sergeant major of the 82nd Airborne Division; U.K. Brig. Gen. Neil Den-McKay, deputy to the commanding general of plans for the 82nd Airborne Division; Mr. Zeke Topolosky, chief of the Technology Transition Office at the Combat Capabilities Command Army Research Laboratory; Dr. Ronald Reago Jr., director of the C5ISR Center’s Research and Technology Integration Directorate; Dr. Anne Marie Petrock, senior research scientist for Warheads Technology in the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command’s Armaments Center; and Mrs. Meridith Fonseca, director of research and development at the U.S. Army Special Operations Command Force Modernization Center.

The winners of this competition are 1st Lt. Christopher Bruce and Spc. Dimitry Boylan of Delta Company, 2-504 Parachute Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team. They created the flip down keypad display unit holder, which is an attachment that provides an efficient way to secure the end user device while allowing the user to operate it with one hand.

“Participating in this competition was an incredibly rewarding and humbling experience,” said Bruce. “While developing our project, we realized our product could solve a problem the entire division was facing. We hope our experience shows paratroopers that they can make a positive impact on the division and create innovative solutions with the resources available to them.”

The team received an Army Commendation Medal, a four-day pass, attendance to a school of choice within each paratrooper’s MOS and a $500 team cash prize along with the first 82nd Airborne Division Innovation Cup for 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division.

The competition is part of the division’s transformation efforts that work to accomplish three tasks:

Command-directed “you will go figure this out” problem solving;

Modernizing by integrating and helping to create informed requirements with developmental partners; and

Facilitating a paratrooper raising their hand and stating, “I have this problem, I want to solve it for all paratroopers.”

This is taking care of our piece of the Army by providing the paratrooper the opportunities, facilities and skills necessary to develop tangible and actionable solutions to the contemporary problems faced on the drop zone.

“Today is a historic day in the division,” Maj. Gen. LaNeve stated. “Inside this division we are trying to transform as fast as possible; based off lessons learned from Ukraine, lessons learned over the last 20 years, and taking a look forward as best as we can to train how we will fight.”

The next Innovation Drop Zone will be held Sept. 6, 2023. For more information about the 82nd Airborne Division Innovation Drop Zone or the Airborne Innovation Lab check out the Airborne Innovation Lab website.

Story by MAJ Deirdra Johnson

Photos by SGT Robert Whitlow

Posted in Army, Guest Post | Comments Off on 82nd Airborne Division Hosts Inaugural Innovation Drop Zone Competition

MATBOCK – Soteria Belt

Wednesday, April 12th, 2023

Jim Foreman and Sean Matson go into the features of their Soteria belt which includes an inner belt, an outer belt, and a cage. It also is sold with the option to add leg loops. Check out this great video.

The Soteria Belt gives the operator total kit flexibility for any kind of operation or environment. It features an over belt design with a removable stiffened MOLLE cage to mount your gear. The cage allows you to change out your kit in as little as 30 seconds. The lightweight inner belt has an outward-facing loop that secures the outer belt and it can also be used as an everyday belt. The Soteria Belt converts to a sit/climbing harness with the addition of MATBOCK Soteria Leg Loops. The Soteria belt is rated for a dynamic 3600lb load. Available in S, M, L, and XL. The sizing chart is on the website

Features:

– Our cage system is made out of Boltaron – a strong yet flexible material
– The belt is designed to allow the operator to quickly switch mission sets by changing out cages
– Seamlessly becomes a full sit/climbing harness with the attachment of the Soteria Leg Loops
– The inner belt is a lightweight and low-profile belt that can also be used daily as a regular belt

Specs:

Total Belt weight: 15.5oz (439.4 grams)
Total Belt weight with leg loops: 1.75lbs (793.8 grams)
Outer Belt Material: Type 13 Belt Webbing 1 ¾ in
Inner Belt Material: Ghost
Cage Material: Boltaron

For more information check out their product page: www.matbock.com/collections/belts-lanyards/products/soteria-belt or reach out to sales@matbock.com

Posted in Advertiser, Guest Post, Load Carrying | 5 Comments »