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Army’s 1st Cavalry Division Conducts First Switchblade 600 Live-Fire Exercise

Wednesday, October 1st, 2025

As part of Pegasus Charge, 1st Cavalry Division’s effort in support of the Army’s “Transforming in Contact” initiative to modernize armored formations, soldiers assigned to the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, conducted Fort Hood’s first live-fire exercise of the Switchblade 600 Loitering Munition System, Sept. 15.

The Switchblade 600 — a tube-launched, unmanned aircraft system — has already seen extensive use by Special Operations Forces, light infantry units and foreign partners. The 1st Cavalry Division is among the first armored units to field the system.

“This is the first time for all of our soldiers to see these munitions fired, and you can feel the excitement in the air,” said Army Capt. Jeffrey Weller, Multifunctional Reconnaissance Troop commander, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division. “The Switchblade enables the brigade to engage targets with precision between 5 and 15 kilometers in front of our forward line of troops, extending our reach and lethality.”

Modernizing the Fight

The Army’s broader Transforming in Contact initiative aims to overhaul how armored formations fight by integrating new technologies, particularly drones and advanced communications.

“A huge thing the Army has seen across multiple battlefields, whether in Ukraine or elsewhere, is the rapid modernization and high usage of drones,” Weller said. “We’re taking those lessons learned and revamping our [unmanned aircraft] systems to stay ahead of adversaries.”

Roughly 5 feet long and weighing 75 pounds, the battery-powered Switchblade 600 resembles a drone, but carries a Javelin multipurpose warhead. It has a flight time of 40 to 45 minutes, a range of up to 27 miles and delivers a 5-pound explosive payload.

“It’s a remote-controlled missile that flies like a drone until it gets to the target,” explained a flight operations supervisor with the system’s manufacturer. “The operator uses onboard cameras to identify, select and engage the target.”

Once launched from its tube, the Switchblade can navigate through waypoints, loiter over the target area and strike with precision. Operators also retain the ability to wave off a strike mid-flight if conditions change.

“The Switchblade allows us to target vehicles or small groups of personnel from much farther away than before,” Weller said. “It increases our lethality, minimizes collateral damage and helps protect soldiers on the front lines.”

Before the live-fire exercise, soldiers completed a five-day training course with the manufacturer, during which they learned to set up, arm and program the drones for flight and strike missions.

Army Spc. Drake Cross, a Switchblade operator who has flown RQ-7 Shadow and RQ-28 Quadcopter drones for the division, said this was his first experience with a munition-carrying UAS.

“Everything else I’ve flown has been for surveillance and target acquisition,” Cross said. “This is the first one where I can actually deliver a round. It’s exciting because it saves soldiers’ lives by hitting targets without putting us in danger.”

Cross said the system was user-friendly and similar to other UAS platforms, adding, “There’s not much of a learning curve. Once you identify and lock onto a target, you can adjust right up until impact to make sure you’re hitting what you want.”

Looking Ahead

Weller said the Switchblade is just one example of how Transforming in Contact is reshaping the 1st Cavalry Division’s armored formations. He noted that the unit will use the system during their upcoming rotation at the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, California.

“The battlefield is constantly changing, and the Army has to modernize to keep pace,” he said. “Seeing systems like the Switchblade in action shows us the future of how our formations will fight. It’s a big step toward keeping our soldiers safer and more lethal.”

By Heather Ashley, Fort Hood Public Affairs Office

Posted in Army, Guest Post, Munitions | Comments Off on Army’s 1st Cavalry Division Conducts First Switchblade 600 Live-Fire Exercise

NMCSD Enhances Orthopedic Care with 3-D Printed Waterproof Casts

Tuesday, September 30th, 2025

If deemed appropriate by a medical provider, the waterproof casts can be especially useful for military service members, who can return to duty or training throughout the recovery process.

Naval Medical Center San Diego has become one of the first Military Treatment Facilities to adopt a cutting-edge new 3D-printing technology for producing waterproof casts. The technology, developed by ActivArmor, uses additive manufacturing to create breathable casts and splints that allow for improved treatment options with fewer limitations on patients’ activities.

The waterproof casts offer several advantages over traditional fiberglass casts or plaster splints, according to U.S. Navy Cmdr. Kimberly Spahn, department head, Orthopedics, Naval Medical Center San Diego. “You can swim in these and play sports, so they’re great for kids. They’re more hygienic. You can take them on and off so we avoid a lot of the skin breakdown we see with fiberglass and plaster casts,” Spahn said.

Spahn noted that the new casts are not appropriate for all orthopedic conditions, and traditional fiberglass or plaster casts remain an effective treatment in many cases, but if deemed appropriate by a medical provider, the waterproof casts can be especially useful for military service members, who can return to duty or training throughout the recovery process. “It’s great for service members whose training involves water activities,” said Jill Eastin, business manager, Department of Orthopedics Surgery, Naval Medical Center San Diego. “They are able to still go out in the water and continue training in a way that isn’t possible with traditional casts.”

Each cast is custom-fit, allowing providers to make patient-specific modifications, such as amputated fingers or toes, metal pins or other surgical implants, and children with small limbs that don’t fit standard casts or splints, according to U.S. Navy Hospital Corpsman Petty Officer Third Class Danny Berroa Figueroa. “It’s actually a really simple process. We just use the forward facing camera on a mobile device, and we will mark on the skin around bony areas or anything we don’t want to rub, and just scan someone’s arm or leg like that,” said Berroa Figueroa. “Once it’s good, we send it off to an engineer who analyzes it and figures out the best way to create the cast, they send back the guide file and we feed it into the machine to start printing.”

NMCSD is the second MTF to implement the technology, along with Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, after ActivArmor received a $1.3 million competitive SBIR direct-to-phase II grant award from the Defense Health Agency. The award “will facilitate the deployment of ActivArmor systems to 11 military bases over 24 months,” according to the company’s website.

The mission of NMCSD is to provide a superior experience for our patients, staff, and warfighters. NMCSD employs more than 5,000 active duty military personnel, civilians, and contractors in Southern California to deliver exceptional care afloat and ashore.

By Seaman Jason Afable, Naval Medical Center San Diego

Posted in Guest Post, Medical, Navy | Comments Off on NMCSD Enhances Orthopedic Care with 3-D Printed Waterproof Casts

US Space Force Releases New Human Performance and Readiness Manual

Monday, September 29th, 2025

ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) —

The U.S. Space Force released its first Space Force Manual 36-2905, Human Performance and Readiness, which establishes clear, mission-focused standards to optimize Guardian fitness and readiness.

All Guardians are now required to complete a Human Performance Assessment once a year if they are enrolled in the Continuous Fitness Assessment Personalized Readiness Integrated Through Monitoring and Engagement study and twice per year if they are not. The HPA measures muscular strength, muscular endurance and cardiorespiratory fitness on an 80-point scale. Guardians must earn a composite score of 60 or higher to be considered physically ready. One of the HPAs must include a 2-mile run.

To implement the manual, squadrons will establish Unit Fitness Cells staffed by Guardian Resilience Teams. Unit commanders and UFCs will ensure all Guardians complete an initial HPA between Jan. 1 and June 30, 2026. Physical fitness testing will not be required before Jan. 1, 2026, to allow time for UFCs to be established and Guardians to prepare.

“The Space Force human performance standards are mission-driven and tailored to the unique physical and cognitive demands of our Guardians,” said Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman. “The manual reflects our commitment to investing in Guardian health, resilience, and long-term performance, and ensures we’re ready to thrive and win in the most demanding operational environments.”

The manual incorporates human performance standards within the Space Force’s Holistic Health Approach, a science-based model that emphasizes Total Force Fitness across eight domains: physical, financial, spiritual, preventive care, environmental, nutritional, psychological and social. This supports the Secretary of the Air Force’s Culture of Fitness initiative and aligns with the Under Secretary of the Air Force’s efforts to enhance fitness and readiness.

“The Human Performance and Readiness Manual directly supports our commitment to emphasize the Guardian Experience and to execute our mission to deter threats and control the space domain,” said Chief Master Sgt. of the Space Force John Bentivegna. “Our ability to maintain space superiority hinges on the readiness and resilience of our Guardians, who are our most valuable advantage … our Human Weapon System. This manual equips them with the standards and resources necessary to meet the unique physical and cognitive demands of modern space warfare, ensuring they are always prepared to safeguard our nation’s interests.”

The manual retains the existing Space Force body composition program without changes.

SPFMAN 36-2905 reflects the Space Force’s commitment to developing warfighters capable of meeting the demands of modern space warfare through a technology-enabled, persistent readiness system.

View the SPFMAN 36-2905 here.

Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

Posted in Guest Post, Profession of Arms, Space, Warrior Athlete | Comments Off on US Space Force Releases New Human Performance and Readiness Manual

How to Prevent America’s Next Assassination Attempt?

Sunday, September 28th, 2025

In today’s America, public speaking has become a high-risk act. From campaign rallies to press conferences, political leaders, business icons, and cultural figures are no longer just addressing crowds, they are addressing crowds under threat. The recent assassination attempt on then-former President Donald Trump and the targeted shooting of Charlie Kirk underscore a reality security professionals have long warned about: the risk to public figures in open venues is at its highest point in decades.

For government agencies, law enforcement, and executive protection teams, the mission is clear: prevent America’s next assassination attempt before it happens. That is where the RTS Tactical Rifle Rated Public Engagement Glass Armor Protection Barrier System comes in, a solution that combines uncompromising rifle-rated protection with discreet visibility, enabling leaders to connect with the public without compromising their safety.

The Growing Threat

High-profile figures like Donald Trump, Charlie Kirk, Elon Musk, Ben Shapiro, and Max Miller face a volatile mix of rising political polarization, unpredictable lone actors, and increasingly lethal threats. Events that were once routine, such as town halls, press briefings, and corporate announcements, are now potential flashpoints.

Assassination attempts are no longer rare incidents; they are a modern security reality.
High Velocity Rifle-rated threats are becoming more common, rendering traditional soft armor and Level IIIA/handgun-only barriers insufficient.
Public visibility is both a necessity and a vulnerability; leaders must remain accessible to their audience, but exposure makes them a target.

RFK Jr. himself has already taken proactive steps, appearing behind RTS Tactical Rifle Rated Public Engagement Glass Armor Protection Barrier System during public appearances. The message is clear: those who recognize the threat are already adopting next-generation protection to stay ahead of it. The question is no longer if another attempt will be made, but how to prevent America’s next assassination attempt.

RTS Tactical’s Solution: The Rifle Rated Public Engagement Glass Armor Protection Barrier System

The RTS Tactical Rifle Rated Public Engagement Glass Armor Protection Barrier System was built for one mission: to stop rifle-rated threats without blocking public engagement. Tested to NIJ 0101.06 Level III and NIJ 0101.07 RF1, it defeats high-velocity rounds like 7.62x51mm NATO and 5.56mm M193, the same threats used in recent attacks.

Its frameless design ensures clear, unobstructed visibility, allowing leaders to remain connected with their audience while protected behind a barrier system that blends into the background. With heavy-duty casters and leveling feet, the barrier can be rapidly deployed and securely positioned in any venue.

Already trusted to safeguard Robert F. Kennedy Jr. during public appearances, this U.S.-made system delivers the discreet, mission-ready protection security teams demand in today’s threat environment.

Fearless Leadership Requires Fearless Protection

Public figures cannot lead from behind barriers of fear. They must remain visible, confident, and connected to the people who count on them. That visibility, however, demands protection equal to the threat.

The RTS Tactical Rifle Rated Public Engagement Glass Armor Protection Barrier System provides exactly that balance: rifle-rated security that blends into the background, giving leaders the confidence to step into the spotlight without hesitation. It is a transparent shield for fearless leadership.

For government agencies, law enforcement, and executive protection teams, this is the standard that turns risk into readiness. Be Fearless, equip your teams with the protection trusted to safeguard America’s leaders against today’s most dangerous threats.

Request a Quote Today

Posted in Armor, Guest Post | Comments Off on How to Prevent America’s Next Assassination Attempt?

Drone Busting: Smart Devices Work Together to Knock Out UAS Threats

Sunday, September 28th, 2025

FORT SILL, Okla. — What’s harder to shoot down than a small drone in the sky? Students at the War Department’s only joint training center for countering aerial threats will likely say it’s what they practice on — balloons attached to those small drones.

Drones can fly at racecar speeds, making them difficult targets to hit by an individual on the ground. At the Joint Counter-Small Unmanned Aircraft System University, located at Fort Sill, students use handheld smart devices to help them increase their probability of scoring a hit.

Known as the Dronebuster and Smart Shooter, these two handheld systems work in tandem as a layered defense that uses electronic and kinetic warfare to do the hard work for the shooter.

Students who attend JCU learn about various drones and the intricate service-specific systems used to engage with them. The Dronebuster and Smart Shooter, however, are two of the few used by service members on the ground, such as patrol members or personnel guarding installation towers.

So, how do these tandem devices work?

When service members are warned of a drone presence, the Dronebuster can be held up like a weapon to scan the area. Once it identifies a hostile target, the service member simply presses a button on the device to disrupt the target using electronic warfare.

Joint Counter-small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-sUAS) University Instructor U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Alan Buhl and JCU Operators Course Supervisor Fred Hill talk about the smart shooter optic for the M4 and the JCU operators course at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, Aug. 19-20, 2025. (DoW video by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Madelyn Keech)

“It’ll start jamming the command and controls, severing that connection between the drone and the operator,” explained JCU operator’s course instructor Paul Bliefernich.

The drone remains frozen in the air. That’s when a second operator picks up the Smart Shooter, an optic system that attaches to a weapon to control how it fires.

“Typically, when you pull the trigger, you’re used to a gun going ‘bang.’ [The Smart Shooter] doesn’t do that,” explained JCU operator’s course supervisor Fred Hill. “It calculates, and then it shoots when it’s ready to shoot.”

“When [shooters] get to the target they want, they’ll hit the ‘lock’ button … and start squeezing the trigger,” Bliefernich explained. However, the weapon doesn’t immediately fire. Instead, its computer takes over and displays a set of crosshairs in the scope that the operator aligns with the target. When the computer decides there’s a good probability of a hit, it sends a command to the pistol grip, allowing the operator to complete the trigger pull and fire the weapon.

Bliefernich said it can take from a few seconds up to two minutes. “It’s doing calculations and taking a lot into consideration,” he added.

Since shooting down several drones per class isn’t cost-effective, JCU students mostly shoot balloons attached to drones. It’s a more challenging target, but with practice, it can make them a better shot.

“The balloons are harder to shoot than the drone,” Hill said. “Once the shooter gets toward the end of the training, we’ll put up the aircraft and let them shoot at the aircraft.”

“It takes a lot of time and practice,” Bliefernich said.

The students are also able to train on the Smart Shooter in the virtual reality lab beforehand, which instructors said is both cost-effective and safer.

“It’s getting the Soldiers, airmen and sailors familiar with the equipment before they ever come and start shooting on the ground,” said Army Sgt. 1st Class Alan Buhl, JCU instructor.

The school teaches Soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines much more than just how to operate handheld drone equipment. Students also learn how to use various fixed-site counter-small UAS systems, as well as how to plan strategies, train others and better prepare their installations for future threats.

Joint Counter-Small Unmanned Aircraft System University became operational in 2023. Fort Sill is home to the Army Field Artillery School, the Army Air Defense Artillery School, the 75th Fires Brigade and the 31st Air Defense Artillery Brigade, all of which have nurtured counter-small UAS strategies since the threat first emerged.

By Katie Lange, Pentagon News

Posted in C-UAS, Guest Post, Training | Comments Off on Drone Busting: Smart Devices Work Together to Knock Out UAS Threats

“The Caliber Cluster” by LAV

Saturday, September 27th, 2025

This is a guest post by my longtime friend MSG Larry Vickers, (USA, Ret) or as he’s known by many, LAV. He discusses a situation the Us military has created for itself which he refers to as the “The Caliber Cluster” and by cluster I think he intends it as half a word. I too am concerned with the logistics of so many small arms cartridges and I fear it will only get worse as we continue to chase the next great thing.

Alright, folks, let’s dive into the absolute train wreck that is the U.S. military’s small arms and ammo situation, specifically with the Army and Special Operations Forces (SOF), and why the current mess of guns and calibers is a logistical nightmare that’d make even a seasoned logistician’s head spin.

We’re talking a situation so convoluted it makes the Germans’ multi-caliber chaos in WWII look like a well-oiled machine. And trust me, that’s saying something.

General Omar Bradley is credited with the saying “Amateurs study tactics; professionals study logistics,” and that hits the nail on the head here. In war, logistics is king. You can have the fanciest tactics and the slickest operators, but if your supply chain is a dumpster fire, you’re done. Interoperability—ensuring your weapons and ammo work seamlessly across units—is critical to keeping the fight going. Right now, the Army and SOF are juggling so many calibers and platforms if they don’t reel them in soon they will have serious problems in any prolonged conflict.

The Caliber Cluster

Let’s run through the ammo mess. The U.S. military is fielding a ever growing number of calibers, each with its own quirks, supply chains, and compatibility issues. Here’s what we’re dealing with, based on my own digging:

5.56x45mm NATO: The bread-and-butter round for the M4 and M16 platforms. It’s lightweight, allows soldiers to carry a ton of rounds (standard combat load is about 210 rounds—seven 30-round mags), and it’s been the standard since NATO adopted it in 1980. But it’s got issues: limited stopping power and range, especially against modern body armor. Stories from the field, like in Afghanistan, have guys dumping multiple rounds into targets with minimal effect unless you hit something vital.

7.62x51mm NATO: The old-school heavy hitter, used in everything from the M14 to modern designated marksman rifles like the M110. It’s got range and punch but weighs a ton compared to 5.56mm—about half as many rounds per soldier due to the weight. Still in use for machine guns like the M240 and sniper platforms, but it’s a bear to hump around.

6.8mm (XM1186): The Army’s new darling, part of the Next Generation Squad Weapon (NGSW) program with SIG Sauer’s MCX Spear (NGSW-R) and MG 6.8 (NGSW-AR). Designed to split the difference between 5.56mm’s portability and 7.62mm’s lethality, it’s supposed to offer better range and terminal ballistics. Problem? It’s a whole new supply chain, and the Army’s betting big on it replacing both 5.56mm and 7.62mm. Good luck with that transition in a war zone.

6mm ARC: This one’s a niche player, primarily tied to the Surefire MGX gun that Delta Force is reportedly messing with. It’s a lightweight, high-performance round for long-range shooting, with better ballistics than 5.56mm but less recoil than 7.62mm. Sounds great, except it’s another caliber to stock, and reliability issues with the larger case diameter have been noted.

6.5mm Creedmoor: SOCOM’s been hot on this one for a while, with new rifles like the Mid-Range Gas Gun-Assault (MRGG-A) and machine guns like the FN Mk 48 Mod 2. It’s got better range and accuracy than 5.56mm, less weight than 7.62mm, and is seeing use in designated marksman rifles and now machine guns. The Secret Service is even sniffing around it to replace their M110s. But again, another caliber, another logistics headache.

Others in the Mix: Let’s not forget .300 Blackout, used in SIG Sauer’s MCX Rattler for SOF close-quarters work. It’s got subsonic options for suppressed shooting and mimics 7.62x39mm ballistics in short barrels. Then there’s .338 Norma Magnum, which the Army’s eyeing for long-range machine guns to outrange the M240. And don’t get me started on the 9mm for pistols and submachine guns or the .50 BMG for heavy snipers like the Barrett M82. Each of these adds another layer of complexity.

This isn’t just a list; it’s a logistical disaster. Every caliber needs its own ammo production, shipping, storage, and distribution. In a high-intensity conflict, you’re begging for shortages, mix-ups, or units stuck with the wrong rounds. The Germans in WWII had a mess with captured weapons and mismatched calibers, but at least they had the excuse of desperation. We’re doing this to ourselves.

The Guns: A Hardware Nightmare

Now let’s talk platforms. The Army and SOF are running a gun show with so many rifles. Here’s the rundown:

M4/M4A1 Carbine (5.56mm): The workhorse of the Army and SOF, with the M4A1’s full-auto capability and SOPMOD kit (rails, optics, lasers) making it versatile. It’s reliable, lightweight, and proven, but the 5.56mm round’s limitations are dragging it down. SOF units like Delta and SEALs still use it, but they’re supplementing with other options.

HK416 (5.56mm): I personally assisted in developing this rifle for Delta Force so yeah, I’m partial to this one, it’s essentially an M4 with a gas piston system for better reliability in harsh conditions. It’s replaced the M4A1 in some SOF units and is used by over 20 nations’ special forces. It’s a stud, but it’s still 5.56mm, so same range and stopping power issues.

SCAR-L (Mk 16, 5.56mm) and SCAR-H (Mk 17, 7.62mm): FN’s modular platform was supposed to solve the caliber debate by letting operators swap barrels and bolts. In practice, it’s a step up from the M4 but heavier, and SOF units love the flexibility. Problem is, it’s another system to maintain, and the 7.62mm version is a beast to carry.

KAC M110 SASS (7.62mm): Knight’s Armament’s semi-auto sniper rifle. It’s accurate but has reliability issues—rounds flying off target by eight MOA or more in some cases. Operators loved its predecessor, the SR-25, but the M110’s been a letdown for some.

HK M110A1 (7.62mm, 6.5mm Creedmoor): A newer semi-auto sniper system based on the HK G28. It’s part of SOCOM’s push to replace older 7.62mm sniper rifles with 6.5mm Creedmoor for better range and less weight. It’s solid but, again, adds another caliber.

Geissele SOF Gun: This is likely the Geissele Super Duty rifle, a high-end AR platform used by some SOF units. It’s 5.56mm, built like a tank, and tricked out with top-tier components. Great for close-quarters, but it’s still tied to the 5.56mm’s limits.

Surefire MGX (6mm ARC): Delta’s experimenting with this lightweight rifle for long-range engagements. It’s cutting-edge, but the 6mm ARC’s reliability issues and niche status make it a risky bet for widespread adoption.

SIG Sauer MCX Spear (6.8mm): The Army’s NGSW-R, meant to replace the M4. It’s a beast with better ballistics, but it’s heavier, and the 6.8mm round means a whole new ammo pipeline. The MG 6.8, the light machine gun version, is also part of this program. Early feedback is promising, but scaling this across the Army is going to be a logistical beast.

FN Mk 48 Mod 2 (6.5mm Creedmoor): SOCOM’s new “assault” machine gun, offering better range than 5.56mm M249s but lighter than 7.62mm platforms. It’s a step toward standardizing 6.5mm Creedmoor in SOF, but it’s yet another system to support.

Why This Is a Train Wreck

Here’s the deal: every new gun and caliber adds complexity. Different parts, different maintenance, different training. In WWII, the Germans struggled with a hodgepodge of captured weapons and calibers, which screwed their logistics when supply lines got tight. We’re doing the same thing, voluntarily.

The Army’s pushing 6.8mm as the future, but SOF is playing with 6.5mm Creedmoor, 6mm ARC, and .300 Blackout, while still relying on 5.56mm and 7.62mm. That’s five major rifle calibers, not counting pistol or heavy rounds. In a prolonged conflict, good luck keeping everyone supplied without cross-unit cannibalization or ammo shortages.

SOCOM’s agile acquisition process is a double-edged sword. They can field new toys fast—6.5mm Creedmoor rifles, .300 Blackout Rattlers—but it creates a patchwork of systems that don’t play nice together. The Army’s NGSW program is trying to streamline things, but it’s years from fully replacing the M4 and M249, and the transition’s going to be messy.

Meanwhile, SOF’s modular platforms like the SCAR are cool but heavy, and the M110’s reliability issues show what happens when bureaucracy rushes a system into service.

Fixing the Mess

If I were king for a day, I’d tell the Pentagon to pick a lane. Standardize on two calibers max for rifles—say, 5.56mm for close-in work and 6.8mm for everything else—and phase out the rest over a decade. Push modularity like the SCAR but simplify the platforms. One rifle, one machine gun, interchangeable parts, done. SOF can keep their niche toys like the .300 Blackout for covert ops, but the big Army needs to stop chasing shiny objects. And for the love of all that’s holy, test these systems to death before fielding them—no more M110-style flops.

The Germans learned the hard way in WWII that too many calibers kill your supply chain. We’re not there yet, but we’re flirting with disaster. Logistics isn’t sexy, but it wins wars. Time to stop playing gear tickler and start thinking like professionals.

Let’s take a page from our grandfathers’ book. The U.S. “Green Machine” in WWII—the only country to fight and win on two fronts did it with just four main calibers: .45 ACP for pistols and submachine guns, .30 Carbine for the M1 Carbine, .30-06 for rifles like the M1 Garand and BAR, and .50 BMG for heavy hitters like the M2 Browning. Four calibers, that’s it. No fuss, no muss. They supplied entire theaters—Pacific and Europe—without the logistical nightmare we’re building today. Those boys didn’t need a dozen rounds to get the job done; they standardized, simplified, and steamrolled. We could learn a thing or two.

LAV out

If you like whether you’ve read, LAV has a regular column over at Firearms Fridays.

Posted in Ammo, Guest Post | 13 Comments »

77th Intelligence Wing Activates on JBAB

Saturday, September 27th, 2025

JOINT BASE ANACOSTIA-BOLLING, Washington, D.C. –

Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling hosted an historic ceremony for the activation of the 77th Intelligence Wing at JBAB, Washington, D.C., July 24, 2025.

Established during WWII as the 77th Observation Group of the U.S. Army Air Forces, the 77th has evolved over more than 80 years of service, supporting various Army and Air Force mission sets. In its next mission as the 77th IW, the wing will support the Defense Intelligence Agency by aligning Air Force competencies with mission assets, supporting Airmen development and retention, and empowering mission command at the appropriate levels.

“This activation will ensure we have mission-ready Airmen trained and equipped to support the Defense Intelligence Agency mission,” said Chief Master Sgt. Jermaine Evans, the senior enlisted leader for the 77th IW. “The new wing’s construct, with wing and squadron leadership, is familiar to our Airmen and will help as they communicate issues and solve problems.”

The 77th IW traces its roots to a rich history of supporting the warfighter since 1942.

“We want to ensure our Airmen receive the same, if not better, support, development, and advocacy they would receive in a traditional Air Force organization while becoming the premier wing that Airmen volunteer to be a part of,” said Evans.

The 77th IW continues its legacy of supporting the warfighter by ensuring Airmen are equipped to support the DIA mission – to prevent and decisively win wars.

“My number one job is to normalize and standardize Air Force training, force development, and adherence to regulations in order to ensure the Airmen of the 77th IW can meet the demands of the DIA mission and peer competition,” said Col. Ryan O’Neal, commander of the 77th IW. “I foresee the 77th Intelligence Wing becoming a critical link aligning the Air Force intelligence community with all source intelligence analysis and tradecraft provided by DIA as the intelligence community’s functional lead.”

As an effective case study, the Air Force currently operates the 70th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Wing, which trains and equips Airmen to support world-wide cryptologic and cyber missions from its headquarters at the National Security Agency, Fort George G. Meade, Maryland.

O’Neal explained that the proven concept of the 70th ISR being a force multiplier to the NSA is what the 77th IW will be to DIA. Units under the 77th IW include the 2nd and 15th Intelligence Squadrons along with the 5th and 6th Intelligence Support Squadrons, which are slated to conduct activation ceremonies on JBAB in late July and early August.

According to O’Neal and Evans, Airmen in the 77th IW can expect a tradition of excellence and an emphasis on honing their skillsets, which bring value to the Air Force, the intelligence community and the American people.

Posted in Air Force, Forces Focus, Guest Post, ISR | Comments Off on 77th Intelligence Wing Activates on JBAB

SureFire Field Notes Ep 79: Field Diagnosing & Fixing Vehicles – Chris Komar of Team O’Neil Rally School

Friday, September 26th, 2025

Chris Komar is a veteran instructor at Team O’Neil Rally School and a rally technician for Subaru Rally Team USA. He has worked with the Subaru team to service Travis Pastrana’s rally car and is recognized as an expert in off-road driving techniques, offering advice on topics such as vehicle recovery and finding traction on difficult surfaces like gravel and snow.

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