Farm To Feet® would like to thank all our Service Members and Veterans for their service! Please stop by Nester Hosiery booth #60201 to learn more about our Made in USA, Berry Compliant Tactical US Merino Wool socks. The first 100 attendees with Military I.D. will receive a free pair of socks!
SureFire presents this video explaining PCSL Practical 2-Gun.
CAMP ROBERTS, Calif. — Mounted armored vehicles such as the Bradley have long been used as heavy weapons platforms with long range sensors to hunt targets and provide armored transportation to dismounted Soldiers. However, once onboard the vehicle, Soldiers lose visibility of what is happening around them, leaving them ill-prepared to anticipate the changing battlespace upon dismount.
In effort to provide situational awareness while Soldiers are in transport, a cross-enterprise Army team is working to incorporate Integrated Visual Augmentation System (IVAS) technology and sensors into vehicle platforms for optimal battlefield visibility at every stage of the mission. The goggle-based IVAS display integrates digital low-light, thermal night vision and high-resolution waveguide technology to create a mixed reality interface for the dismounted Soldier. Therefore, optimizing the system for Soldiers at every stage of a mission — including transport — is critical to ensuring success in future multi-domain operations.
To maximize the integration of IVAS to the Bradley platform specifically, the Army Platform Integration team, comprised of Program Executive Office (PEO) Soldier, PEO Ground Combat Systems and Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM), executed a third Vehicle Excursion (VE3) test event at Camp Roberts, California in September 2021.
“The goal of platform integration, like the one demonstrated here on the Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle, is to not only ensure that Soldiers equipped with IVAS don’t lose their enhanced situational awareness while mounted, but to also take advantage of the on-board platform sensors that enable them to see what the combat vehicle sees,” said Maj. Shawn Jones, Platform Integration lead under PEO Soldier Project Manager IVAS.
Soldiers from 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 2-7 Infantry Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division out of Fort Stewart, Georgia, came to test the capability and noticed that feeds from the current sensors were more accessible to each Soldier on the platform as they executed Improvised Explosive Device (IED) searches, reconnaissance and complex attack missions.
“The IVAS augmented reality system integrates communications, thermals and night vision to enhance our situational awareness and lethality from within the Bradley,” Pfc. Benjamin Franke said. “It allows everyone to see what the driver, commander and gunner are seeing outside, which gets more eyes-on and increases situational awareness immediately for when we dismount.”
While Soldiers can receive mission updates such as emerging intelligence, terrain and target locations while in transport, they also hope to use the physical advantages of the vehicle platform to maximize their effectiveness upon dismount.
“An individual Solider on ground sometimes has limited visibly of the enemy due to an obstructed line of sight,” said Sgt. 1st Class Darrell Borgic. “But the Bradley is taller and has better optic capability, so dismounts are able to leverage that to see targets while on the ground and make an informed tactical decision.”
“The system lets us get more eyes on our objective so we don’t miss anything, which keeps us all safer,” added Franke. “Some of the exercises required us to scan for IEDs, so having our dismounts onboard also be able to look for those has actually shown to make a difference in our mission success.”
The development of the integrated technology required teammates to reach across lanes of expertise and facilitate the integration of the new modern IVAS with the Bradley. Don Aldea, PM Mounted Armored Vehicles Mechanical and Systems Engineer and Lead Engineer for IVAS Integration, ensured Bradley and IVAS requirements were communicated and developed across the diverse teams.
“It all started when leadership came and asked, ‘When an IVAS-equipped Soldier hops onto a vehicle platform or a Bradley for transport, how do we maintain the connectivity and situational awareness they had on the ground so that combat advantage doesn’t stop just because they are now mounted and moving?’” Aldea said.
It was a complex problem set with requirements and kit that was not easily compatible, he said, but the team’s VE3 user study event was proof of concept that the capability is feasible and operationally delivers increased lethality and survivability. Aldea highlighted some of the main technical features of the system.
“When a Soldier walks into a Bradley wearing IVAS, they can do three main things: SEE, World View and power up,” he said. “We put in interfaces to power and charge their batteries, for SEE we cloned the feeds from the three existing sensors – front DVE [Drivers Vision Enhancer], driver’s CIV [Commander’s Independent Viewer] and gunner’s IBAS [Improved Bradley Acquisition Subsystem] – so the Soldiers can passively view what the Bradley sees through their IVAS HUD [heads up display]. We also integrated radios so we can use all the features of IVAS for a connected mission execution.”
Though Aldea is a systems engineer, he is passionate about the operational capability gap that IVAS mounted on a Bradley will address.
“When Soldiers come up to a position where they are getting ready to deploy outside of the vehicle — as of today they are going in mostly dark and blind,” Aldea explained. “With this integrated technology, they can get map, mission and intel updates enroute. They can see what is around them to strategically position the Bradley and then drop the ramp where they are not in direct fire and execute immediately.
“In World View, they can also know where their brother and sister platforms are, so they can work together, cover more ground and make informed decisions and ad hoc changes on the move all while buttoned up in the Bradley,” Aldea added.
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3rd Infantry Division Soldiers participate in Bradley Vehicle Excursion 3 test event with the Integrated Visual Augmentation System (IVAS) prototype Capability Set 4 at Camp Roberts, Calif. in September 2021. (Photo Credit: Courtney Bacon)
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3rd Infantry Division Soldiers use the Blackhornet Soldier Borne Sensor (SBS) during the Bradley Vehicle Excursion 3 test event with the Integrated Visual Augmentation System (IVAS) prototype Capability Set 4 at Camp Roberts, Calif. in September 2021. (Photo Credit: Courtney Bacon)
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3rd Infantry Division Soldiers participate in Bradley Vehicle Excursion 3 test event with the Integrated Visual Augmentation System (IVAS) prototype Capability Set 4 at Camp Roberts, Calif. in September 2021. (Photo Credit: Courtney Bacon)
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The DEVCOM night vision lab was also a critical part of the integrated team’s work. Dr. Navin Mathur, IVAS Platform Integration Lead Engineer, explained how the increase in networked and visual accessibility delivers an enhanced solution to the problem set.
“Having a networked End-User Device (EUD), like IVAS on a Soldier in the back of a platform like a Bradley or Stryker becomes invaluable, but it is only part of the solution,” said Mathur. “Not only does the SEE feature allow entire crews to clear a large area within the safety of the vehicle instead of dismounting and being physically exposed, but the physical limitations of the Soldier and platform are significantly minimized through the additional integration of the Army Black Hornet UAS [unmanned aerial system]. The drone feeds into the IVAS HUD which allows visibility on areas that the platform and the dismount can’t physically cover.”
Another notable aspect is the delivery and integration of Soldier power into the vehicle platforms.
“The UBC [universal battery charger] integrated on the platform will reduce the need for Soldiers to carry extra CWBs [conformal wearable batteries] while dismounted on the objective and allow for easy resupply of fresh batteries while mounted,” Mathur said. “Even if the mission is extended, our Soldiers are still powered to execute.”
IVAS is being developed to efficiently deliver relevant mission information and operationally relevant tools to Soldiers at every stage of mission execution. The integration of the technology with platforms and drones extends the combat advantage of a single dismount beyond physical limitations.
“Together it gives the entire force better situational awareness and allows Soldiers to make more informed decisions before dismounting,” said Mathur. “There are no longer gaps in information between mounting, transit and dismounting, which will increase the survivability and lethality for both the platform and the Soldiers.”
The cross-enterprise Platform Integration team plans to conduct a user study with further IVAS integration to Stryker platforms in August 2022.
“This product has the potential to be a force multiplier,” said Franke. “It’ll help bring more vehicles, crews and dismounts home alive and I hope to be able to use it as it continues to develop in the future.”
By Courtney Bacon
Direct Action brand – known from producing high quality combat equipment for special forces – will be showing in Las Vegas an ultralight BEARCAT plate carrier and other flagship products. #Go Loud!
– Experience Based Gear – this motto will welcome everyone that will come to DIRECT ACTION #31203 booth at The Venetian Expo Level 2. Newest ultralight BEARCAT plate carrier will be shown together with AR Triple Rifle Flap, light cummerbund and UPLT. There will also be a SPITFIRE MKII plate carrier, presented in a bit heavier, battle configuration with universal rifle flap and SPRC cummerbund. Besides the equipment in Multicam Camouflage there will dominate Ranger Green wares – returning to Military and Law Enforcement and the immortal M81.
– Equipment as a system – No two mission are the same, so Direct Action relies on modular configuration of equipment elements. The BEARCAT or SPITFIRE MKII plate carriers are the base and all the elements from cummerbund to pouches, backpacks and the latest medical pouch are compatible with each other.
Here, the Polish brand draws on the battlefield experience of its creators when designing combat gear, as well as the most durable materials and rigorous quality control processes.
Please join us at the DIRECT ACTION booth #31203 at The Venetian Expo Level 2.
On January 18 at 4:00 PM stop by for a beer and high five with former special forces operators.
#GoLoud!
MATBOCK will be releasing 10 new products at Shot Show 2022 and here is a sneak peak of them.
To schedule a meeting at Shot Show, please contact us at: Sales@matbock.com
MATBOCK Ares: Welcome to War Video
The RHINO Plate Carrier System is a sleek design for close-quarter tactical operations. It is proudly made in the USA and features durability, ballistic protection options, flexible sizing, and SOP adaptability.
In terms of durability, the RHINO is constructed as a 1,000-denier Cordura® nylon carrier and comes with an industry-leading 5-year warrranty. It has an innovative drag handle that detaches from the system to reveal a 3’ tether and is fitted with a quick release rig using GT Cobra™ composite buckles.
The carrier can accommodate soft armor, hard armor, or both at the same time while accepting up to 11” x 14” shooters cut size ballistic protection panels in the front and back. The cummerbund can accommodate military-sized plates, as well as standard sizes up to 6” x 6” and fits either soft or hard armor. The system is fully upgradeable for neck, bicep and groin protection.
The RHINO has flexible sizing with fully adjustable shoulders and cummerbund for a one-size-fits most design up to waist circumference of 60”. It additionally has a unique, cooling spacer mesh provides stand-off and heat dissipation for the operator.
The built-in front, back, and side MOLLE coverage (PALS compatible) along with hook-and-loop ID panels on the front and back for complete SOP adaptability.
The RHINO system is available in multiple colors: black, coyote tan, ranger green, and multi-cam. If you are interested in learning more about the RHINO Plate Carrier System, check out: tacmedsolutions.com/products/rhino-plate-carrier-system
SAN DIEGO, Calif. and NORFOLK, Va. (Jan. 7, 2022) – Naval Special Warfare Command (NSWC) rang in the New Year with a celebration of their own as this month marks sixty years since the establishment of the first SEAL teams.
Recognizing the need for an increase in special forces and unconventional warfare during the Vietnam War, President Kennedy directed the Secretary of Defense to increase and reorient U.S. special forces and unconventional warfare units in a speech to Congress, May 25, 1961.
“Our nation’s Naval commandos celebrate the 60th anniversary of the SEAL teams this week with President John F. Kennedy’s order to establish SEAL Team 1 and 2 in January 1962,” said Rear Adm. H.W. Howard III, commander, NSWC. “We’re reminded of the legacy that set our standard and the heroes whose shoulders we stand upon today.”
Within eight months, preexisting Underwater Demolition Teams provided the manpower required to establish the first SEAL teams at Naval Amphibious Base (NAB) Coronado, California, and NAB Little Creek, Virginia, Jan. 1, 1962. Their mission was to conduct unconventional warfare, counter-guerrilla warfare and clandestine operations.
“As we urgently adapt and innovate to meet new threats and missions of greater complexity and risk, we honor the stewardship, integrity, grit and gallantry that the founding members of our community demonstrated in their service,” said Howard. “In marking this milestone, Naval Special Warfare also celebrates our authentic and timeless team – a team anchored on earned trust, candor, creativity and resilience – a humble team with an ironclad commitment to the nation and all we serve.”
The Naval Special Warfare (NSW) community’s history pre-dates the establishment of the SEAL teams by twenty years. In August 1942, the Amphibious Scouts and Raiders (Joint) and the Special Mission Naval Demolition Unit were established at Amphibious Training Base Little Creek, Virginia, to perform specific missions during Operation Torch – the allied invasion of North Africa – in November 1942.
“Our community is built upon the shoulders of the warriors who came before us,” said Capt. David Abernathy, commodore, Naval Special Warfare Group 1. “The high standards, unique capabilities, strength and diversity found across the NSW community today is a direct reflection of those first SEALs who paved the way.”
Capt. Donald G. Wetherbee, commodore, Naval Special Warfare Group 2, said that throughout the community’s 80-year history, naval commandos engaged in operations from the beaches of North Africa and Normandy, the islands of the Pacific, Korea and Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan, to countless other areas of the world – on land and under the sea.
“Today’s SEAL teams, along with other components of Naval Special Warfare, represent a unique ability to access denied environments, providing scalable kinetic and non-kinetic effects that set the conditions to undermine adversary confidence and provide diplomatic leverage in competition, and higher end options in crisis and conflict,” said Wetherbee. “At the same time, the incredible leadership, cognitive attributes and character of our people remain the same as they did from day one of our community’s birth. I’m truly humbled to have the privilege of working with the men and women of Naval Special Warfare every day.”
From Scouts and Raiders, Naval Combat Demolition Units, Operational Swimmers, Underwater Demolition Teams, and the Motor Torpedo Boat Squadrons of World War II to now SEALs, Special Warfare Combatant-craft Crewmen (SWCC) and special development groups, Naval Special Warfare is a complex and humble community who is proud of its warfighting heritage.
NSW commands will celebrate this milestone all year long by hosting events and ceremonies, as well as releasing stories and social media posts that highlight the rich history of SEAL operators to honor NSW’s proud warfighting heritage, give insight into how special operators integrate with the fleet for distributed maritime operations, and highlight the capabilities NSW assets bring to the strategic competition.
Since 1962, Naval Special Warfare has been the nation’s premier maritime special operations force – a highly reliable and lethal force – always ready to conduct full-spectrum operations, unilaterally or with partners, in support of national objectives, and uniquely positioned to extend the Fleet’s reach, delivering all-domain options for Naval and joint force commanders.
For more news from Naval Special Warfare Command, visit www.facebook.com/NavalSpecialWarfare or www.nsw.navy.mil.
Courtesy Story by Naval Special Warfare Command
SITKA Arrowhead will be showcasing at Booth #62511, attendees will have the opportunity to view the current product line – specifically developed for the SOF end-user – to notably include Berry Compliant best-in-class Wet Weather Protective (WWP) technical apparel solutions.
