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FirstSpear Friday Focus – Siege R Optimized

Friday, March 22nd, 2024

Today, we’re highlighting the Siege R Optimized Platform – a revolutionary advancement designed to meet the demands of modern warfare and tactical operations.

—6/12™ laser fusion platform

—Rapid-release Tubes® technology

—Loop field on front and back panels

—Internal bellyband (removable)

—Accepts SPEAR BALCS Cut Soft Armor-same size as carrier

—Accepts SAPI, Swimmer/Shooter, and/or Full Size Plates-same size as carrier

The Siege R Optimized Platform represents a paradigm shift in tactical gear, offering unparalleled versatility, durability, and performance in the field.

Adaptive Design:

Every element of the system is meticulously engineered to seamlessly integrate with a wide range of mission requirements and operational environments.

Modularity Redefined:

The Siege R’s modular architecture empowers operators to customize their loadout with precision, ensuring readiness for dynamic missions.

Enhanced Ergonomics:

Engineered with input from end-users, the Siege R prioritizes comfort and mobility, enhancing wearer performance during prolonged missions.

Durability Without Compromise:

Built to withstand the rigors of combat, every component is engineered to meet the highest standards of reliability and resilience.

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 – Siege R Optimized

Army, Industry Discuss Future Implications of Augmenting Humans with AI

Friday, March 22nd, 2024

AUSTIN, Texas — As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly integrated into a number of industries, organizational leaders from the public and private sector are considering both the opportunities and risk posed by this rapidly evolving field of technology.

During a March 12 South by Southwest Conference panel in Austin, tech enthusiasts from the U.S. Army and industry discussed how advances in AI-augmented humans and humanoids — non-human entities, such as robots, that possess human characteristics — have the potential to reshape how humans work and accomplish complex tasks.

The panelists additionally discussed the importance of pursuing responsible AI, so that the new technology will serve to improve human lives and abilities.

“AI is not a panacea,” said Army Futures Command Director of Integration Col. Troy Denomy, who participated in the panel. Denomy clarified that AI can be a useful tool in optimizing the capabilities of humans and machines but is not a replacement for human brainpower or skill. He added that the Army does not want to create situations in which humans are working for robots but rather seeks to enable robots to work for humans.

To better understand the advantages AI can offer, the Army is evaluating new AI assistance methods through its Soldier-centered design model, which places Soldier participation and feedback at the core of experimentation efforts. The method takes inspiration from private industry best practices shaped around ensuring end-user satisfaction, such as Microsoft’s human-centered design methods.

Panelist Steven Bathiche, who leads Microsoft’s Applied Sciences Group, highlighted how AI developers are shifting away from remote-controlled programming toward task-based programming, which allows humans to complete more complicated tasks by automating the repetitive ones. Bathiche commented on the Army’s historical ability to enable greater innovation and problem-solving in emerging fields of technology through mutually beneficial partnerships with entrepreneurs and industry.

Fellow speaker Young Bang, who serves as Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology, emphasized that interfaces with technology must evolve alongside the technology itself, so that analysts and Soldiers can more easily and intuitively interact with AI systems. Carefully assessing risk is also critical, and the Army continues to apply frameworks to identify and counteract risks, including when adopting third-party generated algorithms. The Army also plans — with the help of industry — to deepen its understanding of how integrating new AI capabilities may impact Soldiers’ well-being and behaviors, with an aim of improving personal, professional and operational outcomes.

“It’s about innovation and failing quickly. We don’t want programs that last 10 years and then decide to kill it. We want to learn faster and faster from our mistakes,” Bang said.

By Army Futures Command

Posted in AI / ML, Army, Guest Post | Comments Off on Army, Industry Discuss Future Implications of Augmenting Humans with AI

JSOU Press Presents: Competing for Advantage: The Chinese Communist Party, Statecraft, and Special Operations

Thursday, March 21st, 2024

“Competing for advantage means accruing power and influence in such a way that the adversary’s plans cannot be realized. This volume focuses primarily on appreciating the Chinese Communist Party’s worldview, interests, and political culture while promoting a strategic vision for the future—a future where SOF will need to reinterpret their value from providing a military effect to providing a political effect through military means.”

The JSOU Press is pleased to announce its latest publication “Competing for Advantage: The Chinese Communist Party, Statecraft, and Special Operations,” edited and with an introduction by Dr. David Ellis. This edited volume highlights key challenges the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) faces in its rise and contextualizes the potential contributions of special operations to compete for advantage based on the CCP’s interests and vulnerabilities.

Learn more about this and other JSOU Press publications by visiting jsou.edu/press

Posted in Guest Post, Profession of Arms, SOF | Comments Off on JSOU Press Presents: Competing for Advantage: The Chinese Communist Party, Statecraft, and Special Operations

NVGs On Ice! TNVC Partners with the Henderson Silver Knights 4/6/2024 – Teaser

Thursday, March 21st, 2024

Henderson, Nevada—

You’ve seen NVGs in the desert, you’ve seen NVGs in the jungles, NVGs in helicopters, and NVGs in racecars. But have you ever seen… NVGs on skates?

tnvc.com/henderson-silver-knights-night-vision-skate

TNVC, in conjunction with the Henderson Silver Knights (the Vegas Golden Knights affiliate) professional AHL hockey team, has just released a teaser for a one-of-a-kind event, as Team Captain Jake Bischoff and Forward Mason Morelli hit the rink… in complete darkness, pushing the limits of what you will believe is possible with NVGs. The full video will debut on Saturday, April 6th during the Silver Knight’s next home game as well as on both the Tactical Night Vision Company website as well as on YouTube and other social media outlets.

Working with TNVC Staff and using the same AN/PVS-31A and GPNVG Ground Panoramic Goggles issued to U.S. Special Operations, watch as these professional athletes perform an impressive array of skills and drillsand showcase the awesome capabilities of TNVC’s top-of-the-line products in ways you’ve never seen before!

Join us on April 6th for an unforgettable presentation of skill, agility, teamwork, and technology, presented by TNVC and the Henderson Silver Knights!

tnvc.com/henderson-silver-knights-night-vision-skate

www.youtube.com/watch?v=gGkIzDzpXqQ

Founded in 2005, Tactical Night Vision Company (TNVC) is a Veteran-Owned small business which specializes in providing industry-leading visual augmentation systems, modified-COTS solutions, and systems integration as well as training, education, and life-cycle support to government and commercial customers alike.

For all inquires please contact: marketing@tnvc.com

Posted in Advertiser, Guest Post | 2 Comments »

South Carolina National Guard Wins U.S. Army Small Arms Championships

Thursday, March 21st, 2024

Staff Sgt. John Jordan of the South Carolina National Guard won the title of 2024 All Army Champion at the U.S. Army Small Arms Championships at Fort Moore, Georgia March 10-16. Jordan’s team, South Carolina Alpha, also claimed the title of 2024 U.S. Army Small Arms Team Champions.

To win the week-long, comprehensive live-fire competition, commonly known as All Army, the South Carolina National Guard Soldiers competed side by side with more than 230 Soldiers from across the United States representing the U.S. Army, U.S. Army Reserve, Army and Air National Guard, and Reserve Officers’ Training Corps.

The annual training event, which is hosted by the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, tested the Soldiers’ marksmanship skills on both rifle and pistol in 14 different courses of fire. To claim top honors and bragging rights, the South Carolina National Guard Soldiers had to earn the highest aggregate score in the all rifle, pistol and multigun matches.

The unique competition offers Soldiers a fun and challenging way to train. In fact, after three years of experience at All Army competitions, Alabama National Guard Staff Sgt. Evan Bayer said there is nothing not to like about the competition that he highly recommends to other Soldiers.

“It’s all training. We are training to fight and this is the way to do it, under a little bit of stress. It’s a big break from the rhythm. It’s a lot of fun, but it also puts you in an uncomfortable environment that allows you to grow as a shooter,” said Staff Sgt. Evan Bayer, Alabama Lethality Group who earned is Distinguished Pistol Shot Badge during an All Army Pistol Excellence in Competition Match.

Outside of the individual and team champions of All Army, there were plenty of other honors earned. The breakdown of individual and team honors is listed below.

U.S. Army Rifle Team Championships

1. Delaware National Guard

2. 2/11 Airborne Division

3. Army Reserve Careers Group Gold

U.S. Army Pistol Team Championships

1. South Carolina Alpha (National Guard)

2. XVIII Airborne Corps – York

3. New Hampshire Alpha (National Guard)

U.S. Army Multigun Team Championships

1. Team Novosel, USAACE

2. 2/11 Airborne Division

3. South Carolina Alpha (National Guard)

2024 U.S. Army Small Arms Team Championships (Overall)

1. South Carolina Alpha (National Guard)

2. 2/11 Airborne Division

3. Michigan Blue (National Guard)

High Drill Sergeant: Staff Sgt. Andrei Ciont

2024 Novice Champion

1. 1st Sgt. Andrew McCallister (U.S. Army SERE School)

2. Staff Sgt. Louis Gillaspie (XVIII Airborne Corps)

3. Sgt. Wyatt Griffith (Missouri National Guard)

2024 All Army Cadet

1. Cadet David Blackwell (University of North Georgia)

2. Cadet Aidan Chretien (Vermont National Guard)

3. Cadet William Buettner (University of North Georgia)

2024 Open Division Champion

1. Sgt. Michael McClaksie (Virgina National Guard)

2. Sgt. 1st Class Timothy Russell (Missouri National Guard)

3. Tech. Sgt. Galen Topper (Vermont National Guard)

U.S. Army Individual Rifle Championships

1. Staff Sgt. John Jordan (South Carolina National Guard)

2. 1st Sgt. Josiah Noble (Security Force Assistance Foreign Weapons Course)

3. Tech. Sgt. Nicolas Poirier (Vermont Air National Guard)

U.S. Army Individual Pistol Championships

1. Sgt. 1st Class Richard Willis (Army Reserve Careers Group)

2. Staff Sgt. John Jordan (South Carolina National Guard)

3. Sgt. 1st Class Jason Deal (96th Civil Affairs Battalion)

U.S. Army Individual Multigun Championships

1. 1st Sgt. Andrew McCallister (U.S. Army SERE School)

2. Sgt. Colt Edwards (Marksmanship Master Trainer Course)

3. Chief Warrant Officer Two Matthew Downing (U.S. Army SERE School)

Col. Ralph Puckett Trophy: Staff Sgt. Louis Gillaspie

Lt. Gen. Benjamin C. Freakley Trophy: Cadet Aidan Chretien

Distinguished Pistol Shot Badge Awardees

Capt. Andrew Leupp

Staff Sgt. Evan Bayer

Staff Sgt. Christopher Brookings (486th double distinguished Soldier)

Distinguished Rifleman’s Badge Awardees

Sgt. 1st Class Dan Whitmer

Sgt. 1st Class John Staats

Sgt. Michael McClaksie

Tech Sgt. Matthew Jasper

Capt. Patrick Randall

Sgt. Daniel Shumate

Staff Sgt. Nathan Staskiewicz (485th double distinguished Soldier)

U.S. Army Small Arms Individual Championships (Overall)

1. Staff Sgt. John Jordan (South Carolina National Guard)

2. 1st Sgt. Andrew McCallister (U.S. Army SERE School)

3. Sgt. Mack Williams (South Carolina National Guard)

By LTC Michelle Lunato

Posted in Army, Guest Post, Shooting Sports | 1 Comment »

Explosive Ordnance Disposal Techs Pioneer Innovative Method to Clear Stuck Artillery Round

Wednesday, March 20th, 2024

FORT SILL, Okla. – U.S. Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal technicians demonstrated flexibility, ingenuity and resourcefulness during a recent response to a lodged round in a M109A6 Paladin howitzer on Fort Sill, Oklahoma.

Army EOD Soldiers, from the 761st Ordnance Company (EOD) safely cleared the projectile that jammed during howitzer training.

Staff Sgt. Cody A. Dodd, an EOD team leader from the 761st EOD Company, coordinated with the Naval Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technology Division (NAVEODTECHDIV) to implement a new strategy to clear the lodged round.

The U.S. Navy is designated as the joint service Executive Agent for EOD Technology and Training. Part of the Naval Sea Systems Command, the Naval Explosive Disposal Technology Division is used by all EOD technicians for joint EOD requirements.

“This response was unique because it is rare to receive such an incident,” said Dodd. “Being at Fort Sill, home of the artillery, you would think this is a common occurrence. However, that is not the case. I’ve been stationed here for two years and this is the first incident like this.”

After the usual stuck round procedures were unsuccessful, Dodd and the field artillery battalion commander determined that the safest course of action was for the disposition of the gun barrel and ordnance inside.

Dodd led the team that disposed of the round while it was still lodged by moving the barrel to the demolition range and assisting in the download of the 4,500-pound tube. EOD team was able to safely destroy the stuck round and the Paladin will be operational again after repair parts are installed.

“This is important to the supporting artillery units because a stuck round causes the gun to be completely inoperable,” said Dodd, a native of Wellsburg, West Virginia, who has deployed to Afghanistan and Syria during his almost nine years in the Army. “It is our job to make all efforts to attempt to enable the gun to be at a firing status again.”

Dodd said the response will serve as a lesson learned for future joint service EOD operations involving stuck rounds.

“The highlight of this response would be the demolition procedure conducted on the gun tube and ordnance,” said Dodd. “With guidance from NAVEODTECHDIV, we were able to contribute to the overall EOD force for future incidents involving this ordnance.”

The Fort Sill, Oklahoma-based 761st EOD Company is part of the 79th EOD Battalion, 71st EOD Group and 20th Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosives (CBRNE) Command, the U.S. Department of Defense’s premier CBRNE formation.

From 19 bases in 16 states, Soldiers and Army civilians from 20th CBRNE Command take on the world’s most dangerous hazards in support of joint, interagency and multinational operations.

As the U.S. Army’s explosive experts, EOD technicians take on everything from hand grenades to nuclear weapons. After defeating more than 50,000 Improvised Explosive Devices in Iraq and Afghanistan, Army EOD techs are training to support ground maneuver forces during large-scale combat operations.

Army EOD technicians from the 761st EOD Company conduct target insertion, range clearance and fire break clearance missions for U.S. Army field artillery and air defense artillery units.

EOD technicians from the 761st EOD Company also enable military operations around the world and respond when military munitions are found on and off base in Oklahoma, Arkansas and across 60 counties in Texas.

Based on Fort Sill, Oklahoma, the 1-78th Field Artillery Battalion trains and educates Soldiers in fire support core competencies to support operational Army forces.

Lt. Col. Brian J. Dermody, the commander of the 1-78th Field Artillery Battalion, presented coins to the Soldiers involved in the response.

“Our fires mission is an absolutely critical part of the U.S. Army’s shift to preparing for large-scale combat operations against a near-peer adversary,” said Dermody, a native of West Chester, Pennsylvania, who has commanded the artillery battalion since July of 2023. “EOD technicians like Staff Sgt. Dodd take on the dangerous and demanding role of helping to keep us mission ready.”

By Walter T. Ham IV

Posted in Army, EOD, Guest Post | 6 Comments »

Tactical Tuesday: Updated! S.O.C.P. Tactical Fanny Pack

Tuesday, March 19th, 2024

The Vertx S.O.C.P. Tactical Fanny Pack offers a combination of style, functionality, and preparedness in a way that’s hard to find in other tactical fanny packs. More than a fashion statement, tactical belt bags are designed for individuals who prioritize readiness and efficiency. But why should a tactical waist bag be a staple in your gear?

Here are a couple of reasons:

Concealed Carry Excellence: Concealing a firearm can be tricky and uncomfortable, but the Vertx S.O.C.P. Fanny Pack simplifies the process with discreet compartments and lockable zippers. This pack offers a subtle solution to keep your firearm secure, concealed, and easily accessible whenever you need it.

Everyday Utility: Apart from firearm storage, a tactical waist bag is incredibly versatile for everyday use. It’s ideal for carrying essentials like your phone, wallet, keys, and other small items such as a flashlight, pepper spray, med kit, or radio. With multiple compartments and loops for organization, this pack ensures everything has its place, reducing clutter and enhancing accessibility.

The Vertx S.O.C.P. Tactical Fanny Pack stands out with other features like a secured hidden pocket for tools, concealable armor pocket for added protection, laser-cut attachment points, external cell phone pocket with touchscreen window, ambidextrous access with lockable zipper pulls, holster/magazine retention strap, and extended storage pockets in each wing.

Check out the recently updated S.O.C.P. Fanny Pack – now available in three new colors!

Posted in Advertiser, Guest Post, Load Carrying | 4 Comments »

1st Space Brigade’s Tactical Close Space Support is on the Move

Tuesday, March 19th, 2024

WHITE SANDS MISSILE RANGE, N.M. — Partnering with joint and coalition forces, U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command’s 1st Space Brigade continues to experiment with new tactical space control technology to support the warfighter in increasingly complex and contested environments.

Soldiers with the brigade’s 18th Space Company participated in experimentation at White Sands Missile Range during Project Convergence-Capstone 4 from mid-February into early March to advance the Army space, cyber and special operations forces “Triad’s” ability to conduct space operations at the tactical edge.

Project Capstone, an experiment hosted by U.S. Army Futures Command, saw warfighters from across the U.S. military and allied countries including the Five Eyes nations – United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and New Zealand – as well as France and Japan, explore the future of warfighting communications, operations and maneuver.

As part of the first phase of PC-C4, these space Soldiers experimented with a small form factor system to determine if the kit fulfilled the Army’s current demand for a ruggedized, tactical space control system.

While the brigade’s current program of record is mobile, the Army is seeking technology that allows the capability to be hand-carried by the Soldiers themselves or transported by small tactical vehicles.

“Larger space capabilities cannot effectively integrate with more expeditionary units, such as SOF,” said Capt. Noah Siegel, Triad Experimentation Team platoon leader, 18th Space Company. “Shrinking our equipment and focusing on mobility allows our Soldiers to provide space support to units of all types at or beyond the tactical edge. For warfighters on the ground, this tactical space support enables the synchronization and convergence of joint and multidomain effects to enhance lethality.”

Amid the desert scrub and sand at the base of the Organ Mountains, the 1st Space Brigade Soldiers operated the small form factor from the back seat of the utility task vehicle – driven by soldiers with the British Army Special Operations Brigade – to demonstrate how space operations crews not only support American SOF partners but integrate with friendly coalition forces.

At the tactical level, Army space capabilities, such as the small form factor, would enhance ground maneuver formations’ ability to see, sense, stimulate, strike and assess across the spectrum. Special operations forces allow space Soldiers deeper physical access into austere operating environments.

“It was great to see the similarities and differences in how space, signal, cyber, as well as U.S., U.K., and Australian SOF partners operate,” said Sgt. Jon Rizzo, 18th Space Company. “We enjoyed working with these forces and exploring where and how we can fit in.”

Though the small form factor is not an Army program of record, experimentation initiatives such as PC-C4 allow the Army to assess the suitability of certain equipment to inform future programs of record.

Data and lessons learned from the brigade’s experimentation during PC-C4 was presented at Camp Pendleton, California, to Department of Defense senior leaders, allies and partners on March 4-5.

Story by Brooke Nevins

U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command

Posted in Army, Forces Focus, Guest Post, Space | 1 Comment »