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Royal Danish Air Force Brings Deployment Tradition to Shaw AFB

Friday, June 25th, 2021

SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. (AFNS) —

With 49 years of tradition in the making, the Royal Danish Air Force hosted their first Danish Contingent, or DANCON, march on U.S. soil at Shaw Air Force Base, June 5.

More than 60 participants from the RDAF, Ninth Air Force (Air Forces Central), 20th Fighter Wing, U.S. Army Central and other coalition forces had six hours to carry a 22-pound ruck for 15.5 miles.

“The history of the DANCON dates back to 1972, where it was held for the first time at a U.N. mission in Cyprus in the Mediterranean Sea,” said Royal Danish Air Force Lt. Col. John Roland Pedersen, the Danish detachment commander. “Ever since, it has become tradition that Danish contingents on a mission around the world have arranged a march similar to this one, which we are doing today.”

The march not only gives participants the opportunity to demonstrate their physical abilities, but it also allows them to build camaraderie within their own units and with members from other military branches and countries.

“At some point my legs were cramped up pretty bad,” said U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Layelquinn Ferguson, a forward observer assigned to the 4th Battlefield Coordination Detachment, USARCENT. “I was actually unable to stand until a coalition member stopped and helped me stretch and that was a huge help. To be honest, I would not have been able to get up by myself if he did not stop and help me up. And that’s what this is all about, coalition forces helping each other out.”

The DANCON march is not just about showing how fast you can finish and who finishes first. This traditional ruck reinforces teamwork and shows how military members take care of each other. They have great pride in upholding traditions and honoring legacies.

“The purpose of the DANCON is to challenge your physical, mental endurance and determination, but more importantly, it is an opportunity to meet new friends, have a few laughs and a pleasant break in the daily routines,” Pedersen said.

Members from the RDAF recently deployed to Shaw AFB as part of the recent transition of the 727th Expeditionary Air Control Squadron, known as “Kingpin,” from Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates, to Shaw AFB. DANCONs, previously held at deployed locations overseas, are a legacy that will continue by the RDAF at Shaw AFB and other places around the globe.

By TSgt Elysia Wray, Ninth Air Force (Air Forces Central) Public Affairs

Posted in Air Force, Guest Post, International, Profession of Arms, Training | 6 Comments »

PDW Delta Cargo Short TRS

Wednesday, June 23rd, 2021

Expedition Grade, Field Short with Low Profile Cargo Pockets in Technical Ripstop Nylon

Prometheus Design Werx introduces their new Delta Cargo Short TRS for Summer 2021. An expedition grade field short with low profile cargo pockets designed for rigorous and protracted adventures and exploration. Constructed in their new, 6.13oz, technical, 4-way stretch Technical Ripstop nylon with a quick-dry and DWR finish for durable wear in all terrains. A total of 13 pockets to stash and organize as little or as many EDC items as the user needs. Pocket Clip Docks™, quad no-twist custom made Delta-Rings for keychain-carabiner clip points, double reinforced seat, and a Hide-Away waistband pocket round out these shorts’ features. Produced with industrial grade triple needle stitching on all major seams and expertly made in California, USA.

The Delta Cargo Short TRS by Prometheus Design Werx will be available in Transitional Field Green, Universal Field Gray and All Terrain Brown.

The Design and R&D Team at PDW states:

“A number of years back we remember a story in National Geographic documenting an epic transect of the Amazon. This was an amazingly grueling and challenging lateral traverse of the entire Amazon by a team of scientists and explorers making their way often if not usually in, dense, tractless jungle and nameless waterways. We thought, what short would we wear if we found ourselves on a similar journey. Something that would stand the constant wear over many months if not years in soggy, rough, and utterly wild environments. We trialed numerous technical fabrics, to finally arrive at our TRS (Technical Ripstop) fabric, which would dry quickly, withstand frequent abrasion, allow plenty of movement and at the same time not be so heavy, it would be a chore to wear. We chose to add the low-profile cargo pockets to this design to cover the additional storage needs while on the go. While most of us won’t find ever ourselves transecting the Amazon, the Delta Cargo Short TRS is ideal for many of summer’s adventurous pursuits on land or in and around water. From packrafting, jungle trekking, international adventure travel, or a 30 day backpack, these shorts are built to withstand the most challenging adventures.”

The Delta Cargo Short TRS will be available for $113.00 via their website, prometheusdesignwerx.com.

Posted in Clothing, Guest Post | Comments Off on PDW Delta Cargo Short TRS

First Special Warfare Airmen Graduate Initial Apprentice Course for Special Reconnaissance

Wednesday, June 23rd, 2021

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-CHAPMAN TRAINING ANNEX, Texas –The 352nd Special Warfare Training Squadron graduates the first wave of students from the new Special Reconnaissance Apprentice Course, June 17, 2021 at Pope Army Airfield, North Carolina.

Formerly branded as Special Operations Weather Teams (SOWTs), the SR career field recently underwent a major restructuring. While short term weather forecasting will remain in the SR’s skillset, it will no longer dominate SR’s training and mission focus.

“Today’s SR graduates are better equipped with unique training to conduct multi-domain reconnaissance and surveillance with an eye towards gaps identified in the Department of Defense’s long range reconnaissance and force projection capabilities,” said Maj. Spencer Reed, 352nd SWTS commander. “This ceremony not only celebrates the first organically trained SR Airmen in our wing, but in the U.S. Air Force. I’m incredibly proud.”

Special Reconnaissance Airmen are among the most highly trained personnel in the U.S. military. Airmen receive training in surveillance and reconnaissance, multi-domain electronic warfare, long-range precision engagement and target interdiction, small unmanned aircraft systems, preparation of the environment, personnel recovery, and advanced special tactics skills.

“The first SR Apprentice Course graduation signifies the first tangible step towards the Air Force building an increased capability,” said Senior Master Sgt.Trenton Seegmiller, Air Education and Training Command’s special reconnaissance functional manager. “It is one of many steps in a never-ending process to maintain our edge over near-peer competitors.”

The course curriculum includes collecting meteorological and environmental data- a holdover requirement from the SOWT career field, yet significantly reduced in scope. New skills added are demolition, communication and signaling, human intelligence gathering, operational preparation of the environment and tactical cyber applications.

“Previous iterations of training required multiple courses and training locations, totaling around 215 training days,” Reed said. “This new 86-day course provides an updated training syllabus with a 60% reduction in training time.”

SR Airmen train to provide global battlespace awareness and access by translating information into actionable intelligence. In the battlespace, SR Airmen are part of Special Tactics teams in sensitive, forward operating locations, focused on global strike, global access and recovery missions.

Members of the Special Warfare Training Wing provide initial training for all U.S. Air Force Special Warfare training AFSCs, to include, Combat Controllers, Pararescue, Special Reconnaissance, and Tactical Air Control Party Airmen.

To learn more about SR Airmen or other U.S. Air Force Special Warfare career opportunities, go to: www.airforce.com/careers/in-demand-careers/special-warfare.

Story by Nicholas J. De La Pena, Special Warfare Training Wing

Posted in AFSW, Air Force, Guest Post, SOF, Training | 1 Comment »

Intelligent Ground Vehicle Competition Supports the Future of Engineering

Tuesday, June 22nd, 2021

ROCHESTER, Mich. — Student engineers got a feel for real-world robotics challenges at the 28th annual Intelligent Ground Vehicle Competition (IGVC) here at Oakland University June 4-7.

The IGVC, hosted by the U.S. Army Ground Vehicle Systems Center (GVSC), is the oldest and largest autonomous vehicle competition in the nation and provides students with their first professional projects as engineers.

The student competitors represent every Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)-related major, and there are also opportunities for business majors to become involved.

IGVC event sponsors frequently recruit students into full-time positions upon finishing their degrees, said Bernard Theisen, GVSC’s Division Chief for Ground Vehicle Robotics, and a long-time supporter of the competition.

“If these students can use this capability to build these unmanned systems, they are the perfect recruits,” said Theisen. “Some of the teams here are taking advantage of some of our core products such as our Robotic Technology Kernel (RTK) software and Warfighter Machine Interface (WMI), used to control their vehicles.”

The competition offers students a glimpse of what it means to be an engineer for the Army. “I think IGVC has been a good catalyst for robotic development,” said Theisen.

Many GVSC engineers were recruited at previous competitions they participated in as students.

“I would say probably 30 percent of everybody in GVSC Ground Vehicle Robotics competed in the competition at one time or another,” said Theisen.

Unmanned systems allow the Soldier to operate technology from a distance, providing better protection, said Theisen. “Our primary customer is the Soldier, and robotics and autonomy help take the Soldier out of harm’s way.”

Engineers for the Army provide Soldiers with the most cutting-edge products that give them the most security on the frontlines.

“My primary goal as an engineer for the Army is to save Soldiers’ lives,” said Theisen. “I want to give them the best technology and the best capability.”

Engineers for the Army use their versatility and determination to work around the constantly changing needs of the Warfighter and it isn’t always easy, said Theisen.

“There’s a lot of ups and downs” said Theisen. “We are focused on the technology and it changes often.”

Andrew Kosinski, a mechanical engineer for GVSC Ground Vehicle Robotics, said IGVC gives students a chance to use flexibility and quick thinking to solve complications that occur before and during the competition.

“Having to be flexible is the biggest challenge that comes with being an engineer for the Army,” said Kosinski. “You have to work with a lot of different situations and people and need to be able to think on your feet.”

IGVC also provides an environment full of positivity and diversity. There are countless opportunities for networking.

“I love seeing all the teams show off from all around the world,” Kosinski said. “I love being able to talk to all sorts of unique people.”

What’s more, while IGVC gives many students a chance to learn more about Robotics Technologies and develop a passion for it— the competition is a venue for student engineers to pursue professional careers in engineering.

“The competition is the best type of job interview because you get to see people in action,” said Kosinski. “That’s why Army and various sponsors support it each year.”

More information on the Intelligent Ground Vehicle Competition can be found at www.igvc.org.

By Kennedy Thomas

Posted in Army, Guest Post, Mobility, Research | Comments Off on Intelligent Ground Vehicle Competition Supports the Future of Engineering

SCUBAPRO Sunday – Audie Leon Murphy

Sunday, June 20th, 2021

Audie Murphy is one of America’s greatest sons. I don’t really know how else to say it; it seems no matter what you say, it won’t to do him the justice he deserves. Audie was born on 20 June 1925; he came from a large family and his father abandoned them and his mother died when he was a teenager. He left school to pick cotton and hunt rabbits to help support his brothers and sisters. When the U.S. was attacked by the Japanese on 7 December 1941, he tried to enter the Army, Navy, and then the Marine Corp (with the help of his sister who forged his paperwork) and was turned away by them all for being too small. He was eventually allowed to join the Army. Murphy would be awarded every medal for valor the U.S. has in addition to awards and honors from France and Belgium.

Like a lot of people after any war, Audie suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder, (even thought that wasn’t a thing back then) at one point it got so bad that he slept with a gun under his pillow, and he also had night terrors so bad he started sleeping in the room above his garage. Most of his nightmares had to do with losing so many of his friends during the war. His passion to save his friends gave him the courage to accomplish all the heroic acts that earned him the decorations he received. His awards include the Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star X 2, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star X 2, and Purple Heart X 2, just to name the top few.

In his second career, in Hollywood, he would make over 40 films, including starring as himself in the movie ‘To Hell and Back’. But, like all movies, the book is much better.

I knew I couldn’t do his story justice in the couple of pages I write, so I encourage you to read his book. He was driven more by his love of family and friends than anything else in his life.

Posted in Advertiser, Guest Post, History | 3 Comments »

FirstSpear Friday Focus: New Arid Multicam Windcheater

Friday, June 18th, 2021

New for 2021 the Wind Cheater returns in Arid Multicam! Constructed from 330D ambush the Wind Cheater is a unique garment very light in weight, breathes like a T-shirt yet still sheds wind and light precipitation thanks to a DWR coating.

The Wind Cheater features a long tail with just the right height on the front for easy access to belt mounted accessories. Oversized hood works well with hats or helmets with a wide range of bungee adjustment for user defined fit. Two large bicep pockets, pit zips and torso pockets allow for exceptional ventilation when required.

Available in Arid Multicam, Multicam, Black, Ranger Green, Coyote, and Manatee Grey. Made in the USA!

Subscribe to our emails to stay up to date on the latest projects, www.first-spear.com/landing.

For more information about the arid windcheater, www.first-spear.com/wind-cheater.

Posted in Advertiser, Clothing, FS Friday Focus, Guest Post, Multicam | 3 Comments »

Agreement Brings Soldiers, Academia Together to Solve Military Challenges

Thursday, June 17th, 2021

FORT BRAGG, N.C. — Army scientists and engineers partnered with combat arms units to create closer working relationships between Soldiers and universities. The partnership between the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command and the XVIII Airborne Corps will help to solve military challenges, according to officials who met at Fort Bragg May 25.

As part of a new Congressional initiative called the Catalyst-Pathfinder program, the goal is to harness the creativity and technical skills of academic institutions and help the Army to quickly create better solutions to real problems.

The U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command, known as DEVCOM, Army Research Laboratory manages the program in close partnership with the DEVCOM Armaments Center.

As part of the agreement, ARL and AC will work with the XVIII Airborne Corps, and specifically the 82nd Airborne Division and the 101st Airborne Divisions at Fort Bragg, North Carolina and Fort Campbell, Kentucky. to strategically engage top academic institutions and team them with Soldiers in small, integrated teams focused to solve technical problems in a highly integrated manner.

“Our role at DEVCOM’s Army Research Lab is to support the Soldier, and we have a long established relationship with the XVIII Airborne Corps,” said Dr. Patrick Baker, ARL director. “We are excited to work with them on the Catalyst-Pathfinder program to accelerate learning and science through Soldier problem identification and feedback. The teaming we are doing through the Catalyst-Pathfinder program is key to operationalizing science for Army modernization.”

Universities in North Carolina, Tennessee and West Virginia will work with the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions, both under XVIII Airborne Corps, to identify and rapidly solve those problems and accelerate the transition of those solutions into the Army.

“XVIII Airborne Corps fosters a culture of innovation across all ranks, giving voice and life to novel ideas that support our people, optimize our readiness, and inform Army modernization efforts,” said Brig. Gen. Robert Ritchie, XVIII Airborne Corps. “In order to field tangible solutions fast, we are partnering with ARL through the Catalyst-Pathfinder program to connect our Soldiers with the nation’s brightest academics. These Soldier-academic teams are currently empowering the 82nd Airborne Division and the 101st Airborne Division to unleash and implement creative thoughts, technologies, and equipment. Going forward, we are really excited to deepen our integration with ARL to collaboratively innovate on behalf of the Army.”

Catalyst-Pathfinder will engage Soldiers earlier in the research and development process to make them aware of emerging research and technologies that academia can provide to help meet their needs.

Catalyst frames Soldier problems in a manner suitable for academia to identify research and emerging technologies to solve them. Pathfinder executes pilot programs, rapidly accelerating the delivery of technologies to address complex Army problems. Pathfinder uses Catalyst software to curate Army problems and executes projects building Soldier-academic teams to create solutions to those problems.

At the direction of the Army Futures Command, the Catalyst program started in March 2020 with a burgeoning partnership with the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions. The inaugural team members developed the program framework, produced Soldier-integrated design and development training curricula, developed support tools for execution, sourced and curated Soldier challenges and project opportunities, and identified the first project with Vanderbilt University, Soldier Assistive Bionic Exosuit for Resupply, known as SABER. This effort will evaluate physiological effects on Soldiers and optimize lift-assist technology to support logistics operational challenges of Soldiers and enhance Soldier readiness.

“Establishing ARL partnerships with Army units is critical to developing scalable approaches to Army modernization,” said Dr. Arwen DeCostanza, Catalyst-Pathfinder program manager, DEVCOM ARL. “These collaborative projects will yield discoveries and future outcomes by exploiting the creativity of Soldiers, faculty, students, industry partners and the Army science and technology community.”

By U.S. Army DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory Public Affairs

Posted in Army, Guest Post | 1 Comment »