Guest Post | Soldier Systems Daily Soldier Systems Daily

Archive for the ‘Guest Post’ Category

Army Partners with Air Force’s THOR for Base Defense

Saturday, February 27th, 2021

KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. (AFNS) —

In an effort to counter the increasing threat posed by enemy drones and other airborne threats, the U.S. Army is making an investment in directed energy prototype technology, with the Tactical High Power Operational Responder, or THOR, system, developed at the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Directed Energy Directorate at Kirtland Air Force Base, playing a key role.

THOR is a prototype directed energy weapon used to disable the electronics in drones, and specifically engineered to counter multiple targets – such as a drone swarm – with rapid results. The technology is housed in a 20-foot-long shipping container that can be stowed in a military cargo plane and assembled by just two people.

Army Lt. Gen. L. Neil Thurgood, the director for Hypersonics, Directed Energy Space and Rapid Acquisition, who oversees the Army Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office, paid a visit to Kirtland AFB Feb. 11 to watch THOR in action and to meet with its developers.

“The Army’s directed energy capabilities will need to provide a layered defense with multiple ways to defeat incoming threats,” Thurgood said. “High energy lasers kill one target at a time, and high powered microwaves can kill groups or swarms, which is why we are pursuing a combination of both technologies for our Indirect Fire Protection Capability rapid prototyping effort. Our partnership with the Air Force Research Laboratory gave the Army a running start on the high power microwave mission, and we look forward to continuing to advance these capabilities to protect our warfighters.”

Drones represent an emerging threat to U.S. military bases, personnel and infrastructure. Prior to THOR’s deployment overseas, the prototype is undergoing a series of risk reduction and system characterization efforts at Kirtland AFB, as well as hands-on Soldier touchpoints that solicit input from operational users.

“THOR, and other DE systems, provide non-kinetic defeat of multiple targets at once,” Thurgood said, after watching a system demonstration that took place in a remote canyon of the 52,000-acre base. “Keeping our Soldiers safe is our number one priority, and we need to employ effective defensive weapons systems to stay ahead of the changing threats presented by our adversaries.”

The AFRL THOR program took on the challenge to design, build and test an effective counter-UAS system that could engage many targets at once, and at long distances. High power microwaves are one solution to this challenge.

“The system output is powerful radio wave bursts, which offer a greater engagement range than bullets or nets, and its effects are silent and instantaneous,” said Amber Anderson, THOR program manager.

During and after THOR deployment, the RCCTO will continue to partner with the Air Force on the THOR program in support of the U.S. Army’s effort to provide a prototype Indirect Fire Protection Capability-High Power Microwave system to a platoon by fiscal year 2024.

Additionally, the Army will deliver a prototype IFPC-High Energy Laser capability in FY24 that uses a 300 kilowatt-class laser for fixed site defense.

Courtesy Air Force Research Laboratory

Posted in Air Force, Army, Guest Post, UAS | 3 Comments »

FirstSpear Friday Focus: OEM Spotlight Boydd Products

Friday, February 26th, 2021

It’s Friday and we’re kicking off the first FirstSpear OEM Partner Series of 2021. We’ll take a look at an OEM company that FS has partnered with and the equipment they produce. Today we are checking out American equipment company, Boydd Products.

How did Boydd Products get its start?
Boydd Products, Inc. was founded in 2015 by retired Police Sergeant James Boydd to provide law enforcement agencies direct distributor access to quality protective equipment at an affordable price. Boydd Products is a proud distributor for AVON Protection’s line of APR’s (Air Purifying Respirators) and Ceradyne brand ballistic helmets. Boydd Products is also a distributor for 3M Peltor and Paulson Manufacturing. In addition to distribution, Boydd Products has designed and developed its own line of products to include the patented rifle rated Compact Response Shields, Pat-Down Props training kits, and NIJ compliant rifle rated armor plates.

What new products do you have for 2021?
In 2021, Boydd Products has designed and will be releasing three new products to include: the new, patent-pending armored flip panel extension accessory for the rifle rated ballistic Compact Response Shield (CRS21), an innovative new patented straight baton for riot control and patrol use, and the Advanced Riot Shield (ARS) designed specifically for mounted units (motors, bicycle, and equestrian teams), allowing the shield to be stored on the user’s upper back, yet quickly deployable.

There are options for private label manufacturing all around the world, how did you find us and why did you ultimately choose FirstSpear OEM manufacturing?
We were already familiar with FirstSpear as we attend many of the same trade shows and conferences. Our experiences with the FirstSpear trade show staff have always been friendly, helpful and positive. Additionally, many of our existing customers utilize FirstSpear products and highly recommended them. For our OEM project we reached out to three different manufacturers to evaluate quality, durability, production capabilities and affordability. In mid-2020, Boydd Products made a trip to FirstSpear in Fenton, Missouri, and took a tour of the facility to see their operation firsthand. Besides producing a superior product, what impressed us the most was FirstSpear’s genuine interest in our product and their commitment to meet the detailed manufacturing needs of the OEM customer. This attention to detail resulted in minimal revisions during prototyping. The prototypes were high quality and produced in a short period of time. The choice was easy.

Why was Made in the USA important to the brand?
First of all, we know that when a product is made in the USA it creates jobs at U.S. factories. These jobs help support communities and provide more opportunities for the American worker. We are proud to contribute to that process. Also, having direct oversight here in the U.S. is a plus when it comes to managing quality control. When it comes to textiles and tactical gear, no one does it better than here in the U.S.

What sets your product apart from others on the market?
There are many great ballistic shield designs available from a variety of top notch manufacturers. Each are designed with a specific purpose. The rifle rated Boydd Compact Response Shield differs in that it is generally more compact (hence its name), lighter weight (7.5 lb. and 10 lb. panels) and modular in design. This fast moving, center mass ballistic shield can be carried and utilized by first responders and warfighters of varying sizes and strengths with less fatigue. When not in use, the shield can be slung and secured high on the user’s back. It can also be transported and quickly deployed from a vehicle, aircraft, watercraft or other confined area. The 6/12 FirstSpear Molle webbing and Velcro allows for attachments such as shield lights, medical kits, ammunition pouches, and weapon support brackets. An additional armored flip panel accessory can be attached to increase the area of coverage if desired (CRS21). The Boydd Compact Response Shield is available in 21” and 26” sizes and can be ordered in a variety of colors (Ranger Green, Black, Coyote, multicam & other custom patterns).

Why did you choose FS technology?
The CRS shield cover is built using FirstSpear’s 6/12 Modular Platform Technology. This technology has already been proven in the field and has been utilized by tactical teams all over the world for years. In addition, this platform provides our customers a newer and lighter weight version of our previous shield cover without sacrificing strength and durability.

For more information, check out www.boyddshield.com.

For more information about FirstSpear and OEMs, contact sales@first-spear.com.

Posted in Advertiser, FS Friday Focus, Guest Post | Comments Off on FirstSpear Friday Focus: OEM Spotlight Boydd Products

Soldiers Use Biometrics to Vet Drivers Sustaining Syrian Logistics Ops

Thursday, February 25th, 2021

ERBIL AIR BASE, IRAQ – Military intelligence Soldiers assigned to the Syrian Logistics Cell at Erbil leverage biometric technology to screen drivers for a long haul to outposts in the area of operations.

“Biometrics screenings are important because they not only keep the drivers safe as they enter Syria, but they also help protect military convoys as they complete the Syrian haul line,” said Chief Warrant Officer David Lente, the officer in charge of the SLC’s military intelligence team, or S2. “It’s a way to filter out any drivers who have nefarious goals.”

The Syrian Logistic Cell operates out of Erbil Air Base in the northern section of Iraq, where the Soldiers equip and sustain the warfighters in the AO.

The principle biometrics tool includes scans of the iris and fingerprints and taking the driver’s photo, said Lente. If there is a hit on the driver’s record, then the Soldier performs additional follow-up.

“This is utilized when a deeper dive in the driver’s history of activity is required. It is a more thorough scrub of the driver for any criminal activity,” he said. It has more in-depth information on the drivers and allows the military or civilians checking a driver into a secure installation to view any previous notes left on their file.

Drivers are vetted often and their photos and personal information must be updated regularly. “The biggest task we are working through now is updating all the records of the drivers for 2021 since there are hundreds of drivers who could potentially be used each cycle,” said Lente.

According to Spc. Nicholas Filak, an SLC intelligence specialist, the biometrics program is supplemented with driver interviews used to collect atmospherics concerning the area of operation. “Road conditions, possible hazards, traffic delays, enemy threats, any kind of disruptions along the route could cause the GLOC [ground lines of communication] to be halted or delayed,” Filak said.

Chief Warrant Officer Mark Tegtmeyer, the officer in charge of the SLC Mobility Team, said the drivers are part of a rigorous logistics planning cycle allowing continuity among all key personnel, including the truck drivers.

The SLC team also works closely with other strategic partners on EAB to further gather information, Lente said. This ensures that cross communication is occurring with all agencies involved.

By CPT Elizabeth Rogers

Posted in Army, Guest Post, Optics | 2 Comments »

Newest Handheld Leader Radios Get Tested by Elite Army Airborne Forces

Wednesday, February 24th, 2021

FORT BRAGG, North Carolina – Airborne Soldiers with 1st Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment (PIR), 82nd Airborne Division, completed almost two weeks testing the Army’s newest small leader radio (LR) packages.

“Soldiers of the 82nd Airborne Division demonstrated tactical communications at its finest during the initial operational test,” said Maj. Brian Ramirez, Leader Radio (LR) Test Officer with the Fort Hood-based U.S. Army Operational Test Command’s Mission Command Test Directorate (MCTD).

The Handheld, Manpack and Small (HMS) Form Fit/Tactical Radio variants are two-channel handhelds, used at the company and platoon levels by squad and team leaders to talk to each other and to aircraft to improve battlefield situational awareness.

Ramirez said the LR system is designed as an interoperable family of advanced software-reprogrammable, dual-channel, net-centric reliable communications radio sets.

The Generation 2 Manpack (MP) Radio is a two-channel, software defined, multi-waveform, General Purpose User (GPU) radio designed to support mounted and dismounted operations.

Explaining the two systems in non-technical, every-day terms, Ramirez said, “This initial operational test of radio capabilities gave the Army the opportunity to demonstrate the current and future of tactical communications.”

The HMS MP will be fielded primarily to Brigade Combat Team (BCT) Battalions, Companies, and Platoons.

The GEN2 MP is deployed in three configurations: a Tactical Operations Center (TOC) kit for command posts; mounted configurations integrated into the Army’s tactical and combat platforms; and a rucksack-held configuration to support Army dismounted operations.

Ramirez said operational testing of the radios are no different than an improved tank or new weapon system.

“These radio systems are subjected to weather, terrain, and the daily regimen of Light Infantrymen in an effort to replicate the actual operational environment to which they will be subjected if selected,” said Ramirez.

“Operational testing helps determine the effectiveness, suitability and survivability of operational systems Soldiers can use that works.”

The test, like many other previously routine operations, adjusted its daily operations to cope with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

“Soldiers from the test unit and test team begin with daily COVID-19 screening and temperature checks;” Ramirez said. “This allowed the test team to identify and contain any possible transmission between specific bubbles.”

Once cleared into their specific environments, all attempts were made to maintain social distancing, between operations and test support functions, reducing interaction between test support personnel and test unit Soldiers.

“Operational Testing is about assisting the Army in providing modern software-defined radios with the latest technology for Soldiers,” said Col. Patrick Curry, director of MCTD.

“It is about making sure that the communication systems developed assist the Soldier in their mission and ensuring Soldiers are effective against all enemies in any operational environment.”

By Mr. Rick Michael, Mission Command Test Directorate, U.S. Army Operational Test Command

Associated link

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

US Army EOD Soldiers Collaborate with Kosovan Demining School

Tuesday, February 23rd, 2021

CAMP BONDSTEEL, Kosovo — The 702nd Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company, assigned to the explosive ordnance team for Regional Command-East, Kosovo Force, traveled to Dakovica to witness the Mine Action Training Kosovo school conduct their range day qualifications.

MAT Kosovo is a humanitarian demining school which trains its student in different levels of EOD certification. The course covers many techniques concerning unexploded ordnance (UXO) identification and removal as well as methods of disposal. MAT Kosovo also works closely with the Kosovo Security Force EOD team to complete training and focus on demining efforts.

“MAT Kosovo is a phenomenal opportunity to take advantage of when it comes to training with the KSF and promoting the humanitarian demining efforts in Kosovo,” said 1st Lt. Taylor Firn, platoon leader with the 702nd. “MAT Kosovo originated here to restore freedom of movement in Kosovo.”

As the KFOR and KSF EOD teams observed, the MAT Kosovo students qualified and demonstrated their abilities by using low-order techniques to dismantle an unexploded ordnance. They used different small explosives to render simulated UXOs ineffective. Low-order methods are designed to slowly burn off high-explosives and prevent a UXO from detonating to its full potential, said Firn.

By the end, the students were qualified in level three EOD operations.

“High-order is when the explosive functions how it’s meant to function,” said Doug York, the general manager for MAT Kosovo. “Low-order is where you’re trying to dispose of the ordnance without it functioning. We use explosives to initiate deflagration within the ordnance to burn all the explosives on the inside.”

Firn has made it a priority for his EOD team to reach out and forge relationships with institutions in Kosovo that play a key role in maintaining peace and stability in the region.

“We appreciate our friendship with American forces,” said York. “It’s important to us to build on it and continue to do cross-training to keep the flow of information between EOD teams active.”

Military EOD teams and civilian organizations like MAT Kosovo routinely enter high-risk situations to remove UXO and dispose of it in a safe manner. Their coordinated efforts help ensure freedom of movement as well as a safe and secure environment for the people of Kosovo.

“It’s always fun to get out and watch explosions,” said Firn, “but my favorite thing was getting face time and furthering that link between the KSF and MAT Kosovo. That’s our real mission here in KFOR.”

Story by Jonathan Perdelwitz

Photos by SGT Jonathan Perdelwitz

Posted in Army, EOD, Guest Post, Training | Comments Off on US Army EOD Soldiers Collaborate with Kosovan Demining School

Modern War Institute Polar SOF Essay Contest

Monday, February 22nd, 2021

10th Special Forces Group (Airborne), in cooperation with the Modern War Institute and Project 6633, is pleased to announce an essay contest to generate new ideas and expand the community of interest for special operations in the polar regions.

Defending American strategic interests may require special operations in the polar regions. Whether in competition, crisis, or conflict, the polar regions’ extreme weather, natural resources, and diplomatic divisions present challenges to any operations. If special operations are to succeed in the polar regions, polar state actors must develop the appropriate mixture of force posture, equipping, and readiness. Polar nations will improve their competitiveness in these regions by drawing on history, experimentation, and exercises.

Topic

Essays must answer the following prompt: How can American special operations forces compete with near-peer adversaries in the polar regions?

This topic is broad. We encourage authors to clearly articulate a specific idea or concept in their response.

Eligibility

• Essays will be accepted from any person from any field, and submissions from non-US participants are welcomed.

• Up to two people may co-author an essay entry.

• Participants may submit only one entry to the competition.

• Essays must be original, unpublished, and not subject to publication elsewhere.

Submission Guidelines

• Essays will not exceed 1,000 words.

• Use the standard submission guidelines for the Modern War Institute.

• Email your entry to USASOC.10.SFG.Polarsofcontest.SHDMBX@socom.mil with “Polar SOF Contest” in the subject line. Once submitted, no edits, corrections, or changes are allowed.

• Submission deadline: essays will be accepted until 11:59 PM EDT on May 2, 2021.

Selection Process

Submissions will be reviewed and evaluated by a team from the 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne), the Modern War Institute, and Project 6633. Submissions will be assessed based on how well and creatively they address the topic of the contest and provoke further thought and conversation, as well as their suitability for publication by the Modern War Institute (e.g., style, sources, accessibility, etc.). See evaluation questions below:

• Does the essay clearly define a problem and present a solution?

• Does the essay show thoughtful analysis?

• Does the essay inject new provocative thinking or address areas where there needs to be more discussion?

• Does the essay demonstrate a unique approach or improve current initiatives?

• Does the essay take lessons from history and apply them to today’s challenges?

• Does the essay propose a project or concept that could realistically be applied by the 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) or Army Special Operations?

• Does the essay demonstrate knowledge of relevant existing writing on polar operations and challenges?

• Is the essay logically organized, well written, and persuasive?

The commander of 10th Special Forces Group and Project 6633 co-directors will make the final judgement for the contest.

Winning Submissions

The top three essays will be announced publicly, and will be published by the Modern War Institute.

Depending on the evaluation of the Modern War Institute editorial team, revisions may be required before publication.

By MWI Staff

Image credit: US SOCEUR

Posted in Guest Post, Mountaineering, Profession of Arms, SOF | 3 Comments »

Invisio Law Enforcement Kit

Monday, February 22nd, 2021

INVISIO builds on the experience from working with elite forces within the military when serving special intervention units resolving high risk challenges such as counter terror, hostage recovery, VIP protection, site protection during special events and assistance to other police departments fighting organized crime.

INVISIO T7

INVISIO over-the-ear hearing protection headsets offer a significant improvement compared to the traditional cup headset design, as it removes weight and complexity from the headset by centralizing operation of the headset to the INVISIO control unit.

• Over-the-Ear Headset
• Hearing Protection 28 dB SNR
• Boom Microphone
• 10 Meter Submersible
• Dual Sided
• 350 Grams
• Tan or Black

INVISIO X5

INVISIO in-the-ear headsets are compatible with helmets, eyewear, breathing apparatus and ear muffs. They utilize the INVISIO Bone Conducting Technology where vibrations from the user’s jawbone are converted into crystal clear communication.

• In-Ear Headset
• Hearing Protection (32 dB SNR/29 dB NRR)
• Bone Conduction Microphone
• 2 Meter Submersible
• Dual Sided
• 54 Grams
• Tan or Black

INVISIO Control Units

The INVISIO system is based on a range of control units and headsets that are fully interchangeable. Together they provide crystal clear communication and industry leading hearing protection and situational awareness.

The control units can interface with various headsets along with up to four com sources simultaneously, including radios, intercoms, mobile phones and computers. They start automatically when connected to a radio and provide a simple interface for operation of different coms and hear-thru modes.

The control units are small, rugged, lightweight and submersible down to 20 meters. They power directly form the attached radio, intercom or other central power supply.

www.invisio.com

Posted in Advertiser, Comms, Guest Post, LE | 1 Comment »

Military Overwhites Put to the Test at Tobyhanna Army Depot

Monday, February 22nd, 2021

Tobyhanna Army Depot, PA —

Data collected at Tobyhanna Army Depot will help improve specialty uniforms for U.S. Army Soldiers and Marines.

The depot hosted four government entities in late January in support of an ongoing study to assess the effectiveness of military overwhite uniforms. Also called “snow camouflage,” the attire is designed to conceal soldiers from an array of sensors in different snow environments.

Tobyhanna was selected as a data collection site after analysis by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers found that the depot’s terrain resembled potential combat environments in the Baltic region of Northern Europe. Other sites included in the study were Camp Dawson in West Virginia and Fort Drum in New York.

The study team was comprised of representatives from the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command, Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD), Product Manager Soldier Clothing and Individual Equipment (PM-SCIE) and Program Executive Office (PEO) Soldier. Those involved commended Team Tobyhanna’s hospitality.

“Tobyhanna’s support was phenomenal. Everything went right – the weather conditions were perfect and we captured the exact data we needed. The Tobyhanna team went above and beyond,” said Clay Williamson, the future programs officer at PEO Soldier.

The study’s mission was to capture imagery of the uniforms in locales that were similar to areas where future battles may occur. The imagery will then be used in an experiment to determine success of the uniforms’ “signature mitigation properties”. Called a “probability of detection study,” the test is similar to a scientific version of ‘Where’s Waldo?” according to technical lead Jacob Quartuccio, PhD. Hundreds of Soldiers will view the imagery taken at the three locations and indicate if they can “find” the person wearing the overwhite uniform. Results from the study will be used for future product development and procurement.

Depot personnel say they were happy to accommodate such an important mission.

“Team Tobyhanna is ready, willing and able to support Soldier requirements of all kinds. We’re here when the Soldier needs us,” said Edward Kovaleski, an architect in the Installation Services Directorate.

Tobyhanna Army Depot is a recognized leader in providing world-class logistics support for command, control, communications, computers, cyber, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (C5ISR) systems across the Department of Defense. Tobyhanna’s Corporate Philosophy, dedicated work force and electronics expertise ensure the depot is the Joint C5ISR provider of choice for all branches of the Armed Forces and industry partners.

Tobyhanna’s unparalleled capabilities include full-spectrum logistics support for sustainment, overhaul and repair, fabrication and manufacturing, engineering design and development, systems integration, post production software support, technology insertion, modification, foreign military sales and global field support to our joint warfighters.

About 4,000 personnel are employed at Tobyhanna, which is located in the Pocono Mountains of northeastern Pennsylvania. Tobyhanna Army Depot is part of the U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command. Headquartered at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, the command’s mission is to empower the Soldier with winning C5ISR capabilities.

By Ms. Danielle E. Weinschenk

Posted in Army, Camo, Guest Post, PEO-Soldier | 7 Comments »