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FirstSpear Friday Focus – Hooded Field Shirt

Friday, September 4th, 2020

Fall is knocking at the door and FirstSpear is giving us a look at an extremely popular garment from their all American merino wool apparel line up, the Hooded Field Shirt. This garment is generously cut with an oversized hood with absolutely no hardware making for an incredibly comfortable and highly functional base layer or perfect stand alone top when temperatures are fluctuating.

Built from FirstSpear’s proprietary USA Wool packages the Hooded Field Shirt uses the lightest weight weight package, ACM BASE 100 which is not just extremely light, soft, and breathable but it features all the naturally occurring performance benefits of merino wool including antimicrobial, FR resistance, and warm when wet.

Available now in Sand, Charcoal, Heather Grey, Commando, and Black. FirstSpear American Wool is 100% Berry Compliant – Made in the USA with USA materials.

www.first-spear.com/hooded-field-shirt

Posted in Advertiser, Clothing, FS Friday Focus, Guest Post | Comments Off on FirstSpear Friday Focus – Hooded Field Shirt

US Army Seeks to Minimize Command Posts’ Electronic Signature, Avoid Detection

Friday, September 4th, 2020

ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. (Aug. 25, 2020) — Army Futures Command (AFC) is assessing commercial communications technologies that will be integrated in the next generation of command posts.

The Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C5ISR) Center — a component of AFC’s Combat Capabilities Development Command — is leading this effort during the Network Modernization Experiment 2020 (NetModX 20), which began last month and will run through Oct. 2 at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey.

Scientists and engineers, accompanied by Soldiers serving as advisers, are conducting experiments using millimeter wave technologies. Their intent is to adapt commercially available solutions that will reduce the enemy’s ability to detect the communications systems’ “noise,” or tell-tale electronic signature; withstand the adversaries jamming attempts; and make it easier to quickly relocate the command post — staying one step ahead of the enemy.

“The work to identify, test and militarize robust communications is critical for command post dispersion and mobility,” said J. Tyler Barton, C5ISR’s lead for Command Post Concepts. “Our goal is to help the Army determine which system specifications are needed to provide an effective operational capability so they can decide which to procure for upcoming command post integrated infrastructure (CPI2) experimentation and operational assessments.”

The initiative supports the C5ISR Center’s technology transition partner, the Army’s Product Manager CPI2, and contributes to the Army’s long-term objectives to design, test and field a cohesive command post structure with a reduced footprint that will replace large, tent-based command posts.

NetModX 20 CPI2 experiments will build on laboratory experiments conducted at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, earlier this year. Researchers will learn more about the systems’ ability to communicate effectively with a low probability of intercept and detection. They will also examine whether a system can avoid disruption and jamming or identification and targeting from near-peer threats.

According to Joseph Saldiveri, interim project lead for NetModX 20, this type of field-based experimentation can change the trajectory of a project’s development and lead to a “more robust, flexible and relevant solution when the project is ready for operational testing.”

“It’s important to bring technologies out of the lab and into the field environment … because experiments in the field often yield different results than experienced in the lab,” he said.

Paul Tardy, PdM CPI2’s futures and lead systems engineer, also spoke about the significance of the experimentation environment.

“Iterative Soldier touch points, such as NetModX, are essential as the Army matures technologies and gets highly relevant new and enhanced capabilities procured and into the hands of the Soldier,” he said.

Following NetModX, the tested systems will transition to the Army’s Project Manager Tactical Network, which will supply a complete wireless network capability and integrate the systems into CPI2.

“These technologies will bridge the gap between commercial off-the-shelf technology and longer-range science and technology project areas to leverage for near-term quick wins for the Soldier,” Tardy said.

Barton and Tardy encourage industry and government representatives interested in aligning their command post efforts with Army’s to participate in the Army Network Capability Set 23 technical exchange meeting Sept. 2. Additional information about the event is available at go.usa.gov/xG3Kk under opportunity listing “W15P7T-20-R-TEM5.”

Story by Dan Lafontaine, C5ISR Center Public Affairs

Photos by Jasmyne Douglas, C5ISR Center Public Affairs

Posted in Camo, CEMA, Comms, Guest Post | 4 Comments »

USAF Phoenix Raven Course Continues Strong During COVID-19

Thursday, September 3rd, 2020

JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. (AFNS) —

U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center instructors executed the first Phoenix Raven Qualification Course of the year from July 27 – Aug. 19.

Due to the constraints of COVID-19, Phoenix-Raven instructors from the 421st Combat Training Squadron had to completely redesign the PRQC in order to maintain the health and safety of the students and instructors, while also meeting all the training requirements to produce fully qualified Air Force security forces Airmen.

Typically the course is very hands-on, said Staff Sgt. Melida Diaz, 421st CTS Phoenix Raven Qualification Course instructor. “We had to think outside the box and figure out how we can train the students; including combatives and (Armament Systems and Procedures) baton training where they can still receive the training that they need with no contact with the instructors.”

The solution was to divide the course into two parts. The first part required 14 days of restriction of movement, or ROM, of the students in Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst lodging. During this two-week period, the students were monitored for any symptoms or signs relating to COVID-19.

While the students were restricted to their rooms in lodging, they also had 14 days of virtual training with instructors being available, so they were able to complete most of the academic classes prior to the second part of the training, said Staff Sgt. Alonzo Piper, 421st CTS PRQC instructor.

The PRQC academics covered multiple subjects, such as warrior mindset and comprehensive Airman fitness, arming and use of force, cross-cultural communication, individual protective measures, anti-terrorism, surveying airfields, aircraft familiarization, embassy operations and legal considerations.

Upon completion of the ROM, the students transferred to the 421st CTS student dorms and started 10 days of physical training where they learned verbal judo, various Air Force combatives, weapons defensive principles and the use of the ASP baton.

“We teach Air Force combatives at a comprehensive level,” Piper said. “Air Force combatives are self-defense techniques from the ground or standing positions. The standing position is where we teach different strikes, takedowns and different grip techniques to control an individual; and then we go into a ground portion to show how to defend yourself on the ground with the different fighting positions that you can end up in, different submissions or chokes that you can use if you need to use them to defend yourself.

“We teach weapon takeaways and weapon defensive principles as well, it allows us the ability to defend ourselves if we are threatened with weapons when we don’t have a weapon to defend ourselves.”

Implemented in February 1997 and launched at the then Air Mobility Warfare Center, at Fort Dix, the Phoenix Raven Program ensures protection for Air Mobility Command aircraft operating out of airfields where security is unknown or inadequate. Teams of specially trained and equipped security forces personnel, known as Ravens, deploy aboard AMC aircraft.

“The Ravens are specialized security that go with different aircraft to austere environments. These airfields don’t have adequate security and we are there as the insurance policy to get the mission done. The jet, personnel, cargo and everything with it; we’re there to secure it, and at the end of the day, that’s what it’s all about,” said Staff Sgt. Tanner Hall, 421st CTS PRQC instructor.

Explaining what distinguishes a Raven, Hall noted the ability to use verbal judo and the ASP baton “are kind of the bread and butter of what makes a Raven, because a lot of these environments we don’t necessarily have the capability of taking weapons off the jet, and being able to verbally de-escalate a situation is the key to most of these interactions. However, we have our ASP baton that we drill to perfection as a secondary means of gaining compliance where we might not be able to by other means.”

The term “Phoenix Raven” is a combination of the word “phoenix,” a standard AMC program prefix and the word “raven,” an intelligent bird with keen eyesight.

To become a Raven, students must “pass the evaluations that we have here at the course such as the baton training as well as use of force,” Diaz said. “The students also have different types of tests such as the end-of-course exam and a written test for the baton.”

She also noted that it was important for the students “to show that they have heart, dedication, a positive attitude and that they are going to be ambassadors for not only security forces but the Air Force.”

Upon completion of the qualification course, Phoenix Raven graduates earn an individual Raven Number, owned by them forever.

Raven candidates can volunteer though their unit where they are vetted through their chain of command and selected by their commanders.

By Maj George Tobias, U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center Public Affairs

Posted in Air Force, Guest Post | 2 Comments »

Brigantes Presents – The Helix Renegade Tactical Harness

Wednesday, September 2nd, 2020

Brigantes are the exclusive military distributors for Helix Tactical in the UK, Denmark, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Bahrain, as well as working with our partner, Mountain Horse with the supply of Helix Tactical products into the USA.

The Tactical Renegade is a comfortable and durable all-round tactical climbing harness. Generous amounts of padding provide support, and feature a mesh fabric for breathability. An internal load spreading plate gives effective lumber support, and keeps the Renegade comfortable on hanging belays and long climbing days.

Fully adjustable waist and leg loops help the Tactical Renegade fit over any layering system for use in all seasons. Slidelock buckles give a speedy and secure fit. A floating waistbelt keeps the padding and gear loops centralised, ensuring comfort and keeping gear within easy reach.

Seven gear loops make room for the biggest rack, and are positioned to ensure gear remains easily accessible. Two Vault slots let you carry dedicated ice protection.

For long mountain trad pitches to multi day mountain epics, the Tactical Renegade is a secure and comfortable all round harness.

The Tactical Renegade comes in a range of tactical colours including Black, Multicam Original, Multicam Arid and Multicam Alpine.

If you are looking for more information on Helix Tactical products contact:

for international sales: international@brigantes.com

for UK sales: warrior@brigantes.com

Or visit us: brigantes.com/collections/harnesses to set up an account and few the full range from Helix Tactical

Posted in Guest Post, Mountaineering | 1 Comment »

17th Special Tactics Squadron Surpasses 6,900 Days in Combat in Middle East

Wednesday, September 2nd, 2020

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. —

In the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks which marked the beginning of the Global War on Terrorism, U.S. service members saw an increased spike in deployments that has ultimately sustained its high tempo for nearly two decades.

For the men and women of the 17th Special Tactics Squadron, since their initial response to the GWOT in October 2001, there have been no breaks in deployments and combat operations for over 6,900 days in support of Operations IRAQI FREEDOM, ENDURING FREEDOM, FREEDOM’S SENTINEL and RESOLUTE SUPPORT.

Day in and day out, members of the unit can be found scattered around the globe, bringing the fight to the enemy’s front door. These never-ending actions are one of the many that directly reflect the testament of the heritage, courage and sacrifice of the unit that can only be foreseen to continue.

“The 17th STS members have single handedly removed [thousands] of [high value targets] from the battlefield and therefore severely degraded terrorist networks that pose a threat to U.S. interest,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Travis Deutman, the commander of the 17th STS. “Most importantly, our operators are consistently providing desperately needed close air support at the most critical times in combat, while also coordinating insertion, extraction, and medical and casualty evacuation lift for critically wounded teammates.”

The 17th STS is unique within the Air Force Special Tactics community in several ways.

The squadron, instead of residing in one location, is geographically separated in three locations so that the unit can train and deploy alongside all five of the U.S. Army Special Operations Command’s 75th Ranger Regiment battalions. Headquartered at Fort Benning, Georgia, alongside the Regimental Headquarters, 3rd Ranger Battalion, Regimental Special Troops Battalion, and Regimental Military Intelligence Battalion. Two operational detachments are located at Hunter Army Airfield, Georgia, alongside the 1st Ranger Battalion, and Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, alongside the 2nd Ranger Battalion.

Consisting of primarily tactical air control party Airmen, the unit’s primary mission is to provide Air Force Special Operations Command’s Special Tactics TACPs to the 75th Ranger Regiment, pairing the Department of Defense’s most lethal joint terminal attack controllers with the most premiere direct-action raid force. Essentially, the 17th STS operators are directing precision strike munitions and delivering destructive ordnance on enemy targets in support of the Ranger ground scheme of maneuver.

Aside from TACPs, the unit also provides special reconnaissance Airmen, combat controllers, Special Tactics officers and combat mission support Airmen to the 75th Ranger Regiment to enhance its precision strike and global access capabilities.

“No other unit in the [United States Air Force] offers the opportunity to close with and destroy enemies of the United States like those of us selected to support the Ranger Regiment,” said an ST TACP operator with the 17th STS. “The Ranger Regiment is its own legend-generator and the opportunity to serve alongside one of the most lethal light infantry forces on earth is humbling.”

The bond between the 17th STS and the 75th Ranger Regiment is inimitable due to the respective units being geographically located together and conducting entire training cycles with the exact team that they will be deploying with.

“The 17th STS promotes what I would argue is the foremost example of joint service relationships,” said U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Aaron Inch, an ST TACP operator with the 17th STS. “This unit has an extremely proud lineage and comes with the responsibility for each member to uphold and/or surpass the standard that has been set by those before us.”

With ongoing involvement in combat comes valor, and the Special Tactics community has just that. It is the most highly decorated community in the Air Force since the end of the Vietnam War with the 17th STS having a large hand in that statistic, seeing its members receive more than 80 high valor medals for courageous actions in combat.

“The foundation of this unit is the heritage of warriors that distinguished themselves in combat before we walked these halls,” said U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Steve Reedy, the 17th STS operations superintendent. “Every member of this organization earns their right to be a member every day in keeping with that heritage.”

One of the latest examples of recognition that the 17th STS has been awarded was in April 2019 when U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Cam Kelsch, an ST TACP operator with the 17th STS, was awarded the Silver Star Medal for actions while deployed with the 75th Ranger Regiment to Afghanistan in 2018. With this presentation, Kelsch became the first TACP to be awarded a Silver Star for actions in combat during the last seven years.

“Getting to lead people for whom undertaking such dangerous missions are just another day is inexplicable,” said U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Evan Serpa, the 17th STS Senior Enlisted Leader.

For the quiet professionals of this prestigious squadron, it is common to hear throughout the unit for one operator’s battlefield successes to be credited to his entire team. They spend days, weeks, and months training alongside each other to forge trust and competency to take downrange.

“The training that we provide simply adds different layers and different [tactics, techniques, and procedures], seeing that the Ranger Regiment conducts operations in a very specific way,” said U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Evan Patoray, 17th STS, Detachment 2 flight commander. “All of our training is fast paced and complex, and although the basics do not change, the level and repetition at which we do the basics is what sets us apart. As a team, we push each other beyond what we have all seen in combat. We do this because we understand that if this training does not save their own life, it will allow them to save the lives of the Rangers around them.”

The physical and mental challenges the operators undergo for at least 275 days out of the year equips them for the demanding environment they will face downrange.

“Technical competency matters, professionalism matters, but your mental fortitude and intellectual flexibility might be the most important attributes,” said an ST TACP operator with the 17th STS. “The training to get here and working with [the Ranger Regiment] prepares you for the realities of combat.”

The high-speed operations tempo can be brutal and toxic to the operator and their home life if they do not have the proper training and decompression time, according to U.S Air Force Staff Sgt. Ryan Duhon, an ST TACP operator with the 17th STS.

The Special Tactics Airmen aren’t alone with their sacrifices; their families have also sacrificed immensely for over 6,900 days in support of their loved ones. They’ve missed birthdays, holidays, anniversaries, and much more, to be a part of something bigger than themselves.

“A lot of personal sacrifice has to happen to make a unit like this one so effective and professional,” said U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Ferguson, squadron flight chief. “We do not take breaks. We operate alongside our 75th [Ranger Regiment] brothers.”

In order to be welcomed into the Special Tactics community, aspiring conventional TACP Airmen undergo a harrowing week-long assessment at Hurlburt Field, Florida. The assessment is designed to test the candidates limits and determine if they have what it takes to join the ranks within ST. Candidates are then are hand-selected into the 17th STS.

“The team will push you to be the best version of yourself on and off the battlefield,” said U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Joey Hauser, an ST TACP operator with the 17th STS. “The missions you will be of have impact felt at a national strategic level, and the legacy you will be of, will be some of your proudest accomplishments in life.”

If you asked members of the 17th STS what it means to be a part of the combat-proven unit, one common answer would stand out – humbling.

“We fight, bleed and laugh beside [the Rangers]. We win as a team or fail as a team,” said Duhon. “When we are downrange, there is no deviation or segregation between Air Force and Army. We are one team fighting daily together to overcome adversaries.”

For anyone wanting more information on how to join the 17th Special Tactics Squadron, email SDScreening@jdi.socom.mil

Story by SSgt Rachel Williams, 24th Special Operations Wing

Photos by TSgt Sandra Welch and SrA Rachel Yates

Posted in AFSW, Air Force, Guest Post, SOF | 5 Comments »

TYR Tactical Tuesday – Hard Armor Facility and HA3/ST Plates

Tuesday, September 1st, 2020

Since the beginning, TYR Tactical® has never stopped developing and improving upon their soft and hard armor offerings. They now offer Level II, IIIA, III and IV armor solutions. Additionally, they currently have the lightest Level IIIA, III and IV Shields on the market.

TYR Tactical® has invested nearly $14M to construct a New Armor Manufacturing Facility on their Peoria, AZ Headquarters Campus. This new building will house state-of-the-art presses and autoclaves to support hard armor production. This much needed expansion, along with their current in-house Ballistic Test Range, will give them unmatched armor development capability.

So why now? Owner & CEO Jason Beck had this to say about the driving force behind the Armor Facility Expansion: “As one of the few remaining family owned businesses in our industry I feel a responsibility to always be the guy making everyone else strive to get better. I felt the armor industry had grown stagnate, become too reactionary, and too contract focused. The industry stopped innovating and the end user community simply deserved better. We have had a very productive year in spite of the ongoing pandemic. Investing back into the company and our people seemed like the right thing to do. We are building a world class armor production facility and adding next generation equipment, to continue to push our industry and build kit for the Next Generation Warrior®. Innovate or Die®!”

Download PDF here.

Check out the TYR Tactical® Level III HA3/ST Hard Armor Plates. Available now at www.tyrtactical.com.

HA3/ST Torso Plate: www.tyrtactical.com/products/details/hard-armor-plates/tyr-tactical-level-iii-ha3-st-hard-armor-plate

HA3/ST Side Plate: www.tyrtactical.com/products/details/hard-armor-plates/tyr-tactical-level-iii-ha-awpsb-66-hard-armor-side-plate

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

MATBOCK Monday – GRAVEROBBER Micro

Monday, August 31st, 2020

GRAVEROBBER Micro

Good morning and Happy MATBOCK Monday!

The GraveRobber™ Micro is a compact bag for enhanced portable medical supplies for easy attachment inside a larger pack or vehicle. Made of MATBOCK Ghost Light materials, it features multiple pockets and a fold down flap for easy organization and access to medical supplies.

Available in Black or Multicam
L x W x D = 7″ x 8.5″ x 6″
Weight – 0.6oz

Don’t forget to tune in on Monday at our new time 1:00 PM EST as we go live on Instagram to demo the GRAVEROBBER Micro.

www.matbock.com/collections/grave-robber/products/graverobber-micro

Posted in Advertiser, Guest Post, Medical, Packs | Comments Off on MATBOCK Monday – GRAVEROBBER Micro

New Military ID Cards Being Issued for Military Family Members, Retirees

Monday, August 31st, 2020

WASHINGTON — The Defense Department began issuing Next Generation Uniformed Services Identification Cards on July 31, 2020, the first time since 1993 that changes to the card have been made.

Michael Sorrento, director of the Defense Manpower Data Center, discussed the new ID cards that are for military family members, retirees and other eligible card holders.

The new ID card transitions the current laminated paper card to much more durable plastic material, similar to that used for the common access cards used by military members and DOD civilians, he said.

Also, the new ID cards feature enhanced security measures that will reduce the likelihood of them being compromised, Sorrento said.

Although the new ID cards are available now, Sorrento said, only about 20 Real-Time Automated Personnel Identification Card System sites currently offer the card because new equipment is required to produce them, and that takes some time. All RAPIDS sites worldwide likely will have the new equipment by the end of the year, he said.

However, to reduce foot traffic — particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic — Sorrento said that unless a card is about to expire, it would be better to wait until summer to get a new one. Even then, he added, it would be good to call ahead first to schedule an appointment.

The complete transition to the new ID card, is targeted for January 2026, Sorrento said. In the meantime, the current cards will continue to work.

DOD is looking at future capabilities that can be provided with the new ID cards, Sorrento said. For example, users of the card may eventually be able to go online and order a card through a proper vetting process and have it directly distributed to them by mail, rather than sit in a RAPIDS office and wait for a card to be made.

The underlying technology could support greater and greater capabilities for a long time to come, he added.

Posted in Admin, Guest Post | 10 Comments »