SIG MMG 338 Program Series

Archive for the ‘Guest Post’ Category

Tactical Tuesday: Advanced Layering with Vertx

Tuesday, November 5th, 2024

Stay ahead of the cold with Vertx’s cutting-edge fabric technology! The Merino Wool Base Layer from Vertx doesn’t just regulate temperature; it harnesses natural anti-microbial powers to keep odors at bay. Pair it with the Crucible Mid Layer, featuring PrimaLoft® Gold insulation, for lightweight warmth that breathes easy. Thanks to active vent technology, comfort is guaranteed—even during high-intensity pursuits. Whether you’re layering up for work or adventure, you’re shielded from the inside out.

Gear up with this unbeatable duo—explore the collection now at Vertx.

LAST CHANCE! Grab your 25% off sitewide at vertx.com with code BOO25 before their HALLOWEEN SALE ends at midnight!

Army Advances Human-Machine Integration Tests to Enhance, Fight with Combat Units

Tuesday, November 5th, 2024

WASHINGTON — Robots integrated into Army formations can help protect Soldiers and revolutionize warfare in multiple domains.

Human-machine integration forces can take on dangerous battlefield operations, including overwatch, or movement of troops to a point of tactical advantage, and the suppression of the enemy, said Brig. Gen. Chad Chalfont, commandant of the Army Armor School at Fort Moore, Georgia.

Those capabilities could help achieve the Secretary of the Army’s goal of “no blood for first contact,” where human machine integrated formations make platoons and companies better at maneuvering, communicating and surviving on a transparent battlefield. HMIF could shoulder risk normally assumed by Soldiers.

Army Futures Command, headquartered in Austin, Texas, is scheduled to host the Human-Machine Integration Summit IV at Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, on Nov. 6-7, 2024, to inform academic, industry and government partners on HMI development and explore cost-cutting solutions.

The Army has been working with prototypes and performing exercises with the new technology including robotic combat vehicles, or RCVs. On July 24, the Comanche Troop of 1st Squadron, 7th Cavalry Division, completed training exercises with the RCVs as part of Army Futures Command’s RCV Pilot-24 exercise.

During the July exercises, Soldiers performed reconnaissance and security missions with the platoon using two control vehicles to navigate four robots, Chalfont said.

Chalfont said they learned they needed a third control vehicle for that platoon to operate effectively and to operate across different nets. They also learned techniques to better communicate within their platoon while also reporting up and out to their company commander.

The 1-7 Cavalry Troop, based out of Fort Cavazos, Texas, performed the exercise during a National Training Center rotation in September, but restructured the unit to use three control vehicles to control four RCVs.

The robotic combat vehicles were designed to act as scouts and combat escorts with a Soldier controlling the vehicle remotely. Those vehicles can also serve as decoys to protect Soldiers from enemy fire and assist the execution of multi-domain strikes. The Army originally had three RCV models in development but has since decided to focus on a single, lightweight variant.

Brig. Gen. Phillip Kiniery, Infantry School commandant at the Maneuver Center of Excellence at Fort Moore, said he wants to be able to take that infantry squad and maximize the cognitive and physical capabilities of that squad by putting the burden on the robot. He wants to increase the depth and duration by which an infantry squad can maintain contact with the enemy so that infantry squad leader can bring everything they have to bear as a system and overwhelm the enemy.

Col. Kevin Bradley, director of the Next Generation Vehicle Cross Functional Team at Detroit Arsenal in Warren, Michigan, said the Army has reached a pivotal time in its history where robotic technology could give U.S. forces a competitive advantage in maneuverability, like the period between World War I and World War II.

Bradley said just as the airplane, radio and tank were critical to unlocking maneuver in World War II, human-machine integration forces — the combination of robots, autonomy and their ability to reduce or offset risk — is the key to unlocking expanded maneuver in a transparent battlefield.

Chalfont cited the ongoing conflict in Ukraine as an example of the evolution of warfare, where Ukrainian forces have developed capabilities to fight against the Russian army. He said a cycle of adaptation is occurring in that conflict. The next question is what will forces do with that information and where does the adaptation occur?

Bradley said the Army will need to test to see if RCVs and other robotics platforms can keep pace or fight with a brigade combat team or an infantry brigade combat team.

Col. Scott Shaw, director of Maneuver Capabilities Development Directorate at Fort Moore, said the service absolutely wants Soldiers controlling multiple robots in the air and on the ground using the same device.

Shaw said the Army in some cases has a “two Soldiers to one robot” ratio and is very much working toward one Soldier controlling many robotic platforms.

He said that robots used in combat must have true maneuverability, be able to traverse different environments and be able to withstand some damage from enemy fires.

Col. Ken Bernier, project manager for future battle platforms at Detroit Arsenal said the Army will continue experiments integrating HMIF into its formations, eventually conducting a full operational test. Bradley said that after building the base platforms of the RCVs, the focus will shift toward technology and common control, including a focus on software.

By Joe Lacdan, Army News Service

Navy’s BIG IDEAS Challenge for the IW Community

Monday, November 4th, 2024

Do you have a big idea that can help our Navy solve a problem?

The Navy’s IBoss Vice Adm. Mike Vernazza is launching the Big Ideas Challenge, a “Shark Tank” style competition for IW Sailors and government civilians to propose innovative solutions to current and future Naval challenges. 

Naval Information Forces (NAVIFOR) is the Navy’s Information Warfare (IW) Type Command (TYCOM) responsible for manning, training, equipping, and certifying combat-ready IW forces to fight and win our Nation’s wars.  The IW domain extends from seabed to space; is critical to our Navy’s success in competition, crisis and conflict; and underpins all Naval warfighting capabilities!

Our 60,000+ IW professionals are our asymmetric advantage – IW warriors “think, act, and operate differently.”  This Challenge is an opportunity to unlock new ideas and bring fresh perspectives to meet current and future challenges through optimization, modernization and transformation.

Program Overview:

The Big Ideas Challenge creates a direct line to the IBoss for any IW Sailor or government civilian to propose and / or demonstrate their solution, big or small, for the IW enterprise.  Selected winners will have a chance to implement their idea at-scale and a potential partnership with private industry and academia.

There are four submission categories:

IW Readiness

IW Training

Advancing IW Warfighting Capabilities

IW Alignment and Integration (includes business processes and process improvements)

Submission deadline is 17 January 2025.

Following the deadline, a group of Phase I judges will select the top 10 percent to move forward into Phase II.

Phase II judges will select the top 2 candidates per category (8 total) to move onto the final stage: Pitch Day.

IBoss will judge the finalists during Pitch Day and award one winner per category.  Winners will be awarded a cash prize and honorary recognition.

Participants can access the Big Ideas Challenge submission portal here

If you have additional questions or concerns, please contact our team at IWBigIdeasChallenge@us.navy.mil

JROTC Cadets from Across the Country Take on the National Raider Challenge

Saturday, November 2nd, 2024

FORT KNOX, Ky. — As the early morning sun broke the dawn, hundreds of JROTC cadets moved to their start positions. Radio crackles could be heard across the starting lines, signaling the competition was about to begin. Nervous faces turned serious. On the command ‘Go!’ cadets broke into a sprint, striving to bring home the gold.

The JROTC National Raider Challenge, hosted by U.S. Army Cadet Command, brought more than 5,000 cadets from across the country to Fort Knox Oct. 24-27, 2024, to test their grit and attempt to bring home the title of National Raider Champion.

“This is an opportunity to see America at its finest, and these young people came to battle it out and they want to win,” said Sgt. Maj of the Army Michael R. Wiemer, the Army’s senior enlisted advisor.

While this was an event for high school students, it was not for the faint of heart. The competition featured grueling obstacle courses, a 5K run and the infamous one rope bridge among other challenging tasks. Despite how overwhelming this competition may seem to some, JROTC cadets who have been training for months happily accepted the challenge.

“My team has been training since summer started,” said Cadet Stephanie Quintero-Hernandez from Palmetto High School, Florida. “We knew that we were coming to nationals, and we wanted to win. We’ve been working extra, even during the hurricanes. Nothing stopped us.”

The competition is divided into three divisions – Challenge, Masters and All-Service. The Challenge division competed on Friday and is comparable to junior varsity in other high school sports, with teams being made up of younger or less experienced cadets. The Masters division competed on Saturday and is the equivalent of varsity with teams comprised of primarily upper classmen who typically have years of raider experience. Competing alongside the Master divisions were JROTC programs from the Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps who were slated in the All-Service Division.

Once the Masters and All-Service divisions concluded, the top finishing teams nominated two cadets to represent their school in the Ultimate Raider challenge — a three-mile course broken up into an 800-meter sprint, a 14-station obstacle course, a 25-meter swim and a 2-mile run. The results from the Ultimate Raider Challenge are then combined with their overall scores from Saturday’s events to create the final standings for the competition.

During the final awards ceremony, the top 12 finishers of the Ultimate Raider Challenge were presented a 4-year Army ROTC scholarship. These scholarships will allow the cadets to continue their education at their school of choice with an Army ROTC program, provided that they meet the minimum requirements and choose to serve as an officer in the Army.

“It’s events like this that show the true colors of these cadets and prove that they are ready to be the next generation of leaders for this country,” said Brig. Gen. Maurice Barnett, commanding general of U.S. Army Cadet Command. “We saw some true grit and determination from all of the competitors as they faced a pretty tough course — and they should be incredibly proud of themselves and their teams.”

In addition to the competition, cadets experienced a festival like atmosphere throughout the weekend. From performances by the Army’s ‘As You Were’ rock band to demonstrations from premier military units, there was plenty to entertain cadets and families. This event also gave cadets the opportunity to talk to multiple universities, helping them decide their paths after high school.

Competition Results

Masters Division

Male

1st Place — Leavenworth High School

2nd Place — Adairsville High School

3rd Place — Etowah High School

Female

1st Place — Leavenworth High School

2nd Place — Ozark High School

3rd Place — Warren County High School

Mixed

1st Place — Clarkrange High School

2nd Place — Georgia Military College Prep School

3rd Place — Smith-Cotton High School

All-Service Division

Males

1st Place — Hendersonville High School

2nd Place — Camdenton High School

3rd Place — Campbell County High School

Females

1st Place — Live Oaks High School

2nd Place — Logan County High School

3rd Place — Smith-Cotton High School

Mixed

1st Place — Walker High School

2nd Place — Concordia Lutheran High School

3rd Place — Rhea County High School

Challenge Division

Male

1st Place — George Rogers Clark High School

2nd Place — Manatee High School

3rd Place — Bluffton High School

Female

1st Place — Palmetto High School

2nd Place — Manatee High School

3rd Place — Claudia Taylor Johnson High School

Mixed

1st Place — Newsome High School

2nd Place — Northeast High School

3rd Place — Kenwood High School

By Ian Ives

CTOMS Presents: Evolution of Tourniquet Placement Guidelines

Friday, November 1st, 2024

Since its inception, the Committee on Tactical Combat Casualty Care (CoTCCC) has evolved its guidance on tourniquet placement, especially with advancements in battlefield medicine and lessons learned from conflicts.

1. Early Guidance (1990s-early 2000s): Initially, CoTCCC recognized the need for clear guidelines on tourniquet use due to the high number of preventable deaths from extremity hemorrhage. The early recommendation was to place a tourniquet high and tight on the limb, proximal to the injury, and as close to the trunk as necessary. This guidance emphasized speed to control bleeding, often at the expense of precision in placement.

2. Afghanistan and Iraq Wars (2000s): As lessons were learned in the field, CoTCCC reinforced the importance of tourniquet use in preventing deaths from extremity hemorrhage. The “high and tight” guidance remained, particularly when rapid placement was required in chaotic situations or when the precise location of the wound was obscured.

3. Refinements in the 2010s: Over time, CoTCCC refined its recommendations with more precise guidance. While the “high and tight” rule was still valid in situations requiring immediate bleeding control, there was a recognition that a more targeted approach—placing the tourniquet 2-3 inches above the bleeding site—was optimal when conditions allowed. This approach helped minimize tissue damage and nerve injury associated with prolonged tourniquet use.

4. Current Position: The current CoTCCC position balances the “high and tight” placement for emergency situations where time is critical, with a preference for more targeted placement when the exact source of bleeding can be identified. The focus remains on immediate and effective bleeding control, followed by rapid evacuation and medical intervention.

In essence, CoTCCC has continuously emphasized the critical role of tourniquets while refining the guidance to reflect a balance between speed and precision, with a focus on saving lives while minimizing potential complications.

To learn more about tourniquet application and massive hemorrhage control, CTOMSAcademy.com provides Emergency Bleeding Control courses on our e-learning platform. Use code SSD25 for 25% off all CTOMS Academy training.

FirstSpear Friday Focus: Cold Climate Gloves

Friday, November 1st, 2024

Key Features:

PrimaLoft Gold Insulation —High-performance warmth with a water-resistant insert.

Touchscreen Compatibility**: Index finger is touchscreen-sensitive for device use.

Keratan Palm Patch—Durable, provides extra grip and protection.

Super Soft Suede

Adjustable Elastic Wrist— Ensures a secure, customized fit.

Don’t let the cold slow you down—gear up with FirstSpear’s Cold Climate Gloves, designed to keep you warm without sacrificing functionality. These gloves are lightweight, warm, and now available in fatigue green and black.

With PrimaLoft Gold insulation, these gloves deliver premium warmth while staying highly breathable and water-resistant, perfect for varying winter conditions. The Pittards Keratan leather palm patch ensures durability and extra grip, critical in demanding environments. Touchscreen capability on the index finger and a soft suede thumb provide both function and comfort, while the adjustable wrist cuff ensures a snug fit that locks in warmth.

Built to be reliable, warm, and adaptive, these gloves are a solid choice for anyone facing cold climates and needing dependable handwear.

Learn more at www.first-spear.com/cold-climate-glove-ccg.

First Enlisted US Air Force Air Defense Artillery Fire Control Officers certified

Friday, November 1st, 2024

JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. (AFNS) —

The Washington Air National Guard’s 225th Air Defense Squadron hosted its second Joint Kill Chain Exercise for 14 U.S. Army and two 225th ADS enlisted weapons directors Sept. 24-27 at the Western Air Defense Sector on Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

The JKCE is the final event at the end of a three-week Air Defense Artillery Fire Control Officers course. The academic portion of the course was hosted by the 1-51 Air Defense Artillery Battalion on JB Lewis-McChord from Sept 9-23.

The course is designed to instill ADAFCOs with the necessary skills to integrate Army Air and Missile Defense engagement operations at the appropriate controlling authority,” explained U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 3 Jesus Arellano. “All operations are tied into the Joint Integrated Air and Missile Defense System to destroy, nullify or reduce the effectiveness of hostile air breathing and missile threats against friendly forces, as well as to reduce the potential for fratricide.”

ADAFCO course students received graduate level training in mission analysis, advanced air battle management/command and control, and joint air and missile defense operations. According to Arellano, the demanding curriculum challenges students’ competencies using hands-on training, examinations, and practical exercises. Students are required to develop and present a threat-specific mission briefing to a board of cadre and inter-service personnel.

Washington Air National Guardsmen Master Sgt. Andrew Snyder and Tech. Sgt. Jordan Schaefer, weapons directors from the 225th ADS, had the unique privilege of going through the course and are now the only two U.S. Air Force enlisted certified ADAFCOs. Normally the course is reserved for U.S. Army warrant officers and company grade officers.

According to Snyder, “we train to integrate joint fires into the battlespace and air domain in large areas of operation. The course provided me with in-depth knowledge about the PATRIOT weapons system and IADS integration across the joint service, which will have a direct impact on the homeland defense mission [Operation Noble Eagle] at WADS.”

WADS was chosen as the location to support the JKCE due to its robust capability to provide live, virtual and constructed simulation execution. Arellano explained that “the WADS team can connect to the Distributed Training Operations Center which enables state of the art simulation feed and hosts the PATRIOT tactical directors for a full integration of systems and operations. The WADS facility also provided a workspace and briefing areas to conduct joint planning training between the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Army and we look forward to a continued effort to joint training.”

By Kimberly D. Burke, Western Air Defense Sector Public Affairs

AXL Advanced x True North Concepts: Rigid Holster Platform

Thursday, October 31st, 2024

AXL Advanced and True North Concepts collaborated to bring you the Rigid Holster Platform (RHP), which is proudly made in the USA. The new Rigid Holster Platform includes (3) vertical holster height adjustment points spaced at .525” increments. to accommodate belts up to 2.25”. The enhanced MOLLE/Belt attachment bars are updated with a new jagged surface for an improved grip on your chosen belt. The RHP is the perfect solution for those who require reliability, versatility, and top-tier performance from their gear, whether in the field or on the range.

The Rigid Holster Platform is available in Earth Brown or Black and includes all hardware needed. The RHP is compatible with all 3-hole Safariland pattern holsters and integrates seamlessly with the Safariland QLS system.

www.AXLadvanced.com