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CTOMS Launches Customizable OTC System – Build Your Tactical Medication Kit

Thursday, March 5th, 2026

CTOMS has launched its new OTC (Over-The-Counter) Drug Management System, a modular medication storage solution designed for tactical medics, first responders, and operational healthcare professionals.

The system features the rugged DrugBox™ (hard waterproof case) and the new OTC Cases (soft-sided with loop lined interior), both built for protection, quick access, and field utility.

Customization is the core of the system, configure your kit precisely with:

Custom Internal Foam – precision-cut inserts for secure vial and capsule storage

Drug Capsules – durable protective capsules in multiple sizes

MARS Panel 2.0 – modular panels for mounting and organizing additional items

Build Your System Online

Use the intuitive Drug Case Builder Tool to select case size, add foam inserts, MARS Panels, and capsules. Configure, review, and add to cart in minutes.

Start building here: ctomsinc.com/products/drug-case-builder

Full specs are in the OTC Drug Case System Spec Sheet on the site.

Visit ctomsinc.com to explore or head to the builder and customize your kit today.

Posted in Advertiser, Guest Post, Medical | No Comments »

Acquisition Reform Means a Focus on Warfighter Success

Thursday, March 5th, 2026

The War Department aims to modernize how acquisition — the buying of weapons and other materiel from manufacturers — is done to ensure American warfighters get the best tools, at the right price, and as quickly as possible.

In November 2025, for instance, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced a reorganization of the existing program executive offices into portfolio acquisition executives.

“The acquisition chain of authority will run directly from the program manager to the PAE,” Hegseth said at the time. “Each PAE will be the single accountable official for portfolio outcomes and have the authority to act without running through months or even years of approval chains. And they’ll be held accountable to deliver results.”

The secretary said PAEs will be empowered with authorities to make decisions on cost, schedule and performance trade-offs that prioritize time to field and mission outcomes.

During a panel discussion yesterday as part of the Air and Space Forces Association’s warfare symposium in Aurora, Colorado, Air Force Gen. Dale R. White, director of critical major weapon systems, said that effort will be transformational in the acquisition community.

“I think now we take it down to the next level and just think about where we are with our [program offices], what we’re doing with the PAEs, giving them authority to make decisions in real time, make trades, and be able to do probably the most important thing with this whole transformation,” White said. “[And that] is not measure ourselves against acquisition outcomes but measure ourselves against mission outcomes, allowing that PAE to look at the operational problem and work to figure out a solution to that problem and be able to have the decision space to do so.”

White said it’s not just PAEs that must be empowered to do their job, but the acquisition enterprise as a whole must be aligned to make acquisition success about meeting mission requirements for the warfighter, not just a positive business outcome.

“We’re just not empowering PAEs; the idea is you get unity of command,” he said. “You get unity of effort. You allow that contracting officer to have a voice in solving that operational problem, that [financial management] person, that engineer; you change the cultural mindset of how we look at what we’re doing.”

There are plenty of examples, White said, of where there was acquisition success that didn’t result in operational mission success.

“We may have done well on the acquisition side, but how well did that align to the operational need and what we’re trying to do,” he asked. “It is really that hard reset. It’s the empowerment piece and changing the dynamic by which we study the problems that we have.”

For acquisition professionals, White said, acquisition reform will require them to lead with conviction.

“Lead with vision, lead ruthlessly and lead with an intent to solve the operational problem,” he said. “If you want to know what acquisition as a warfighting function means, it means come together as a team, the operational team, the acquiring team, and deliver on the outcome. Sometimes that means you’re going to make some tough decisions that you have to have courage to make; make the decision, drive for the outcome.”

By C. Todd Lopez, Pentagon News

Posted in Acquisition, Guest Post | No Comments »

Counter-Drone Training in Europe Equips US Forces for Evolving Threats

Wednesday, March 4th, 2026

GRAFENWOEHR, Germany — The senior enlisted advisor for Joint Interagency Task Force 401, Sgt. Maj. Kellen Rowley recently visited Germany to serve as the graduation speaker for the Joint Multidomain Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems Course, or JMDCC.

The course, a U.S. Air Forces in Europe program executed with the support of the 7th Army Training Command, is at the forefront of developing joint service capabilities to counter the growing threat of unmanned aerial systems. This effort supports JIATF-401’s mission to provide counter-drone capabilities that protect U.S. personnel and facilities both domestically and internationally through a whole-of-government approach.

During his visit, Rowley observed the course’s culminating field training exercise, a rigorous 48-hour event that tested the skills of 22 U.S. Air Force, Army and Marine noncommissioned and commissioned officers. He also received a comprehensive overview of the course’s program of instruction and engaged with the 7th ATC leadership, which included a briefing on the Bumblebee training course, Test and Evaluation Center and the Warrior Unmanned Aerial Battalion.

In his remarks to the graduating class, Rowley emphasized the importance of taking proactive C-UAS measures at all echelons.

“The proliferation of UAS technology on the modern battlefield requires us to be agile and adaptive,” said Rowley. “We must ask ourselves: what are we doing to establish and rehearse our battle drills and SOPs at the small unit level? How are we integrating C-UAS into our collective training? The answers lie in the hands of talented and dedicated individuals like you… A vigilant and prepared force is the first and most effective line of defense.”

Highlighting the need for specialized skills, Rowley added, “We must actively identify talent within our ranks — the service members who possess the knowledge, capability, and desire to excel in this rapidly evolving space. They are the future of our C-UAS enterprise.”

Rowley noted the JMDCC’s platform-agnostic approach and focus on core competencies such as electronic warfare, sensor integration, and command and control. The three-week course is structured to provide a comprehensive learning experience, with one week of classroom theory, one week of practical exercises, and one week of lane training, culminating in the final FTX.

“The JMDCC is an excellent course that has intuitively set the standard for the train-the-trainer model we need across the force,” said SGM Rowley. “To my knowledge, there is no other C-UAS course in the department operating at this level of proficiency and realism.”

U.S. Soldiers, Airmen, Marines and Belgium Soldiers conduct weapons qualifications using the SMASH 2000 system during the Air Force’s Joint Multi-Domain Counter Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operator Course in the Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Feb. 12, 2026. The U.S. Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa assess the feasibility of expanding the Air Force’s Joint Multi-Domain Counter Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operator Course to a multi-service environment with the growing Unmanned Aircraft Systems threat. The 7th Army Training Command remains the premier location for U.S., NATO and partner testing, experimentation, readiness and interoperability. U.S. Army video by Sgt. Collin Mackall.

Story by COL Adam Scher

Posted in Army, C-UAS, Guest Post | No Comments »

US Space Force Combat Forces Command Leaders Tout “Carnivore” Mindset and Combat Readiness

Tuesday, March 3rd, 2026

AURORA, Colo. — Leaders from U.S. Space Force Combat Forces Command (CFC) praised their Guardians’ forward momentum and ever-increasing combat readiness throughout multiple discussion panels the Air and Space Forces Association’s Warfare Symposium in Aurora, Colo., Feb. 23-25, 2026.

The Space Force We Need: Delivering a Combat-Ready Force in an Evolving Operational Environment

U.S. Space Force Lt. Gen. Gregory Gagnon, CFC commander, teamed with Lt. Gen. Douglas Schiess, Deputy Chief of Space Operations for Operations, for a panel that focused on the needs of the service and what leaders need from Guardians to meet and exceed the threat.

“We have to transform from a herbivore to a carnivore,” Gagnon declared, citing CFC’s motto, “Semper Venator,” which means Always the Hunter.

“Hunters eat, right? We seek to provide the ability to control our domain so that we can unlock the greatness of the joint force and the greatness of our coalition partners,” said Gagnon. “We cannot cede space to a very aggressive meat-eating PLA [People’s Liberation Army] aerospace force.”

Gagnon echoed Space Force senior leaders, saying that the Space Force must essentially double in size in the near future.

“I need you to be fit,” said Gagnon to the Guardians in attendance. “What most people don’t know is not every Guardian employs in Colorado. In fact, we have sensors in place on every continent of the planet except Antarctica.”

“We have squadrons dispersed around the world. We have Guardians deployed in every joint combat formation that goes forward,” explained Gagnon, stressing the need to be fit in order to operate in austere environments. “You will go forward in mission areas such as intelligence, and you’ll be running vans with barbed wire fences around them.”

Gagnon also praised the achievements of U.S. Space Force Capt. Olivia Lane of Mission Delta 4 as an example of the qualities he’s looking for in the force. Lane played a key role in providing missile warning during Iran’s recent missile attack against Israel, and then took the initiative to rework procedures, speeding up the missile warnings by more than 80%.

For more on Capt. Olivia Lane’s accomplishments, follow the link below:

Seconds Matter: Guardian on the Missile Warning Front Line

Moving Target Indications from Space

Lt. Gen. Gagnon also updated the forum on the progress made of space-based Moving Target Indicators (MTI), where Space Force Guardians will take an increasing role in tracking ground and air targets for the Joint Force. The Space Force is taking on the mission partly due to the increased vulnerability of air-based systems like the E-8C Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System, or J-STARS.

“Controlling the high ground has profound impact on the outcomes of war, but that high ground is no longer the air,” declared Gagnon.

Sharing the stage with representatives from the National Reconnaissance Office and the Space Development Agency, Gagnon explained that moving the MTI mission to orbit will be a monumental change in size and scope, providing 24/7 coverage in multiple regions around the globe, while air-based platforms were limited in number and could only provide coverage for hours at a time.

According to Gagnon, the Space Force is now moving from planning to the implementation stage, with a whole squadron already dedicated to the effort and multiple partnerships with other organizations ongoing.

“In 30 years, the surety of global moving target engagement delivered by your Space Force will be as certain as Missile Warning and PNT [Position, Navigation and Timing],” said Gagnon. “I don’t think it’s going to take 30 years, either.”

Generating EW Effects

U.S. Space Force Col. Angelo Fernandez, commander of Mission Delta 3 – Electromagnetic Warfare, while moderating panel a discussion, said his formation’s efforts at stepping up training and links with the Joint Force are making a significant impact on world events.

“I’ve seen a fundamental transformation within just the Space Force of us getting postured for today’s modern environment, and it’s translated into operational success,” said Fernandez, citing the key role Electromagnetic Warfare Guardians played in both Operation Midnight Hammer last year and the recent Operation Absolute Resolve in Venezuela.

The discussion with two industry leaders also covered the ways EW crosses over into all operational domains, EW lessons learned from ongoing conflicts in the world and how the military is partnering with industry to adapt technology more quickly to outpace potential adversaries.

Overall, the messaging was clear, Space Force is expanding global missions and readiness to ensure dominance in an increasingly contested space domain.

By Dave Grim, USSF CFC Public Affairs

USSF Combat Forces Command

Posted in Guest Post, Space | No Comments »

Hudson Supplies Exhibiting at the Premier Edition of DEFSEC West in March

Monday, March 2nd, 2026

HUDSON SUPPLIES Will be Exhibiting at 1st edition of DEFSEC West, March 24-26, 2026 Booth C-805

Showcasing TASMANIAN TIGER new 2026 products, DOWN EAST INNOVATION FASTmag? Gen V magazines holders and HUDSON SUPPLIES new field Expedient repair kits.

To register visit defsecwest.ca.

For our patch collectors, please bring a patch to participate in our patch swap. Limited new 2026 PVC patches for this event.

Posted in Advertiser, Guest Post, Tradeshow | Comments Off on Hudson Supplies Exhibiting at the Premier Edition of DEFSEC West in March

Get Brookwood FR-TEX Fabrics Now

Monday, March 2nd, 2026

You need Brookwood®’s patented FR-TEX® fabrics, but the lead times and minimums are a challenge.

We’re breaking the cycle. We have the “Big Three” in stock – the most desired FR-TEX® nylons in the tactical world, so you don’t have to wait.

330D Cougar™ FR-TEX®: For when every ounce matters but safety is non-negotiable.

500D Westridge™ FR-TEX®: The workhorse of the FR world.

500D Westridge™ MultiCam® FR-TEX®: Rare, printed, and ready to ship.

These are the FR-TEX®, Berry Compliant fabrics you need and they are sitting on our shelves right now. Don’t let your project stall—grab the yardage you need before they are gone!

Interested? Inquire today!

brookwoodcompanies.com/project/frtex

Posted in Advertiser, Guest Post, Materials | No Comments »

Before You Buy a MOLLE Handcuff Pouch, Read This

Monday, March 2nd, 2026

Not all MOLLE handcuff pouches are created equally. This article, as well as the feature video with Chris Sizelove, discusses handcuff pouch design and how the BFG model might be exactly what you’re looking for, or it might not be.

A handcuff pouch is purpose built to hold handcuffs but there are load carriage pouches and there are rapid retrieval pouches. The Blue Force Gear Handcuff Pouch was specifically designedfor load carriage, NOT for rapid-access restraint during a hands-on altercation.

Constructed with ULTRACOMP laminate, the pouch balances durability and lightweight while minimizing bulk. This MOLLE pouch securely holds two sets of handcuffs, keeping them tight and controlled to prevent movement or noise during dynamic operations. An integrated Ten-Speed pocket inside the pouch provides dedicated retention for a handcuff key, ensuring it stays accessible without adding external clutter.

The double Handcuff Pouch MOLLE attachment is handled by Blue Force Gear’s patented Helium Whisper attachment system, which reduces weight and form factor while eliminating traditional hardware failure points like snaps, buttons, or plastic stiffeners. This attachment method allows the pouch to integrate cleanly with MOLLE-compatible gear, making it ideal for plate carriers, chest rigs, and other load-bearing equipment.

Just as important as what this pouch does well is what it is notintended for. Unlike open-top or rigid cuff carriers designed for patrol use and rapid deployment, this pouch is not optimized for drawing handcuffs during an active physical struggle. Attempting to deploy cuffs from a closed, load carriage pouch in the middle of a fight is neither efficient nor realistic and the design intentionally reflects that reality.

Instead, this pouch excels when handcuffs are needed as part of a broader loadout: carrying multiple sets for team use, staging restraints for post-control situations, or allowing teammates to access cuffs from each other’s kit. In those contexts, security, retention, and reliability matter more than immediate draw speed.

Choosing the right gear starts with understanding the mission. To hear a detailed explanation of the features, limitations, and intended use of the Blue Force Gear Handcuff Pouch, watch the video where Chris Sizelove walks through its real-world role and application.

Posted in Advertiser, Guest Post, Load Carrying | No Comments »

1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) Parachute Riggers Make History on Joint Base Lewis-McChord

Monday, March 2nd, 2026

JOINT BASE LEWIS-McCHORD, Wash. — Parachute riggers assigned to Group Support Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) successfully executed the first drop of a Joint Precision Airdrop System (JPADS) at Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) on Feb. 12.

After nearly three years of planning and coordination with JBLM range control, the successful proof-of-concept demonstration facilitates future training and operational capabilities for 1SFG(A) and other adjacent units assigned to JBLM.

The JPADS is a self-steering, GPS guided airdrop platform consisting of a canopy and an autonomous guidance unit, capable of landing within 100 meters of its target. The demonstration unit notably utilized Modular Autonomous Guidance Unit 3.0 which incorporates GPS denied vision guided capability.

During the demonstration, the system carried a payload of 535 pounds suspended weight and was released from a CH-47 Chinook helicopter 4,750 above ground level.

The drop was followed by a military freefall pass simulating a Green Beret Operational Detachment Alpha (ODA) team securing the payload on the ground. Then 1SFG(A) parachute riggers conducted a proficiency jump, where all rigger personnel jumped with a static line parachute that they packed themselves, demonstrating confidence in their product.

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Wade Head, Group Airdrop Systems Technician, emphasized the operational significance of the capability.

“This is important because we can provide sustainment to the warfighter from a distance, that keeps the aircrew and aircraft safe.”

Operationally, ODA teams from the 1SFG(A) employ JPADS to deliver equipment and mission-critical items. These can be dropped at a desired impact point or sent to a pre-determined location for later retrieval. In some instances, a military freefall ODA pushes the JPADS first, immediately followed by an airborne operation, resulting in the personnel and equipment arriving to the desired impact point simultaneously.

“Now [the ODA teams] will be able to get their infiltration training locally, versus going to Yakima or somewhere else.” Said Sgt. 1st Class Mia Schwartz, Senior Airdrop Operations NCO.

A mixture of unit representatives from 2nd Ranger Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, 593rd Corps Sustainment Command and I Corps, attended the event to observe the demonstration. The Washington Army National Guard supported the event providing a CH-47 Chinook helicopter for the JPADS and airborne operations.

Planning the JPAD training came with challenges, particularly due to the installation’s proximity to adjacent roadways, neighborhoods and nearby towns. Organizers worked to mitigate risks while demonstrating the system’s precision and reliability. Most notably JBLM range control assisted 1SFG(A) with navigating safety protocol and ensuring safe implementation. This coordination provides a template for adjacent JBLM units to replicate similar training in the future.

The ability to train JPADS operation underscores the importance of the logistical support provided by the Group Support Battalion to mitigate interdiction of ground and sea lines of communication to the Special Forces Operators. By successfully completing this training both 1SFG(A) and conventional forces assigned to JBLM can better prepare for future operations.

By SGT Alec Byrd

Posted in Army, Guest Post, Parachuting, SOF | 2 Comments »