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Army Scientists’ Technique for Early Detection of Sepsis in Burn Patients Submitted to FDA

Monday, September 23rd, 2024

FORT DETRICK, Md. – A new invention developed at the U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command uses an artificial intelligence machine learning algorithm to identify whether burn patients are at risk of experiencing life-threatening complications from sepsis. The invention has been submitted to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for an initial guidance review, a crucial step on the path to readying the device for commercial licensing.

SeptiBurnAlert, invented by Dr. Rasha Hammamieh and Nabarun Chakraborty of the Medical Readiness Systems Biology branch of the Center for Military Psychiatry and Neuroscience at MRDC’s Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, analyzes blood samples taken from a burn victim to identify the presence of specific biomolecular changes, called biomarkers, that are associated with an elevated risk of dangerous inflammation triggered by the body’s attempts to fight infection. By using a combination of rapid biomolecular assay and a specially trained algorithm, the device promises to allow intensive care teams to predict the risk of sepsis onset within the first 24 hours of a patient’s admission to the intensive care unit, greatly improving the patient’s odds of survival.

Although improvements in combat casualty care have made it possible for 95% of burn patients to survive their injuries, over 30% experience sepsis, the leading cause of death among patients with acute burn injuries. That’s because burn patients lose their first and most effective barrier to infection: their skin. As long as the wound remains open, patients are exposed to a wide range of harmful agents that can challenge the body’s immune system and trigger an inflammation response, which in turn increases the risk of sepsis. But diagnosing sepsis in burn patients is difficult and time-consuming.

“Many of the standard indicators that clinicians use to identify sepsis are already present in burn patients,” explains Chakraborty. “High temperature, shortness of breath, low blood pressure and delirium are common to both, which often impedes clinicians’ ability to identify sepsis in burn patients. For burn patients who are at risk of developing sepsis, it may remain undetected for a long time, increasing their risk of mortality. Likewise, for burn patients who are not at risk of developing sepsis, they may be given antibiotics that they don’t need. That is the challenge we are trying to solve.”

SeptiBurnAlert uses a process called polymerase chain reaction to analyze blood samples taken from a burn patient to detect the presence of six genes that are associated with the onset of sepsis. The amounts of those genes in the blood samples are then analyzed by a proprietary machine learning algorithm, developed by Chakraborty and several colleagues, that has been trained on blood samples obtained from a study conducted by Dr. Jeffrey Shupp at MedStar Washington Hospital Center in Washington, DC, one of the country’s leading burn treatment centers. This allows the algorithm to predict the risk of sepsis onset in the patient much more quickly than existing methods, which can require around 100 hours after ICU admission to provide results.

During initial tests, which Hammamieh and Chakraborty conducted with their colleagues Dr. Aarti Gautam and Alexander Lawrence, SeptiBurnAlert accurately assessed sepsis risk in blood samples to a high degree of accuracy. MRDC’s Combat Casualty Care Research Program is currently testing the biomarkers in two ongoing studies to further validate their efficacy. Before SeptiBurnAlert can be used in hospitals, however, it must first meet safety and efficacy criteria developed by the FDA, which regulates all medical devices sold in the U.S.

To ensure that it does, MRDC’s Office of Regulated Activities recently submitted a request to the FDA to review the device and provide feedback on whether additional validation studies are needed, if there are any privacy and security concerns that need to be addressed and whether the device meets all applicable regulatory standards. ORA’s regulatory affairs, compliance and clinical support professionals act as liaisons between MRDC inventors and the FDA to guide them through the review process, helping to mitigate risks and accelerate the delivery of regulated medical devices to market.

Chakraborty says that one advantage of SeptiBurnAlert is that it uses existing off-the-shelf technology and methodologies to analyze the set of six genes, which is called an assay.

“Every lab and clinical facility has PCR devices,” says Chakraborty. “They just need our assay. That will help clinicians gain confidence in the assay. Then, maybe in three or four years, we’ll launch a fully automated version that could be carried to far-forward locations to deliver results before the patient’s ICU admission. This would be an effective step toward achieving customized disease management.”

Hammamieh, Chakraborty and their team have applied for a worldwide patent for the biomarker assay used in the device. They have been working with MRDC’s Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer Programs, as well as with the MRDC Office of Medical Technology Transfer, on the second-generation model of SeptiBurnAlert, which will be able to analyze a larger assay. SBIR/STTR is currently researching potential sources of developmental funding.

“SeptiBurnAlert has great potential to save the lives of Warfighters and civilians all over the world,” says Dr. Edward Diehl, a commercialization officer with MTT. “We are actively pursuing a license agreement with commercial partners to allow further development of this technology.”

As well as being a potential game-changer in its own right, SeptiBurnAlert is a good example of how MRDC’s multidisciplinary approach drives innovation. The idea for SeptiBurnAlert occurred to Hammamieh and Chakraborty when they were conducting an unrelated study, seeking to identify biomarkers associated with impaired blood coagulation in burn patients.

“As part of this study, we collected blood samples from burn patients shortly after they arrived in the intensive care unit, a number of whom developed sepsis three or four days later,” recalls Hammamieh. “We wondered, ‘Could some of the biomarkers we’re collecting help us predict who will develop sepsis?’ When we completed the coagulopathy study, then it was just a matter of reanalyzing the data we collected for it to look for particular genes, proteins and metabolites that differed between the people who developed sepsis and those who did not.”

ORA submitted the request for a guidance review, called a Q-Submission, to the FDA in late August. Once the FDA reviewers have examined the SeptiBurnAlert device and its supporting data, the ORA team and the inventors will then meet with them to discuss the regulatory pathway forward and any future studies that might be needed to address any unresolved issues.

“We’re looking forward to working with the FDA to ensure that SeptiBurnAlert is safe for use and effective at predicting the risk of sepsis in burn patients,” says Hammamieh. “We are only at the beginning of the review process, but we are excited and hopeful that the device will soon be in use in intensive care units across the U.S., helping to save lives.”

By Paul Lagasse, USAMRDC Public Affairs Office

Posted in Army, Guest Post, Medical | Comments Off on Army Scientists’ Technique for Early Detection of Sepsis in Burn Patients Submitted to FDA

Passive Aiming with Night Vision: Optic Selection and Compatibility

Saturday, September 21st, 2024

In low-light shooting, ‘passive aiming’ is a technique wherein the shooter aims through their optic (usually red dot sights or holographic sights) rather than using an external aiming laser. The key advantage here is that passive aiming doesn’t emit any visible or infrared light that could reveal the shooter’s position, making it a safer option when faced with a threat that may be equipped with night vision.

The feasibility of passive aiming depends heavily on the compatibility between the optic and the NODs. Not all optics work well; some may offer a clear reticle under night vision, while others may struggle with head positioning or poor light transmission. Hence, choosing the right optic is essential for any dedicated night vision setup.

In this article, we’ll cover some of the core concepts behind passive aiming, including why some manufacturers market their optics as ‘night vision compatible’ and others do not. We’ll also look at best practices for choosing and setting up your optic to make passive aiming as straightforward as possible.

Passive Aiming: Benefits and Limitations

In low-light or no-light environments, maintaining stealth is crucial, especially when facing adversaries who might also be equipped with night vision capabilities. Active aiming, which involves using infrared lasers or illuminators, will instantly compromise a shooter’s location if the opponent is equipped with NODs. Passive aiming eliminates this risk by allowing the shooter to engage targets without broadcasting their position.

Passive aiming does, however, come with many challenges and potential downsides, especially when the optic isn’t set up properly.

When aiming passively, the shooter must align their eye, the optic, and the target through the night vision device, which can be a lot more difficult than it sounds. The shooter must maintain a consistent cheek weld, which is especially challenging when shooting from unconventional positions.

Another limitation is the restricted field-of-view of NODs and the innate tunneling effect of looking through an optic. Passive aiming tends to create a very linear focus through the optic. In contrast, active aiming with a laser allows the shooter to maintain a broader situational awareness and react to peripheral threats.

Given the immense trade-offs that exist between both passive and active aiming, current best-practice involves a mix of both shooting techniques, swapping depending on the demands of the situation and known capabilities of the opposing force.

Still, many of the tradeoffs of passive aiming can be mitigated by selecting the right optic and mount.

Night Vision Compatibility

As we’ve mentioned, not all optics are created equal when it comes to night vision compatibility.

To be considered night vision-compatible, an optic must allow the user to view the reticle clearly through NODs without causing excessive glare or reticle bloom. At the most basic level, a night vision compatible optic must have a reticle that can be dimmed sufficiently so that it doesn’t overpower the night vision tubes.

But simply being compatible isn’t necessarily synonymous with ‘good.’ In fact, many optics that are marketed as ‘night vision compatible’ aren’t effective due to other design aspects, such as poor light transmission or excessive body obstruction.

When selecting an optic for night vision use, three critical factors should be considered: illumination settings, window size, and glass quality.

• Illumination Settings: The ability to adjust the brightness of the reticle is essential. Most ‘night vision compatible’ optics will have a ‘night vision’ setting in the illumination controls. Multiple night vision settings are ideal, since there can still be a big difference in light levels under NODs. In urban areas, for example, you might have enough light pollution that a single ‘night vision’ brightness is too dim.

• Window Size: The size of the optic’s window or lens is another important consideration. A larger window provides a clearer field of view and makes it easier to align the reticle with the target, even in awkward shooting positions.A larger window also helps accommodate for the blur of the optic body, which can make small-windowed optics feel dark or claustrophobic.

• Lens Quality: Good lens design goes a long way in improving visibility through the optic, especially when combined with a low-profile body. Because of the focal distance of NODs, your optic body will usually blur around the optic window, so having a good clear window with minimal obstruction is important.

The Prevalence of Reflex Sights

Reflex sights, which include red dot sights and holographic sights, are the most common optics used with night vision devices. To summarize. these sights work by projecting a reticle—typically a red dot or a holographic pattern—onto a lens that the shooter views through. The reticle is superimposed on the target, allowing for quick target acquisition.

Since these optics are compact, lightweight, and have unlimited eye relief, they’re the most obvious choice for use with night vision. It’s very easy to set up a red dot with an extended mount and use it with minimal change in handling or behavior. And since low-light inherently limits your engagement distance, the lack of magnification is less of a tradeoff.

The only consistent issue with reflex sights is astigmatism. Under NODs, astigmatic blur isn’t an issue because it’s being passed through the night vision, but when moving into full light, ocular astigmatism will distort the reticle. This is accentuated by the variability of lighting conditions in urban environments.

Scopes and Night Vision

Using scopes with NODs introduces a unique set of challenges and considerations that differ from using reflex or red dot sights.

Standard rifle scopes are designed to gather and focus light during daylight hours, but when used with night vision, the light transmission properties of the scope can affect the clarity and brightness of the image. This is particularly problematic when using higher magnifications, as the image can become dimmer and more difficult to see through the night vision device.

Additionally, achieving the correct eye relief can be tricky, especially when using a rear-mounted night vision device, which might require the scope to be repositioned. While extended-height scope mounts and compact scopes are improving compatibility, it’s still significantly harder to line up a full rifle scope than any microdot or holographic sight.

Ultimately, setting up a scope for night vision usually involves attaching a dedicated clip-on, separate from helmet-mounted night vision. Alternatively, many have chosen to run an offset red dot with a scope, so that they can swap between the two as needed.

MicroPrisms: Do They Work?

MicroPrisms are a relatively new type of optic from Primary Arms that combines the simplicity and durability of a traditional prism scope in a reflex-sized body. These optics are typically fixed at a low magnification, often 1x, making them particularly useful for close to medium-range shooting. And unlike red dots or holographic sights, MicroPrisms have an etched reticle and diopter, meaning that they aren’t affected by astigmatism.

MicroPrisms come with multiple NV-compatible brightness settings, but the diopter and etched reticle lead many to question whether MicroPrisms are truly usable.

The answer is yes, though it does take a little more work to line up the diopter of the optic with the diopter of the NODs to make sure the optic is tuned for both daylight and NV. Even though MicroPrisms have an eyebox, they are significantly more forgiving than your average rifle scope, and the compact size means that it’s easier to accommodate through mount placement.

Basically, if you have astigmatism issues with red dots, or just prefer the etched reticle, 1x MicroPrisms are a perfectly viable option for night vision and passive aiming.

Practical Tips for Selecting and Setting Up Optics for Night Vision

Selecting and setting up optics for use with night vision devices involves careful consideration of compatibility, mounting height, and troubleshooting potential issues.

Look for optics that offer night vision-specific brightness settings that can accommodate a wide variety of light levels. Red dot sights and holographic sights from Aimpoint and EOTech are the most popular choices due to their simplicity and ease of use, but MicroPrisms are also gaining popularity as an alternative for their astigmatism compatibility.

Either way, mount height and positioning are crucial for effective use with night vision. The mount height should allow the optic to align naturally with your NODs when you’re in your shooting stance. Heights around 1.93 to 2.26 inches are popular for night vision setups, as they will fully clear a top-mounted IR device and allow you to maintain a heads-up posture, which is more comfortable and efficient when using NODs. However, be mindful that higher mounts might make close-range accuracymore challenging due to height-over-bore. You also need enough clearance between the front of your night vision from the rear of the optic, ensuring that they don’t bump into one another under recoil.

Common issues when using night vision optics include reticle bloom, acquisition problems, and light transmission. To prevent reticle bloom, always start with the lowest brightness setting on your optic and gradually increase it until the reticle is visible but not overpowering. If you are having trouble getting behind the sight, particularly with higher mounts, you may need to adjust your shooting stance or experiment with different mount heights to find the most comfortable and effective setup. If an optic has poor visibility through the lens, make sure that you have a clean lens, as dust and contaminants can inhibit image clarity.

Conclusion

Selecting and setting up optics for night vision use is a nuanced process that requires a deep understanding of both your equipment and the conditions under which you’ll be operating.

Throughout this guide, we’ve covered the importance of choosing optics that are specifically designed or compatible with night vision devices, such as reflex sights, holographic sights, and MicroPrisms. We’ve also discussed the critical role of proper mount height and positioning to ensure seamless alignment and functionality in low-light environments.

Night vision is a powerful tool that, when paired with the right optics and proper setup, can give you a significant tactical advantage. However, like all tools, it requires familiarity and skill to be used effectively. As you move forward, it’s crucial to experiment with your gear and engage in regular training to become proficient with your night vision setup. The more you practice in realistic scenarios, the better you’ll understand the strengths and limitations of your equipment and aiming techniques.

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

Department of Defense Announces Latest Efforts to Improve Quality of Life for Service Members

Saturday, September 21st, 2024

WASHINGTON — The Defense Department today announced a new series of initiatives aimed at improving the welfare and well-being of service members and their families.

In a memorandum published today, titled “Our Enduring Duty to America’s Service Members and Their Families,” Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III announced a new set of initiatives which are part of his ongoing “Taking Care of Our People” priority that began three years ago.

The latest initiatives include:

Establishing Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts for service members
Providing greater access to free wireless internet in unaccompanied housing
Decreasing the cost burden associated permanent change of station moves
Lowering the cost of procuring uniforms for enlisted service members
Expanding spouse employment and professional development opportunities through the My Career Advancement Account, or MyCAA program
Increasing access to affordable quality childcare and early childhood education
Improving quality of life conditions at remote and isolated installations

The new initiatives, along with initiatives over the past three years, were developed after assessing the experiences of service members. Taken together, the efforts are meant to ensure the well-being and success of Service members, enabling them to better focus on their part of the defense mission.

“Early in my tenure as secretary of defense, I made taking care of our people a top priority,” Austin said in the memorandum. “Doing right by our all-volunteer joint force and their families is a core readiness issue. Taking care of our people is fundamental to the department’s ability to recruit and retain the most talented American patriots and to ensure that the U.S. military remains the most lethal fighting force on the planet — and it is simply the right thing to do.”

As part of a focus on service member and military family health, the department plans to offer service members the ability to contribute up to $3,200 in pre-tax earnings to pay for eligible healthcare-related expenses through a Health Care Flexible Spending Account, or HCFSA.

With the HCFSA, service members will be able to contribute up to $3,200 each year in pre-tax dollars to their accounts and spend that money on things such as insurance co-payments and cost shares, deductibles, braces and other orthodontia, glasses and contact lenses, prescription drugs, and wellness treatments such as acupuncture, massage, and chiropractic care. It’s expected that the HCFSAs will be available to service members for the first time in March 2025.

To keep junior, unaccompanied service members connected to the wider world while off duty, the department has directed the military departments to carry out a series of pilot projects to provide wireless internet connectivity to enlisted service members who reside in military barracks.

While access to wireless internet will allow those junior service members access to personal email, banking and entertainment options, the department also expects access can be used to help service members connect with mandatory online training requirements and other health and life related resources such as telehealth appointments, Military OneSource, and military and family life counselors.

According to department documents, the DOD has long-term plans to establish a “WiFi-connected force.” For service members in unaccompanied housing, there is not expected to be any cost to access the provided internet services.

Service members make frequent permanent change of station moves during their careers. To ease the burden of moving themselves and their families from one military base to another, the department is working with partners to adjust the number of days associated with both the Temporary Lodging Expense, or TLE, and the Temporary Lodging Allowance, or TLA.

The new effort extends TLE from 14 days to 21 days for moves within the continental U.S. For moves that originate outside the continental U.S., TLA will be extended to as many as 60 days on the departure side to match the 60 days already authorized on the arrival side. Both the TLE and the TLA allow service members and their families to live in temporary quarters, such as in hotels, while looking for homes at their new duty station, or after they have checked out of their homes at their existing duty stations.

To ensure enlisted service members are best able to maintain their uniforms, the department has directed a review of the quality of uniforms that are issued to and are available for purchase by service members. Additionally, the department has directed another review that will look at the annual clothing replacement allowance to determine not only if it is sufficient, but if there are better ways to provide that allowance to service members.

The new initiatives also include efforts to improve the recruitment, retention and working environments of DOD child development professionals; expanding eligibility for participation in the My Career Advancement Account career development program to spouses of active-duty service members serving in grades E-7, E-8, E-9, and W-3; and assessments of three remote and isolated installations via the “On-Site Installation Evaluation” process. Those three installations will be identified in the fall, with the evaluations taking place in 2025. This particular initiative advances efforts to understand capabilities and needs regarding the well-being of service members at remote and isolated installations.

This latest salvo of efforts, the third in the department’s effort to improve the lives of service members and their families, comes as part of an ongoing nearly three-year long effort which began in 2021.

In November 2021, for instance, Austin addressed economic concerns faced by service members. Then, the department provided relief for the high cost of housing and housing shortages with a temporary increase to basic allowance for housing in some areas, and an extension of temporary lodging expenses where Service members had a difficult time finding housing due to shortages.

At that same time the secretary also pushed to extend tour lengths for service members at both overseas and U.S. based assignments as a way to minimize hardships associated with permanent change of station moves.

In September 2022, Austin continued that effort by directing a review of basic allowance for housing to ensure what was being paid to service members accurately reflected fluctuations in the housing market, and also directed increases in basic allowance for housing for active-duty service members in 28 military housing areas that had experienced an average of more than 20 percent spike in rental housing costs.

The September 2022 effort also included direction to fully fund DOD commissaries as a way to cut register prices with a goal of providing service members a 25% savings over private sector grocery stores, and also directed creation of a “Basic Needs Allowance,” which began in January 2023, to supplement the incomes of qualifying service members.

The cost of household moves was also addressed by Austin’s September 2022 memorandum, which directed a permanent increase to standard TLE. Also included was an increase to the dislocation allowance for service members up to E-6 to offset the personal expenses associated with a permanent change of station move.

In a memo from March 2022, Austin directed implementation of universal pre-kindergarten at Department of Defense Education Activity schools, and the creation of dependent care flexible spending accounts to enable service members with dependents to set aside up to $5,000 in pretax income through payroll deduction for eligible dependent care expenses such as child care, preschool, before or after school programs, and summer camp.

The March effort also included additional support for those with exceptional family members. As part of that effort the department established a standard process to enroll and disenroll families from the program, require that support personnel make personal contact with each enrolled family at least once a year, better coordinate the way support personnel are assigned to families, and ease the transition between support personnel.

The Department’s March 2022 effort also addressed the challenges of ensuring military spouses can find meaningful employment. Through the My Career Advancement Account program, for instance, eligible military spouses became eligible for up to $4,000 in financial assistance to earn a license, certificate, or associate degree.

Advancing military spouse employment efforts, the president in January 2023 signed into law an amendment to the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, which requires that professional licenses be portable, except for licenses to practice law, for service members and their spouses as they move between states.

By C. Todd Lopez, DOD News

Posted in Army, Guest Post | 3 Comments »

AXL Advanced Releases Gen II RAC Link Downlead Retainers

Friday, September 20th, 2024

The AXL Gen II RAC Link Downlead Retainers attach under the Gen II RAC Link. This allows for a more streamlined method of capturing your headset downlead cables.

www.AXLadvanced.com

Posted in Comms, Guest Post, Helmets | Comments Off on AXL Advanced Releases Gen II RAC Link Downlead Retainers

FirstSpear Friday Focus – OEM Spotlight: Hill People Gear

Friday, September 20th, 2024

This Friday Focus we have another installment of our FirstSpear OEM Partner series Today we are taking a look at one of FirstSpear’s very first and longest OEM Partners, Hill People Gear.

Q: What specific qualities or capabilities of FirstSpear made them the ideal manufacturing partner for Hill People Gear?

HPG: We’ve attempted to work with several different OEM manufacturers over the years, and FS is the only organization we’ve run across that understands OEM production is a service business. FirstSpear provides a turnkey manufacturing solution which lets us focus on the things we’re good at and keeps us out of the business of running a factory.

Q: How does FirstSpear’s manufacturing process align with the design and quality standards of Hill People Gear?

HPG: Tolerances are held to 1/8” and the defect rate is well below 1%. It’s been that way for over a decade now which is a great track record.

Q: Can you share any examples of how FirstSpear’s technology or expertise has directly enhanced your product offerings?

HPG: We’ve made generous use of FS’ patented MOLLE cut velcro loop laminate material where it makes sense on the insides of our bags.

Q: Why is American-made manufacturing important to Hill People Gear?

HPG: We don’t have any corporate overlords to answer to, so we can make decisions that are about more than the bottom line. Keeping manufacturing in America makes our world a better place in so many different ways. Thankfully, our customer base feels the same way and is willing to pay to support that.

Q: Do you have any new product releases on the horizon?

HPG: We’re always working on things big and small — stay tuned to SSD for all our major releases!

For more information about FirstSpear OEM Program, send us an email at sales@first-spear.com or check out First-Spear.com .

For more information about Hill People Gear check out HillPeopleGear.com.

Posted in Advertiser, FS Friday Focus, Guest Post, Industry | Comments Off on FirstSpear Friday Focus – OEM Spotlight: Hill People Gear

US Army Awards Key Contracts to Further Enhance 155mm Artillery Production Capacity and Army Modernization Priorities

Friday, September 20th, 2024

PICATINNY ARSENAL, N.J. — The U.S. Army’s Joint Program Executive Office for Armaments and Ammunition (JPEO A&A) and U.S. Army Contracting Command – New Jersey (ACC-NJ) awarded several contracts worth more than $961 million to enhance the production of critical 155mm artillery components. These awards are set to increase production capacity significantly and provide the joint warfighter with a new “go-to” war round, ensuring that the Army’s artillery capabilities remain safe, reliable, plentiful and lethal.

The contracts cover the procurement of 500,000 M119A2 Propellant Charges, supports load, assemble, and pack (LAP) of 260,000 M231 Modular Artillery Charge System (MACS) and 2.2 million M232A2 MACS. MACS are the primary propelling charge system in all currently fielded 155mm howitzer systems. The contracts also cover the LAP of 16,900 of the Army’s newest “go-to” war round–the M1128 High Explosive (HE) projectile. This new projectile will provide U.S. artillery with extended-range capabilities and will give brigade combat teams the ability to deliver near-precision fires at distances of up to 30 kilometers without relying on exquisite munitions.

In addition to contracts supporting the LAP of munitions, another contract was awarded to expand the production capacity of High Fragmentation Steel (HF-1). This specially engineered alloy, used in large-caliber munitions such as the 155mm M795 and the M1128, is critical to meeting increased production demand and will enable the Army to achieve its goal of producing 100,000 artillery shots per month by fiscal year 2026.

“In alignment with the Department of Defense’s National Defense Industrial Strategy, we have invested more than $4.2 billion to expand and modernize the organic industrial base,” said Douglas R. Bush, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology. “This collaborative effort between the Army and industry establishes a credible deterrent against potential adversaries, underscoring the Army’s commitment to fight and win the Nation’s wars.”

The contracts were awarded by ACC-NJ to domestic companies in Arkansas (General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems (GD-OTS)), Ohio (Metallus), Iowa (American Ordnance), Illinois (GD-OTS) and Florida (Nammo Inc.).

As the Army continues to invest in its organic industrial base, new facilities will be coming online, according to Maj. Gen. John T. Reim, the Joint Program Executive Officer for Armaments and Ammunition, who is leading the modernization and ramp-up of 155mm munition production.

“This rapid increase in production is part of a broader effort to support U.S. munitions replenishment activities and support international partners, such as Ukraine, which has relied heavily on artillery in its defense against Russian forces,” said Reim. “As geopolitical challenges continue to evolve, the U.S. Army’s focus on transformation and expansion ensures that our Joint Warfighters and international partners maintain overmatch and have the resources they need to succeed on the battlefield.”

By year’s end, the U.S. Army is set to commission three new domestic facilities in support of 155mm production and a new metal parts production facility in Canada.

By Abraam Dawoud

Posted in Ammo, Army, Guest Post | Comments Off on US Army Awards Key Contracts to Further Enhance 155mm Artillery Production Capacity and Army Modernization Priorities

OTTE Gear Announces New Direct-to-Military Sales Initiative Featuring Innovative Apparel Systems

Thursday, September 19th, 2024

September 18, 2024 — OTTE Gear, an innovative leader in high-performance tactical and outdoor apparel and gear, is proud to announce its new direct-to-military sales initiative.

This new specialized effort will focus on exposing OTTE Gear’s specialized combat, insulation, and rainwear systems, as well as other advanced tactical apparel and equipment, to elite military units.

As part of this new direct sales approach, OTTE Gear is featuring several key products that exemplify the brand’s commitment to innovation, quality, and functionality. The line includes:

• Combat Apparel: Down Range Pant & Down Range Shirt: tailored for both temperate and hot/dry conditions.

• Insulation Systems: HT Insulated Hooded Parka (200G Primaloft® Gold insulation, rated to -20°F, superior warmth in extreme cold); LV Insulated Hooded Jacket (100G Primaloft® Gold insulation, ideal for cold-weather operations rated down to 10°F); Ursa Minor Lightweight Jacket (an active insulation solution with 40G Primaloft® Active+, rated for conditions as low as 25°F)

• Rainwear: Waterproof/breathable Patrol Parka and Patrol Trouser for reliable protection against the elements in varied operational settings.

Other Featured Items:

• OG Outdoor Gaiter

• OG Helmet Bag with NODS Box

Our direct-to-military sales effort is a testament to OTTE Gear’s ongoing commitment to supporting military professionals with the best possible gear,” said Todd Fairbairn, Founder/CEO. “We understand the unique environmental challenges faced by those who serve, and our products are engineered to meet those challenges head-on, ensuring comfort, durability, and functionality.”

Call now for more information on inventory and our immediate delivery options. Strong inventory on hand, call or email for quotes.

Units and procurement officers interested in purchasing OTTE Gear products can reach out directly via the dedicated government sales email at govsales@ottegear.com. For inquiries, please call 646-233-4014.

Posted in Advertiser, Clothing, Guest Post, Load Carrying | 2 Comments »

Marine Officers Gain Access to Maternity Uniforms with East Coast Expansion

Thursday, September 19th, 2024

Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va. —

Although Marines have never defined themselves by their equipment, maintaining readiness in any clime and place—from the icy reaches of the Arctic to the steamy jungles of the Indo-Pacific—means ensuring that all Marines, whether on the frontlines or providing critical support from behind the scenes, are equipped with the right gear to accomplish the mission whenever they are called to serve.

To better support pregnant Marine Corps officers, Marine Corps Systems Command, in partnership with Marine Force Storage Command’s Consolidated Storage Program (CSP), is expanding the Maternity Uniform Pilot Program (MUPP) from Quantico to include East Coast bases such as Camp Lejeune, New River, Cherry Point, Beaufort, and Albany.

This expansion—driven in response to feedback from Marines across the Corps– ensures easier access to maternity uniforms, promoting both comfort and readiness, while also addressing equity between enlisted Marines and officers.

Enlisted Marines receive a one-time issue of maternity uniforms, while officers have been required to cover the full cost, which can run up to $500. The MUPP allows the Corps to issue and recover maternity uniforms for officers at no cost, easing the financial burden and ensuring all Marines are equipped for duty.

“There are Marine officers across the Corps who will need maternity uniforms, so expanding this program to the East Coast is essential,” said Ana Ayala-Spivey, CSP East Coast Regional Project Officer. “I stressed to the MARCORSYSCOM team that it’s our responsibility to ensure we capture valuable data and feedback from as many Marines as possible. Limiting the program to Quantico wasn’t enough. Expanding it allows us to gather the insights we need while better supporting our officers in maintaining readiness and comfort during pregnancy.”

Since March 2021, the program has already seen significant success at Quantico, where it was first introduced, providing essential support to pregnant officers stationed there.

“I’ve been pregnant twice during my time as a Marine officer, but only had access to the Maternity Uniform Pilot Program once,” recalled Maj. Desiree K. Sanchez, assistant chief of staff (G-4) at Marine Corps Training and Education Command. “The first time, I had to purchase all of my uniforms out of pocket because the program didn’t exist. By the second time I was pregnant, the Corps had made significant improvements, adding adjustable tabs to the shirts and smock for a better fit. Instead of having to buy the updated uniforms, I was able to borrow them here in Quantico through the program, saving me from the expense of buying new items again.”

The program provides pregnant Marines with a full set of essential maternity uniforms, including three sets of MARPAT work uniforms (blouses and trousers), one green tunic, two short-sleeve and two long-sleeve service blouses, two service skirts, one pair of service slacks, one blue dress skirt, one pair of blue dress slacks, and three sets of service tapes.

The East Coast expansion improves accessibility for pregnant Marine officers by providing timely access to essential maternity uniforms at key installations, all without adding any extra financial burden to the taxpayer. Besides the financial benefit, this program also addresses the practical challenges pregnant officers have long faced in uniform availability and consistency.

According to Maj. Sanchez, “I was serving at Headquarters Marine Corps as the aide to General Glenn M. Walters, the ACMC at the time, during my first pregnancy. I often found myself discussing the challenges we faced as pregnant officers—having to pay out of pocket for uniforms that were not always available. There were countless times when I couldn’t match my boss in uniform because certain maternity options simply didn’t exist in the Marine Corps inventory. It was a constant reminder of the gaps we had to navigate.”

Ultimately, the MUPP’s expansion to include key East Coast bases serves as a strong signal of the team’s commitment to acting on feedback from the fleet– a critical component of Force Design, the Corps’ strategic blueprint for modernization.

“We actively use the [Interactive Customer Evaluation] program to gather feedback from Marines on improvements or concerns with the maternity uniform,” said Ayala-Spivey. “This input is essential for shaping decisions that affect the readiness and capability of the Future Force. As part of our commitment to Force Design, it’s crucial we recognize that Marines in a maternity status are a vital component of that future. Ensuring they have the right equipment supports both immediate operational readiness and long-term sustainability of the force.”

To participate in the program, pregnant officers can schedule an appointment with East Coast CSP personnel via email or phone, using the POC information available on the CSP site. Participants will then visit their respective Individual Issue Facility (IIF) to try on uniforms based on their pre-pregnancy sizing, with adjustments made as needed throughout the course of their pregnancy.

Although the expansion focuses on East Coast installations, pregnant Marines from other locations—including those OCONUS– can participate by contacting ana.ayala.civ@usmc.mil or william.j.wrightington.civ@usmc.mil.

By Johannes Schmidt, MCSC Office of Public Affairs and Communication | Marine Corps Systems Command

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