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FORT LIBERTY, N.C. — Fort Liberty held a defining moment on November 14, 2024, with the dedication of the Lt. Gen. James M. Gavin Joint Innovation Outpost. This event celebrated not just a new facility but the enduring legacy of Lt. Gen. Gavin, a leader whose vision for innovation resonates deeply with the Army’s mission today.
Army leaders, Soldiers, innovators and Gavin’s family gathered to honor his contributions while setting the stage for a future of cutting-edge capabilities. Gavin, fondly known as “Jumping Jim,” embodied the Army’s spirit of adaptation and excellence.
Chloe Gavin-Beatty, his daughter, shared during the ceremony, “My father was always asking, ‘How do we solve this problem? How can we do this better?’”
These words reflect his life’s work, from pioneering airborne warfare during WWII to advocating for advanced tactical systems as head of research and development. His foresight in utilizing helicopters for combat mobility predated their iconic use in Vietnam highlighting the kind of thinking that inspired this outpost.
Gavin’s belief in change wasn’t just professional — it was personal. As Chloe shared, even as a child, Gavin urged her to embrace innovation, recounting his own leap from the horse-bound Army of the 1920s to the technology-driven force he helped shape. His legacy underscores the value of questioning the status quo — a principle that guides the mission of the outpost bearing his name.,
The innovation outpost represents a leap forward for the Army. Capt. Robert Scalzo, senior software engineer for XVIII Airborne Corps, described the capabilities it offers as classified and unclassified spaces with unmatched flexibility.
“It’s not just about solving today’s problems but about building the infrastructure to tackle tomorrow’s challenges,” said Scalzo.
Purpose-built for adaptability, the space supports everything from warfighter exercises to large-scale technology conferences. Its proximity to key partners — including Defense Innovation Unit and local universities — removes barriers to collaboration, allowing ideas to flow freely and solutions to develop rapidly.
Unlike retrofitted buildings, the outpost’s design reflects a clear vision: to empower teams across the Department of Defense, academia and industry. It serves as both a resource and a hub, enabling the Army to outthink and outpace adversaries. It is equipped with cutting-edge resources designed to foster creativity and solve problems in real time.
Inside its walls will be 3D printing labs, virtual reality simulation suites and prototyping workshops, all enabling Soldiers and engineers to take ideas from concept to reality. These tools are vital for pushing innovation forward, offering the Army the ability to address challenges head-on. One standout example comes from the 82nd Airborne Division’s Innovation Lab, which used 3D printing technology to design and produce custom radio mounts for their Infantry Squad Vehicles.
Before this, they lacked the capability to ensure secure and reliable communication for their crews. Solutions like this underscore how these resources aren’t just high-tech — they’re essential for mission success.
The dedication ceremony also showcased the outpost’s importance as a resource for Soldiers at every level. Lt. Gen. Christopher Donahue, commanding general of the XVIII Airborne Corps, emphasized the need for such facilities in an unpredictable world.
“You have to have a facility that can out-think, out-adapt, and out-anything your adversary does,” Donahue stated.
The outpost embodies this ethos, offering the tools and partnerships needed to remain at the forefront of military innovation. Beyond the technology and infrastructure, the outpost represents something more profound: a commitment to the Army’s people.
Gavin’s leadership philosophy prioritized the well-being of his Soldiers, and this facility reflects that same care. Chloe Gavin-Beatty recounted how her father would walk the front lines to check on morale and ensure his troops had what they needed. Similarly, this innovation hub asks a simple but vital question of every Soldier: “What do you need to do your job better?”
From the Battle of the Bulge to the labs of today, the spirit of innovation has been central to the Army’s success. The Lt. Gen. James M. Gavin Joint Innovation Outpost builds on this tradition, creating a space where ideas can thrive, solutions can emerge and the Army can continue leading in a complex world.
As Chloe concluded during the ceremony, “This lab continues my father’s lifelong drive to solve problems and embrace change.”
Her words encapsulate the enduring impact of Lt. Gen. Gavin’s legacy and the transformative potential of this facility.
The outpost is more than a facility — it is a promise to the future. By fostering collaboration, advancing technology, and prioritizing Soldier readiness, it ensures the Army remains a step ahead. The dedication of this innovation hub is not just a tribute to the past but a bold statement of intent: to lead, to adapt and to succeed in an ever-changing battlefield.
By SGT Jacob Bradford
ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) —
The Department of the Air Force identified Hanscom Air Force Base, Massachusetts, as the sole candidate location to host the headquarters for the new Air Force Information Dominance Systems Center.
The Air Force announced the creation of AFIDSC within Air Force Materiel Command as part of the service’s Great Power Competition initiative to strengthen and elevate the Air Force’s focus on Command, Control, Communications, and Battle Management; Cyber; Electronic Warfare; Information Systems; and Enterprise Digital Infrastructure.
Four existing information dominance-related Program Executive Offices will re-align from AFMC’s Air Force Life Cycle Management Center to create the new center, led by a 3-star commander. The commander will be dual-hatted as the DAF Command, Control, Communications & Battle Management Program Director.
The PEO directorates aligning under AFIDSC’s command are:
C3BM
Cyber and Networks
Electronic Systems
Business Enterprise Systems
The current estimate for the center staff is 136 positions. There will be minimal impact on the Program Offices designated to become part of this center, as personnel are expected to re-align in place.
The DAF anticipates making a final basing decision by the end of the year and plans to standup the new center in 2025.
Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs
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Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va. —
Marine Corps Systems Command recently reached Fully Operational Capability (FOC) for the MK 22 Mod 0 Advanced Sniper Rifle (ASR). This milestone marks a critical step forward in modernizing the Marine Corps’ sniper capabilities of Reconnaissance and Infantry units.
“Fully Operational Capability is achieved when all the Infantry and Reconnaissance units, as well as MOS-producing schools, have been fielded to and new equipment training is completed,” stated Maj Michael Billings, Weapons Team Lead, Marine Corps Systems Command.
The MK22 is more than just another rifle; it results from a partnership across the Department of Defense. Initially a Special Operations Command contract, the MK22 entered Marine Corps hands through the “Special Operations Forces (SOF) to service” transition process, allowing the U.S. Army to take responsibility for contracting actions.
“This collaboration accelerated the entire program, pushing us to FOC a full year ahead of schedule—a significant win for the Marine Corps and our warfighters,” explained Billings.
The rifle offers caliber conversion options, allowing Marines to tailor their loadout to missions. With barrels chambered in 7.62mm, .300 Norma Magnum, and .338 Norma Magnum, Marines can engage targets more precisely and at greater ranges.
“The M317 Precision Day Optic (PDO) paired with the MKk22 is a game changer. The M317 PDO is a 7-35 Variable Powered Optic, a huge leap in capability over our previous sniper systems like the M40 and MK13,” explained Brian Nelson, MK22 project officer, Marine Corps Systems Command.
Each rifle kit has three barrels, a hard and soft carrying case, a comprehensive cleaning and tool kit, a sound suppressor, the M317 PDO, and its accompanying scope mount. Reconnaissance and Infantry units also receive a .300 Winchester Magnum barrel, a scout sniper tripod kit, a laser filter unit, and an anti-reflection device.
“Marines like the ability to conduct caliber conversions at their level and the fact that they only have one rifle instead of the two it replaced,” emphasized Kevin Marion, a Logistics Management Specialist with Marine Corps Systems Command. “This shift improves operational efficiency, reduces the logistical burden on units, and lightens the individual Marine’s load.”
One of the MK22’s most significant benefits is its sustainability. Maintenance times are reduced, and repairs can now be conducted at the organizational level—unlike the old sniper rifles, which required more time-consuming evacuation to an intermediate level for repairs. Should a barrel fail, the MK22 can still be employed in a different caliber, maintaining the unit’s operational readiness.
“[Replacing a barrel] was impossible with previous systems, where a condemned barrel would render the weapon unusable, directly affecting mission readiness,” said Nelson. “Now, the MK22 ensures that even if a barrel fails, Marines are still mission ready.”
With the MK22’s enhanced capabilities, Marines are more lethal, more versatile, and better equipped to handle the challenges of modern warfare and equipped for the future fight.
By: Morgan Blackstock, Office of Public Affairs and Communications, Marine Corps Systems Command
After successfully suppressing the M2A1 and M2A2 .50cal Machine Guns, RD (Radical Defense) began pursuing the next evolution of the original 50 FVS suppressor. The design intent was a modular, more streamlined, lower weight, higher flow suppressor with a reduced form factor. What followed was the 50 GPS (General Purpose Suppressor) Program.
50 GPS utilizes one suppressor with multiple mounting options via taper lock mount muzzle devices. Each muzzle device is designed with specific internal geometries and thread pitches per use on each intended weaponsystem while using the same, standard external geometries; for example,making the same suppressor useable on a Barrett M107, a McMillan TAC-50, and an M2A1.
Using a 50 GPS muzzle device designed to thread into a barrel shroud, RD mounted and performed limited function testing of 50 GPS on an M3Pwith the eventual goal of adapting 50 GPS for use on the GAU-21.Utilizing customer feedback, in an effort to simplify the system, RDmoved away from a specialized muzzle device and modular suppressor design. Instead, RD developed the BAD-21 specifically for use on theGAU-21, with a primary focus of reducing Blast Overpressure exposure to the warfighter, air frames, and sensitive electronics.
In an effort to design the most rugged, durable machine gun suppressors possible, RD additively manufactures using Haynes 282. The (Blast Attenuation Device) BAD-21 is a monolithic design, without welds or threaded interfaces, which eliminates potential failure points. Additionally, Haynes 282 exhibits exceptional abrasion and wear resistance, and maintains high levels of strength at extreme temperatures.
The BAD-21 threads directly to the Barrel Jacket replacing the flash hider, and is then secured in place using the factory locking screws. Secondary lock can be achieved with the use of safety wire.
The intent with the BAD-21 is to allow the barrel to move freely and reciprocate as normal, while reducing blast overpressure and sound pressure wave experienced by the gunner, pilots, and/or any crewman operating around the weapon, as well as protect sensitive electronics within the blast radius of the muzzle.
Employing RD’s Breathable Technology, the objective with BAD-21 is to significantly reduce any effects of a suppressor on the kinematics of the host weapon, while also venting high pressure gasses forward of the weapon and not back to the operator. In this particular use case, considering the GAU-21’s high cyclic rate, the goal is to not increase the rate of fire of the weapon, cause reliability concerns, decrease MRBS, or increase long term wear and tear on the weapon, its parts or mounts.
AVIANO, Italy — Jumping out of an airplane is a feat that demands both courage and trust. Now imagine doing it 100 times. That’s exactly what 1st Sgt. Jovon Propst, Spartan Company, 54th Brigade Engineer Battalion, achieved on October 9, 2024, when he made the jump, earning the prestigious title of centurion paratrooper.
“I get asked all the time, ‘How did you make it that far?’ I say, ‘My jumps don’t get scratched. It’s just my luck,” Propst said.
Born in Concord, North Carolina, and raised in the vibrant heart of New York City, Propst’s journey to becoming a centurion paratrooper is as dynamic as his personality.
“When it comes to the weather or a mission, it’s always a go for me,” he said. “I’ve had a very intriguing career.”
Propst’s military career began with the now disbanded 307th Engineer Battalion at Fort Liberty. From there, his dedication and skill led him to 3rd Special Forces Group, where he earned the coveted jumpmaster title.
His journey didn’t stop there; he continued to make his mark in the 425th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 11th Airborne Division, stationed in Alaska. It was in Alaska that Propst served as a drop zone safety officer under Col. Joshua Gaspard, who was a squadron commander at the time. Their time together solidified Propst’s reputation as a calm and dependable leader, especially in high-pressure airborne operations. Propst is now serving under Col. Gaspard for the 173rd Airborne Brigade in Italy.
Propst’s love for adrenaline doesn’t end with the Army. He once volunteered as a firefighter in Bell County, Texas — a role that allowed him to continue serving others while feeding his need for action.
For now, Propst remains committed to the Army, calling it home. However, when the time comes to hang up his uniform, he’s already looking ahead to his next adrenaline-fueled mission. After retirement, he plans on becoming a smokejumper so he can fight forest fires from the sky. Propst’s journey from paratrooper to potential smokejumper shows that for some, the sky isn’t the limit — it’s just the beginning.
By CPT Jennifer French
From a small Norwegian vision in 1996 to a global leader in advanced personal protection, NFM has always supported the needs of modern soldiers. Today, we’re excited to introduce our brand-new corporate website -a dynamic group hub that brings our journey, values, and innovation closer to you. To give you an overview of our entire organisation.
Our new corporate site offers a fresh, streamlined experience with dedicated sections for each of our divisions and global offices, cutting-edge technology insights, and product innovations. Whether you’re exploring our R&D capabilities or our sustainability initiatives, we’ve crafted the site to be your ultimate guide to NFM Group’s world of excellence in protection gear.
Explore Our New Site for:
NFM Group’s capabilities
Subsidiary companies
Management team
Projects and initiatives
News and updates from the whole group
