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Wideband Selective Propagation Radar System (WiSPR)- Valuable Technology for Warfighters

Saturday, October 26th, 2024

On 10 July 2024, the Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO) and the Army Test and Evaluation Command (ATEC) demonstrated the project Wideband Selective Propagation RADAR (WiSPR) at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland. Developed in collaboration with MIT Lincoln Laboratory since the fall of 2021, WiSPR is an advanced, low-observable, multi-function Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar and communications system that operates at novel frequencies and modulations.

A significant advantage of WiSPR is its capability to counter adversary Signal Intelligence (SIGINT) by detecting and locating armored vehicles with Active Protection Radar Systems (APS). The adoption of WiSPR mitigates this threat due to its inherent low probability of detection.

An innovative feature of WiSPR is its specialized cooling system, which efficiently removes the large amounts of heat produced by the 1,000 WiSPR transmit elements. This effective cooling system expels heat generated by the array’s components via specially designed thermal radiators.

After five years of development, WiSPR’s unique Low Probability of Detection/ Low Probability of Intercept (LPD/LPI) APS capabilities and inter-vehicle communications will transition to the production cycle in the coming months. Lt. Gen. Robert A. Rasch, Jr., Director of RCCTO, stated, “WiSPR is a classic example of how RCCTO does business, a testament to our success, and why we as an Army can adapt to future threats.”

By Venetia Gonzales

Posted in Army, Guest Post, Sensors | Comments Off on Wideband Selective Propagation Radar System (WiSPR)- Valuable Technology for Warfighters

FirstSpear Friday Focus: Fast Rope Mitt

Friday, October 25th, 2024

• 100% Berry Compliant “Roper” Cow Leather
• Double Layered
• Firmer grain/external texture on the grain of the leather
• Softer texture on internal side

The Fast Rope Mitt is designed to provide protection during fast rope insertions. Made from durable American “roper” cow leather and Kovenex, it offers a unique two-finger pattern for easy access to your trigger finger after descending. Its foldable design ensures compact transport. This high-performance mitt is ideal for those looking for reliable, American-made gear for intense missions.

It’s cut and assembled to fold flat for transport in a typical Uniform Pocket; the FRM is low bulk and supports Short, Medium or Extended Fast Rope Insertions up to 90 Feet (27.4 Meters). Additionally, the FRM has an advanced two finger pattern that allows the User to rapidly expose his trigger finger to engage a firearm, this method is far faster than actually taking off a glove during extreme situations, the FRM can be pulled partially off and retained around the wrist by the second elastic strap across the back until time has become available to secure in through the reinforced retention loop at the cuff.

Visit FirstSpear to find American Made kit and accessories, Built For The X.

Posted in Advertiser, FS Friday Focus, Guest Post, Handwear | 4 Comments »

Advancing Military Robotics: Highlights from the US Army’s HMIF Networks Industry Day

Friday, October 25th, 2024

On 13 September 2024, the U.S. Army’s Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO) hosted its first Human Machine Integrated Formation (HMIF) Industry Day event focusing on the complex network architecture of the HMIF robotic capability at Aberdeen Proving Ground’s Myer Auditorium.

The in-person event was limited to U.S. vendors that are either members of the National Advanced Mobility Consortium (NAMC) or have an active business registration on SAM.gov. During the Industry Day event, representatives from RCCTO; the Combat Capabilities Development Command’s Command, Control, Communication, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Center; the Ground Vehicle Systems Center; and the Armament Center shared insights into the strategic approach for the HMIF network requirements. The event attracted over 125 industry representatives from 75 different companies, along with more than 25 personnel from government, military, and contractor support roles.

The objective of this one-day event was to inform vendors about the technical aspects of the HMIF Network, which is crucial for the command-and-control systems that connect Warfighters with tactical robotic formations. This Industry Day marked the beginning of the next phase in the procurement process—the accelerated drafting of the final Network Statement of Work (SOW), by 30 September 2024. In October 2024, the SOW will be released as a Request for Proposals to the National Advanced Mobility Consortium through the Army Contracting Command – Detroit Arsenal. The selection of the best proposed solution from industry proposals will take place in the first quarter of Fiscal Year 2025, with an award expected by early in the second quarter of Fiscal Year 2025.

The Army has designated the RCCTO as the materiel and acquisition lead for the HMIF program, employing an enterprise approach that utilizes previous science and technology investments in robotics to establish, test, and validate a combat use case for offensive robotic operations. RCCTO, along with elements of Army Futures Command, continues to pursue synchronized solutions across joint service domains to detect, track, identify, and engage enemy combatants, employing offensive machines in risky scenarios while ensuring that human operators remain safely distanced from direct and indirect fire.

The success of the HMIF Networks Industry Day and the benefits derived from it are expected to inspire similar events in the future as the RCCTO continues to collaborate with industry to secure the best materiel solutions and equipment for the Army and its Warfighters.

“Events like this help to communicate our top priorities for both the instant Network requirement as well as future HMIF capability as we look to leverage emerging technology to defeat current threats,” said Mr. Rob Monto, Director for RCCTO’s Advanced Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office.

By Venetia Gonzales

Posted in Army, Guest Post, Robotics | Comments Off on Advancing Military Robotics: Highlights from the US Army’s HMIF Networks Industry Day

Shaping a More Lethal, Lighter and Tactical Force at JPMRC

Thursday, October 24th, 2024

SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii — To provide leaders and the combined joint force a lethal division, the 25th Infantry Division’s primary focus is tailored to employ large-scale combat operations, commitment to readiness, and deployment of combat credible forces.

Consistent building and deployment of readiness are achieved through four points: Transformation in Contact, Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center (JPMRC) Hawaii, Operation Pathways and JPMRC X (Exportable).

JPMRC is the Army’s newest combat training center and generates readiness in the environments and conditions where our forces are likely to operate. JPMRC 25-01 includes training participants from the U.S. joint forces, all Army components and multinational allies and partners.

The Vice Chief of Staff of the Army, Gen. James J. Mingus, observed JPMRC training events on Oahu with the 25th Infantry Division and the 196th Infantry Brigade, where he was hosted by the division’s commanding general, Maj. Gen. Marcus Evans.

Evans emphasizes the importance of the JPMRC exercise in fostering joint operations.

“We are using JPMRC and our Warfighter Exercise in December to validate our transformation in contact construct with the 2nd Light Brigade Combat Team along with those lessons learned from 101st Airborne and 10th Mountain Division,” he said. “Innovation never stops at our level. We are in a relentless pursuit of excellence and strive to get 1% better every day.”

Through the campaign of learning, the 2nd Light Brigade Combat Team (2LBCT) sets to validate the division’s Transformation in Contact efforts during this year’s JPMRC iteration.

From 2nd Light Brigade Combat Team, Multiple Variants of the Silent Tactical Energy Enhanced Dismount (STEED), Squad Multipurpose Equipment Transport (S-MET), Skydio X10D Drone and Thales Modular Universal Battery Charger are all essential pieces of equipment being used to hone and improve the division’s warfighting capabilities.

Mingus observed training aimed at testing the division’s capabilities to respond to complex operational scenarios. JPMRC serves as an essential platform for evaluating the Army’s ability to operate effectively across multiple domains, including land, air, and cyber.

“The 25th Infantry Division is a critical component of our efforts in the Pacific,” Mingus said. “Readiness and partnership with our multinational partners are vital as we navigate an evolving landscape.”

The exercise involves service members from various branches of the U.S. military and multinational allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific Region, all engaged in live, virtual, and constructive training components, which generates a realistic and challenging experience for all participants.

After conducting a JPMRC rotation or training event, the Theater Army projects combat-credible forces, through Operation Pathways, forward into the Indo-Pacific and Asia. Operation Pathways is the United States Army Pacific’s operational approach to campaigning that applies readiness of combat-credible forces to build joint readiness, strengthen interoperability with our Allies and partners, and deny key terrain – human and physical — to our adversaries.

By SSG Brenden Delgado

Posted in Army, Guest Post | Comments Off on Shaping a More Lethal, Lighter and Tactical Force at JPMRC

Team O’Neil’s Tactical Driving Tuesday – Forward 180

Tuesday, October 22nd, 2024

As a follow-up to last week’s discussion of the reverse 180, Wyatt goes over the forward 180.

Learn those and other driving skills at Team O’Neill’s Tactical Driving Course at their facility in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. This five-day course includes driving under NODS and is available to military and other government agencies as well as civilians.

Posted in Guest Post, Mobility, Training | Comments Off on Team O’Neil’s Tactical Driving Tuesday – Forward 180

Spread Warmth, Make a Difference! Send a Woobie to Western NC

Saturday, October 19th, 2024

Western North Carolina still needs our help! As temperatures drop, the need for warmth is growing in WNC. We’re proud to announce our partnership with Uwharrie Outdoor Inc. to support relief efforts in the area. From now through December 31, for every Exfil Woobie Poncho Liner purchased, we’ll donate an identical one to those in need.

Now is the perfect time to buy—these woobies make the ideal gift for anyone who enjoys the outdoors or as a handy emergency item to keep in the truck. Get your holiday shopping done while making a difference in someone’s life!

Shop now and help spread warmth this season!

Exfil Woobie Poncho Liner

As cooler weather moves into Western North Carolina, the need for warmth has never been greater. First responders and volunteers are working tirelessly to provide essential items—like jackets and blankets—to those in need. But they can’t do it alone.

Here’s how you can help: From now until December 31, we’re partnering with Uwharrie Outdoor Inc. to support the community. For every woobie purchased, we will donate an identical one to the relief efforts in Western NC, helping provide comfort and warmth to those in need. Together, we can make a real difference.

Buy Now for $79.00 at raptortactical.com/exfil-woobie-poncho-liner.

Posted in Advertiser, Charity, Guest Post, Shelter | Comments Off on Spread Warmth, Make a Difference! Send a Woobie to Western NC

After a Year of Development, Army Releases Blue Book

Saturday, October 19th, 2024

WASHINGTON — During the “Leading Change Brief” at the annual AUSA Annual Meeting & Exposition in Washington D.C. on Oct. 15, 2024, Sgt. Maj. of the Army, Michael A. Weimer, announced the U.S. Army has completed and released a digital Blue Book with a companion website. The Blue Book development was announced at last year’s AUSA Annual Meeting.

“You can’t build standards and discipline in a time of crisis,” Weimer said last year. “If we’re really going to be truly ready for large-scale combat operations, we have to have those standards and discipline before we get called upon for that.”

Command Sgt. Maj. Raymond S. Harris, U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, was tasked to lead the Blue Book development.

“To meet the SMA’s intent, we had to ensure that we created a digital version that can be accessed anywhere at any time on any device and that is what the team was able to do,” Harris said.

The purpose of the Army Blue Book is to support history, heritage, lineage, and standards and discipline while simultaneously reinforcing trust at echelon and strengthening the Army profession. The book also includes commonly violated or misunderstood standards. The Blue Book is based on the original intent of Baron von Steuben’s Regulations for the Order and Discipline of the Troops of the United States and will serve as the base for all unit standards books to create commonality and consistency throughout the Army.

The TRADOC team traveled to several installations across the Army to gather input for the Blue Book. “We wanted to hear from the force during Blue Book development,” said Sgt. Maj. Tyson Crosby, TRADOC Enlisted Initiatives Group and Blue Book lead planner. “We traveled to five installations, engaging with students and cadre from our Non-commissioned Officer Academies. We also solicitated input and insight from senior Army leaders.”

Although TRADOC was tasked with developing the Blue Book, Crosby said they wanted to ensure NCOs outside of TRADOC had input as well.

“The Blue Book mission was not a singular effort. We received great input and feedback from across the Army, making it a collaborative work. The Blue Book is for the entire Army and our overall plan reflects that,” Crosby said.

The final version of the Blue Book is 23 pages (three chapters), designed to be the first three chapters of a unit-level Blue Book. Once a user opens the Army Blue Book through the QR code, they can download the Blue Book PWA using the phones settings, which will create an app on the phone’s screen. In terms of useability, this will act no differently than app from an application store

Through Army University, TRADOC also developed a progressive web application centered around “Strengthening the Profession.” The webapp will serve as a leadership development and Army professionalism hub. It will also give users the ability to print a Blue Book PDF version. The Strengthening the Profession site will be contemporary and user friendly and will include hot topics, links to relevant sites, and professional articles all relevant to strengthening the Army profession and leadership. TRADOC will be the proponent of the site with regular reviews and updates.

The webapp can function like a native, downloadable app from an application store, but will require a QR code or the weblink to access first. When on the site, users can download the app that will take them directly to the site.

“The Army Blue Book was best developed as a PWA,” stated Matthew MacLaughlin, Army University’s mobile division chief. “The instructional designers determined how the info in the book would be optimized for the format, and then the computer scientists built the framework to ensure the execution is seamless and for all screen sizes.”

He added that while native applications have their place, the PWA format for publications allows for faster updates and provide a native-app experience for the user. The website can detect the user’s device type and will format accordingly.

Weimer said the Blue Book is for living by a standard and enforcing that standard amongst teams that are preparing for combat.

“Be disciplined and be brilliant at the basics,” Weimer said.

TRADOC will review the Blue Book content often and conduct updates as necessary.

The new Blue Book can be viewed online through the Central Army Registry website.

By SGM Jason Stadel

Posted in Army, Guest Post, Profession of Arms | 2 Comments »

Jack Carr x BCM Mod 4 Pistol Grip

Friday, October 18th, 2024

The Bravo Company USA x Jack Carr Mod 4 Pistol Grip is here.

Featuring the Crossed Tomahawks design, it’s available in Black and Flat Dark Earth, and it’s made right here in the USA. With improved ergonomics, aggressive texture, and a streamlined fit, this grip isn’t just gear, it’s a game-changer.

Ready to upgrade your rifle? Head to the website now and get yours today.

shop.officialjackcarr.com/products/bcm-x-jack-carr-mod-4-pistol-grip

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