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World’s Toughest Practical Shooting Competition, Finnish Brutality, Attracts Shooters from Around the World

Thursday, February 6th, 2025

The Finnish military specialist store Varusteleka organizes the internationally acclaimed Finnish Brutality shooting competition for the eighth time on February 15-16. This is the coldest match so far, and in addition to shooting and other military skills, the competitors need to know how to survive and thrive in winter conditions. Because of the challenging conditions, the number of competitors was limited to 160 instead of last year’s 200.

Varusteleka is one of the biggest military and outdoor specialist stores in Europe. Their products are used by professional soldiers and law enforcement officers along with active military reservists, competitive shooters, and avid outdoors people.

Finnish Brutality is an international 2-gun action match that tests the contestants’ physical fitness and marksmanship. Unlike practical shooting in general, the stages are longer and contain a lot more tough physical challenges, such as sandbag carrying, crawling in difficult terrain, wrestling, dragging heavy objects, and kettlebell throwing. You might also have to dip in water and be able to shoot close to explosions and flames. The competition takes place at Lopen Ampumaurheilukeskus, which is an outdoor shooting range in Southern Finland.

This year, the Finnish winter weather brings extra challenges as the participants have to be able to function in cold and wet conditions. You can find further information and rules on the Varusteleka website.

Finland has a very active military reservist and practical shooting scene, which ensures the popularity of these competitions. However, Finnish Brutality also attracts shooters from many other countries. In addition to competitive shooters, the match brings large-caliber YouTube influencers with millions of followers to Finland, this time e.g. Forgotten Weapons, James Reeves (TFB TV), and PSR from the USA, and Polenar Tactical from Slovenia. These types of Brutality matches also take place in the USA and Slovenia.

Due to its action-packed nature, the competition is also exciting for spectators. We can also arrange a tour of our headquarters in Helsinki. Please inform us of your attendance by February 13 at the latest (jari.ikaheimonen@varusteleka.fi). Bring your own eye and ear protection if you have them. Please let us know if you need loaner gear, and we will provide them for you.

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United Operational Test Team Conducts First Dual, External GBU-54 Release

Thursday, February 6th, 2025

NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. (AFNS) —

The United Operational Test Team conducted the first ever dual, external release of a GBU-54 Laser Joint Direct Attack Munition from an F-35.

The GBU-54 is a precision-guided bomb that uses laser energy to accurately strike static and moving surface targets, making it a valuable addition to the F-35’s air-to-surface munitions catalog. The integration and successful test of the LJDAM on the F-35 marks a key milestone in the continuing effort to fully integrate the LJDAM on all versions of the F-35.

The weapon delivery event was conducted using an F-35C from the Navy’s Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 9 Detachment at Edwards Air Force Base, California.

“The capability to carry LJDAMs externally will greatly increase the air-to-surface strike capability of the aircraft,” said Cmdr. Michael “Squintz” Procelli, aircraft pilot. “This WDE expands the Joint Strike Fighter’s flexibility when countering asymmetrical threats with more kinetic options.”

The test was also designed to stress the Stores Management System, the software responsible for managing the weapons loaded on the aircraft and to determine how it reacts to releasing multiple of these weapons in quick succession.

Two weapons were employed against a remote controlled High-Speed Moving Target. The bombs were guided to the target via the onboard laser housed inside the F-35’s Electro Optical Targeting System. This is the first sensor suite to combine forward looking infrared, infrared search and track and a combat laser, providing improved situational awareness over legacy sensor pods to deliver GPS and laser-guided munitions.

Consistent with the Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center’s responsibility of testing system effectiveness in operationally relevant environments, the weapons were employed on the HSMT with the help of a joint tactical air controller, simulating a common scenario that can be expected on the battlefield.

Testing the safe separation and guidance of the weapon offers valuable insight into the usability of the F-35’s strike capability. The successful completion of this test demonstrates the F-35’s ability to accurately engage targets in a dynamic and challenging environment and highlights the advanced capabilities of the EOTS system.

By 2nd Lt Arthur Knust Graichen and 2nd Lt Jeffrey Brodhecker, Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center Detachment 6

Posted in Air Force, Guest Post, Munitions | Comments Off on United Operational Test Team Conducts First Dual, External GBU-54 Release

Ferro Concepts – KSAR Single 556

Wednesday, February 5th, 2025

The KSAR Single 556 can be individually mounted on your carrier or belt and shares similar retention features of the KTAR Front Flap and KTS Triple 556. Each KSAR includes an HSP Ferro MP2 magazine retention insert and attaches via a two-column MOLLE platform on the back. It’s perfect for horizontal mounting on the DropWing or anywhere else you need a spare mag.

Features:

• Compatible with MOLLE platforms

• Compatible with up to 2″ belts

• Fits 5.56 AR-15 magazines

• Includes HSP Ferro MP2 • Includes shock cord and pull tab for additional retention

• Weight: 3.66 oz

• Made in USA

Offered in MultiCam, MultiCam Black, Coyote, Ranger Green, and Black.

ferroconcepts.com/collections/new/products/ksar

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Arctic Angels Rehearse MEDEVAC Operations Ahead of JPMRC

Wednesday, February 5th, 2025

FORT GREELY, Alaska — On a frigid early morning along the Alaskan frontier, the 25th Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Infantry Brigade Combat Team and the 1-52nd General Support Aviation Battalion, Arctic Aviation Command — both of the 11th Airborne Division, — conducted a medical evacuation rehearsal ahead of Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center 25-02, near Delta Junction, Alaska, Jan. 18, 2025.

The MEDEVAC rehearsal comes only days before the start of JPMRC 25-02, the Army’s newest Combat Training Center, focusing on large scale combat operations in remote and extreme Arctic winter conditions, where the ability to reach and treat casualties is key.

“Rehearsal is very important,” said 2nd Lt. Allen Sanchez, a platoon leader assigned to Charlie Company, 25th Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 11th Airborne Division. “We have to practice our skills because, at the end of the day, we have to be prepared for things that may change in real-life situations.”

The Donnelly Training Area and its extreme cold temperatures, high winds and ever-changing conditions presents challenges, but learning to operate in that environment is vital for building soldiers that live up to the division’s motto: Arctic tough.

“This rehearsal is essential because we are in an Arctic environment, where resources are limited,” said Spc. Brandon Martinez Segura, a combat medic assigned to Charlie Company, 25th BSB, 1st IBCT, 11th Airborne Division. “So we need to practice getting all casualties out of this environment and to safety.”

With mere hours of daylight during the winter months, rehearsing in darkness is nearly unavoidable, but is critical to ensuring combat medics are prepared to treat any injury, no matter the conditions.

“It is crucial that we practice how to properly aid a patient in the cover of night; we hope to gain experience and learn from our mistakes,” Sanchez said.

By PFC Makenna Tilton, 27th Public Affairs Detachement

Posted in Army, Guest Post, Medical | Comments Off on Arctic Angels Rehearse MEDEVAC Operations Ahead of JPMRC

Team O’Neil’s Tactical Driving Tuesday – Counter-Interdiction

Tuesday, February 4th, 2025

Not interested in having your vehicle boxed and possibly kidnapped, or other exposed to other nefarious goings on? Then you need to think about counter-interdiction tactics. Like Instructor Wyatt will tell you, keep it moving; no matter what.

If you’re in need of in-person training like this, sign up for the Team O’Neil 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 – Counter-Interdiction

Army Scientists Develop New Battery Treatment Process

Tuesday, February 4th, 2025

ADELPHI, Md. — U.S. Army scientists have developed a new surface treatment that could lead to more efficient and longer-lasting batteries for military applications.

The team at the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Army Research Laboratory, known as DEVCOM ARL, created a process that treats multivalent metal electrodes with an acidic solution, creating an ultra-thin protective layer that improves overall battery performance.

“This quick, commercially viable treatment process creates a unique interphase layer that’s thinner than a human hair, yet significantly impacts how rechargeable zinc batteries perform,” said Dr. Travis Pollard, a chemist at DEVCOM ARL. “For Soldiers, this could eventually mean more reliable and longer-lasting power for their essential equipment.”

The research team’s work focuses on next-generation battery technology that goes beyond current lithium-ion capabilities. Their approach includes applying an acidic solution to the battery’s metal electrode, followed by a controlled drying process that creates a specialized thin protective layer.

Potential applications include:

Military energy storage systems
Portable electronics
Electric vehicles
Grid-scale energy storage
Advanced defense systems
Portable power solutions

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office published the patent application (20240387882) on Nov. 21, 2024, following the team’s May 21, 2024, filing. The research team includes Drs. Lin Ma, Marshall A. Schroeder, Oleg A. Borodin, Travis P. Pollard and Kang Xu. The technology, as part of a growing portfolio of disclosures related to zinc/multivalent rechargeable batteries, will soon be available for licensing through the Army’s technology transfer program, offering opportunities for commercial development and broader applications beyond military use.

“We don’t just do research here; we try to make sure that our breakthroughs have the widest possible impact,” said AnnMarie Martin, team lead, Technology Transfer. “Through our technology transfer programs, we look for partners in industry, whether it’s big corporations or small startups, to take our ideas and develop them into commercial products.”

Martin said the new battery tech could be used in everything from military equipment to electric cars.

“This is a great way to ensure our taxpayer dollars have the biggest impact,” she said.

For information, visit the lab’s webpage on patent license agreements, or reach out to the laboratory via the contact us page.

By U.S. Army DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory Public Affairs

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MATBOCK Monday – Celebrating 15 Years

Monday, February 3rd, 2025

Last week MATBOCK celebrated their 15 year anniversary. MATBOCK was founded with a vision to bring innovative solutions to the warfighters. Thank you to all the customers, vendors, industry partners, and friends who have supported us since day one and continue to support us today. 15 years later, we stand true to our mission and are excited for what the next 15 years and beyond bring.

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Air Force Kicks Off Roadshow, Prepares Airmen for ‘Units of Action’ Implementation

Monday, February 3rd, 2025

ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) —

Air Force senior leadersconducted one of their first stops of a recently launched roadshow at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, Jan. 24, to prepare Airmen as the service transitions into Combat Wings, Air Base Wings and Institutional Wings as part of the ongoing U.S. Air Force reoptimization.

This structural change increases the ability for commanders to focus on their mission and enables the creation of an Air Force “Unit of Action” capable of deploying as a cohesively trained and highly effective team of warrior Airmen.

Senior leaders will visit approximately 20 bases and their corresponding wings over the next few months to communicate the wing reorganization plan, to include the implementation of the wing A-Staff and dissolution of most group command echelons.

They will also explain the long-term effects of the new force presentation model to Airmen and their units, both in garrison and deployed.

Implementation is expected to begin in the summer of 2025 to include the stand-up of new Air Base Wings at designated installations.

Following the transition, Air Force installations will be comprised of a Combat Wing and/or an Institutional Wing and an Air Base Wing.

Combat Wings will focus on training and certification for mission level warfighting skills and being ready to deploy or execute in-place in support of combatant command requirements.

The mission of Institutional Wings will be to organize, train and equip the Air Force combat forces and will include units such as flying training wings and test wings.

Air Base Wings will focus on the skills and readiness necessary to protect, sustain and operate the power projection platform (the installation), supporting Combat Wings and/or Institutional Wings along with any other tenant units. They maintain the responsibility to ensure base operations in competition, crisis and conflict while also providing for the care and support of family readiness for the entire base community.

The missions of preparing and employing forces, as well as defending the installation against threats are full time jobs; the addition of the Air Base Wing allows all Airmen, from commanders to those working the line, to dedicate their full attention to their specific mission instead of dividing their attention.

“Operating and protecting our bases under enemy threat is crucial, and we must ensure our Airmen are properly trained and prepared for deployment,” said Col. Scott Yeatman, current operations deputy director. “To achieve this, our goal is to have teams of Airmen receive comprehensive training through the four phase Air Force Force Generation cycle so they’re ready for action the minute they hit the ground on a deployment.”

According to Air Force Deputy Chief of Operations Lt.Gen. Adrian Spain, “Airmen will form into cohesive units focused on training, exercising and deploying together as a mission-ready, warfighting team. These changes are fundamental to generating team readiness and increasing lethality for assured mission success.”

In parallel with these efforts, Air Force wings will largely dissolve the group command echelon and implement a wing A-Staff to facilitate wing commander decision-making and better enable the squadrons to execute their missions.

“We’ll be standardizing our staff structure across all bases, with a consistent framework, while allowing for necessary flexibility based on mission requirements at the local level. These changes will ensure the service is better organized and trained to execute operations across the joint warfighting functions,” Yeatman explained.

Roadshow engagements address how these changes will directly affect each installation they visit, how each organization will be equipped to more effectively support Department of the Air Force mission requirements and provide a forum for Airmen to ask questions.

“Reoptimizing the Air Force into Combat, Institutionaland Air Base wings is a foundational change to how we prepare and deploy combat effective forces,” said Brig. Gen. David Epperson, special assistant to the Air Force Chief of Staff. “I am excited for this roadshow and the opportunity it provides to both share information and engage in direct conversation with Airmen at the unit level about the way forward.”

More resources on the Air Force’s ongoing reoptimization efforts can be found here.

By TSgt Nick Z. Erwin, Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

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