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Open House at the Foreign Legion Recruitment Group – May 30 and 31, 2026

Sunday, May 17th, 2026

The famed French Foreign Legion has shared this press release with us. Please excuse any translation errors as it was provided in French and I have had to translate it to English.

In English

The Foreign Legion Recruitment Group, based at Fort de Nogent in Fontenay-sous-Bois, is pleased to announce that it will be hosting its first-ever Open Days on May 30 and 31, 2026.

This unprecedented event continues the commemorative initiatives undertaken in honor of the 11th Foreign Infantry Regiment—a unit whose regimental flag has been proudly borne by the Legion’s recruiters since 2018.

A PROGRAM RICH IN TRADITION AND FESTIVITIES

SATURDAY, MAY 30, 2026: The day will begin at 10:30 AM with a military ceremony paying tribute to the 11th Foreign Infantry Regiment.

This ceremony will be distinguished by the first-ever appearance of the Foreign Legion Band at Fort de Nogent, and will be presided over by General Cyrille Youchtchenko, Commander of the Foreign Legion.

The ceremony will be followed by the opening of the fairgrounds, which this year will feature numerous rides, military demonstrations, and entertainment for visitors of all ages throughout the afternoon.

In the early evening, visitors can attend the election of “Miss Képi Blanc”—an iconic event that will crown the Legion’s beauty queen for the coming year.

The evening will continue with a unique musical and pyrotechnic display on the parade ground, followed by the traditional “Legionnaire’s Ball,” where guests can dance until 2:00 AM.

SUNDAY, MAY 31, 2026: The fairgrounds will open their gates at 11:30 AM for another full day of festivities.

The highlight of this second day will be the raffle drawing at 5:30 PM, offering numerous prizes to be won.

The Open Days will conclude at 9:00 PM, bringing to a close a weekend dedicated to shared experiences, discovery, and the enduring traditions of the Foreign Legion. ON-SITE DINING: Throughout the weekend, a varied selection of food and drink options will be available to visitors. Notably, a special food truck will be hosted by Michelin-starred chef Thierry Marx, who will offer a set meal—including a hamburger, organic beer, and a pastry—for just 12 euros, combining conviviality with gastronomic quality right at the heart of the event.

FORT DE NOGENT: A MAJOR RECRUITMENT HUB: Since 1962, Fort de Nogent has served as a key hub for Foreign Legion recruitment. Each year, more than 6,000 candidates volunteer, yet only 1,200 will ultimately join the ranks.

En Français

Le Groupement de recrutement de la Légion étrangère, basé au fort de Nogent à Fontenay-sous-Bois, a le plaisir d’annoncer l’organisation, pour la première fois, de ses portes ouvertes les 30 et 31 mai 2026.

Cet événement inédit s’inscrit dans la continuité des actions de mémoire menées autour du 11e régiment étranger d’infanterie, dont les légionnaires recruteurs portent le drapeau depuis 2018.

UN PROGRAMME RICHE EN TRADITIONS ET EN FESTIVITÉS SAMEDI 30 MAI 2026 : La journée débutera à 10h30 par une cérémonie militaire, en hommage au 11e régiment étranger d’infanterie, sera réhaussée par la présence inédite au Fort de Nogent de la Musique de la Légion étrangère et sera présidée par le général Cyrille Youchtchenko, commandant la Légion étrangère.

Elle sera suivie de l’ouverture de la kermesse, qui proposera cette année de nombreux manèges, démonstrations militaires et animations pour petits et grands tout au long de l’après-midi.

En début de soirée, les visiteurs pourront assister à l’élection de Miss Képi Blanc, événement emblématique qui consacrera la reine de beauté légionnaire pour une année.

La soirée se poursuivra avec un spectacle musical et pyrotechnique inédit sur la place d’armes, avant d’aller danser au traditionnel bal du légionnaire jusqu’à 2h du matin.

DIMANCHE 31 MAI 2026 : La kermesse ouvrira ses portes à partir de 11h30, pour une nouvelle journée de festivités. Point d’orgue de cette seconde journée : le tirage de la tombola à 17h30, offrant de nombreux lots à gagner.

Les portes ouvertes se clôtureront à 21h, après un week-end placé sous le signe du partage, de la découverte et de la tradition légionnaire.

RESTAURATION SUR PLACE : Tout au long du week-end, une offre de restauration variée sera proposée aux visiteurs. Un food truck exceptionnel sera notamment animé par le chef cuisinier étoilé Thierry Marx, qui proposera une formule comprenant hamburger, bière bio et pâtisserie pour seulement 12 euros, permettant de conjuguer convivialité et qualité gastronomique au cœur de l’événement.

FORT DE NOGENT ; UN HAUT LIEU DU RECRUTEMENT : Depuis 1962, le Fort de Nogent est un point clé du recrutement légionnaire. Chaque année, plus de 6000 candidats se portent volontaires mais seuls 1200 rejoindront

Finis

Posted in Forces Focus, International, Press Release | Comments Off on Open House at the Foreign Legion Recruitment Group – May 30 and 31, 2026

Wiley X Served as Official Sponsor and Partner of the 15th Annual Boot’n & Shoot’n

Sunday, May 17th, 2026

Frisco, TX – [May 12, 2026] Wiley X proudly served as an official sponsor, partner, and ambassador of Boot’n & Shoot’n, the annual patriotic fundraising event hosted by Valor Mission Project, which took place Thursday, April 9, at Dallas Gun Club in Lewisville, Texas.

Back for its 15th anniversary, Boot’n & Shoot’n is celebrated as “The Most Patriotic Day in Texas,” and has raised more than $10 million to date. Proceeds from the event benefitted Valor Mission Project, a Plano, Texas-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that supports organizations such as Brain Treatment Foundation, which helps veterans living with traumatic brain injury, and Third Option Foundation, which provides emergency assistance to members of the intelligence community and their families.

For the second consecutive year, Wiley X was an official sponsor and partner and supported the event through monetary contributions, auction product donations, and giveaway items for attendees and veterans. This continued partnership reflects Wiley X’s commitment to honoring those who serve and supporting organizations that provide critical resources to active-duty service members, military veterans, and their families.

For more information about Wiley X and its give-back initiatives, visit www.wileyx.com. For more information about Boot’n & Shoot’n, visit www.bootshoot.com.

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Botach Named Benelli’s 2025 Dealer of the Year

Saturday, May 16th, 2026

LAS VEGAS, NV — Benelli has named Botach Inc. its 2025 Dealer of the Year. The award recognizes Botach for its sales volume, technical depth, and long service to federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies nationwide.

Botach has grown into one of the largest and most-trusted suppliers of duty firearms, optics, body armor, and mission-critical gear to agencies across the United States.

A Heavy Hitter in LE Contracting

Botach holds active vendor relationships with thousands of law enforcement agencies, military units, and federal contracting offices, and is a registered supplier across multiple government procurement platforms. Recognition from Benelli, one of the most respected shotgun manufacturers in the world, reflects how far that footprint now reaches.

Botach continues to scale its LE-focused operations across duty-grade shotguns, patrol rifles, optics, protective equipment and all other Tactical Gear. Botach’s dedicated agency sales team handles bulk procurement, agency demos, police trades, and customized loadouts for departments transitioning between platforms.

The Shotgun’s Return to Patrol

Botach’s win arrives at a turning point for the 12-gauge in American policing. After two decades in the patrol rifle’s shadow, the shotgun is back.

Two mission profiles are driving the resurgence. The first is load flexibility. A single shotgun can run buckshot, slugs, less-lethal munitions, breaching rounds, and specialty loads inside the same shift. No other system in the patrol fleet covers that range. For warrant service, building clearing, crowd management, animal control, and vehicle disabling, the platform remains a proven tool.

The second is airborne. Small unmanned aerial systems have moved counter-sUAS planning onto every chief’s desk. Contraband drops over prison yards, unauthorized overflights of stadiums and federal buildings, and reconnaissance flights over critical infrastructure are now routine. Electronic countermeasures are expensive and legally complicated. A semi-auto 12-gauge loaded with anti-drone shells is neither. The shotgun has re-emerged as the most accessible and effective short-range counter-drone tool an officer can carry.

“The shotgun is one of the most adaptable tools an agency can deploy,” Botach added. “From less-lethal response to anti-drone work, departments are realizing the 12-gauge isn’t outdated. It’s evolving. We are seeing record demand from agencies upgrading to modern semi-auto platforms like the Benelli M4.”

Why Benelli

The Benelli M4 Platform is in service with the United States Marine Corps and dozens of federal and municipal agencies, and is widely regarded as one of the most reliable combat shotguns in production. Botach has been a long-standing authorized Benelli dealer, supplying individual officers and full agency contracts with M4, M2, M3, Nova, and Super Nova platforms.

“Benelli Law Enforcement is proud to partner with Botach as we strive to bring the best duty use shotguns to Law Enforcement personnel nationwide,” said Jeff Sterner, National Sales Manager – LE/GOV, Benelli USA.

The Dealer of the Year recognition is awarded on sales volume to LE and government customers, quality of technical support and warranty handling, inventory consistency during periods of high demand, and sustained partnership across the LE community.

About Botach Inc.

Botach Inc. is a U.S.-based supplier of tactical equipment, firearms, optics, body armor, and mission-critical gear, with a specialized focus on law enforcement, military, and government contracting. Headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada, Botach serves Military, Federal Agencies, State and Municipal Police Departments, Sheriff’s Offices, Corrections Departments, and qualified professionals nationwide. The company is an authorized dealer for leading manufacturers across the law enforcement and tactical industry.

For agency sales, bulk procurement, and government contracting inquiries, visit botach.com.

Posted in Industry, Press Release | Comments Off on Botach Named Benelli’s 2025 Dealer of the Year

FirstSpear to Exhibit at SOF Week 2026, Showcasing Recon K9 Integration and Maritime Capabilities

Saturday, May 16th, 2026

FENTON, Mo. (May 14, 2026) — FirstSpear®, the industry leader in innovation and standard-setting load-bearing technology and personal protective equipment, will exhibit at SOF Week 2026, taking place May 18–21, 2026, in Tampa, Florida. FirstSpear’s booth will be located in the Bayshore Ballroom at the Hilton Tampa Downtown as part of SOF Select, a focused industry exhibition running alongside the main SOF Week event. The booth will showcase FirstSpear’s full platform lineup alongside the newly integrated Recon K9® brand, with live demonstrations scheduled throughout the week.

SOF Week is the premier annual convention for the global special operations community, co-hosted by U.S. Special Operations Command and the Global SOF Foundation, drawing operators, acquisition leaders, government officials, and industry partners from around the world.

Recon K9 Live Demonstration

On Tuesday, May 19, FirstSpear will host a live Multi-Purpose Canine (MPC) demonstration in the courtyard of the Hilton Tampa Downtown, led by Jason Watson, founder of Recon K9.

The demonstration will feature a working K9 outfitted in Recon K9’s DT Alpha™ modular vest system, complete with an integrated camera rigging to showcase real-world operational capability, modular load carriage, and the equipment standard trusted by military, law enforcement, and federal agency K9 teams.

FirstSpear announced an exclusive, ten-year licensing and operations agreement with Recon K9, through which FirstSpearhas assumed full responsibility for the sales, marketing, manufacturing, distribution, and logistics of the Recon K9 brand, with Watson joining the FirstSpear team as part of the transition.

“In the SOF community, the K9 is not merely an asset; they are a fellow operator,” said Jon Laplume, FirstSpear co-founder and vice president of SOF Strategy and Product Development. “Our integration of Recon K9 applies FirstSpear’s material science and manufacturing precision to these products. We are making a strategic commitment to the safety and lethality of the entire team.

Featured Recon K9 products on display will include the DT Alpha Vest™ with Coverlet System™, OTB Ruck™, and Aviation Parachute Bag™.

Maritime Capabilities Demonstration with Prime Hall and Deep End Fitness

On Wednesday, May 20, FirstSpear will lead an off-site product demonstration at Bobby Hicks Pool (4120 W. Mango Ave., Tampa, FL 33616), running from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The demonstration will be supported by Deep End Fitness and Prime Hall, FirstSpear’s lead maritime Vanguard.

Hall, a former U.S. Marine Raider and water survival instructor, was appointed to the FirstSpear Vanguard Program earlier this year. In that role, he serves as a subject matter expert in FirstSpear maritime platforms. The demonstration will highlight the AAC Frog™ Kit (Assaulter Armor Carrier Frog Kit), including the patented Cummerbund Tactical Aid to Flotation (CTAF)™, which has become the standard for maritime operations across USSOCOM, the U.S. Air Force, and the U.S. Coast Guard.

“When seconds count, our maritime operators need equipment that helps them remain undetected, agile, and mission-ready,” said Hall. “The AAC-FROG and CTAF systems were engineered to provide that advantage, combining patented, low-profile design with industry-leading buoyancy, giving operators more lift, more mobility, and more survivability when it matters most.”

Booth and Product Focus

FirstSpear’s SOF Select booth will feature its full maritime and aviation platform suite, including the AAC Frog™ Kit, ABAV™ (Aircrew Body Armor Vest), CTAF™, FirstSpear LVPC™ (Low Visibility Plate Carrier), and new SOF requirement-driven chest rig configurations, alongside the full Recon K9® product lineup.

For technical inquiries related to K9, flotation, CTAF™, AAC-FROG, or other FirstSpear products, visit the FirstSpear booth.To request a meeting during SOF Week, contact sales@First-Spear.com

Posted in Advertiser, Press Release, SOF Week | Comments Off on FirstSpear to Exhibit at SOF Week 2026, Showcasing Recon K9 Integration and Maritime Capabilities

RoGO Communications Awarded NASA SBIR Contract to Coordinate Aerial Support for Wildland Firefighters

Friday, May 15th, 2026

Firefighter Location, Tactical Communications and Weather Data Deployed for Immediate Tactical Coordination, Lifesaving Situational AwarenessLakewood, Colo. (May 11, 2026) – RoGO Communications, a company founded to develop lifesaving technology for firefighters and first responders, has been awarded a NASA Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract to coordinate aerial support for wildfire firefighting.

The Phase II contract from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) extends collaboration on development of RoGO’s DropBlock 2.0 to track the location of firefighters and equipment where cellular service is not available. The Phase II contract supports enhanced data sharing and communication among firefighters on the ground and aerial firefighting resources.

The satellite-enabled DropBlocks are carried by wildland firefighters. Immediate tactical coordination and lifesaving situational awareness is enabled by tracking the location of crews, equipment and resources including bulldozers, water tenders, fire engines, high-value structures, medical evacuation rescue sites and makeshift water resources. DropBlocks also share hyper-local weather information and serve as portable weather stations, including wind speed, direction, temperature, humidity and other IoT sensor data.

RoGO was formed after the tragic deaths of 19 firefighters in the 2013 Yarnell Hill Fire in Arizona. “We founded our company to save lives of wildland firefighters, developing technology for firefighters to avoid being trapped by the spread of the fire,” said RoGO Chief Executive Officer Rod Goossen. “This contract allows us to better integrate support from aerial resources for enhanced safety of firefighters.”

During the Yarnell Hill Fire, an errant airdrop of water mistakenly extinguished a controlled fire that the firefighters ignited to create a safety zone. Location and weather data from the RoGO system may have prevented the misplaced aerial drop of water on the control fire location and alerted crews to weather conditions rapidly driving the spread of the fire.

A new RoGO mobile phone app expected to be released in Q3 2026 enables point-to-point communications among DropBlocks and firefighter crews and displays the location of firefighting assets along with fire weather data. DropBlocks also support first responders in other All Hazards emergencies including disaster responses for hurricanes, earthquakes and floods.

For more information, please visit www.rogocom.com.

Posted in Comms, Press Release | Comments Off on RoGO Communications Awarded NASA SBIR Contract to Coordinate Aerial Support for Wildland Firefighters

BlackSea Technologies Demonstrates GARC Autonomous Surface Vessel Capabilities During Arctic Sentry 2026 in Norway

Friday, May 15th, 2026

BALTIMORE, May 15, 2026, BlackSea Technologies recently participated in Arctic Sentry 2026, a NATO enhanced vigilance activity in the High North, demonstrating its Global Autonomous Reconnaissance Craft in Ramsund, Norway, alongside partners from U.S. 6th Fleet, U.S. Unmanned Surface Vessel Squadron 3 (USVRON-3) and the Royal Norwegian Navy.

The exercise gave BlackSea’s GARC unmanned surface vessels an opportunity to operate in the far north, demonstrate autonomous surface vessel capabilities in cold weather maritime conditions, integrate with NATO partners and serve as training tools for the next generation of naval warfighters.

“Arctic Sentry proves that GARC can operate effectively in dynamic, contested maritime environments north of the Arctic Circle,” said Lunsford Schock, mission director for BlackSea Technologies. “The exercise further cements our nation’s military partnerships with key European allies and reflects BlackSea’s commitment to preserving freedom of action at sea by delivering scalable, intelligent tools to naval forces around the world.”

NATO launched Arctic Sentry in February as a multi-domain activity to strengthen the alliance’s posture in the Arctic and High North. NATO has said the activity brings NATO and allied exercises, forces and capabilities together under one overarching operational approach to the region. The activity is led by Joint Force Command Norfolk, with overall strategic direction from Allied Command Operations.

U.S. Navy photos

U.S. Navy imagery released May 15 showed a Global Autonomous Reconnaissance Craft attached to Commander, Task Force 66 operating in Breivika Bay during Arctic Sentry 2026. The Navy identified the activity as taking place in Ramsund, Norway, and noted Arctic Sentry’s role in strengthening allied security in the Arctic and High North.

BlackSea’s participation underscored the role of small, scalable autonomous surface vessels in distributed maritime operations, allied interoperability and training in strategically important waters. The demonstration also highlighted GARC’s ability to support naval forces in demanding operating environments where endurance, adaptability and autonomous capability are increasingly essential.

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Iris Technology and Ultralife Pair Power HIVE Mission Power Node with High-Capacity UBI-2590 Battery to Address Tactical Edge Energy Demands

Friday, May 15th, 2026

Power HIVE is optimized around Ultralife’s UBI-2590 UBBL13-01 battery while maintaining compatibility with the broader BB-2590 battery family — delivering regulated, field-usable mission power at the tactical edge.

IRVINE, CA, May 6, 2026 — Dismounted and expeditionary teams are being asked to power more from the same limited battery pool. Radios, UAV controllers, counter-UAS systems, sensors, compute, and networking gear are all adding demand at the tactical edge. The problem is no longer just battery capacity. It is how units manage, regulate, recharge, and distribute that energy in the field without adding unnecessary hardware, complexity, or manual power management to already overburdened teams.

THE PARTNERSHIP

Iris Technology is developing its Power HIVE — Hub for Integrated Versatile Energy — mission power node to help close that gap and is optimizing the platform around Ultralife’s high-capacity UBI-2590 UBBL13-01 battery while maintaining compatibility with the broader BB-2590 battery family.

The pairing is straightforward: Ultralife’s UBI-2590 delivers 288Wh of energy, flexible 15V/30V operation, SMBus communication, rugged military construction, and integrated state-of-charge visibility. Power HIVE extends the operational utility of that battery platform by combining multiple BB-2590 class batteries into a regulated, field-usable mission power node — providing reliable 28V distribution, simultaneous load support and charging, hot-swap capability, and real-time telemetry across the full battery stack.

The result is a BB-2590 class power architecture purpose-built for the distributed equipment demands of the tactical edge.

LEADERSHIP PERSPECTIVES

“Power HIVE is built around a simple idea: the BB-2590 should become more than a battery carried in a box. By optimizing Power HIVE around Ultralife’s high-capacity UBI-2590 while maintaining compatibility with other BB-2590 class batteries, we can give military users a smarter, regulated mission power node using a battery format they already understand and trust.”

— Mike Stein, Vice President, Tactical • Iris Technology

“Ultralife’s UBI-2590 battery was designed for rugged military applications where energy density, flexible voltage, and reliable battery communication matter. Power HIVE gives us a practical way to show how high-capacity BB-2590 batteries can support broader tactical power architectures.”

— Mike Manna, President and CEO, Ultralife Corporation

DEVELOPMENT STATUS & SOF WEEK 2026

The initial effort is focused on customer demonstrations and field feedback around BB-2590 class mission power applications. Prototype units are already in test and evaluation, with additional configurations planned as part of Iris Technology’s broader power management roadmap.

Power HIVE will be on display at SOF Week 2026, Booth 755, as part of Iris Technology’s broader portfolio of tactical power management solutions.

ABOUT IRIS TECHNOLOGY

Iris Technology is a 40-year precision engineering firm delivering mission-critical power, data, and control systems for the U.S. military, SOCOM, and DoD prime contractors. CMMC Level 2 certified and AS9100D registered, Iris Tactical products are fielded across Army, SOF, and NATO programs. From 1W dismounted to 10kW vehicle-mounted, Iris builds the power architecture that keeps missions running when the environment is trying to stop them. Power HIVE is optimized around Ultralife’s UBI-2590 UBBL13-01 battery platform.

Posted in Power, Press Release, SOF Week | Comments Off on Iris Technology and Ultralife Pair Power HIVE Mission Power Node with High-Capacity UBI-2590 Battery to Address Tactical Edge Energy Demands

Safariland Releases the New HOLLE Duty Belt System

Friday, May 15th, 2026

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. –?Safariland® a brand of?The?Safariland Group, a leading global provider of safety products designed for the public safety, military, professional and outdoor markets and one of Cadre Holdings, Inc.’s (NYSE: CDRE) (“Cadre”) key brands, has announced the launch of the new HOLLE™ Duty Belt system, a new space-optimizing lightweight load-carrying duty platform.

The HOLLE™ Duty Belt is a next-generation belt that combines a traditional profile, finish and buckle selection with an integrated, precision-mounted load-carrying system. Designed for consistency, stability and long-term wear, HOLLE™ allows duty accessories to be mounted, adjusted or repositioned without the need for keepers or threading pouches onto the belt. While maintaining a professional appearance, the belt’s optimized mounting pattern ensures secure accessory retention, reduced movement and repeatable placement.

“Safariland is proud to introduce HOLLE as an innovative system created for seamless integration between belts and accessories,” said Greg Freeman, vice president and general manager of Safariland Duty Gear. “We developed this platform to deliver enhanced durability and versatility, giving those who wear it the flexibility they demand without compromising uniform standards.”

With minimal unusable space at the belt overlap, improved interaction with liner belts and broad compatibility across Safariland duty and tactical accessories, HOLLE™ offers a versatile platform that supports evolving loadouts. Available in buckled (Sam Browne, Coplok™, Cobra®) and buckleless configurations, HOLLE™ is supported by a growing ecosystem of purpose-built accessories designed for durability, ergonomic setup and operational flexibility.

Features:

Pouch addition and removal without having to unthread other accessories or buckles
Reduced long-term sag on pouches from duty wear
¾” incremental accessory placement adjustment
Compatible with existing Safariland tactical accessories, including ELS, QLS and TQP
All 4-hole HOLLE™ pouches mount vertical or horizontal
Hard-mounted QUBL2, VUBL2 and CUBL2 holster belt mounts, with CUBL2 available in mid and hi-ride, with higher pull strength than traditional mounting
Reduced hook-and-loop interior interference for stronger liner belt engagement
Full accessory line including dump pouch and cantable closed and open top single mag pouches
Existing duty accessories with traditional belt loops can slide onto belt
Specific HOLLE™ belt keepers available that hard mount to belt, helping eliminate lost or dropped keepers
Included spacers and hardware on accessories allows canting pouches away from the body for easier grasp

To explore Safariland’s extensive range of holsters and accessories, visit Safariland.com.

Posted in Load Carrying, Press Release | Comments Off on Safariland Releases the New HOLLE Duty Belt System