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Enforce Tac 23 – Trivium Head Protection System by Hexonia

Thursday, March 9th, 2023

German company Hexonia was recently purchased by Norway-based NFM. They displayed quite a few technologies from both companies but what caught my eye was the new Trivium Head Protection System which was recently adopted by the German Bundeswehr’s Kommando Spezialkräfte (KSK). While Trivium is new, it finds its roots in the IdZ (Infanterist der Zukunft) helmet and is designed and manufactured in Germany.

The Trivium helmet system for the KSK comes in a hard case and includes nearly 20 components.

Ballistically the base helmet meets VPAM 3 25mm and boasts a V50 around 750 mps and will sustain 9mm on top with no deformation. The rifle appliqué dampens 7.63×39 mild steel core residual energy to 10 jule. Additionally, there are removable ballistic ear shields which are 50% lighter than precious versions and allow use of the side rails when attached.

The system includes two visors and a mandible.

The system includes both a ballistic helmet as well as a carbon bump helmet. Both helmets meet the EC mountaineering standard. The ballistic version is offered in Full Cut, Half Cut, High Cut and Super High Cut variants.

The suspension will look very familiar.

Posted in Enforce Tac, Helmets, SOF | 3 Comments »

Air Commandos Co-Host SAWS, Champion Transformation and Partnerships

Wednesday, March 8th, 2023

FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla. —

Air Force Special Operations Command and the Global SOF Foundation co-hosted the annual Special Air Warfare Symposium [SAWS] and expo at the Emerald Coast Convention Center Feb. 28 to Mar. 2, 2023.

The symposium featured speakers from across the special operations aviation community that included AFSOC senior leadership, defense officials, industry representatives as well as allies and foreign partners from more than 10 countries that were focused on integration and cooperation to remain relevant as the threat environment continues to evolve.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Wolfe Davidson, AFSOC deputy commander, delivered opening remarks to symposium participants.

“The threat environment continues to evolve across the globe and we now have contested environments in areas previously not considered high risk due to the continued proliferation of threat systems,” said Davidson. “This [symposium] is an opportunity to get closer to our industry partners who are doing greats things in technology and are critical as we look to adapt our tools to the fight we have.”

Military and industry speakers identified an on-going need to collaborate to prepare, prevent, and prevail against current and future adversaries over the course of the 3-day event.

“We must continue to adapt and look for opportunities to innovate and transform our Air Commandos to remain the most capable, most lethal Air Force in the world,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind, AFSOC commander. “AFSOC, alongside our industry partners, has been transforming…and we continue to look for opportunities and avenues, like the Special Air Warfare Symposium, to do so.”

The ongoing transformation of AFSOC involves a new force generation cycle, the implementation of mission command, the development of Special Operations Task Groups and Units as well as creation of multi-domain theater-focused squadrons.

“Although change can be difficult, irrelevance is worse,” said Bauernfeind. “We have a proud history and heritage of transformation to meet the mission…and we too shall rise to ensure our nation’s security.”

By TSgt Jonathan McCallum, AFSOC

Posted in Air Force, Aviation, GSOF, Guest Post, Profession of Arms, SOF | Comments Off on Air Commandos Co-Host SAWS, Champion Transformation and Partnerships

AFSOC Selects MQ-9B Skyguardian for UAS Family of Systems Concept

Tuesday, March 7th, 2023

GA-ASI to Deliver Three Aircraft to First U.S. Customer

SAN DIEGO – 06 March 2023 – General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. is proud to announce a new contract with U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) to provide three MQ-9B SkyGuardian® remotely piloted aircraft systems to its first U.S. customer.

AFSOC’s acquisition of MQ-9B builds on more than 20 years as a GA-ASI partner and more than 14 years flying the MQ-9A Reaper, operating more than 40 aircraft in harsh environments around the world.

MQ-9B will feature a key role in developing AFSOC’s new Adaptive Airborne Enterprise (A2E) concept, which envisions AFSOC projecting air power for special operations forces from beyond the horizon, using a family of large UAS and expendable, small UAS from permissive to denied environments.

“We’re very excited to continue our great partnership with AFSOC well into the future,” said David R. Alexander, president of GA-ASI. “MQ-9B is the ideal platform for inserting air-launched effects into potentially hostile environments. The MQ-9B’s combination of range, endurance, reduced manpower footprint, and overall flexibility will make it a true centerpiece of AFSOC’s future family of advanced UAS systems.”

MQ-9B represents the next generation of UAS, having demonstrated airborne endurance of more than 40 hours in certain configurations, automatic takeoffs and landings under SATCOM-only control, as well as a GA-ASI-developed Detect and Avoid System, among other upgrades. Its development is the result of a company-funded effort to deliver a UAS that can meet the stringent airworthiness certification requirements of various global military and civil authorities.

MQ-9B has garnered significant interest from customers throughout the world. After the UK Ministry of Defence selected MQ-9B SkyGuardian for its upcoming Protector program, the Belgian Ministry of Defense signed a contract for SkyGuardian. The Japan Coast Guard is currently operating MQ-9B in the SeaGuardian® configuration, which the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) also recently selected for its Medium-Altitude, Long-Endurance (MALE) RPAS Trial Operation Project beginning in April.

Posted in Air Force, Contracts, Press Release, SOF, UAS | Comments Off on AFSOC Selects MQ-9B Skyguardian for UAS Family of Systems Concept

193rd Special Operations Wing Welcomes New Aircraft, Mission

Saturday, February 25th, 2023

MIDDLETOWN, Pa. – The 193rd Special Operations Wing became the first Air National Guard unit to receive an MC-130J Commando II aircraft Feb. 2 as part of its mission conversion to a flagship mission of Air Force Special Operations Command.

“This is a monumental day for the 193rd, ANG, and AFSOC. The Commando II mission will ensure the 193rd SOW remains not only relevant but also at the forefront of the battlespace for years to come,” said Col. Edward Fink, 193rd SOW commander.

Led by the efforts of Lt. Col. Benton Jackson, unit conversion officer, the wing has been preparing for its mission conversion since 2021. Jackson believes the hard work of 193rd SOW Airmen and the support of the community led to the completion of this first step.

“Seeing the Commando II on our flight line is a tangible symbol of the progress we’ve made as a wing in bringing this versatile mission to central Pennsylvania,” Jackson said. “It’s an exciting time to be a part of this team, and I have the utmost confidence we have the right culture and people to continue with a successful mission conversion.”

For decades, the wing operated the EC-130J Commando Solo as part of the only airborne Military Information Support Operations broadcasting platform in the U.S. military. Col. Jaime Ramirez, 193rd Special Operations Maintenance Group commander, sees the move to the Commando II as a major shift in the unit, AFSOC and ANG.

“The Commando II is the special operations workhorse in that it performs many different types of missions and performs them well,” Ramirez said. “There is no doubt in my mind the aircraft that landed here today will be integral in any future conflict.”

Ramirez said the wing maintained the full operating capabilities of the outgoing aircraft while simultaneously preparing for the arriving mission.

“We were ready to maintain the Commando II well before it arrived, all while never losing a step in maintaining and launching EC-130s,” Ramirez said. “That only happens if you have the best people. I’d put our maintainers up against anyone.”

While the 193rd SOMXG is prepared to maintain the aircraft, the 193rd Special Operations Group is postured to fly them immediately. Col. Gordon Frankenfield, 193rd SOG commander, said his Airmen are very familiar with the aircraft and mission set.

“We’ve executed similar mission sets for years, which likely contributed to AFSOC trusting us with this critically valuable aircraft,” Frankenfield said. “Our goal from Day One has been to operate the Commando II with the same potency as an active duty unit, and our aircrews are trained and ready to make that a reality.”

Frankenfield sees the Commando II’s arrival in Pennsylvania as an important strategic move domestically and abroad.

“The 193rd now offers something the U.S. military didn’t have before,” Frankenfield said. Special Operations Forces based in the Northeast now have a crucial air asset in their backyard to build their combat readiness. Combatant commanders have a much more robust and versatile capability to project air power in different geographic regions.”

The aircraft’s arrival at night was perhaps appropriate given the nature of its mission. The Commando II flies clandestine – or low visibility – single or multi-ship, low-level infiltration, exfiltration and resupply of special operations forces by airdrop or air land and air refueling missions for special operations helicopters and tiltrotor aircraft, intruding politically sensitive or hostile territories.

“The Commando II is the embodiment of Agile Combat Employment and will present complex dilemmas to our adversaries. It’s a shadow in the dark and sends a clear message that the U.S. military owns the night,” Fink said. “The 193rd is ready today to add to the impressive lineage of the Commando II.”

By MSgt Alexander Farver, 193rd Special Operations Wing

Posted in Air Force, Aviation, Guest Post, SOF | 1 Comment »

SOFWERX – JSOU Geopolitical Mapping & Social Network Analytics Assessment Event

Thursday, February 23rd, 2023

SOFWERX, in collaboration with USSOCOM and the Joint Special Operations University (JSOU), will host an assessment event 25-27 April 2023, to find solutions for a Geographic Information System (GIS) generated Geopolitical Toolkit and associated Social Network Analysis to help SOF professionals assess and visualize where geopolitical flashpoints might emerge.

The aim is a single operating picture that combines the GIS-generated Geopolitical Toolkit, leveraging data analytics to construct network models that inform SOF interventions.

Submit NLT 17 March 2023 11:59 PM ET.

events.sofwerx.org/map

Posted in Research, SOF | Comments Off on SOFWERX – JSOU Geopolitical Mapping & Social Network Analytics Assessment Event

Special Warfare, Air Force Recruiting Teams Develop Programs, Scour Nation to Attract Candidates

Wednesday, February 22nd, 2023

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas (AFNS) —

The capabilities that special warfare graduates provide are as needed today as ever before. That reality is the reason program leaders are working hard to attract a group of candidates who are broad, diverse and committed.

“For members of the Special Warfare Training Wing, 2022 was a historic year and I’m incredibly proud,” said Col. Nathan Colunga, SWTW commander. “Our training wing is postured to train all Americans and will ensure any candidate who comes through our doors, are offered the same opportunities to succeed and will be treated with dignity and respect.”

In 2015, the U.S. Air Force began integrating women into six special warfare specialty areas previously closed to women. Since then, a total of eight female special warfare Airmen have graduated from various training pathways.

The gain of the three women into the special warfare community within a calendar year is an unprecedented success for the Air Force.

“It is a strategic imperative that Americans know special warfare training is accessible to anyone who can meet the standards,” said Maj. Gen. Michele Edmondson, 2nd Air Force commander. “Of all the Air Force’s training programs, special warfare training has the highest attrition rate due to extremely high-performance standards.”

The future fight is going to be different from the past, requiring us to leverage the entire talent pool of skilled, qualified and diverse individuals our nation offers in order to assemble the teams America needs to meet future mission requirements,” she said.

To ensure Americans are aware of special warfare training programs, Air Force Recruiting Service made significant changes in the past two years. The agency invested in future special warfare trainees as early as possible to ensure no segment of the population is excluded from this opportunity.

AFRS activated the 330th Recruiting Squadron, a one-of-its-kind Air Force squadron, that recruits solely for special warfare career fields. Additionally, the Special Warfare Development program was established, which better prepares prospective candidates physically and mentally for the rigors of the training ahead. The program pairs candidates with current, former and retired special warfare Airmen known as “developers” for mentorship and guidance. This program is open to any aspiring candidate who can meet the standards set forth by the special warfare community, is cleared medically, and can attain the required security clearances.

“AFRS is scouring the nation to identify and connect with potential candidates who have the grit and aptitude, but also the physicality and mentality to become one of the elite Air Force special warfare Airmen as sixth-generation warriors,” said Maj. Gen. Ed Thomas, AFRS commander. “Once connected, our Air Force development program is keenly focused on preparing future Airmen, so each candidate has the tools necessary to be successful.”

Efforts do not stop at recruitment. Once candidates arrive at the Special Warfare Training Wing, each member is developed physically, mentally and spiritually to meet the rigors of the training ahead. Using a holistic approach, the training utilizes embedded human-performance professionals, special warfare instructors and support staff to optimize every moment of the specific training pathway with each individual candidate.

“We welcome and encourage diversity of background, experiences and thought for our forces because this is what our nation needs to meet the demands of the future mission construct and necessary force employment,” Colunga said. “We want every candidate who comes through our doors to succeed because we need every one of them. Once you arrive at the Special Warfare Training Wing, we will provide the tools and resources for success. But it is up to you to rise to the challenge.”

“The synergistic efforts of the Special Warfare Training Wing and AFRS laid the path for the extraordinary graduation successes of 2022,” Edmondson said. “And while the graduation of three female Airmen in one calendar year is a true testament to inclusion, innovation, hard work and transformative training, we still invite all those Americans who have the desire to be special warfare operators, to join our team.”

If you want to pursue a career in Air Force special warfare and wish to speak to a special warfare recruiter, please visit here.

Special Warfare Training Wing Public Affairs

Posted in AFSW, Air Force, Guest Post, SOF, TacJobs | Comments Off on Special Warfare, Air Force Recruiting Teams Develop Programs, Scour Nation to Attract Candidates

Science and Technology Small Business Innovation Research 23.4 Pre-Release

Monday, February 13th, 2023

The USSOCOM Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and the Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs will soon be accepting submissions for this Special Area of Interest:

PHASE I:

SOCOM234-001: Analyzing Narrative Evolution Across Social Networks

Submissions Open 21 February 2023.

On 22 February, SOFWERX will host a virtual Q&A session for the area of interest. RSVP to the Q&A session on the event webpage.

Posted in Contracts, Research, SOF | Comments Off on Science and Technology Small Business Innovation Research 23.4 Pre-Release

Teaming for Tactical Drones: Rheinmetall and AeroVironment Join Forces to compete for NATO Special Forces Project

Friday, February 10th, 2023

Rheinmetall and AeroVironment, an American unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) manufacturer, have teamed to take part in a NATO special forces project. Group subsidiary Rheinmetall Technical Publications GmbH and AeroVironment have applied to participate in a procurement programme for a small UAS intended for special operations and infantry applications.

The system must be capable of operating in all conditions and environments, quick to deploy, hand launchable, have a maximum weight of ten kilos, and an operating range of 30 kilometres.

Rheinmetall and AeroVironment are ideally suited for developing and putting forward a compelling solution. AeroVironment is an industry leader in the design, development and production of unmanned aircraft systems. Its PumaTM 3 AE UAS is in operation with armed forces around the world, while its modular concept offers the optimum platform for a small UAS for special forces.

A certified aviation technology company, Rheinmetall Technical Publications is a systems house for tactical drones. Benefiting from decades long experience, Rheinmetall has the necessary expertise to introduce, support, and adapt drone systems to meet customer specifications.

Posted in International, Press Release, SOF, UAS | Comments Off on Teaming for Tactical Drones: Rheinmetall and AeroVironment Join Forces to compete for NATO Special Forces Project