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SOFWERX – Computer Vision (CV) Inference Engine and Model Training for Unmanned Systems (UMS) Assessment Event (AE)

Monday, September 29th, 2025

SOFWERX, in collaboration with the USSOCOM PEO-SOF Digital Applications (SDA) Unmanned Systems Autonomy and Interoperability (UxSAI) Program, will host an Assessment Event (AE) to identify technology providers capable of delivering cutting-edge computer vision capabilities for detection and classification for all USSOCOM unmanned systems. This event aims to evaluate whitepaper responses and down-select innovative solutions for a computer vision inference engine and model training solution that can autonomously detect, classify, and adapt to new targets and environments ultimately enhancing the operational effectiveness of UxS in resource-constrained and communication-denied environments to align with the goals and objectives of the UxSAI Program.

Computer vision rarely performs as intended and results in missed detections or improperly classified objects. Challenges exist with obtaining training data, utilizing the models on constrained resources, and deploying models over the air. UxSAI requests computer vision developers to improve our artificial intelligence and machine learning capabilities and develop highly effective computer vision inference engines and pretrained models as part of an Enterprise machine learning operations (MLOPS) pipeline. Providers selected for participation will receive additional information and funding to prepare for the AE upon selection. The UxSAI Program intends to evaluate solutions through their Enterprise MLOPS pipeline as part of this event.

The UxSAI Program seeks a computer vision inference engine and model retraining solution that:

Demonstrates robust object detection and classification capabilities.
Optimizes Size, Weight, Power, and Cost (SWaP-C) for deployment on a variety of UxS platforms.
Enables training and adaptation to new objects and environments.
Offers a modular architecture suitable for seamless integration with existing architectures.
Enhances the autonomous capabilities of unmanned systems operating in challenging environments.
Informs the necessary interfaces, protocols, and data formats for integration, contributing to the development of an Interface Control Document (ICD).
The intent from this event is for UxSAI to work with providers selected from the AE to further develop their model through collaboration with the UxSAI Program

Submit via events.sofwerx.org/uxsai-cvmodeldev NLT 13 October 2025 11:59 PM ET

ITAR Restricted

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1st Special Forces Command – “What Makes Us Exceptional?”

Sunday, September 28th, 2025

Video by SPC Kyle Chacon
1st Special Forces Command (Airborne)

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Final Basing Decision for Special Operations Wing to Davis-Monthan AFB, Revisions to Maximize Effectiveness

Monday, September 15th, 2025

ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) —

The Department of the Air Force has selected Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, as the new location for the 492nd Special Operations Wing.

Originally announced in August 2023, the plan to establish the 492nd SOW at Davis-Monthan AFB has been refined to prioritize mission effectiveness, cost efficiency and alignment with Air Force and Department of War priorities.

Following the required environmental analysis, these previously announced units will relocate to Davis-Monthan AFB:

• Headquarters, 492nd Special Operations Wing at Hurlburt Field, Florida

• 492nd Special Operations Theater Air Operations Squadron at Duke Field, Fla.

• 319th Special Operations Squadron at Hurlburt Field, Fla.

• Air Combat Command Intelligence Squadron, new activation

Additionally, as part of a refined plan, Davis-Monthan AFB is identified as the preferred location for the following units as part of the 492nd SOW:

• 34th Special Operations Squadron at Hurlburt Field, Fla.

• 20th Special Operations Squadron and 20th Special Operations Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico

The Air Force will begin the required environmental analysis on proposed changes beginning fall 2025.

Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

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AFSOC Stands Up 31st Air Task Force

Sunday, September 14th, 2025

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. – Air Force Special Operations Command activated the 31st Air Task Force July 15 and marked the milestone with a stand-up and assumption of command ceremony Sept. 12 at Hurlburt Field.

The ceremony presided over by U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Michael Martin, AFSOC deputy commander, marked the official activation of AFSOC’s second ATF. U.S. Air Force Col. Brad M. Dvorak assumed command, and Chief Master Sgt. Matthew Greiner will serve as the command chief.

“We are activating the next Air Force unit of action,” said Martin. “This unit is deliberately integrated, self-sufficient, and ready to bring airpower anywhere in the world.”

ATFs are limited-scale, experimental units designed to provide combat capabilities to the Joint Force. As the Air Force transitions away from the Expeditionary Air Base model, ATFs serve as a step toward the Air Force’s long-term design for building fully ready, taskable units prepared to compete and win.

“We have been what the nation needed us to be for the last 20 years,” said Martin. “This is the next chapter in how the Air Force meets the next threats and challenges globally.”

Airmen assigned to the ATF will align with the Air Force Force Generation cycle, deploying as cohesive units rather than aggregating personnel from multiple installations. The deliberate cycle fosters unit familiarity and provides clearer assessments of Air Force capacity to the joint force.

“You won’t find a better integrated group of Airmen working across mission lines, united by a shared vision and forged through incredible community support,” said Dvorak.

The stand-up of the 31st ATF reflects a service-wide effort to build teams capable of delivering integrated capabilities to combatant commanders while strengthening the Air Force’s long-term force design.

“In short order, we’re bringing air superiority any time, any place, anywhere,” said Dvorak. “Chief Greiner and I are so grateful to lead such a talented group of individuals.”

The Department of the Air Force has designated seven ATFs across the service as part of this force presentation initiative. ATFs mark a key stage in the Air Force’s continuing path to modernization and readiness, ensuring the service is postured to outpace emerging threats.

Story by 2nd Lt Rachel Heck | 1st Special Operations Wing

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Thunder Dome: Looking Back, Powering Forward with AFSOC Innovation

Saturday, September 13th, 2025

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. —

Air Force Special Operations Command continues to champion innovation with its third annual Thunder Dome Innovation Competition scheduled this fall. Beyond the competition, the program’s success is measured by the real-world impact of its funded projects.

Every year, the competition solicits project submissions from Airmen across the AFSOC enterprise that can positively benefit readiness. Once reviewed, senior leaders select the teams with the best proposals to present in front of a judging panel. The command awards the winners with funding to develop their concepts into tangible solutions.

As we prepare for the next Thunder Dome competition, here’s a look at the progress of past winners and their ongoing projects:

From Prototype to Production: The LaraCota Comm Cord Tester

Funded through the 2024 Thunder Dome competition, the LaraCota Comm Cord Tester introduced by a member of the 27th Special Operations Wing, progressed from prototype to mass production upon additional evaluation at Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico.

K-RATH: A Collaborative Approach to Innovation

K-RATH, developed by the 492nd SOW, received an initial Thunder Dome award for prototype development. Further funding secured collaborations with Michigan Technological University students for engineering testing and product design by Nottingham Spirk, with support from the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics. The next stage for the project is further prototype development.

Enhancing Training Capabilities: The Electrical Training Board and Specialized Fueling Trainer

The 2025 Thunder Dome competition funded two projects focused on training. The 353rd SOW at Yokota Air Base received an investment to develop an Electrical Training Board, coordinating with Air Education and Training Command; while the 492nd SOW was awarded funding for a Specialized Fueling Trainer, currently under further prototype development with SOFWERX.

These featured innovations offer just a glimpse into the outcomes of the Thunder Dome competition. By empowering Air Commandos with funding, resources, and a platform to share ideas, AFSOC fosters a culture of continuous improvement with its annual Thunder Dome program.

Voting for the 2026 Thunder Dome Innovation Competition is now open and runs through September 26th. Select the best game-changing ideas to solve our toughest challenges, your vote will help determine the finalists.

Use this link to set up your DoD-Registered account and cast your three votes for the most impactful ideas. Every Air Commando voice matters!

Air Force Special Operations Command Public Affairs

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SOFWERX – SBIR 25.4 Release 12

Monday, September 8th, 2025

USSOCOM has announced Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) 25.4 Release 12 ans will soon be accepting proposals.

SOCOM254-007: Acoustic-based UAS Rainbow Oscillation Refraction Architecture (AURORA)

SOCOM254-008: Silencing with Acoustic Rainbow Emitters (SWARE)

SOFWERX will host a virtual Q&A session for the areas of interest on 16 September at 12:00 PM ET.

Submissions Open 24 September 2025.

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USSOCOM Hosts a Change of Responsibility

Saturday, September 6th, 2025

MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Florida — U.S. Special Operations Command held a change of responsibility ceremony, Sept. 5, 2025, at the Davis Conference Center.

U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Andrew J. “AJ” Krogman assumed responsibility as the U.S. SOCOM command senior enlisted leader from U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Shane W. Shorter, who held the position for more than three years.

U.S. Army Gen. Bryan P. Fenton, commander of U.S. SOCOM, hosted the event and reflected on the importance of noncommissioned officer leadership.

“SOF [Special Operations Forces] NCOs are the manifestation of our first SOF Truth, humans are more important than hardware – and truly – they are SOF’s credentials,” said Fenton. “And as our credentials, they lead the largest part of the SOF enterprise, our enlisted force, and set the example through their decades of service, of competence, confidence and character.”

Shorter thanked senior leaders from across the joint force and international SOF allies who attended the ceremony.

“Special Operations Forces are known as pathfinders and trailblazers, but it takes courageous leaders like all of you to clear those paths,” said Shorter. “The way every senior officer in this enterprise empowers NCOs sets a gold standard not only for SOCOM but for the entire military and our partners across the globe.”

As he passed the colors, Shorter said he was confident about the future of the command.

“I can think of no one better suited to assume the responsibilities at the pinnacle of Special Operations NCO leadership, advising at the helm of a 70,000-person global enterprise, than Command Sgt. Maj. Krogman,” he said. “You exemplify the best of special operations leadership. SOCOM is incredibly fortunate to have you stepping into this vital role.”

Fenton echoed that confidence, noting Krogman’s extensive special operations experience, including his role as the Joint Special Operations Command senior enlisted leader.

“Command Sgt. Maj. Krogman, you are known as a creator, innovator, out-of-the-box thinker, atypical and non-traditional,” said Fenton. “You are exactly what SOF needs.”

Krogman thanked Fenton for his support and described the transition as seamless and the mission ahead as urgent.

“The significance of U.S. SOCOM’s role today cannot be overstated. In an ever-changing global landscape, the need for special operations is more critical than ever – these are America’s elite warriors at the tip of the spear, ready to respond to any challenge with precision, agility and unwavering resolve,” said Krogman. “As we look to the future, the importance of special operations will only grow, and I am honored to be part of this vital mission. I am eager to work alongside each of you, to listen, to learn, and to lead with compassion and determination.”

Story by Michael Bottoms, U.S. Special Operations Command

Photos by TSgt Marleah Miller

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B.E. Meyers & Co. Awarded Miniature Aiming Laser – Ultra High Power (MAL-UHP) Program by USSOCOM

Tuesday, September 2nd, 2025

August 30, 2025 (Redmond, WA) – B.E. Meyers & Co., Inc., a Defense Technology Manufacturer specializing in advanced photonic solutions for military, law enforcement, consumer, and aerospace applications worldwide, is honored to be awarded the contract for the Miniature Aiming Laser – Ultra High Power (MAL-UHP) program by US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), with a total value of over $5,000,000.

The MAL-UHP is based off of the B.E. Meyers & Co. DAGIR® Multi-Platform Advanced Laser System. The DAGIR® series of Laser Aiming Modules (LAM) is offered in two variations, DAGIR®-V1 and DAGIR®-V2. USSOCOM recently selected the DAGIR®-V1 for the Squad Aiming Laser – Ultra High Power (SAL-UHP) program in fall 2024. The MAL-UHP implements the DAGIR®-V2, which shares the same features and specifications as the SAL-UHP but with an added button for visible laser override. This allows for immediate use of the visible laser without needing to switch modes.

The DAGIR® Series is a multi-platform advanced laser system that combines a low-profile form factor with cutting-edge VCSEL technology to deliver fully digital control of visible and infrared aiming and illumination functions. Designed for weapon-mounted applications—from carbines to crew-served weapons and remote platforms. It features synchronized digital power and divergence control, ruggedized environmental durability, and a proprietary Wakizashi™ communications port for versatile cable integration via Unity® Tactical remotes. Developed with extensive end-user feedback and engineered for performance, reliability, and rapid adaptation to dynamic environments. The DAGIR® represents a significant evolution in combat laser systems and is proudly made in the USA.

The MAL-UHP as part of the DAGIR® laser series joins a variety of other B.E. Meyers & Co. trusted product lines including the IZLID®, MAWL®, MILR®, KIJI®, GLARE®, DIAL®,and BOARS® series of defense systems products, as well as an established line of optoelectronic components for unmanned aerial vehicles and other integrated sensor systems.

For sales information on MAL-UHP, DAGIR®, and other innovative laser solutions from B.E. Meyers & Co., please visit bemeyers.com or connect with us at info@bemeyers.com

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