SOF | Soldier Systems Daily Soldier Systems Daily

Archive for the ‘SOF’ Category

SOFWERX – Personnel Recovery Prototype Virtual Assessment Event

Friday, February 18th, 2022

SOFWERX, in collaboration with SOF Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics (SOF AT&L) Special Reconnaissance (PEO-SR) Program Management Technical Collection and Communications (PM TCC), will host a Virtual Assessment Event (AE) 05-07 April 2022 to identify technologies and techniques for a Personnel Recovery (PR) device for miniaturized and wearable capabilities.

The ideal prototype PR device should be able to function standalone without any local infrastructure (i.e.: no WIFI/Mesh networks/Cellular architectures, etc.), though there could be a version that relies on local infrastructure to provide alternate transport means.

Submit NLT 11 March 2022 11:59 PM ET

Visit events.sofwerx.org/tcc for full details.

Posted in SERE, SOF | Comments Off on SOFWERX – Personnel Recovery Prototype Virtual Assessment Event

USSOCOM Buys Additional Special Operations Forces Tactical Communications Next Generation Manpack, AN/PRC-167 Radios

Wednesday, February 16th, 2022

The Department of Defense recently announced:

L3Harris Technologies Inc., Rochester, New York, received a modification (P00019) in the amount of $297,200,000 on indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract H92222-17-D-0021 to allow for the continued purchase of the Special Operations Forces Tactical Communications Next Generation Manpack, AN/PRC 167 radios and ancillary equipment. This modification increases the maximum contract ceiling value from $255,000,000, to $552,200,000. No funds are being obligated via this modification. The majority of the work will be performed in Rochester, New York. This contract modification was awarded through other than full and open competition under 10 U.S. Code 2304(c)(1). U.S. Special Operations Command Headquarters, Tampa, Florida, is the contracting activity.

Posted in Comms, Contracts, SOF | Comments Off on USSOCOM Buys Additional Special Operations Forces Tactical Communications Next Generation Manpack, AN/PRC-167 Radios

24 SOW DET 1 Conducts First Readiness Exercise Under AFSOC

Friday, February 11th, 2022

MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Florida. —

MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Florida. – Airmen from the 24th Special Operations Wing, Detachment 1, participated in their first joint deployment exercise since transitioning from United States Special Operations Command to Air Force Special Operations Command Jan. 31 – Feb. 1, 2022, at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida.

The 24th SOW, Det. 1 conducted the exercise to validate their ability to provide short-notice civil engineering, force protection and logistics support toward a wide variety of special operation missions across the globe.

During the exercise, Airmen secured their cargo, prepared it for loading, and ensured it was ready for safety inspection.

“This is our first deployment exercise under AFSOC,” said Tech. Sgt. Ismael Hayes, the noncommissioned officer in charge of Air Transportation for the 24th SOW, Det. 1. “We wanted to get an understanding of some of our new roles and how we would proceed with our missions from here on out.”

Hayes added that although the transition from SOCOM to AFSOC did not entirely change their mission, it would actually help them get it done faster.

“We’re all about time,” said Hayes, “Now that we’re working with AFSOC, we’re able to work seamlessly with other units across the 6th Air Refueling Wing.”

Alongside the 24th SOW, Det. 1, were Airmen from the 6th Logistics Readiness Squadron, conducting safety inspections and providing cargo loading support throughout the exercise.

“Working with the 24th SOW was definitely interesting,” said Staff Sgt. Nasya Didomenico, a passenger terminal representative with the 6th LRS. “We ensured that all the cargo was prepared for loading, conducted the safety inspections to prevent any hazardous situations, and exchanged feedback with the Airmen conducting the exercise.”

Didomenico added that the 24th SOW Airmen were extremely efficient during the exercise and the 6th LRS is looking forward to a higher operations tempo now that the 24 SOW, Det. 1 is under AFSOC.

“We definitely still have the same mentality when it comes to doing our job,” said Hayes. “However, we’re very much looking forward to what the future has in-store for us being able to work under AFSOC and with the support of the 6th ARW.”

By Airman 1st Class Hiram Martinez

6 Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

Posted in AFSW, Air Force, Guest Post, SOF | Comments Off on 24 SOW DET 1 Conducts First Readiness Exercise Under AFSOC

SOFWERX – Semi-autonomous Precision Robotic Application Industry Demonstration Day

Tuesday, February 8th, 2022

SOFWERX, in collaboration with USSOCOM J5 (Strategy, Plans, and Policy), the joint Accelerator for Innovative Minds (AIM), and US Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) Chemical Biological Center (CBC), will host an Industry Demonstration Day 29-30 March 2022 to explore Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) and Independent Research and Development (IR&D) technology applications with the potential to inform the concept of a semi-autonomous robotic spraying capability.

This effort will also include a discussion of related attributes and known limitations. Features to be demonstrated include the ability to spray a layer of paint from predesignated point to point, to map the area to be painted, painting of elevated surfaces, painting equal to or faster than humans, with a user friendly remote work station, and the capability to store mission information. Topics to be discussed include future challenges and human factors engineering.

RSVP NLT 01 March 2022 11:59 PM ET to participate.

Get full details at events.sofwerx.org/spra.

Posted in Robotics, SOF | Comments Off on SOFWERX – Semi-autonomous Precision Robotic Application Industry Demonstration Day

First Marine Selected As SOCCENT’s Senior Enlisted Leader

Tuesday, February 8th, 2022

HOMESTEAD AIR RESERVE BASE, Fla. —

Master Gunnery Sgt. Andrew D. McCurry is the first Marine to be selected as the command senior enlisted leader of U.S. Special Operations Command Central and the second Marine to be selected as the senior enlisted leader for a Theater Special Operations Command. Master Gunnery Sgt. Jerome N. Root served as the first Marine CSEL for U.S. Special Operations Command South.

“Being selected to serve in a nominative CSEL position was something I strived to achieve,” said McCurry. “To serve as the first Marine to represent the Marine Corps as the command senior enlisted leader at Special Operations Command Central is an honor, and I feel very humbled to have this magnificent opportunity.”

A senior enlisted leader acts as an advisor to the commanding officer; as the unit’s senior most noncommissioned officer, they serve as the link between the commander and the enlisted service members under their charge. As the CSEL, McCurry will be able to advise the commanding officer on all matters regarding special operations that include issues regarding welfare, readiness, morale, proper utilization of forces and progress within the USSOCOM enterprise.

“The most effective way I can give back to the Marine Corps is through the illumination of my experiences and exposures within the SOF enterprise while simultaneous looking for opportunities to enhance service and SOF integration,” said McCurry. “Given my past and current position, I have the chance to share SOF ideas and perspectives while simultaneously bringing the Marine Corps’ assets viewpoint to certain situations.”

Being selected as the CSEL for a USSOCOM command is among the highest positions an enlisted Marine Raider can obtain external to the Marine Forces Special Operations Command due to the limited number of positions available within USSOCOM. To be considered for selection as a CSEL for USSOCOM, you must first serve a successful tour as the senior enlisted leader in an O-6 level command, graduate from the Joint Special Operations University Summit and hold a Special Operations Forces identification code or Military Occupational Specialty.

“To serve as the first Marine to represent the Marine Corps as the command senior enlisted leader at Special Operations Command Central is an honor…”

-!Master Gunnery Sgt. Andrew D. McCurry, CSEL of SOCCENT

“SOF, by its nature, is inherently joint,” said McCurry. “A task force normally comprises all branches of services, from other SOF organizations, conventional forces, and sometimes allied partners. What makes Marine Raiders unique to the SOF enterprise is our Marine ethos and understanding. Although some might consider that cliché, it is no secret that Marines are known for their attention to detail and dedication to their mission.”

Prior to being selected as CSEL, McCurry was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment in 2002 after completing embassy duty. In June 2006, he was screened and selected for duty at MARSOC. McCurry has held billets such as the senior enlisted advisor of Marine Raider Support Group and the command senior enlisted leader for the Special Operations Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve.

“Every Marine Raider came from somewhere in the Marine Corps,” he continued. “That means he/she must have proven themselves as a highly competent NCO or officer before even attending selection. Consequently, we get seasoned well-rounded Marines before they even attend SOF-specific training. This is the core foundation of a Marine Raider, which makes us unique.”

McCurry has deployed all over the world including deployments in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Inherent Resolve. McCurry also holds a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership and Master of Science in Strategic Leadership with honors from the University of Charleston.

“Being a CSEL as a Marine Raider is a mixture of science and art,” McCurry concluded. “Our experiences and culture allow us to apply both [science and art] effectively and appropriately. Thus, we provide the commander the opportunity to capitalize on our Marine background while still gaining years of SOF experience.”

Sgt Jesula Jeanlouis, Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command

Posted in Guest Post, SOF, USMC | Comments Off on First Marine Selected As SOCCENT’s Senior Enlisted Leader

10th SFG(A) – Cold Weather Training Instructor Course

Sunday, February 6th, 2022

What does it mean to be a Winter Warfighting Expert?

Currently, 10th SFG(A) Green Berets are in a frozen wilderness mastering the aptitude to train, plan and facilitate cold-weather training at the battalion level to meet our specific arctic warfare mandate.

CWT encompasses backcountry mobility, avalanche awareness and preparedness, winter survival, snowmobile operations and advanced riding techniques and special operations small unit tactics on skis or snowmobiles.

Accordingly, the Cold Weather Training Instructor Course is designed to develop professional instructors to return to their unit as skilled teachers and leaders for their unit’s CWT events.

Posted in Army, Guest Post, Mountaineering, SOF, Training | Comments Off on 10th SFG(A) – Cold Weather Training Instructor Course

SOFWERX – Optical Character Recognition (OCR) Translation Collaboration Event

Friday, February 4th, 2022

SOFWERX, in collaboration with USSOCOM Science and Technology (S&T) Joint Acquisition Task Force (JATF), will host a series of events to identify solutions for optical character recognition text to text translation technology from Industry, Academia, Laboratories, and other interested organizations. The desired end state is to understand the current capabilities and determine if those solutions are compatible with ongoing translation efforts.

The Phase I collaboration event kicks off on 16 March 2022 with other events to follow.

RSVP NLT 02 March 2022 11:59 PM ET to participate.

Details at events.sofwerx.org/optical

Posted in Research, SOF | 2 Comments »

SIG MOD-X9 Selected by USSOCOM as Mk27 Handgun Suppressor

Tuesday, February 1st, 2022

Last fall, USSOCOM selected the SIG MOD-X9 in 9mm as the suppressor for use with the Mk27 handgun, a SOF unique pistol which is known commercially as the Glock 19 and is currently in service in several variants.

The user configurable MOD-X9 Suppressor is comprised of seven, 3D-printed titanium baffles and an encapsulator with 21-points of impact adjustment. The length is adjustable from 3.25 inches to 7.5 inches, the weight is adjustable from 5 ounces to 8 ounces, and the sound is adjustable from 127.4dB to 145.3dB.

With a handgun suppressor requirement on the books for years, the capability was finally acquired via an Other Transactional Authority acquisition which saw several manufacturers offer commercially available suppressors compatible with the Glock handgun.

Participating vendors demonstrated their suppressors to the command during a private range event in 2020. Then, they selected two suppressors to move forward with operator testing and a technical evaluation at Naval Surface Warfare Center – Crane which handles procurement of weapons for Special Operations Forces. The result was selection of the SIG MOD-X9.

Due to the nature of the procurement, traditional steps aren’t necessarily followed so unfortunately, there has been no public notice of the buy. Regardless, the first tranche of suppressors for the Mk27 handgun should be hitting units by this summer.

Posted in Advertiser, Contracts, SOF, Suppressors | 6 Comments »