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CANSOFCOM Adopts Glock 45

Thursday, July 24th, 2025

In a recently released recruiting video, Canada Special Operations Forces Command spilled the beans on a couple of new capabilities.

While there was no public contract award, this Operator is seen shooting a G45 (which is 9mm not .45). CANSOFCOM transitioned to the C22 pistol based on the SIG P320 along with the rest of the Department of National Defence. However, based upon the fact that it made into this new video, they’ve likely been with the command for some time now.

When we inquired with DND about the new weapon, they provided us with this response:

“CANSOFCOM employs a range of weapon systems to meet a diverse set of mission requirements. We will not comment further on specific equipment details to protect operational security.”

There’s another Easter Egg in the video as well. This RECCE operator’s rifle is equipped with the Millbrook Strategic Sciences Multi Function Muzzle Device. That contract was announced during SHOT Show this year.

Here’s the entire video.

Posted in International, SOF, weapons | 2 Comments »

MACV SOG History – Ben Baker CISO

Sunday, July 20th, 2025

World War II Army Veteran Conrad “Ben” Baker served as Deputy Director of Counterinsurgency Support Office (CISO) as a civilian from 1963 until 1972. He is well known for his procurement of specialized equipment in support of Military Assistance Command Vietnam Studies and Observations Group which conducted Unconventional Warfare during the Vietnam war.

According to the website SOG Site, Baker procured item such as these, making him a military version of the fabled Q who supported 007:

– Seiko watches

– Gloves

– Machetes

– Specialized ammunition pouches

– Replicas of enemy uniforms and equipment

– Sleeping bags

– Ponchos and liners

– Rucksacks that were appropriately designed for indigenous troops

– Specialized indigenous rations for recon teams

– SOG Knives (the actual knife not then brand that took the name)

SOG Site produced the video as well as a great page on Ben Baker.

Posted in History, SOF | Comments Off on MACV SOG History – Ben Baker CISO

Robotican Announces Delivery of Dozens of ROOSTER Hybrid Drone Systems to European Special Forces

Wednesday, July 9th, 2025

Combat-proven ROOSTER system recently secured official NATO registration, reinforcing its operational credibility and alignment with allied defense standards.

Omer, Israel – 8 July 2025 – Robotican, a leading Israeli pioneer in the development of autonomous robotic and drone technologies, proudly announces the successful delivery of dozens of ROOSTER hybrid drone systems to European special operations forces, intervention units, and infantry teams.

These deliveries represent a significant operational milestone for Robotican’s flagship system. Building on this momentum, the ROOSTER has recently secured official NATO registration, reinforcing its status as a trusted solution that meets the requirements and standards of NATO military forces.

The ROOSTER is a compact, hybrid tactical drone that merges aerial agility with robotic ground mobility, making it uniquely suited for indoor, subterranean, and GPS-denied environments. Its ability to rapidly shift between flying and rolling allows for energy-efficient operation in complex and confined spaces. The integrated protective cage enables a unique robotic rolling capability, allowing the ROOSTER to maneuver across challenging terrains and access confined areas that are inaccessible to conventional drones. The system is capable of extended missions, with a typical 90 minutes of overall active operation and up to 5 hours in standby mode. It features robust MESH communication that enables up to three ROOSTER units to work together as a team—even in environments with no external communication. The Rooster is equipped with a built-in day/night IR sensitivity camera and visible/IR illuminators.

Designed for flexibility, the ROOSTER supports a range of swappable sensor payloads, including thermal imager, oxygen and radiation detectors. These capabilities make it ideal for a wide range of missions, including tactical reconnaissance, urban search & rescue, hazardous materials response and industrial safety inspections. Lightweight, rugged, and operable by a single user, the system can be deployed quickly from a tactical backpack, offering forces immediate situational awareness with minimal exposure.

“The ROOSTER was developed as a strategic response to the growing need for precise intelligence in challenging environments where access is limited and situational awareness is critical” said Hagai Balshai, CEO of Robotican. “By enabling forces to gather critical data before operational breach, it significantly reduces risk and enhances mission planning. Its adoption by the Israeli Ministry of Defense and Home Front Command, alongside elite European & US

Special Operation Forcess, reflects its field-proven value. NATO registration further positions the ROOSTER as a trusted asset for allied operations in the modern battlespace.”

Posted in Contracts, International, Press Release, SOF, UAS | Comments Off on Robotican Announces Delivery of Dozens of ROOSTER Hybrid Drone Systems to European Special Forces

2025 Bull Simons Awardee – Bucky Burrus

Saturday, July 5th, 2025

I wish this feature the from USSOCOM were longer, but it offers some great insight into an SF legend, LTC Bucky Burrus, a founding member of the Army SMU and a very well deserved recipient of the 2025 Bull Simon Award.

Posted in Army, History, SOF | Comments Off on 2025 Bull Simons Awardee – Bucky Burrus

Revision Awarded Contract to Supply Czech Republic Special Forces with Advanced Protective Eyewear

Tuesday, July 1st, 2025

Revision StingerHawk Clear Lens in Action

Essex Junction, Vermont (June 20, 2025) — Revision Military, a global leader in protective eyewear and integrated soldier systems, has been awarded a contract by the Czech Republic Ministry of Defense to supply the Czech Special Forces with its StingerHawk® Eyewear Systems. The contract includes delivery of 943 highly specialized 4-lens kits, engineered to support a wide range of operational requirements across diverse mission environments.

Each StingerHawk kit provides operators with maximum flexibility, including lenses for Clear, Smoke, I-Vis™ Verso, and laser protection applications. These advanced optical solutions deliver enhanced ballistic protection, visual performance, and mission adaptability, meeting the stringent operational standards of Czech Special Operations Forces.

Revision StingerHawk LazrBloc Lens

“This award reflects the Czech Republic’s commitment to equipping its Special Forces with world-class protective capabilities and validates Revision’s ongoing investment in innovation and performance,” said Karan Rai, Chief Executive Officer of Revision Military. “We are honored to support the mission-critical requirements of our allied partners and to continue expanding our global footprint in delivering advanced soldier protection solutions.”

Revision StingerHawk I-Vis Lens

About I-Vis™

Revision’s I-Vis™ technology platform delivers enhanced visual clarity and target discrimination through selective light filtration and advanced color optimization. The I-Vis™ Verso lens provided under this contract improves contrast sensitivity, depth perception, and situational awareness in complex lighting conditions — enabling operators to identify threats and navigate terrain with greater precision and confidence.

Revision LazrBloc Defeats Lasers

About LazrBloc™

Revision’s LazrBloc™ laser protective lenses provide specialized defense against both accidental and directed laser threats, which are increasingly prevalent in modern operational theaters. LazrBloc™ lenses are engineered to block specific laser wavelengths while preserving visibility, allowing operators to maintain situational awareness without compromising safety.

About Revision

Revision Military designs and manufactures mission-proven protective solutions for military and tactical professionals worldwide. With advanced research, development, and manufacturing capabilities, Revision delivers protective eyewear, integrated head systems, and power management solutions trusted by military forces in over 45 countries, including numerous NATO member nations. Revision’s product portfolio reflects its commitment to protecting the vision, performance, and survivability of the modern warfighter.

For further information, visit: www.revisionmilitary.com

Tags: Adjustable Eye Pro, Eyepro, Revision Military
Posted in Eyepro, NATO, NSPA, Optics, SOF | Comments Off on Revision Awarded Contract to Supply Czech Republic Special Forces with Advanced Protective Eyewear

Unveiling the Shane Patton Memorial Statue

Saturday, June 28th, 2025

Today marks the 20th anniversary of Operation Red Wings, considered one of the greatest losses in the SOF community and darkest day in SEAL history.

Among those killed was U.S. Navy SEAL Shane Patton, a native of Boulder City, Nevada and the final SEAL missing a memorial at home. Those days are over, as the memorial statue is complete and being unveiled today, Saturday 6/28/2025, at 4pm Vegas time.

Along with Shane Patton, We Honor:

Matthew G. Axelson, Petty Officer2nd Class E-5, U.S. Navy

Danny P. Dietz, Petty Officer Second Class E-5, U.S. Navy

Jacques J. Fontan, Chief Petty Officer E-7, U.S. Navy

Shamus O. Goare, Staff Sergeant E-6, U.S. Army

Corey J. Goodnature, Chief Warrant Officer 3 CW3, U.S. Army

Daniel R. Healy, Senior Chief Petty Officer E-8, U.S. Navy

Kip A. Jacoby, Sergeant E-5, U.S. Army

Erik S. Kristensen, Lieutenant Commander O-4, U.S. Navy

Jeffrey A. Lucas, Petty Officer 1st Class E-6, U.S. Navy

Michael M. McGreevy, Lieutenant O-3, U.S. Navy

Marcus V. Muralles, Sergeant First Class E-7, U.S. Army

Michael P. Murphy, Lieutenant O-3,U.S. Navy

Shane E. Patton, Petty Officer 2ndClass E-5, U.S. Navy

James W. Ponder, Master Sergeant E-8, U.S. Army

Stephen C. Reich, Major O-4, U.S. Army

Michael L. Russell, Sergeant First Class E-7, U.S. Army

Chris J. Scherkenbach, Chief Warrant Officer 4 CW4, U.S. Army

James E. Suh, Petty Officer 2nd Class E-5, U.S. Navy

Jeffrey S. Taylor, Petty Officer 1st Class E-6, U.S. Navy

We’d also like to thank TNVC’s founder, Victor DiCosola, a proud supporter of our US Military’s warriors and a good friend of Shane’s father, James Patton. When he heard of they were raising funds for a memorial, Vic pledged to support the Shane Patton Foundation to see this effort through to completion.

Posted in Memorial, SOF | 1 Comment »

WRANGB Hosts Arrival Ceremony for OA-1K Skyraider II

Saturday, June 21st, 2025

WILL ROGERS AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Okla. —

The 137th Special Operations Wing held a welcome ceremony for the arrival of OA-1K Skyraider II aircraft to Will Rogers Air National Guard Base, June 07, 2025, Oklahoma City.

The Skyraider II is a cost-effective, versatile aircraft that will provide essential support for operations outlined in the 2025 Interim National Defense Strategy. WRANGB now serves as the home for the Skyraider II’s formal training unit under the 492nd Special Operations Wing.

“Seamless integration with total force partners has been the standard for the 137th Special Operations Wing,” said Col. Shelby Dreyer. “We are continuing that legacy as we usher in this Total Force Initiative alongside the 492nd Special Operations Wing to train for the multi-capable mission of the OA-1K Skyraider II.”

The ceremony introduced the Skyraiders II’s capabilities and mission set to 137 SOW Citizen Airmen. The Skyraider II is a new cost-effective crewed aircraft that supports geographically isolated Special Operations personnel in austere locations.

“The 137th SOW continues to build and preserve a force where human performance is our critical advantage – leaning into the advanced training and resource management that supports our preparedness in every environment, against every adversary,” said Dreyer. “With the partnership of our wings, this is the right time. Oklahoma is the right place.”

By SSgt Nicholas Swift

137th Special Operations Wing

Posted in Air Force, Aviation, Guest Post, SOF | Comments Off on WRANGB Hosts Arrival Ceremony for OA-1K Skyraider II

NSNs Assigned to FN’s Lightweight Intermediate Caliber Cartridge Carbine and Suppressor

Wednesday, June 11th, 2025

Over the weekend, Japanese X account @teppoblog surprised us with a post listing National Stock Numbers associated with the Lightweight Intermediate Caliber Cartridge (LICC) Individual Weapon System (IWS), a novel weapon and ammunition manufactured by FN America. We reached out to several sources to validate the NSNs and they came back as real. We must point out that Teppoblog has a history of sharing correct info.

The LICC IWS project originated in 2019 from requirements provided to the Irregular Warfare Technology Support Directorate (IWTSD), a government office, which is responsible for conducting research and development in support of U.S. and allied organizations involved in Irregular Warfare. In fact, one of those sponsors of this system, Canada Special Operations Forces Command just nominated the program’s caliber, 6.5 x 43mm (.264) for NATO Standardization. FN America was awarded a development contract and we’ve kept up on the program with a couple of updates. Last November, FN delivered carbines, machines guns, suppressors, and ammunition to several SOF organizations.

The LICC IWS has four purpose-built components:

• Lightweight ammunition family
• Improved Performance Carbine
• 25-round purpose-built, polymer magazine
• Signature Suppressor

These new NSNs pertain to the three variants of the Improved Performance Carbine (11.5” Close Quarters Battle (CQB), 14.5” Carbine, and 18.5” Recce (Designated Marksmanship Rifle)) as well as two suppressors associated with the system.

The NSNs are:

NSN 1005-01-729-0039, FN IMPROVED PERFORMANCE CARBINE 12.5 IN CQB WITH BII*

NSN 1005-01-729-0052, FN IMPROVED PERFORMANCE CARBINE 14.5 IN CQB WITH BII

NSN 1005-01-729-0046, FN IMPROVED PERFORMANCE CARBINE 18.12 IN REECE (sic) WITH BII

NSN 1005-01-728-9868, SUPPRESSOR, FLOW 264 FOR IMPROVED PERFORMANCE CARBINE

NSN 1005-01-728-9874, SUPPRESSOR, FLOW 7.62 FOR IMPROVED PERFORMANCE CARBINE

*Basic Issue Items

The suppressors are manufactured by HUXWRX.

The NSNs are managed by the Special Operations Forces Support Activity at Lexington Bluegrass Army Depot and are available for requisition by Army, Navy, Marine, Air Force and SOCOM elements and activities.

Coincidentally, they’ve added a belt-fed machine gun to the capability in the form of the FN Evolys, but we still haven’t seen an NSN. Logic goes, that if the carbines have them, it should as well.

FN has also demonstrated versions of Evolys in 7.62 NATO and 6.5 CM in addition to the .264 model developed for this program. In fact, the first version of Evolys seen in the US was as the 6.8mm candidate for Next Generation Squad Automatic Rifle which rolled into NGSW. While it proved a desirable candidate for NGSW, it was too heavy for the specs spelled out in the requirement.

Due to the multiple caliber options, a forward leaning organization could buy the LICC machine gun and then arrange for the conversion kit from FN America for the desired caliber.

Likewise, we have not yet seen any Department of Defense Identification Codes (DODIC) for the ammunition. Not saying they don’t exist, but a reliable source of .264 ammunition is critical for adoption.

At any rate, these NSNs offer an opportunity for select DoD organizations (or perhaps Federal LE) to take advantage of the production contract associated with this program.

Posted in Ammo, SOF, Suppressors, weapons | 30 Comments »