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USSOCOM To Conduct Market Research and Industry Day For Next Generation Communications Accessories

Friday, November 11th, 2016

Program Manager Special Operations Forces – Survival, Support, and Equipment Systems (PM-SOF SSES) is comducting q Sources Sought / Request for Information (RFI) and an Industry Day (ID) to discuss compatibility between the Next Generation Hand Held (NGHH) Radio and the manufacture of Communications Accessories (Headsets, Cables, and Push-To-Talk (PTT) Devices).

1st Special Forces Command in conjunction with PM-SOF SSES and Harris Corporation, manufacturers of the NGHH, are investigating the ability of industry to meet compatibility and performance requirements of COMACC that would operate with the NGHH Radio. COMACC is the interface between SOF tactical radio systems and the operator for voice communications. The focal point of this event is the compatibility with legacy COMACC, future COMACC and new generation SOF radios.

Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) of communications equipment, communications accessories, or integrators are invited to submit a capability statement describing their experience in these fields to the POCs identified in this announcement. PM-SOF SSES representatives, Harris Corporation NGHH program managers and radio communications technical experts, and military force modernization equipment subject matter experts will be in attendance to discuss COMACC and NGHH capabilities and requirements.

The Indsustry Day will be held 29 November 2016; 0900 – 1500 EST at the Hilton Garden Inn Rochester Downtown in Rochester, NY.

To learn more with detailed instruction on how to participate, visit www.fbo.gov.

Tags: PM-SSES
Posted in Comms, Contracts, SOF | Comments Off on USSOCOM To Conduct Market Research and Industry Day For Next Generation Communications Accessories

Lockheed Martin Submits Bid for Special Operations Forces’ Global Logistics Support Services Program

Wednesday, November 2nd, 2016

ORLANDO, Fla., Nov. 1, 2016 – Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) has submitted a proposal for U.S. Special Operations Command’s (USSOCOM) next-generation logistics and sustainment support program.

Under the Special Operations Forces Global Logistics Support Services (SOF GLSS) contract, U.S. Special Operations Forces will receive a wide range of tailored logistics, maintenance and sustainment services worldwide.

The SOF GLSS program is the competitive follow-on contract to the Special Operations Forces Contractor Logistics Support Services (SOF CLSS) contract.

Awarded to Lockheed Martin in 2010, SOF CLSS is USSOCOM’s largest service contract vehicle, providing the full scope of logistics services required to support the U.S. Special Operations community.

“Lockheed Martin is the proven partner for the future of U.S. Special Operations logistics and sustainment support,” said Paul Lemmo, vice president of Fire Control / SOF CLSS at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. “Our agile, innovative and on-demand logistics support for the SOF CLSS program demonstrates our unrivaled dedication to the men and women at the tip of the spear. We have the right team in place to ensure our Special Operators have what they need, when and where they need it.”

For additional information, visit our website: www.lockheedmartin.com.

Tags: Lockheed Martin
Posted in Press Release, SOF | Comments Off on Lockheed Martin Submits Bid for Special Operations Forces’ Global Logistics Support Services Program

Hurlburt Field Unveils Special Tactics Memorial

Wednesday, October 26th, 2016

Last week, AFSOC added a statue of a Special Tactics Operator to the memorial park at Hurlburt Field, Florida. Considering the 24th SOW is a major portion of AFSOC’s combat power, and Special Tactics Airmen have been instrumental in the joint fight, its about time their contributions are recognized.

Special Tactics, the Air Force’s ground special operations force, has been engaged in every major conflict since 9/11, continuously deployed for more than 5,000 days to more than 73 locations. As a result of their actions in combat, the Special Tactics community has earned the highest number of valorous medals in the Air Force since the Vietnam War.

In the last 40 years, only ten Airmen have received the Air Force Cross, the service’s highest medal it can bestow for valor in combat. Eight of those recipients were Special Tactics Airmen.

Beside the statue are two plaques which include the names of those Airmen who have earned the Air Cross Cross as well as the 8 ST operators who have fallen in training and the 19 who perished in action.

In true Special Tactics fashion, the dedication ceremony ended with memorial pushups.

Photos courtesy of North American Rescue.

Tags: Special Tactics
Posted in Air Force, Memorial, SOF | 2 Comments »

2nd Bn, 3rd SFG(A) Celebrates Its 25th Anniversary

Thursday, October 20th, 2016

On 14 October, the 2nd Bn, 3rd SFG(A) celebrated its 25th anniversary. Seen here is LTC David Painter and CSM Christopher Raube placing a wreath to honor Bush Hog Soldiers, past and present.

I stood in formation during the activation ceremony on the parade ground of Fort Bragg’s Old Division Area back in 1991. As a severely understrength Caribbean-oriented battalion, we weren’t known as the Bush Hog’s yet and it would be several years before we completely ready. The unit cut its teeth on JCETs and Operation Restore Democracy in Haiti, served as our capstone. In the ensuing years, the Bush Hogs have really shined, earning their nickname in Afghanistan. I’m proud to have served on a SOT-A in 2/3.

Happy 25th Anniversary to my fellow 2/3 Veterans. Here’s to 25 more!

Posted in History, SOF | 4 Comments »

USSOCOM To Host Family of Tactical Headborne Systems Industry Day

Friday, October 14th, 2016

It’s full steam ahead for USSOCOM regarding development of a new helmet(s). On the heels of the final delivery of items developed under the Advancement Of Headborne Systems Technologies BAA effort, they will hold an industry Day for their planned Family of Tactical Headborne Systems.

The United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) will conduct a briefing to Industry in support of the FTHS program. This Industry Day will occur on Tuesday, 15 November 2016, from 0800 to approximately 1700 at the Natick Soldier Systems Center (NSSC), 15 General Greene Avenue, Natick, MA 01760.

Revision Military delivered their BAA prototypes first and unveiled the system during AUSA. Gentex previewed their system to us during Modern Day Marine. Both have some great features. 3M Ceradyne is said to also have participated in the project but no one in the booth at AUSA knew anything about their effort.

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this procurement is 339999, with a Small Business size standard of 500 employees. Businesses with the following NAICS codes may also participate in the Industry Day: 339999, 314999, 326199, 315280, 39920, and 541712.

Interested parties must register. Visit www.fbo.gov for details.

Posted in Contracts, Helmets, PM-SOF, SOF | 1 Comment »

AUSA – Family of Tactical Headborne Systems from Revision Military

Tuesday, October 4th, 2016

At AUSA, Revision Military unveiled their new Family of Tactical Headborne Systems which they submitted in response to USSOCOM’s requirement for a Next-Generation Helmet Program. Seen below on a mannequin set up as a 21st Century SWCC Operator, the helmet is impressive.

The core of the system is a bump helmet which can be upgraded with an appliqué offering ACH-level 9mm ballistic performance. Below, you can see the system as it will most commonly be used.

Revision’s ballistic shell has approximately .5 lbs reduction in weight from the current helmet. The helmet is also upgradable to 7.62 rifle protection with a two piece appliqué. These photos depict how the appliqué attaches to the bump helmet.

In addition to the ballistic upgrades, Revision has instituted a five size approach versus the existing four currently available sizes. This results in a better fitting helmet.

Above, you can see the rear of the helmet.

In addition to the actual helmet, Revision has introduced several accessories which include:

Comfort ready liner with removable dial fit band

The removable dial fit band has been asked for by numerous users. The liner can be worn with integral over the head communications by removing the center set of pads as seen above, or the helmet’s rail can be fitted with rail adaptor Peltors.

Daytime visor (smoke/clear)

The visor mounts to the Night Vision Shroud.

Laser Enabled NVG Splash Shield

The Splash Shields attach to the NVGs and protect the eyes from debris and sea spray in a maritime environment. Revision also offers laser protective versions of the Splash Shield.

Bump and ballistic swing away mandible guard

The madible’s buckle is located at the rail. When disconnected, it swings out of the way.

Skeletonized rails for weight reduction

Notice the bungee for cable management.

www.revisionmilitary.com

Tags: Revision Military
Posted in AUSA, Helmets, PM-SOF, SOF | 14 Comments »

Remember Task Force Ranger And The Battle Of Mogadishu

Monday, October 3rd, 2016

Today actually marks two major anniversaries in the history of US Special Operations. First, is the creation of the 75th Ranger Regiment through the activation of its 3rd Battalion. It’s also the date of 1993’s Battle of Mogadishu during which, elements of TF Ranger which was deployed to Mogadishu, Somalia, conducted an operation on that city’s Olympic Hotel in order to capture key leaders of the Aidid Militia.

Unfortunately, during the exfil portion of the raid a battle ensued that claimed the lives of 18 Americans and wounded another 73. Additionally, CW3 Michael Durant was captured by the militia. Fortunately, Durant was later repatriated and went on to retire from the 160th. Of the men killed that day, two would be awarded the Medal of Honor, Delta Operators Gary Gordon and Randy Shughart for their selfless efforts to protect Durant after his aircraft, callsign Super 64 was shot down.

For those of you unfamiliar, one of the best accounts of the battle is contained in the book, “Blackhawk Down” by author Mark Bowden. Much of the information was serialized prior to the book’s publication in the Philadelphia Enquirer. Later this was made into a movie bearing the same name.

If you want to here more from a man that was there in the thick of it, check out Panteao Productions‘s “Battle of the Black Sea” featuring MSG Paul Howe (USA, Ret).

Please take a moment to remember these men and their sacrifice.

Posted in History, SOF | 12 Comments »

Revision Military Unveils Submission For SOCOM Next–Generation Helmet Program

Sunday, October 2nd, 2016

Tomorrow Revision Military will officially unveil its submission for USSOCOM’s Next–Generation Helmet Program, but you get a sneak peek here at SSD. If you’re attending AUSA be sure to stop by their booth and check it out.

Essex Junction, Vermont (October 3, 2016) – In July of this year, Revision Military, a world leader in head protection solutions, was awarded a development contract (H92222-16-R-0017) by the Department of Defense for their next-generation helmet platform program. Tomorrow, Revision will unveil its submission for this contract—Revision’s Family of Tactical Headborne Systems (FTHS). In fulfillment of the development contract, Revision has delivered several-hundred samples for testing.

Revision’s unique multipurpose helmet suite consists of Coastal Marine, Riverine, Ground Ballistic, and Ground Bump systems. Revision has also developed a new set of accessories that will be provided with the FTHS suite kits. These specially-designed accessories enhance the multiuse helmet systems for Boat, Vehicle, and HALO/HAHO, as well as mountain, river, and direct action operations.

The bump helmet Revision developed for the FTHS is the first bump helmet in the industry that can be can be ballistically-enabled with add-on armor, for blunt force and ballistic protection during specialty operations. This novel operational approach also reduces the neck load burden during highly dynamic operations while still providing the protection required to accomplish the mission. This, coupled with the skeletonization of all system components, has significantly reduced the overall weight compared to helmets on the market today.

“We can’t wait for the warfighter to get their hands on these helmets,” said Eric Hounchell, Vice President, Armor and Global Operations, Revision Military. “This is a very exciting opportunity for Revision, and this project continues to drive innovation within our Armor Business Unit. It’s a very aggressive program and I believe Revision has proven itself more than up to the challenge, building a full-suite, custom solution from the ground up. All of the significant resources at the company’s disposal were called upon to produce this cutting-edge helmet, resulting in a product that will give some of our country’s most elite forces the protection, versatility, and maneuverability they require for demanding operations. We firmly believe the solutions we’ve created here advance helmet technology as we know it.”

Revision was one of only three companies awarded a development contract. Revision will also be delivering several hundred systems to a third-party test lab to support witness testing. Overall, Revision’s FTHS also includes a headborne signature PSM (Personal Signature Management) package, blunt/ballistic mandibles, daytime visors, a NVG splash shield, and Revision’s new multilayer liner comfort system with a removable fit band and a concave shell design to support NVG use. Revision’s FTHS suite of products and accessories will be available commercially in 2017.

www.revisionmilitary.com

Tags: Revision
Posted in AUSA, Helmets, Press Release, SOF | 2 Comments »