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Flintlock 2025: 20 Years of Enhancing SOF Readiness in Africa

Wednesday, May 14th, 2025

JACQUEVILLE, CôTE D’IVOIRE

Flintlock 2025, U.S. Africa Command’s annual, combined special operations exercise, kicked off in Côte d’Ivoire today. From April 24 – May 14, Flintlock 25 will bring together approximately 500 personnel from more than 30 nations to strengthen collective readiness in response to shared threats.

“Twenty years of Flintlock and our resolve is stronger than ever. Together, with our partners and allies, we are forging lethal forces ready to deter aggression and win on the battlefield,” said U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael Langley, Commander of U.S. Africa Command. “U.S. Africa Command is committed to countering threats to the United States and working alongside our African partners as they play a leading role in providing for their own defense.”

This iteration, hosted by Côte d’Ivoire, reflects the dedication by African partners to address regional challenges independently while still working with international partners for global peace. The exercise will consist of academics, then shift to a staff and command post exercise.

Exercise scenarios are designed to strengthen partner nations’ collective abilities to counter violent extremist organizations, collaborate across borders, provide security, respect human rights and build trust with civilian populations. The exercise also bolsters information sharing between African, U.S., and other partner nation military and law enforcement organizations through an interagency fusion cell.

“Flintlock demonstrates our long-term commitment to improve partner-nation operational independence,” said U.S. Army Maj. Patrick Temperato, Flintlock lead planner. “Integrated operations planned on a foundation of shared values and interests are critical to reinforcing an extended network of like-minded nations capable of decisively meeting the defense challenges of today and tomorrow.”

For more information, visit www.africom.mil/what-we-do/exercises/flintlock.

Story by Staff Sgt. Zachary Wright

Special Operations Command Africa

Posted in Guest Post, International, SOF, Training | No Comments »

SOF Week 25 – Boresight

Friday, May 9th, 2025

From Australia comes Boresight and their family of target drones. Designed to be used as an aerial target, the BQ400 quadcopter is a low-cost drone. It has a flight duration of 25 minutes and can fly over 2500m at speed of up to 17.5 m/s.

Using the ground control system, routes are preprogrammed and fly consistently sortie after sortie for live fire gunnery (both kinetic and non-kinetic) training. The one to many control allows one operator to fly up to 10 drones on the same route to mimic swarm scenarios.

Boresight also has a US footprint in Huntsville, Alabama. They are introducing new target drones including a larger quadcopter and Class 1 fixed wing model.

www.boresightuas.com

Posted in SOF Week, Training, UAS | No Comments »

Achilles Heel Tactical Launches “Field Notes” – A No-BS Resource for Sharpening Skills, Tactics, and Mindset

Wednesday, April 23rd, 2025

Achilles Heel Tactical, founded by Rick Crawley, is proud to announce the launch of Field Notes, a new section of the AHT website dedicated to delivering hard-earned knowledge, straight from the front lines of the firearms training industry.

This isn’t your average blog. Field Notes is a raw, insightful, and skill-driven content hub created for shooters who take their craft seriously—whether you’re a law enforcement professional, an armed civilian, or a responsibly armed American who refuses to be a victim.

Drawing from his experience as a Marine Corps Infantry veteran, law enforcement officer, and founder of one of the most respected training companies in the industry, Rick Crawley breaks down skills, tactics, and gear in a way that actually makes you better.

“The mission is simple: give people the tools and mindset to be more lethal, more capable, and more prepared,” says Crawley. “Firearms training isn’t just about punching holes in paper—it’s about decision-making, discipline, and being dangerous for the right reasons.”

Field Notes covers everything from:

– Proven shooting drills that build real-world performance

– Deep dives on red dot optics, rifle setups, and EDC gear

– Tactics that translate from the range to the street

– Mental frameworks that separate good shooters from great ones

Every post is designed to cut through the fluff and deliver actionable insights that shooters can immediately apply.

If you carry a gun for a living—or carry one to protect what matters—this is for you.

Start reading now at: www.achillesheeltactical.com/field-notes

Stay sharp. Stay dangerous. And stay ahead of the threat.

Posted in Industry, Press Release, Training | No Comments »

Army Streamlines Training Requirements to Enhance Warfighting Readiness

Thursday, April 3rd, 2025

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Army will unveil an updated version of Army Regulation 350-1, Army Training and Leader Development, on June 1, 2025. This revision, which streamlines the regulation from over 250 pages to fewer than 100, will enable small-unit leaders and tactical formations to focus on training to fight and win on modern and future battlefields.

The updated regulation marks a significant step toward simplifying training requirements while enhancing warfighting readiness and effectiveness across the force. In addition, it will remove administrative burdens and unnecessary distractions, allowing Soldiers to focus on essential warfighting skills.

The revised AR 350-1 reduces the number of mandatory training tasks from 24 to 17, reduces requirements, eliminates redundancies and highlights tasks that are essential to warfighting, readiness and lethality. The updates focus on retaining only the essential training required by Department of Defense policies, as well as critical Army-specific tasks that support combat readiness.

Six tasks have been shifted to optional training, at the discretion of commanders, and one task has been eliminated entirely. Outdated programs, including “Resilience Training” and “Structured Self-Development,” have also been removed.

These revisions aim to alleviate the burden on commanders by granting them greater flexibility in customizing training schedules to meet specific mission requirements. The new regulation eliminates restrictions on the duration and locations of certain training events and encourages alternative methods of training delivery.

These changes are part of the Army’s broader effort to prioritize readiness by eliminating unnecessary administrative burdens and sharpening the focus on preparing Soldiers for decisive action in combat. The revised regulation also reorganizes appendices for improved clarity, emphasizing tasks related to warfighting capabilities.

This update reflects the Army’s commitment to ensuring that Soldiers are better prepared for real-world missions while reducing non-essential requirements that can detract from operational effectiveness.

To read the draft of AR-350-1, click here.

Posted in Army, Guest Post, Profession of Arms, Training | No Comments »

Register Now for LEGION Legends

Saturday, March 29th, 2025

SIG SAUER Presents the First LEGION LEGENDS Event

This is a fully immersive range experience featuring veterans of the US military’s most elite forces, brought to you by the team who hosts the legendary Camp LEGION.

At this industry first event, level up your shooting game with combat professionals – Kyle Lamb, Kevin Holland, JR Cook and Chili Palmer – four legends that have fought for our freedoms.

DATES: May 21-24, 2025

LOCATION: Dallas, Texas

LEGION LEGENDS builds off the iconic Camp LEGION event and adds a truly unique experience to enhance your firearm skills with a curriculum designed by legendary combat professionals.

With the small group attending this event, attendees will have an unprecedented opportunity to engage exclusively in powerful discussions and 1-on-1 with the LEGION LEGENDS, learning the core values and skills that define the most elite military leaders.

About LEGION LEGENDS Event:

An all-inclusive three-night / four-day experience and range program. From the time you check-in with the SIG Events team, your experience includes:

Luxury hotel accommodation at the Omni Frisco at the Star located just north of Dallas, Texas.

All meals

Event transportation

Firearms and ammunition for range events

LEGION LEGENDS swag pack

Event firearms purchase opportunities and discounts

Wednesday, May 21 – Saturday, May 24, 2025

Limited spots available. The experience is $4,199 per guest.

LEARN MORE AND REGISTER NOW FOR LEGION LEGENDS

Posted in Advertiser, Guest Post, Shooting Sports, Training | 1 Comment »

Spectra Group Train Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to Use Troposcatter MTTS

Sunday, March 23rd, 2025

Spectra Group (UK) Ltd, a specialist provider of secure voice, data and satellite communications systems, has been supporting the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to enhance their strategic communications expertise, particularly by maximising the capabilities and hence benefits of using Comtech’s Troposcatter Modular Transportable Transmission System (MTTS).

Spectra Group acquired the global distribution rights for Comtech’s Troposcatter Family of Systems (less USA, Canada and Mexico which is retained by Comtech) in 2024 and late last year Spectra Group also announced opening their Australia office to better support the Asia region.

Tropospheric scatter is a communications capability that uses the Troposphere (up to about 13km altitude) to provide high bandwidth communications. It is satellite independent and works in a GPS/GNSS denied environment, so is suitable for use in a Peer-on-Peer conflict/Multi Domain Integration. Troposcatter inherently has very low latency and can provide huge bandwidth, potentially enabling analysis and manipulation of large data, which combined with its low operating cost makes it suitable for strategic down to tactical headquarters. Troposcatter MTTS is the most flexible, rapidly deployable, modular transit case troposcatter system available for when the operational situation demands high power, typically 500W. Key benefits for the AFP include rapid deployability, exceptional mobility and robust performance in challenging environments, enabling critical voice, data, and video communications in situations where traditional infrastructure is unavailable.

Throughout March, Spectra Group has been providing a comprehensive familiarisation and training package to the AFP to ensure that they are not only able to unlock the full capability of their MTTS Troposcatter systems but also embed indigenous knowledge and expertise to maintain the capability for the future.

Shaun Barry, Business Development Manager at Spectra Group said: “We have been working hard over the last couple of years to develop opportunities in the Asia region and this training programme is a good example where we are directly supporting our customers to not only get the best from their equipment now but also sustain that capability into the future. The region is extremely geographically complex which presents multiple strategic communication challenges for security forces and Spectra Group has have a number of superb systems including Troposcatter, SlingShot and soon GENSS that provide the perfect solution to these challenges.”

www.spectra-group.co.uk

Posted in Comms, International, Press Release, Training | 1 Comment »

188th Infantry Brigade Innovation Lab Invests in Drone Training for Future Combat

Sunday, March 23rd, 2025

FORT STEWART, Ga. – The 188th Infantry Brigade is breaking new ground in Army training and readiness with the launch of its Innovation Lab, a future forward initiative dedicated to the development, construction, and integration of drones in modern warfare.

As part of First Army’s mission to prepare Reserve and National Guard units (Compo 2 and Compo 3) for mobilization, the 188th Infantry Brigade is embracing emerging technologies to enhance warfighter capabilities. The Innovation Lab provides Soldiers with hands-on experience in drone assembly, programming, and field training, preparing them for efficiency on the battlefields of the future.

Maj. Trevor Barrett, the Brigade Innovations Officer, emphasized the lab’s value in fostering a culture of adaptability.

“This is the future and the sooner we can expose Soldiers to this technology the better and more proficient we will be,” Barrett said. “This makes our Army stronger, more adaptive, and more lethal.”

The Innovation Lab is a collaborative space where Soldiers from various military occupational specialties (MOS) work together to construct and modify drones tailored to mission-specific needs. Using commercially available components and 3D printing, the lab enables Soldiers to design drones for reconnaissance.

In addition to drone construction, the Innovation Lab integrates small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS) into field exercises and combat simulations. Soldiers undergo training on drone piloting and electronic warfare countermeasures to prepare them to operate effectively in both offensive and defensive scenarios.

“I think sUAS operation will be a required skill for many MOS and you will see multiple variants in the US inventory,” Barrett said.

The Innovation Lab serves as a multifaceted learning tool for drone technology, with Soldiers being trained on both the assembly and field use of the sUAS. The drones that have been built will be introduced at upcoming training events and competitions for the brigade.

“We plan on using these systems this summer at eXportable Combat Training Capability (XCTCs) and the second annual Pershing Cup Best OC/T Competition,” Barrett said.

This initiative aligns with the Army’s broader modernization efforts, leveraging grassroots ingenuity to develop practical solutions for warfighters at all levels.

“Like most Soldiers, I am a student of warfare and have seen how drones have changed the modern battlefield,” Barrett said. “The overall objective is to become masters of these systems, learn to employ them effectively, and modify them to defeat our enemies.”

As the 188th Infantry Brigade continues to refine its drone training program, the Innovation Lab is a tangible testament to the Army’s commitment to adaptability and technological advancement. With each flight and every experiment, Ready Brigade Soldiers are not just learning to use drones—they are shaping the warfighting future.

Story by SSG Marlana Cureton, 188th Infantry Brigade

Posted in Army, Guest Post, Training, UAS | Comments Off on 188th Infantry Brigade Innovation Lab Invests in Drone Training for Future Combat

Cubic Participates in Cope North ‘25 Multi-Domain Exercise

Tuesday, March 18th, 2025

Providing “truth in training” to trilateral air interoperability operations with U.S., Japan and Australia

SAN DIEGO – March 17, 2025 – Cubic’s Advanced Training Solutions (ATS) team delivered 4th and 5th generation Air Combat Maneuver Instrumentation (ACMI) systems, with Simplified, Planning, Execution, Analysis, Reconstruction (SPEAR) Common Data Model (CDM), to Cope North’s annual training exercise held in Guam.

“Our solutions introduce a new era in training, enabling posture and deterrence, exponentially increasing warfighter readiness.” said Paul Averna, VP and GM, ATS for Cubic. “The successful mission integrated a blended environment of F-35 P5 Internal Subsystem (IS), ACMI pods, ground stations and SPEAR, delivering a fully operational, high fidelity tracking of three F-35 partners and three variants of 4th gen fighters from three U.S. services for the first time ever. We’re grateful to participate in this critically valuable exercise and we look forward to many more years at Cope North.”

Cubic is a recognized industry leader in Air Combat Training (ACT) designs and delivers solutions to support 4th and 5th generation aircraft training. The F-35 P5 IS provides high fidelity, encrypted Time Space Position Information (TSPI) for live monitoring and post mission review for accurate and efficient reconstruction. Cubic’s ACMI pods incorporate advanced GPS technology, allowing pilots to train anywhere at any time over land and sea, enabling training missions to be conducted without reliance on fixed range infrastructure. In 2025, Cubic will field the next evolution of ACMI, P5 System Security Update (SSU), encrypting the ACMI pod data for true interoperability between 4th and 5th gen fighters. All training data is ingested in SPEAR, during and after the mission, for enhanced data visualization and analysis to provide “speed to insight” to significantly improve combat effectiveness. SPEAR delivers a complete reconstruction of “when, how and what” happened, allowing the participants to spend the majority of their debrief time on the analysis of “why” it happened.

Posted in Aviation, Industry, Press Release, Training | Comments Off on Cubic Participates in Cope North ‘25 Multi-Domain Exercise