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Achilles Heel Tactical Launches the AHT Podcast

Sunday, May 10th, 2026

Achilles Heel Tactical has officially launched the AHT Podcast, a long-form conversational platform hosted by AHT instructor David Acosta Jr., intended to extend many of the discussions that naturally happen around its training programs.

The debut episode, “The Genesis of AHT,” features founder Rick Crawley discussing the origins of Achilles Heel Tactical, the philosophy behind the company, and the standards that continue to shape its direction today.

For those who have trained with AHT, the format will feel familiar.

Some of the most meaningful conversations don’t happen while standing on the firing line. They happen during lunch, after class, or sitting around talking once the training day is over. Conversations about leadership, responsibility, discipline, marriage, fatherhood, faith, preparedness, and the realities of navigating life well in a culture that often lacks clear direction. The podcast is intended to be an extension of that atmosphere.

Rather than forcing those conversations into a class setting, the AHT Podcast creates a place where those topics can be explored more freely and in greater depth through long-form discussions with instructors, professionals, and respected voices from the firearms, military, law enforcement, and leadership communities.

“If you’ve trained with us, then you already know that a lot of the best conversations tend to happen during breaks or after class, and the podcast is really just intended to be an extension of that”, said Acosta.

While firearms training remains central to AHT’s work, the podcast broadens the conversation beyond technical skill alone. The intent is to help cultivate men who are more capable, more competent, and more accountable in the responsibilities they carry as husbands, fathers, protectors, and leaders.

New episodes will release weekly and will feature a mix of interviews, solo discussions, and group conversations centered around topics that matter both on and off the range.

“The Genesis of AHT” is now available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

For training information and upcoming courses, visit AchillesHeelTactical.com.

Posted in Firearms, Media, Press Release, Training | No Comments »

38 Sierra Introduces Drone Incident Response Training (DIRT): Counter-UAS Training for Grounded Drone Response

Wednesday, May 6th, 2026

Barboursville, VA — May 5, 2026 — 38 Sierra, a Virginia-based provider of specialized counter-UAS training, announces Drone Incident Response Training (DIRT), a specialized training program designed to prepare personnel to safely assess and manage grounded, crashed, suspicious, or potentially weaponized unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).

Most counter-UAS training focuses on detection, airspace monitoring, and drone interdiction. DIRT focuses on what happens after the drone is on the ground.

Whether a drone is abandoned, has crashed, is found near sensitive infrastructure, or is associated with suspicious activity, the operational challenge changes the moment it becomes a grounded aircraft. At that point, personnel must be prepared to assess the situation safely, manage the scene, preserve evidence, and support informed escalation.

DIRT was developed to address that operational gap.

A Practical Program for Grounded Drone Response

Drone Incident Response Training (DIRT) is a counter-UAS training program built specifically

around the operational challenges associated with grounded drone incidents. Rather than

focusing exclusively on aerial detection or interdiction, DIRT prepares personnel for the critical phase that begins once a drone is on the ground.

DIRT emphasizes:

Safe assessment of grounded, suspicious, or potentially hazardous drones
Hazard recognition and risk-informed decision-making
Reporting, scene control, and escalation procedures
Evidence preservation and support to follow-on response
Operational continuity during drone-related incidents

DIRT is designed to provide actionable, immediately applicable procedures for personnel responsible for managing drone incidents in real-world operational environments.Mission-Specific Training for Real-World Incidents

DIRT is structured as a mission-specific training program designed around the environments,

risks, and response requirements each organization is most likely to face.

38 Sierra currently delivers DIRT for:

Critical Infrastructure

Law Enforcement

Executive Protection

Aviation & Airport Security

Maritime & Port Security

Event & Stadium Security

Corrections

Military Facilities

Bomb Squads & EOD

Each course is built around the operational realities of that environment, ensuring personnel receive relevant, role-specific guidance aligned to the incidents they are most likely to encounter.

“When a drone is on the ground, the problem has just begun. DIRT was developed to ensure personnel can recognize hazards, assess risk, and respond safely during that critical phase of the incident,” said Patrick McCrone, Co-Founder of 38 Sierra.

Scenario-Based Training Built for Practical Application

To support DIRT delivery, 38 Sierra develops realistic inert UAS threat training aids and support tools that enhance hands-on instruction and scenario-based exercises.

These tools are used to support:

Hazard recognition training

Scenario-based practical exercises

Response evaluation and decision-making drills

Controlled simulation of grounded drone threat situations

These supporting tools are integrated to improve realism and reinforce functional application without introducing risk.

Built on Operational Experience

DIRT is informed by operational experience, real-world threat analysis, and direct contributions to the development of grounded drone response procedures.Co-Founder Patrick McCrone is an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) professional with over two decades of experience in counter-IED operations, weapons technical intelligence, and grounded unmanned aircraft system response. He previously served as a Technical Lead at the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) C5ISR Center, where he led work focused on UAS threats, radio-controlled improvised explosive devices, and grounded drone response procedures. He was responsible for developing the initial doctrine for U.S.

Military EOD response to grounded small unmanned aircraft systems, helping establish formal tactics, techniques, and procedures for a previously unaddressed operational gap.

Preparing Personnel Before the Incident Occurs

DIRT is built for the personnel most likely to encounter the drone first.

In many cases, that is not a specialized response unit. It is a patrol officer, facility security professional, corrections officer, military security element, or frontline employee expected to make immediate decisions in uncertain conditions. 38 Sierra provides practical training and the tools necessary to ensure those personnel are prepared to assess grounded drone incidents safely, maintain control of the scene, and support informed follow-on response.

To learn more about Drone Incident Response Training (DIRT), visit: www.38Sierra.co

Posted in C-UAS, Drone, Press Release, Training | No Comments »

SIG SAUER Introduces New SIG CONNECT App Features

Saturday, May 2nd, 2026

Users can now create challenges directly within their favorite SIG CONNECT games.

NEWINGTON, N.H., (April 28, 2026) – SIG SAUER, an industry-leading manufacturer of cutting-edge firearms, optics, and ammunition, introduced today new features in its SIG CONNECT app. SIG CONNECT is a mobile training tool that turns shooting sessions at a range into interactive experiences with real-time hit detection.

Through the new features, SIG CONNECT users can create custom challenges directly within their favorite games or jump into existing competitions. Users can choose their game type, set the distance, and select the Optical Hit Detection (OHD) target, then define rules, including time limits, scoring zones, and attempts.

Additionally, users can name their challenge, set an end date, and share it with their friends or the broader SIG CONNECT community. Every run is tracked, scored, and ranked in real time, allowing users to battle for the top spot on the leaderboard. Altogether, the new features open up opportunities for ranges to host challenges and events, from start to finish through the SIG CONNECT app.

“At SIG SAUER, we’re leveling up our game development for our growing SIG CONNECT community who use our app to train and refine their skills or just for fun. These new features create even more engaging experiences for users to shoot with their friends and the broader community and to reinforce safe handling and shooting,” said Phil Strader, Vice President of Consumer Affairs, SIG SAUER.

Key takeaways:

Optical Hit Detection

The SIG SAUER OHD instantly tracks a user’s shots, giving immediate feedback on accuracy and performance.

Games and Drills

Users can run structured drills or compete in skill-based games, with real-time feedback that breaks down every shot and helps accelerate improvement.

Download the SIG CONNECT App

Join a fast-growing community by downloading the SIG CONNECT app, available at the App Store and Google Play, to begin your training, create a multi-player group with your friends, or join a public community to compete.

For more information on SIG SAUER, please visit sigsauer.com.

Posted in Advertiser, Firearms, Press Release, Shooting Sports, Training | No Comments »

Whiskey 5 – The Ranch Texas

Thursday, April 23rd, 2026

Who

The Ranch Texas is a Tier-1 training facility serving OGAs, federal agencies, military units, law enforcement, first responders, and vetted civilians. Founded by Chad Timney—a former pro-shooter, law enforcement firearms instructor, executive protection experienced, and training facility developer with over 20 years of experience—The Ranch TX was designed to close the gap between flat-range training and real-world application.

The leadership and instructional cadre includes professionals with backgrounds in U.S. Special Operations, military, law enforcement, anti-trafficking, tactical medicine, firefighting, emergency response, K9 training, executive protection, and government program management. Programs are developed and delivered by subject matter experts with real-world operational experience.

The Ranch TX also supports government and agency training initiatives, offering scalable program development, interagency training environments, and mission-specific customization.

What

The Ranch TX is a 300+ acre tactical training complex delivering immersive, scenario-based training across multiple operational disciplines:

– Close Quarters Battle (CQB) & Small Unit Tactics (SUT)

– Firearms training (pistol, rifle, SPR/DMR, low-light, night operations)

– Force-on-force (UTM/SIMS) and live-fire CQB

– Mechanical, ballistic, and explosive breaching

– Tactical driving & high-threat mobility (executive protection / PSD)

– TCCC / TECC / CLS (NAEMT-aligned medical training)

– Fireground and multi-agency response training

– K9 training (obedience, behavior modification, protection, working dogs)

Law enforcement training programs are designed to support POST/TCOLE-aligned continuing education and real-world application, with an emphasis on integration across patrol, SWAT, tactical medics, and command-level decision-making.

The facility is purpose-built for realism, safety, and repeatability at scale. Infrastructure includes:

– 11,000 sq. ft. live-fire shoothouse (largest commercial in the U.S.A.)

– 175,000 sq. ft. urban training environment (MOUT site)

– 14 firearm ranges, including SPR tower (700+ yards)

– Vehicle mobility driving tracks (including WPS-certified asphalt track (U.S. State Department standard)

– Off-road mobility terrain and unimproved road course

– Breaching campus for mechanical, ballistic, and explosive entry

– Dedicated explosive training area with observation bunkers

– Field operations and HLZ/DZ capable training zones

– DoD-compliant and ATF-aligned armory and storage capabilities

In addition to training, The Ranch TX operates The Ranch Media—an in-house production arm that creates high-end, real-world content for defense, tactical, and outdoor brands. This allows companies to test, validate, and showcase equipment in authentic environments with real operators.

Where

The Ranch TX is located in Dilley, Texas, approximately 50 minutes south of the San Antonio airport.

The location provides a rare combination of scale, accessibility, and operational freedom—allowing units to conduct training that would be restricted or limited in most environments. Located in south Texas, its proximity to major military installations and law enforcement agencies makes it an ideal CONUS training destination.

On-site infrastructure includes lodging, dining, classrooms, and mission planning spaces, enabling full-spectrum, multi-day training evolutions for individual units or multi-agency operations.

When

The Ranch TX has rapidly evolved into a national-level training destination, supporting ongoing programs for military, federal, state, and local agencies, as well as private sector operators.

In addition to year-round training, The Ranch also hosts large-scale training events, including Police Week (May 14–17, 2026), a free national training symposium for sworn law enforcement. The event brings together instructors, agencies, and industry partners for multi-discipline training, operational collaboration, and knowledge exchange.

The facility continues to expand its infrastructure and program offerings to meet increasing demand for high-fidelity, scenario-based training environments.

Why

Because flat-range proficiency alone does not translate to real-world performance.

The Ranch TX exists to enhance survivability through realism, pressure, and repetition. Training is designed to force decision-making under stress, integrate multiple skillsets, and expose individuals and teams to the complexity of real-world environments.

Core training priorities include:

– Decision-making under pressure

– Integration of shooting, movement, communication, and medical response

– Low-light and limited-visibility operations

– Team-based problem solving in confined and dynamic environments

– Immediate feedback and after-action review (AAR)

The Ranch provides a controlled environment where units can safely train at a level that reflects real operational demands—without the limitations typically imposed by space, policy, or infrastructure.

When repetition meets realism, performance becomes instinct.

Website: RanchTX.org

Location: Dilley, Texas

Contact: Chad@RanchTX.org

Posted in Training, Whiskey 5 | 3 Comments »

Eyes in the Sky: How sUAS Training is Changing the Way Soldiers Fight

Tuesday, April 21st, 2026

MARCH AIR RESERVE BASE, Calif. – In a classroom here, Soldiers learned that on today’s battlefield, even a small drone can present a serious threat. Through small unmanned aircraft systems training, they sharpened the skills needed to identify, report, and respond to emerging aerial dangers.

To increase readiness on an evolving battlefield, Mel Pilapil, an instructor with the U.S. Army Reserve Command Readiness Support Development Team, conducted several blocks of instruction on identifying and countering sUAS. Dozens of Soldiers assigned to the 302nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment and the 371st Combat Sustainment Support Battalion attended the training to improve their ability to identify and respond to sUAS on a modern battlefield.

As sUAS technology continues to evolve and spread rapidly, Soldiers must be prepared not only to use these systems, but to defend against them. Training focused on recognizing, mitigating, and responding to enemy drones is now essential to maintaining battlefield awareness, protecting personnel, and ensuring mission success. During the training, Soldiers were introduced to the various ways enemy forces can employ sUAS, including intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), direct and indirect attacks, swarm tactics, and electromagnetic warfare. Understanding these capabilities allows Soldiers to anticipate threats before they become immediate dangers.

Instruction also emphasized recognizing Low, Slow, Small (LSS) drone systems, including Group 1, 2, and 3 classifications. Soldiers learned to identify visual indicators such as rotor configuration, lighting, and potential payloads—critical details that improve reporting accuracy and response time.

Beyond identification, the training focused heavily on passive air defense techniques, teaching Soldiers how to reduce their visibility and vulnerability. Camouflage, dispersion, emission control, and avoiding predictable patterns were reinforced as key survival tactics in an environment where drones can quickly detect movement.

In one training scenario, Soldiers identified a simulated enemy drone entering the area of operations. Using the SALUTE reporting format, they communicated the size, activity, location, and characteristics of the threat, demonstrating how structured reporting supports faster decision-making and coordinated responses.

“This training is critical in today’s operational environment,” said instructor Mel Pilapil. “As we know currently, there are drones and drone attacks everywhere. The only way we can protect ourselves and others is by being aware of how to recognize, report, and react to these kinds of threats.”

For Soldiers preparing for future missions, the training reinforced how these skills directly impact survivability. “I think it’s important because it increases troop survivability in the battlefield and gives you insight on how to deal with drones and emerging situations,” said Pfc. Adam Li, a Soldier assigned to the 371st Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, whose unit is scheduled to deploy in the future.

For many Soldiers, the training highlighted how quickly warfare is changing. Unlike traditional threats, sUAS systems are accessible, adaptable, and increasingly used by adversaries at all levels. What once required large-scale air support can now be achieved with a small, inexpensive drone, making awareness and preparation more important than ever.

As demonstrated during the training, sUAS can serve as both a powerful force multiplier and a significant threat on the battlefield. Their rapid advancement and widespread use over the past decade have transformed the way military operations are conducted.

There is no single solution to countering this threat. Instead, Soldiers must continuously train, adapt, and employ a combination of counter-sUAS tactics, techniques, and procedures. By doing so, they remain prepared to meet the challenges of modern warfare and maintain the advantage in an increasingly complex operational environment.

Story by SPC Nathan Starr

302nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

Posted in Army, Drone, Guest Post, Training | Comments Off on Eyes in the Sky: How sUAS Training is Changing the Way Soldiers Fight

Marines Participate in Advanced Radio Frequency Intelligence Operators Course

Friday, April 17th, 2026

U.S. Marines participated in the Advanced Radio Frequency Intelligence Operators Course (ARFIOC) 26-1 at Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center, Mississippi, Feb. 26, 2026, led by U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Central Command (MARCENT) and sponsored by U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM). A program focused on advancing signals intelligence and electronic warfare capabilities in support of operational forces.

ARFIOC builds on foundational Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) training by providing intermediate to advanced instruction in electromagnetic spectrum awareness, radio frequency theory, signal identification, signal characterization, and advanced geolocation techniques. The course is designed to refine technical proficiency and prepare Marines to operate in complex and contested electromagnetic environments.

Originally developed during the 2015 Marine Corps SIGINT Strategy Working Group, ARFIOC addresses training gaps identified during pre-deployment cycles and has been hosted by MARCENT since Fiscal Year 2017. In Fiscal Year 2026, CENTCOM adopted ARFIOC as a training platform to support deploying SIGINT units.

The course progresses through foundational instruction, individual skills development, advanced operator training, and culminates in a complex, live radio frequency scenario known as the Culminating Exercise (CULEX). Throughout the evolution, Marines operate in a layered electromagnetic environment replicating pacing threat conditions and are challenged with tactical and operational problem sets.

Training events include multi-domain reconnaissance and surveillance, signal reconnaissance target development, static and mobile SIGINT operations, and contingency response scenarios such as Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel (TRAP) missions in contested environments. These exercises require distributed teams to detect, analyze, and geolocate signals while maneuvering and adapting to changing conditions.

“ARFIOC is about sharpening the skills that directly impact operational readiness,” said Master Gunnery Sgt. Rafael Alcala, ARFIOC course director. “Our Marines are learning to operate confidently in contested electromagnetic environments and provide commanders with timely, relevant intelligence. That level of technical competence and adaptability is critical to success in today’s operational landscape.”

ARFIOC incorporates both digital and analog signal sets, frequency-agile communications, high-frequency targeting, and advanced direction-finding techniques to mirror modern operational challenges. Written and practical evaluations measure student progression and provide feedback to continuously refine the program of instruction. In addition to strengthening tactical proficiency, ARFIOC serves as a venue to test emerging technologies and inform future SIGINT training requirements. By advancing individual expertise and reinforcing unit readiness, the course prepares Marines to support commanders in competition and conflict across the electromagnetic spectrum.

“This course has honestly been one of the best training opportunities I’ve had,” said Cpl. Coby Prociw, a student in ARFIOC 26-1. “It forces you to think and adapt in real time instead of just going through the motions. The scenarios feel real, and it’s definitely making me more confident and better prepared for when we have to do this outside of training.”

With ARFIOC 26-1 complete, course leadership continues refining the program of instruction based on student performance and operational feedback to ensure the curriculum remains aligned with evolving mission requirements. The next iteration of ARFIOC is tentatively planned for fall 2026, continuing the effort to advance Marine Corps signals intelligence readiness and prepare the joint force for future operational demands.

Story by Ruben Cordero

31st Marine Expeditionary Unit

Photos by Sgt. Angela Wilcox

U.S. Marine Corps Forces Central Command

Posted in CEMA, Guest Post, Training, USMC | Comments Off on Marines Participate in Advanced Radio Frequency Intelligence Operators Course

Varjo and VRAI Announce Strategic Partnership to Bring Data-Driven Insights to Military Training

Tuesday, April 14th, 2026

ITEC, London, United Kingdom – April 14, 2026 –Varjo, the industry leader in mission-ready virtual and mixed reality (XR) technology, and VRAI, the Irish headquartered simulation data company leading in human performance analytics, today announced a strategic partnership to transform how militaries train their personnel.

Modern defense forces face a compounding challenge: the demand to train more personnel, faster, is growing, but traditional live training is expensive and constrained by instructor and equipment availability. The collaboration between Varjo and VRAI directly addresses this gap by bringing together Varjo’s secure virtual and mixed reality technology and VRAI’s biometric data and performance analytics. The result is a complete training intelligence platform combining immersive simulation with real-time human performance data, purpose-built for modern defense training needs.

For the first time, instructors can see not just what happened in a scenario, but what is driving the performance of the individual or crews going through the training. VRAI’s technology can capture indicators such as cognitive load, physiological stress, and shifts in attention. An instructor with this data can intervene earlier, give more precise feedback, and make readiness decisions that were previously out of reach.

As part of the partnership, VRAI will become an authorized reseller of Varjo technology, and Varjo will offer VRAI’s HEAT software to its customer base. All Varjo customers will have the opportunity to leverage a starter version of HEAT’s data capture and visualization capabilities directly within their existing simulation environments from May 2026 onwards, which will be previewed at this year’s ITEC.

“The world has changed, and how we train our personnel has to change with it,” said Pat O’Connor,CEO and co-founder of VRAI. “We have seen how our customers in Ireland have combined Varjo and HEAT solutions to transform how they deliver armor crew training, and this partnership is how we bring this solution to defense customers at scale. We are empowering instructors with actionable insights into what is driving performance, and Varjo’s technology is a big part of why we can do that.”

“We built immersive simulation technology to put people inside scenarios that matter, and VRAI tells you exactly what happened to them when they got there. Together, we can deliver training that gets smarter with every session, because each one generates data that makes the next one better,”said Valentin Storz, Chief Revenue Officer at Varjo.

VRAI’s HEAT platform treats human performance data as an untapped instructional resource. Powered by Varjo’s eye tracking and integrated biometric monitors, the software can capture what happens during a simulation — heart rate, eye movement, control inputs, communications — and displays it in a near real-time dashboard. Varjo’s high-precision eye tracking enables HEAT to calculate cognitive load, giving instructors a physiological read on how a trainee experienced a scenario, what is actually driving performance, and not just what they did.

The partnership builds on existing first joint deployments with customers such as Rheinmetall and the Irish Defence Forces, where armor crews train weekly using Varjo XR headsets, HEAT software, and integrated heart rate monitors. Training has been scaled without increasing instructor workload, with the instructor-to-trainee ratio improving from approximately 1:3 to 1:12. The data generated is informing training outcomes in Ireland and building a body of knowledge applicable to crew training programs worldwide.

Varjo x VRAI: Data-driven insights for military training

The two companies are demonstrating joint solutions at ITEC in London, UK, on April 14–16 at Varjo booth M40. Varjo and VRAI will also establish flagship demo showcases in Munich, Helsinki, Dublin, Arlington (DC), and Orlando. Bookings are available at www.varjo.com/demo.

Posted in International, Press Release, Training | Comments Off on Varjo and VRAI Announce Strategic Partnership to Bring Data-Driven Insights to Military Training

AI Bootcamp Readies Air Commandos for Next-Gen Advantage

Sunday, April 12th, 2026

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. —

Air Force Special Operations Command has begun hosting AI Bootcamps, a pioneering training course designed to arm servicemembers with the skills to ethically and effectively integrate artificial intelligence into their daily duties.

The course stems from the command’s commitment to leveraging emerging technologies to maintain a competitive advantage in an increasingly complex operating environment. The goal of the initiative is to empower Air Commandos to utilize AI tools, streamlining procedural processes and tasks to reclaim valuable time for mission-critical responsibilities.

“The AFSOC AI Bootcamp was created out of a forward-thinking effort to prepare our servicemembers for an AI-integrated environment,” said Dr. Christina Parker, AFSOC chief learning officer. “We accomplish this by identifying and addressing concerns of using AI; identifying AI appropriate tasks; highlighting “Human in the Loop” strategies and techniques; and providing highly practical, hands-on application training.”

As part of practical application practice, students are taught how to assign the AI system a role to play for accomplishing an identified task.

“AI can serve as a ‘brainstormer’ to move past the ‘blank page’ problem, a ‘translator’ to reformat data and adjust the tone of materials, a ‘red teamer’ to identify weaknesses in a plan, and even a ‘tutor’ to break down complex topics for upskilling,” said Parker.

The course was designed to create a bridge the knowledge gap on generative AI systems, creating a baseline understanding for users no matter their experience level.

“It’s rare to leave a one-day course feeling you’ve gained a truly foundational understanding of something so transformative,” said a course participant. This wasn’t just another training day; this felt mission critical.”

AFSOC’s prioritization of AI integration began in September 2025 with the establishment a standalone A9 directorate, with a mission focused on data, AI, analytics, and assessments.

“We were tasked with designing this training in November 2025,” said Parker. “When the Secretary of War’s ‘Harness Artificial Intelligence’ memorandum was released in December, we were already positioned to execute.”

Parker states AFSOC’s proactive stance in designing, developing, and delivering the AI training has led higher headquarters and other commands across the Joint Force to reach out to request her team’s materials for review and use.

Through this forward-leaning approach, AFSOC is not just initiating the charge for mass AI adoption but is actively building the framework to teach servicemembers how to rapidly integrate these capabilities. This initiative positions them at the forefront of shaping how the Joint Force will team up with artificial intelligence.

“The primary goal is for every servicemember to have the mindset that AI is not a replacement, but a powerful teammate,” said Parker.

By Capt Brandon DeBlanc

Air Force Special Operations Command

Posted in AI / ML, Air Force, Guest Post, SOF, Training | Comments Off on AI Bootcamp Readies Air Commandos for Next-Gen Advantage