FirstSpear TV

SORD – Mountain and Cold Weather Operations Booties

August 8th, 2025

From SORD come the Mountain and Cold Weather Operations (MACWO) Booties.

Insulated with the lightest indication currently available, Primaloft Cross Core Ultra Insulation which contains Aerogel, combined with a DWR-coated NanoSteath 70d Ripstop AU-T Camouflage upper, 210D Ripstop Nylon rand, MIL-SPEC GripTAC non-slip sole and thermal reflective inner lining. These tent booties weigh just 100 grams.

Offered in AU Terrain or MultiCam in sizes 8-10 or 11-13.

www.sordaustralia.com/macwo-booties

Ocean State Innovations and 1947 Exhibiting at SHOP Show

August 8th, 2025

Ocean State Innovations and 1947 are excited to be attending SHOP Show! Join us on October 7th in a 10,000 sq ft hangar at the Drop Zone at Sky Dive Paraclete XP in Raeford, North Carolina.

We’re looking forward to connecting with industry leaders, showcasing our latest innovations, and exploring new opportunities in tactical and performance textiles.

US Army to Begin Recruiting for Space Operations Specialist MOS

August 8th, 2025

Announced in early May, a new Army enlisted military occupational specialty, 40D, Space Operations Specialist is set to begin recruiting serving Soldiers for around 900 positions. The new MOS is a nonaccessions MOS and only available to those in grades E4-E9.

Soldiers interested in transitioning to MOS 40D must have a minimum of two years of prior service in another MOS and the ability to obtain a Top Secret security clearance.

Creation of the MOS was needed as the Army continues to increase its reliance of space-based assets. Currently, the Army currently has commissioned officers in functional area 40A as its permanent space cadre and this move will help round out the force and increase tactical and technical expertise as the service enables its vision to support multidomain operations. In particular, the Army updating space doctrine and developing its counter-space capability by fielding new EW systems.

“Establishing the Space Operations MOS is a zero-growth effort,” said Command Sgt. Maj. John Foley, US Army Space and Missile Defense Command (SMDC). “A space enlisted MOS will help stabilize career progression and retention for Soldiers and NCOs who temporarily leave their current MOSs for three years to support space operations.”

They will learn all aspects of space operations and global missile defense, thereby becoming the best possible senior enlisted advisors.

Personnel previously “loaned” to the space community will transition back to air defense, signal, and intelligence units, but the manpower authorizations will convert to space operations for accessions open to every MOS in the Army.

The new MOS is expected to become formalized in October of 2026. In the meantime, Soldiers will attend Initial Qualification Training and Additional Skill Identifier 3Y.


A Soldier with 18th Space Company, 1st Space Brigade, operates a miniaturized tactical space system in a small tactical vehicle guarded by a British Army Special Operations Brigade soldier during Project Convergence Capstone 4 experimentation at White Sands Missile Range, Feb. 28, 2024. (US Army photo by Brooke Nevins)

Meanwhile, the Army plans to deactivate two space control companies in the 1st Space Brigade and simultaneously activate two space control companies in the planned Theater Strike Effects Groups, the first of which will be embedded with Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) in October, 2027. As far as enabling systems go, the Army has fielded five of the Tactical Integrated Ground Suite Version 2 (TIGS V2) which are manportable electronic attack systems. TIGS V2 was developed based upon the Broadband Advanced Ground Radio (BAdGR) effort by SMDC.

FirstSpear Friday Focus: Contractor Bag w/ Frame

August 8th, 2025

This week’s focus is a piece of equipment that embodies versatility, durability, and adaptability: the Contractor Bag. Whether you’re on a mission in rugged terrain, working in demanding environments, or simply need a reliable way to transport gear, this bag has you covered.

• Lightweight
• Durable
• Removable metal frame
• Oversized zippered opening

The Contractor Bag is a spacious duffel styled bag with removable frame. The oversized zippered opening makes it easy to load and features secondary retention straps with quick release buckles. The frame is engineered to be lightweight and durable. It has 2 wheels which make the bag easy to maneuver. There are also reinforced handles in several key locations and external zippered pockets.

Dimensions

• 16” wide
• 11.5” deep at the top 12.5” deep at the bottom
• 36” long

It’s more than just a bag; it’s a reliable partner in your mission success, designed to support you no matter where the job takes you.

For more information, check out www.first-spear.com/contractor-bag-and-rolling-frame.

For more information or a request for estimate, click here.

The C5ISR Center Uses AI, ML to Transform Countermine Operations

August 8th, 2025

FORT BELVOIR, Va. — For nearly two centuries, explosive hazards, EH, have plagued the battlespace and posed a significant threat to our warfighters. During Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, EH were a primary threat to vehicles and a chief source of Warfighter casualties. Today, that threat has evolved and includes notably more complex and lethal systems, such as sophisticated new top-attack EH. Such threats demand a modern response and solution.

By integrating advanced sensor technology, artificial intelligence and machine learning the U.S. Army’s countermine mission has entered a new era — an era defined by greater survivability, situational awareness, enhanced operational speed, accuracy, and safety.

The U.S. Army’s Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C5ISR) Centeris at the forefront of change where mine-detection innovation meets the battlefield. The collaboration between scientists, engineers, technical experts and Soldiers creates a unique opportunity for hands-on technology development and direct Soldier feedback.

Across the Army, traditional mine detection is often manual and can put Soldiers very close to harm’s way. However, with the implementation of advanced sensor technology, robotic platforms, and AI-powered systems operated at a distance, warfighters can autonomously detect mines and other threats while maintaining safe standoff distances from the explosives.

“If you’re looking at what C5ISR Center is doing with Strykers, we’re taking a system that has great armor, but limited visibility, limited situational awareness, and we’re integrating new sensors across it so that Soldiers can see threats 360 degrees around the vehicle, in the daytime or at night,” said Collin Bright, a research engineer with C5ISR Center.

The C5ISR Center’s Countermine team incorporated advanced detection capabilities into thermal sensors that C5ISR integrated into a Stryker, giving Soldiers increased visibility into hidden dangers. By leveraging AI and ML software and technology, these integrations will significantly increase Soldiers’ reaction time and ultimately increase their survivability.

“The C5ISR Center has integrated a Stryker with thermal capabilities,” said Sierra Pangilinan, a computer scientist with C5ISR Center. “By integrating the Stryker with this technology, it’s like giving Soldiers an extra set of eyes. Especially when they’re tired. Soldiers can work a 24-or-48-hour or more mission. These tools ensure they’re still protected and aware.”

As the complexities of battle continue to grow across even more unpredictable terrains, the need for flexible and adaptable, soldier-centric technology becomes imperative. The C5ISR Center represents Army innovation and a peek at the future with — software and sensors that adapt to any platform, algorithms that improve with every mission, and most importantly, a system that puts soldier survivability at the center of every design.

“The goal is to move away from World War II-era methods,” said Pangilinan. “Now, we’re applying agile development, scalable platforms, and machine learning to build tools that not only win wars — but save lives.”

Staff Sgt. Christopher Miller, a combat engineer assigned to C5ISR Center, emphasized the importance of the Center’s innovation and technological advancements which assist with the execution of missions. “We’re no longer dismounting blind,” Miller said. “With 360-degree cameras and AI threat tagging, we know what’s outside before that ramp drops. That gives us the edge — whether it’s returning fire or avoiding landmines. Without the technology, you can only hope that your intel is spot-on.”

In addition to saving the lives of Soldiers, the center is focused on saving lives long after a war or conflict ends. Unfortunately, mines don’t disappear after a conflict, so having the detection technology available post-conflict is crucial.

“The passion behind the mission is shared across military, civilian and contractor teams,” Bright said. “Everybody here — from senior scientists to interns — believes in what we’re doing. “And when you see your work directly contributing to Soldiers coming home safely, it’s not just a job — it’s a calling.”

By Kyle Richardson, C5ISR Center Public Affairs

Nomad Outdoor Launches Bow and Barrel Club Rewards Program

August 7th, 2025

Club members can earn free shipping, early access to new products and other benefits

CHARLESTON, SC. (August 4, 2025) – Nomad Outdoor has launched the Bow and Barrel Club, a rewards program helping customers to earn points with each purchase and enjoy early access to new product launches, cash back and other special offers.

Customers can join the Bow and Barrel Club by creating an account on the Nomad Outdoor website. Customers who already had existing accounts at Nomad Outdoor before the Bow and Barrel Club launch automatically receive 500 points for any purchase made on the website for the entire calendar year of 2025.

“The Bow and Barrel Club is more than perks; it’s a community of like-minded hunters and outdoor enthusiasts who share a passion for the lifestyle,” said Mike Tussey, Director of Marketing for Nomad Outdoor. “As a member, you’re not just a customer, you’re part of the Nomad family where Members enjoy early access to product drops, exclusive discounts, and free shipping. But more than that, they become part of something bigger, the Nomad Community. “

There is no charge for joining the Bow and Barrel Club.

Only purchases made directly from the Nomad Outdoor website count toward loyalty points, with members earning points for each $1 spent.  Members can also earn points by following Nomad Outdoor on social media, signing up for the mailing list, and referring others to the Bow and Barrel Club.

Members also automatically receive 500 points on their birthday.

Bow and Barrel Club members can unlock new benefits as they earn points, with levels designated as Bronze, Silver and Gold tiers. The number of points earned per each dollar spent goes up and benefits increase as customers achieve new levels.

To sign up for the rewards program or to learn more, visit the Bow and Barrel Club website.

Darley Named One of Crain’s 2025 Fast 50

August 7th, 2025

ITASCA, IL – August 7, 2025 – Darley, a leading provider of defense, fire, and emergency services equipment, is proud to announce it has been named one of Crain’s 2025 Fast 50 by Crain’s Chicago Business.

This honor recognizes Darley as one of the 50 fastest-growing companies in the Chicago area based on year-over-year revenue growth.

“Darley is deeply honored to be recognized among Crain’s 2025 Fast 50,” said Paul Darley, CEO and President of Darley. “This recognition is a testament to the relentless innovation, dedication, and passion of our incredible team and reflects our commitment to growth with purpose and delivering exceptional service to those we serve.”

Learn more on our websites: www.darley.com and shop.darley.com.

ASA and Leading 2A Groups File Lawsuit Challenging the Constitutionality of the NFA

August 7th, 2025

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Friday, August 1st, the American Suppressor Association (ASA), National Rifle Association (NRA), Second Amendment Foundation (SAF), Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC), Prime Protection STL Tactical Boutique, and two members of the organizations filed a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the National Firearms Act of 1934 (NFA). The complaint, Brown v. Bondi, was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri.

Until President Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, the NFA established a $200 tax and tax-enforcement registration regime on certain classes of firearms, including suppressors, short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns, and NFA-defined “any other weapons.” With the elimination of this excise tax in the OBBB, the joint complaint alleges that the NFA registration regime is no longer justifiable as an exercise of Congress’s taxing power, nor any other Article I power.

The lawsuit also asserts that the NFA’s registration regime for suppressors and short-barreled rifles violates the Second Amendment. The Supreme Court has established that any regulation on arms-bearing conduct must be consistent with our nation’s historical tradition of firearm regulation. The complaint argues there is no tradition that supports the NFA’s registration regime for protected arms such as suppressors and short-barreled rifles.

Click here to read the lawsuit. 

“The National Firearms Act has been a weight around the neck of law-abiding gun owners for nearly a century,” said Knox Williams, President and Executive Director American Suppressor Association. “With the elimination of the excise tax on suppressors, short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns, and AOWs through the One Big Beautiful Bill, our lawsuit challenges the NFA as an unconstitutional registry of now untaxed firearms. Common sense and the law are on our side, and we look forward to fighting on behalf of all Americans in Federal Court.”

“The National Firearms Act has infringed on law-abiding Americans’ right to keep and bear arms for nearly a century,” said John Commerford, Executive Director of the NRA Institute for Legislative Action. “Congress took a major step by eliminating the NFA tax on suppressors and short-barreled firearms through the OBBB, and we’re proud to work alongside other leading Second Amendment organizations to finish the job.”

“The National Firearms Act’s registration scheme only exists to ensure that the tax on NFA firearms was paid,” said Adam Kraut, SAF’s Executive Director. “With Congress removing the tax on silencers, short-barreled firearms, and ‘any other weapons,’ the continued inclusion of these items in the NFA serves no purpose, except continuing to retain an impermissible hurdle to the exercise of one’s constitutional right to keep and bear arms. We look forward to relegating this unconstitutional law to the history books.”

“The National Firearms Act isn’t just unconstitutional, it’s a tyrannical abomination,” said Firearms Policy Coalition President Brandon Combs. “Not only does the NFA violate your Second Amendment rights, but Congress never had the lawful authority to pass it in the first place. That makes it a double abuse of power, violating both the right to keep and bear arms and the hard limits the Constitution places on the federal government. We’re proud to fight alongside our allies to end this corrupt, immoral law so peaceable Americans can exercise their rights when, where, and how they choose.”