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AGR Program Changes on the Horizon

September 14th, 2022

ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. (AFNS) —

In line with Lt. Gen. John Healy’s strategic priorities of “Ready Now!” and “Transforming for the Future,” Air Force Reserve Command is instituting changes to the Active Guard and Reserve program effective Oct. 1.

On that day, roughly 6,000 AGR positions will complete the transition to “term” and have initial tour determination and extension approval authority at the wing commander level. Career status will be granted at six cumulative years of service in the AGR program.

“The AGR program will continue to provide promotion, career progression, retention, education and professional development opportunities for Reserve Citizen Airmen,” said Healy, chief of the Air Force Reserve and commander of AFRC. “Taking care of our Airmen will remain our priority during the transition as commanders ensure they have the critical AGR positions filled to be combat ready to meet operational demands in the future.”

As always, the program may lead to Airmen earning an active-duty retirement after attaining the required years of total active federal military service.

Career AGRs who wish to remain in the AGR program will continue to adhere to existing guidance and will accept permanent change of station, permanent change of assignment, training, developmental education and force development opportunities in accordance with Air Force Manual 36-2114, section 6.6.

AGR term positions were successfully introduced in 2019, and provide more agility in recruiting, retaining and managing AGR talent. After three years of implementation and review, AFR leadership is instituting changes to the AGR program. The transformation is part of AFRC’s mission and compliance with Healy’s task order “to ensure units are mission ready and properly resourced.”

Wing commanders, or their equivalent, will have tour length determination and extension approval authority. In the past, initial term tours were fixed at three years, with an extension up to five years requiring Deputy Commander, Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC/CD) or Deputy to the Chief, Air Force Reserve (AF/RE-D) approval. Now, advertisements for initial tour lengths – two, three, four or five years – will be determined by wing commanders and above. Tour extensions may not exceed a total tour length of five years.

The second change will remove the AGR career status option from the AGR continuation decision process. AGR members will be granted career status after completion of six cumulative years in the AGR program, in accordance with Department of Defense Instruction 1205.18, section 6.6.

Over the next month, communication will be provided through virtual town hall meetings, Facebook Live events, email and MyPers messages, and updates to command social media sites regarding the AGR changes.

For additional information, elevate any questions through your Numbered Air Force A1 staff or Headquarters Commander Support Staff.

Air Force Reserve Command Public Affairs

Posted in Air Force, Army, Guest Post, Profession of Arms | 1 Comment »

LA Sheriff’s Department Approves Langdon Tactical RDO for Duty Use

September 13th, 2022

(Los Angeles County, CA) – Langdon Tactical is proud to announce that the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has approved the LTT RDO solution on Beretta 92 pistols for duty use department wide.

The department approved LTT’s solution after more than two years of testing, including multiple deputies extensively evaluating the LTT slides over several thousand rounds. The LASD Deputies found Langdon’s RDO solution to be safe, effective, and high quality.

“This decision by LASD solidifies not just LTT’s position in the pistol red dot market but sends a message industry wide about the future of handgun optics” says Ernest Langdon, President of LTT “we’re looking forward to working with LASD and their Deputies as we introduce our Duty RDO pistols for the LE and commercial markets.”

Coinciding with the LASD policy update, LTT is launching their Duty RDO pistol, complete with the LTT optic solution on a duty approved (no other customization) Elite LTT 92. LTT also offers 92 RDO slides for those Deputies, Officers, or individuals who already have a 92 series pistol and want to add optic capability.

Check out all of Langdon’s Red Dot Ready options & pistols, along with the full line up of LTT products at www.LangdonTactical.com.

Posted in LE, Press Release, weapons | 2 Comments »

Now IN-STOCK Curv Tactical from 1947LLC and OSI: Black/Grey 0.7mm, 0.9mm and 1.4mm Ultra-Matte Black 0.7mm, 0.9mm and 1.4mm

September 13th, 2022

Curv Tactical™ can be used in anti-ballistic applications and in conjunction with puncture-resistant materials such as Aramid fiber. It can also be used as a stiffener in bags, backpacks, holsters, ballistic vests and more. Because of its unique mono-construction; Curv Tactical™ can be sewn, glued, laser-cut or thermoformed for precise fitment. High stiffness, high tensile strength, superior impact resistance and formability with extremely low density are all highlights of Curv Tactical™.

For pricing and info contact:
Geoff Senko
440-670-9421
geoff@osinnovate.com

1947 LLC is the Exclusive Distributor of Curv® Tactical

1947LLC is a Division of Ocean State Innovations

www.osinnovate.com

Posted in Advertiser, Guest Post, Materials | Comments Off on Now IN-STOCK Curv Tactical from 1947LLC and OSI: Black/Grey 0.7mm, 0.9mm and 1.4mm Ultra-Matte Black 0.7mm, 0.9mm and 1.4mm

TacJobs – Customer Service Rep at Spiritus Systems

September 13th, 2022

We’re looking for a customer service rep. If think you have what it takes, and are a good communicator then send us your resume. Also… knowing how to assemble an LV/119 blindfolded is a major plus.

To learn about this job and others, visit www.spiritussystems.com/careers.

Posted in Advertiser, TacJobs | Comments Off on TacJobs – Customer Service Rep at Spiritus Systems

The New Ironside Holster from T.REX ARMS

September 13th, 2022

For the last several years, T.Rex Arms has been making Kydex holsters; mostly focusing on inside-the-waistband and war-belt options. But this year, we applied everything we have learned in the past to the Ironside System, a line of basic outside-the-waistband concealment holsters and modular mag carriers.

Features include adjustable retention, adjustable cant, multiple sizes of belt-loops, optic compatibility, and wide support for weapons and lights. Made of sturdy 0.093″ Kydex with an inward tilt, the Ironside is an excellent solution for high-level shooters looking for strong-side carry, and with an emphasis on comfort and a low price point, it will be a good option for new gun owners as well.

In addition to the pistol mag carriers, we also manufacture carriers for AR magazines, tourniquets, and handcuffs. An included bridge connector allows users to combine multiple carriers in any configuration they want.

Like all T.REX ARMS holsters, the Ironside is manufactured entirely in the USA: built to order in our Middle Tennessee facility, subjected to rigorous quality control procedures, and backed by a limited lifetime warranty and our world-class customer support team.

For more information, visit www.trex-arms.com

Posted in Holsters, Press Release | 1 Comment »

Visit Exo Charge at Ft Benning Maneuver Warfighter Expo

September 13th, 2022

The EXO Charge division of Xentris Wireless will be showcasing its next-generation mission-ready power solutions during the Maneuver Warfighter Conference at McGinnis-Wickham Hall, Fort Benning September 13-15.

Visit the EXO Charge team at booth #89 to learn about the latest developments – featuring:

• Small Tactical Universal Battery (STUB): The STUB series features a common mechanical and electrical interface and the latest USB Power Delivery (USB PD) and Programmable Power Supply (PPS) fast charging technology. Created as a family of 8 different capacities/sizes ranging from 15-80W, the STUB series is designed for dependability in harsh operational environments and provides a scalable power supply that can be shared across platforms and devices.

Currently progressing through acceptance testing, the STUB series will help to reduce the Warfighter’s battery burden by improving interoperability at the tactical edge.

• Augmented Power Pack (APP): The APP is a fully ruggedized 300Wh power bank that delivers multi-voltage support (5V-20V) and is specifically designed for operational use in austere environments. With the energy capacity of 2 CWBs, the APP can charge multiple devices simultaneously using USB Power Delivery (USB PD) and Programmable Power Supply (PPS) fast charging technology via its two USB Type C ports. The APP also features a standard Nett Warrior connector for additional, legacy-system compatibility and interoperability. Built to be tough, reliable, and easy to use in all conditions, the APP also features an NVG-compatible display screen.

• Rugged Auxiliary Charger (RAC): Small, powerful, and rugged, the RAC supports up to 300W total power and equipped with SAE and Nett Warrior connectors, as well as 2 USB-C ports. The RAC can charge multiple devices or batteries simultaneously through the Nett Warrior and USB-C connectors, and/or can be used as a power adapter for the UBC bulk charger. The RAC features USB Power Delivery (PD) and Programmable Power Supply (PPS) on the USB-C ports for fast charging the STUB series of batteries and COTS devices.

Building on the company’s 30+ year track record in the commercial mobile technology industry, Xentris Wireless created the EXO Charge division specifically to address the needs of next-generation portable power solutions for military applications.

Visit the EXO Charge booth at the Fort Benning Maneuver Warfighter Conference to find out more, and also follow EXO Charge online and on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn to keep up to date on the latest news, views, and developments.

Posted in Industry, Press Release, Tradeshow | Comments Off on Visit Exo Charge at Ft Benning Maneuver Warfighter Expo

Airman Accelerates Change Through Persistence, Develops Tool for RPAs

September 13th, 2022

CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. (AFNS) —

In 2015, the 3rd Aircraft Maintenance Unit was tasked with reducing cargo taken on an MQ-1 Predator alert package with the goal to decrease the need for two C-17 Globemaster IIIs to only one. Then Tech. Sgt. Bridget Carroll had an idea to help achieve this goal with the creation of a “bird-in-a-box” later known as the Digital Aircraft Link Emulator, or DALE.

Though Carroll created the solution, she was not met with instant success. Her journey took seven years.

Spring 2015 – Need was discovered.

July 2015 – First MQ-1 DALE prototype created.

September 2015 – Airman Powered by Innovation submitted.

Spring 2016 – Space Dynamics Lab at the University of Utah created two DALE MQ-9 Reaper prototypes.

August 2018 – Air Force Special Operations Command 2019 Spark Tank competition submitted.

October 2018 – API disapproval

October 2018 – Notified that MQ-9 DALE had won AFSOC Spark Tank Top 5.

February 2019 – DALE presented at Air Force Association Spark Tank.

Present – DALE Jr. developed and employed.

“If we could mobilize our capability without an actual aircraft then we could get down range and get operational faster,” Carroll said. “I had the idea to put the minimum amount of aircraft parts in a box to still do line-of-sight checks with our control stations after we set up a field site.”

During her planning phase of DALE, the Air Force was retiring the MQ-1, which resulted in a lower risk if the aircraft parts were damaged during the project’s initial stages.

“Once all the parts came in, I took the MQ-1 computer, gutted an electronics case that was awaiting DRMO, spliced cables, drilled mounting brackets, and pieced together the first “bird-in-a-box” prototype,” she said.

Before the existence of DALE, this process would require more than 10 Airmen to accompany the package, set it up and tow the remotely piloted aircraft around the airfield to ensure link connections were made.

Today, the DALE can be unloaded and ready for use with two Airmen in less than an hour. It is used to establish line of sight connections on a remote airfield and can be unloaded, set up and prepared for link checks in a more efficient manner.

Carroll’s idea and her creation of DALE serve as an inspiration for all Airmen to lean into innovation to accelerate change.

“Spark Tank is a chance to celebrate our Air Force risk-takers, idea makers and entrepreneurs who refuse to accept the status quo and have determined their own fate by developing solutions that make it easier for us to bring our very best to the fight,” said Lauren Knausenberger, Spark Tank director.

Innovation competitions like Spark Tank create an avenue for Airmen to think outside of the box and in Carroll’s case, put her idea in a box.

“Don’t give up,” she said. “There’s always people and other avenues out there that will help you.”

Staff Sgt. Chase Ward, 727th Special Operations Aircraft Maintenance Squadron avionics craftsman, began working alongside Carroll and the DALE jr. prototype last year and has witnessed the impact of her innovation. He said that the final version of DALE is in the process of being manufactured and sent out Air Force wide.

“I appreciate being able to watch this process go full circle,” Ward said. “It is awesome to know that our ideas do matter.”

Carroll’s journey and level of success is a testimony to hard work, dedication and the impact of empowering Airmen with a culture of innovation. She did not allow a hurdle such as not winning a competition prevent her from accomplishing her goals.

Story by TSgt Kaylee Clark

Photos by SSgt Candin Muniz

27th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs

Posted in Air Force, Guest Post, MRO, SOF, UAS | 1 Comment »

Christensen Arms Unveils New Modern Hunting Rifle

September 12th, 2022

Gunnison, Utah – (September 12th, 2022) Christensen Arms, manufacturer of state-of-the-art precision firearms and custom carbon fiber barrels, is proud to announce the launch of the new Modern Hunting Rifle (MHR) with Flash Forged Technology (FFT). Whether it’s a once-in-a-lifetime hunt or ringing steel at the range, the MHR was created to meet the unique requirements of every shooting situation. Built on an aluminum mini chassis with V-block bedding, the MHR offers the accuracy of a chassis rifle while providing the ergonomics of a hunting rifle with complete modularity. The all-new FFT stock, forearm, and grips can all be customized to fit any shooter or shooting position.

“With conservation being at our forefront, Flash Forged Technology results in greater environmental sustainability by saving energy and eliminate waste,” said Jason Christensen, CEO of Christensen Arms. “Utilizing automated processes and virgin recyclable materials, FFT is truly 100% zero-waste manufacturing without producing harmful toxins or emissions. This new technology helps support our goal of wildlife conservation by reducing our environmental impact and protecting our lands and wildlife for future generations – all while creating a more superior product.”

The new MHR features include: Custom Machined Receiver, Black Nitride Finish Skeletonized Bolt Handle FFT Carbon Fiber Bolt Knob, Custom TriggerTech Trigger, 7075 Aluminum Billet Chassis, FFT Carbon Fiber Forearm with m-Lok, QD and Picatinny mounts, Interchangeable Grip Modules, Adjustable FFT Carbon Fiber Cheek Riser, Adjustable Length of Pull trigger, 416R Stainless Steel Aero-grade Carbon Fiber Wrapped Barrel, Stainless Steel Side Baffle Brake (Removable) and a 5/8 × 24 threaded Muzzle for optional suppressor. All backed by Christensen’s Sub-MOA accuracy guarantee.

Finish options include: Black Anodized, Desert Brown and Tungsten Cerakote.

Chambering Barrel Length Twist Rate Total Length

6.5 CRDMR 22″ 1/8 M43.5”

6.5 PRC 22” 1/8 43.5”

.308 WIN 22” 1/10 43.5”

Weight starting at 7.4 lbs.

MSRP starting at: $3,499.99

www.christensenarms.com

Posted in Firearms, Press Release | Comments Off on Christensen Arms Unveils New Modern Hunting Rifle