TYR Tactical

TacHacker – Helmet Assault Ghillie

July 10th, 2021

TNVC’s Augee Kim recently shared his Helmet Assault Ghillie DIY project on social media. Here it is, in case you missed it.

Recent little project of mine that I’m calling the “Helmet Assault Ghillie,” or “HAG.”

Inspired by WWII-era “net” helmet covers, I wanted a quick and easy way to attach and remove camouflage scrim to a helmet, while still retaining full functionality of critical components like the helmet rails/rail-mounted accessories, Core Survival Hel-Star 6 IFF strobes, external power connectors, retention systems, etc.

The base is a 550 cord net secured to the helmet using shock cord and clipped on to the helmet clips included with the Ops-Core Step-In Visor (the kit actually includes all the needed clips—two long ones for Super High Cut configuration rails as well as two short ones for High Cut/XP configuration rails, I just installed both), to which I used jute twine to tie on manufactured camouflage net as well as cut strips of Multicam mesh material, but you could also tie or tuck any foliage, burlap, or other material to it as well.

The final product gives me full function (including being able to change batteries in the external battery pack by unhooking the back of the HAG) of all my helmet-mounted systems, while, in my opinion, effectively breaking up the outline of the helmet and providing effective (and matching—tacti-fashion is important too) additional camouflage that is non-permanent, and quick and easy to attach and remove.

Air Force Security Forces Center Assessment Tool Improves Health, Readiness of Military Working Dogs

July 10th, 2021

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas (AFNS) —

Recent renovations to kennel facilities at the 1st Special Operations Security Forces Squadron are enhancing the living conditions and wellbeing of military working dogs at Hurlburt Field, Florida.

The upgrades are a result of Kennel Health Assessment 2.0, Air Force Security Forces Center’s web-based evaluation system that tracks and evaluates the condition of military working dog kennel facilities across the Air Force. AFSFC, a primary subordinate unit of the Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center, launched the program in July 2020 with the goal of improving the health and welfare of military working dogs by modernizing existing facilities that house MWDs throughout their military enlistment.

“KHA 2.0 software analyzes four major areas: administrative offices, kennel facilities, support areas and veterinary support,” said Tech. Sgt. Otho Nugent, Air Force MWD program manager and special projects lead at AFSFC.

Taking into account more than 40 other criteria, “… the results are used to categorize, prioritize and advocate for facility renovations and enhancements to the more than $116 million in Air Force military working dog assets,” Nugent said.

The data is shared with senior leaders and key decision makers who then make informed decisions on funding initiatives and projects related to MWD health and readiness.

The $650,000 renovation at Hurlburt Field, which included an overhang and the installation of canine turf, had an immediate positive impact on readiness.

“These alone led to much needed improvements that provide a safer environment for the working dogs and directly enhance our training program,” said Staff Sgt. Matthew Mascolo, MWD trainer and interim kennel master at the 1st SOSFS. “The overhang shelters the working dogs from the Florida heat, and the K9Grass that was installed on the training yard helps protect them from danger.

“The training course was bare dirt before the turf was installed,” Mascolo said. “The area attracted animals and insects that would find their way to the kennels. That posed a threat to the health and welfare of our working dogs.

“Max, one of the MWDs, was bitten by a brown recluse in June of 2019,” he said. “I found him but by that time his leg was swollen. We took him to the veterinary clinic at Fort Benning (Georgia), but the vet gave him little chance of surviving. Thankfully, Max recovered after a few months and was able to continue working as a vital member of the 1st Special Operations Security Forces unit.”

“Hurlburt Field is one example of how KHA 2.0 is at the heart of readiness,” Nugent said. “We see military working dogs as sensitive, low density-high demand, valuable assets that require training, love and attention to operate at optimum levels. Their ability to perform what they have been tasked and trained to do is at the heart of readiness. It’s our job to deliver what’s needed for our canines and skilled handlers to perform at this extraordinary level.”

Story by Joe Bela, Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center Public Affairs

Photos by A1C Amanda A. Flower-Raschella

UVision Showcases Advanced Anti-Armor Capabilities of its Hero-120 and Hero-400EC Loitering Munition Systems

July 9th, 2021

DEFEA 2021, Athens, Greece. July 13-15. Hall 3, booth G13

Tel Aviv, July 8, 2021. Uvision Air Ltd. – a global leader in Loitering Munitions Systems of all sizes for a variety of missions – will present its Hero-120 and Hero-400EC Loitering Munition systems with anti-tank capability, providing an all-inclusive solution for countering MBTs (main battle tanks). Hero Loitering Munition systems provide an accurate, effective, and highly lethal response to hard targets, and are able to locate hidden targets, track them and attack at significantly longer ranges than commonly available anti-tank guided missiles (ATGM).

As members of the HERO series of loitering munition systems, both the Hero-120 and Hero-400EC can carry multi-purpose warheads for extended lethality against a wide range of targets, as well as having unique attack capabilities from any direction and angle, including top attack. With long-endurance and low acoustic, visual and thermal signature, the systems can locate, track and strike static and moving targets with pinpoint accuracy. The ability to launch Loitering Munitions from a remote-controlled multi-canister launcher provides effective deployment of the Hero systems from a variety of platforms – air, land and sea – away from enemy lines.  

“Uvision develops and delivers the most advanced & innovative Loitering Munition systems today,” says Major General (Ret.) Avi Mizrachi, CEO of Uvision.  We are happy to participate in DEFEA for the first time, as part of our mission to strengthen our presence within the clients in the region. We anticipate that this exhibition will pave the way for new collaborations in the area.”

At DEFEA, Uvision will feature the following systems (Hall 3 booth G13):

Hero-30 Loitering Munition System- developed and manufactured by Uvision, the Hero-30 incorporates a high level of precision attack and abort capabilities. This simple-to-operate system enable front-line forces to initiate operations, as well as to respond to any enemy target or threat that arises, and eliminate it with extreme accuracy.  The Hero-30’s advanced capabilities include striking targets with high tracking precision and lock-on, a last-second-mission-abort, and re-engagement for a second attack attempt or change of target. Its versatile installment configurations (man-packed, vehicle mounted or stationary) make it ideally suited to a diverse range of operational scenarios. 

Hero-120 Loitering Munition System – a mid-range, anti-armor loitering munition system which meets the complex requirements of the modern battlefield.  Hero-120 is a high-precision smart loitering munition system with a unique aerodynamic structure that carries out pinpoint strikes against anti-armor, anti-material and anti-personnel targets, including tanks, vehicles, concrete fortifications, and other soft targets in populated urban areas. The Hero-120’s high-precision capability ensures minimal collateral damage. Its wide range of multi-purpose warheads enables the operational user to  effectively engage all targets.

Hero-400EC Loitering Munition System – a long-range, high-precision loitering munition system with a low acoustic, visual and thermal signature that can locate, track and strike static and moving targets with high accuracy, and minimal collateral damage. Precision strike capabilities, extended endurance of up to two hours, and a multi-purpose warhead ? including concrete piercing, anti-tank, and anti-personnel that handle different types of targets with exceptional accuracy ? enable long-range and versatile missions. Due to its exceptional maneuverability, the Hero-400EC provides an advanced mid-air abort capability that enables automatic re-entry into loitering mode, re-engagement, or return to the recovery area using a parachute.

Hero Training and Simulation System – realistic virtual training for the Hero series of Loitering Munitions. With three configurations – classroom, portable and embedded in the operational control unit – presents a comprehensive solution for Hero operators, enabling a higher level of training flexibility. The classroom configuration provides a robust simulation solution with a rich and versatile scenario generator for multiple trainees. The portable and embedded field simulator configurations give Hero operators continuous hands-on training, at various levels, during deployments, maintaining the highest level of operational proficiency and readiness – anytime, anywhere.

www.uvisionuav.com

ASA x SOC-F Freedom Raffle

July 9th, 2021

The American Suppressor Association and Special Operations Care Fund have teamed up to present an amazing raffle featuring 10 prize packages valued at over $60,000 combined!

However, in my opinion, one item alone makes the rest of the prizes seem mundane. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get a skateboard deck which was signed by every SOF Veteran who attended this year’s SOC-F Sporting Clays event.

Normally, these types of items are auctioned off for thousands of Dollars rather than included as prizes in raffles like this one. This time, you don’t have to be a rich guy with a fat roll of hundies in your pocket to take it home. The only advantage you have to win it (and the other prizes) is to buy more chances at the raffle. And even if you don’t win, you’re donating to two great nonprofit causes: helping America’s warriors and their families in times of need and preserving our civil right to own and use suppressors as part of the second amendment to the constitution.

Go check out the website for the rules and a look at all 10 prize packs.

Get your tickets here. The more you buy, the less expensive each ticket is.

2021 Connecticut SWAT Challenge Announcement

July 9th, 2021

The 2021 CT SWAT is on! It’s time to get rolling and get ready for the best SWAT competition in the country. We know you’re ready to get back out and support these teams which didn’t waiver during these most challenging times.

The dates are August 16-19, 2021 at the Hartford Gun Club. The vendor show is August 17-18. As before, the venue will be outdoors under banquet style tents. The dates and events are listed below.

Website-  ctswatchallenge.com

Schedule:

Monday August 16

     Tactical Rescue Challenge 0800-1600 

     Monday Night Mixer- 1800-2100 (Host hotel)

Tuesday August 17

     Individual events (Open handgun, open rifle, top sniper, top cop)

     Vendor show- 0800-1600

     Lenco Meet and Greet- 1800-2100 (Host hotel)

Wednesday August 18

     Team events- 0800-1600

     Vendor show- 0800-1600

     BBQ- 1800-2100 (TBD)

Thursday August 19

     Team event- 0800-1200 (Off site)

     Team PT Challenge 1300-1600 (MDC Resevoir 6, West Hartford)

     ElbitAmerica Night Vision Awards Dinner

Hartford Gun Club

157 S Main St, East Granby, CT 06026

DoubleTree Hotel by Hilton-Bradley Airport

16 Ella T Grasso Turnpike, Windsor Locks, CT 06096

(860) 627-5171

Register here.

Warrior East – July 28 & 29 in Virginia Beach

July 9th, 2021

If you missed Warrior West because you’re on the East Coast, you don’t have long to wait for your chance to attend a Warrior Expo.

Warrior East is coming up soon, July 28 & 29 at the Virginia Beach Convention Center, right here in the Tidewater, just blocks from the beach and loads of hotels and restaurants. There are even attractions for your family in the local area in case you want to stay the weekend and turn this into a mini vacation.

Don’t miss the keynote speaker, LT Jason Redman (USN, Ret) July 28TH – 0900, who will talk about leadership, failure, redemption, catastrophic injury and his breathtaking journey to “overcome all” in the aftermath of wartime enemy ambush and in the face of what he calls life ambushes during the years that followed.

During his 21-year Navy career, Jason spent 11 years as an enlisted SEAL and 10 years as a SEAL officer leading teams in combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Today he puts his vast experience and expertise to work as speaker, coach, author and trainer, helping individuals, teams and organizations of all types and sizes to define and implement lasting change, even in the wake or face of failure, crisis and adversity.

Jason has lived the OVERCOME Mindset he now teaches others. As Jason says, “These are not SEAL lessons, these are human lessons!” Your team will walk away with a new perspective and understanding that there are no bad days, only good days and great days. Jason teaches individuals, companies and teams how to overcome failure, setbacks and catastrophic crisis through his incredible presentations on life ambushes and his proven “Get off the X” methodology to not only survive the crisis but thrive and launch from it!

Lieutenant Jason C. Redman (Ret.) is a former U.S. Navy SEAL. He is the founder and spokesperson of the nonprofit organization Wounded Wear, and the author of the memoirThe Trident: The Forging and Reforging of a Navy SEAL Officer.

Jason Redman’s Website ///  Find out more here.

To register visit warriorexpo.com

OSS Launches New “How To Really Judge A Combat Suppressor” Video

July 9th, 2021

MILLCREEK, UT – July 9, 2021   OSS Suppressors LLC, maker of the patented and proven Flow-Through® line of suppressors, has released their new video featuring Dan Brokos, SGM(R) and CEO of Lead Faucet Tactical talking straight with warfighters on how to judge a combat suppressor.

Watch it now.

Joined by Dennis Cunningham, OSS Director of Government and International Business Development, Mr. Brokos walks through the key factors to evaluate a combat suppressor. For years, Mr. Brokos trained SOF in CQB and live fire drills at Fort Bragg’s Range 37 and knows well the negative effects of baffle suppressors on both weapon performance and soldier health.

“Baffle suppressor blowback can increase bolt speed, feed chamber and lock failures, carbon fouling the likelihood of a failure to fire”, said Mr. Brokos. And he knows first-hand the damaging health effects from blowback and exposure to high levels of Carbon Monoxide, Hydrogen Cyanide, Ammonia and Lead.

“When you’re down range, you have to stay unseen and unheard when engaging the enemy,” said Mr. Cunningham.  “OSS suppressors shoot quiet, shoot clean, shoot soft, shoot with precision, and they sure as hell shoot without flash.”

osssuppressors.com

FirstSpear Friday Focus: FirstSpear and Crye Precision Resolve Dispute

July 9th, 2021

FirstSpear Expands Patent Portfolio

July 9, 2021 — The patent dispute between FirstSpear and Crye Precision has been amicably resolved. Under the terms of the agreement, FirstSpear acquires all rights, title and interest in Crye’s U.S. patent 9,173,436, adding to FirstSpear’s expansive and established patent portfolio. The lawsuit between the companies has been dismissed and all other terms of the settlement are confidential.

“While industry conflict is never ideal, this outcome allows us to expand our technology offerings and bring even greater value to our customers and industry partners,” said FirstSpear CEO & President Scott Carver.  “Combining the Crye patent with our existing technology expands our portfolio of battle tested intellectual property that provides maximum development flexibility and protection for FirstSpear and our licensees.”

For information on licensing FirstSpear Technology visit www.first-spear.tech or contact FirstSpear Technology Group at sales@first-spear.com.

Editor’s note: This statement is a guest post by FirstSpear and may leave you with questions. I know I’ve been getting a lot of questions about this over the last couple of months as it transitioned from lawsuit to practical application. I understand there will be even more questions and concerns and so does FirstSpear since it could potentially affect every soft goods manufacturer who uses laser cut technology.

I think it’s important for industry to fully understand what this means and plan on a follow-up Q&A shortly with FirstSpear, so feel free to put any questions you might want asked in the comments section of this post.