SIG SAUER - Never Settle

Mike Roth (USN Ret.) Joins the Unity Tactical Team

May 3rd, 2021

Unity Tactical is pleased to announce that Mike Roth has joined our team and will serve as Unity’s Strategic Business Development point man.

Mike is a retired Naval Aviation/Naval Special Warfare veteran who has served within the defense industry for nearly 15 years.  Mike formerly served as Director of Military and Aviation Operations at Wilcox Industries Corp from 2006-2020.

“Mike’s years of operational experience, leadership and diverse knowledge of industry are well established, says Trent Zimmer, CEO of Unity Tactical.  He will provide strategic direction, business development, and product innovation experience to our team which will be an important role in growth domestically and internationally for Unity Tactical.”

www.unitytactical.com

TacJobs – Product & Contract Specialist at Advanced Government Logistics

May 3rd, 2021

Product & Contract Specialist

Advanced Government Logistics, Inc. a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business, is seeking a highly motivated Product and Contract Specialist (PCS) to join our team of Veterans and Patriots. The mission of the PCS is to research and select the best equipment to meet the capability requirements of our elite military and law enforcement customers while ensuring all contractual obligations are met.

The ideal candidate will possess a lifelong interest in military equipment and how it enables warfighters in combat. Experience in product research and knowledge of contracting and bids on a sales team or government entity (FedMall, GSA, etc.) is highly desired, as is service in the military logistics and procurement community. Working knowledge of Microsoft Windows and Office are required. The PCS will report to the Vice President of Capabilities Solutions and Logistics Director. Place of duty is at the Advanced Government Logistics facility next to beautiful Pinehurst, NC. Compensation and benefits are competitive.

Advanced Government Logistics, Incorporated is an equal opportunity employer.

Interested candidates should send resume including military experience to michael@advgov.com

Zodiac Milpro Strengthens Its Engineering Capacities with Vectis Marine Design

May 3rd, 2021

Zodiac Milpro and Vectis Marine Design are very pleased to announce the recent acquisition of Vectis Marine Design by Zodiac Milpro on this day 30th April 2021.

Zodiac Milpro is a world leader in the manufacture of inflatable boats and RIBS for the military and professional market. Present in France, Spain, Canada, USA, Australia, UK, Italy and Singapore, Zodiac Milpro has a team of 400 employees worldwide and delivers a turnover of 60m Euros. Vectis Marine Design is a naval architecture consultancy based near Southampton, England with whom Zodiac Milpro has worked successfully for many years.

Created in 2008 by Andrew Humphries and John Fox Robinson, two highly skilled naval architects, Vectis Marine Design specialises in the engineering and design of high-performance and specialist vessels. The company has a strong reputation in the design of fast patrol boats, RIBs, Special Forces craft, rescue craft and other vessels to meet demanding operational requirements.

It is to Vectis Marine Design that Zodiac Milpro owes the development of the ECUME the well-known highly capable military RIBS for the French Navy, and the aluminum SRA series for the professional market, which sets a new benchmark in its field. Zodiac Milpro is currently entrusting Vectis Marine Design with the extension of this SRA range and other development of new innovative products.

As well as new vessel design, Vectis Marine Design provides technical support to a wide range of vessels and this will continue and develop with Zodiac Milpro’s backing. With this acquisition, Zodiac Milpro strengthens its autonomy in design and innovation, its capacity for engineering, and ability to deliver complex tenders and projects more effectively. This acquisition is part of the Group’s development strategy to support its growth and meet an ever-increasing demand from customers for more capable and efficient craft.

Guillaume Laurin, President of Zodiac Milpro commented,

“We are particularly pleased with this agreement. Vectis Marine Design and Zodiac Milpro have been working together for a long time. Thanks to Vectis Marine Design’s know how, experience and professionalism, Zodiac Milpro will be able to handle more complex programs and further increase its innovation dynamic. Our respective teams know each other well and appreciate working together. This acquisition is completely in line with our strategy to strengthen our internal capabilities. It is a natural rapprochement which will give both our companies great opportunities of further development and continue to offer our clients the best military and professional craft on the market.”

Andrew Humphries, Managing Director of Vectis Marine Design added,

“We have worked closely with Zodiac Milpro since 2009 and are delighted that Vectis is now becoming part of the Zodiac Milpro group.   We have always enjoyed working with Zodiac Milpro and appreciated their professional and collaborative approach.  We see this next exciting step as a great endorsement of the work that the whole Vectis team has put into the business since Vectis was established in 2008.  We very much look forward to the closer partnership with Zodiac Milpro while at the same time continuing to support our other clients with innovative design, engineering and technical support”.

www.zodiacmilpro.com
www.vectismarine.com

AMMO, Inc. Announces Closing of Acquisition of GunBroker.com

May 3rd, 2021

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., May 03, 2021 — AMMO, Inc. (Nasdaq: POWW ) (“AMMO” or the “Company”), a premier American ammunition and munition components manufacturer and technology leader, is pleased to announce today the successful closing of the previously announced acquisition of the GunBroker.com business (GunBroker.com), the world’s largest on-line auction marketplace dedicated to firearms, hunting, shooting and related products. The Transaction involved an approximate $240 million merger of reorganized entities resulting in GunBroker.com and certain affiliates becoming a wholly owned subsidiary of AMMO (the “Transaction”).

“We couldn’t be more excited about bringing the GunBroker.com team into the AMMO family. Everyone worked hard to make this happen – and we will now set about to further expand the GunBroker.com brand as we leverage the amazing IT platform Steve Urvan and his team developed to bring AMMO products and a host of other products and merchandise to the vibrant GunBroker.com marketplace,” said Fred Wagenhals, AMMO’s Chairman and CEO. Fred further noted that “the AMMO management team viewed the Transaction as accretive to our shareholders when we announced the letter of intent. With the Transaction successfully closed, our team has reached another vertical integration milestone for the Company, representing an opportunity to diversify our revenue base with high profit-margin business offered through a premier brand deploying best-in-class secure transactional technology.”

Steve Urvan commented: “I am excited we have closed the Transaction so I can take my seat on the Board of this dynamic and growing company. I am confident our newly expanded AMMO team will bring innovative products and solutions for our expanding and loyal customer base. The GunBroker.com marketplace is going to enjoy the new shopping opportunities that serve the firearms, ammunition and accessory outdoor and shooting sports markets as we roll them onto the platform.”

The Company anticipates issuing post-Transaction updated guidance on Tuesday, May 11, 2021.

Lucosky Brookman LLP acted as legal counsel and Riveron Consulting LLC acted as financial and technology advisors to the Company. Arnall Golden Gregory LLP served as legal counsel and Maxim Group LLC served as the financial advisor to IA Tech LLC for the GunBrokers.com business.

Introducing Sitka Arrowhead Equipment

May 3rd, 2021

After years of requests from the field for military equipment based on their innovative hunting clothing, Sitka has launched Sitka Arrowhead Equipment, a line of clothing and equipment designed for the SOF end user.

First and foremost, Sitka responded to these calls by leveraging the the materials science expertise of Gore fabric products to provide purpose built, Berry Compliant, Wet Weather Protective (WWP) solutions.

But it’s not just Gore technology. From a fabrics, insulation and trims perspective, Arrowhead Equipment is focused on sourcing and developing best-in-class materials within the USA, partnering with proven brands like Milliken & Company, Polartec and Brookwood. Sitka tells us are also committed to investing in and supporting US manufacturers as they develop new levels of competency, capability, and competitiveness in the domestic manufacturing of technical apparel.

Focused on global Special Operations Forces personnel, the initial product offering consists of WWP solutions, performance fleece and active insulation midlayers, baselayers and accessories. Future product offerings will include WWP category additions and a Cold Weather Protective (CWP) category introduction in 2022.

We’ve shared a couple of Q&A sessions from Sitka in the past (Founder Jonathon Hart Big Game Manager John Barklow) which discuss the journey to where they are today.

On their site, US Elite has added some background on the brand as well. Additionally, to further discuss items in the launch, and conduct some giveaways, US Elite will be conducting concurrent Facebook and Instagram Live events each day this week at 1430 EDT. For instance, today they’re giving away a Sitka logo tee and hat.

Sitka Arrowhead Equipment is available from these SSD sponsors: O P Tactical, Tactical Distributors and US Elite.

They also want us to let you know that you can get their products through TSSi here in the USA, DS Tactical and Millbrook Tactical in Canada, Level Peaks Associates in the UK and Aquaterro in Australia and New Zealand.

Look for additional details on this new line throughout the week here on SSD.

Hurlburt Squadron Provides C2 Advisors to Operational-Level Commanders

May 3rd, 2021

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla-With global competition heating up, the need to maximize the agility of U.S. Air Force operational command and control has never been more pressing. Fortunately, the USAF’s Operational Command Training Program is a foundational piece of its current C2 training architecture.

The OCTP team is a powerful tool designed to support every Air Component Command around the globe, yet too many operational level leaders are unfamiliar with the program and its value in optimizing mission success.

The OCTP team is made up of graduated C2 leaders who provide operational-level commanders with subject matter expertise, confidential peer-level advice, mentoring, training, and performance feedback. They’re not evaluators and the fact they’re not evaluators makes them a no-risk, candid resource for operational leaders.

“This team is plugged into AOCs and headquarter staffs around the world. They see what works, what doesn’t work, and they share those great ideas and lessons learned everywhere they go,” said Lt. Col. Kari Mott, 705th Training Squadron director of operations, Hurlburt Field, Florida.

Charter

Chartered in 2000 by the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, OCTP is the USAF’s senior operational-level C2 training program, operating under the 505th Command and Control Wing at Hurlburt Field, Florida, and consists of highly qualified expert-senior mentors and operational C2 observer trainers.

The majority of the senior mentors are retired general officers with experience as commanders of Air Force Forces, Joint Force Air Component Commanders, and Numbered Air Force Commanders. They support joint training exercises, USAF BLUE FLAG exercises, U.S. Army Warfighter exercises, as well as, advanced academics courses such as the JFACC course and senior-level Air Operations Center and staff courses.

The operational C2 observer trainers bring a wealth of experience in operations and planning from the O-6 perspective, as former AOC directors, AOC division chiefs, and/or AFFOR staff principals.

The number of observer trainers has varied over the years, but grew exponentially in 2018 as the USAF recognized a significant shortfall in C2 competency and expertise.  As a result, Air Combat Command tripled the size of the cadre, allowing the senior advisor team to support the full spectrum of air component leadership requirements, to include supporting multiple overlapping events and other C2 development initiatives.

The current cadre of observer trainers include a mix of government civilians and contractors with extensive active duty and reserve experience in flying operations, logistics, intelligence, and non-kinetic operations, among other specialties. Their main focus is working with AOC and air component division leaders, but they also work at the team level and with directors of Mobility Forces, directors of Cyber Forces, and directors of Space Forces.

“Despite a small pool of candidates with the necessary experience and skillsets, we assembled an exceptional team of professionals,” said Mott.

But their expertise goes well beyond just working in the air components.

“The depth of our observer trainers is truly amazing,” said Robin Kimmelman, OCTP flight lead, 705th TRS. “Our team includes former operational commanders, weapons school, and School of Advanced Air and Space Studies graduates. They’ve worked as DIRMOBFORs, in Checkmate, on joint staffs, and at the Air Staff, and they all possess the been-there-done-that leadership experience in AOCs, headquarters staffs, and on joint task forces. In other words, in terms of operational command and control, if you name it, someone on our team has probably done it.”

The 705th TRS is responsible for administering the OCTP program, fully mixing the team into its overarching operational C2 training mission. 

“Observer trainers provide knowledge and best practices honed across all AORs to help commanders and staffs improve their processes to meet emerging problem sets,” said Lt. Col. John Christianson, 705th TRS commander, Hurlburt Field, Florida.

Operational Exercises

On the road during exercises, senior mentors and observer trainers work closely together to support their training audience. Through daily meetings and other interactions, these subject matter experts are able to influence decisions across the air component to ensure the exercise participants are getting the most out of the exercise. If the participants are heading in the wrong direction, the team is there to help guide them back on course using their practical experience to drive learning, while passing personal lessons to help today’s leaders avoid past mistakes.

“What I enjoy most about my job is interacting one-on-one with a division chief during a short pause in the action to share a how I worked a situation similar to the scenario he faces…what worked and what blew up…it is always great to see that little nudge turn into a golden nugget that is forever learned by the training audience,” said William Murphey, operational C2 senior advisor for air mobility, 705th TRS.

The OCTP teams typically support exercises that include heavy AOC and AFFOR involvement, such as BLUE FLAG, Pacific Sentry, Austere Challenge, and Vigilant Shield, along with high-level training events in the Republic of Korea.

What’s Ahead

The OCTP team delivers much more than just exercise support. Throughout the pandemic, the OCTP team remains engaged through a myriad of other support activities, providing continued value to air components around the globe. 

Some of these efforts included development and publication of handbooks for AOC commanders, battle staff directors, and division chiefs, with more forthcoming in 2021. The team also created dozens of pre-exercise academic lessons and presented multiple advanced academic lessons for operational C2 leaders, both virtually and in the classroom at Hurlburt Field, Florida.

“While we plan to expand these C2 initiatives, we hope that 2021 also allows us to go back out on the road and continue our work face-to-face with air component teams in the field,” said Christianson.

In the meantime, business continues to grow for the senior advisor team, as their expertise is specifically demanded in support of Joint All-Domain C2 events, Chennault, Doolittle, and Schriever Wargames, and agile combat employment development and exercises. This direct, high-level, interaction continues to ensure each senior advisor remains current and relevant in terms of on-going C2 challenges and emerging concept development. Pulling from their collaboration within these venues, observer trainers share the latest information and benchmark details with peer operational C2 leaders in the field.

OCTP Tri-fold

For more information about the OCTP observer trainers, contact the team at: 705TRS.DOA.OCTP@us.af.mil

Debbie Henley, 505th Command and Control Wing (ACC) Public Affairs

Chase Tactical Elastic Tourniquet Holder

May 2nd, 2021

The Chase Tactical Elastic Tourniquet Holder was designed as a simplistic universal tourniquet holder, that allows it to easily attach to almost any plate carrier on the market. The ETH uses 4″ elastic for retention and has a hook and loop panel built in so it can be secured to almost any piece of gear that uses hook and loop.

The ETH was designed around the most commonly used tourniquets (CAT, SOFT-T, and TAC-T).

The ETH attaches to a platform using Chase Tactical’s dual hook/loop flap. You can mount it under your shoulder pad, cummerbund flap, admin pocket, etc.

ETH Features:
• Made in USA / Berry Compliant
• Mil-Spec elastic retention sleeve capable of retaining CAT, SOFT-T, and TAC-T Tourniquets
• Simplistic ergonomically functional design
• Hook/Loop Velcro for any surface attachment
• Universal Fit

MSRP $16.95

www.ChaseTactical.com

SCUBAPRO Sunday – The Battle of the Coral Sea, May 4-8, 1942  

May 2nd, 2021

The Battle of the Coral Sea is known for being the first Naval battle where the two opposing forces never met. It was the birth of the aircraft carrier. No surface ships sank another ship in this battle. It was also one of the Allies’ first victories in the war in the Pacific. It did come at a hefty price for the Allies, at a loss of 1 aircraft carrier, the USS Lexington CV-2, 1 Destroyer USS Sims DD-409, 1 oiler USS Neosho AO-23, 69 aircraft and 656 people killed; the USS Yorktown was also significantly damaged. The Lexington was so severely damaged that the U.S. sank it with torpedoes the day after the battle. The Japanese lost 1 Light strike carrier (Jeep Carrier), 1 destroyer, 3 small warships, 97 aircraft, and 966 people killed.

The Allies learned of the intended plan of the Japanese to seize Port Moresby in New Guinea. The Japanese wanted to take control of the Coral Sea and use it as a staging base to invade Australia. When the Japanese landed at Tulagi on May 3, carrier-based U.S. planes from a Task Force 17 struck the landing group, sinking one destroyer and some minesweepers and landing barges. Most of the naval units covering the main Japanese invasion force that left Rabaul, New Britain, for Port Moresby on May 4 took a route to the east, where they clashed with TF17.

On May 5 and 6, 1942, opposing carrier groups sought each other and, on the morning of May 7, Japanese carrier-based planes sank a U.S. destroyer and an oiler. Allied planes sank the light carrier Shoho and a cruiser. The next day Japanese aircraft crippled the U.S. carrier Lexington and damaged the carrier Yorktown. U.S. planes crippled the sizeable Japanese carrier Shokaku so bad that it had to retreat away from the battle. So many Japanese planes were lost that the Port Moresby invasion force, without adequate air cover and harassed by Allied land-based bombers, turned back to Rabaul.

The four-day engagement was a strategic victory for the Allies. The battle, which U.S. Adm. Ernest J. King described as “the first major engagement in naval history in which surface ships did not exchange a single shot,” foreshadowed the kind of carrier warfare that marked later fighting in the Pacific War.

My Stepfather was on the Lexington during this battle. He was a Water Tender (today’s Machinist’s Mates) in a boiler room when a Japanese torpedo slammed into it. After they abandoned the Lady Lex, he spent the next month and a half making his way back to San Diego before he could get any new clothes and a new sea bag. Like every good sailor, he went out and got drunk, lost his seabag and was arrested by shore patrol. He ended up in the brig and had to rent a seabag so he could get out because without a full seabag he would have had to stay in jail. He was one of the most significant people in my life and one of the biggest reasons I joined the Navy. He joined in 1939 and had great pride in being in the Navy. He had left Pearl Harbor on December 6, 1941, so they could bring planes to Midway. He was supposed to get out in early 1942, but stayed in for the duration of the war.

A little over two years ago, the USS Lexington was found at the bottom of the Coral Sea, and she was seen for the first time since she was lost so long ago. God bless all the sailors and airmen who are still interned in her and never had a chance to be someone’s Stepfather or live their lives.

news.usni.org/2018/03/05/video-billionaire-paul-allen-finds-lost-world-war-ii-carrier-uss-lexington