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Primary Arms x Second Amendment Foundation

October 5th, 2025

Each month, Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) teams up with an industry partner to host a giveaway that helps raise donations for their mission. This month it is our friends at Primary Arms.

Every donation counts as an entry, and these contributions go directly toward SAF’s work defending and advancing the Second Amendment through education, legal action, and grassroots initiatives. The more people who see these giveaways, the bigger the impact—and the more support SAF receives to continue this important work.

WIN This Rifle and Great Prize Pack from Primary Arms! Prize Package Includes:

Rifle: LaRue Tactical KRG Siete 6.5 Creedmoor Bolt Action Rifle – 23″

Optic: Primary Arms SLx 3-18x50mm FFP Gen II Rifle Scope – Illuminated ACSS Athena BPR MIL Reticle

Mount: LaRue Tactical 20 MOA PSR 30mm Scope Mount with QD Lever Mount

Bipod: Magpul MOE Bipod – Sling Stud – Black

Rifle Case: Magpul DAKA 53″ Soft Rifle Case – Black

Shooting Mat: Primary Arms Gear Compact Shooting Mat – Flat Dark Earth

Magazines: AMEND2 AICS Short Action 12 Round Magazine (x3)

Total MSRP $4,127.51Thank you to Primary Arms for their donations and support to make this sweepstakes possible.

Make your donation and enter to win here.

Posted in 2A, Advertiser, Fundraising, Guest Post | Comments Off on Primary Arms x Second Amendment Foundation

Clear Path for Veterans Receives Generous Donation from Martin’s Point Health Care

October 5th, 2025

SYRACUSE, N.Y., Oct. 2, 2025 — Clear Path for Veterans has received a generous donation from Martin’s Point, a not-for-profit health care organization that provides the greater Syracuse region with US Family Health Plan [TRICARE Prime] insurance plans for eligible military retirees, their families, and certain active-duty family members.

The contribution supports the ongoing mission of Clear Path for Veterans to walk alongside and empower service members, veterans, and their families as they navigate their personal journeys, strengthen relationships, and discover a clear, hopeful path to a more fulfilling future.

The gift from Martin’s Point will enable Clear Path for Veterans to reach even more veterans in the greater Syracuse, NY, region, helping to create connections for veterans within their communities, re-adjust to their life after service, and leverage their military experience to develop new skills and discover a new sense of purpose.

“We are incredibly grateful to Martin’s Point Health Care for their generous support of Clear Path’s mission. This donation directly fuels our ability to provide comprehensive programs and services that empower veterans and their families to thrive,” said Alex Behm, Chief Community Officer at Clear Path for Veterans. “Partnerships like this not only sustain our work — they strengthen the community bonds that are vital to the well-being of those who have served.”

As a Department of Defense-sponsored health plan provider for over 40 years, Martin’s Point has a long-held and deep commitment to those who serve and have served our country, and to organizations throughout our regions working to support, connect, and care for the veteran community.

“Contributing to the work of Clear Path for Veterans represents our profound commitment to improving the emotional well-being and long-term success of veterans in our communities,” said Steve Amendo, chief marketing and communications officers at Martin’s Point. “We are incredibly honored to support the work of Clear Path, and all they do to provide important resources and connectivity for those who have served our country.”

For more information about Clear Path for Veterans and the services they provide, please visit www.clearpath4vets.com. To learn more about Martin’s Point Health Care and their USFHP plans visit martinspoint.org/US-Family-Health-Plan.

Posted in Charity, Press Release, Veterans | Comments Off on Clear Path for Veterans Receives Generous Donation from Martin’s Point Health Care

CMSSF Unveils World-Class Master Sergeant Framework

October 5th, 2025

NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. (AFNS) —

The Space Force is charting a new course for enlisted development, focusing on building “World-Class Master Sergeants” to lead the way. During a recent address at the Air, Space and Cyber Conference, Chief Master Sgt. of the Space Force John Bentivegna outlined a new framework aimed at strengthening leadership and expertise at the core of the service.

Bentivegna emphasized that the future of space operations hinges on empowering exceptional leaders. “Our focus is at the tactical and operational levels, ensuring that our master sergeants are fully prepared to lead across critical mission areas,” he stated.

Master sergeants, with support from senior enlisted, will drive mission execution and foster the development of technical sergeants, sergeants, and specialists. In this model, the Space Force is reimagining the Master Sergeant rank, positioning it not merely as a step within the senior noncommissioned officer tier, but as the pinnacle of enlisted service – a role that embodies mission-focused leadership.

“If we focus on developing the right master sergeants … we’ll naturally have the right talent to create E-8s and E-9s,” Bentivegna explained. “There is a need for meaningful and challenging training to build a strong and cohesive team for the future of the Space Force.”

A key element of this vision is a rigorous training pipeline. The Space Force will implement a demanding Basic Military Training program, designed to push trainees to their limits. Successfully completing this initial training will result in promotion from E-1 to E-2, signaling their readiness. Subsequent specialized skills training will be equally selective, with successful completion resulting in promotion to E-3, demonstrating warfighting competence.

Following specialty training, Guardians transition to operational roles, undergoing qualification training. Certification by their local squadron commander signifies their “combat-mission ready” status, leading to a promotion to E-4. This commitment to combat readiness is a cornerstone of the new framework.

The Space Force is also embracing a “fully-qualified promotion” model. Historically, promotion to E-5 involved sending records of eligible Guardians to a board where each record is scored and only a set percentage are promoted based on merit.

Bentivegna emphasized that promotions shouldn’t be based on competition against others, but on meeting established standards. “Guardians who demonstrate competence through training, experience, and acceptance of greater responsibility will be rewarded through promotion.”

This model focuses on proving skills and preparedness, rather than competing for a limited number of promotions. This year marks a shift toward this model. A 100% opportunity was offered for eligible E-4s to advance to E-5 by meeting established standards rather than being compared against their peers.

Looking ahead, the Space Force aims to further empower commanders. In 2026, the service plans to delegate promotion authority for E-5s to tactical-level commanders, rewarding Guardians for their ability to learn and prove their skills. This initiative emphasizes warfighting competence and proven skills over competition for limited promotion slots.

Master sergeants will be central to the Space Force’s culture of mentorship and leadership. They will lead diverse teams comprised of officers, enlisted, and civilians, managing resources, executing critical missions, and mentoring the next generation of leaders to shape the force’s future success.

As Bentivegna said, “We need Guardian who are subject matter experts, but we also need them to teach, to train, to mentor. So, there is no saying, ‘I will be a technical subject matter expert, I want to do operations, I don’t want to lead.’ There is no such thing, We all lead at our levels. We all have influence over others.”

This framework underscores the Space Force’s commitment to developing highly skilled and effective enlisted leaders. By implementing demanding training programs, modernizing the promotion system, and emphasizing operational excellence, the Space Force seeks to empower its master sergeants to lead and develop the next generation of Guardians, ensuring readiness for future challenges in the space domain.

Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

Posted in Guest Post, Profession of Arms, Space | Comments Off on CMSSF Unveils World-Class Master Sergeant Framework

SDS Arms Expands Spandau Arms S2 Line with 20-Gauge

October 4th, 2025

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – October 3, 2025 – SDS Arms is proud to announce the expansion of its Spandau Arms S2 line with the addition of the 20-gauge caliber. Following the success of the S2 12-gauge, this latest offering is now available in response to the demand for more variety. The Spandau Arms S2 20-gauge delivers the performance seen in the 12-gauge, with the added benefit of reduced recoil that hunters have been seeking in the field.

Working with the input from partners at leading hunting and conservation organizations, including the National Wild Turkey Federation, Pheasants Forever, Quail Forever, Ducks Unlimited and Delta Waterfowl, SDS Arms saw an essential need for the 20-gauge among hunters. Through the development of this expansion, the team carefully paired heritage-driven craftsmanship with a strong value proposition. These efforts resulted in the S2 20-gauge shotgun, allowing hunters to focus on valuable hunting traditions.

“The introduction of the Spandau Arms S2 20-gauge reflects our dedication to listening to hunters and delivering the products they want,” said SDS Arms’ Digital Marketing Manager Jahred Gamez. “Sub-gauge shotguns like the 20-gauge continue to be in strong demand, especially among conservation and hunting groups. They provide reduced recoil with modern performance, while staying true to the heritage of the sport. With the S2 20-gauge, we’re proud to give hunters more options, more value and more reasons to spend time in the field.”

Featuring a dependable Inertia operating system, the Spandau Arms S2 20-gauge delivers lightweight power and high-performance. It comes equipped with a customizable Benelli/Mobil choke tube system and a fiber optic front sight for enhanced accuracy. Engineered for ease, precision and versatility, the S2 also includes oversized controls, a widened loading gate and compatibility with Benelli® M2 accessories. The Spandau Arms S2 20-gauge is now available in Mossy Oak Bottomland with 24” or 28” barrel lengths, and Traditional Matte Black finish with Turkish Walnut furniture with a 28” barrel length.

Product No. / Description / MSRP

21000194/ Spandau S2 20/24 Mossy Oak Bottomland / MSRP $647.89

21000195 / Spandau S2 20/28 Mossy Oak Bottomland / MSRP $647.89

21000172 / Spandau S2 20/28 Traditional Matte Black / MSRP $551.75

To learn more and see all the firearm brands and products available from SDS Arms, please visit the SDS Arms website or find SDS Arms on Instagram or Facebook.

Posted in Firearms, Press Release | Comments Off on SDS Arms Expands Spandau Arms S2 Line with 20-Gauge

Darley and National Fallen Firefighters Association Announce Winners of the 2025 Fire Service Thought Leadership Essay Competition

October 4th, 2025

Itasca, IL, October 3, 2025 – Darley, in partnership with the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF), is proud to announce the winners of the 2025 Fire Service Thought Leadership Essay Contest – Understanding the “Why” Behind Mental Health Challenges in the Fire Service. Now in its fourth year, this year’s initiative challenged firefighters nationwide to explore the critical yet often overlooked mental health issues within their ranks.

The purpose of this competition was to explore and uncover the underlying factors that shape mental health challenges in the fire service, beyond the obvious demands of a high-risk, life-saving profession. “Understanding the ‘why’ behind these challenges is crucial if we want to create meaningful, lasting solutions,” said Paul Darley, President & CEO of Darley. “This competition gives firefighters and thought leaders a unique platform to share insights that can drive real change. With 85 entries submitted, it’s clear the fire service is ready to engage in this critical conversation and lead the way forward.”

We are incredibly thankful to everyone who participated. The essays were graded using the following criteria, ranked and weighted in importance:

Specific Solutions Offered –?Do you present specific recommendations for change? How innovative, impactful, and viable are the proposed solutions?

Potential Impact on the Fire Service –?Can this impact the fire service in the short and long term? Can this concept move the fire service forward in a positive manner?

Quality of Writing –?How is the essay structure, vocabulary, readability, and overall authorship?

Intangibles –?Is this exciting? Does it challenge preexisting assumptions? Does it invoke a thought-provoking discussion? Is the core message courageous?

Congratulations to the Following Winners of this Year’s Contest:

First Place: Marc Wysocki, Sheffield Volunteer FD, Captain (MA)

Second Place: Marc Revere, Mountain View & Monterey Park FD, Fire Chief (Ret., CA)

Third Place: John Murphy, Eastside Fire and Rescue, Deputy Fire Chief (Ret.) Fire Commissioner (WA)

First Runner Up: Stephen Lindsey, Palo Alto Fire Department, Deputy Fire Chief (CA)

Second Runner Up: Shawn McKerry, Lakeland College Emergency Training Center, Dean (AB, CAN)

“Our strength as a fire service has always been in how we show up for each other,” said Victor Stagnaro, Chief Executive Officer of the NFFF. “This competition is about more than awareness — it’s about creating solutions together. By sharing ideas and experiences, we can move upstream, address the root causes of mental health challenges, and build a culture where well-being is part of who we are in the fire service.”

For more information, visit

www.firehero.org.

Learn more on our websites:

www.darley.com and

shop.darley.com.

Posted in Advertiser, FES, Press Release | Comments Off on Darley and National Fallen Firefighters Association Announce Winners of the 2025 Fire Service Thought Leadership Essay Competition

Army Fields M250 Automatic Rifle to Minnesota National Guard

October 4th, 2025

CAMP RIPLEY, Minn. — The Minnesota National Guard’s 34th Infantry Division is among the first Guard units to field the Army’s newest automatic rifle, the M250, during a new equipment training event at Camp Ripley.

The M250, part of the Army’s Next Generation Squad Weapon program, replaces the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon and introduces a new 6.8mm cartridge, higher muzzle velocity and advanced optic capabilities. The new equipment training fielding marks a milestone for the Guard, giving Soldiers hands-on instruction to build confidence and proficiency with the new system.

The event is led by Project Manager Soldier Lethality, PM SL, under Program Executive Office Soldier, which oversees the Army’s small arms and fire-control systems. PM SL experts deliver classroom instruction, explaining the M250’s technical features, ballistics and optic functions.

On the range, the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit’s Instructor Training Group, ITG, turns that technical knowledge into practical performance. Sgt. 1st Class Chuck Riegel, ITG’s primary instructor for the event, emphasizes fundamentals such as sight alignment, trigger control and recoil management to ensure Soldiers can use the weapon effectively in live-fire conditions.

“We take PM Soldier Lethality’s technical knowledge and put it into performance on the range,” Riegel said. “We show Soldiers everything they learned in class, then focus on the shot process and what they need to do to get hits on target.”

The M250’s advanced optic is one of the biggest changes for Soldiers. With its onboard ballistic system, it is unlike anything many have used before. Riegel said once Guardsmen fire live rounds with it, their confidence grows quickly.

“The optic ensures every Soldier has the capability to make first-round hits at distance, whether in single shot or burst,” he said. “And the cartridge’s terminal performance is incredible — it will defeat pretty much anything they come across.”

The shift from the 5.56mm round of the SAW to the 6.8mm cartridge means Guardsmen must adjust to new ballistics and extended ranges. According to Riegel, this requires more understanding of long-range shooting but ultimately makes units more lethal.

The NET fielding also highlights the value of PM SL and ITG working together. While PM SL explains the technical aspects of the M250 and its optic, ITG makes sure Soldiers can apply that knowledge in live training.

“ITG provides the most up-to-date marksmanship instruction and techniques used across the Army,” Riegel said. “PM Soldier Lethality explains the technical aspects in great detail so Soldiers understand the why behind the new equipment.”

As the Army continues to field the NGSW program, Guard units like the 34th Infantry Division are among the first to gain experience with the M250, strengthening readiness across the Total Force.

For units interested in similar training, Riegel encourages them to reach out. “If units want to get in contact with the Instructor Training Group, all they have to do is send us a message,” he said. “We’ll provide a training request form and deliver tailored training to meet their needs.”

By SFC Timothy Hamlin

Posted in Army, Guest Post, weapons | Comments Off on Army Fields M250 Automatic Rifle to Minnesota National Guard

AV Selected for $499M AFRL Contract to Advance Electromagnetic Spectrum Survivable Materials, Awarded $246M in Task Orders

October 3rd, 2025

ARLINGTON, Va., October 1, 2025 – AeroVironment, Inc. (“AV”) (NASDAQ: AVAV), a leading provider of advanced research and development innovation for national security missions and warfighter protection, has been selected for a 10-year single-award, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract valued at $499 million by the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) for the High-Performance Electromagnetic Spectrum Survivable Materials Advancement (HELMSSMAN) program. Work completed under the program will mature material technology development and deploy protective solutions to the frontlines, guarding warfighters against exposure to harmful electromagnetic radiation.

“As technologies advance and battlespace tactics evolve, AV is helping warfighters stay ahead of emerging threats,” said Wahid Nawabi, AV Chief Executive Officer. “Whether through our autonomous systems, our layered counter-drone technologies, our advancements in satellite communication and space domain awareness, or–like HELMSSMAN–our advanced research and development, we are taking on the most critical challenges and rapidly transitioning innovation from the lab to the frontlines.”

AV has been awarded two initial task orders for this contract valued at $246 million:

Under the “Advanced Development of Vision Protection Materials” task order, valued at $98M, AV will develop a suite of viable electromagnetic spectrum (EMS) protection capabilities that do not increase operational risk or degrade mission performance. The team will research the interaction of EMS elements with materials, systems, and personnel to develop future-proofed vision protection systems for our warfighters.

Under the “Advanced Development of Materials for EMS Resilience” task order, valued at $148M, AV will conduct research on the impacts of EMS sources on U.S materials, components, and systems and provide mitigation options to the warfighter to ensure effective kill chain execution in complex environments. The team will develop test infrastructure and modeling methods to accelerate the fielding of measures validated in realistic environments for warfighter protection.

With these task orders, AV will research, develop, test, evaluate, prototype, demonstrate, and transition technologies to advance the development of vision protection materials and materials for electromagnetic spectrum (EMS) resilience. Work is planned to begin this month.

Leveraging its multi-domain, multi-mission expertise and past performance delivering innovative R&D material solutions to AFRL, AV will advance electronic protection materials through directed energy solutions, test range experience, modeling, and simulation (M&S) capabilities, and space technology transitions. The company has previously supported AFRL through the development of laser-hardened materials and techniques and electronic, photonic, electro-optical, and quantum materials for Intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) and electronic warfare (EW) missions.

“We have demonstrated unique strengths in managing and executing strategic research programs,” said Dr. John Hogan, Vice President of Advanced Research and Development at AV. “This contract complements and continues our research and development work in material development with AFRL. We are honored to be a trusted partner in this effort.”

The Advanced R&D team at AV, located in Dayton, OH, is dedicated to developing hardened, smart materials that dynamically adapt properties to protect warfighters, their sensors, and their assets, like ground vehicles, aircraft, and structures. With expertise in thermal, optical, and electronic systems, the team identifies challenges and vulnerabilities across various domains and develops material solutions to counteract threats.

Posted in Air Force, Contracts, EW, Materials, Press Release | Comments Off on AV Selected for $499M AFRL Contract to Advance Electromagnetic Spectrum Survivable Materials, Awarded $246M in Task Orders

Draganfly Enlisted by US Army to Deliver Drones on Heels of Developing Drones for Border Security

October 3rd, 2025

Tampa, FL. October 2, 2025 – Draganfly Inc. (NASDAQ: DPRO) (CSE: DPRO) (FSE: 3U8) (“Draganfly” or the “Company”), an industry-leading developer of drone solutions and systems, today announced its selection by the U.S. Army to provide Flex FPV drone systems.

Under the initial order, Draganfly will deliver Flex FPV drones designed for high-performance operations as well as help establish on-site manufacturing of the Flex FPV (First Person View) within overseas U.S. Forces facilities to accelerate deployment and reduce supply-chain timelines.

The Company will also provide both flight and manufacturing training to enable Army personnel to sustain operations, and will manage logistics to ensure a secure, NDAA-compliant supply chain practice. This marks a significant milestone in evolving critical drone capabilities closer to the theater of operations, reducing logistical vulnerabilities and enhancing force readiness.

Recent exercises have underscored the importance of FPV technology for U.S. forces. During the Swift Response 2025 exercise in Lithuania, paratroopers operated and detonated in-house-built FPV drones against dismounted and vehicle-sized autonomous targets. The unit has also established its own drone lab for design, training, and rapid innovation. In August 2025, the U.S. Army executed the first-ever air-to-air kill with an armed FPV drone, advancing the evolution of drone warfare. Draganfly’s Embedded Manufacturing Program and the Flex FPV Drone systems are in direct support of this strategic shift to decentralized and agile innovation.

“We are honored to support the U.S. Army as it moves critical drone capabilities closer to front lines,” said Cameron Chell, President & CEO of Draganfly. “By combining advanced Flex FPV Drone systems, embedded manufacturing, training and secure logistics, we are helping reinforce operational agility and sustainment for forward deployed forces. This helps ensure personnel have the tools, training and capabilities required when and where they need them most.”

For more information, visit www.draganfly.com

Posted in Army, Contracts, Drone, Press Release | Comments Off on Draganfly Enlisted by US Army to Deliver Drones on Heels of Developing Drones for Border Security