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Robot Dogs Arrive at Tyndall AFB

March 31st, 2021

TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. (AFNS) —

The first official semi-autonomous robot dogs were delivered to Tyndall Air Force Base March 22 for integration into the 325th Security Forces Squadron.

The purpose of the Quad-legged Unmanned Ground Vehicles, or Q-UGVs, is to add an extra level of protection to the base. The robot dogs, designed by Ghost Robotics and Immersive Wisdom, are the first of their kind to be integrated onto a military installation and one of many innovation-based initiatives to begin at Tyndall AFB, coined the “Installation of the Future.”

“As a mobile sensor platform, the Q-UGVs will significantly increase situational awareness for defenders,” said Mark Shackley, Tyndall AFB Program Management Office security forces program manager. “They can patrol the remote areas of a base while defenders can continue to patrol and monitor other critical areas of an installation.”

Features applied to the robot dogs allow for easy navigation on difficult terrains. The robot dogs can operate in minus 40-degree to 131-degree conditions and have 14 sensors to create 360-degree awareness. They are also equipped with a crouch mode that lowers their center-of-gravity and a high-step mode that alters leg mobility, among other features.

Tyndall AFB’s Program Management Office, the 325th SFS, the 325th Civil Engineer Squadron, Air Force Research Laboratory, communications and other organizations have been working since July 2020 to ensure the Q-UGVs are assembled properly before reaching Tyndall AFB. The installation is considered an ideal base to host the new robot dogs with its ongoing rebuild.

“Tyndall (AFB) is a perfect test base as it was deemed ‘The Installation of the Future,’” said Master Sgt. Krystoffer Miller, 325th SFS operations support superintendent. “Across the base, every squadron has been pushing the envelope of how we do things and expanding our optics of what is possible. One huge attraction piece of the robot dogs is that it’s highly mobile and with the amount of construction we will face over the next few years, it helps us maintain and increase our security posture.”

This new technology has the capability to revolutionize the way base security operates. Tyndall AFB is expected to set the benchmark for the rest of the Defense Department when it comes to Q-UGV usage.

“I can say that there is definitely a lot of interest in the capabilities of the technology,” Miller said. “I’m hopeful that other units will see some of the successes at Tyndall (AFB) and will continue to explore the use of non-conventional tactics.”

By Airman 1st Class Anabel Del Valle, 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

Tactical Distributors – New Neptune 4.0 Pant Color and Restock

March 30th, 2021

Now offered in Woodland camouflage pattern, the Neptune 4.0 Tactical Pant has evolved over the past four years and remains the second most popular design from TD.

It’s made from a lightweight boardshort-style stretch fabric that dries quickly. They’ve integrated breathability and moved pockets so they don’t get in the way when you take a knee.

Features:
• New & improved laser cut vents & drain holes
• Bigger Belt Loops
• Updated ergonomic pocket bag shape
• Back Pocket Redesign: Larger & Zippers
• Ultra Lightweight Fabric 96% Nylon, 4% Lycra
• Quick dry fabric, Abrasion resistant
• 2way stretch
• 8 Pocket design, Left/Right hand leg mag pocket
• Back secure zip wallet pocket
• Mesh Pocket bags for venting and water dispersion
• Slot button fly
• YKK locking zippers
• Articulated knees
• 1/2″ Belt loops with carabiner loop in the back
• Laser perforated Gusseted Crotch

Offered in waist sizes 30-42.

Plus, the original colors are restocked.

Dark Urban Grey
Dark Desert Sand
Flat Dark Earth
Ranger Green

www.tacticaldistributors.com/products/td-neptune-tactical-pants-3-0

Blackhawk Adds ‘Real World’ Experience With Tony Sentmanat as New Brand Ambassador

March 30th, 2021

VIRGINIA BEACH, Virginia – March 30, 2021 – Blackhawk®, a leader in law enforcement and military equipment for over 20 years, announced today its newest brand ambassador: Tony Sentmanat of Real World Tactical.

Sentmanat is a Marine Corps veteran and law enforcement SWAT operator with over 22 years of ‘Real World’ experience. A lifelong practitioner of mixed martial arts, Sentmanat also has extensive experience as a law enforcement combative trainer and as a firearms instructor for over 20 years. He has received numerous law enforcement awards and more than 40 commendations throughout his career for meritorious service.

“I am honored to partner with a company like Blackhawk, who has been an industry leader for so many years,” said Sentmanat. “Blackhawk has a longstanding legacy of providing superior products to our military and first responders and I’m excited to help continue that tradition.” 

Sentmanat spent most of his career in SWAT where he was involved in over 800 real-world operations before retiring in 2016 to pursue his dream of starting his own business, Real World Tactical. He now travels the world teaching fitness seminars and tactical training to civilians, military personnel and police departments. In the virtual world, he serves as an avatar in the Call of Duty video game, season five.

“Anytime you can partner with someone like Tony who not only understands the importance of having quality gear but is also highly respected in the community, you move fast,” said JD Dulaney, Vice President and General Manager for Vista Outdoor Tactical. “Tony’s story and extensive background in the industry speaks to the heart of the Blackhawk brand and we look forward to working with him on the development of new products that will benefit firearms enthusiasts at every level.”

For more information on Blackhawk, visit www.blackhawk.com.

Mission First Tactical (MFT) Introduces the React™ M-LOK Compact Foregrip

March 30th, 2021

Designed to minimize material and dimension, this compact, textured vertical grip provides a positive grip surface for any shooter.

Horsham, Pa. (March 2021) – Mission First Tactical, LLC (MFT™), a leader in USA-made rifle/carbine accessories, is proud to introduce the React™ M-LOK Compact Foregrip (SKU: RCG-MLOK). This compact, textured vertical grip is designed to minimize material and dimension, all while providing a positive grip surface for the shooter. It allows the support hand to apply rearward pressure, keeping the weapon shouldered, yielding better muzzle control and accuracy.

The React M-LOK Compact Foregrip provides an ultra-low-profile design while maintaining a wide grip that will fill the palm of the shooter’s hand providing maximum comfort. Its contoured shape and texture keep the grip firmly in the palm of even the sweatiest of hands, preventing any sort of potential slippage. Complimenting various shooting grip styles, the React M-LOK Compact Foregrip’s vertical length maximizes stability.

Available in Black and Scorched Dark Earth. MSRP $22.95. International shipments do not require an export license as this item ships freely.

Mission First Tactical products come with a Lifetime Warranty. For more information on Mission First Tactical, visit www.missionfirsttactical.com.

Army Awards New Sniper Weapon System Contract to Barrett Firearms

March 30th, 2021

On 30 March 2021, the Army awarded a $49.9 million, five year contract to Barrett Firearms Manufacturing Inc. (Murfreesboro, TN) to acquire the MK22 Multi-role Adaptive Design (MRAD) rifle as the Army’s new sniper weapon system.

The Army will buy approximately 2,800 MK22 rifles from Barrett, the current maker of the Army’s M107 .50 Caliber Long Range Sniper Rifle.

The MK22 is part of the Army’s Precision Sniper Rifle (PSR) Program which also includes the Leupold & Stevens (Beaverton, OR) Mark 5 HD scope and a sniper accessory kit.

The MK22 is a modular system that will be fielded with three separate calibers, the .338 Norma Magnum, .300 Norma Magnum and 7.62×51 NATO. Army snipers will be able to conduct a barrel change and select calibers based on their mission operating environment.

The PSR program will allow the Army an extreme range weapon systems that is lighter than current sniper rifles and includes features that will mask the sniper signature for improved survivability.

SOCOM previously awarded a contract to Barrett to purchase the MRAD as part of their Advanced Sniper Rifle (ASR) program.

Carryology x Mystery Ranch NO ESCAPE – A Limited Edition Pack Collaboration

March 30th, 2021

Carryology has teamed with Mystery Ranch to release the limited edition NO ESCAPE pack.

It goes live at 1300 MDT today and they’ll sell out in minutes.

The codename they used for the project was “Dragon” – like the earlier Carryology Assault “Unicorn” – but this fire-breathing Dragon would be known as the MYSTERY RANCH x Carryology NO ESCAPE. With no details overlooked – the time, blood, sweat, and tears designer Alex put in with this pack kept him in a vortex of ideas, with no escape until perfection was achieved.

Features:
• U-shaped zipper panel provides incredible access to the main compartment
• Stowable custom Stick-It with double daisy chains tucks into hidden zippered pocket in the bottom
• Deep-dish lip pocket with internal zippered mesh pocket
• Velcro on lid for additional morale patches
• Zippered inner side mesh pockets
• Large interior dump pockets
• Floating, padded computer sleeve with PALS web for MOLLE attach accessories
• Computer sleeve access from the frame side of the pack and internally
• Additional zippered mesh pocket on inner of the main access panel
• Full-length plastic frame sheet for structure
• Hydration compatible with port
• Adjustable Futura Yoke for a custom fit
• Grommeted side water bottle pockets with elastic tops
• Fold up, stowable Live Wing belt
• Discrete, dual hidden pockets in the Live Wing’s garage

Learn more at www.mysteryranch.com/blog/post/mystery-ranch-x-carryology-the-dragon-awakens

Vickers Tactical Welcomes Hendrick Porsche to its Family of Brand Affiliates and Sponsors

March 30th, 2021

PRESS RELEASE

I am extremely proud and honored to announce that Hendrick Porsche of Charlotte, North Carolina, is the newest sponsor for the Vickers Tactical YouTube channel. While it would be noteworthy for anyone in the public eye to affiliate themselves with two renown names like Porsche and Hendrick, it is particularly noteworthy and unprecedented in the firearms industry. I am humbled to be affiliated with two such brands, and I am eager to utilize this opportunity to provide some genuinely exciting and unquestionably unique content to my fans. Expect to see entertaining and educational Porsche video content with extraordinary upgrades and customizations, and don’t be surprised when you see me doing some work with them on the range!

I have become good friends with many of the people that work at Hendrick Porsche and have purchased a number of vehicles from them prior to this partnership. Hendrick Porsche sets the standard for professionalism and customer service. They are a first class operation in every way.

Stay tuned for the delivery of the Hendrick Porsche supplied vehicle later this year, where the whole delivery process, outfitting, and planned customizations will be revealed. Without question, it will be a vehicle that fans of my brand will approve of!

In addition, I want to sincerely thank all of my other sponsors and brand affiliates, and most of all, my fans, supporters, and channel subscribers. I simply could not carry out all of these exciting Vickers Tactical projects without you. As always, whether it be at firearms industry events or just out in public, feel free to come up and introduce yourself, and we can talk guns, gear, and of course, Porsche. LAV out.

Hendrick Porsche Statement:

The team at Hendrick Porsche is extremely excited to join forces with Larry Vickers and the team at Vickers Tactical. The partnership has grown out of our equal passion for Porsche vehicles and the incredible respect for the knowledge that Larry provides in his area of expertise. Our strong friendship has grown over the years and we look forward to taking care of all of our mutual fans in the future.

Sincerely,

Larry Vickers

Vickers Tactical Inc.

Tomorrow is the Last Day for Airmen to Wear the ABU

March 30th, 2021

Thankfully, 1 April is the wear out date for the most useless utility uniform in modern history. Hot and festooned with cartoonish “camouflage” properties, the ridiculously named Airmen Battle Uniform is what happens when you put the Air Force in charge of ground stuff. Granted, with four colors, it was only slightly more ridiculous than the Army’s ill-fated Universal Camouflage Pattern.

The mandatory wear date for the operational camouflage pattern uniform is April 1. Airman Battle Uniforms will no longer be authorized for wear.

From here on out, the Air Force is back in the same uniform with its Army and Space partner forces, the Army Combat Uniform in the operational camouflage pattern.