S&S Precision teamed with Watershed to introduce their Dry Bags which feature welded seams and YKK Aquaseal zippers.
They feature PALS compatibility at the front and can accept an internal 3 Mag Insert. Additionally, they’ve integrated an oral inflate/deflate valve with cover.
There are two versions, one with PALS attachment and the other compatible with the PlateFrame. Other choices are size (6″x7″ or 8″x10″) and Black or MultiCam color.
www.sandsprecision.com/modular-flotation/dry-bag
FORT MYER, Va. — From current support operations in Europe, to experimentation with emerging technologies at Project Convergence, leaders say it is clear that the Army must rely on an integrated, adaptive communications network to accomplish its missions.
“The network is the backbone of everything we do, and data is our new ammunition,” said Lt. Gen. James Richardson, Acting Commanding General of Army Futures Command, or AFC. “All of the experimentation we are doing today is informing where we are going for the future.”
On Tuesday, the Army took an important step forward in delivering that network with the completion of the critical design review for Capability Set 23, or CS23. CS23 aligns more than 40 systems — from Soldier radios and satellite terminals to mission command software and network operations tools — into a system of systems that increases network resiliency, capacity and convergence. Informed by test and experimentation, while balancing capabilities’ technical maturity, operational relevance and affordability, the critical design review is the acquisition event that finalizes the capability set design and authorizes limited production of CS23 systems.
“Capability Set 23 is not a singular, monolithic program — it is a compilation of many programs that come together to provide an operationally useful capability,” said Maj. Gen. Robert Collins, Program Executive Officer for Command, Control, and Communications — Tactical, or PEO C3T, the organization that leads the capability set process, along with AFC’s Network Cross-Functional Team. “It has been a tremendous collective team effort.”
The Army’s two-year network capability set delivery cycle is designed to enable consistent modernization driven by Soldier-led experimentation, commercial technology progress and overarching Army strategy — as well as Department of Defense initiatives such as Joint All-Domain Command and Control, or JADC2.
The Army is simultaneously fielding and developing several capability sets: CS21 is fielding, CS23 is in near-term development, CS25 is in technology maturation and prototyping, and CS27 design goals are being developed. While CS21 focused on Infantry formations at Brigade and below, Capability Sets 23 and 25 and beyond are increasingly targeting network modernization for mounted formations, as well as the Division level as the Army transitions to the Division as unit of action.
“From an operational perspective, what you’re really starting to see is how the Army wants to fight in the future be baked into each iteration of the Capability Sets,” said Lt. Gen. John Morrison Jr., Deputy Chief of Staff, G-6.
As the Army evolves to more data-centric, expeditionary and dispersed operations, Capability Set 23 will also deliver a foundational tactical data fabric that will provide commanders with relevant data at the point of need, as well as Mission Partner Environment data exchange capability that increases interoperability with coalition partners.
“We need to create a data centric environment, a cloud environment, a backbone that we can reach to for our data and render that data to our commanders so they can make informed decisions,” said Brig. Gen. Jeth Rey, Director of the Network CFT.
Capability Set 23 also increases integration of electronic warfare, intelligence, fires and sustainment capabilities into the network. It introduces high-throughput, low-latency satellite communications through commercial services and non-traditional orbits to provide additional communications options for commanders.
For Stryker formations such as the 2nd Cavalry Regiment — which has participated throughout the CS23 design and assessment process and will be the first mounted unit equipped with CS23 — the new technology improves digital voice and data communications for mounted and dismounted operations.
“This allows Soldiers to maintain their communications while inside the vehicles, and as they dismount the vehicles, they maintain that connectivity throughout their mission,” said Mindy Gabbert, Deputy Project Manager for Capability Set Development at PEO C3T.
Capability Sets utilize synchronized Soldier touchpoints, developmental and operational tests, and experiments such as Project Convergence and CyberQuest in order to fully vet and integrate systems so they are prepared for fielding. This ensures that input from the operational force, including lessons-learned from units supporting operations in Europe, is captured in the iterative design process.
“Tactical level Soldier/operator feedback more clearly informs and defines capability requirements,” said Maj. Todd M. Klinzing-Donaldson, head communications and network officer for the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, whose unit executed an Armor formation networking pilot earlier this year. “Our unit experimented with three unique equipment sets, focused on creating a more robust upper tactical internet capability that would build a better common operational picture for the unit commander.”
Feedback from the pilot event is already informing Capability Set 25, which will extend the network to Armor formations and continue to incorporate commercial solutions that enable the future network to be transport-agnostic, data-centric and underpinned by modernized security architecture and cyber resiliency. In parallel, the next step for Capability Set 23 will be a two-phase operational demo with the 2nd Cavalry Regiment that will take place staring in June, which will inform final CS23 fielding decisions to take place in Fiscal Year 2023.
By Claire Heininger and Amy Walker
Reportedly the Stock Sock was created via the proverbial drawing on a bar napkin at the Circle Bar one SHOT Show night.
Going off the premise of fighting what that you’ve got on you, the creators set out to develop a modular attachment which could easily be added or removed from an AR stock.
Oftentimes, you are just going to pick up your rifle to put it into action and it has to be a self contained unit. For example if something goes bump in the night, you aren’t going to grab your plate carrier and gun belt. Likewise if you need to quickly dismount from your vehicle and you have at hand is a carbine.
Thanks to the laser cut PALS the Stock Sock can accommodate multiple tourniquets, needle decomp, chem lights, wound packing material, or whatever else you want to keep on your stock. It can also be used to stow and manage a sling for storage or vehicular transport.
Made from laser cut Squadron fabric, the Stock Sock is available in a variety of colors and patterns.
www.bluealphabelts.com/product/stock-sock
New Guinean Police Sergeant Paul Yauwiga spent 1943 leading native guerilla bands on jungle reconnaissance missions and local psyops in Northern Bougainville. Recognizing his potential, he was re-deployed to Australia to train troops in Jungle Warfare in 1944. He had been advised in Bougainville not to engage with superior Japanese forces due to the value of the intel he provided, and his mission had always been “observe and report.” Yauwiga wasn’t a big fan of this and remarked, “Why do we run away the same as women do?”
The Australia gig quickly ended, as Allied forces needed Yauwiga to flush out the stubborn Japanese resistance still fighting in Bougainville in 1945. His first major contract was with a mixed band of 80 Japanese troops and tribal collaborations. He annihilated 25 of the enemy with two other guerillas after only 15 minutes.
He made sure to add some salt to the injury he caused to Japanese forces. Yauwiga killed a known tribal collaborator and spread false rumors that the now dead man had been an Allied agent. The Japanese responded with heavy-handed paranoia, executing 10 of their best spies. He followed this bit of genius psyops by arresting 30 other tribal collaborators and destroying the Japanese spy network in the process.
By June 1945, his small team had accounted for 57 confirmed kills over only 17 months in the jungle. Barefoot, bare-chested, and armed with a mixture of Allied provided rifles, and they punched well above their weight. Unfortunately, a white phosphorous grenade accidentally exploded in Yauwiga’s face in a freak accident as he attempted to signal Allied aircraft. He was evacuated to Australia, where his left arm was amputated and his left eye removed. A corneal transplant saved his right eye from the blue-eyed Australian donor, one of the earliest surgeries.
The first-ever blue-eyed Melanesian returned to New Guinea after only three months in hospital – too harsh for a long stint in bed. At his award ceremony, the local legend received a Distinguished Conduct Medal with 80,000 people. He remained a well-respected community leader until he died in 1982.
[San Francisco, CA, April 25, 2022] – To celebrate Chinese American military service from the Civil War to Afghanistan, the American Legion Cathay Post 384 and the Chinese Historical Society of America (CHSA), are sponsoring the national debut of the exhibition “Chinatown To Battleground”. The exhibition is designed and deployed by Montgomery Hom and Ron Chan, Co-Founders of the “Chinese American GI Project”. There will be over 200 personal military artifacts from Hom’s collection. Custom designed banners and multimedia elements will showcase how Chinese Americans fought in every theatre of war and proudly served in every branch of the armed forces.
The exhibition will debut in San Francisco at the Veterans Building, Veterans Gallery Room 102, at 401 Van Ness Avenue from May 4 – June 12, 2022.
Concurrently, the USS Hornet, Sea and Space Museum in Alameda, CA, features elements of the exhibition for AAPI month. This Chinese American Veterans exhibit joins programs from the Japanese and Filipino American Veterans community from May 1 – May 9, 2022.
This unique exhibition, will be deployed later in a nationwide roadshow as a source of pride for the Chinese American community and its veterans.
Commander Helen Wong, (LTC, USAR, Ret.) said, “the American Legion Cathay Post 384 is proud to be the first sponsor to initiate, fund and support this recognition for our Veterans. Our post has served Chinese American Veterans for over a century. This comprehensive exhibition is a long time coming to recognize that Chinese American history is American history!
Melanie Chan, President of Chinese American Citizens Alliance said, “As the organization who successfully advocated for the Congressional Gold Medal for the Chinese American veterans of WWII, we are proud to support this exhibition which highlights the accomplishments and contributions of the Chinese Americans who proudly answer the call to duty and served with distinction and honor in the U.S. Armed Services from the Civil War to Afghanistan.
Justin Hoover, CHSA’s Executive Director, notes, “The Chinese American GI Project since its inception has been affiliated with CHSA, representing our acknowledgement and support of Chinese American men and women who served bravely, often in the face of discrimination.”
The “Chinatown to Battleground” exhibition will then make its Silicon Valley/ South Bay debut during summer 2022. The exhibit is sponsored by the Chinese Historical Cultural Project (CHCP) / Chinese American Historical Museum (CAHM). CHCP’s film and oral history project, “War and Remembrance” will also be a part of the exhibition. David Yick, board president says “We want to recognize Chinese Americans as part of the fabric of America and highlight our military service accomplishments and patriotism. This exhibition integrates well with our film project and provides great synergies in building a better museum experience for our members and visitors. It is a great addition to CHCP’s recognition of Chinese American contributions to medicine, science, engineering and business.”
Exhibition Open Hours
Veterans Building
401 Van Ness Avenue, Ste 102
San Francisco, CA
May 4 – June 12, 2022
Galley is open Wednesdays through Sunday, 1PM – 6PM
(Monday and Tue Closed)
For Gallery Contact: Janice Tong, honorourvets.janice@gmail.com ,San Francisco Veterans Building Gallery Manager
For Latest Event Information: facebook.com/groups/chineseamericangiproject
USS Hornet, Sea and Space Museum
707 West Hornet Ave
Alameda, CA
May 1, 2, 6, 7, 8, 9
(Tue, Wed, Thursday Closed)
Monday 10AM – 5PM
For Additional Information: uss-hornet.org/ or Russell Moore at russell.moore@uss-hornet.org
About the Chinese American GI Project
The Chinese American G.I. Project was created in 2019 by Montgomery Hom and Ron Chan to promote this unique portion of America’s untold history. Their mission is to ensure that Chinese American military service is not forgotten, ignored or silent.
Website: chsa.org/wwii-chinese-american-gi/
Facebook: facebook.com/groups/chineseamericangiproject
332D AIR EXPEDITIONARY WING —
The 801st Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron conducted airfield security operations during a Multi-Capable Airmen training event, led by the 332d Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia, April 5, 2022.
Tech. Sgt. Timothy Betz, 332d ESFS flight sergeant, and his team developed a tailored training program to prepare 801st EMXS Airmen for airfield defense support. The training focused on small team perimeter security, personnel placement for aircraft defense, and basic defense postures.
“The training provides discrete, low-visibility security force protection techniques to non-security force Airmen to aide in the protection of assets transiting within the Air Forces Central Command theatre of operations,” said Betz. “Through this training, each maintainer enhanced their Multi-Capable Airman skills and widened their perspective on the importance of establishing security for an aircraft in any location.”
Senior Master Sgt. Phillip Shroyer, 801st EMXS senior enlisted leader, explained how this training is more than beneficial; it is essential.
“Our Airmen walked away from the training with a critical new mindset for the Air Force’s future fight,” Shroyer said.
The 801st EMXS conducts maintenance on HC-130J Combat King II aircraft and HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters in support of Combat Search and Rescue Operations.
By MSgt Christopher Parr, 332d Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SAN ANTONIO —
Airmen and Guardians from across the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force are invited to take part in FORCECON 2022: Innovation – Technology – Gaming, an interactive industry and academia collider event and gaming competition being held at the Tech Port Center and Arena here May 24-29, 2022.
Air Education and Training Command and the Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center personnel, in partnership with and hosted by the University of Texas-San Antonio’s SBDC Center for Government Contracting, will participate in a two day event with industry May 24-25 to share the service’s current force development, innovation and installation management gaps and challenges in a concerted effort to change design processes to improve effectiveness and efficiency. The collider event is part of a deliberate action to align efforts with Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Charles Q. Brown, Jr.’s Action Order – Airmen, focused on developing the force, and Action Order – Bureaucracy, which outlines the need to speed up decision-making processes with a goal of allowing more space for innovation.
“We must widen our network of collaborators to accelerate the ways we develop the force,” said Col. Thomas Wegner, AETC’s Director of Analysis and Innovation. “We know that, for the Air Force to outpace an adversary’s decision cycles, we have to increase the speed and efficiency with which we work with industry. The private sector is an integral partner to meet some of our most pressing talent development and operational priorities.”
During the AETC Innovation Day and the Force Development and Installation & Mission Support Industry Day, Airmen will have the chance to learn how to connect with industry and small business advisors, as well as learn from both the AFWERX and Defense Innovation Unit teams. Additionally, the winners of the AETC iChallenge will be announced May 24 and AETC’s Detachment 23 will host a special presentation outlining how they support and assist with force development initiatives across the Air Force enterprise.
FORCECON 2022 will also feature the Air Force Gaming team hosting the Armed Forces E-Sports championships May 28 (featuring Halo Infinite) and the Air Force Gaming Minor League Worlds Championship May 29.
The goal for AETC is to modernize force development with commercially available solutions, strengthen military, industry, and academia relations in order to accelerate change, foster successful teaming with Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR), and synchronize efforts across major commands and service innovation entities.
During the event, AFIMSC looks to collaborate on technologies in the following focus areas that support augmented reality/virtual reality/extended reality; artificial intelligence/machine learning; data transformation; operationalizing small unmanned aerial systems for installations; and robotic process automation.
The United States Air Force Gaming League is an inclusive organization of Air Force and Space Force for all ages, ranks, and backgrounds. USAFGL has established a unified hub for community and competition, to allow Airmen and Guardians to build resiliency through competitive leagues while promoting retention, teamwork, and mental well-being for service members around the world.
By Dan Hawkins, Air Education and Training Command Public Affairs
Special Atomic Demolition Munitions, or SADM were a class of man portable nuclear weapons developed during the Cold War. They were intended to be hand emplaced and used to deny, block, and canalize the enemy. Deployed primarily in Western Europe, the thinking was that they could be used to cut off high speed avenues of approach for Warsaw Pact forces. The US Army created a Military Occupational Specialty, 12E (SADM Specialist) that’s sole function was to employ those devices along with an associated MOS 55G to maintain them. They were expected to hand emplace the XM129 and XM159 Atomic Demolition Charges with yields ranging from 10 to 1,000 tons of TNT. Although the devices could be left unattended after it was set via a timer, there was also a Field Wire Remote Control System (FWRCS) to send safe/arm and firing signals to the weapon via a wire for safe remote detonation of the weapon. But as you can imagine, thats an awful lot of wire.
12E which was an Engineer MOS was eliminated in 1986 and the Soldiers reclassified into new MOSs as the devices were removed from service. I attended DLI with quite a few of these NCOs.
Additionally, both Navy SEAL and Army Special Forces teams were trained in their emplacement in denied areas although particulars of these mission sets remain sensitive. For example, the SFOD-As were known as Green Light Teams with many of the members having the so-called “dual cool” qualification of MFF and SCUBA. Interestingly this declassified film featuring NSW personnel features Para-SCUBA operations.
