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February 7th, 2021Embracing Holistic Health and Fitness for ACFT Success
February 7th, 2021JOINT BASE LANGLEY – EUSTIS, Va. – With the New Year comes a fresh start and a chance to start new positive habits, and that’s exactly what the U.S. Army is doing with the new Holistic Health and Fitness initiative.
The Holistic Health and Fitness system, led by the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command’s Center for Initial Military Training, represents a new approach to building lethality and readiness by focusing on Soldier physical, mental, and spiritual health.
From this new initiative came the new Army Combat Fitness Test, which will eventually replace the Army Physical Fitness Test as the official physical fitness test of record. Though the ACFT is still in the data collection stage, Soldiers across the enterprise have been encouraged to continue to train so they are ready to pass once the test is fully implemented.
A New Way to Train
In an effort to apply the new H2F initiative towards a variety of fitness demographics, as well as Soldiers’ ACFT performance, the team of expert at USACIMT have begun a ten week training program for Soldiers of Fort Eustis that puts the new initiative to work.
The program volunteers come from a wide range of fitness demographics, including Soldiers who are in the Army Body Composition Program, post-partum, post-surgery, or simply just struggling to pass specific events in the ACFT.
When asked about their goals for the program, Staff Sgt. Jacob Walker stated, “My goal is to recover from surgery with the new knowledge the Army is implementing with the H2F program, as well as to take this information back to my unit and train others with it.”
Sgt. Kenya King stated, “One of my strongest goals in this program is to take the knowledge I gain to encourage soldiers on a better health approach while training for the ACFT.”
The training group, coordinated by the 2020 Drill Sergeant of the Year, Sgt. 1st Class Erik Rostamo, meets three times a week and applies the five domains of Holistic Health and Fitness expressed in the FM 7-22 regulation – physical, nutritional, mental, spiritual, and sleep – to create individualized training plans for each of the participants.
Putting the Doctrine to Use
Along with the individualized fitness plans, Rostamo and his team will assist the participants in building a plan for their nutritional, mental, and spiritual health.
The participants will also work with command dietician, Maj. Brenda Bustillos, as a resource for guidance on creating nutritional meal plans that will work with each individual’s health needs. She will host regular discussions with the Army Body Composition Program participants after each physical training session to discuss and encourage healthy eating habits.
For mental resiliency, the program develops personal readiness through weekly Master Resiliency Training courses, creating Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Time-based goals, also referred to as SMART goals, and providing various cognitive challenges during physical training. An example of a cognitive challenge that Rostamo provided was placing playing cards throughout the PT circuit without letting the participants know prior to, and then asking them which cards were placed after they finish the PT circuit. This type of training will strengthen the participants’ ability to stay aware of their surroundings while focused on a specific task at hand.
Lastly, for the spiritual component, the USACIMT chaplain, Lt. Col. Paul Fritts, provides the participants with lectures throughout the program to inspire them and help them find their “why” factor.
“The spiritual component is one of the most important, yet most misunderstood components of the H2F program,” Rostamo stated.
Rostamo explained that the spiritual component is composed of the Soldier’s values, or internal warrior factor, that drive them to want to improve themselves and be the best version of themselves that they can be.
Transforming the Force
This ten-week program, along with many other similar demonstrations happening throughout the force, shows just how beneficial the Army’s new H2F initiative can be when implemented correctly by team and squad leaders.
According to Rostamo, this new initiative is creating a cultural change in the Army that will escape the “one size fits all” approach to readiness.
“It will require a lot more creativity on the team and squad leaders than it has in the past to give Soldiers a plan that works for them,” Rostamo states. “Personal readiness is crucial, especially when it comes to building cohesive teams.”
By Nina Borgeson, TRADOC Communications Directorate
TEKNA Survival Box
February 6th, 2021You couldn’t have grown up as a kid in the 1980s without coveting one of Tekna’s knives or lights. They made a resurgence a few years ago and are offering their staples as well as few other item like this Survival Box.
This 36-piece emergency survival kit offers over 50 functions. With it, you can catch and prepare food, start a fire, find your way, signal for help and much more.
Contents:
• Water and shock resistant polymer case with lanyard, + room for addtional items. Can be used as a solar snow melter, or scoop.
• Splash Lite LED lithium diving flashlight with 20-yr shelf life, battery included. Lens can be used as magnifier.
• 17 piece fishing tackle: hooks, swivels, fly, weights, 40’ of 40 lb braided fishing line. Use hook & line for sewing, Line for lashing, lacing.
• 11 Function Stainless Steel Multi-tool with can opener, knife, screwdriver, ruler, bottle cap opener, 4 position wrench, oxygen valve wrench, saw blade, compass overlay, 2 position wrench, and a lanyard/keyring hole.
• Signal mirror (stainless) with sight
• Small animal snare (stainless)
• Spearhead / Arrowhead (stainless)
• Liquid filled Compass with lanyard groove (Use fishing line)
• Magnesium fire starter stick
• Ceramic knife sharpener rod
• Foam pad can be used for fishing float, or bathing sponge
• Nail for making holes, & 2 Safety pins
• A LOKSAK brand bag for water storage, FDA Approved Medical Grade Materials
• Survival guide fan card (10 pages). The most important part!
• Marine signal whistle with clip
Complies with the “Buy American Act”, meaning it may contain imported components.
RE Factor Tactical – Flexible Antenna Mast
February 6th, 2021RE Factor Tactical’s Flexible Antenna Mast is great for those who need more flexibility and longevity from their current antenna system.
It can be woven into PALS webbing on a vest and will accept most manpackable SATCOM antennas. It is flexible, but will retain the shape you select.
www.refactortactical.com/products/flexible-antenna-mast
TRADOC’s New “Project Athena” Initiative Promotes Personal, Professional Self-Development
February 6th, 2021
Officers attending Basic Officer Leaders Course-B and Captains Career Courses are getting the opportunity to jump-start their self-development with a U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command initiative called “Project Athena.”
Project Athena, named for the Greek goddess of war and signifying wisdom and learning, is a leader development program designed to inform and motivate Soldiers to embrace personal and professional self-development. These assessments are intended to serve Soldiers throughout their career and over the next year will extend to noncommissioned officer, warrant officer and Civilian Education System courses at all levels of professional military education.
Specific assessments vary based on the level of PME. Trained proctors at the Centers of Excellence are currently delivering a series of introductory assessments to BOLC-B students. Assessments tapping into more advanced capabilities are given progressively to CCC and later to other more senior military students in the Command and General Staff Officers’ Course.
Mission Command Center of Excellence Director Brig. Gen. Charles Masaracchia is spearheading the program for TRADOC and the Combined Arms Center. “Leaders need to ask themselves three questions: ‘Am I as good as I want to be, or need to be, to lead Soldiers? Am I willing to honestly answer an assessment about who I am right now? Am I willing to put in the effort to improve?’ If the answer is ‘I’m not as good as I need to be,’ then Athena can help.”
As an example, BOLC-B students execute the following assessments during the program of instruction: Nelson Denny Reading Test, Criterion Online Writing Evaluation Service, Social Awareness and Influence Self-Assessment, Self-Assessment Individual Difference – Inventory (SAID-I), Army Critical Thinking Test, and a Leader 180 (self and peer assessment). In contrast, CCC students conduct a full Leader 360 (includes self, peer and superior assessments), Social Skills Inventory, Individual Adaptability, SAID-I, and the Military and Defense Critical Thinking Test and Inventory.
Staff and faculty are then made available to interpret the results and provide feedback to the individual, upon request. This feedback, a crucial component of the program, will help students gain self-awareness, learn where they need improvement and guide them in the creation of a self-development plan.
Hundreds of learning resources, tied to each assessment and the areas assessed, are available at no cost to the individual. Armed with this information, Soldiers can begin the self-development process immediately and proceed at their own pace.
“Athena takes a comprehensive view of what Soldiers and leaders need to be able to do and the ways they can improve,” said Col. Samuel Saine, director of the Center for the Army Profession and Leadership. “Better self-awareness allows individuals to make better choices about what they do – with tangible feedback, they can quickly take action to address how they lead, communicate, think, and interact with others.”
Athena assessments began in July 2020 and CAPL and the CoEs are continuously reviewing the program’s execution and making adjustments as necessary. All students in the remainder of the CCCs and in CGSOC will begin using Athena assessments in early 2021.
“Leaders that answer their assessments openly and honestly, will benefit the most,” said Saine. “They can continue to evaluate feedback and adjust their personalized programs throughout their careers. The intent is to fuel a lifelong commitment to self-development and improvement. If we’ve accomplished that, we’ve met our goal.”
By Randi Stenson, MCCoE Public Affairs
Shoot Like A Girl Welcomes Back Returning Corporate Partners in 2021
February 5th, 2021ATHENS, Ala. – February 2, 2021 – Shoot Like A Girl is pleased to welcome back more than 38 corporate partners for the much-anticipated 2021 Home of the Brave Tour. Returning sponsors include Bass Pro Shops, Cabela’s, Beretta, Bushnell, GLOCK, Ruger, Colt, Magpul, Savage Arms, Springfield Armory, Walther, FN America, Heckler & Koch, Smith & Wesson, TrueTimber, Walker’s, Birchwood Casey, Mossberg, CrossBreed Holsters, Thermacell, Black Rifle Coffee Company, GTM, SABRE, Archery 360, Bowhunting 360, SOG, Women’s Outdoor News, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Primos, Gold Tip Arrows, Hoppe’s, Federal Ammunition, Mathews, Hoyt, S & S Outdoors, ALPS OutdoorZ, LaCrosse Footwear and Upper Canyon Outfitters.
“We’re so honored to welcome these incredible partners back as we launch into our Home of the Brave Tour which starts next month,” said Karen Butler, Founder and President of Shoot Like A Girl. “In the midst of a challenging year in 2020—and in spite of ever-changing COVID-19 regulations, civil unrest and political uncertainty—Shoot Like A Girl had an incredible year of growth, and these partners played a big role in that. We’re excited to make history again in 2021 and see even more women become empowered with confidence as they begin their journey in the shooting sports.”
Empowering Women in 2021
The Shoot Like A Girl experience is truly unique, giving women the opportunity to shoot a pistol, rifle and bow in a safe, controlled environment with the guidance of female NRA-certified instructors and archery coaches. In 2020, the tour included stops at Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s, conservation events
and corporate events—with several events having lines out the door and record numbers of attendees. Looking ahead to the 2021 Home of the Brave Tour, Shoot Like A Girl is anticipating continued momentum from the previous year. The tour will begin in early February, and a full event schedule is available online.
More information about Shoot Like A Girl’s mission, partners, resources and event schedule is available at ShootLikeAGirl.com. Additionally, fans are encouraged to follow Shoot Like A Girl on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram and YouTube for news, instruction, information and much more.
About Shoot Like A Girl
As a leader in the industry, Shoot Like A Girl is committed to growing the number of women who participate in the shooting sports by empowering them with confidence. The Shoot Like A Girl trailer, utilizing InVeris Training Solutions state-of-the-art military grade firearm simulator, travels to cities all across the United States, hosting an interactive experience that gives attendees an opportunity to shoot pistols, rifles and bows in a fun, safe and comfortable atmosphere. The event is free to each guest thanks to Shoot Like A Girl’s generous corporate partners, including Bass Pro Shops, Cabela’s, Beretta, Bushnell, GLOCK, Ruger, Colt, Magpul, Savage Arms, Springfield Armory, Walther, FN America, Heckler & Koch, Smith & Wesson, TrueTimber, Walker’s, Birchwood Casey, GPS Bags, TekMat, Dead Down Wind, Mossberg, CrossBreed Holsters, Thermacell, Black Rifle Coffee Company, GTM Original, SABRE, SOG, Women’s Outdoor News, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Primos, Gold Tip Arrows, Hoppe’s, Federal Ammunition, Mathews, Hoyt, S & S Outdoors, LaCrosse Footwear, Moultrie Mobile and Upper Canyon Outfitters.
SOFWERX Seeks Arctic Warfare Solutions for Tech Tuesday
February 5th, 2021SOFWERX, in concert with USSOCOM, will host upcoming Tech Tuesday sessions focused on current transformational technologies to assist with operations in arctic climates.
Submit your Arctic Transformational Technology NLT 12 February 11:59 PM ET, at sofwerx.org/techtuesday,
SIG SAUER Statement on CANSOFCOM Incident
February 5th, 2021Yesterday, a Canadian news outlet, CBC News, published a story regarding the unintended discharge last year of a SIG P320 by a Canadian Special Operator, resulting in injury and his unit withdrawing the pistol from service. After the accident the unit returned to using the SIG P226 they had planned to replace with the P320.
Unfortunately, the story is not well researched. For example, they edited it after publication, removing an inaccurate description of how the pistol operates. Rather than critique it all here, we leave it up to you to read it.
However, we will point out that the story alleges that the pistols in question do not feature the drop safety upgrades found in the US Military Modular Handgun System M17/18 and current production P320s. Considering they were procured from SIG after the changes were made to the design, this is false and severely undermines the narrative offered up in the article.
While the story was shared in various corners of the web and social media, it didn’t gain near the traction that we had expected. Reactions ranged from confirmation bias from those who don’t like 320s and just read the headline and not the full story; to others who brushed the issue off as a Negligent Discharge; to those who questioned the timing of the story as a hit piece placed by SIG’s competitors.
The last factor is worth examining, considering that the Canadian Department of National Defence is poised to release a tender for a replacement for their long-serving Browning Hi-powers, a firearm which should have been replaced years ago.
In a similar fashion to US “Buy America” directives, the Canadian government requires “Canadian Content.” For small arms, this means Colt Canada, a company which doesn’t manufacture modern, polymer, striker fired pistols.
In 2011, DND tested the waters, surveying industry’s willingness to sell their pistol Technical Data Packages to the Canadian government so that Colt Canada could be involved in the procurement. As you can imagine, the notion fell flat. Almost a decade has gone by and they’ve finally refined their requirement, deciding to open it to international contenders. Word is, they also homed in on a modular design inspired by MHS, with different frame and barrel sizes along with a common trigger mechanism. If true, this gives SIG a serious leg up on the competition.
But back to the firearm. Apparently, the pistol and holster made it to SIG where they attempted to replicate the malfunction. They couldn’t. What they did find odd was that the P320 was paired with a P226 holster which had modified, possibly with a Dremel tool, and heated and reformed. The fit is reportedly, far from optimal.
Naturally, the Canadian government is reticent to address the entire issue, considering the sensitivity of the unit in question. Since it made the papers and a point was made in the story to politicize the weapons purchase (it is categorized under politics for good measure), the Minister of Defence was assuredly briefed.
Absent an official statement from DND, we can only imagine how this affair might affect the upcoming pistol tender. Only time will tell.
However, we do have SIG SAUER’s statement on the matter:
NEWINGTON, N.H., (February 5, 2021) – SIG SAUER is working with Canadian Special Operations Forces Command (CANSOFCOM) to resolve an incident involving the unintended discharge of a P320. An inaccurate and incomplete report of this incident was recently published in the Canadian media that called into question the safety of the P320. While this incident occurred months ago, this erroneous media report is driven by multiple sources, including our competitors, and coincides with the imminent release of other Canadian military and law enforcement tenders, indicating the timing of its release is an attempt to improperly influence the procurements.
The firearm involved has been extensively tested by SIG SAUER and it has been determined to be safe. The investigation revealed the use of an incorrect holster not designed for a P320. The use of a modified P226 holster created an unsafe condition by allowing a foreign object to enter the holster, causing the unintended discharge.
The SIG SAUER P320 is among the most rigorously vetted pistols in the market. The P320 meets and exceeds all US safety standards and global military and law enforcement protocols, including the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), National Institute of Justice (NIJ), and Department of Justice (DOJ). The P320 is one of the most innovative and sought-after pistols in the firearms market, and the pistol of choice for all branches of the United States Military (M17/M18), along with numerous law enforcement agencies and other military units worldwide.
What caused the malfunction? That’s still up in the air, but the actual pistol doesn’t seem to be the culprit. That leaves poor holster choice or operator error. Regardless, the article served its purpose, to disrupt pistol procurements. If not for DND, at least for LE Agencies in Canada.
– Eric Graves
Editor
