Soldier Systems Daily Soldier Systems Daily

New Agilite Logo Stretch-Fit Hats

November 9th, 2020

Agilite has just launched their new Logo Stretch-Fit Hats that now allow you to run Agilite downtown, not just downrange.

Available in both Wolf Grey and Full Blackout, they feature 3D embroidery of the renowned Agilite Scorpion logo, the tell-tale sign of a member of a warrior brotherhood in constant pursuit of perfection.

Someone who’s committed to defending their country, their community or their Family, and to doing so in the finest equipment available.

It is exclusive to Agilite and authorized Agilite dealers and has custom woven and embroidered branding both inside and out.

The Stretch fit, internal fit band wicks moisture and ensures a comfortable, all-day fit.

It is a one-size-fits-most design so if you think you have a particularly large or particularly small head you may want to check out exact sizing on the Agilite website.

See more and grab yours during their store-wide Veteran’s day sale that’s live now:

agilitegear.com/products/agilite-logo-stretch-fit-hat

Posted in Clothing, Press Release | Comments Off on New Agilite Logo Stretch-Fit Hats

SIG SAUER TANGO6T Riflescope Selected by U.S. Department of Defense for Direct View Optic (DVO)

November 9th, 2020

NEWINGTON, N.H., (November 9, 2020) – SIG SAUER, Inc. is proud to announce the TANGO6T has been selected by the U.S. Department of Defense for the Direct View Optic (DVO) in response to a solicitation to enhance squad performance with a variable powered riflescope. Unlike older generation non-magnified or fixed-magnification optics, the TANGO6T is a 1-6X variable-magnification riflescope that enables the soldier to engage both close quarter targets and targets at extended ranges.

This award from the U.S. DoD is the third award for the SIG SAUER TANGO6T; previously selections for the TANGO6T include the Squad Designated Marksman Rifle (SDMR) and the USSOCOM Squad-Variable Powered Scope (S-VPS). The TANGO6T riflescope is currently in use with the U.S. Army Squad Designated Marksman and U.S. Military Special Forces.

“After rigorous and stringent testing, where the best of the industry competed, we are proud to confirm the SIG SAUER TANGO6T riflescope has been selected by the U.S. Army as the Direct View Optic,” began Ron Cohen, President and CEO, SIG SAUER, Inc. “This is a three-peat for the TANGO6T as the riflescope continues to prove it will withstand the rigors of U.S. military testing making it the choice for use with our soldiers. The further proliferation of the riflescope into the U.S. Military’s M4A1 operating system is an exciting achievement for SIG SAUER Electro-Optics and further proof that the TANGO6T is the direction of the future.”

The TANGO6T 1-6×24 DVO riflescope will be used on M4A1 carbines and is a first focal plane ruggedized riflescope with a Flat Dark Earth (FDE) anodized aircraft grade aluminum main tube. The riflescope features the DWLR6 reticle capable of providing range estimation and wind holds at extreme distances, the advanced HELLFIRE illumination system for fast target acquisition, a locking illumination dial, Power Selector Ring (PSR) Throw Lever, the ALPHA4 ultralight mount, and a laser-marked scope level indicator for intuitive installation.

“The TANGO6T riflescope platform has been ruggedized and battle-hardened over the course of both the SDMR and S-VPS programs,” added Andy York, President, SIG SAUER Electro-Optics. “We are proud to assemble the TANGO6T here in the USA to support our warfighters with a variable powered riflescope that was developed to match the engagement requirements of today’s battlefield.”

The SIG SAUER TANGO6T 1-6x24MM riflescope is available commercially at local retailers and at sigsauer.com, in first and second plane, and varying reticles including 5.56/7.62 Horseshoe Dot, HELLFIRE MOA Milling, HELLFIRE FL-6 and the new DWLR6.

“This award solidifies the TANGO6T as the premier riflescope of the U.S. military as it continues to exceed the highest standards for ruggedization, range, and accuracy throughout testing protocols, and in the field with our soldiers. We are honored to partner with the U.S. Department of Defense as they continue to modernize their weapons systems and look forward to the continued proliferation of the TANGO6T amongst our fighting forces,” concluded Cohen.

All SIG SAUER TANGO6 riflescopes are designed and assembled in the USA at the state-of-the-art, ISO-certified, SIG SAUER Electro-Optics facility in Wilsonville, Oregon.

Posted in Advertiser, Army, Contracts, Optics, Press Release | 9 Comments »

SAAMI Adds Affiliate Membership Category

November 9th, 2020

The Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute® (SAAMI®) is pleased to announce that it has added a new membership category, Affiliated Members, to the organization’s body of professional suppliers.

As defined in the SAAMI bylaws, an individual or company eligible for Affiliated Member status is:

Any supplier of essential products or services used for the design, manufacture or testing of firearms, ammunition or propellant, including any major component part as defined in Art. V, Section 1, such as ballistic laboratory test and measurement equipment; tool and die makers; gauge and reamer manufacturers; and ballistic testing and materials testing, may be eligible to become a non-voting Affiliate Member of the Institute.

“None of us is as smart as all of us working towards a common goal,” said Rick Patterson, SAAMI Executive Director. “These companies are an essential part of our industry and including them in our membership body presents a more united industry working to assist in delivering SAAMI’s mission of firearm safety, reliability and interchangeability.”

To learn more about SAAMI, including its available memberships and how to apply, visit SAAMI.org.

Posted in Ammo, Press Release | Comments Off on SAAMI Adds Affiliate Membership Category

Sneak Peek – Road Tripper from Mystery Ranch

November 9th, 2020

The Road Tripper is a new product, developed specifically for Law Enforcement use by Mystery Ranch.

It’s meant to transport the various equipment an LEO uses during shift, yet keep it readily available, by placing it in the passenger seat. It can be kept zipped closed or open.

During a recent visit to MR, I mocked up some bag contents to give you an idea of how it works.

It attaches to the passenger seat via two points. First, there are two pass through webbing loops located at the rear for the seat belt. Second is the internal top handle which is routed around the head rest. Use this feature when you want to keep the Road Tripper open for access to the contents.

It is lined with loop Velcro and includes three removable/adjustable dividers for organizing your gear, allowing you to set it up how you need it.

The lid is also lined with loop Velcro in a PALS compatible grid and there is an additional full-length zippered internal pocket for documents or to store the dividers when not in use.

At the front there are two, full-length external zippered accessory pockets with flaps that fold down allowing complete access to internal, mesh divider pockets.

Additionally, there are two external stretch-woven water bottle pockets. On the opposite side is a zippered pocket with four mesh dividers (donuts not included).

Offered in Shadow, it is made from 500D Cordura with internal foam to protect the contents and give it some body so it won’t flop over.

Coming 2021. Interested parties should contact Marisa Williams at marisa@mysteryranch.com

Posted in Advertiser, LE, Load Carrying | 7 Comments »

Which Retro Blues Would You Want The Air Force To Adopt?

November 9th, 2020

The Air Force has toyed a couple of times in the recent past with going back to the future with its service dress. But now that the Army has settled on a modernized version of the World War Two-era optional “Pinks and Greens” Officer’s uniform, perhaps it’s time for the Air Force to take another look.

Interestingly, the Army has adopted two distinctly Air Force affectations with this latest uniform reset.

First, is the service cap complete with crush, an unintentional feature created when Air Corps rated officers wore headphones over their caps while in flight.

Second, is a proposed optional wear leather flight jacket that is laughable referred to by the Army as a “bomber jacket.”

The Air Force has come up with a few throwback ideas of their own which borrow from its Army origins. Anyone remember the Billy Mitchell Heritage Coat trotted out awhile back? It harkens back to the early days of the Army Air Corps, and by early, I mean World War One and the inter-war years.

You may recognize a similar uniform being worn by the Air Force Band.

Another variant on this theme lives on as a rarely seen special ceremonial uniform reserved solely for the Air Force Chief of Staff and the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force.

Then, came the Hap Arnold, with its more World War Two feel, but still quite Army in style.

Here’s a montage of the USAF dress uniform going back to its first days as a stand alone service. Initially, the Air Force wore the same green Army Air Forces uniform it shared with its ground counterparts. Actual Air Force Blues weren’t a thing until 1949 and even then, weren’t initially seen in great numbers.

The current Service Dress has long been the target of ire amongst Airmen with it initially being referred to as an airline uniform, complete with sleeve braid for the Officer ranks. Former CSAF Gen Merrill “Tony” McPeak designed it himself.

Eventually, the service dropped the sleeve rank, reinstated name tags as well as US insignia, and started wearing ribbons again, but the stigma lives on, almost 30 years later.

This is Gen Charles Q Brown Jr, the current CSAF wearing the latest version of Blues.

So, if you could adopt a “new,” retro-style service dress for the United States Air Force, which one would you pick?

Posted in Air Force, Clothing | 22 Comments »

Air Force’s Spectrum Management Office Officially Transfers to ISR and Cyber Effects Operations Staff to Continue to Integrate ‘Information Warfare’

November 9th, 2020

ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) — The Air Force’s Spectrum Management Office, or AFSMO, officially transferred Oct. 23 from a function under Air Combat Command to full integration under the Headquarters Air Force Staff.

AFMSO joins the Cyberspace Operations and Warfighter Communications Directorate assigned to the Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Cyber Effects Operations. This is a vital move in a larger plan to support, from a Headquarters Air Force perspective, the synchronization of Information Warfare functions; a move which is happening at the right time for on-going developmental work to enable all-domain operations.

Air and Space Force weapon systems depend on the electromagnetic spectrum (EMS) to connect warfighters around the world and across all domains. The Air Force’s growing need for spectrum requires AFSMO to maintain continuous engagement across the federal government, commercial industry and the international community.

Coming just 18 months after the HAF Staff merger of ISR and Cyber Effects Operations, this move is another step in the shift toward great power competition under the 2018 National Defense Strategy.

“This is a critical step to information warfare integration and synchronization because command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (C4ISR) is inextricably linked to EMS management,” said Lt. Gen. Mary O’Brien, deputy chief of staff for ISR and Cyber Effects Operations. “To compete and win in competition as well as a high-end fight, our Air and Space Force activities and capabilities like EMS must not only be de-conflicted, but integrated with our service counterparts. The heart of JADC2 (Joint All Domain Command and Control) is that military activities in one domain must enhance the effectiveness of those in other domains and compensate for vulnerabilities, and I believe this move will help us in this area.”

AFSMO, continuing to work out of Fort George G. Meade, Maryland, remains integral to helping the Air Force integrate new technologies and adopt new approaches to spectrum management. As the Air Force increases focus on JADC2, effective and efficient management of EMS is exceedingly important because it is a finite and essential resource.

“Given the Air Force-wide scope of AFSMO’s roles and responsibilities, bringing it back to the Air Staff is a natural fit,” said Brig. Gen. Eric DeLange, director of Cyber Operations and Warfighter Communications. DeLange will oversee the AFSMO efforts as part of the HAF Staff. “As we look to advance our efforts in Information Warfare, and with our focus squarely on cyberspace and warfighter communications that so heavily depend on the electromagnetic spectrum, I have no doubt that bringing AFSMO into the Directorate fold will create new and important synergies. I’m definitely excited to have them join the team!”

The current commander, Col. Kenneth Miller best describes their work as “…ensuring Airmen have access to the spectrum they need, when and where they need it.”

The electromagnetic spectrum transcends all physical domains and the information environment and extends beyond defined borders and boundaries. “The Air Force’s insatiable appetite for spectrum requires AFSMO to maintain continuous engagement across the federal government, commercial industry and the international community to ensure our Air Force spectrum equities are protected,” Miller said.

The EMS is a finite resource, and the Air Force must integrate new technologies and adopt new approaches to spectrum management to increase sharing between federal and nonfederal users. An example of this was AFSMO’s efforts to support the federal government response to the COVID-19 pandemic. As much of the American workforce transitioned to telework, the demand for commercial broadband reached new heights. In response, the Federal Communications Commission granted commercial broadband carriers special authorizations to increase bandwidth capacity across several basic economic areas throughout the U.S.

Another top Secretary of the Air Force’s priority is modernizing the Air Force with new technologies and innovating with urgency. In support of this priority, AFSMO has been working closely with the MAJCOMs responsible for hosting ongoing Advanced Battle Management System, or ABMS, onramps to ensure all spectrum requirements are properly identified and documented. In early September, the second ABMS onramp concluded at Andrews Air Force Base. During this event, live fire demonstrations utilized both 4G- and 5G-networks for access to over 60 data sources. In preparation for the next ABMS onramp, the AFSMO team is gearing up to ensure warfighters will have the spectrum they need to accelerate change.

By Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

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Arktis – M81 Woodland

November 8th, 2020

Arktis has introduced M81 Woodland as a color option for several styles including the B211 Mountain Smock seen here.

Posted in Camo, Clothing, International | Comments Off on Arktis – M81 Woodland

SCUBAPRO Sunday – Veterans Suicide / Remembrance Day

November 8th, 2020

“The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive the Veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their nation.”
— President George Washington

So, I had a post all set and ready to go. I was about to share it with Eric so he could post. I wrote about Remembrance Day; (I have it at the end of this). I like to write about history as it pertains to the military, mainly the Navy. But something is going on that should not be ignored. It is only really talked about but when it happens to someone you know. But I think because of the stigma attached to it, no one will continue to talk about it. Many veterans out there are suffering from a lot of different things, physical and mental. Depending on what report you read, up to 22 veterans commit suicide every day. Some reports say higher and some lower, but they are not that far apart. Regardless of the daily number, Veterans have the highest suicide rate among any other group. It is not just the vets from the War on Terror, either. This number represents all the wars and conflicts from which we still have survivors. And it’s not only a U.S. problem, as many of our allies are dealing with the same issues. If you know someone or you might be having problems, PLEASE talk to someone, anyone. The Veterans Crisis Line is 1-800-273-8255 and press 1.

I have lost some very close friends to suicide, and I never want it to happen to anyone ever again. Please look out for the signs and symptoms; sometimes they are easy to see, while other times you have no clue and it will happen to someone close to you. But if you are thinking of hurting yourself, please talk to someone. If you believe the world is better with you not in it, it is not. The people you leave behind will always have to deal with what happened and still have to think they could have done more. I know I do, but I also know I did all I could have done to help. But there will always be that .01% that thinks I could have done more to help my brother. People, especially military people, are good at hiding things and it’s not always easy to see. Please keep an eye on your brother and sister. I look at the military as a family.

www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/suicide/symptoms-causes

Remembrance Day, also known as Armistice Day or Poppy Day, was started by the U.S. and the U.K. to remember the fallen and honor the end of World War One, which occurred at 11 am on the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918. Traditions used to observe Remembrance Day include wearing poppies, and a two-minute silence at 11 am on the eleventh day of the eleventh month. It wasn’t long after WWI ended that the day the armistice was signed was adopted as a suitable time and date for countries involved in the war to mark their soldiers’ sacrifice, with official remembrance services taking place in the U.K. and USA in 1919. After World War II, both countries started to use that day to pay respect to the fallen from all wars. Despite the shared history, Remembrance Day has evolved in different ways. Depending on where you are in the world, it can be known as Armistice Day, Veterans’ Day, Remembrance Day, Poppy Day and may not even be celebrated on November 11th. In 1938 it was made a legal holiday in the U.S., and, in 1945, it was changed to honor all military veterans. Please take a moment on November 11th to remember those who serve and have served in the name of our country and who continue to bravely give their time for the freedoms we hold so dear.

Posted in Advertiser, Guest Post, History, Veterans | Comments Off on SCUBAPRO Sunday – Veterans Suicide / Remembrance Day