Soldier Systems Daily Soldier Systems Daily

Extrema Ratio – Vipera Total Black M390

July 31st, 2025

The Vipera takes its DNA from Extrema Ratio’s Requiem and Mamba models, combing their tactical and survival qualities into a single, streamlined fixed blade.

Weighing just 3.5 oz, it features a flat grind, elongated drop point blade and a Forprene handle with guard for slip-free grip. I measures it at just over 9″ overall, with a 4.25″ blade.

It is available in two different steels. This is the M390 (61 HRC) with a blued blade, but it’s also available in Nitrogen steel in Ranger Green, Black, and HCS.

The ASPIS sheath (nylon) can be attached to belts, backpacks, or PALs.

Learn more at extremaratio.com/prodotto/vipera-total-black-m390.

Posted in International, Knives | Comments Off on Extrema Ratio – Vipera Total Black M390

919th SOW Ushers in New Chapter, Returns to Its Gunship Roots

July 31st, 2025

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla —

The 711th Special Operations Squadron began a new era of combat readiness during a change of command and mission conversion-ceremony at Hurlburt Field, Florida, July 11, 2025.

“This transition shows the strategic depth the Reserve offers to the warfighter,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Matthew Barry, 919th Special Operations Group commander and presiding officer. “Our members have a long history of being highly trained and ready to execute the mission when called upon. This legacy of service makes the 919th Special Operations Wing the perfect complement to the gunships already formidable capabilities.”

During the ceremony, Lt. Col. John Duke relinquished command of the 711th SOS to Lt. Col. Jason Fox, with Air Commandos, squadron alumnus and community partners in attendance to honor the unit’s rich heritage.

The event comes as the 711th SOS undertakes a major transformation transitioning to an operational AC-130J Ghostrider gunship mission and moving from Duke Field, Florida to nearby Hurlburt Field. The AC-130J Ghostrider is renowned for its precision strike capabilities, advanced avionics, and versatile firepower.

The move reinforces the wing’s partnership with active-duty AC-130J aircrews and reunites the unit with Reservists performing aircraft maintenance, ensuring seamless Total Force Integration.

“What the men and women of the 711th have done over the last 12 years as combat aviation advisors is nothing short of extraordinary,” Duke said. “They took on missions in some of the most complex environments in the world—building stability, strengthening partnerships, and representing the very best of what our Air Force can be. I’m proud of what we accomplished and confident this next chapter will honor that legacy.”

During his command of the 711th SOS, Duke helped oversee the final chapter of the wing’s C-145A Combat Coyote operational mission, which included aviation foreign internal defense and special operations mobility training. That legacy now sets the foundation for the unit’s return to gunship operations.

The transition marks a return of the AC-130 gunship mission to the 919th SOW. From 1975 – 1995, the 919th SOW flew the AC-130A Spectre gunship, supporting combat operations and NASA launch missions across the eastern U.S.

By Liz Easterling

919th Special Operations Wing

Posted in Air Force, Guest Post, SOF | 2 Comments »

Rheinmetall Expands Local Production in Romania and Strengthens the Romanian Defence Industry – Focus on Ammunition and Lynx Infantry Fighting Vehicle

July 30th, 2025

Rheinmetall has founded a comprehensive local production network in Romania, which includes both its own companies in the country and new partnerships with Romanian companies. The technology corporation is thereby expanding both, its presence in Romania and its status as a leading manufacturer and service provider for the Romanian armed forces. The provision of advanced turnkey solutions for the production of infantry fighting vehicles, ammunition and powder, as well as state-of-the-art training services, ought to strengthen the Romanian defence industry in the long term. The network includes Rheinmetall Automecanica, further local Rheinmetall activities as well as a new centre of excellence for training and further education.

A cornerstone of Rheinmetall’s localisation efforts is the cooperation with key Romanian companies, including among others Uzina Automecanica Moreni, Interactive Software SRL and MarcTel-SIT. These partnerships will promote local procurement and assembly processes, and will foster the integration of Romanian expertise into the production chain.

The initiative focuses on local production of the Lynx infantry fighting vehicle at Rheinmetall Automecanica, with a robust supply chain and a reduced dependency on external suppliers. Rheinmetall Munitions Romania will manufacture medium-calibre ammunition for infantry fighting vehicles and air defence, while Victoria Explosive Powder Factory will produce the propellants, for which Rheinmetall is providing expertise and technology for a propylene plant. Local service facilities will be responsible for the ongoing maintenance and support for military equipment, thus always ensuring operational readiness.

The Rheinmetall Excellence Centre in Romania is to ensure the transfer of critical know-how to the local workforce. Equipped with cutting-edge simulators and comprehensive training programmes, the centre will provide Romanian employees with practical experience and technical expertise in the operation, maintenance and development of advanced defence technologies, particularly in relation to the Lynx infantry fighting vehicle.

Rheinmetall’s investment in local production will make a significant contribution to the Romanian economy by creating hundreds of jobs in various sectors, including manufacturing, engineering and technical services. Cooperation with Romanian companies will also boost local supply chains, create additional business opportunities and promote industrial growth.

With this strategic initiative, Rheinmetall Automecanica is not only improving Romania’s defence capabilities, but also laying the foundation for a sustainable and independent defence industry. By integrating advanced technologies and training, Rheinmetall is ensuring the future viability of Romania’s defence sector while further expanding its own global production network.

Posted in Industry, International, Press Release | Comments Off on Rheinmetall Expands Local Production in Romania and Strengthens the Romanian Defence Industry – Focus on Ammunition and Lynx Infantry Fighting Vehicle

XS R3D 2.0 Night Sights Now Available for Glock Pistols with A-CUT

July 30th, 2025

Fort Worth, Texas (July 29, 2025) – XS R3D 2.0 night sights with green or orange dual-illuminated front sight are now available for Glock pistols with A-CUT™. These Glocks allow direct mounting of the Aimpoint COA red dot optic, and the extremely low profile of this R3D 2.0 sight (in the lower fifth of the optic window) results in minimal visual obstruction, making it an effective backup sight if the optic fails.

DIY installation of these sights is easy with simple hand tools, and there are dimensional enhancements that deliver a better user experience for Glock owners.

“We designed this R3D 2.0 rear to be slightly longer than the factory sight to minimize the area between the iron sight and optic lens – a space which tends to collect dirt and debris,” said Jeff King, Marketing Manager, XS Sights. “We also made the sides of our rear sight flush with the Glock slide to reduce snag potential while providing a cleaner, more streamlined look.”

Brighter, stronger, and even easier to install than the original R3D models, this second- generation sight has a Black Nitride surface finish which provides twice the corrosion resistance of traditional black oxide, ensuring superior durability and long-lasting performance.

Increase your chances of achieving fast and accurate target acquisition in the event of optic failure by upgrading your Glock pistol with A-CUT™ with the XS R3D 2.0.

Retail Price: $137.99

XS sights are backed by a Limited Lifetime Warranty. The company also offers a 12-year illumination warranty on all tritium products. For more information, visit www.xssights.com.

Posted in Press Release, Weapon Accessories | Comments Off on XS R3D 2.0 Night Sights Now Available for Glock Pistols with A-CUT

TacJobs – Green Beret Foundation Seeks

July 30th, 2025

The Green Beret Foundation is seeking a visionary leader to serve as our first-ever Chief Development & Marketing Officer (CDMO)—a pivotal role focused on increasing philanthropic support and elevating brand awareness to honor and advance the legacy of the Green Berets.

This national search is being led by Development Guild, a nationally recognized firm specializing in placing top-tier development and marketing professionals in the nonprofit sector.

If you or someone you know is a qualified candidate, we invite you to review the full announcement and search protocols below.

Thank you to Development Guild for their partnership and commitment to the Special Forces community.

Learn more: www.developmentguild.com/current-searches/chief-development-and-marketing-officer-green-beret-foundation

Posted in TacJobs | Comments Off on TacJobs – Green Beret Foundation Seeks

Alpha OneSource at Norfolk Super SERVMART

July 30th, 2025

Alpha OneSource, a certified Small Business, is on hand at the Norfolk’s Super SERVMART, providing immediate access to a wide array of Tactical and Operational Support Equipment, Industrial Safety and Environmental products.

Open to authorized government purchase card holders and other logistics personnel, Super SERVMART is located on Norfolk Naval Station in a 50,000 sq ft facility. Over 7,000 items are available in the store with thousands of additional items available through special order from the vendor’s catalogs.

This is just one of 150 Base Supply Centers (BSC’s) located on bases across the country which they work with but they also have GSA Schedule and DoD EMall MILSTRIP (now FEDMALL) options.

Below is just a sample of the brands accessible for your organization through AOS.

To learn more, visit www.aostactical.com.

Posted in Logistics | Comments Off on Alpha OneSource at Norfolk Super SERVMART

High Speed Gear Launches GEN 2 TACO Pouches and GEN 2 Operator Belt in New Silver Tan and Spruce Green Colorways for Law Enforcement

July 30th, 2025

SWANSBORO, NC – July 29, 2025 – High Speed Gear, an industry leader in tactical gear and nylon equipment, is proud to announce the release of its GEN 2 TACO product line and GEN 2 Operator Belt in two new color options: Silver Tan and Spruce Green. These new additions were developed in direct response to requests from law enforcement agencies seeking mission-specific color variants to better meet their uniform and operational needs.

The GEN 2 TACO line builds upon the legendary performance of the original TACO series, known for its versatility, durability, and ability to securely hold a wide range of magazines and tools. Now, with the addition of Silver Tan and Spruce Green, agencies can further optimize their gear loadout for their unique environments and uniform standards.

“Many of our law enforcement partners operate in jurisdictions where traditional tactical colors may not be ideal,” said Gary Robbins, Director of Law Enforcement Business Development at High Speed Gear. “By expanding our GEN 2 TACO line, and now the GEN 2 Operator Belt, into Silver Tan and Spruce Green, we’re providing solutions that align with the specific needs and aesthetics of these departments, while maintaining the performance and quality they’ve come to expect from HSG.”

Both product lines retain all the core features professionals rely on:

GEN 2 TACO Features:

• Universal fit for rifle and pistol mags, tools, and other accessories

• Improved mounting system for MOLLE and belt compatibility

• Enhanced materials and construction for extended durability in the field

GEN 2 Operator Belt Features:

• Reinforced two-belt system for superior support and load distribution

• Hook/loop interface to prevent shifting during movement

• Compatible with TACO pouches and most tactical gear on the market

The new color variants are available now through High Speed Gear and its authorized dealer network.

For departments interested in agency-level purchases or color-specific needs, please contact HSGI’s law enforcement team for additional support and pricing:

Gary Robbins
Director, Law Enforcement Business Development
gary.robbins@highspeedgear.com
727-424-8598

Posted in Advertiser, LE, Load Carrying | Comments Off on High Speed Gear Launches GEN 2 TACO Pouches and GEN 2 Operator Belt in New Silver Tan and Spruce Green Colorways for Law Enforcement

Ops-Core RAILINK Partner Spotlight: Princeton Tec

July 30th, 2025

In the latest contribution to our series on the Ops-Core RAILINK ecosystem we discuss Princeton Tec and their Switch MPLS. This isn’t the first time these two trusted companies have worked together. In fact, the Switch MPLS (Modular Personal Lighting System) uses technology developed for use with the ARC RAIL but now optimized for seamless integration with RAILINK.

The Switch MPLS provides a lightweight, mission-adaptable lighting solution fully integrated into the Ops-Core RAILINK system, emphasizing ease-of-use, modularity, and battlefield reliability.

Integrated into a streamlined helmet system with RAILINK, the light remains powered, secure, and always ready, reducing the risk of gear failure during long shifts. That common power means lighter weight and every ounce on the head matters.

The Railink Switch MPLS is a low light/IR easy to operate directional lighting solution that works with the Gentex Railink powered rail system. Weighing in at only 13 grams with its easy-to-operate glove friendly buttons gives the end user a fail-safe lighting solution for all their low light and IR lighting needs.

It provides 6 lumens of Red and IR light for up close illumination which won’t give the operator away at long distances. The directional beam allows users to perform map reading or equipment checks without compromising their position with a broad flood of light thanks to the flexible boom which puts the light where you want it.

Glove friendly buttons allow you to control it with ease, even in cold and wet conditions. Speaking of wet conditions, with an IPX7 rating, the light is protected from the effects of temporary immersion in water.

The advantages are many. Operators can switch between Red and IR output depending on visibility requirements while maintaining stealth, all without needing to remove gloves or fumble with cables.

Features:

• Integrated Power: Switch MPLS draws power directly from the Ops-Core RAILINK system, eliminating the need for onboard batteries.

• Dual Spectrum Output: Equipped with Red and IR LEDs, this light meets the demands of both visible and covert operations, supporting mission flexibility without equipment changes.

• Directional Illumination: Precisely aim light to where it’s needed, ideal for administrative tasks, reading maps, checking gear, or maintaining light discipline in tactical environments.

• Lightweight Design: At only 13 grams, the light delivers essential capability with minimal burden on the helmet system, supporting long-wear comfort and operational mobility.

• Ambidextrous Mounting Options: Can be configured on either side of the helmet, ensuring compatibility with other RAILINK-enabled accessories and user-specific setups.

To learn more about the Ops-Core RAILINK System, visit shop.gentexcorp.com/railink.

Posted in Advertiser, Helmets, Lights | Comments Off on Ops-Core RAILINK Partner Spotlight: Princeton Tec