The US Army’s 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment fields a complement of MQ-1 Unmanned Aerial Systems. This video talks about service in the Night Stalkers in MOS 15C.
Assignments are available right out of AIT as well as for Soldier serving in other in units in a variety of MOSs.
goarmysof.com/160th/SOARrecruiting
FORT BENNING, GA, –
Accuracy by volume has been a long-standing sarcastic remark towards the shooting style of machine gunners. However, that is about to change with the new Family of Weapons Sight – Crew Served (FWS-CS) machine gun optic that provides Soldiers increased accuracy and lethality by leveraging the most up to date weapon sight and wireless technology.
Project Manager Soldier Maneuver and Precision Targeting (PM SMPT) held a Soldier Touchpoint (STP) with Soldiers of the 82nd Airborne Division in Fort Benning the last week of February. The Soldier feedback from the STP ensures end users are involved throughout the development of the FWS-CS and it has marked advancements in capability compared to legacy equipment.
“With a program as complex as ours, we need feedback early and often in order to ensure we get our machine gunners what they need in the final product,” said Maj. John Nikiforakis, PM SMPT Assistant Product Manager. “Mounted machine gunners have the difficult task of providing guidance to the crew, ensuring protection of their vehicle, and most importantly providing lethal effects on the enemy. The FWS-CS ensures that the gunners in turrets have the best optic for all battlefield conditions and one that mounts to any crew served weapon in the Army’s inventory.”
“We’re comparing shooting data from the current M145 Machine Gun Optic (MGO) to the FWS-CS to see if we can engage targets at unknown distances faster and more accurately,” said 1st Lt. Anthony Ramirez, 2-325, 82nd Airborne Division. “The biggest benefit of the FWS-CS is that there’s a built-in laser rangefinder and ballistic calculator, so it determines the range and adjusts the reticle. All we have to do is put the reticle on the target and engage.”
The FWS-CS is the first machine gun optic to utilize the ‘disturbed reticle’ technology. Along with calculating the range to the target, the ballistic calculator can adjust for air density and works with any of the Army’s current machine gun systems.
“Typically you have to walk your fire on target, but with the FWS-CS you have impact on the first burst,” said Sgt. Jose Perez, 2-325, 82nd Airborne Division. “It’s a really cool system that can be used with multiple firearms, including the M240, MK19, and .50 Cal.”
In addition to the disturbed reticle, the FWS-CS can be used day or night and in limited visibility conditions which provide Soldiers greater lethality on the battlefield.
“It is a day and thermal sight. So it allows us to operate in a multitude of environments and be able to engage under more conditions than the M145 is capable of,” said Ramirez. “It has the capability to look through fog and other inclement weather conditions that the old M145 wouldn’t be able to reach out and see.”
“It’s extremely awesome, like Call of Duty kind of equipment that usually just goes to elite units.”
PFC Brown,
2-325, 82nd Airborne Division
The FWS-CS utilizes long-wave thermal technology and a high-definition digital day display that provides users with an extremely detailed field of view and many options for customizing the reticle and display.
“The thermal and daytime displays are both extremely clear,” said Pfc. Benjamin Brown, 2-325, 82nd Airborne Division. “It’s customizable to the shooter’s preference, changes from white hot to black hot, there’s different reticle colors, and up to a 4x zoom which makes identifying and engaging targets faster and more accurate. I would love to have this in the field.”
“It allows you to discriminate targets based on what the individuals look like,” said Ramirez. “You can determine the target’s weapon system or if they’re wearing body armor.“
In addition to its stand-alone performance, the FWS-CS is one of many programs within PM SMPT to utilize wireless technology. The Intra-Soldier Wireless (ISW) system allows the FWS-CS to connect to a Helmet Mounted Display (HMD).
“You have an eyepiece attached to your helmet, so you don’t even have to be down behind the gun with your eye in the scope,” said Pfc. Jake Ongar, 2-325, 82nd Airborne Division. “You can look through the HMD to see what you’re shooting at while staying behind cover, I think it’s a pretty cool feature.”
The effort to integrate capabilities and drive weight reductions are part of Program Executive Office (PEO) Soldier’s vision of treating the Soldier as an integrated combat platform.
When asked when the FWS-CS is planned to be fielded Nikiforakis said, “The first Soldiers will see the FWS-CS in FY23. We still have a few modifications to make and several more tests to meet the demands of gunners.”
“I think this weapons sight has the potential to drastically improve Soldier lethality,” said Ramierz. “Being able to engage the enemy faster and more accurately is going to allow us to overtake the enemy and accomplish our mission.”
By Justin Sweet PEO Soldier
Gunnison, Utah – (April 16th, 2020) Christensen Arms, manufacturer of state-of-the-art precision firearms and custom carbon fiber barrels, is proud to announce the new Modern Precision Pistol (MPP). Weighting in at just 4.4 to 5.8 lbs., this new MPP was created for situations that require a lightweight, compact firearm such as backpacking or back-country hunting.
Building upon the success of their Modern Precision Rifle (MPR), the Modern Precision Pistol (MPP) is a purpose-built, bolt-action pistol chassis. It is initially available in four calibers with a muzzle-threaded barrel, in lengths ranging from 7.5” to 12.5”, creating an ideal suppressor host.
“We are excited to offer this new MPP in a bolt-action pistol design. The intent was to offer shooters the same familiarity and performance of the MPR in a compact, pistol chassis system,” said Stephen Graham, Senior VP of Marketing, Christensen Arms. “This MPP has the same accuracy potential and dependability as our field proven MPR’s, as they share many of the same features and components.”
The new MPP’s standard features include: Christensen Arms’ legendary carbon fiber barrel, adjustable side-baffle brake, precision-machined action and fluted bolt, oversized bolt knob, 20-MOA optic rail, forward mount rail with an integrated barricade stop, 5-round detachable AICS magazine, TriggerTech® flat trigger, an ergonomic pistol grip, and retains QD and MLOK accessory attachment points. Combine that with a folding SB Tactical® stabilizing brace, and the new Modern Precision Pistol is built to take pistol performance to new distances.
Specifications:
Chambering: Barrel Length: Twist Rate: Overall length:
.300 BLK 7.5” 1/5 28.25”
.223 REM 10.5” 1/7 31.25”
6.5 CRDMR 12.5” 1/8 33.25”
.308 WIN 12.5” 1/7 33.25”
MSRP starting at: $2,295
To learn more about the new MPP and the complete product offerings from Christensen Arms, please visit www.christensenarms.com or follow us on social media @christensensarms.
Sterling, VA: Thermoregulation, hydration and human performance experts Qore Performance, Inc., announced the release of an updated IcePlate MOLLE Sleeve (IMS) today. IMS is an ultrathin, hard cell, plate carrier hydration system built around Qore Performance’s venerable IcePlate Curve cooling/heating/hydration water bottle shaped like a Medium ESAPI plate.
All-new for 2021, IMS joins IMS Pro to bring greater durability and ergonomic efficiency to plate carrier hydration for military and law enforcement users. Hard cell hydration delivers strength and dependability that cannot be matched by traditional soft bladders, while preserving a full MOLLE field under heavy loads. The flat, ultrathin, and conformal profile of IcePlate Curve also allows users to sit more comfortably in vehicles. IMS fits under zip on panels like the MOLLE Zip-On Panel 2.0, Pack Zip-On Panel or Pouch Zip-One Panel by Crye Precision.
Designed specifically for units, commands, and agencies where skeletonized laser-cut laminate solutions are not approved, IMS is built from traditional 500D nylon for excellent field durability with a commonly approved look that matches traditionally-constructed kit.
IMS is completely ambidextrous with laser-cut Drink Tube Routing Ports on both sides for compatibility with Left Exit or Right Exit IcePlate Curves.
The bottom zipper closure from the previous generation IMS Flex has been replaced with the same, familiar Velcro-brand hook and loop bottom closure found on IMS Pro and IcePlate EXO (ICE). The move to a Velcro-brand bottom closure also improves suitability for night operations and reliability while reducing weight. In working directly with Active Duty end-users, this change to a Velcro-brand bottom closure was among the most requested changes from the previous IMS Flex.
Features and Specs:
-Rugged 500D nylon construction features six full rows of MOLLE with a full three row MOLLE Velcro loop field for identification placards that measures 8.5″ w x 3″ h
-Four (4) permanently attached MOLLE strips included
-Compatible with any MOLLE-equipped plate carrier. For MOLLE and Velcro combination compatibility, check out IMS Pro
-Velcro brand bottom closure is identical to IMS Pro, IcePlate EXO (ICE) for quick, simple and intuitive IcePlate access, optimized for night operations
-Combine IMS with IcePlate Classic or IcePlate Curve for the thinnest and most durable plate carrier hydration solution on the market
-Mount heavy tools (AT4s, Base Plates, etc.) on your plate carrier hydration source without rupture concern
-Mounted patrols/movements are more comfortable than ever thanks to the flat back profile created by IMS and IMS Pro
“We built IMS because we have many end-users, who depend on IcePlate for its strength,” remarked Qore Performance Co-Founder and CEO Justin Li when asked about the development of IMS, “those users don’t use the thermoregulation and heat injury prevention capabilities that IMS Pro brings to the table, they only need external plate carrier hydration and IMS is the answer to that requirement.”
IMS, like all military and law enforcement products from Qore Performance, is 100% American made from US materials and shipped six days per week from their Sterling, VA headquarters.
As the inventors of specialized and consumable thermoregulation for PPE users, Qore Performance is leading the fight to eliminate preventable heat injuries. Bridging the gap between Man and Machine, their IceAge Ecosystem protects over 20,000 daily active users in occupational safety alone. Dozens of America’s Fortune 1000 companies including Boeing, Dutch Bros Coffee, Charlotte Area Transit System, America’s Chicken, and Marathon Petroleum, depend on Qore Performance to safeguard their teams and their bottom lines. Qore Performance enterprise customers have worked over 2,000,000 hours since 2017 without a single heat injury.
IMS and IMS Pro are available exclusively on the Qore Performance website:
IcePlate MOLLE Sleeve Collection
For sales inquiries, contact:
Doug Burr
Director of Sales and Business Development
Qore Performance, Inc.
22311 Shaw Rd, STE A2
Sterling, VA 20166
www.qoreperformance.com
info@qoreperformance.com
703.755.0724
@qoreperformance
The Exotac xREEL is coming soon. Fishing line is wound around the outside and lures and hooks stored inside.
Hoping to see them at Blade Show in Atlanta, June 4-6 June.
Jacksonville, Florida – Safariland®, a brand of The Safariland Group, a leading global provider of safety products designed for the public safety, military, professional and outdoor markets, today announced the formation of a new breed of brand ambassadors: CADRE.
“In the technical sense, a CADRE is a selected group of specially trained and skilled individuals brought together for one specific purpose or mission,” said Tim Drnec, Vice President of Marketing & Commercial Sales at Safariland. “And that’s exactly what Safariland needs right now. The Safariland CADRE will be advocates for Safariland products and its mission to save lives with integrity, loyalty and grit.”
Safariland’s CADRE is a new approach to brand ambassadorship. “Our CADRE are changing what it means to be a brand ambassador,” Christina Rhine, Digital-Social Media Manager for Safariland said. “No longer will these individuals be seen as social media influencers. They’re experienced advocates in the markets we touch, and contributors to the future of our products. They bring years of raw experience with Safariland products, and authentic product concepts. Collectively we will achieve our goals to provide the best equipment possible.”
The CADRE bring first-hand expertise in product application, life dependent scenarios and training capabilities. Among them are a Rt. Special Forces SGT. Major, a competitive mounted shooter and veteran of the 75th Army Ranger Regiment, a Tactical Games athlete, conservationists and huntsmen, competitive shooting champions and instructors, business owners, a SWAT Team Leader, law enforcement officers, and a family of five competitive shooters. With these backgrounds and mindsets, they will collectively bring authentic product feedback from the field to Safariland to elevate Safariland products and increase the company’s ability to enact its mission: “Together we save lives.”
Dulles, VA (15 April 2021) Velocity Systems is pleased to announce Nelson Rodriguez being promoted to the position of National Sales Director. Nelson has been with Velocity Systems for over 6 years and has been vital to its organic growth. He brings 18+ years of experience in sales and sales management which will be vital in the continued growth of the company. Prior to beginning his sales career, Nelson spent 12 years in the United States Army with both the 75th Ranger Regiment and Special Operations Command south.”
According to David Strum, President of Velocity Systems, “From the moment Nelson walked in the door we knew his dedication to the end user would be unparalleled, his work ethic and personality has made him a great fit for Velocity Systems”
Velocity Systems is excited to announce this promotion and we look forward to the continued growth for Nelson and Velocity Systems.
Based off of the popular Exigent Circumstance Pack, the Comm Pack offers a distinctly urban style. The zippered main compartment offers ample storage for a wide variety of communications devices or other equipment and the cable access ports are discreetly located. Inside, there’s a padded laptop sleeve and zippered mesh pocket.
• Discrete backpack
• Distinct urban feel
• Internal laptop sleeve
• 2 Sizes: 980 cu in or 1800 cu in
The pack incorporates padded shoulder straps with QR buckles as well as a low profile, padded haul loop handle at the top of the pack. The mesh, padded back of the pack offers the distinctive FirstSpear logo stitched design. Each side of the pack features a mesh pocket for water bottles or other items. There is also an exterior, beavertail-style flap with dual zippered compartments for quick storage. Additionally, there is a flat zippered pocket at the front of the pack under the flap.
The Comm Pack is available in Black, Blue/Silver, Ranger Green/Coyote and the Ripstop Light Grey.
Check out the Comm Pack at www.first-spear.com/comm-pack-and-comm-pack-large
