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Streamlight Launches the ProTacRail Mount 1L-X and 1L-X Pro

January 25th, 2026

Optimized for Rifles with Short Rails; Pro Model Features Flexible Jack Cap® Tail Switch

EAGLEVILLE, PA, January 22, 2026 – Streamlight®Inc., a leading provider of high-performance lighting and weapon light/laser sighting devices, introduced the ProTac® Rail Mount 1L-X and the ProTac® 1L-X Pro, multi-fuel tactical lights with a compact design to fit short-barreled rifles, submachine guns, and carbines with limited rail space for both light and pressure pad. The new high-output lights, which also are available in USB configurations, deliver up to 850 lumens for extreme brightness. They will debut at SHOT Show 2026 in Las Vegas, where attendees can see them in person at Streamlight Booth #11468.

Lightweight and low profile, both feature a rugged, integrated rail clamp designed to rapidly and securely attach to guns with a MIL-STD 1913 Picatinny or M-LOK® rail system. The light-only models feature a standard push-button tail cap, providing ease of activation without a pressure pad. The Pro models also offer a Jack Cap® tail cap switch that provides dual operational redundancy, including push-button and remote pressure switch control, for the ultimate in flexibility.

The compact lights feature a smaller footprint profile for tight rail set ups (the light-only model is ideal for rifles where pressure pad space is extremely limited). Each light uses a lumen-focused beam optimized for short range clarity, delivering up to 850 lumens of blinding white light. The lights are powered by either one Streamlight SL-B9® protected lithium-ion rechargeable battery pack, or a single 3-volt CR123A lithium battery for use if the rechargeable cell is out of power.

“These multi-fuel weapon-mounted lights are the perfect solution for law enforcement, military and tactical users when using short-barreled lights in maneuvers under low-light conditions,” said Streamlight President Michael F. Dineen. “The Pro version features a Jack Cap tail switch that allows users to choose between using a push-button or remote pressure switch, depending on their preference. They are designed to deliver the ultimate in compact power for your rifle.”

Offering high, low and strobe settings, both lights feature a TEN-TAP® programmable switch that allows users to select one of three different programs: high/strobe (factory default); high only; or low/high.

On the high setting, the ProTac Rail Mount 1L-X USB and 1L-X Pro USB models deliver 850 lumens, 30,000 candela, and a run time of 30 minutes when using an SL-B9 battery; with a CR123A battery inserted, they provide 500 lumens, 18,000 candela and a 1.75-hour run time. On low, the lights offer up to 6.5 hours of run time,100 lumens and 3,400 candela depending on battery selection.

Both lights mount to a broad range of short-rail rifles and submachine guns, safely and securely by means of a one-handed snap on and tighten interface that permits users to keep their hands away from the gun muzzle.

The new models are fabricated from 6000 series machined aluminum with a black anodized finish and feature a high temperature, impact-resistant BOROFLOAT® glass lens. The ProTac Rail Mount 1L-X USB measures 4.64 inches long and weighs 5.12 ounces with a CR123A battery and 5.22 ounces with an SL-B9 rechargeable battery pack. The ProTac Rail Mount 1L-X Pro USB also is 4.64 inches in length, weighing 5.5 ounces with a CR123A battery and 5.6 ounces with the SL-B9 battery.

With the standard push-button switch installed, both lights are rated IP67 for waterproof operation to 1 meter for 30 minutes; when using the remote switch with the 1L-X Pro USB, the light is IP54 rated for water-resistant operation.

The ProTac Rail Mount 1L-X USB and the ProTac Rail Mount 1L-X have MSRPs of $190.00 and $181.00, respectively, while the ProTac Rail Mount 1L-X Pro USB and the ProTac Rail Mount 1L-X Pro have MSRPs of $221.00 and $212.00, respectively. All four models are backed by Streamlight’s Limited Lifetime Warranty.

Posted in Advertiser, Lights, Press Release, Weapon Accessories | Comments Off on Streamlight Launches the ProTacRail Mount 1L-X and 1L-X Pro

AltaPointe Health Launches Weekly Online Veteran Peer Support Group

January 25th, 2026

MOBILE, Ala., Jan. 23, 2026 — AltaPointe Health is launching a new weekly online Veteran Peer Support Group designed to help veterans navigate the transition from military to civilian life in a safe, confidential, and supportive environment.

The virtual group will meet every Wednesday from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. CST via Zoom and is open to veterans who may not feel comfortable attending in-person appointments or visiting a clinic.

The group is built on a simple but powerful concept: By veterans. For veterans.

According to AltaPointe Veteran Program Coordinator Ron Olmsted, the meeting is a peer-led forum where participation is completely based on each individual’s comfort level.

“This is a peer meeting where veterans are helping other veterans who may not want to come to a clinic,” Olmsted said. “They can be anonymous, or they don’t have to be. They can just listen to the forum and chime in with their comments, or just listen. One hundred percent of the participation level is going to be based on your comfort level.”

Participants are not required to turn on their cameras or use their real names. Veterans can simply listen, share experiences, or actively participate — whatever feels right for them.

“You don’t have to turn your camera on, you don’t have to give us your real name,” Olmsted said. “If you just want to sit and listen, that’s fine. If you want to participate, that’s great. We’re not trying to force anything on anybody. We’re just trying to expose people to things that will hopefully make their lives a little bit better.”

The Veteran Peer Support Group is designed to help reduce isolation and create meaningful connections among veterans who understand military culture, service, and the challenges of transition. The group offers a judgment-free space to talk about topics such as PTSD, depression, stress, and other life challenges.

Benefits of the group include:

Shared understanding with fellow veterans
Community and connection to reduce isolation
Mental health support in a safe, confidential setting
Renewed purpose and engagement in civilian life
Access to resources tailored to veterans’ needs

Meetings are online, confidential, and veteran-only, allowing participants to engage at their own pace in a supportive environment.

To register or learn more, call (251) 450-5956 or email veteransupport@altapointe.org.

Posted in Medical, Press Release, Veterans | Comments Off on AltaPointe Health Launches Weekly Online Veteran Peer Support Group

Raft Awarded Contract for Desert Sentry to Accelerate Operator-Centric AI for CENTCOM Missions

January 24th, 2026

Raft’s AI Mission System empowers CENTCOM operators with on-demand computer vision tailored to real-world missions – broad-area satellite search, distributed maritime monitoring, and counter-UxS threat detection.

MCLEAN, Va., Jan. 22, 2026 — Raft, a leading defense technology company, powering the software-driven foundation of modern warfare, has been awarded a highly competitive Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) by the Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office (CDAO), in partnership with U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), following a five-day vendor bake-off. Hosted last fall by CENTCOM, the evaluation sought cutting-edge solutions to operationalize AI on the battlefield. Raft’s win underscores its ability to rapidly deliver deployable, operator-ready technology that meets the evolving demands of the modern fight.

Raft’s AI Mission System ([R] AIMS) delivers a no-code machine learning system that puts the power of computer vision directly into the hands of operators. Raft built and deployed a fully containerized, Agentic AI platform that enables operators to train, evaluate, and deploy new Computer Vision models with confidence and verifiability—no data science background required.

“This wasn’t about building another tool,” said Shubhi Mishra, founder and CEO of Raft. “This was about rethinking how AI gets built for mission-critical environments and how we empower operators to adapt when the mission demands it. Raft exists to turn operators into super-operators, and that starts by putting AI creation directly in their hands.”

By integrating seamlessly with NGA Maven workflows, [R]AIMS enables model refresh in days—supporting key use cases like:

Satellite Broad Area Search: Quickly train gap-filler models on-the-fly to support large-scale overhead imagery tasks

Distributed Monitoring: Enable task forces like TF-59 to deploy and adapt CV models across maritime environments

Counter-UxS Threat Detection: Build computer vision to detect, label, and characterize optical threats without waiting on centralized updates

Built with Raft’s agentic AI principles at its core, the system features built-in guardrails via [R]AIMS and machine-assisted feedback loops for Responsible AI—ensuring every model is traceable, adaptable, and aligned with mission intent.

“[R]AIMS Vision enables something we’ve been chasing for years: COCOMs building their own AI at the speed of the mission,” said Bhaarat Sharma, CTO at Raft. “This is how you scale intelligence across the force—by putting tools in the hands of operators and giving them the autonomy to iterate in real time.”

[R]AIMS validates what is possible when Agentic AI moves beyond conversational interfaces to deliver autonomous, operator-controlled computer vision that adapts at mission speed. Operators rapidly created new gap-filler models for unplanned ISR scenarios—without needing data scientists on call. The system even handled optical threat detection and object tracking in real time, including NITF and other complex formats. [R]AIMS is now positioned for rapid expansion across combatant commands, supporting faster intelligence cycles, better decision-making, and real-time adaptation on the battlefield.

For more information about Raft, visit www.teamraft.com.

Posted in AI / ML, Industry, Press Release | Comments Off on Raft Awarded Contract for Desert Sentry to Accelerate Operator-Centric AI for CENTCOM Missions

Streamlight Launches the ProTac Rail Mount VIR Pro

January 24th, 2026

Multi-Fuel Long Gun Light Provides Both White and IR Illumination

EAGLEVILLE, PA, January 23, 2026 – Streamlight®, Inc., a leading provider of high-performance lighting and weapon light/laser sighting devices, introduced the ProTac® Rail Mount VIR PRO, a gun-mounted tactical light featuring up to 1,100 lumens of visible white light and an infrared (IR) LED. The new light is designed to securely fit all long guns with MIL-STD-1913 or M-LOK® and M-LOK compatible rails.

The ProTac Rail Mount VIR PRO enables users to easily toggle between bright white and IR light via the head-mounted switch, allowing first responders to illuminate a target for identification while remaining undetected. A built-in cutoff prevents accidental visible light activation while in IR mode, guaranteeing stealth and control.

The light’s Jack-Cap® tail cap switch provides switch redundancy, offering a choice between push-button or remote pressure switch operation. A TEN-TAP®programmable switch allows users to select one of three different programs: white light high only/IR high only (default); white light medium only/IR high-low; or white light low-high/IR low-high.

“The ProTac Rail Mount VIR PRO provides shooting enthusiasts, law enforcement personnel and tactical users alike with a flexible lighting tool that has both visible white light and IR illumination,” said Streamlight President Michael F. Dineen. “It’s an essential tool for both covert and overt operations.”

The new light is powered by two CR123A lithium batteries or a single Streamlight SL-B26 lithium ion USB rechargeable battery pack that recharges in five hours. Featuring high, medium and low settings, the white LED provides up to 1,100 lumens and 40,000 candela over a 400-meter beam distance on high and 120 lumens, 4,200 candela and a 130-meter beam distance on low. For IR lighting, the ProTac Rail Mount VIR Pro uses a 940nm IR LED, which emits 2,300mW on high and 600 mW on low.

Run times range from 1.5 hours (high) to 11 hours (low) when using CR123A batteries, and from 2 hours (high) to 14 hours (low) with the SL-B26 battery pack. The IR light runs up to 7.25 hours using CR123A batteries and up to 9 hours with the SL-B26 battery.

The ProTac Rail Mount VIR PRO has an ambidextrous momentary/steady on-off switch. Its rail clamp securely attaches to rifles, carbines, and submachine guns with a MIL-STD-1913 rail or with the included M-LOK mount, allowing for alternative mounting options to M-LOK and M-LOK compatible rail systems.

The light is constructed from 6000 Series machined aircraft aluminum, with a black anodized finish. It measures 5.65 inches in length and weighs 8.2 ounces with two CR123A batteries and 8.8 ounces with an SL-B26 rechargeable battery pack. The new light uses a high temperature, shock-mounted, impact-resistant BOROFLOAT® glass lens.

Featuring extensively live-fire tested construction, the ProTac Rail Mount VIR PRO is IPX7 rated for waterproof operation to 1 meter for 30 minutes with the standard push button switch installed. It is IPX4-rated for water-resistant operation when using the remote pressure switch. The ProTac RM VIR PRO has an MSRP of $400.00, while a USB version of the light has an MSRP of $418.00. Both come with Streamlight’s Limited Lifetime Warranty.

Posted in Advertiser, Lights, Press Release, Weapon Accessories | No Comments »

US Army, Polish Land Forces Conduct Operation Winter Falcon 2026

January 24th, 2026

OLESZNO, Poland — Soldiers assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 66th Armored Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, conducted an armored live-fire exercise and technology demonstrations during Operation Winter Falcon 26 at the Drawsko Combat Training Center in Oleszno, Jan. 13.

The event demonstrated how modern military operations rely on integrating multiple systems, including unmanned aerial systems and counter-UAS capabilities, to strengthen defensive capabilities. The demonstration reflected how the United States and its NATO allies are modernizing to reinforce defenses in Poland and across the alliance.

Polish and U.S. forces fired their M1A2 Abrams tanks side by side on the firing line. This marked the first time Polish forces fired their M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams tanks alongside U.S. forces, demonstrating both the platform’s firepower and the coordination among partner nations. The commander of the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, Army Col. Matthew Kelley, emphasized the importance of communication when building relationships to deliver interoperability.

“We train to be ready for anything that might happen in the future,” Kelley said. “There is no way you could do that on your own.”

The commander also spoke about the importance of training in Poland and the value it brings to his troops.

“The strength of our allies together is how we demonstrate that resolve, that commitment, and you’ve [got to] do that in the place you may have to defend,” he said.

“After the live-fire exercise, a static display of UASs featured drones that can provide reconnaissance for ground and armored forces and engage enemy vehicles while the pilot remains in a secure position.

Polish vehicles, such as the M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System and the AH-64D Apache helicopter, were displayed alongside U.S. technology systems to counter opposing UAS.

The static display illustrated how both UAS and counter-UAS systems complement armored platforms such as the Abrams by providing reconnaissance, identifying potential threats at a distance and preventing adversaries from locating friendly forces.

When presented together, the systems demonstrated the growing role of UAS and counter-UAS technologies in reinforcing NATO’s defensive posture along Poland’s eastern region.

Operation Winter Falcon 26 underscored the importance of innovation for NATO’s armed forces in modern military operations. By linking armored elements, such as the Abrams tank, with UAS, U.S. and NATO forces demonstrated how coordinated technologies enhance readiness and strengthen overall defense.

PFC Andre Gremillion Jr

Posted in Army, Guest Post | No Comments »

DryStick Launches Practical, Reusable Dryfire Targets

January 23rd, 2026

DryStick™ Targets announces the release of a new line of reusable adhesive dryfire targets built for shooters who value simplicity, consistency, and foundational skill development.

Designed without unnecessary features or tech, DryStick™ gives firearm owners a clean, reliable way to practice sight alignment, transitions, and trigger control in any environment.

Each DryStick™ target uses a repositionable adhesive that sticks to most smooth surfaces and removes cleanly without residue. Shooters can build a functional training setup in seconds using doors, cabinets, walls, garages, or other flat surfaces, making meaningful dryfire practice accessible regardless of space or experience level.

“The mission of DryStick™ is to promote safety and proficiency for all firearm users,” said Joe Thomson, founder of DryStick™.

“Dry fire has played a huge role in my own development as a shooter, and I created DryStick™ so others can get the same effective reps without needing complicated equipment or a tedious set up process.”

As DryStick™ continues to grow, the company plans to offer custom target options including high-resolution photo targets, wholesale programs for organizations, agencies, and retailers, and full-size shoot-house targets that function just like the current dryfire line.

Key Features:

Repositionable & reusable — adheres cleanly and removes cleanly
Scaled silhouettes for realistic visual processing
Fast, no-hardware setup on almost any smooth surface
Indoor or outdoor use
Purpose-built for foundational dryfire principles

DryStick™ Targets are available now at DryStickTargets.com.

Posted in Press Release, Training | No Comments »

CTOMS Launches X-Belt Padding System Gen III

January 23rd, 2026

Edmonton, Alberta, Canada – January 22, 2026 – CTOMS Inc. is excited to announce the launch of the X-Belt™ Padding System (PS) Gen III, the latest advancement to their classic low-profile, high-performance battle belt.

The X-Belt PS Gen III is a streamlined outer duty belt with laser-cut MOLLE, designed for maximum comfort under full operational loads while being lighter and more durable than previous generations. Its low-profile padding is hook-and-loop adjustable, allowing a precise fit across a range of waist sizes and seasonal/operational clothing layers.

The X-Belt PS Gen III integrates seamlessly with CTOMS’ mission-adaptive MGTD™ belt and harness systems. As the outer belt, it pairs with either the M3 Inner Belt or M3 Rigger’s Belt, enabling rapid donning of the M3 Harness Assembly without removing the belt. This allows operators to quickly upscale from a standard duty belt to a fully integrated harness for vertical operations.

Configure your complete MGTD™ system using the kit builders:

Rigger Belt System Kit Builder

M3 Belt System Kit Builder

For more information and to order, visit www.ctomsinc.com.

Posted in Advertiser, Load Carrying, Press Release | No Comments »

SHOT Show 26 – Crye Precision G3 Cut Resistant (CR) Combat Shirt & Pant

January 23rd, 2026

Developed for the British Prison Service, the CR variant of the G3 uniform offers ISO 13997 Level D/EN 388 Level 2 cut resistance using high-performance, Dyneema-blended jersey material in key areas such as groin, thighs, chest. and underarms. Additionally, the ensemble integrates the new AIRFLEX pads.

Offered in sizes:

Shirts: XS – 3XL in short – x long lengths

Pants: 26 – 46 in short – x long lengths

Black and Grey colors.

Posted in Armor, Clothing, SHOT Show | No Comments »