Long time reader SL is on a road trip and sent me this photo and note:
“Just off of I-10 is the birthplace of John Rambo in Bowie AZ. I don’t recall if the hometown is mentioned in any of the movies or the original version of the First Blood novel.
The mural is on the side of a truck stop which has an Indian restaurant inside. That’s America: Indian food, trucks, and Rambo coffee cups and shot glasses in the same place.”
Thanks man! Have a safe trip!
The Defence AI Centre has worked with industry to develop a new tool that will help redefine how Defence evaluates and procures AI technologies.
The Defence AI Centre (DAIC) is launching the AIModel Arena to help redefine how Defence evaluates and procures artificial intelligence (AI) technologies.
The tool, developed in partnership with UK AIcompany Advai and the National Security Strategic Investment Fund (NSSIF), will pilot a secure, standardised platform for suppliers to more rapidly test and demonstrate their models against Defence use cases.
The AI Model Arena will:
The AI Model Arena will be a secure, vendor-neutral evaluation platform that can objectively assess models across 4 critical categories: performance, reliability, robustness, and security. These data-backed evaluations will be based on Defence-specific requirements such as JSP 936. Up to 100 suppliers can be phased through a down-selection process, ensuring the best-in-class solutions progress.
The AI Model Arena builds on work previously undertaken by the Royal Navy in partnership with Advai and the Accelerated Capability Environment (ACE), a Home Office unit solving public sector data challenges, where MOD first conducted independent side-by-side testing of AImodels from multiple suppliers. This approach supports more confident procurement decisions while mitigating risks and ensuring performance, robustness, and security in mission-specific scenarios. It will also help with earlier identification of the most promising models and suppliers, reducing procurement bottlenecks, accelerating innovation, and ensuring the most promising AI solutions are triaged for procurement teams to investigate further.
Head of DAIC, Commodore Rachel Singleton said:
This initiative is central to our ambition to adopt AI responsibly and at pace, ensuring we maintain a strategic advantage in an increasingly competitive landscape. I encourage all AI suppliers to engage with the AI Model Arena. This is your opportunity to showcase your capabilities, drive innovation, and help shape the future of Defence AI.
The AI Model Arena pilot provides a scalable solution to procurement challenges, improving performance, boosting confidence, and delivering cutting-edge AI capabilities to our warfighters in a much shorter timeframe. Falling in line with the ambitions outlined in Action 43 of the AI Opportunities Plan (2025), the tool can automate the evaluation of AI models against Defence benchmarks. This approach will ultimately deliver the same insight as more intensive review techniques, but with significantly shorter timelines.
The AI Model Arena will speed up the rate of AIadoption, in support of matching the demand outlined in the Strategic Defence Review (SDR). Its vendor-neutral processes support a level playing field for industry and enables the growth of UK small and medium-sized enterprises by identifying where they have an edge, helping advance a stronger sovereign AI ecosystem.
Achieving these strategic ambitions will result in the efficient procurement of secure, compliant and operationally ready AI systems for Defence.
By streamlining how we evaluate and procure AItechnologies, the AI Model Arena will help to reduce barriers to innovation, strengthen our defence industrial partnerships, and ensure our warfighters have access to the most advanced AIsolutions to operate, deter, fight and win. The AIModel Arena directly supports the SDR’s recommendation to harness cutting-edge technology and innovation to maintain the UK Defence’s strategic advantage. As part of MOD’s Digital Function, the DAIC enables and accelerates AI across Defence. The Digital Function is part of the newly formed National Armaments Director Group, which brings together acquisition, science, innovation and support functions under unified leadership to deliver capabilities faster and more efficiently for our Armed Forces.
The Defence AI Centre are aiming for the Model Arena to be live by DAIC Connect 2026 being held in March next year.
Find out more about the Defence AI Centre and stay up to date by following the DAIC on LinkedIn.
From UK Ministry of Defence
WASHINGTON — As of October 1, 2025, Soldiers who qualify for hazardous duty incentive pay (HDIP) for parachute duty are now receiving $200 a month for static line jumps, a $50 increase from the former rate. Qualified jumpmaster Soldiers are also eligible for a new monthly jumpmaster special duty assignment pay (SDAP) of $150.
“These pay increases demonstrate the Army’s continued appreciation for airborne service and acknowledge the distinctive challenges faced by our paratroopers,” stated COL Frank Pena, Chief of Total Army Readiness Division, U.S. Army G-1. “We’ve worked closely with airborne units and the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) to ensure accurate updates for those who qualify for the incentive pay.”
Soldiers eligible for HDIP include qualified parachutists, those in training to become parachutists, those assigned to positions requiring parachute jumps, and those ordered to perform parachute jumps from aircraft in flight. Jumpmaster Soldiers performing jumpmaster duties in authorized positions additionally qualify for SDAP. Eligibility for both incentives is contingent upon Soldiers meeting and maintaining the minimum performance standards detailed in DODI 1340.09.
The Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, announced the pay increase in May during the 82nd Airborne Division’s All-American Week event at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He commended paratroopers for the commitment and sacrifice, stating, “Here’s to our paratroopers, our jumpmasters, who do the difficult things in difficult places that most Americans can never imagine.”
Parachute duty involves significant physical demands and inherent risks, including potential injuries during jumps, exposure to challenging weather conditions, and the physical toll of rigorous training exercises. The increase aligns parachute duty incentive pay with other hazardous duty roles, such as military free-fall operations.
“This was long overdue, and I’m glad we were able to get this across the line,” said Lt. Gen. Brian Eifler, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Army, G-1. “Parachutists’ incentive pay hadn’t been adjusted since 1998.”
“The increase reinforces the value of this hazardous duty, and the vital contributions paratroopers make to Army readiness.”
By LTC Andrew Yang, U.S. Army Directorate of Military Personnel Management
Soldiers from the 91st Civil Affairs Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group, executed a team-level validation exercise conducted October 20 – 24 2025. This annual training event enhances unit readiness and prepares Soldiers for complex missions worldwide. Following months of individual and collective training, Civil Affairs teams validated their skills in a realistic training scenario, designed to test Soldiers’ skills in a complex and dynamic environment.
Army Special Operations Forces Civil Affairs (ARSOF CA), is a branch of Soldiers specially trained to understand and influence the civil component of the operational environment. Civil Affairs professionals serve as an integral component in providing Commanders with key information about a region’s civilian population, enabling commanders to maintain operational tempo, preserve combat power, and consolidate gains. Capable of operating within the full spectrum of operations, ARSOF CA teams integrate with key populations and organizations to best understand civil networks to support national and theater-level objectives.
During Atlas Lion 26-1, two 4-person teams from Bravo Company of the 91st Civil Affairs Battalion navigated complex scenarios designed to evaluate months of tactical training. From engaging with local nationals to evacuating simulated casualties under hostile conditions, teams worked through multifaceted scenarios in a large-scale combat operations environment to prepare Soldiers for the unforeseen challenges overseas.
“This training environment replicates a large-scale combat operations environment. When we train, we train for the future,” explained Lt. Col. Michael Veglucci, Commander of the 91st Civil Affairs Battalion. “This gets after our core competencies and our Civil Affairs battle drills.”
After a week of validating their CA collective tasks, the 91st Civil Affairs Battalion partnered with Delta Company, 96th Civil Affairs Battalion, to execute a comprehensive tabletop exercise. This exercise leveraged a one-of-a-kind artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) model that enabled leaders to certify their Company in the unit’s critical tasks, a groundbreaking shift in how the Army assesses readiness.
In a first full iteration for the formation, ARSOF CA conducted a company-level certification exercise without using humans as external evaluators. For decades, units relied on observers to monitor training and assess Soldier competencies. Today, that work is being done by AI.
Civil Affairs Soldiers, who typically find themselves engaging with civil populations to solve complex problems, suddenly found themselves interacting with role players and civilian leaders built into the AI model.
In an innovative approach to transform how Soldiers prepare for future conflicts across multiple operational environments, AI is helping standardize training. AI enables commanders to rapidly scale training without proportionally increasing resources. What was once expensive and resource-intensive feat is now being done with the stroke of a keyboard.
“What makes this AI model unique is that it is limitless in complexity and cohesion to give the training audience a valuable and effective training opportunity,” said Moran Keay, CEO and founder of Motive International, who ran the training. “This training provides commanders with an objective assessment of their formation’s ability to execute critical tasks before sending anyone overseas.”
During Atlas Lion, the AI model analyzed tens of thousands of data points using key performance indicators, a task previously impossible for human evaluators. By leveraging thousands of pages of doctrine, documents, and regulations, the model provided an unbiased assessment of the Company’s ability to conduct Civil Affairs tasks critical to mission success.
While some express skepticism about the role of AI in evaluating Soldiers whose primary role is to engage with civilian populations, the Army is adapting, modernizing, and transforming how it trains and certifies its troops.
As the Army continues to identify innovative ways to train and certify formations, Civil Affairs Soldiers are shaping the future of training. Through innovation and forward-thinking leadership, ARSOF CA is not only enhancing their readiness but also setting the standard for how the Army will train and certify its Soldiers to meet the demands of tomorrow’s missions.
Story MAJ Justin Zwick
3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne)
Photos by PFC Christina Randall
G3 Systems Limited, the British company with over 24 years of operationally proven expertise in designing and producing deployable infrastructure and containerised solutions, has recently completed an essential upgrade to an existing NavyPODS unit. The work has been completed for QinetiQ on behalf of the Royal Navy’s Office of the Chief Technology Officer (OCTO) and aligns with previous work that G3 Systems completed for the Royal Navy early in the development of the NavyPODS concept.
The Royal Navy’s vision for NavyPODS represented a paradigm shift in maritime capability. Rather than traditional ship designs with fixed systems, the focus switched to simplicity, adaptability and modularity. The concept, driven forward by OCTO, revolves around the idea of utilising standardized containers as Persistent Operational Deployment System (PODS) housing a spectrum of capabilities, ranging from precision strike and unmanned air systems to directed energy and medical aid.
G3 Systems has vast experience and proven expertise in designing, building and supporting such high-specification, bespoke, deployable containerised solutions. In addition, G3 Systems also has extensive experience in designing and delivering NavyPODS, having produced the very successful Heavy Lift Drone NavyPODS capability in 2022.
This project was required to upgrade an existing NavyPODS system, for which G3 Systems were not the OEM, to deliver the intended capability. The work included fitting an internal lift structure,bupgrading the roof opening system and repairing and upgrading the structure to meet operational requirements. At the same time, G3 Systems upgraded the ancillary systems to ensure compliance with current regulations.
Nick Rose, Managing Director G3 Systems said, “This work allowed G3 Systems to utilise our knowledge and understanding from the initial NavyPODS concept, and demonstrates our versatility and ability to take on equipment for which are not the OEM, understand it and improve it to meet the customer’s operational requirements. I am really pleased that we have been able to ensure all aspects of the unit are now fully operational and meet the requirements of the end-user.”
CLEVELAND, OH — November 21, 2025 — National Safety Apparel (NSA), a leader in mission-critical protective apparel, today announced the promotion of Markin Dornan to Executive Vice President of Defense & Government and the appointment of Tommy Young as Vice President of Defense. These leadership moves strengthen NSA’s focus on U.S. military and government customers and build on the company’s established presence through its DRIFIRE® Defense and Wild Things® brands.
DRIFIRE® Defense delivers high-performance, Berry-compliant FR apparel made in the U.S.A. and trusted by military personnel and tactical teams for its advanced fabric technology—combining flame resistance, moisture management, durability, and comfort engineered for the battlefield. Wild Things®, trusted since the early 2000s by elite military units, provides rugged, lightweight technical outerwear—also Berry compliant and U.S.-made—designed for the harshest environments and used today across all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces.
As Executive Vice President of Defense & Government, Dornan leads the division’s strategic direction and cross-functional execution. Since joining NSA in 2009, he has expanded the company into new markets, built high-performance teams, and led numerous product innovations. Dornan also serves as Board Chair of the Warrior Protection and Readiness Coalition (WPRC) and recently earned the Credential of Leadership, Impact, and Management in Business (CLIMB) from Harvard Business School Online.
Tommy Young serves as Vice President of Defense at National Safety Apparel, where he leads strategy, government programs, and innovation across the company’s defense portfolio—including advanced protective systems for military personnel.
An Air Force fighter pilot, Young served 13 years on active duty flying the F-16, completing over 100 combat sorties. He continues to serve in the Air Force Reserve as Chief of Combat Operations, supporting Air Operations Centers (AOCs) worldwide that oversee real-time air mission planning and execution.
Prior to joining NSA, Young spent more than a decade in the military apparel and technical fabrics industry, partnering extensively with the Department of Defense, Defense Logistics Agency, and elite military units to develop advanced protective solutions for U.S. service members. His career blends proven combat leadership, global defense expertise, and commercial execution—bringing a mission-driven mindset to advancing the next generation of protective solutions for U.S. and allied forces.
“Markin brings strategic clarity and a proven record of execution; Tommy brings a service-first, results-driven approach to defense sales,” said Mike Enright, President of National Safety Apparel. “Together, they anchor our Defense & Government team and ensure our Berry-compliant, U.S.A.-made solutions reach the units that depend on them. We’re building the bench—with a Director of Marketing and Product role—to accelerate launches, strengthen partnerships, and keep mission needs at the center.”
“Tommy’s honorable service background and industry experience showcase his proven track record as a leader,” said Markin Dornan, EVP of Defense & Government. “His values align with NSA’s, and I’m confident he will help our team deliver meaningful contributions for the Warfighter and for NSA.”
“I’m honored to join such an outstanding organization and team at National Safety Apparel,” said Tommy Young, VP of Defense. “NSA’s DRIFIRE® Defense and Wild Things® brands have earned the trust of those who serve, and I’m excited to help drive continued growth and innovation while advancing our mission to protect and support the Warfighter.”
NSA continues to invest in leadership and capability growth, including an open Director of Marketing and Product position to expand brand, product marketing, and demand generation across Defense & Government.
Learn more at thinknsa.com.
Dayton, OH — Genesis Rescue Systems, a leading manufacturer of hydraulic rescue tools used in the fire service across the United States, is now fully Berry Amendment compliant, allowing for procurement within U.S. Government and Department of War programs.
Berry compliance, which requires that products purchased by the DoW be sourced, manufactured, and assembled in the United States, positions Genesis Rescue Tools for immediate eligibility in federal purchasing channels, including military, and federal contracting sectors.
“With Berry compliance in place, we are no longer limited to the fire service” said Spencer Howell for Genesis. “We can now compete head-to-head for military and federal contracts that require U.S. sourcing.”
Howell Rescue Systems to Lead Military Sales Channel
Howell Rescue Systems, the exclusive Genesis master distributor for the eastern half of the Unites States, has designated Shay Dortch as Military Sales Representative to oversee federal and defense outreach.
“Shay will be the point of contact for all DoW and U.S. Government procurement teams,” said RJ Snider, VP of Sales for Howell Rescue Systems. “He understands the market, the procurement process, and the operational demands of federal agencies. We are making a commitment to supply our federal agencies with top tier products produces by Genesis Rescue Systems.”
Built in the U.S. for U.S. Missions
Genesis Rescue Tools are engineered and built in the United States, with a proven track record in fire service vehicle extrications, tactical breaching, and superior performance when it’s needed most, aligning closely with the demands of U.S. military and Department of War.
November 21, 2025 (Redmond, WA) – Join B.E. Meyers & Co., Inc., a Defense Technology Manufacturer specializing in advanced photonic solutions for military, law enforcement, consumer, and aerospace applications worldwide, at SHOT Show in booth 20413, January 20-23. SHOT Show is one of the largest trade shows in the defense industry with over 2,700 exhibitors and 50,000 attendees.
We are excited to meet with our domestic and international partnersand showcase our latest innovations. Come see thegroundbreaking new MINIRVA™ technology inside of the MILR®and DAGIR®, and the DeathStar™ array in the VSLAP®. Our well world renowned MAWL®, GLARE®, IZLID® and warfighter solutions will also be on display. This is a great opportunity learn how our technologies continue to push the boundaries of photonic innovation. To schedule a meeting with B.E. Meyers & Co. email us at sales@bemeyers.com. For more information on our products and capabilities, please visit bemeyers.com.
