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Air Force Announces Spark Tank 2022 Semifinalists

December 31st, 2021

ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) —

A panel of nearly 30 subject matter experts from across the Department of the Air Force met Nov. 16, 2021 at the Basic Research Innovation and Collaboration Center in Arlington and via a virtual teleconferencing platform to conduct the Spark Tank 2022 quarterfinals.

“Spark Tank is the department’s take on the television show “Shark Tank” and is designed to recognize the great work our Airmen and Guardians put into overcoming performance obstacles and making our services more capable,” said William Gautier, Spark Tank director. “The goal of the quarterfinals round was to narrow the 184 ideas submitted for ST22 down to the top 15 ideas that will advance to the semifinals,” he said.

Only the top 8% percent of ideas were selected to compete in the semifinals scheduled for Jan. 6, 2022.

On the final day of the quarterfinal round, the panel evaluated 29 ideas nominated by U.S. Air Force major commands and U.S. Space Force field commands, plus four at-large “wildcard” submissions. The wildcards were selected by Guardians and Airmen who cast nearly 17,000 ballots in pairwise voting conducted over the last two weeks of October through the Guardians and Airmen Innovation Network platform.

Using a similar voting system, the panel reviewed and scored all 29 ideas using criteria designed to assess each idea from multiple perspectives: friendly disruption, adversary disruption, inspiration/cultural disruption, and the level of senior leadership needed to execute the idea. The scoring criteria logic takes into account atmospheric perspectives that traditional voting methods don’t consider. Many impressive ideas were submitted that touched on all aspects the criteria addressed.

“The new questions required a different perspective for our panel and prompted fresh dialogue for the ST22 vetting process. We think the results represent incredibly innovative solutions that the department’s senior leadership should hear,” said Maj. Alisha Temples, Spark Tank’s deputy director.

The selection process looked at the need for specific capabilities as well as concerns of safety, policy, department-wide implementation, technical feasibility, and scalability.

The quarterfinalists are listed below. (An asterisk (*) denotes semi-finalists.)

Blood Delivery by Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, Air Combat Command *
Mobile Alternative for Canopy Trailer, Air Combat Command
Developing Airmen with Games, Air Education and Training Command *
PME outLOUD! Audio-Enabled PME, Air Education and Training Command
Agile Spectrum Assignment System, Air Force District of Washington
Go-Comm Kit, Air Force Global Strike Command *
Sustaining the B-52 Ejection System, Air Force Global Strike Command *
Air Force Live Integrated Test Environment, Air Force Materiel Command *
F-22 Project Fighter Optimization Experiment, Air Force Materiel Command *
C-130 Engine Oil Pan Hoist, Air Force Reserve Command
Digital Dent Mapping, Air Force Reserve Command *
Digital Crew Book, Air Force Special Operations Command
Mid-Air Collisions & Electronic Flight Bags, Air Force Special Operations Command
KC-135 Fuel Systems Virtual Tour, Air Mobility Command
“Spotty” Bar – Safer Process, Faster Solution, Air Mobility Command
Any Airmen Can Build Their Own Secure App!, Pacific Air Forces *
Preparing the Warfighter for the Pacing Threat, Pacific Air Forces *
Reliable & Resilient Thule Power, Space Operations Command *
Space Control Interactive Procedures Interface, Space Operations Command
Every Second Counts When Saving Someone’s Life, Space Systems Command
TaskMaster, Space Systems Command
Aerial Tow Rehookup – Novel Range Extension, United States Air Force Academy *
Custom Facemasks for Fighter Pilots and Beyond, United States Air Force Academy *
Oil Cart Trailer, United States Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa
Project Arcwater – Water and Power from Thin Air, United States Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa *
Project Hermes – Air Force Digital Recall Roster, Air Education Training Command, Wild Card *
Modern Logistics System for Air Force, Pacific Air Forces, Wild Card *

The United States Army Futures Command also hosts an innovation competition named “Dragon’s Lair” and is conducted in Shark Tank-like episodes. Together, these innovation showcases provide platforms for Department of Defense Total Force military and civilian personnel to show off their creativity and ideas to better prepare for ‘tomorrow’s fight.’

To date, Spark Tank, started in 2018, has produced about 70 ideas that DAF transformation teams investigate and evaluate for implementation and sustainment going forward. While not all ideas are implemented, about a dozen have been and Spark Tank continues to empower Airmen and Guardians to turn on the creativity switch to effect change. Spark Tank 2022 will be hosted on March 4, 2022 by the Air Force Association at the 2022 Air Warfare Symposium in Orlando, Florida. Registration is planned to open in December.

Posted in Air Force, Guest Post | Comments Off on Air Force Announces Spark Tank 2022 Semifinalists

ISOtunes Sport Debuts DEFY Slim Basic Earmuff for Firearm Enthusiasts

December 30th, 2021

Carmel, IN – The latest in the ISOtunes Sport line for competitive shooters and hunters, the DEFY Slim Basic boasts high-performance hearing protection in a no-frills, ultra-slim design.

ISOtunes’ proprietary Tactical Sound Control amplifies hearing by 8x and protects against high-impact noises, while SafeMax Technology limits volume output to 85dB for all-day, damage-free listening. The DEFY Slim Basic sports a streamlined design for maximum comfort and featherlight performance. IPX4 Durability guarantees sweat and water resistance for shooting in any conditions. DEFY Slim Basic muffs are powered by two AAA batteries for up to 300 hours of distraction-free shooting.

ISOtunes Sport products protect and enhance hearing with innovative options for sport shooters who demand safety without sacrificing performance. To learn more about the DEFY Slim Basic and browse the full ISOtunes Sport lineup, visit www.ISOtunesSport.com.

Posted in Press Release, Weapon Accessories | Comments Off on ISOtunes Sport Debuts DEFY Slim Basic Earmuff for Firearm Enthusiasts

Clarus Acquires MAXTRAX, the Market Leader in Vehicle Recovery and Extraction Track for the Overland and Off-Road Market

December 30th, 2021

Acquisition Accelerates Clarus’ Vision to Scale its Overlanding and Vehicle Accessory Category

Clarus Corporation (NASDAQ: CLAR) (“Clarus” and/or the “Company”), a global company focused on the outdoor and consumer enthusiast markets, today announced it has acquired Australian-based MAXTRAX® (“MAXTRAX”), the market leader in producing the best overlanding and off-road vehicle recovery and extraction tracks, for a combination of cash, stock, and future consideration. MAXTRAX will continue to operate independently as a wholly owned indirect subsidiary of Clarus and will be part of the Company’s Overlanding reporting segment, which includes recently acquired Rhino-Rack. MAXTRAX’s net sales for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2021, were approximately AUD 21 million.

“We look forward to welcoming the MAXTRAX team to the Clarus family and continuing this ‘super fan’ brand’s legacy of “allowing overland enthusiasts to take the easy way out,” states John Walbrecht, president of Clarus. “Our intent is to expand product penetration for both MAXTRAX and Rhino-Rack brands across markets as we see a substantial opportunity in continuing to build our overlanding platform.”

Founded in 2005 by Brad McCarthy, MAXTRAX is considered the creator of the vehicle recovery board. MAXTRAX has developed a product lineup consisting of high-quality vehicle recovery and extraction tracks, including its original MAXTRAX MKII recovery track. All MAXTRAX vehicle recovery tracks are manufactured in Australia using its proprietary, Australian-sourced, engineering-grade and fiber-reinforced nylon. MAXTRAX currently sells its products around the world to distributors, retailers, government agencies, third-party e-commerce sites and through its own website.

“Two decades ago, I got my 4WD bogged on a remote north Queensland beach. As the tide came in, it was almost washed away despite me having all the traditional recovery equipment onboard, and plenty of previous vehicle recovery experience. After this incident, I sought to create an easy-to-use vehicle recovery extraction device. After countless trials and four years of testing, we created the gold-standard of high-quality vehicle recovery and extraction track, and named it MAXTRAX, as in MAXimum TRAXion and Mac’s (McCarthy’s) Tracks,” states McCarthy. “We are excited to join Clarus, a partner that shares our commitment to offering outdoor enthusiasts the best products for their adventures and has a track record of growing successful brands whilst retaining the MAXTRAX brand DNA and ethos of only producing the absolute best products possible.”

www.maxtrax.com.au

Posted in Industry, Mobility, Press Release | 6 Comments »

ADS Take Your Best Shot 2022

December 30th, 2021

Now in its second year, Take Your Best Shot by ADS, Inc is being held February 24, 2022 from 3:00 PM-8:00 PM at Top Golf National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Maryland.

It’s an interesting event. They set up different vendors in driving bays where you not only get to check out the latest products but you also get to take a swing and compete against your peers. Naturally, you’ll also connect with an ADS sales rep.

Government ID is required for entrance and participation. No cost to attend event.

Qualified attendees include active duty military, federal, state, local government agencies, law enforcement, and first responders.

To sign up, visit events.adsinc.com.

Posted in ADS, Advertiser | Comments Off on ADS Take Your Best Shot 2022

NATO Mountain Warfare Rescue Exercise in Slovenia

December 30th, 2021

This video of a recent NATO Mountain Warfare Rescue exercise in Slovenia features the Gravity Industries Jet Suit.

Posted in Aviation, Disruptive Tech | 7 Comments »

“Hitting In Combat”

December 30th, 2021

Hitting in Combat: The Brain Science of Training to Win Gunfights by Dustin Salomon examines of it is possible to aim in a gunfight.

The author looks at the origins of point shooting training methodology, explores how different methods of training impact real-world performance, and explains how, ultimately, both sides of this argument are right, as well as the implications this has for instructor liability and the future of tactical firearms training.

?”Very insightful to the beginner as well as the advanced Tactical Shooter. This is a must read for those using sights and those not using sights. As Combat shooters we need to better understand how and why our brain does or doesn’t do what we want. I have been a Tactical Shooting instructor for many years and I learned a ton from Dustin’s latest book that will make me a better instructor. Read this book.”

– SGM (USA, Ret) Kyle E. Lamb, Author of Green Eyes & Black Rifles

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First Army National Guard Soldier Graduates Air Force Multi-Domain Warfare Officer Course

December 30th, 2021

Successfully operating in a multi-domain warfighting environment will require all of our nation’s services and components to train and fight together. It may be a challenge, but that challenge is one U.S. Army Capt. Craig Simmon of the Michigan National Guard took head-on. Simmon spent 20 weeks and countless hours on academics and training to become the first joint member and only Army Soldier to graduate from the Air Force’s Multi-Domain Warfare Officers course, Hurlburt Field, Florida.

“The course was a very good experience,” said Simmon, officer-in-charge of supply, 3rd Battalion, 238th General Support Aviation Regiment, Michigan Army National Guard. “The student body at the course was awesome. The Air Force is grabbing Airmen from all the different career fields to create the new Thirteen Oscar career field.”

The 18 graduates were the fifth class to complete the course run by the 505th Command and Control Wing at Hurlburt Field, Florida.

“The training encompassed operational level air component planning,” said Simmon. “It tied in almost the entirety of an air component campaign with an emphasis on space and cyber. The end goal was to have graduates who could go to joint staffs, air staffs or different planning groups and come up with solutions to challenges.”

According to the 505th CCW public affairs office, the main course focus areas include the Air Operations Center; Air Force Forces staff; joint planning process for air, joint air targeting cycle; Agile Combat Employment; Integrated Air and Missile Defense; information operations; non-kinetic operations; and seminars with each joint and functional component.

Simmon applied to attend the course in part due to joint courses he has attended in the past and his additional role in the Michigan National Guard’s largest all-domain exercise as Northern Strike’s lead rotary-wing planner. Northern Strike is held annually at the National All-Domain Warfighting Center in Northern Michigan.

“There was a lot of value added for me. It gave me a much better understanding of how the air component works, plans, and operates,” said Simmon. “I had never really been exposed to anything in the space and cyber domains before, so having insight on those capabilities means I know whom to talk to in order to get the desired effects.”

Simmon’s experience in large-scale, joint exercise planning and Army rotary-wing aviation meant his attendance was beneficial to the course as well.

“The expertise and partnerships with joint forces are critical to mission success when providing holistic approaches to operational planning for air component commanders,” said U.S. Air Force Maj. Mark Scott, 705th Training Squadron Thirteen Oscar course director. “The attendance of the first joint student was invaluable in providing our air component planners a different perspective to ensure operational-level planning is not only synchronized, but integrated across all components”

While Simmon can’t don the title of a Thirteen Oscar, he is one of three Michigan guardsmen who have successfully completed the course. His drive to improve set an example for any MIARNG soldiers thinking about attending in the future.

“It was a good experience, and I am glad I had the opportunity to go,” said Simmon. “I look forward to using the information I learned in the future.”

The next Multi-Domain Warfare Officer Initial Skills Training class begins in January 2022 with class 22A and aims to continue improving upon operational C2 in order to deliver solutions for air component commands.

To learn more about the Multi-Domain Warfare Officer career field or training visit the following websites: intelshare.intelink.gov/sites/C2/13O and www.milsuite.mil/book/groups/13O.

The 705th TRS reports to the 505th Test and Training Group and 505th Command and Control Wing, both are headquartered at Hurlburt Field, Florida.

By Deb Henley
505th Command and Control Wing
Public Affairs

Posted in Air Force, Army, Guest Post, Training | Comments Off on First Army National Guard Soldier Graduates Air Force Multi-Domain Warfare Officer Course

2021 … Another Crazy Year

December 29th, 2021

MIAMI, OKLA. – After the inaugural pandemic year of 2020, who would have imagined 2021 could have gotten any crazier? But it did. A riot on the nation’s capital. A gas pipeline held for ransom. Tornados that flattened towns in Kentucky and hurricanes that traveled from the Gulf Coast all the way up to New England. And then, ending where we started … with another version of COVID stressing out and sickening people around the world.

Through all the ups and downs of 2021, including massive supply and demand challenges, companies have pulled together to keep products flowing and their people employed.

In response to severe weather events and natural disasters, the portable fuel containers industry worked hard to meet staggering demand this year for 21 million portable fuel containers.

“In today’s marketplace, where there are extreme situational challenges, along with staffing and COVID-19 health concerns, it’s very significant that our company was able to successfully unite to fulfill accelerated fuel container demands in 2021,” says Daniel Marshall, vice president of marketing and business development with Scepter.

Demanding Year Right from the Start

Marshall relates that product demand started early in 2021 when January ice storms and the 2021 Ground Hog Day Nor’easter impacted the East Coast. Immediately following those events, there were power outages in February in Texas due to a deep freeze. Every situation had consumers scrambling for fuel containers to operate generators and equipment.

“While we can sometimes foresee bad weather circumstances and ramp up in advance for them, there was no way to plan for the Colonial Pipeline ransomware attack in May,” says Marshall. “Gasoline shortages were immediate, which meant people were reacting by wanting to fill fuel containers. This was happening right about the time of National Hurricane Preparedness Week in May when people are starting to think about hurricane prep. The amount of fuel containers required during this month skyrocketed.”

Second Half of Year Push

As the summer of 2021 progressed, so did the 2021 Hurricane Season. In late August/early September, Category 4 Hurricane Ida brought strong weather from the Gulf Coast all the way up throughout the Northeast. In total, there were 21 named storms in the season, with seven hurricanes and four major hurricanes — all good reasons for people to prepare their homes and businesses to handle wicked weather.

“While many people always keep fuel and water containers filled and ready to go, there are greater numbers of people who purchase containers reactively, based on severe weather forecasts,” says Marshall. “They may never have been in a location impacted by bad weather before. Then along comes a mega storm and they need to prepare. That’s when people seek out reliable containers. And, that’s why our team works so hard to create those containers and keep the inventory available.”

The various “unplanned events” impacting container sales during 2021 occurred over just 25 to 30 specific days — or seven percent of the year. According to industry reports, on those specific days, consumer purchasing hit its peak for fuel container sales. Almost five million fuel containers were sold during a total of those days online and in stores such as Walmart®, Lowe’s® and The Home Depot®. When totaled, that’s close to 25 percent of all the containers purchased by consumers from all manufacturers for the entire year. On those extreme, high sales days, an average of 200,000 fuel containers were purchased every day. That’s enough to fill between 75 and 100 semi truckloads each day!

A Year for the Books

“This is the second record year of high demand for fuel containers for our industry,” says Marshall. “It’s actually a bit surprising. We see many items in the world transitioning to battery operation — like lawn equipment, generators and even some cars. That would make you think that demand for fuel containers would be down. However, it’s just the opposite. Consumers are purchasing more gas, diesel and kerosene containers than ever before.

“We’re proud that Scepter sold more fuel containers than any other company in 2021. And, we are exceptionally proud that we accomplished this milestone without any business interruptions, and while doing this under continued COVID restrictions.”

Scepter fuel and water containers can be found throughout the U.S. in Walmart®, The Home Depot®, Lowe’s®, AutoZone®, Pep Boys, Amazon and Northern® Tool + Equipment stores. Visit www.scepter.com for more information.

Posted in Industry, Power, Press Release | 5 Comments »