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US Army, Estonia Sign Historic Agreement for Collaborative Research in Cyber Defense

September 25th, 2020

ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. – The U.S. Army and the Republic of Estonia’s Ministry of Defence signed an agreement today that will enable the two countries to conduct future collaborative science and technology efforts in cyber defense.

The Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C5ISR) Center – a component of Army Futures Command’s Combat Capabilities Development Command – and the Estonian Ministry of Defence will establish a multi-domain operations, cyber domain working group to identify opportunities for interoperability experimentation and demonstrations.

The working group will provide a forum to exchange information on the research of defensive cyber capabilities for multi-domain operations and improved coalition interoperability. Specific collaborative activities identified by the working group may be carried out under future agreements involving projects, equipment and material, and information exchanges.

“This historic agreement provides the opportunity for two nations with substantial defensive cyber capabilities to leverage their respective cyber experience to drive new research and development to reduce cyber threats across the spectrum of conflict,” said Director of the C5ISR Center Patrick J. O’Neill.

The effort – which falls under a 2016 U.S. Department of Defense Research, Development, Test and Evaluation memorandum of understanding – is the first of its kind between the U.S. Army and the Estonian Ministry of Defence. It supports a “Vision for Security Cooperation” document between the countries to develop capabilities that will deter and defend against malicious cyber intrusions and attacks.

“The Estonian Ministry of Defence is very pleased to establish formal cooperation with the U.S. Army’s C5ISR Center, adding another partner with increased knowledge and capabilities. Our countries are close NATO allies who share fundamental values. Our collaboration in the cyber domain will advance our common security,” said Director of the Estonian Ministry of Defence’s Cyber Policy Department Andri Rebane.

“We hope that the knowledge generated from this bilateral relationship will not only be useful for the U.S. and Estonia but also our other allies. With that, I am pleased to sign the terms of reference to begin this important work,” said Rebane.

Prior to the event, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Defense Exports and Cooperation Elizabeth Wilson noted her office played an integral role in bringing together key personnel from U.S. Army headquarters, the C5ISR Center and counterparts at the Estonian Embassy to reach this milestone event.

“Exchanging information and optimizing our research and development efforts to modernize our militaries will help deter great power competitors and regional state adversaries. The U.S. Army is proud to partner with our Estonian counterparts in this unique opportunity,” said Wilson.

The complementary research will explore tactical and strategic challenges to enable standardization, rationalization and interoperability while improving the mutual defenses of both countries, said Robert Kimball, the C5ISR Center’s senior research scientist for cyber security.

“Estonia is a cyber country of excellence with a robust cyber defensive system in terms of technology and people. Given their deep expertise, I believe they will have substantial lessons to share, which will be enormously helpful in finding efficiencies in our science and technology efforts while understanding how best to defend against cyber warfare,” said Kimball, who noted Estonia is home to the NATO Cyber Defense Center and Cyber Range.

The agreement is slated to last until Sept. 30, 2023, at which point it may be extended.

“I am honored to have signed this agreement with Mr. Rebane today,” said O’Neill. “This is more than just a document that governs science and technology efforts; it affirms our two countries’ mutual commitment to work side by side to proactively address global security challenges. The C5ISR Center looks forward to this collaborative effort as we continue to explore the realm of the possible for cyber security. I am extremely pleased that the efforts on both sides have come to fruition.”

By Edric Thompson, CCDC C5ISR Center Public Affairs

Posted in Army, CEMA, Guest Post | Comments Off on US Army, Estonia Sign Historic Agreement for Collaborative Research in Cyber Defense

DSPTCH – Fidlock Watch Strap

September 24th, 2020

DSPTCH has introduced their Fidlock Watch Strap, which naturally enough uses a magnetic Fidlock as a clasp.

The herringbone nylons straps are Black, Coyote, Olive, MultiCam, Burnt Orange and Safety Orange.

Even cooler, you can get them as complete straps or just shirt or long sides so you can mix and match colors.

Offered in both 20 and 22mm widths, in S/M and L/XL lengths, so they’ll fit your Apple Watch as well as most wrists.

www.dsptch.com/products/fidlock-watch-strap-20mm

Posted in Watches | 4 Comments »

FN Awarded US Army Contract for M249

September 24th, 2020

(McLean, VA – September 24, 2020) FN America, LLC is pleased to announce that the company has been awarded a firm-fixed-price contract to supply the U.S. Army with M249 Squad Automatic Weapons, also known as the M249 SAW. The contract is expected to be completed by 2025.

The FN M249 SAW has been a mainstay throughout the U.S. military since 1986 and is currently in service in more than 30 countries globally. FN has been the sole source manufacturer of the 5.56-chambered belt-fed lightweight machine gun. Designed for front line applications delivering crucial support at the infantry squad/fire team level, the FN M249 SAW provides highly accurate fire from a highly maneuverable light machine gun. The ergonomic polymer buttstock contains a hydraulic buffer that allows SAW gunners to maintain a high rate of fire with accuracy and effect.

“We are honored to continue our dedication as a critical partner to the U.S. military and pleased to announce this latest Army contract award for the FN M249 SAW, a flagship design for FN, in service for more than 30 years. The proven design has served the U.S. military, reliably and without fail,” said Mark Cherpes, President and CEO for FN America, LLC. “We look forward to building these machine guns at our production facility in Columbia, South Carolina.”

Throughout its history, FN has been one of the largest suppliers of small arms to the U.S. military. In addition to the M249 and its variants, the company currently holds contracts for the FN M240 medium machine gun and its variants; the FN MK 46, MK 48, MK 17 and MK 20 SSR for USSOCOM, and various other contracts.

For more information about FN’s military product line or current U.S. military contracts, please visit www.fnamerica.com.

Posted in Advertiser, Contracts, weapons | 4 Comments »

Aku Bellamont III Suede

September 24th, 2020

The Belmont III are a new approach shoe from Aku. The uppers are Black suede mated to a Vibram PREDATOR II outsole. The inside is of Coco/Latex/Bamboo. Offered in UK sizes 6-13.

www.aku.it/en/product/catalogo_en/mountain-inspired/bellamont-iii-suede_en

Posted in Boots | 3 Comments »

Tactical Medical Solutions Introduces the Critical Event Response System

September 24th, 2020

The customized packages for first responders meet and exceed the standards set by the National Fire Protection Association’s NFPA 3000™ Standard for an Active Shooter/Hostile Event Response (ASHER) program.

Anderson, S.C. (September 2020) – Tactical Medical Solutions, LLC (TacMed), in support of the NFPA 3000™ standard for the preparedness and response to an active shooter/hostile event, introduces the TacMed™ Critical Event Response System.

Active threat events are occurring with greater frequency and loss. These hostile events can occur anywhere: in churches, schools, concerts, workplaces, and many other public venues. NFPA 3000TM guides community leaders in establishing an integrated plan for preparedness, response, and recovery. By combining the four key principles of unified command, integrated response, planned recovery, and whole community, every life that can be saved will be saved during a traumatic event.

The TacMed™ Critical Event Response System provides the necessary equipment for ballistic protection and medical treatment of life-threatening injuries to yourself, another responder, or a casualty on-scene. Standard system set-ups include the TacMedTM Responder Plate Carrier with Soft Armor, Universal Tourniquet Dispenser with SOF® Tourniquets, and a Signature Series Medical Kit. The system meets and exceeds NFPA 3000TM guidelines and can be customized to best fit your specific needs.

The TacMedTM Responder Armor System offers one of the largest armor coverage areas in the industry and is compatible with a variety of soft and hard armor plate options. The Universal Tourniquet Dispenser locates the long-proven SOF® Tourniquet for rapid access. Medical kits are available in multiple configurations to meet your department’s objective: Individual, Medic, Mass Casualty, and Rescue. Medical kit components are stocked in the brand new Signature Series line of nylon with modular internal panels. Many components of the Critical Event Response System have long been trusted by law enforcement agencies around the country and are proudly manufactured in the US.

Free training on both ballistic protection and medical equipment is available through TMS University. For more information on any of the NFPA 3000 TM -compliant TacMed™ Critical Event Response Systems, visit www.tacmedsolutions.com/products/nfpa-3000.

Posted in Medical, Press Release | Comments Off on Tactical Medical Solutions Introduces the Critical Event Response System

Sen Duckworth Introduces Legislation to Restrict Federal Law Enforcement from Wearing Camouflage

September 24th, 2020

Sen Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) has introduced a bill called the Clear Visual Distinction Between Military and Law Enforcement Act, from her position on the Senate Armed Services Committee, which restrict federal law enforcement officers from wearing camouflage patterns.

Above, FBI HRT members wear MultiCam pattern uniforms as part of their duties. Photo: FBI

This comes after calls by the Department of Defense for better differentiation between military and law enforcement personnel in the wake of the summer’s riot across the United States. In particular, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, GEN Mark Milley testified before Congress that he was particularly concerned over uniform colors and not equipment.

Sen Duckworth’s Office issued a statement which states, “The Trump Administration’s decision to deploy federal law enforcement officers outfitted in camouflage uniforms in response to those protesting the death of George Floyd and other Black Americans blurred the lines between military servicemembers and law enforcement officers while causing even more fear and division. We must prevent this from happening again.”

According to the bill, the restriction on camouflage use isn’t just military patterns, but all camouflage.

While the bill includes the following exception, “shall not apply to the wearing of a uniform that includes a camouflage pattern that matches the surrounding environment during a period during which a covered Federal law enforcement officer is engaged in a discreet tactical operation where the ability to blend into the surroundings is judged to be necessary for the success of the operation,” it also requires a biannual report to Congress, including dates, operation name and justification for invoking the exception.

In late summer, both DoJ and DHS publicly mentioned their intention to transition many of their personnel to solid colors. This will most likely be Green which those agencies have used in the past, before transitioning to MultiCam several years ago. At the time they wore OD. Now, based upon supply chain availability of materials, it will probably be Ranger Green. Although, in some instances we could see a return to Black clothing and equipment.

For uniform suppliers, this would be a boon. However, there is still no requirement that non-DoD federal entities buy American made clothing and individual equipment.

Posted in Camo, Clothing, LE | 85 Comments »

General Dynamics Mission Systems – Tactical Electronic Warfare System

September 24th, 2020

General Dynamics’ Tactical Electronic Warfare System (TEWS) is a COTS solution to solve the Army’s current shortfall of CEMA capability, going beyond Prophet’s current state of the art.

It is an all-weather, 24-hour, ground-based tactical electronic support and electronic attack system that provides the Commander with options to create multiple dilemmas to a designing enemy by decreasing the sensor to shooter timeline. TEWS will enable a Brigade Combat Team Commander to detect, locate, identify the enemy and will give the Commander the capability to act/react/counter with non-lethal effects by denying, disrupting, and degrading the enemy’s ability to communicate, coordinate, and synchronize. TEWS is platform independent; a modular system that will enable integration onto any vehicle. TEWS supports stationary, dismounted, and on-the-move, man-pack operations.

TEWS can be integrated on:
-AMPV
-NGCV
–Stryker
-Flyer (as TEW Light)
-JLTV

Non-Tactical Vehicles (NTV)

Current capabilities:
-Satcom-on-the-Move /Trojan Network
-Multi-Comms Enclaves
-Open Architecture
-Electronic Warfare Targeting (ES/EA)
-Integrated EWPMT (Raven Claw)
-EW Support to SIGINT
-Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML)
-Expanded Signals of Interest (SOI) Capability

Planned upgrades:
-Support to Offensive Cyber Operations (OCO)
-Assured-Position, Navigation, Timing (A-PNT)
-Integration with airborne sensors
–Multi-Function Electronic Warfare (MFEW-Air)
–Aerostat and/or balloon
–Joint Airborne Systems
-Training Support via IEWTPT
-Robotics/Autonomous Vehicles employment of sensors
-Unattended and/or remote ground sensors
-Extended Range – Tethered UAS

Posted in CEMA | Comments Off on General Dynamics Mission Systems – Tactical Electronic Warfare System

Army to Host Tactical Assault Kit Virtual Workshop for Industry, Federal Agencies

September 24th, 2020

ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. (Sept. 23, 2020) — The U.S. Army is hosting a virtual workshop to expedite the development and integration of situational awareness tools Sept. 29 – Oct. 2.

The Tactical Assault Kit (TAK) is a map-based software application that enables coordination among thousands of users with features such as a position data, chat, mission planning and shared overlays. It is compatible with Android, Apple iOS and Windows.

The Tactical Assault Kit virtual offsite will offer stakeholders from across the Department of Defense (DoD), federal agencies and industry an opportunity to exchange information and identify critical needs. The event will offer tracks for software development, programmatic updates and training on TAK platforms.

“The intent of these sessions is to learn from issues that may have arisen in the past year, produce innovative capabilities and reduce duplicative efforts,” said Josh Sterling, director of the TAK Product Center at the The Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C5ISR) Center – a component of Army Futures Command’s Combat Capabilities Development Command.

“Any time we can get more feedback and lessons learned, it’s a data point we can use to improve the platform. I think this is a great way to generate cross-team collaboration that will spur both the development cycle and integration as we continue to push and facilitate a more universal type TAK operation.”

As the central software development hub for all TAK efforts, including 15 DoD programs of record, the C5ISR Center’s TAK Product Center provides software updates and testing for an enhanced user experience.

To foster innovation, the TAK Product Center approved the public release of a non-military variant for federal and government agencies – known as the Android Team Awareness Kit-Civilian (ATAK-CIV) application – on Google Play and the open-source Standard ATAK Software Development Kit on TAKmaps.com.

“TAK is an extensible platform, meaning that we give you a baseline and based on your mission requirements you can build on that baseline to bridge capability gaps,” said Mark Roberts, deputy director for the TAK Product Center.

“Anyone who has a job requirement to display point location information – the military, DoD and federal agencies, state and local authorities, firefighters and emergency responders – will benefit from these sessions. This is a great opportunity to give them a peek at what’s being done around the TAK community,” he said.

Registration for the offsite is available at tak.gov/offsite until Sept. 28.

By CCDC C5ISR Center Public Affairs

Posted in Army, Digitization, Guest Post, Tac Apps | Comments Off on Army to Host Tactical Assault Kit Virtual Workshop for Industry, Federal Agencies