Soldier Systems Daily Soldier Systems Daily

Kimber Names Troy, Alabama Corporate Headquarters

October 27th, 2020

TROY, AL, October 26, 2020 — Kimber Mfg., is pleased to name Troy, Alabama, as its official corporate headquarters and to announce it is hiring aggressively in all departments. After a carefully planned shift of leadership, R&D and manufacturing resources, Kimber has made substantial progress in the transition to its new, state-of-the-art headquarters in Troy, Alabama. The final step in completing this new facility is adding staff across all departments.

Kimber’s new headquarters is situated on 80+ acres with more than 225,000 square-feet of space and is now home to industry-leading design engineering, product management and manufacturing capabilities. After an exhaustive search, Troy was chosen for a multitude of reasons including its proximity to top-tier engineering schools as well as gun- and business-friendly support from the city of Troy and the great state of Alabama.

Kimber’s Alabama expansion is well ahead of schedule, having filled hundreds of its planned Troy-based positions. Kimber is seeking qualified applicants across multiple positions and business areas including CNC technicians, machinists, quality control specialists, lean technicians, design engineers, compliance analysts, customer service representatives, materials planners, maintenance technicians, finishing operators, and assembly technicians.

“Kimber is a great place to work, especially if you love firearms,” said Pedi Gega, director of assembly and product finishing. “We have two indoor gun ranges, one outdoor range, a state-of-the-art design and prototype fabrication center, and a dynamic team of professionals who pride themselves in producing firearms with unmatched attention to detail, design and performance. Every Kimber firearm is created with a unique blend of advanced precision technology and authentic human craftsmanship.”

Interested applicants are encouraged to apply at www.kimberamerica.com/careers.

Posted in Firearms, Industry, Press Release, TacJobs | 6 Comments »

GM Defense Delivers First Infantry Squad Vehicle to US Army

October 27th, 2020

MILFORD, Mich. — GM Defense LLC, a subsidiary of General Motors, is celebrating the first delivery of the Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV) – a light and agile all-terrain troop carrier intended to transport a nine-Soldier infantry squad and their equipment – to the U.S. Army as part of a $214.3 million contract awarded in June. GM Defense will manufacture 649 ISVs and will support the production of up to 2,065 vehicles with additional authorization over eight years. This is the first major award and delivery for GM Defense since the subsidiary was reestablished by its parent company in 2017.

The ISV is based off the award-winning Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 midsize truck architecture and leverages 90 percent proven commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) parts, including Chevrolet Performance race components. The 5,000-pound ISV was uniquely engineered to fulfill military requirements and designed to provide rapid ground mobility. The expeditionary ISV is light enough to be sling loaded from a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter and compact enough to fit inside a CH-47 Chinook helicopter for air transportability. The COTS parts, combined with the ISV’s innovative Rollover Protection System, will provide agile transportability on the battlefield to support mission success.

“One hundred and twenty days from contract award to delivery is a significant milestone, and I am very proud of the team for this accomplishment,” said David Albritton, president of GM Defense. “We’re leveraging General Motors’ engineering prowess and immense manufacturing capabilities to bring transformative solutions to the military vehicle market. Our initial success with the ISV shows our commitment to our customer and highlights our unique right to win in the military mobility market.”

“The value we bring to our Army customer is our willingness to listen and adapt,” said Mark Dickens, GM Defense chief engineer. “During Soldier testing, the feedback we received was paramount in delivering a vehicle that met Soldiers’ needs, while maximizing safety and performance and taking their comfort into consideration. The production ISV we’re delivering today is an evolution from our original prototype design, and it’s certainly a vehicle that is a source of pride for the team.”

GM Defense has a teaming agreement with Ricardo Defense, which will lead the Integrated Product Support for the ISV, including technical manual development, new equipment training, provisioning, total package fielding and field service support.

“The success of the ISV program within 120 days is a true testament to the hard work and determination of a great partnership between GM Defense and Ricardo Defense,” said Chet Gryczan, president of Ricardo Defense. “Ricardo Defense is proud to be leading the creation and integration of critical ISV logistics products to ensure a successful transition of the ISV to the Army’s inventory.”

GM Defense is driving the future of military mobility by leveraging the best-in-class capabilities of General Motors for unmatched innovation, proven performance and breakthrough life-cycle economics. The ISV will bring world-class manufacturing efficiencies, ease of maintenance and a well-established global supply chain to the U.S. Army.

Stay tuned for future updates on www.GMDefenseLLC.com.

Posted in Army, Contracts, Press Release | 12 Comments »

SIG SAUER Introduces SIG Custom Works Equinox Series

October 27th, 2020

NEWINGTON, N.H., (October 27, 2020) – SIG SAUER is pleased to announce the continued expansion of the SIG Custom Works series of pistols with the introduction of the SIG Custom Works Equinox Series of pistols for the P226 Equinox and P229 Equinox.

“This is an exciting addition to the SIG Custom Works series of pistols, and a must have for SIG aficionados and collectors alike,” said Tom Taylor, Chief Marketing Officer and Executive Vice President, Commercial Sales. “SIG Custom Works has recreated the popular two-tone, contrasting Equinox finish originally introduced over a decade ago for the iconic P226 and P229 pistols. These throwback limited-edition builds have the same look and feel of their predecessors that made the Equinox series a consistent request of SIG fans.”

The SIG Custom Works P226 and P229 Equinox pistols are 9mm hammer-fired pistols that each feature a black anodized metal frame and a Nitron stainless steel slide to achieve the two-tone equinox finish. The pistols are equipped with X-RAY 3 Day/Night Sights, Hogue classic contour SL G-10 grips, a short reset trigger, and pistol ships with (3) magazines. Exclusive SIG Custom Works feature include logo engraving on the slide, a Negrini SIG Custom Works case, challenge coin, and an official SIG Custom Works Certificate of Authenticity.

P226 Equinox Specs:
Overall length: 7.7 inches
Overall height: 5.5 inches
Overall width: 1.5 inches
Barrel length: 4.4 inches
Sight Radius: 6.3 inches
Weight (w/magazine): 34 oz.

P229 Equinox Specs:
Overall length: 7.1 inches
Overall height: 5.5 inches
Overall width: 1.5 inches
Barrel length: 3.9 inches
Sight Radius: 5.7 inches
Weight (w/magazine): 34 oz.

The SIG Custom Works Equinox Series is now shipping and available at retailers. To learn more about the SIG Custom Works P226 and P229 Equinox Series sigsauer.com.

The SIG Custom Works series of pistols includes the P320 AXG Scorpion, the classic line Nightmare Series, and the Equinox series.

Posted in Advertiser, Firearms, Press Release | 1 Comment »

Cloud Defensive Releases New Torrent Weapon-Light Mounts

October 27th, 2020

October 21st, 2020: Cloud Defensive, an All-American lighting solutions and accessories manufacturer unveils their newest product offerings – the Torrent family of weapon-light mounts. The Torrent mounts are a direct partnership with Impact Weapons Components (in conjunction with Haley Strategic Partners) and manufactured exclusively for Cloud Defensive. The Torrent light mounts were designed to work with the new Cloud Defensive REIN weapon-lights and all Surefire Scout type patterned light bodies. The mounts allow the end user to position their weapon-light in the most suitable angle (depending on handguard configuration) for perfect beam placement on the threat. They also allow the user to accommodate auxiliary equipment (VIS/ IR lasers, back-up sights, etc) without hindering light placement.

The Torrent light mounts share the following specs and are available in these options:

Specs:

• Mil-Spec Type III Hard-coat anodized finish

• CNC machined from Certified 6061-T6 billet aluminum

Models include:

• Torrent (In-line) M-Lok mount $40.00

• Torrent (Off-set) M-Lok mount $50.00

• Torrent (SBR) M-Lok mount $50.00

• Torrent (SBR) Picatinny mount $50.00

“When we developed the new REIN series of lights, we knew right away that we needed a wide variety of light mounts to support them. So, we called our friends at Impact Weapons Components and got to work. It is our distinct honor to present you with the Cloud Defensive “Torrent series” line of mounts.” – Sean McCauley (CEO/ Cloud Defensive).

Effective immediately, the Torrent weapon-light mounts are live and ready for sale. For more information on Cloud Defensive and our products go to www.CloudDefensive.com

Posted in Lights, Press Release, Weapon Accessories | 7 Comments »

Sons of Liberty Gun Works (SOLGW) Announces Distribution Partnership with Crow Shooting Supply

October 27th, 2020

San Antonio, Texas (26 October 2020) Sons of Liberty Gun Works (SOLGW) is pleased to announce the launch of a distribution partnership with Crow Shooting Supply, a family-owned wholesale distributor of firearms and shooting accessories based in Montezuma, IA. Crow Shooting Supply has an expansive reach, supplying both smaller retail gun shops and major sporting goods stores and government agencies.

Effective immediately, the partnership means consumers in all 50 states will have access to the complete line of SOLGW firearms and accessories, which set an industry standard for durability, quality control, and after-purchase support.

“This is a partnership based on chemistry and shared values. It was an easy choice to work with them as we grow our brand and expand into new markets where we are not well-known,” says Mike Mihalski, co-owner of Sons of Liberty Gun Works. “We have a great bond with our existing dealers, and we are maintaining those relationships. This new partnership with Crow Shooting Supply is simply the next step in our growth as a company. It expands our reach everywhere. We’re going to be able to put our firearms and accessories into the hands of customers nationwide at both small retail stores and at major sporting goods stores … except for Dick’s.”

Crow Shooting Supply is a family-owned national wholesale distributor of firearms, ammunition reloading components, and shooting accessories. Proudly serving retail gun shops, major sporting goods stores, gun clubs, shooting ranges, and government agencies for 35 years, Crow is a full-line supplier of nearly 140 of the world’s premier shooting industry manufacturers and prides itself on customizing products for individual customers. Visit their website at www.crowshootingsupply.com

Based in San Antonio, Texas, Sons of Liberty Gun Works (SOLGW) manufactures high-quality AR-15s, gun parts, and accessories. They have proudly produced hard-use guns for use by civilians and numerous government entities since 2014. The domestically produced firearms and accessories they produce are carefully tested and designed to meet or exceed any customer demand. For more information, visit www.sonsoflibertygw.com

Domestic and Government Sales Contact:
William@sonsoflibertygw.com

Posted in Advertiser, Firearms, Industry, Press Release | Comments Off on Sons of Liberty Gun Works (SOLGW) Announces Distribution Partnership with Crow Shooting Supply

Vigilant Security Services (VSS) Moves Main Operations to Las Vegas, Launches Website, YouTube Channel

October 27th, 2020

New location and website will support increased student enrollment in tactical training courses for firearms and other tactical courses..

Las Vegas, NV. (October 27, 2020) – Erik Lawrence, Principal of Vigilant Security Services, LLC, announced that the main region of operations of VSS has shifted from Philippi, WV, to Las Vegas, NV in October 2020. The new location will support increased student enrollment in tactical training courses for firearms and other tactical courses.

Additionally, Lawrence has launched a new website, and YouTube channel, Erik Lawrence VSS. The website includes an online store offering many firearms manuals, tactical books authored by Lawrence, zeroing targets for the AK-47, popular AR-15/M4 optics and other tactical products. The YouTube channel will allow viewers worldwide to enjoy high-quality videos of Lawrence featuring various weapons systems.

“This is a very positive change and important modification of the quality training and products we have always provided,” Lawrence said. “Stay tuned for big news soon. Subscribe and keep up to date!”

For more information, email support@vig-sec.com or visit erik-lawrence.com or vig-sec.com.

Erik Lawrence currently serves as Principal of Vigilant Security Services, LLC, a service disabled veteran owned small business that provides a variety of security services internationally as well as specialized weapons, tactics and surveillance training to a variety of qualified civilian, law enforcement and government clients.

Tags: Erik Lawrence
Posted in Industry, Press Release, Training | Comments Off on Vigilant Security Services (VSS) Moves Main Operations to Las Vegas, Launches Website, YouTube Channel

UPDATED – S&S Precision Shop Show – November 5th

October 27th, 2020

Vendor list has been updated and closed.

Posted in Advertiser | 2 Comments »

‘SWAT Team of Nerds’ Tackles Tough Tech Challenges

October 27th, 2020

WASHINGTON — The Defense Digital Service is a team of 82 engineers, data scientists and computer scientists, working on some of the hardest problems in the Defense Department.

Brett Goldstein, DDS director, said they’re a “swat team of nerds.” He spoke remotely today to the Center for a New American Security in Washington, D.C.

A big advantage of DDS, he said, is that it reports directly to the secretary of defense.

That means the team is able to quickly answer the call if any tech issue arises. He also said that they could work on large projects rapidly when needed.

DDS has worked on the much-publicized “hack the Pentagon” program, which looks for vulnerabilities in the department’s information technology systems and comes up with ways to fix them, as well as to improve software and hardware.

Currently, DDS is partnering with the National Security Agency to cyber-protect Operation Warp Speed’s search for a COVID-19 vaccine, he said.

DDS has also partnered with the medical community to develop COVID-19 symptoms checkers, which DOD personnel and their families can use to figure out if they need to get medical care, he said.

Another important ongoing program is the counter-unmanned aerial systems initiative, which addresses the problem of being attacked by swarms of small, hard-to-detect unmanned aircraft systems. Goldstein said that a rapid response team is on standby to fly out to remote areas should the problem arise.

For example, when the USNS Comfort and Mercy hospital ships were aiding in the COVID-19 effort, DDS personnel were helping to ensure small UAS were not being used to attack them.

DDS is also working with the Joint Artificial Intelligence Center to advance AI and machine learning, he said.

Most DDS employees recruited are civilians coming for two- to four-year terms, from the Silicon Valley world. The selection process is very rigorous, he said, because those who are selected will be working on the hardest problems in the department.

Goldstein said the team members are given the most “wicked” projects to work on and they’re okay with that because “engineers love challenges.”

Some advice Goldstein has for information technology leaders in the department: “We need to sometimes talk a little less and execute a little more. Sometimes we’ll be dead-on and sometimes we’ll fail, learn from the failure and then be okay with the failure and just try again. Like that’s the type of environment we need to encourage. Americans are innovative. We need to foster that innovation here.”

By David Vergun, Defense.gov

Posted in Army, Disruptive Tech, Guest Post | 4 Comments »