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US Army Adopts Silvus for Integrated Tactical Network Capability Set ‘21

October 5th, 2020

$3 Million MANET StreamCaster Radio Investment to Scale the CS21 Middle-Tier Architecture

Los Angeles, California (October 1, 2020) – Silvus Technologies, Inc. (“Silvus”) today announced the receival of a $3 million order from the U.S. Army to provide the first commercial mobile ad hoc network (MANET) radio deployed at scale in the Army’s Middle-Tier Integrated Tactical Network. As part of Capability Set 21 Critical Design Review, Silvus radios were selected to connect key command and control nodes due to both their self-organizing network designed to operate in multiple spectrum bands at high data rates, and their interference mitigation capabilities.

“The Silvus StreamCaster radio provides robust, high bandwidth connectivity for the Army with a MANET waveform that has been proven effective on the ground, underground, and in the air and sea,” said Mike Kell, Silvus Director of Army Strategic Accounts, Retired Signal Corps Colonel. “In concert with the S&T and PEO communities, we continue to improve the MN-MIMO waveform’s ability to thrive in congested and contested environments, which is critical to today’s Army.”

Silvus radios will be deployed in both mobile and at-the-halt configurations, providing continuity of operations for tactical forces that was previously unattainable with the singular reliance on at-the-halt communications infrastructure. Additionally, Silvus radios will support the initial ITN fielding to four infantry brigade combat teams in FY21.

The $3 million order comes on the heels of Silvus’ successful demonstration of a 140-node network working in a narrow band network to deliver large volumes of position and location information in a company-scale formation over operational distances in support of the Army’s Integrated Visual Augmentation System (IVAS) program.

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Ronin Leg Straps

October 5th, 2020

Ronin Leg Straps are designed to quickly feed in between the Saferiland ALS holster and the Saferiland Mid-Ride. The leg strap comfortably secures the pistol holster high on thigh which stops lower movement on the holster while drawing the weapon and while moving and shooting. They are adjustable and comes will a retainer to secure extra material. The back of the leg straps provides extra grip.

Bungee cord is used as a second retention during Military Free Fall or Amphibious Operations.

“In my experience in combat, leg straps were a must for me. I used the leg strap to reduce flip on the lower portion of the holster during draw. During climbing and aggressive movement, the leg strap comfortably secured the holster to my thigh. I have used my leg strap to retain expanded mags during tactical reloads.”
-Tu Lam

Find them at www.ronintactics.com Under Ronin Accessories.

Posted in Holsters | 9 Comments »

UF PRO Presents – The “Boo Boo” Bag

October 5th, 2020

A “Boo Boo” bag is part of a medical kit reserved for minor cuts and blisters (headaches, too), the non-life-threatening stuff that’s inconvenient but nonetheless needs to be treated.

We’ve presented ready made versions in the past with many preferring to make their own. This video featuring former Special Forces Medic Luka, shows what he puts in his “Boo Boo” bag.

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The T7 Over The Ear Headset from Invisio

October 5th, 2020

Invisio’s new T7 over the ear headset features 3D ergonomic ear cushions, 28dB of SNR hearing protection and submersion to 10 meters, including hear-thru microphone drainage for immediate use after leaving the water.

The speaker system includes a waterproof speaker membrane that can withstand high water pressure, a breathable membrane that allows air to be released and a secondary membrane that allows the speaker membrane to operate by releasing audio pressure for high audio performance.

In addition to surviving the pressure of 10 meters underwater, the T7 is also operational at over 40,000 feet.

The hear-thru microphone resists wind noise and has been tested for use while transiting in a Rigid Inflatable Boat going 50 knots (90 kph).

The 3D ear cushions were designed after reviewing 1,000 MRI cranial scans to find the most common ear and head shape. There are also gel and standard ear cushions.

The T7 can be configured three ways for wear: traditional over the headband style, behind the head via the neckband and helmet mount.

www.invisio.com/communication-systems/headsets/invisio-t7

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MATBOCK Monday – Skins

October 5th, 2020

MATBOCK Skins

Good morning and Happy MATBOCK Monday!

The Patent Pending MATBOCK Skins are a multi-layer adhesive/fabric laminate designed to give the user the ability to camouflage any surface desired. The Skins are waterproof and oil resistant, can be reused multiple times and are certified Near IR Compliant. Simply peel and place the MATBOCK Skins on the item you wish to camouflage, when the Skins are not needed peel them off and place on wax paper for later use. It’s that easy!

Applications

Team Wendy and Ops Core Helmet Skins

Peltor Skins

PVS – 31 Skins

Scuba Pro Skins

Don’t forget to tune in Monday at 1:00 PM EST as we go live to show the MATBOCK Skins and answer any questions you may have.

www.matbock.com/collections/skins

Posted in Advertiser, Camo, Guest Post | 3 Comments »

RCO Delivers Department of the Air Force Capabilities

October 5th, 2020

WASHINGTON (AFNS) —

Less than 200 personnel assigned to the Department of the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office rapidly develop capabilities to outpace and counter the increasing threats of adversaries.

Their primary focus incorporates cutting-edge approaches to standard acquisition processes to produce capabilities for both the Department of Defense and the DAF, which includes the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Space Force.

The mission of the DAF RCO is to expedite development and fielding of select DoD combat support and weapon systems by leveraging defense-wide technology development efforts and existing operational capabilities.

“Built on using speed and efficiency, we expedite the fielding of critical capabilities to the warfighter,” said Randy Walden, director and program executive officer for the DAF RCO. “This includes operators in both the United States Air Force and the United States Space Force in support of the National Defense Strategy.”

Originally activated in April 2003, one of its first projects was to deploy significant upgrades to the Integrated Air Defense System, now operational around the National Capital Region, to meet critical counter-terrorism objectives before the January 2005 Presidential Inauguration Day.

Today, the DAF RCO portfolio includes several high priority developmental and experimental programs.

For example, the X?37B Orbital Test Vehicle program is an experimental test platform that supports the U.S. Space Force to meet DAF objectives. Space Professionals conduct X-37B launch and on-orbit operations, and the DAF RCO program office team will include Space Force members as the new service continues to stand up.

The X-37B is an experimental test program to demonstrate technologies for a reliable, reusable, unmanned space test platform. The primary objectives of the X-37B are twofold: reusable spacecraft technologies for America’s future in space; and operating experiments, which can be returned and examined on Earth.

Currently, the X-37B is conducting on-orbit operations in its sixth mission.

The DAF RCO is also home to the B-21 Raider program. The B-21 is a U.S. Air Force priority, which will provide critical operational capability and flexibility across a wide range of military objectives, providing both conventional and nuclear capabilities in fulfillment of national objectives.

The B-21 is being designed to be highly survivable with the ability to penetrate modern air defenses to strike any target, anywhere on the globe in a contested area of operations.

The program plans to deliver the first B-21 aircraft to operational bases in the mid-2020s.

“The DAF RCO is a unique organization because it supports priorities for both the Space Force and Air Force,” Walden said. “The office is staffed with a variety of functional DAF specialists who form a collaborative melting pot of expertise built specifically to operate within the gray areas of the standard acquisition processes.”

The DAF RCO conducts streamlined acquisitions in response to Air and Space Forces and Combatant Command requirements. It reports directly to a board of directors comprising of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment; Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering; Secretary of the Air Force; Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics; U.S. Space Force Chief of Space Operations; and Chief of Staff of the Air Force.

“Whether it’s digital engineering, prototyping or modern software development, the DAF RCO is committed to advancing the capabilities of the Department of the Air Force,” Walden added.

By Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

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Aku Introduces Dual Fit System for Spring 21

October 4th, 2020

Aku’s Dual Fit System is a double lacing system that allows the wearer to adjust the comfort and precision of the fit during different phases of use: a traditional lace for maximum comfort while walking or hiking, and a secondary fast lace that increases sensitivity and precision during climbing.

Aku describes it like this:

While the laces cinch the top of the foot like a traditional lace, they also feature interior laces within the fabric of the upper that wrap around the foot to customize the fit. The midsole incorporates an EVA foam for cushioning, and a PU heel for added support. The midsole is wrapped with a protective rubber rand that protects the inside foot and toe area. Together with a Gore-Tex breathable liner and Vibram Approcciosa sole with Megagrip, the resulting Rock DFS collection offers a high-performance approach shoe for all day comfort, even while climbing.

This illustration gives you an idea of how the DFS works with two sets of laces.

DFS will be available in AKU’s new Rock DFS GTX, Rock DFS MID GTX , and Rock DFS footwear in spring/summer 2021.

akuoutdoor.com

Posted in Boots | 1 Comment »

SCUBAPRO Sunday – Operation Gothic Serpent

October 4th, 2020

Yesterday and today October 3rd and 4th is the Day of the Rangers, Battle of Mogadishu or better known as Blackhawk Down. Task Force Ranger was tasked with conducting a raid to capture two lieutenants of a Somali warlord. Task Force Ranger was made of members of C squadron of the 1st Special Forces Group Detachment Delta and B company of 3rd Ranger Battalion, Task Force 160 Special Operation Aviation Regiment, SEALs from Naval Special Warfare Development Group and Air Force Pararescuemen and Combat Controllers from the 24th Special Tactics Squadron. They were transported to the target by ground and helicopters. The mission should have only taken about an hour. They inserted around 1350 local time, from the start they found themselves under heavy fire. When two Black Hawk helicopters were shot down (the first being around 1620 local) it quickly went from a snatch and grab to a rescue and recovery. A long ground battle to place and the U.S. forces were heavily outnumbered. By the time the last Troops made it to safety at a UN base it was around 0640 local on the 4th.

While leaving the last crash site, a group of Rangers and Delta operators led by SSG John R. Dycus realized that there wasn’t enough room in the vehicles for them and they were forced to move out on foot to a rendezvous point on National Street but they ended up going all the way back to the UN Base. This is known as the Mogadishu Mile. They think it was anywhere from 3.5 to 4 miles.

Casualties included 19 dead American soldiers and 73 wounded, with Malaysian forces suffering one death and seven wounded, and Pakistani forces suffering one death and two injuries. There were between 315 and 2,000 Somali casualties. Two Medals of Honor were posthumously awarded to MSG Gary Gordan and SFC Randy Shughart for their actions on the ground to protect one of the pilots (Mike Durant) and the crash site.

1st SFOD-D

MSG Gary Gordon Killed defending the crew of Super Six-Four Medal of Honor

SFC Randy Shughart Killed defending the crew of Super Six-Four Medal of Honor

SSG Daniel Busch Crashed on Super Six-One, died from wounds received defending the downed crew Silver Star

SFC Earl Fillmore Killed moving to the first crash site Silver Star

SFC Matt Rierson Killed on October 6, 1993 by a mortar which landed just outside the hangar Silver Star

MSG Tim “Griz” Martin Died from wounds received on the Lost Convoy Silver Star and Purple Heart

3rd Ranger Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment

CPL Jamie Smith Died of wounds with the pinned-down force around crash site one Bronze Star with Valor Device and Oak leaf cluster, Purple Heart

SPC James Cavaco Killed on the Lost Convoy Bronze Star with Valor Device

SGT Casey Joyce Killed on the Lost Convoy Bronze Star with Valor Device

PFC Richard “Alphabet” Kowalewski Killed on the Lost Convoy Bronze Star with Valor Device

SGT Dominick Pilla Killed on Struecker’s convoy Bronze Star with Valor Device

SGT Lorenzo Ruiz Killed on the Lost Convoy Bronze Star with Valor Device

160th SOAR (Nightstalkers)

SSG William Cleveland Crew chief on Super Six-Four-killed Silver Star, Bronze Star, Air Medal with Valor Device

SSG Thomas Field Crew chief on Super Six-Four-killed Silver Star, Bronze Star, Air Medal with Valor Device

CW4 Raymond Frank Copilot of Super Six-Four-killed Silver Star, Air Medal with Valor Device

CW3 Clifton “Elvis” Wolcott Pilot of Super Six-One and died in crash Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, Air Medal with Valor Device

CW2 Donovan “Bull” Briley Copilot of Super Six-One and died in crash Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, Air Medal with Valor Device

2nd Battalion 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade 10th Mountain Division

SGT Cornell Houston Killed on the rescue convoy Bronze Star with Valor Device, de Fleury Medal

PFC James Martin Killed on the rescue convoy Purple Heart

Posted in Advertiser, Guest Post, History, Memorial, SOF | 2 Comments »