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USAF and Microsoft Partner to Empower Airmen with Modern IT

September 23rd, 2020

The U.S. Air Force is breaking the glass as a leader in harnessing the power of cloud, rapidly rolling out modern services to enable airmen to advance the mission through more effective collaboration. As part of their digital transformation journey to achieve global access, persistence, and awareness for the 21st century, the U.S. Air Force is deploying targeted workloads that allow airmen to focus on their missions rather than spending time managing IT infrastructure.

Mission focus and efficiency

A key part of their digital transformation strategy is leveraging the technology industry’s capabilities for cloud infrastructure, allowing the U.S. Air Force to re-tool and refocus their resources. As part of our collaboration with the U.S. Air Force, we’re deeply aligned on a joint mission to drive IT enhancements that enable airmen to be more efficient and effective. Building out the capabilities for this targeted mission focus started with planning for how the organization will manage their data in the future, deploying core functions such as Exchange Online, SharePoint Online, OneDrive and other capabilities delivered through the Microsoft 365 suite of productivity applications.

Improved total cost of ownership

The rapid deployment of cloud tools at this scale is made possible by the U.S. Air Force’s leadership in building the multi-cloud factory Cloud One, a migration center of excellence designed as a foundation for future innovation. Leapfrogging more traditional cloud migration strategies with a Platform as a service (PaaS)-first approach and secure systems boundary, Cloud One enables the U.S. Air Force to rapidly transform legacy systems into modern apps and exploit the agility, scale and global presence afforded by the cloud.

William Marion, U.S. Air Force Deputy Chief Information Officer, says that Cloud One is the U.S. Air Force’s “path to the cloud, but further it is fundamental to the Digital Air Force and the future of Multi-Domain Operations. It enables our teams to achieve unprecedented cost efficiencies and productivity through automation, agile software development at scale, and a streamlined process for moving applications to production.”

Cloud One has recalibrated what internal teams expect from a cloud migration, providing all the foundational cloud capabilities including networking, monitoring, access control and identity. In addition, apps deployed to Azure Government inherit the platform’s security controls by design, further reducing operational costs and freeing up resources to focus on the mission.

Focus on security and compliance

The U.S. Air Force understands the importance of a dynamic, foundational risk management framework that can react quickly to cyber-attacks and changes in the threat landscape. With Microsoft 365 Government and Azure Government, they can obtain the scale and performance of modern cloud tools while maintaining compliance with the strict compliance requirements of the Department of Defense (DoD), including DoD Impact Level 5.

Next-generation collaboration

One of the primary goals of the U.S. Air Force is to empower airmen to collaborate and execute their missions with modern technology best practices. The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Enterprise IT and Cyber Infrastructure Division (AFLCMC/HNI) at Hanscom Air Force Base in Massachusetts has planned, tested and started deployment of Microsoft Teams to improve project management and teamwork. With geographically separated organizations, Teams will streamline collaboration and communication between airmen across the globe.

The massive scale of this U.S. Air Force organization – wide rollout requires massive change management – so we’ve developed a joint plan with focused training, deployment and service adoption to drive mission-focused use cases. The plan includes learning events with modern modalities, creating consumable resources to enable airmen to learn more about how Teams can work for their unit. This includes product immersion events, ask-me-anything events, and video content so airmen can learn efficiently from wherever they are in the world.

These advances in productivity, cloud acceleration, and collaboration are a result of ongoing teamwork across the 16th Air Force, the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, and the Defense Information Systems Agency. As thought leaders and innovators, these organization have planned, built and deployed modern IT experiences at massive scale using Microsoft 365 Government and Azure Government, enabling airmen to continue to fly, fight and win in air, space and cyberspace.

By Leigh Madden – Microsoft General Manager, National Security

Photo – US Air Force

Posted in Air Force, Digitization, Guest Post | 2 Comments »

Victorinox – I.N.O.X. Carbon Limited Edition Watch

September 23rd, 2020

Featuring a carbon fiber case, the Swiss-made I.N.O.X. watch incorporates a glow-in-the-dark SuperLuminova dial and comes with a Camouflage design survival paracord strap, two additional straps (one military NATO, one black rubber) and protective compass bumper.

It comes with an Evolution 23 pocket knife. There are only 1500 of this limited edition watch worldwide.

www.swissarmy.com/us/en/Products/Watches/Men%27s-Watches/I-N-O-X-Carbon-Limited-Edition

Posted in Watches | Comments Off on Victorinox – I.N.O.X. Carbon Limited Edition Watch

Cordura NYCO Goes Into Active Service with Britain’s Crack Commandos

September 23rd, 2020

Gloucester, UK – 21 September 2020 – Chosen for its durability and high-performance characteristics, CORDURA® NYCO fabric is being used to produce the next generation of highly advanced uniforms for the Royal Marines Commandos, designed and manufactured by Crye Precision and distributed by Level Peaks in a contract with the NATO Support and Procurement Agency.

The UK’s renowned Royal Marines Commandos are one of the toughest and most elite forces in the world, operating from polar regions to the tropics and every place in between. From their daring raids on occupied-Europe during World War II, right up to the present day, they have been the spearhead for military action on a global scale and their exploits have won them an awesome and well-deserved reputation.

So, as you would expect, to get the right to wear the famous ‘green beret’ their new recruits undergo one of the most gruelling selection ordeals you could imagine. And the same exacting standards were applied to the CORDURA® fabric used in the new uniforms they are now being issued with as part of the Future Commando Force initiative. The CORDURA® brand takes quality assessment to punishing extremes – with fabric test procedures that include aggressive abrasion testing to push durability to the limit.

This is the key strength of the new uniform which comprises individual Combat and Field ensembles all made from Crye Precision’s comfort weave MultiCam® VTX Ripstop stretch CORDURA® NYCO fabric using INVISTA’s T420HT high tenacity nylon 6,6 fibre blended with cotton. CORDURA® NYCO fabric offers long-lasting comfort and performance for the wearer. The uniform is printed with Crye Precision’s MultiCam® camo pattern by 1947 LLC through an exclusive international manufacturing license agreement.

Along with delivering the enhanced durability required for the Commandos in action, this fabric is a foundation for a new uniform that is lighter weight, has comfort stretch, has higher tear-strength, is faster-drying and is more breathable than typical 50/50 nylon/cotton uniform kit. Meaning it can be trusted and relied on in the most extreme and hostile environments on earth – from frozen wastes to jungle and deserts.

Crye Precision, the ultimate specialist in combat apparel

The Royal Marines uniform has been designed and engineered by a company with unrivalled in-depth knowledge of the specific demands of combat and tactical operations. Crye Precision are the ultimate specialists in their field and work closely with global military professionals to develop new and technically superior generations of combat apparel and related kit incorporating unique technologies.

Why did they choose CORDURA® fabric? Gregg Thompson, Co-Founder Crye Precision, sums it up this way: “The next generation uniform is always our focus, and the fabric is always the starting point. We need people who understand what we’re trying to do. Who are willing to partner with us to help us get there. For us, CORDURA® is that partner. They set the technical standard and pretty much our entire line has some kind of CORDURA® element in it. It’s so reliable, it just performs in every situation.”

Level Peaks – meeting NATO’s needs

The new uniforms are supplied by Level Peaks under its five-year contract with the NATO Support and Procurement Agency. This British company describes its central objective as the introduction of more effective, integrated uniform systems. Jim Clarke- Programme Director for Level Peaks says:

“We are very excited by this initiative. With Crye Precision’s world leading designs and CORDURA® fabric technology we are able to supply troops with a solution that is lighter, stronger and more comfortable. It will be worn by troops rapidly deployed to war zones, combat missions, commando raids, or providing humanitarian assistance”

1947 LLC – Full-service military solution provider

The Crye MultiCam® VTX printed fabric is exclusively supplied by 1947 LLC who are a full-service textile solution provider specializing in military, tactical, and industrial products. 1947 LLC have worked with Crye Precision since the pattern was originally developed and are extremely pleased and proudly support this opportunity to introduce this new and innovative fabric into the European theatre for the NATO forces. Ben Galpen co-Founder of 1947 LLC says: “Entering into a new market is always exciting for our company but this is especially rewarding as we are honoured to support NATO and its mission.”

CORDURA® NYCO, the fighting fabric

CORDURA® NYCO intimate blend nylon/cotton technology was specifically created for military and tactical applications and has a 40-year heritage of success and proven performance in the field. The current range of innovative fabrics based on NYCO technology includes Crye’s NATO selected VTX Stretch Ripstop. The Crye MultiCam® VTX NYCO stretch mobility fabric is powered by INVISTA’s latest high tenacity fibre technology – Type 420HT – for the ultimate in lightweight strength, comfort and enhanced durability.

Allen Mortimer Military EMEA director for INVISTA CORDURA® concludes:

“Through close consultation with military experts – including experienced veterans – we are constantly evolving CORDURA® fabrics to face new scenarios in different theatres of conflict. We’re proud to know that this fabric now provides NATO troops with a tougher way to handle the toughest missions – and we salute the Royal Marines as the first unit to lead the way forward”.

Posted in Materials, Press Release | 11 Comments »

Brigantes Presents – The REBS Wire Ladder

September 23rd, 2020

The REBS Wire Ladders has been developed with input from professional users and have high-end features for superior performance in tenuous situations.

The rungs are diamond knurled and provide a durable high friction grip surface and every ladder is fitted with thimbles and proper connectors. Made from the highest quality components and materials, the wire rope has a diameter of 3mm, the thimbles are made from 316 stainless steel and the rungs are black anodised 6082 T6 aluminium. The rungs are fastened to the wire rope with an innovative and very strong mechanical bond which has been tested to 470kg on a single side without breaking. The REBS Wire Ladders are often used in combination with telescopic poles

The new design of the wire ladders has the highest strength to weight ratio of any wire ladder in the world. The wire ladders have been developed with input from professional users and have high-end features for superior performance in tenuous situations. The rungs are diamond knurled and provide a durable high friction grip surface and the ladder has a market-leading minimum breaking load (MBL) of 1200 kg.

For more information contact: international@brigantes.com

For UK sales contact: warrior@brigantes.com

Or visit our website: brigantes.com/collections/ladders

Posted in Guest Post, Mountaineering | 1 Comment »

True Velocity Unveils Advanced Manufacturing Capabilities With Potential to Reinvent Ammunition Supply Chain

September 23rd, 2020

U.S. leadership on Capitol Hill debate modernization of weapons and ammunition manufacturing and logistics

GARLAND, Texas (Sept. 22, 2020) – Texas-based True Velocity, an advanced manufacturing and technology company specializing in small-arms ammunition, is introducing new technology and proprietary solutions to help armed forces streamline ammunition production and logistics from anywhere in the world. The company’s manufacturing capabilities can power customizable and highly portable “cells,” allowing for decentralized and automated ammunition production. True Velocity recently received its 145th issued patent for its manufacturing technology, processes and products.

True Velocity manufacturing is aimed at reducing inefficiencies in the ammunition supply chain, improving manufacturing safety, and has capacity to produce as many as 600 million rounds per year from its operations. The cell production technology from True Velocity includes everything from casing manufacturing to loading of ammunition in a physical footprint that requires only 2,500 square feet.

During testimony in front of the House Armed Services Committee, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology Dr. Bruce Jette mentioned the shortfalls of current ammunition manufacturing logistics in the U.S. and provided a blueprint for modernization. Congressman Donald Norcross opened the hearing, expressing concern that “essential functions of ammunition [are] done in museum-like conditions.”

Dr. Jette said, “We have been reticent to bring our production facilities into the 21st century. But we are at an inflection point, knowing that technology offers true modernization pathways that can significantly improve both safety and transform the production capability.”

The single largest producer of ammunition for the U.S. Armed Forces, Lake City Army Ammunition Plant, has been in operation since 1941 and produces nearly 1.4 billion rounds of ammunition per year at a 3,935-acre facility. When asked about opportunities to modernize operations, Dr. Jette referenced the potential of using polymer casing manufacturers.

“What we will likely do is use their facilities to develop our interim supplies while we develop our in-house capabilities,” said Jette. “My insistence is upon transforming our approach as opposed to modernizing.”

True Velocity can ship manufacturing infrastructure anywhere in the world and can create operational manufacturing cells within months. Traditional ammunition manufacturing lines take as long as two years to accomplish similar outputs.

“We are uniquely positioned to enhance the armed forces’ capabilities through manufacturing modernization and enabling logistical efficiencies,” said Chris Tedford, president of True Velocity. “At True Velocity, we obsess over quality control and want to provide our country’s leaders with solutions that reinvent ammunition production, industrial supply chains, quality and distribution.”

True Velocity, founded in 2010, is based in the U.S. with manufacturing operations in Garland, Texas, just northeast of Dallas. More than 1 million rounds of True Velocity composite-cased cartridges will be delivered throughout 2020-2021 to the U.S. Army as ammunition solutions are tested by the U.S. Army’s Next Generation Squad Weapons program.

For more information, visit tvammo.com.

Posted in Ammo, Press Release | Comments Off on True Velocity Unveils Advanced Manufacturing Capabilities With Potential to Reinvent Ammunition Supply Chain

RAFAEL Advanced Defense Systems Ltd – FOOTPRINT

September 22nd, 2020

FOOTPRINT from RAFAEL Advanced Defense Systems Ltd is a navigation system for dismounted soldiers operating in GPS-denied environments.

The system fuses data from multiple sensors like the one seen mounted to Soldier’s leg above to analyze movements, estimate errors, and provide a highly accurate, and continuous RT self-positioning.

Posted in Comms, International, MDM | 4 Comments »

Comp-Tac Releases Holster Fits for Glock .40 Gen 5s

September 22nd, 2020

HOUSTON, Sept. 21, 2020 – Comp-Tac® added new Glock® .40 Gen 5 fits for the Infidel Max™, Infidel Ultra Max™, Warrior™, International™ and Blue Duty Holster Series™ approximately two weeks prior to the launch of these new firearms.

In addition to the fits already available, Comp-Tac plans to eventually expand every holster offering to accommodate the wider bodies of the .40 Gen 5s.

New holster fits include:
• G27- International, Infidel Ultra Max, Infidel Max, eV2
• G23- International, Infidel Ultra Max, Infidel Max
• G22- International, Warrior, Blue Duty – No Light

“Being able to work with firearms manufacturers during the release of new weapons is a real honor for Comp-Tac,” said Gordon Carrell, Comp-Tac general manager. “The new Glock Gen 5 .40 caliber guns have a slightly wider frame than the previous generations and Comp-Tac has been able to design holsters to fit these new guns in a short period of time. Because of that, these new holsters will be ready for purchase before these new Glocks are even available, allowing customers to carry those firearms right away.”

The International Holster is an OWB, all-Kydex® holster with a modular mounting system that includes a belt mount, paddle mount and drop offset piece. The International has been the top holster used at the IDPA nationals for eight years in a row and is an excellent choice for those who want to participate in competitive shooting events or head to the range for some training time.

The Infidel Ultra Max Holster is an IWB, Kydex-and-leather hybrid holster designed for concealed carry. The Infidel Ultra Max is designed with cant adjustment holes to allow the user to change from a reverse cant, straight drop speed cant and FBI forward cant. The Infidel Ultra Max’s top-grain, cowhide leather backing is the most comfortable material to wear against your skin. It provides a soft, flexible material that does not rub or pinch.

The Infidel Max Holster is an all-Kydex inside-the-waistband holster designed to be worn behind the hip at the 4 o’clock or 5 o’clock positions. With an easy-on, easy-off single clip, this holster is a favorite for users who want the ability to put on their gun or take it off as their environment changes.

The eV2 Holster is an appendix IWB holster designed for concealed carry. The eV2 includes the Comp-Tac Kick, a piece designed to help press the grip of the gun into the body for better concealment.

The Warrior Holster is an outside-the-waistband holster that was recently tested and recommended by the National Training Officers Association (NTOA). The all-Kydex, pancake design is excellent for concealed carry or general range use.

The Blue Duty Holster Series no light version is a level two outside the waistband holster. The Blue Duty Optic no light will accommodate a firearm with a red-dot optic attached. With a belt mount, paddle mount and drop offset, this holster provides a high level of diversity and compatibility with level two retention.

comp-tac.com

Posted in Advertiser, Holsters, Press Release | Comments Off on Comp-Tac Releases Holster Fits for Glock .40 Gen 5s

American Rheinmetall Systems – MK93 Mount Upgrade

September 22nd, 2020

American Rheinmetall Systems’ upgraded MK93 Mount decreases the system’s weight, improves weapon handling by soft mounting both MK19 and M2A1 weapons and provides advanced ergonomics with the introduction of a breakaway shoulder bar and trigger mechanism.