Soldier Systems Daily Soldier Systems Daily

Happy 12th Anniversary To Us

May 21st, 2020

Soldier Systems Daily; it all started with a redeye flight from San Diego to Norfolk and a copy of Wired magazine. I had wanted to start writing again and there was this article on the rivalry between tech blogs Gizmodo and Endgadget. I learned that a blog could be about something tangible and decided to use the format. Not long after, SSD was born. It started as a means to keep me off the streets at night, but within a year became a full time job. I’m so grateful to be able to do something I love.

Earlier this week we hit our 12th year of existence, publishing a daily website. Naturally, I missed the anniversary. So here we are, patting ourselves on the back a few days late. How ironic considering how much I sweat over always being on time.

Yeah, I’ve outlasted most of the competition. But the truth is, we wouldn’t exist without our loyal readers and fantastic advertisers. Many of them are small business owners, feeling the pinch of these tough times like everyone else. Please support them when you get a chance and keep reading; daily, it’s in the name.

Eric Graves
Editor

Posted in Admin | 35 Comments »

SureFire Field Notes Ep. 59 – Bill Blowers on Tracking Performance

May 21st, 2020

SureFire Field Notes is a multi-segment informational video series with tips and techniques from subject matter experts of all backgrounds. In this episode, Bill Blowers of Tap-Rack Tactical discusses how he measures performance in order to track progress and improve.

Bill was a police officer in Washington State for over 25 years, retiring in February 2018 as a Sergeant. He also served in the United States Army from 1986 to 1992. He was assigned to SWAT in 1995 and absent a single year, stayed on SWAT for the remainder of his career. He served as a ballistic shield carrier, breacher, entry team member, team training coordinator and ended as a team leader. As a team leader, Bill has successfully planned or participated in over 1500 pre-planned and in progress SWAT callouts. He has over 5000 training hours and has personally trained SWAT officers in different locations around the USA.

www.tap-rack.com

www.surefire.com

Posted in Advertiser, Guest Post, Training | Comments Off on SureFire Field Notes Ep. 59 – Bill Blowers on Tracking Performance

Rosco Manufacturing Extends Line of Purebred M-Lok Handguards to Include 7”, 10.75”, and 13” Lengths

May 20th, 2020

May 19th, 2020: Rosco Manufacturing, an American manufacturer of high-quality gun barrels & accessories, is proud to announce the launching of their newly released products – the Purebred M-Lok handguards in 7”, 10.75”, & 13”. In the never-ending pursuit to expand their list of quality products offered, Rosco has brought their new line of Purebred accessories to the market jointly designed for the barrel maker by industry leading artisans, American Defense Mfg.

The new Rosco designed Purebred M-Lok rails feature precision machining from 6061 aluminum, type 3 hard-coat anodizing and tightened tolerances to enhance the performance/ fitment of the Bloodline & Purebred barrels. Current versions of the rails offered were the 9”, 13.5”, & 15” M-Lok handguards. With the addition of the new Purebred M-Lok handguards in 7”, 10.75”, & 13” every barrel from 5.5” and up will be covered.

The 13” Purebred is a Rosco exclusive and was designed specifically for carbines employing 13.7” barrels. It allows the end user to use muzzle devices that are quick detach platforms for suppressors. Most commercially available 13” + rails will cover the muzzle device blocking access to suppressors. They could also cause a catastrophic failure if carbine builders shoot a rifle with a muzzle device that is covered (even partially) by a rail. The new Rosco 13” Purebred handguard is perfect for this combo and can be used for any other configuration longer than 13.7” as well.

“With the addition of these new handguards we have been able to provide customers with the products that they have been requesting from us for some time. This is our true test as a manufacturer, to be able to intake consumer need and turn that into products that will truly benefit our customers.” – Gabriel Cabrera (Marketing/ Sales Director).

Effective immediately, the following Rosco products are live and for sale:

• Purebred 7” M-Lok handguard. $130.00

• Purebred 10.75” M-Lok handguard. $150.00

• Purebred 13” M-Lok handguards. $173.99

For more information on Rosco Manufacturing and our products go to www.RoscoManufacturing.com

Posted in Press Release, Weapon Accessories | 1 Comment »

The Made in America PPE Movement – The Time is NOW

May 20th, 2020

It’s time to answer to the medical voices of our healthcare frontline workers and provide a solid supply chain in the U.S. to deliver the necessary protection equipment required for our country in times of pandemics. We should not be relying on Asia or EU to supply our much-needed supplies and ensure we are providing the safety measures necessary for today and our future. SEAMS.org member companies have the capacity to turn on PPE equipment to support our country.

SSD is proud to be a part of the SEAMS Made in America PPE movement and ask you support those companies keeping Americans safe and the lights in here at home.

Posted in COVID-19 Pandemic, Industry, Made In USA!, Press Release | 6 Comments »

SIG SAUER Academy Introduces “Task Force SIG,” a Team Building Experience

May 20th, 2020

NEWINGTON, N.H., (May 20, 2020) – SIG SAUER Academy, the leading provider of the highest quality firearms instruction and tactical training in the world, is pleased to announce the addition of Task Force SIG, a unique team-building course, to the 2020 course schedule. This one-day intensive course is taught by current and former U.S. Army Special Forces Green Berets with decades of experience in high threat environments and who understand the complexities of working as a team.

The exciting Task Force SIG curriculum was developed using the same principles taught in the Green Beret Special Forces Assessment and Selection and Qualification courses. The course will place students into teams to test their ability to perform in a high stress environment, while providing them with the tools, and problem-solving skills, to succeed in any situation. In conjunction with learning advanced problem-solving skills, students enrolled in Task Force SIG will learn how to safely operate a modern sporting rifle and will be challenged to complete physical obstacles on the grounds of the SIG SAUER Academy.

The first offering of Task Force SIG at the SIG SAUER Academy in Epping, New Hampshire is June 26, 2020. To register and review the course outline for Task Force SIG, find additional upcoming course dates, or review the comprehensive course offering for SIG SAUER Academy visit sigsaueracademy.com.

Students enrolled in this course should be prepared for physically demanding challenges and have the ability to carry up to 45 lbs. This class is also available as a private event. For additional information please contact the SIG SAUER Academy at 603-610-3400.

Posted in Advertiser, Press Release, Training | Comments Off on SIG SAUER Academy Introduces “Task Force SIG,” a Team Building Experience

Sneak Peek – Bison Belt by Ferro Concepts

May 20th, 2020

The Bison Belt is coming soon from Ferro Concepts.

Designed for and in collaboration with special operations and law enforcement professionals, the Bison belt is both lightweight and low profile.

The belt is constructed around a single layer of laser-cut thermoplastic as the framework. Integrated through the entire core of the belt is continuous 1” tubular webbing from buckle to buckle for strength. Lightweight webbing was selected for reduced overall bulk and ease of installing PALS compatible products.

For reliable fastening, the Bison Belt is equipped with a D-Ring Cobra buckle. The inside of the belt is lined with hook Velcro for quick and secure don/doff capability with the included inner pant belt which completes the Bison Belt system.

It will be offered in Black, Coyote, Ranger Green and MultiCam.

ferroconcepts.com

Posted in Load Carrying | 3 Comments »

Blast From The Past – What Kind of Leader Are You?

May 20th, 2020

We’ve published this leadership model twice. The first time in 2012 and most recently, way back in 2015. It’s still worthy of debate.

In the mid-1800s a Prussian Field Marshal named Helmuth Karl Bernhard Graf von Moltke developed a means to evaluate his officers.

Smart & Lazy – I make them my Commanders because they make the right thing happen but find the easiest way to accomplish the mission.
Smart & Energetic – I make them my General Staff Officers because they make intelligent plans that make the right things happen.

Dumb & Lazy – There are menial tasks that require an officer to perform that they can accomplish and they follow orders without causing much harm.

Dumb & Energetic – These are dangerous and must be eliminated. They cause things to happen but the wrong things so cause trouble.

I’ve also seen this attributed to various German Army leaders beginning in the inter-war years and seems to convey prevailing thinking. It boils leadership down into its simplest form and measures the leader on two axes. Intelligence (competence) and industriousness or lack thereof.

As Chief of the Army High Command, the Anti-Nazi Gen Kurt von Hammerstein-Equord oversaw the composition of the German manual on military unit command (Truppenführung), dated 17 October 1933. In it, he proposed a classification scheme for military leaders.

‘I divide my officers into four groups. There are clever, diligent, stupid, and lazy officers. Usually two characteristics are combined. Some are clever and diligent — their place is the General Staff. The next lot are stupid and lazy — they make up 90 percent of every army and are suited to routine duties. Anyone who is both clever and lazy is qualified for the highest leadership duties, because he possesses the intellectual clarity and the composure necessary for difficult decisions. One must beware of anyone who is stupid and diligent — he must not be entrusted with any responsibility because he will always cause only mischief.’

Remember, in the German model, the most promising go to the General Staff for grooming. In the American model, the best and brightest take command. Considering that, do you think it’s still a viable model?

Posted in Profession of Arms | 11 Comments »

USMC’s PM Infantry Weapons Undergoing Largest Modernization Effort in Decades

May 20th, 2020

MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. —

Marine Corps Systems Command’s Program Manager for Infantry Weapons has begun a large-scale modernization project to increase the lethality of the infantry squad.

PM IW strives to equip and sustain the Marine Corps with fully-integrated infantry weapons, optics and nonlethal systems for the Ground Combat Element.

The portfolio’s modernization efforts adhere to Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. David Berger’s vision to redesign the force to meet the challenges of a new age of great power competition. Through PM IW, the Corps plans to field numerous new weapon and optic systems over the next decade.

“This is the largest modernization of the infantry squad in the last 25 years,” said Lt. Col. Tim Hough, MCSC’s program manager for Infantry Weapons.

Strengthening systems

PM IW has begun the procurement of the Modular Handgun System, which will replace all Marine Corps pistols. This striker-fired pistol includes a plastic clip-on piece, enabling Marines to change grip sizes to accommodate different hand sizes. The weapon is compatible with the pistol-aiming module used by some units.

MCSC will begin fielding the system this fiscal year.

“The MHS improves on the precision and reliability of the legacy platforms, while also bringing with it new, more effective ammunition,” said Maj. Mike Brisker, weapons product manager for PM IW.

MCSC is expanding the use of the M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle. Originally fielded to infantry units as a replacement for the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon in 2011, the rifle received overwhelmingly positive feedback from Marines. This feedback led to the Marine Corps’ decision to field the M27 to all rifle platoons as their primary individual weapon.

“We expect fielding of [the M27] to conclude by the end of this fiscal year,” said Brisker.

PM IW is also enhancing its optic systems. Fielded in spring 2020, the Squad Binocular Night Vision Goggle is a helmet-mounted system that offers improved depth perception, and the ability to detect and recognize targets in extreme low light, in inclement weather and in the presence of obscurants. The SBNVG provides additional capabilities that the legacy system, the AN/PVS-14, lacked.

Since awarding a contract in February 2020, PM IW plans to begin fielding the Squad Common Optic in fiscal year 2021. The SCO includes a magnified day optic, which improves situational awareness, decreases engagement times and increases probability of hit.

“The Squad Common Optic enables Marines to see farther and identify the enemy more quickly,” said Hough.

MCSC is collaborating with other services to field certain systems. For example, the Marine Corps will partner with the Army to procure the Next-Generation Squad Weapon system, intended to replace the M27 and become the primary individual weapon for infantry units.

The NGSW will provide a significant boost to the lethality of the individual soldier and Marine. The weapon includes an optic/fire control system that will incorporate a disturbed reticle to improve the shooter’s accuracy.

The Marine Corps could receive first deliveries of the NGSW as early as fiscal year 2025, said Brisker.

Additionally, PM IW and Fleet Marines are participating in the Army’s Integrated Visual Augmentation System and the Enhanced Night Vision-Binocular programs to help inform requirements and programmatic decisions in the future.

Enhancing performance

PM IW’s modernization efforts mirror MCSC’s mission to increase lethality among Marines. The command is continuously striving to equip Marines with the capabilities needed to successfully fulfill missions. To meet this goal, PM IW will continue to solicit feedback from Marines and industry.

“In line with the Commandant’s Planning Guidance, we’re looking to lighten the load and increase the overall lethality of Close Combat Forces—specifically infantry Marines,” said CW4 David Tomlinson, an infantry weapons officer with PM IW.

Tomlinson believes upgrading Infantry Weapon systems will ultimately enhance performance on the battlefield and increase survivability at a time when enemies are strengthening.

“These efforts show we are focused on staying abreast of advancements that are coming quickly,” said Tomlinson. “It also shows our desire to stay persistent, look toward the future, and make sure our Marines receive the best [systems] we can buy.”

Story by Matt Gonzales, MCSC Office of Public Affairs and Communication | Marine Corps Systems Command

Photos by LCpl Michaela R. Gregory and Kealii De Los Santos

Posted in Guest Post, MARCORSYSCOM, USMC, weapons | 18 Comments »