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Urban Lightfighter Course Distance Learning Package Available Now for $15

August 1st, 2025

The Urban Light Fighter Course is now stateside. One thing that we learned from past courses is that an instructional lead in via online training would accelerate the experience and would allow students to hit the ground running. So we did just that. I put together a robust distant learning package for 15.00. Now if you signed up or are going to sign up for the in-person course, this is free to you. If you are on the fence about attending an in-person course, well 15 bucks is a great entry price to learn about what you would be doing; from drone survey missions, to OSINT, to learning about Arducopter and autonomous flights. You’ll be working a robust comms package from DMR to Reticulum Networks. Also, the online course will be updated regularly, and I have some downloadable goodies as well for ya.

cr2ss.com/courses-1

Posted in Guest Post, Training, UAS | 1 Comment »

FirstSpear Friday Focus: Vertical Entry Belt

August 1st, 2025

The Vertical Entry Belt is a high-performance battle belt designed for elite users who require tactical versatility and vertical entry capability. Engineered to meet the SOCOM Retention Standard and modified NFPA testing, this belt is built for demanding, high-angle environments.

It features a quickly removable 6/12 Modular Over-Flap, allowing the user to scale loadouts as needed with full compatibility for 6/12, 6/9, and MOLLE-style pouches. The minimalist design keeps bulk and weight to a minimum, enabling greater freedom of movement and reduced fatigue in the field.

Despite its lean profile, the belt offers exceptional modularity and tactical readiness.

The unpadded construction allows it to be worn over a Base Belt Lite, utilizing exposed hook material to secure the system without the need for suspenders. This enhances its adaptability while maintaining a sleek, low-profile silhouette. Whether worn alone or in conjunction with the 6/12 Over-Flap, the system remains streamlined and mission-capable.

Its integration with the Vertical Entry Harness (restricted) transforms it into a full-spectrum fighting system for vertical access, urban climbing, or high-angle assault missions. Designed with input from professional users, it bridges the gap between load carriage and climbing systems. Every element of the belt is built with intentionality—optimized for users who demand peak performance in the harshest environments. Made to work seamlessly across platforms and kit configurations, it provides an efficient and dependable solution for tactical professionals. FirstSpear is the premier source for cutting edge-tactical gear for military, law enforcement and those who train.

For more information visit First-Spear.com.

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Air Force Stands Up A6 for Warfighter Communications, Cyber Systems

August 1st, 2025

ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) —

The Department of the Air Force has created a new AF/A6 Deputy Chief of Staff office dedicated to warfighter communications and cyber systems. This structure is designed to address operational communications and cyber needs effectively throughout the force.

The creation of the AF/A6 office separates the responsibilities for communications and cyber systems from the previous A2/6 framework, marking one of the most significant reorganizations of the Air Staff in over 30 years.

According to Air Force leaders, the change is designed to improve readiness, resilience and operational effectiveness by aligning resources and risk management with mission requirements.

“We created the A6 to ensure communications and cyber systems are available, secure and aligned with warfighter priorities,” said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David W. Allvin. “This office will help us focus resources and oversight where it matters most — supporting the mission in contested environments.”

The AF/A6 aligns with broader Department of Defenseefforts to advance command and control capabilities, including the DAF Battle Network and Combined Joint All-Domain Command and Control. The office is also expected to provide enterprise-level advocacy on requirements, architecture and funding decisions.

Lt. Gen. Leah Lauderback, former Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Cyber Effects Operations, said the A6 will serve as a critical link between operational feedback and strategic planning.

“Standing up the A6 allows us to manage risk, prioritize limited resources and advocate for warfighter needs using data from across the enterprise,” Lauderback said. “It’s a necessary step to treat communications and cyber as the operational enablers they are.”

Maj. Gen. Michele Edmondson has been appointed to serve as the first standalone Deputy Chief of Staff for AF/A6. Her experience in operations, training and strategic planning is expected to help the office’s focus on delivering integrated, resilient communications capabilities across domains.

“Our mission is to ensure warfighters have the reliable, secure communications they need to succeed in a complex and contested environment,” Edmondson said. “We’re building an enterprise that connects people, systems and decisions at the speed required by today’s operational demands.”

The office will coordinate with various stakeholders, including the department’s chief information officer, the principal cyber advisor, major command A6 offices, acquisition program offices and other operational and functional communities.

Officials emphasized the AF/A6 will be organized around a warfighter-centric model, designed to support current capabilities while informing future investment decisions and force design initiatives.

Story by SSgt Emmeline James, Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

Photos by SSgt Stuart Bright

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DroneShield Showcases Next-Gen Counter-Drone Tech to DHS Leadership

July 31st, 2025

DroneShield presented proven capabilities and next-generation technologies to address surging drone threats at America’s borders and critical sites to U.S. Department of Homeland Security

July 30, 2025 – Warrenton, Virginia – DroneShield, a global leader in counter-uncrewed systems (CUxS) technology, proudly participated in a demonstration hosted by the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) at the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Unmanned Technology Operations Center in Summit Point, West Virginia, on July 24, 2025. The event convened DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, senior DHS officials, and CUAS solutions providers, highlighting the Department’s urgent focus on addressing the escalating drone threats to national security.

This event followed closely behind a recent U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, where Steven Willoughby, Director of the DHS Counter-UAS Program Management Office, highlighted the growing danger drones pose. He testified:

“Nearly every day, transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) use drones to convey illicit narcotics and contraband across U.S. borders and conduct hostile surveillance of law enforcement.”

Secretary Noem, a vocal advocate for expanding CUAS capabilities, emphasized earlier this year during a Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs hearing that:

“United States Coast Guard (USCG) tasks require every cutter to be equipped with CUAS technology.”

Secretary Noem further reinforced this urgency in a recent social media post, stating:
“We’re in the middle of a weapons-technology revolution—and our enemies know it. Drones are now being used to smuggle deadly drugs, target our infrastructure, and spy on U.S. defenses. We must be ready.”

During the demonstration, Secretary Noem met with the DroneShield team and received a briefing on its field-proven counter-drone technologies. These systems have been actively supporting Ukraine’s CUAS efforts since the start of the conflict and continue to evolve to meet a broad spectrum of emerging threats. With more than 11 years of exclusive focus on CUAS technologies, DroneShield has long been an advocate for securing U.S. borders and critical infrastructure from the risks posed by uncrewed aerial systems.

“Never before have we seen such alignment and sense of purpose across all levels of the Department of Homeland Security,” said Matt McCrann, CEO of DroneShield LLC. “The whole-of-agency approach on display at Industry Day demonstrates DHS’ intent to address the surging drone threat with speed, unity, and effectiveness.”

With drone threats steadily rising and impacting U.S. borders, airports, stadiums, and emergency responders, DroneShield remains committed to supporting national security with advanced, mission-ready CUAS capabilities. DroneShield’s solutions are purpose-built and engineered to be simple to train, easy to use, and quick to deploy, giving teams a decisive edge when seconds matter.

“As drone threats continue to evolve rapidly, it is essential that the U.S. and its allies have ready access to trusted, combat-proven countermeasures,” added McCrann.

Tom Branstetter, Vice President of Business Development and Sales at DroneShield, commented, “This demonstration reaffirmed DHS’ focus on taking decisive steps forward – and we’re proud to contribute our expertise and solutions to support that mission.”

“DHS Secretary Kristi Noem Attends Drone Demo” by U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), United States Government Work

Pictured: DroneShield’s Tom Branstetter, VP of Business Development and Sales and Matt McCrann,

Posted in LE, Press Release, UAS | 1 Comment »

Global Ordnance Announces Exclusive Consumer Rebate: Get a Free Vortex SPARC AR with Purchase of Any Monolith Firearm

July 31st, 2025

Sarasota, FL — Global Ordnance is excited to announce a powerful new consumer rebate offer launching this summer. From August 1st through October 31st, 2025, customers who purchase any Monolith firearm—whether rifle, pistol, or short-barreled rifle (SBR)—from a participating dealer or directly through www.globalordnance.com, will receive a free Vortex SPARC AR red dot optic, a $279.99 value.

An Elite Optic, On the House

This limited-time rebate underscores Global Ordnance’s commitment to providing exceptional value to firearm enthusiasts. Customers who take advantage of the promotion will receive one of the most trusted and durable red dot sights in its class: the Vortex SPARC AR.

Renowned for its performance and reliability, the SPARC AR features:

• 2 MOA red dot for rapid target acquisition and precision.

• 12 illumination settings, including two night-vision compatible options.

• Shockproof, waterproof, and fog-resistant construction built to withstand harsh conditions.

• Integrated mount system optimized for AR platforms.

• Extended battery life up to 50,000 hours, with an automatic 12-hour shutoff feature.

The Monolith: Strength Meets Innovation

The Monolith platform—engineered for unmatched rigidity and adaptability—continues to set the standard in modern weapon design. Key features include:

• Monolithic 7075 aluminum upper receiver for superior strength and improved accuracy.

• Fully ambidextrous controls including bolt catch/release and mag release.

• Cold-hammer-forged barrels with QPQ nitriding for enhanced durability.

• Modular architecture compatible with AR-15 components and accessories.

• Adjustable bolt carrier, allowing users to fine-tune performance for suppressor use and reduce gas blowback

• Redesigned recoil spring system to streamline operation and minimize felt recoil

• Available in rifle, pistol, and SBR configurations to meet diverse operational needs.

Whether you’re enhancing a personal collection or upgrading a professional loadout, the Monolith platform delivers exceptional performance and reliability.

How to Claim Your Vortex SPARC AR

After purchasing a qualifying Monolith firearm between August 1 and October 31, 2025, customers can submit their proof of purchase through go.4myrebate.com/go. Upon approval, the free Vortex SPARC AR (valued at $279.99) will be shipped directly to the customer within 12 weeks of submission.

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UF PRO Confirms Participation at NTOA 2025

July 31st, 2025

KOMENDA, SLOVENIA (28.07.2025)

UF PRO, a leader in tactical apparel designed formilitary, law enforcement, and professional operators, will be exhibiting at the National Tactical Officers Association (NTOA) Law Enforcement OperationsConference & Trade Show, taking place from 24 to 25 August 2025 at the Gaylord National Harbor in Washington, DC, USA.

The NTOA Conference is a key event for tactical units, trainers, and decision-makers across North America. It offers an opportunity for UF PRO to present its range of advanced tactical clothing systems to a wide audience of professionals working in demanding operational environments.

Visitors to the UF PRO booth 729 will have the opportunity to explore core product lines specifically developed for law enforcement professionals, including lightweight, durable combat uniforms and outerwear engineered to deliver high performance and comfort during demanding operations. The featured products are designed to meet the unique challenges faced by law enforcement operators working in extreme conditions, incorporating advanced materials for flexibility, moisture management, and durability. Selected garments will be available for hands-on inspection and try-on, allowing attendees to closely examine fabric quality and functional design features.

UF PRO’s participation at NTOA 2025 reinforces its commitment to supporting law enforcementprofessionals with reliable, purpose-built clothing solutions.

Further details about the event and UF PRO’s participation can be found at: mehler-systems.com/event/ntoa-2025

Posted in Industry, NTOA, Press Release, Tradeshow | Comments Off on UF PRO Confirms Participation at NTOA 2025

Infantry Ammunition for the Baltic States: Rheinmetall Will Deliver 40mm Ammunition to Lithuania and Hand Grenades to Estonia – Total Order Value Around €33 Million

July 31st, 2025

Rheinmetall has received various orders from Estonia and Lithuania for the delivery of infantry ammunitions. The orders have a total value of around €33 million.

Estonia awarded Rheinmetall a framework contract in the second quarter of 2025 for the delivery of hand grenades. Splinter grenades are to be delivered in 2026 and 2027, and offensive hand grenades from 2026 to 2029 – in significant numbers in each case. The order is worth around €17 million gross.

Back in December 2024, Lithuania had already placed an order with Rheinmetall for several tens of thousands of 40 mm x 46 high-explosive fragmentation (HE Frag) combat cartridges. The order is worth around €16 million gross. The ammunition is to be delivered in 2026 and 2027.

As a “one-stop shop” for 40 mm systems Rheinmetall is one of the world’s leading suppliers of ammunition, weapon systems and firing control systems in this field. Rheinmetall’s 40 mm x 46 low-velocity ammunition can be used in all standard grenade launchers and attachable grenade launchers in this calibre. It reaches a velocity of 76 m/s and has an effective range of 400 metres. Other NATO countries also use this modern ammunition.

Compared to LV cartridges, the new 40 mm x 46 Medium Velocity (MV) ammunition has an acceleration of around 100 m/s and a flat trajectory, so targets can be attacked faster and hence, increases the effective range to 900 m. In 2025, Rheinmetall will bring its Squad Support Weapon 40 to series production, the world’s first magazine-fed automatic shoulder-fired grenade launcher, capable of firing MV and LV ammunition. In combination with the broad spectrum of Rheinmetall’s 40 mm LV/MV ammunition portfolio, infantry users will achieve unprecedented flexibility and effectiveness on the battlefield.

Rheinmetall’s 40 mm ammunition range also includes 40 mm x 53 ammunition (high velocity) for automatic grenade launchers. This has a muzzle velocity of 130 m/s and a range of up to 2,000 metres.

Posted in Ammo, Contracts, International, Press Release | Comments Off on Infantry Ammunition for the Baltic States: Rheinmetall Will Deliver 40mm Ammunition to Lithuania and Hand Grenades to Estonia – Total Order Value Around €33 Million

Reptilia Launches 35mm ROF-Diving Board Mount for Laser Range Finders

July 31st, 2025

Hillsborough, North Carolina, July 31 2025 – Reptilia®, an industry leader in precision mounting solutions, is proud to announce the release of the 35mm ROF™-Diving Board, an accessory mounting platform designed specifically for use with Reptilia AUS™ and Geissele® Super Precision™ 35mm mounts.

Originally developed to meet the demands of professional end users, the ROF-Diving Board adds a MIL-STD-1913 rail forward of the primary optic, providing an ideal mounting position for laser range finders, red dot sights, or other accessories without adding unnecessary bulk or compromising ergonomics.

In addition to accessory placement, the Diving Board also increases the structural support of the optic tube by reusing the original ring cap from the host mount. This dual-purpose design delivers improved rigidity and performance in a streamlined, lightweight package.

The 35mm ROF-Diving Board is optimized for full-size precision optics and is immediately available.

Key Features:

? Compatible with Reptilia AUS™ and Geissele® 35mm Super Precision™ mounts

? MIL-STD-1913 accessory rail for LRF

? Reuses host ring cap to increase mounting surface and rigidity

? Machined from billet 7075-T6 aluminum

? MIL-STD Type III hardcoat anodized

? 100% Made in the USA

For more information or to purchase, visit: reptiliacorp.com.

Posted in Advertiser, Optics, Press Release, Weapon Accessories | Comments Off on Reptilia Launches 35mm ROF-Diving Board Mount for Laser Range Finders