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Hawaii-based Sailors Test Changes During Physical Fitness Assessment Study

October 31st, 2019

PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (NNS) — Ladies and gentlemen, it’s that time of the year again: physical fitness assessment season. As we’re surrounded by the unwavering dedication of command fitness leaders and the Sailors within each command, one can’t help but get in to the fitness spirit. On May 29, the former Chief of Naval Operations Adm. John Richardson visited Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam and announced the addition of the 2-kilometer row cardio option and forearm plank that will replace the curl-up. On Oct. 7, Sailors gathered in the fitness center on base to commence the testing of the new workout metrics.

The study consisted of three different days of exercise. Day one focused on introducing Sailors to the 2-kilometer row, practicing the correct rowing technique. On day two, the Sailors performed pushups, the forearm plank and the 12-minute bike assessment. Day three focused on pushups, the forearm plank and the second trial of the 2-kilometer row. A big focus during this study was how Sailors perform the new plank as opposed to the curl-ups.

“The plank allows you to build that core strength,” said Lt. Cmdr. Melissa Laird, the work sponsor of the study from the 21st Century Sailor office. “It’s really a better test and better modality to assess that core strength than the curl-up is. It works on giving you good posture and it also has less chance of aggravating low back injuries which you can see with the curl-up.”

Laird also said that adopting a new form of cardio within the PFA allows Sailors an alternative to the standard 1.5-mile run. The rower uses approximately 70 percent of the body’s musculature so it provides a good cardiovascular workout that is low impact.

Sailors representing multiple commands volunteered to be the test subjects for this study. A seamless transition into adopting these two modalities for the PFA in the year 2020 is the end goal according to Laird.

Mr. Jay Heaney, a research physiologist from the Naval Health Research Center and the principle investigator for the study, explained the process of gathering the information from the Sailors’ performance and how it will be applied to the new PFA.

“We try to get as many people as we can within the age groups by gender,” said Heaney. “Then we look for what the norms are; what the high, medium and low scores are. From that, we will develop what the scoring metrics are for the different categories of the PFA.”

Heaney said that the Navy is trying to put a bigger emphasis on physical fitness as ship-based Sailors are required to climb ladder ways and do a lot of heavy lifting throughout their workday.

“I volunteered because I wanted to see what the new PFA would look like,” said Cryptologic Technician (Interpretive) 3rd Class Amanda Zwiebel. “Not only to prepare myself but to prepare my peers and my command.”

According to Heaney, at the end of the day, it is important that our service members have complete physical readiness. The addition of two new workouts to the PFA helps the U.S. Navy move in the right direction.

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Aja Bleu Jackson, NPASE West det. Hawaii Public Affairs

Posted in Guest Post, Navy, Profession of Arms, Training | 12 Comments »

AeroVironment Receives $5.25 Million Puma 3 AE Contract for US Border Patrol

October 31st, 2019

• Award builds on the U.S. Border Patrol’s ongoing use of Puma AE small unmanned aircraft systems for border and homeland security

• U.S. Border Patrol agents rapidly deploy Puma AE anywhere, anytime, in any environment for continuous or on-demand spot surveillance

SIMI VALLEY, Calif., Oct. 22, 2019 – AeroVironment, Inc. (NASDAQ:AVAV), a global leader in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), received a $5,254,912 firm fixed-price contract award for PumaTM 3 AE systems and support equipment on August 8, 2019 for the U.S. Border Patrol, part of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Delivery is anticipated by January, 2020.

AeroVironment’s Puma 3 AE small unmanned aircraft system is designed for the real-world environment Border Patrol agents operate in. Easy to transport, deploy and operate, the Puma system can be launched from anywhere, at any time, and requires no additional infrastructure, such as runways or launch devices. The AeroVironment Puma flies for hours in the most extreme environments while producing high-resolution, continuous or on-demand spot surveillance of critical land and sea border areas at any time of the day or night. Highly automated and with GPS navigation, the Puma dramatically extends the reach of Border Patrol agents at a fraction of the cost of manned or larger unmanned aircraft.

“Operating on the nation’s front line, U.S. Border Patrol agents deploy the AeroVironment Puma system day or night from a safe distance to scan a border area for activity and then use that information to respond more quickly, more stealthily and with less risk,” said Rick Pedigo, AeroVironment vice president of business development. “Puma takes on the tougher missions in treacherous and dangerous terrain and keeps border agents out of harm’s way. Border Patrol agents pack the system on their vehicles, allowing them to gain an eyes-in-the-sky advantage at a moment’s notice.”

The Puma 3 AE systems will also support humanitarian missions, assisting in the location of individuals in need of aid along difficult-to-reach border areas and responding to natural disasters.

The AeroVironment Puma AE is a fully man-portable unmanned aircraft system designed for land and maritime operations. Capable of landing in water or on land, the all-environment Puma, with its Mantis i45 sensor suite, empowers the operator with extended flight time and a level of imaging capability never before available in the small UAS class.

AeroVironment’s unmanned aircraft systems are uniquely professional grade and proven with more than 1 million operating hours, including in extreme environments and combat operations. As the largest supplier of reconnaissance UAS to the US Department of Defense, AeroVironment offers a family of small and portable UAS that have been protecting soldiers, marines, airmen and special operators in the harshest environments for more than two decades.

Posted in Press Release, UAS | Comments Off on AeroVironment Receives $5.25 Million Puma 3 AE Contract for US Border Patrol

Germany-Based US Army Field New Positioning System

October 30th, 2019

ROSE BARRACKS, VILSECK, Germany — Members of Project Manager Positioning Navigation and Timing (PM PNT) landed in Germany in early September with a mission: outfitting Soldiers’ Stryker vehicles with the latest in Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT) equipment. That equipment is the Mounted Assured PNT (Positioning, Navigation and Timing) System (MAPS) Generation 1, (MAPS GEN I), a powerful suite of new hardware and software that will ensure Soldiers have assured position and timing to navigate in a GPS degraded and denied environment. As adversaries across the spectrum field new capabilities to disrupt and degrade GPS, Soldiers will need more fortifications and assurances in those systems.

Posted in Disruptive Tech, Mobility | Comments Off on Germany-Based US Army Field New Positioning System

Franklin Armory’s Reformation RS7 Wins NASGW-POMA Caliber Award For Best Shotgun

October 30th, 2019

When I walked up to the Franklin Armory booth at last week’s National Association of Sporting Goods Wholesalers annual meeting, I noticed that they had won a NASGW-POMA Caliber Award for Best Shotgun.

” rel=”noopener”>One of three finalists in this category, apparently there was some discussion on which category to compete the Reformation RS-7 which was designed to fit specifically within the very narrow firearms laws of California and other non-second amendment friendly states. It’s not a rifle, nor a shotgun, but rather a firearm.

Congratulations!

Posted in Advertiser, Industry | 5 Comments »

Origin Of The Army Air Force Shoulder Sleeve Inginia

October 30th, 2019

OPFOR Militaria Reproductions does some cool stuff. They recently shared the documentation for the Army Air Force’s shoulder sleeve insignia.

op4milrepro.my-free.website

Posted in Air Force, History | 5 Comments »

Sneak Peek – Rapscallion Bottle Totes

October 30th, 2019

Rapscallion is a new brand formed by former Mystery Ranch members and brothers Luke and Levi Buckingham along with Cory Krull. Their first series of products are padded bottle totes, offered in three sizes.

Nightcap – 2 Bottles

Share – 4 Bottles

Enetertainer – 6 Bottles

They feature zippered closures to keep your beverage secure and accommodate beer and wine bottles from Piccolo to Champagne Magnum as well as up to a Growler thanks to snap-in interior dividers.

They’ll kick-off online next week with several standard colors, but by Thanksgiving they’ll offer a customization configurator with a wide variety of options.

rapscallionbags.com

Posted in Field Gourmet, Load Carrying | 1 Comment »

A Moment In History From The Army Marksmanship Unit

October 30th, 2019

The AMU recently shared this image taken in the summer of 1967 when John Wayne was at the Home of Champions filming “The Green Berets” movie.

The US Army Fort Benning Soldier with the legendary actor is Sgt. Richard L. Foronato, who was part of the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit’s Shotgun Team.

The scene filmed at Hook range was when Col. Lamar Asbury “Bill” Welch, the actual commander of the United States Army Airborne School at Fort Benning in 1967, makes a brief cameo shooting trap with John Wayne. Welch wears a 1960s U.S. Army Fatigue Baseball Cap (common issue during the Vietnam War) in the scene while the actors wear green berets. The Soldiers exercising on the drill field – who Wayne shouts to – were actual Army airborne recruits in training.

Posted in History | 8 Comments »

Brigantes Presents: The Helix Operations Combat Multi Harness

October 30th, 2019

The Helix Combat Multi Harness (HCMH) is a fully modular tactical harness system that has been developed over several years with significant end user input and trials. The system has been specifically designed for military operational use and can be used in a wide range of missions and tasks across all environments and operational theatres. Having a single system increases safety and reduces the training burden. The HCMH system has uniquely acquired UK helicopter clearances for specialist troop emplaning & deplaning techniques as well as fulfilling mission high access requirements. Unlike other off the shelf harnesses, the HCMH fully integrates with other ‘on the man’ systems such as life jackets and plate carriers, ensuring greater comfort and safety of the end user.

The HCMH is issued as a single unit item complete with log cards. This allows logistics staff to easily administer the equipment. The system is initially vacuum packed which simplifies PPE inspection prior to first use. Once the system has been opened for use, all components are stored in one purpose designed breathable bag, which optimises storage. All items are interchangeable meaning when an item is damaged, it can be replaced, and the log card updated which is much more cost effective than replacing an entire system.

The HCMH Pack includes the following components:

1 x Riggers Belt – A 45mm wide belt which fits into standard belt loops and can take molle attachments and heavier equipment such as pistol holders. It is fully adjustable and excess material is easily stowed away. The lightweight material has minimal volume to reduce water absorption and drying time. The outside surface of the belt uses fine velcro, allowing battle belts to be positioned on top of the belt and won’t move around. The belt includes a low-profile textile belay loop on the front of the belt which allows the user to connect quickly into an anchor or system using a tested belt.

2 x Gear Loops – These velcro into position onto the harness in the position required by the user.

1 x Set of Leg Loops – These are very lightweight and compact due to the synthetic mesh which minimises their bulk and moisture retention. Weighing just 260g they can pack down into a pouch which is just 12 x 8cm. They are fully adjustable and use the same corrosion resistant buckles as the belt. They can be added to the sit harness in less than 15 seconds.

1 x Chest Harness – Can be worn over or underneath plate carriers and is made from mesh fabric which minimises bulk, water absorption and drying time. The integrated attachment point for the chest ascender is compatible with body armour.

2 x PerfectO Carabiners – This compact oval carabiner connects the chest harness to the sit harness.

1 x Fifi Hook with retaining grommet and mouth tab – Provides a ladder attachment point to support the load of the operator and is useful for resting or situations where two free hands are required.

1 x Chest Ascender

1 x Storage Bag

1 x User Instructions