Soldier Systems Daily Soldier Systems Daily

Max Talk 29: How to React in a Gunfight…..the RTR Drill Explained!

July 8th, 2019

This is the twenty ninth installment of ‘Max Talk Monday’ which shares select episodes from a series of instructional videos. Max Velocity Tactical (MVT) has established a reputation on the leading edge of tactical live fire and force on force training. MVT is dedicated to developing and training tactical excellence at the individual and team level.

It is vital to understand how to react to effective enemy fire. Those first few moments under fire can make all the difference between life or death. This video cuts through the nonsense and provides tactical context to what combat veterans know – how to react to enemy fire, how to train to blow through the possible freezes, and how to best stack the odds for survival. Do not confuse tactical cool-guy shooting with real drills with real tactical context. Train to win the fight!

Detailed explanations can be found in the MVT Tactical Manual: Small Unit Tactics.

Max is a tactical trainer and author, a lifelong professional soldier with extensive military experience. He served with British Special Operations Forces, both enlisted and as a commissioned officer; a graduate of the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. Max served on numerous operational deployments, and also served as a recruit instructor. Max spent five years serving as a paramilitary contractor in both Iraq and Afghanistan; the latter two years working for the British Government in Helmand Province, Afghanistan.

Website: Max Velocity Tactical

YouTube: Max Velocity Tactical

Excellence in Tactical Training.

Posted in Guest Post, Training | Comments Off on Max Talk 29: How to React in a Gunfight…..the RTR Drill Explained!

Warfighter Countdown – Getting Permission To Attend

July 8th, 2019

Warrior EAST is THIS week. Most everyone already has their travel plans all set, but some may still want to come. After all, Virginia Beach is a few hours drive from many East Coast-based units and agencies.

Since it’s a last minute thing for some of you, you may need to reassure your supervisor that it’s worthwhile.

Here are some ideas to help out:

Download the Widely Attended Gathering letter to highlight the benefits of Warrior Expo.

Need to demonstrate that you are the best person to attend? Sign up for an educational course that will benefit you professionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to attend this event?

There is no charge or admission fee for this event. You should seek guidance from your designated agency ethics official (DAEO) as to whether your attendance to this event is permitted under your agency’s widely attended gathering (WAG) rule and obtain any determinations required by such rule or other applicable regulations.

How many anticipated attendees and from which sectors are they?

More than 5,500 invitations will be distributed to individuals from Government, private industry, non-profit organizations, and the media. We anticipate approximately 3,000 attendees with approximately 55 percent from the Department of Defense, federal, state and local government agencies, 40 percent from private industry and 5 percent from other groups, such as allied international government, non-profit organizations, and media.

Is this event in the interest of the agency because it will further agency programs and operations?

For more than a decade, the purpose of Warrior Expo has been to showcase the latest industry-leading equipment and services solutions to end users, program managers and procurement specialists that are designed to help them meet their operational requirements as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible. This event also provides quality training and education in both structured classroom environments and open area training and demonstrations. These hands-on and classroom learning opportunities focus on topics related to technology, procurement, professional and personal growth. All classes are led by a training company with more than 20 years of experience in leading defense and industry personnel in their professional development.

Will individuals in attendance represent a range of persons interested in a given matter?

The event is structured to represent a broad scope of the industry and Government-specific exhibits, educational sessions, and demonstrations related to operational equipment, logistics, and mission support. We have invited more than 200 key exhibitors from the industrial and manufacturing base that have developed the latest technology to address warfighter capabilities and requirements. Solution categories range from operational clothing and individual equipment (OCIE), C4ISR, medical and expeditionary operations, to unmanned systems technology and special missions such as explosive ordnance disposal (EOD).

Members of DOD, Federal, state and local agencies, first responders, U.S. allied foreign military organizations and government defense contractors will have the opportunity to exchange ideas, as well as hear from, ask questions and be educated by subject matter experts about the latest advancements in operational equipment, logistics support and procurement strategies to support their mission requirements.

If you haven’t already, be sure to sign up on site once you arrive.

Posted in ADS, Advertiser, Warrior Expo | Comments Off on Warfighter Countdown – Getting Permission To Attend

ZEV Technologies releases the O.Z-9 Modular Build Kit

July 8th, 2019

The patent-pending O.Z-9 internal steel receiver is now available individually as the O.Z-9 Modular Build Kit (MBK).

The O.Z-9 Modular Build Kit (MBK) offers complete customization to build your O.Z-9 from the ground up. Start your custom build by choosing between a Black DLC or Titanium Gray O.Z-9 steel receiver.

“This is a big deal for the consumer who already owns a custom ZEV firearm or the necessary compatible ZEV components that go into an O.Z-9. It’s also the perfect starting point for the consumer that wants to build an O.Z-9 in the exact configuration they want. The steel receiver is the serialized component, and the foundation of the O.Z-9, so once you have that, the rest is like a set of Lego building blocks, but with ZEV parts.”, explained ZEV’s V.P. of Marketing, Dave Roberts.

Using compatible ZEV components, select the ZEV slide, ZEV barrel, ZEV trigger, ZEV O.Z-9 grip, and ZEV O.Z-9 magwell to build out the O.Z-9 that best fits your needs. Whether it’s for duty, concealed carry, competition, or a weekend range gun, the MBK is the place to start.

The O.Z-9 internal steel receiver, machined from a single block of 17-4 stainless steel billet, reduces the flex associated with polymer frames, has an integrated locking block and longer slide rails which provide more contact with the slide. Less felt recoil, less muzzle flip, faster follow up shots, and improved accuracy is the result.

In addition to an O.Z-9 Steel Receiver in either color, each O.Z-9 MBK includes the following necessary components to get your build started:

ZEV O.Z-9 Slide Lock Lever and Spring
ZEV O.Z-9 Trigger Pin
ZEV O.Z-9 Ejector Housing Pin
ZEV Enhanced Extractor
Extended Slide Release Lever

www.zevtechnologies.com

Posted in Advertiser, Press Release, Weapon Accessories | 1 Comment »

Building on a successful fifteen-year relationship, Her Majesty’s Armed Forces awards a new framework contract with Rheinmetall in the field of infantry ammunition

July 8th, 2019

Building on a successful fifteen-year relationship, Her Majesty’s Armed Forces awards a new framework contract with Rheinmetall in the field of infantry ammunition.

On 6 June 2019, Rheinmetall AG and Defence Equipment and Support, the UK’s defence procurement agency, signed a new framework agreement to enable the repeat procurement of infantry ammunition. The framework agreement will represent the default source of supply for specific impact rounds, ammunitions and grenades in the next 5-7 years and has an estimated throughput of up to €100 million (£90m).

Rheinmetall continues to expand its role as a major supplier of ammunition. Only a few days ago, the Dutch armed forces also renewed a partnership agreement for the supply of ammunition with the Düsseldorf-based specialist for security and mobility technology, which runs through to the end of 2030.

The contract, which has now been renewed with the British procurement authorities, establishes Rheinmetall as the preferred supplier of 25 infantry ammunition products produced by four manufacturing locations in Germany and Switzerland. Simon Valencia, Sales Director Rheinmetall Weapon and Munitions UK commented “we are delighted to be able to renew our long standing supply agreement with the UK MoD and provide the British Armed Forces with high quality, reliable, products that have been proven both operationally and in training for the last fifteen years. This new contract provides the UK MoD with value for money and continued confidence in re-supply of assured munitions products. The UK MoD is a key strategic partner for Rheinmetall and this new contract supports Rheinmetall’s continued growth into the UK Defence Market”.

Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) is currently is the process of negotiating a portfolio of framework agreements with defence suppliers to enable repeat procurement of in-service munitions. The contract with Rheinmetall Defence is the first contract DE&S has agreed with the munitions industry on framework terms and marks a positive step change in the way UK MoD engages with industry.

Posted in Ammo, Press Release | Comments Off on Building on a successful fifteen-year relationship, Her Majesty’s Armed Forces awards a new framework contract with Rheinmetall in the field of infantry ammunition

SOFWERX – Next Generation PEO-RW Cockpit Capability Collaboration Event

July 7th, 2019

USSOCOM PEO-Rotary Wing (RW) is interested in the next generation Special Operations Aviation (SOA) Cockpit. Join subject matter experts to ideate on potential solutions. This event will help participants understand the operational needs of the RW user community.

Focus areas include:
• Controls
• Voice Activation
• Heads Up Eyes Out Display
• Windscreen
• Display
• Communication/ICS
• Operational Flight Program (Operating System)

The event will ensure exposure to any technology that could increase aviator capability from the cockpit.

SOFWERX will hold an event on 16 July 2019 and the RSVP Deadline: 09 July 11:59 PM EST (sic).

For additional details, visit www.sofwerx.org/cockpit.

Posted in Aviation, Comms, Design, Digitization, SOF | Comments Off on SOFWERX – Next Generation PEO-RW Cockpit Capability Collaboration Event

SCUBAPRO Sunday – Fins

July 7th, 2019

While the concept of fins is simple, the designs and options available are numerous. When evaluating which fins will best meet your needs, keep the following questions in mind:

• What do I plan on using the fins for PT/ Surface swimming, diving, Over the Beach (OTB)or river and stream crossing, will you be carrying them while patrolling?

• What water temperature range will you be using them in (so what size boot pocket will you need)

• What type of kick will you use, and in what environment, IE getting in and out of an SDV or closed in areas like around piers or caves?

When the military first started diving, there was only basically one type of fin;(the duck fin) now there is a fin for almost every type of dive/swim. Fins are a specific piece of kit, almost to the point that you can have more than one set of fins depending on what you are going to do. Your fins are one of the only pieces of equipment that significantly affect how well you perform during your time in the water.

Surface Fins

Typically, a more basic fin design will meet your needs. The length of the fin needed by surface swimmers is typically shorter than those needed by SCUBA divers and are they are shorter than those used by free divers. If you feel like you are fighting your fins rather than being aided by them, then your fins are probably more significant than you need. Meaning they are too big for you. Full foot fin are usually the best for this as long as the water is warm, or you can buy a set a little bigger and use a dive sock.

Combat Swimming

Military divers tend to desire more fin features than recreational divers. They probably use a fin that has more in common with a technical / cave diver. There are two types of divers that are more aware of the propulsion power offered by their fins. SCUBA fins tend to be the same length or slightly longer than snorkeling and swimming fins, which means they require more leg strength and power to kick effectively.

Foot Pocket Open or Closed

Water temperature will affect the gear you choose. The gear you wear can be a factor in determining the fins you take into the water with you. If you are in cold water, you will need thinker booties. The good thing about your feet is you can always go with a dive bootie in warmer water. Your feet, for the most part, will not overheat. So, you only have to worry about how cold the water is and if you have to use a thinker boot then usual. If you dive wearing boots (either neoprene or hard sole), an open-foot design fin is what you’ll want to wear. An open foot pocket accommodates boots because the heel strap was around the back of the diver’s boot and can be adjusted to offer a comfortable fit. If you wear rigid-sole boots, the open-foot pocket is the best option.

Closed-foot fins cover your entire foot. You can still wear a dive sock to keep it from rubbing if you are going barefoot, but most people won’t need that.

Propulsion

Technology has help fin’s out over the last 20 years or so. If you are blindly wearing a pair of fins because it was issued and that’s all you have, you really should go to a dive shop and look at some more options. There are shoes today for running, doing CrossFit, or walking. Fins have evolved to be the same way.

Diver fins now offer features like Paddle, Channel and Split fin designs.

Channel and Paddle

Channels help move the water across or through the fin, which allows the diver to move through the water quite rapidly. Channels increase the speed because they offer less surface area resistance in the water. The channels also offer extra flexibility, which means the fin can bend further and move more water with each kick. Modified paddle fins offer a more flexible material that is used for connecting the blade to foot pocket, cutaways in the upper portions of their blades, and soft center panels. They tend to be more flexible than traditional paddles, making them easier on the legs and ankles. The best paddles can compete head-to-head in comfort and performance with the best splits fins. It can also help on long dives with leg cramps and sore knees and angles.

Split Fin

The theory behind split fins is as the diver kicks their foot downward when engaged in an up-tempo flutter kick, actually generate lift along with a jet-propulsion effect, similar to a boat’s propeller. The faster the propeller turns, the more propulsion is generated. With split fins, power comes from the speed of a diver’s kick rather than the force of the kick. Split fins are also popular among divers who experience knee pain or have had knee surgery. The split fin reduces the amount of resistance felt by the diver’s joints while offering a great deal of effectiveness with each kick.

There are so many fins out there today that do some many things. It is tough to use one set of fins everything. I would also say there is no point to ask one set of fins to do anything. You can you a small set of fins for water jumps or river and stream crossing/ OBT and then when you are swimming on a long dive you can use a different pair of fins. Fins are like shoes, you have more than one pair of boots, and you can genuinely have at least two to three sets of fins that can do it all.

Lastly since is basically Independence Day weekend on July 6, 1747. John Paul Jones is born in Arbigland, Scotland. He is originally appointed to the Continental Navy in 1775, he is known for his quote,” I’ve not yet begun to fight!” during the battle between the Continental frigate, Bonhomme Richard, and HMS Serapis on Sept. 23, 1779.

Posted in Advertiser, Guest Post, Maritime | 2 Comments »

1st SFAB Medics Learn to Diagnose and Treat Tropical Diseases

July 7th, 2019

FORT BENNING, Ga. — Combat medics from 1st Security Force Assistance Brigade attended a three-day long Military Tropical Medicine Course at Fort Benning, June 10-12, to learn about infectious diseases they may have to diagnose and treat in future operations.

The Navy Medicine Professional Development Center in Bethesda, Maryland provides the curriculum and instructors for a four-week long in-residence course for doctors and physicians assistants.

1st SFAB requested a condensed version to help the brigade’s medics support their 12-Soldier combat advisor teams.

The course “prepares medical providers to do good medicine in austere environments dealing with pathogens that they just don’t commonly see here,” said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Kevin Taylor, Assistant Course Director and Army Liaison.

The small combat advisor teams are designed to train, advise and assist conventional foreign security force partners in remote locations where robust medical resources aren’t always available. The medic is critical to the team’s health and safety.

“Training on tropical disease and vectors is essential to prepare our medical personnel to treat and ideally prevent disease non-battle injury. This is especially crucial on small advisor teams where every person has a mission essential job,” said U.S. Army Capt. Danielle Ivenz, 1st SFAB’s Environmental Science and Engineering Officer.

Taylor, a doctor specializing in the prevention of infectious diseases, wants Soldiers to take the threat of in places like Asia or Africa seriously.

To drive home his point, Taylor told the class that mosquitos infected with the most dangerous strain of Malaria bite people in Africa ten or more times in a month and roughly a third of all military members who contract Malaria in a given year were serving in Africa when infected. Untreated, that most dangerous strain of Malaria can be fatal in just a few days.

Malaria isn’t the only medical threat 1st SFAB’s Soldiers may face. The course covered a number of diseases including Ebola, Dengue Fever, and Rabies. Instructors focused on a combat medic’s ability to make a rapid diagnosis and request a medical evacuation if more advanced care is needed.

Students learned how to use a simple, field expedient diagnostic kit that uses a drop of blood to quickly diagnose a number of tropical infectious diseases. “The big question is does this person need to be moved or not,” said Taylor.

1st SFAB’s medics also learned how to build a health threat assessment with an emphasis on the diseases their teams are likely to encounter and how to prevent them. Taylor said the preventive medicine procedures and medicines given to Soldiers are highly effective when used properly.

“This course helped to identify what regionally specific illnesses and threats we may encounter in an unfamiliar environment. Through this training we can provide a better level of protection to our teams while away from higher level echelons of care,” said U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Richard Salman, Senior Medic for 3rd Squadron, 1st SFAB.

By MAJ Matthew Fontaine, 1st Security Force Assistance Brigade

Posted in Guest Post, Medical, Training | 3 Comments »

Ask SSD – How Do I Get Your RSS Feed?

July 7th, 2019

We’ve been getting a few questions about how to subscribe to our RSS feed. It couldn’t be simpler.

1) Visit www.soldiersystems.net/feed. It’ll look like this:

2) Subscribe to the feed using the dropdown menu. You can utilize Live Bookmarks, Microsoft Outlook, or any other program which supports RSS feeds.

3) Alternatively, a number of web services also allow for subscription to an RSS feed. Just search ‘RSS Reader’ or a similar term in your search engine of choice and work from there. Usually, with online services you’ll simply have to provide the website for the feed to pull from, which in this case would be www.soldiersystems.net.

4) Enjoy your new subscription to the SSD RSS feed!

If you have any more questions, feel free to post them in the comments section and we’ll see what we can do to help you.

Posted in Ask SSD | 6 Comments »