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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 »

SOFWERX – Federated Co-Production of 3D Geospatial Data Virtual Assessment Event 9 July 2020

May 20th, 2020

SOFWERX, in concert with USSOCOM Program Executive Office SOF Digital Applications (PEO-SDA), seeks to accelerate the application of commercially?derived software innovation into deployable warfighting capabilities in support of Special Operations Forces (SOF).

The Technology Area of Interest is focused on new, novel, or provocative commercial solutions with architectures and technical attributes that can be prototyped via a phased approach during a 10-12 month period and operationally fielded through a number of agile iterations into a federated co-production capability.

Objectives

• Federated Co-Production Framework
• Source Data Acquisition
• Automated Data Processing
• Correlation with Authoritative Basemap
• Data Interoperability
• Portable Runtime Environment
• Error Correction and Feedback
• Open Source, Collaborative Effort

Interested parties must register by NLT 11 June 11:59 PM EST (sic).

Visit events.sofwerx.org/fed3d for details.

Posted in ISR, SOF | Comments Off on SOFWERX – Federated Co-Production of 3D Geospatial Data Virtual Assessment Event 9 July 2020

CDH Tac’s Cigar Pouch

May 19th, 2020

Finland’s CDH Tactical came up with a pouch to hold all of his essential cigar paraphernalia neatly in one place.

It holds a lighter, cigar stand, straight cutter, v-cutter and of course, a bottle opener.

Oh, and skull beads for zipper pulls, of course.

Contact CDH Tac via Instagram.

Posted in International, Load Carrying | 3 Comments »

MATBOCK Scheduling Virtual Meetings

May 19th, 2020

With trade shows being shut down, MATBOCK is scheduling virtual meetings. The links allow you to book your own meeting with either Devin or Jim. During the scheduled meeting, they will present their products to you or your group. During these virtual meetings, they will demonstrate the products and be available for Q&As.

Don’t miss out on scheduling your virtual meeting today: www.matbock.com/pages/virtual-meetings

Posted in Advertiser, Press Release | Comments Off on MATBOCK Scheduling Virtual Meetings

Streamlight Introduces New Models of TL-Racker Shotgun Forend Lights

May 19th, 2020

Streamlight Inc., a leading provider of high-performance lighting devices, has increased the lumen output of its TL-Racker®, an all-in-one shotgun forend light designed to fit on Mossberg 500®/590® and Remington® Model 870™ pump-action shotguns, to 1,000 lumens. The company also introduces two additional models of the light, including one for the Mossberg 590® Shockwave and a Less Lethal Orange model for Remington® Model 870™ and 870 TAC-14 pump-action shotguns. All four models now deliver 1,000 lumens.

With its increased brightness and sleek design, the TL-Racker® is ideal for door breaching, close quarter maneuvers and other tactical operations. Featuring a large, ambidextrous switch pad it provides easy access for both momentary and constant on functions, and accommodates virtually any hand size. The elongated switch pad allows for thumb or finger activation with no changes in grip; both left- and right-handed shooters can use it without having to make modifications to the light or gun.

“We’ve increased the brightness, reach, and run time of this lightweight, integrated shotgun forend light, while also offering a new model to fit popular Shockwave shotguns, as well as a Less Lethal Orange model for easy identification,” said Streamlight President and Chief Executive Officer Ray Sharrah. “Each features our innovative, ergonomic design that maximises grip and switch access, while providing extremely bright 1,000 lumen light, all at an affordable price point. It’s the ideal choice for use with Mossberg and Remington shotguns.”

Powered by two included CR123A lithium batteries, the TL-Racker® features a customised optic that produces a concentrated beam with optimum peripheral illumination. Offering a high setting only, the TL-Racker® delivers 1,000 lumens and 20,000 candela over a 283-metre beam distance, with a 1.5 hour run time. It is available in several models, designed to work with either Mossberg 500®/590® with either a 6 ¾ or 7 ¾ action slide, or the Remington® Model 870™ and 870 TAC-14 pump-action shotguns. With a body constructed from super tough, impact-resistant engineered polymer that is virtually indestructible, the new model also now features an IPX7-rated design for waterproof operation.

Product Features:
Lumens: 1,000 lumens
Battery: Two CR123A lithium batteries
Size: 8” (20.32 cm)
Weight: 12.1oz. (343g)
Color: Orange or Black

For additional information, visit streamlight.com.

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

FN Releases FN 509 Compact Tactical Pistol | The Smallest and Most Concealable Tactical Pistol Available

May 19th, 2020

(McLean, VA – May 19, 2020) FN America, LLC, the makers of the world’s most battle-proven firearms,® proudly announces the release of the FN 509® Compact Tactical, the smallest and most concealable 9mm tactical pistol available on the market.

The FN 509 Compact Tactical, available in both black and FN-signature flat dark earth (FDE), can be easily deployed as an everyday carry with the standard 12- or 15-round magazines or on the range with the extended 24-round magazine, giving 51 rounds of ammunition at the ready.

The 4.3-inch cold hammer-forged threaded barrel makes it compatible with today’s most popular aftermarket accessories like compensators or suppressors and the FN Low-Profile Optics-Mounting System,™ capable of accepting more than 10 miniature red sights, rounds out this compact tactical pistol.

The compact frame features the FN 509-signature enhanced grip texturing for secure hold, a MIL-STD 1913 picatinny rail that is compatible with most compact pistol lights and interchangeable backstraps for a customized fit.

Additional features like the suppressor-height night sights aid in co-witness of the miniature red dot and while the optics system is not in use, the protective slide cap provides a serrated surface for racking the slide from any surface and ensures iron sight alignment.

The pistol ships in an FN-branded soft-sided case with the optics-mounting kit, one each of the 12-, 15-, and 24-round capacity magazines with the appropriate grip sleeves or in a state-compliant configuration with 10-round magazines. Visit your local dealer for pricing.

The FN 509 is FN’s most tested pistol platform to-date with over 1 million rounds fired during development. The company’s extensive durability, reliability and performance standards, far exceeding the strictest requirements, has yielded yet another advancement in tactical pistol market with the FN 509 Compact Tactical.

Take your concealed carry into the future with the FN 509 Compact Tactical, part of the FN 509 family by visiting www.fnamerica.com.

Posted in Advertiser, Press Release, weapons | 3 Comments »