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High Angle Solutions – Brigantes Presents – Montane Tactical Range Update

June 5th, 2019

The Montane Tactical range has now been around, in a very small way, for the past couple of years. It has found immediate fans, within the UK military, who are familiar with the brand and like the no nonsense, lightweight, outdoor approach. This has seen it taken on for amphibious, mountainous and arctic activities.

Following feedback and in partnership with the exclusive global distributor, Brigantes, Montane have updated the products to take into consideration the experiences of the users. This has led to some small tweaks in design to improve pocket access and allow for the more muscular legs of guys, who are used to carrying very heavy loads.

The new range will be available in the Autumn and will also now include a slate grey sub range based on the very successful stretch jacket, trousers and shirt. The price points remain very closely related to what you would expect in the outdoor world and the functionality is even better. Overall these are perfect pieces for use in the rapidly changing weather that we encounter in the UK and therefore excellent right across the globe.

The full range is available to buy on the Brigantes website and if you are in the UK or Europe you can purchase items from the shop. Register as a member you will get an excellent discount.

For more information get in touch by email on international@brigantes.com

For UK customers tribe@brigantes.com

www.brigantes.com

Posted in Clothing, Guest Post, International, Multicam | 2 Comments »

EWOOL

June 5th, 2019

During last week’s Rampart Range Day I saw EWOOL’s product offerings.

They are based in Quebec and produce electrically heated wool clothing, like the gloves and socks you see here. Once turned on, they warm up within three seconds. They also produce a vest, which can be powered via an onboard battery, or via 12 V on a snowmachine or motorcycle.

EWOOL clothing is available in Canada from Rampart International.

Posted in Clothing, Handwear, International, Rampart Range Day | 5 Comments »

VMod from Tactical Walls

June 4th, 2019

Based on Tactical Walls’ ModWall Home System, the VMod tailgate organizer uses the same slot style attachment system for hangers. It is attached to the interior of the tailgate and you can swap out different panel configurations, based on your needs. It’s just another way to organize your equipment and overlanders love organization.

They offer version to fit Jeep JL, JK and/or Rubicon models as well as Toyota FJs.

Posted in Load Carrying, Mobility | 2 Comments »

US Air Force Small Arms Update – 2019

June 4th, 2019

At this week’s NDIA Armaments Meeting, Air Force Security Force Center’s Col Enrico Vendetti provided an update on USAF small arms. Up front, he iterated that the Air Force tends to leverage other service weapon programs. This is partly due to the fact that the Air Force’s requirement for arming is at about 50,000 personnel. The vast majority are Security Forces, but there are also Office of Special Investigations Agents and Battlefield Airmen in the mix. Consequently, much of the Security Forces Center’s effort is focused on the Reconstitute Defenders Initiative.

While much of that initiative is focused on the individual, there is also near-term acquisition of the M18 version of the Modular Handgun System, M320A1 40mm Grenade Launcher, GAU-5 5.56mm Aircrew Self Defense Weapon and CROWS/containerized weapons for Airfield Defense.

In the future, the Air Force is looking at M4A1 Improved Modular Rifle (discussed last year), acquisition of the M110A1 Compact Semi Auto Sniper System in 7.62mm, additional precision weapons such as USSOCOM’s Advanced Sniper Rifle, and Fire Control Systems. There is also OSI interest in a new sub gun like the Army’s new Sub Compact Weapon.

Interestingly, they are now focusing in on the SIG SAUER TANGO6 1-6 variable power optic selected by the Army and SOCOM for the AF M4A1 IMR.

Posted in Air Force, weapons | 25 Comments »

US Army Issues Prototype Project Opportunity Notice for Next Generation Squad Weapon – Fire Control

June 4th, 2019

The Army’s Next Generation Squad Weapon Program promises to field machine guns and carbines which will shoot further than current models. Now, the Army seeks to improve hit capability with a Next Generation Squad Weapon – Fire Control effort.

Consequently, U.S. Army Contracting Command – New Jersey (ACC-NJ), on behalf of Project Manager Soldier Weapons, recently issued a Prototype Project Opportunity Notice (PPON) for the Next Generation Squad Weapons – Fire Control (NGSW-FC) program. The purpose of this PPON for NGSW-FC is to award up to two prototype Other Transaction Agreements (OTA) under the authority of 10 U.S.C. § 2371b, developing a fire control system under the NGSW-FC program.

NGSW-FC is intended to increase the Soldier’s ability to rapidly engage man sized targets out to 600m or greater while maintaining the ability to conduct Close Quarters Battle. This objective is achieved by leveraging technologies to calculate and display a disturbed reticle to the User.

Prototype SIG SAUER Next Generation Optic

NGSW-FC will integrate Government Ballistic Solver – Small Arms (GBS-SA), which is the Government developed software ballistic kernel that will serve as the system’s ballistic calculator. This will be used to provide an adjusted aiming point (disturbed reticle) that considers range to target, atmospheric conditions, and ballistics of weapon/ammunition.

The system is comprised of a weapon-mounted fire control system including a soft case, remote(s), lens covers, mounting and alignment tools, lens cleaning kit, User manual/instructions, zeroing chart(s), and two sets of batteries.

Results of the Small Arms Ammunition Configuration (SAAC) Study provide validation that development of advanced fire control systems to reduce system errors is a major factor in increasing the overall system lethality. Project Manager Soldier Weapons (PM SW) has conducted various industry days, trade studies, and technology developmental efforts to support the next generation of fire control systems for small arms weapons systems. In 2018 the Army prioritized the Next Generation Squad Weapons (NGSW) programs. PM SW determined it would be in the Government’s best interest to hold a full and open competition to support rapid prototyping of the NGSW Fire Control (NGSW-FC). The NGSW-FC will be integrated with both the Next Generation Squad Weapon – Rifle (NGSW-R) and Next Generation Squad Weapon – Automatic Rifle (NGSW-AR) within the Close Combat Force. This PPON seeks to explore fire control system level integration, test and evaluation.

The program also aspires to provide advanced camera based capabilities: automatic target recognition, target tracking, facial recognition, as well as optical augmentation: denial of enemy’s capability, pre-shot threat detection, etc.

The Government intends to award up to two independent fixed amount OTAs for NGSW-FC prototyping. The duration for each prototype OTA is estimated to be up to five years. Deliverables for each prototype OTA include 115 NGSW-FC systems, spare parts, tools/gauges/accessories, engineering support, management support; an option for additional NGSW-FC systems in increments of 10 (not to exceed 100 additional systems); an option for additional NGSW-FC systems in increments of 50 (not to exceed 250 additional systems); an option for additional design representative mock-ups in increments of 5 (not to exceed 50 additional mock-ups); and iterative prototyping efforts as defined in the Statement of Work. Each prototype will undergo Fire Control – Prototype Test (FC-PT) events which include technical testing and Soldier Touch Points (STPs). The initial prototyping and testing for NGSW-FC will be approximately 14 months.

Offerers have until Nov 04, 2019 4:30 pm Eastern to submit.

For full details, visit www.fbo.gov.

Posted in Contracts, Optics, PEO-Soldier | Comments Off on US Army Issues Prototype Project Opportunity Notice for Next Generation Squad Weapon – Fire Control

Grey Ghost Precision and Grey Ghost Gear Names RSR Group, Inc. as Wholesale Distributor

June 4th, 2019

Wallace, ID – Grey Ghost Gear, leading manufacturers of innovative combat proven gear, and Grey Ghost Precision, leading manufacturers of accurate, reliable, and attainable weapon systems are excited to announce they are now offering their products to dealers through the RSR distribution network, accessible for both online and in-store dealers.

Now both Grey Ghost Gear and Grey Ghost Precision products are available on the RSR Group Network.

For more than 40 years, RSR Group, Inc. has served retailers in the industry by offering a diverse inventory and competitive pricing. With five regional sales centers and a state-of-the-art warehouse, RSR Group provides manufacturers with unrivaled exposure across the U.S., where thousands of retailers are ensured delivery of the products their customers demand.

“Offering our products to dealers through the RSR distribution network is an enormous opportunity for both Grey Ghost brands,” stated Grey Ghost CEO, Casey Ingels. “Their dedication to making a difference for retailers every day has remained just as constant as our commitment to quality and performance. We are excited to make our products more accessible to online retailers as well as brick and mortar stores across the nation. Now RSR dealers can easily find and obtain the products their customers have been requesting, from Grey Ghost Gear Battle Belts and Backpacks to Grey Ghost Precision firearms and components, and everything in between.”

The entire Grey Ghost catalog of firearms gear and accessories are available now through the RSR Website, www.rsrgroup.com.

About Grey Ghost Gear

The goal of Grey Ghost Gear is to provide the professional soldier with the best, combat proven gear in the world. Our gear designs have been continually combat tested and utilized in combat for over 10 years and is a direct result of the successes and failures in combat. Collectively, we have learned a great deal from the research and development conducted during combat operations and we have worked hard to implement these lessons learned into our designs. Our gear is lighter, form-fitting and offers the Warfighter more protection than other many other comparable manufacturers. This has also allowed the Warfighter to move faster and fight harder than ever before; giving them the competitive edge they need to achieve their objective.

About Grey Ghost Precision

Grey Ghost Precision produces weapon systems that are accurate, reliable, and attainable while ensuring that these platforms are ready for combat and will stand the rigors of hard use and perform with devastating results. The GGP team collectively has an extensive background in the military and in manufacturing. Rifle and pistol design specifications are directly influenced by a network of industry and shooting sports experts. When customers include family and friends that use these rifles, pistols and accessories to protect themselves in dangerous environments, you are very serious about their safety and survival. GGP has zeroed in on quality and reliability to ensure that these platforms are ready for combat and will stand the rigors of hard use and perform with devastating results.

Posted in Admin | Comments Off on Grey Ghost Precision and Grey Ghost Gear Names RSR Group, Inc. as Wholesale Distributor

Sneak Peek – Law Tactical 300 BLK Demonstrator

June 4th, 2019

I’m at the 2019 National Defense Industrial Association Armaments Meeting and Law Tactical gave me a look at their 300 BLK Demonstrator.

It incorporates their AR Folding Stock Adapter and AR Internal Carrier (ARIC) BCG which allows the Carbine to continue to fire even with the stick folded. It is also outfitted with a 6” barrel paired with a Silencerco Omega 9K.

Posted in Weapon Accessories, weapons | 10 Comments »

USAF Secretary and Chief of Staff Initiate Dialogue With Commanders on a Plan for New Officer Promotion Categories

June 4th, 2019

ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) —

Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein shared in a memorandum to wing, numbered Air Force and major command commanders May 31, a draft plan for new Line of the Air Force officer promotion categories.

The memo explains the proposed change and directs commanders to solicit and provide feedback from officers to major command commanders by July 31, with “a final recommendation due to the secretary and chief not later than 30 August 2019.”

According to the memo, “The reemergence of great power competition, rapid development and fielding of advanced technologies, and new concepts of warfare and competition that span the entire spectrum of conflict demand a joint force structured to match this reality. These trends, if unaddressed, will challenge our ability to fight and win.”

The memo continues, “Over the past eighteen months, we have extensively examined how we develop, evaluate and promote officers across our total force. We have concluded that our current system, which has served us well in the past, is not optimized to support future joint warfighting in this new era. Based on our research, extensive discussions with Airmen across the Air Force (active, Guard, Reserve and civilian), and surveys with joint and inter-agency teammates, we believe it is time to expand the Line of the Air Force promotion categories into more subgroupings. The following categories represent the disciplines needed for future joint warfighting and allow for developmental competitive pathways that are optimized for each category.”

Promotion Category

Air Operations & Special Warfare

Pilot (11X), Combat Systems (12X), Remotely Piloted Aircraft Pilot (18X), Air Battle Manager (13B), Special Tactics (13C), Combat Rescue (13D), Tactical Air Control Party (13L)

Space Operations

Space Operations (13S), Astronaut (13A)

Nuclear & Missile Operations

Nuclear and Missile Operations (13N)

Information Warfare

Cyber Operations (17X), Intelligence (14N), Operations Research Analyst (61A), Weather (15W), Special Investigations (71S), Information Operations (14F), Public Affairs (35X)

Combat Support

Airfield Operations (13M), Aircraft Maintenance (21A), Munitions and Missile Maintenance (21M), Logistics Readiness (21R), Security Forces (31P), Civil Engineering (32E), Force Support (38F), Contracting (64P), Financial Management (65X)

Force Modernization

Chemist (61C), Physicist/Nuclear Engineer (61D), Developmental Engineer (62E), Acquisition Management (63A)

*Note: Under this proposal existing promotion categories for judge advocates, chaplains and medical personnel will remain unchanged.

The memo sets the stage for gathering field input similar to what was done under the Revitalizing Squadrons effort. The memo states, “While these changes have been reviewed and discussed at leadership levels, we realize this would be a significant change for the officer corps. Rather than make an immediate decision, we thought it best to share the draft with commanders first in order to engage in a dialogue with the officers assigned to you and solicit feedback before proceeding.”

In addition to commander-solicited feedback, Shon Manasco, assistant secretary of the Air Force for manpower and reserve affairs, and Lt. Gen. Brian Kelly, deputy chief of staff for manpower, personnel and services, will be deploying briefing teams to various installations across major commands and functional communities during June and July to brief the proposed changes in-depth, answer questions and capture feedback from Airmen who are able to attend.

Additional virtual venues and online sites will also be available to gather feedback from across the force.

The memo concludes, “For this foundational change to succeed, commanders at every echelon must take ownership, understand and explain why we are proposing this significant change, listen to the officers entrusted to your care and pass your thoughts up the chain. Our future depends on getting this right. Help us make it better.”

The briefing and community-specific questions and answers will be made available to broader audiences at a later date.

Editor’s Note: Special Warfare will encompass current STOs and CROs who are supposed to merge into a single careerfield with 19 as their AFSC. Possibly ALOs (TACP) may join them as a separate shredout in AFSC 19.

Posted in Air Force, Profession of Arms, SOF | 1 Comment »