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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 »

DoubleStar Exhibiting Full Blade Line at BLADE Show 2019

June 4th, 2019

The entire DoubleStar blade line, including the newest addition, the Ahab Knife, will be on display at Booth 310 at Atlanta’s Cobb Galleria Centre, June 7 – 9, 2019.

Winchester, Ky. (June 2019) – DoubleStar Corp, manufacturers of high-quality, US-made AR components, rifles, pistols, and blades, will be exhibiting its complete blade line in Booth 310 at BLADE Show 2019, to be held in the Cobb Galleria Centre in Atlanta, Georgia, June 7 – 9, 2019. DoubleStar’s newest addition to its blade line, the Ahab Knife, will be on display, as well as collaborations from Kim Breed, Hakim Isler, and Darrin Sirois. Product staples such as the Brimstone Folder Knife (with a new OD color), Drakon™ Blade, Fang™ Blade, MOTAC™ Blade, Fury™ Machete, Wrath™ CrashHawk, and Noogie™ Bottle Opener will also be at the booth. There will also be some unique one-offs designed by Blade Division Director Rob “Filo” Cabrera on display.

The Ahab Knife, made from 1084 Carbon Steel, is an everyday carry designed by Filo Bladeworks to be discrete and compact without sacrificing relevance. Elements like the oversized ring and precision thumb break provide the best amount of retention for quick deployment. The Ahab’s strong, lightweight construction makes it the perfect duty belt utility that will be there when you need it most. An oversized ring allows for gloved deployment, while a swedged spine at the point provides for better penetration. The Ahab Knife has precision jimping for proper thumb braking and screwed handle hardware for easy maintenance. Equipped with versatile eyelet locations, they provide adaptability to other attachment systems. It is PVD coated for a clean, sharp, durable finish. MSRP $84.99.

BLADE Show, hosted by BLADE Magazine, the world’s number one knife community and publication, is the destination for the best selection of knives and knife products found anywhere. Globally recognized exhibitors and legendary makers gather under one roof to introduce attendees to the largest selection of blades, knives, and outdoor gear and accessories in the world. Over 700 tables, 450+ booths and 40 display tables of the world’s best and most in-demand knives will be on display. From renowned custom knife makers to the industry’s best in mass production, BLADE Show is a cut above the competition. Tactical, utility, hand-forged, camping, art, folding, hunting, kitchen, Damascus, military and other knives, as well as the equipment and materials to make, sharpen and maintain them; Japanese, European and other swords; tomahawks, collection displays, sheaths, multi-tools, antique bows and other cutlery collectibles will all be on display at the world’s largest knife show.

Ahab Knife

For more information about DoubleStar, visit www.star15.com.

Posted in Blade Show, Knives, Press Release | Comments Off on DoubleStar Exhibiting Full Blade Line at BLADE Show 2019

Introducing the New Sheriff of Baghdad MFQD swivel B-Sling

June 4th, 2019

June 3, 2019 – SOB Tactical is proud to announce the latest addition to the B-sling line up, the new MFQD. The MFQD, (Movement Free Quick Detach) swivel solves the problem of excessive movement common to nearly all QD swivels on the market. The MFQD Swivel is available now at SOBTactical.com.

When QD swivels were first repurposed from the sporting market to the tactical world, they retained the “swivel” loop attachment commonly used on rifles for the last 100 years. This movable bail swings like a bucket handle, and has been prone to failure under load and heavy use. If the movable bail loop fails, the release button will eject and will lose its ball bearings rendering the entire QD is useless. Shrek has seen this failure occur numerous times, and has separated the working systems to insure less failures by making it an unbreakable one piece. Additionally, when slinging a carbine to go hands-free and releasing positive control of the weapon, the weight and position of the weapon shifts and sags with the legacy design. This unwanted movement is greatly reduced by the MFQD.

Constructed from Billet 7075 T6 Aluminum and Milspec Anodized, the MFQD features a single, solid body construction that follows the profile of the weapon. The unique triangular shape is rounded and streamlined to reduce snags, and sits low to the weapon wherever attached. Internally, the MFQD features tempered stainless steel bearings and release spring for longevity, reliability and corrosion resistance.

“Our new MFQD is specially designed for combat arms of all types,” said John “Shrek” Mcphee, owner of The Sheriff of Baghdad Tactical. “We developed the smartest solution to the movement challenge of every other QD swivel on the market.”

Paired with the classic SOB Tactical B-sling, the new MFQD swivel creates a winning combo. McPhee has been developing B-slings for more then 20 years, each one with the gunfighter in mind. From Bosnia to Iraq and Afghanistan, the B-Sling has proven itself countless times on the battlefield.

“Our new B-sling with MFQD swivel is simple, practical and uses minimal materials to keep the weight and bulk down unlike the many ‘over engineered’ sling designs that have flooded the market in recent years,” continued McPhee.

Versatile enough for any rifle, it is extremely intuitive to use allowing quick adjustments with your non-firing hand using the lanyard release equipped buckle. With this design, the adjustment buckle remains in the exact same position regardless of how loose or tight the sling is, so you’ll never have to search for it or take your eye off target. Simply pull the free end near the lanyard towards your body to tighten. Grab the lanyard and push rifle to firing position to loosen and shoot. The MFQD B-sling employs “Quick to shoot” (Q2S™) technology as this is the most important function of any rifle sling in combat, to get the weapon back into the fight instantly from an administrative mode of carry.

The new MFQD is available now at sobtactical.com, in Black, Coyote, Ranger Green, Multicam and Multicam Black, with more colors coming soon. Each sling comes with a color matched combat band for sling stowage. For dealer and distributor inquiries, please contact sales@sobtactical.com All B-slings are made with pride in America with 100% Berry compliant materials, by Americans who are blind.

Posted in Press Release, Weapon Accessories | 1 Comment »

US Army Marksmanship Unit Celebrates New Service Rifle Record – 1st Ever in History

June 4th, 2019

Sgt. Benjamin Cleland from Swanton, Ohio set a new National Record by shooting the 1st ever Perfect Score of 800 with a Service Rifle at the 2019 Charlie Smart Memorial Regional in Oak Ridge, Tennessee this weekend.

What a week Sgt Cleland is having. First, he was selected for promotion to the rank of Staff Sergeant and now he obliterates the standing record and shoots the first ever 800!

The Soldiers and Civilians of the United States Army Marksmanship Unit are unbelievably proud of this young Soldier and look forward to a successful 2019 Individual and Team Summer Season for our Service Rifle Team.

In the 4-man Match, USAMU Craig-coached by Sgt. 1st Class Walter Craig led the team consisting of Sgt, 1st Class Brandon Green (not pictured), Staff Sgt. Cody Shields, Sgt. Benjamin Cleland, and Sgt. Lane Ichord to a 1st Place Finish! The team shot a 1980-81x!

Way to go Service Rifle Team!

Story and photos by USAMU.

Posted in Guest Post, Shooting Sports | 7 Comments »

Sig Sauer P365 XL Now Available for Pre-Order at Proven Arms & Outfitters

June 3rd, 2019

Plus, All New Sig 15 Round P365 Magazines available for Pre-Order

Aberdeen, NC– (June 2019) Proven Arms & Outfitters is excited to announce the SIG P365 XL and SIG 15 round magazine are now available for Pre-Order.

The SIG P365 XL is a game changing, optics ready, everyday carry pistol with a 15+1 capacity with Sig Sauer’s new 15 round magazines.

SIG P365 XL Specs:
• XSeries P365 Grip Module with Integrated Carry Magwell and Extended Beavertail
• Flat Trigger with a 90 Degree Break
• Optic Ready Slide Compatible with Romeo Zero and RMSc Optics
• XRay3 Day/Night Sights
• 3.7” Barrel for Increased Accuracy While Retaining Concealability.
• (2) 12rd Steel Magazines

Shipments of the new P365 XL should arrive soon, which means you can order today and lock it in at Sig Sauer Armed Professional Price (LE/MIL/First Responder discount pricing) of $504.00. We do not charge your card until your order ships.

The SIG P365 micro-compact 15 round 9mm magazine is compatible with all models of the SIG SAUER P365 micro-compact, concealed carry pistol.

SIG P365 15 Round Magazine Specs:
• The P365 15 round magazine features a unique capacity witness hole that remains visible while the magazine is inserted in a standard P365. This allows full capacity status to be verified without removal of the magazine.
• The installed baseplate leaves no gap when inserted into a standard P365.
• The 15-Round P365 magazine also ships with an additional baseplate that can be easily installed to all XSERIES P365 models.
• The overall length of the P365 magazine is extended an additional 1″ compared to the original 10rd flush fit magazine.

Shipments of the SIG P365 micro-compact 15 round 9mm magazine should arrive soon! You can pre-order today and lock them in at the price of $36.00, a total of $13.00 in savings!

Proven Arms & Outfitters is proud to offer the SIG P365 and SIG P365 XL at discount pricing to all first responders and military professionals through SIG’s Armed Professional Program. To find out if you are eligible to purchase through this exclusive discount program, see our eligibility requirements here.

If not eligible to purchase through the program, we do offer non-program priced P365s at the price of $499.99 available here.

Stay tuned and look forward to more exciting announcements coming from Proven Arms &

Outfitters very soon!

Posted in Advertiser, Firearms | 5 Comments »

High Speed Gear Operator Belt

June 3rd, 2019

Launched at SHOT Show, the Operator COBRA IDR 1.75” Rigger Belt is now available. In fact, I saw this low-profile shooter’s belt at both Rampart Range Day and CANSEC so it’s picking up a lot of interest in Canada.

It’s a PALS compatible two-belt system. The outer belt is made from two layers of military-grade Type 13 nylon webbing, sewn together with five rows of lock-stitched, bonded 138 nylon thread. It also features an additional layer of 1.5” webbing, triple backtacked every 1.5” to create industry-standard columns of PALS for use with MOLLE pouches and holsters. Aside from being reinforced with double needle binding, the belt is topped off with a COBRA integrated D-ring buckle in matte black finish.

You also get your choice of HSGI Inner Belt or Micro Grip Belt Panel to mate with the Operator’s interior hook Velcro. That Micro Grip Panel offers some serious padding that won’t move around on you.

See the website for sizing and current color selections.

Posted in Advertiser, Load Carrying | 5 Comments »

Blue Force Gear Passes Price Savings To Customers

June 3rd, 2019

Blue Force Gear passes savings generated from production automation and volume efficiencies to customers with a substantial price reduction.

MARCO Green, Red & Blue are now $49.95 per unit

MARCO IR is now $99.99 per unit (only available to Military/Law Enforcement)

Envisioned after many wasted hours of prepping traditional 4” and 6″ marking lights, the MARCO™ Marking Light Dispenser is an incredibly efficient and compact way to carry marking sticks for room clearing and many other applications. With the MARCO dispenser, users can save critical time during preparation during pre-mission tasks by not having to unwrap, tape and bundle chem sticks.

The dispensers design makes it simple for users – simply open the Mylar package with the pre-loaded dispenser, insert the MARCO dispenser inside of the belt or MOLLE holster and proceed with the mission. The design prevents the accidental activation of a chem stick, which can cause unwanted light.

The 2” marking light sticks put out the same light under night vision devices as taped up 4” or 6″ marking sticks and is designed to prevent accidental breaks and glow. The MARCO holds 30 – 2″ light stick that give roughly the same lumen output as a taped up 4″ traditional chem stick in a package smaller than a standard M4 STANAG mag.

Find technical specs and see a video demonstration of Blue Force Gear’s MARCO Dispenser online at www.blueforcegear.com/MARCO

Posted in Advertiser, LE, Lights | 2 Comments »

Max Talk 24: Squad Hasty Attack II: Maneuver by Bounding Overwatch

June 3rd, 2019

This is the twenty fourth 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.

This is a follow up to the ‘Squad in the Attack: Hasty Attack‘ video from last Monday. It explores the use of ‘bounding overwatch’ as an added security measure as the squad advances, and covers additional aspects of squad maneuver under fire. Utilizing a sand table model with army men, as a method of introduction to explain these essential small unit tactics drills.

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 | 1 Comment »