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NDIA, SOCOM Announce Virtual SOFIC

April 7th, 2020

NDIA, SOCOM to host virtual SOFIC in May

ARLINGTON, VA –The National Defense Industrial Association and U.S. Special Operations Command will host a virtual Special Operations Forces Industry Conference (vSOFIC) online, May 11-15, they announce today.

After canceling this year’s annual SOFIC event in Tampa, Florida, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, NDIA and SOCOM developed a new online platform to enable special operations professionals and industry partners to learn, network and collaborate on the initiatives and capabilities needed in the future.

“We understand the importance of the collaboration among industry, the government and academia to solve those most difficult challenges our warfighters face,” said Hawk Carlisle, NDIA’s president and CEO. “We look forward to bringing together, virtually, special operations throughout the country for this significant event that continues our collaboration with SOCOM.”

The virtual conference will include remarks, presentations and Q&A sessions with SOCOM leaders and acquisition, science, technology and logistics professionals. This year’s conference theme is “Expanding the Competitive Space.”

“During this time, having an opportunity to explain our capability needs and give industry leaders a chance to tell us what they have to offer may be more important than ever,” said SOCOM Acquisition Executive Jim Smith. “We’re especially excited that an online format will not only meet the needs of our current, valued industry partners but may also attract new teammates from the digital and cyber tech base.”

SOCOM has opportunities for industry innovation in many areas, including next-generation intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, next-generation mobility, precision fires and effects, hyper-enabling the operator, and biotechnologies. Additionally, innovation opportunities in data and networks exist for emerging requirements in software, artificial intelligence, machine learning and data analytics in web-based information operations, mission command systems and more.

SOCOM also has opportunities to collaborate in a new Digital Engineering Lab unveiled in September 2019. The lab facilitates development, testing and employment of new technical approaches to modernizing warfighting decision-making.

For additional information on the virtual conference and registration instructions, visit www.vSOFIC.org. Registration is required for all vSOFIC participants.

Posted in Press Release, SOF, SOFIC | Comments Off on NDIA, SOCOM Announce Virtual SOFIC

USMC Begins Fielding Plate Carrier Gen III

April 7th, 2020

MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. —

The Marine Corps has begun fielding a next-generation protective vest that provides improved fit, form and function for Marines.

The Plate Carrier Generation III is a lightweight plate carrying system that guards against bullets and fragmentation when coupled with protective plates.

“This system protects Marines on the battlefield,” said Lt. Col. Andrew Konicki, the Program Manager for Infantry Combat Equipment at Marine Corps Systems Command. “The PC Gen. III is important because it is nearly 25-percent lighter than the legacy technology.”

The Marine Corps constantly looks for ways to lighten the load for Marines. PM ICE worked with industry to remove excess bulk from the legacy Plate Carrier, which was fielded in 2011. The elimination of excess material reduces the overall weight of the system and increases maneuverability, said Konicki.

“When you lighten the load, Marines can get to their destinations faster and they’re going to have more endurance, which increases their lethality,” said Konicki.

In 2016, MCSC conducted a study to analyze the components and effectiveness of a prototype version of the PC Gen. III. Marines tested both the legacy and prototype systems during various obstacle courses, including a 15-kilometer hike at a fixed pace.

The results of the study showed that participants completed the courses faster and appeared better conditioned when using the newer technology. Marines’ mobility and ability to handle a weapon improved when using the PC Gen. III prototype, said Konicki.

“The PC Gen. III improves the Marines’ ability to shoot and move by eliminating excess bulk from the design, and cutting out the shoulders for a better rifle stock weld,” added Lt. Col. Bryan Leahy, Individual Armor Team lead in PM ICE.

Fits men and women

Another advantage of the PC Gen. III lies in its fit. MCSC increased the variation of sizes, enabling nearly 15,000 more Marines—both male and female—to fit into the system when compared with the legacy technology, said Konicki. The newer system fits closer to the body, increasing protection and decreasing the risk of injury due to improper fit.

The next-generation system is designed to fit individuals of all sizes and statures—from the 2nd percentile female Marine to the 98th percentile male Marine. A curvature in the associated protective plates accommodates chest and abdomen size without compromising protection.

“I think there’s a misconception that all females are small, and that’s not always true” said Konicki. “We conducted a study that found the smallest Marine is actually male.”

According to Konicki, during multiple user evaluations female Marines have said they prefer the newer technology to the legacy system because of its fit and mobility.

Infantry and infantry-like Marines will be the first to receive the PC Gen. III. The new vest body armor will then be fielded to supporting units. The program office expects the PC Gen III to reach Full Operational Capability by fiscal year 2023.

By Matt Gonzales, MCSC Office of Public Affairs and Communication | Marine Corps Systems Command

Posted in Armor, Guest Post, MARCORSYSCOM, USMC | Comments Off on USMC Begins Fielding Plate Carrier Gen III

PDW Odyssey Cargo Pant NYCO+

April 7th, 2020

Expedition Grade, Made in USA, Utility, Cargo Pant

Prometheus Design Werx’s best selling Odyssey Cargo Pant returns this Spring 2020 with their tried and true, field ready NYCO ripstop fabric newly updated with stretch for improved mobility and additional comfort. These utility field pants feature purpose driven design at its core with carefully considered pockets for today’s EDC, and functional features to excel during extended use in the field. The PDW Odyssey Cargo Pant uses industrial grade sewing construction, double reinforced seat, double knees with pad inserts and extra bar-tacks throughout. A field favorite with overlanders, field professionals, and explorers worldwide. Expertly built in the USA.

The Design and R&D Team at PDW states:

“The classic cargo style pant is a long running, legacy design area for our Founder and Chief Designer. It is a style that started over 70 years ago and born from necessity to address the field needs of Allied airborne troopers. The Odyssey Cargo Pant for PDW is a pure purpose driven design for those who spent a lot of their time in the field. They are intended to perform in a wide variety of environments and conditions, carry extra personal kit, and be as capable as their user. We’ve been working on updating our tried and true NYCO ripstop the last couple of years and were able to come up with just the right percentage of stretch fibers to add to our NYCO blend and enhance this very versatile fabric. This is the best ripstop fabric we could custom mill to use in our pants. Like all of our goods, we constantly take a hard look each season at areas of improvement and arrive at an outcome that is the best it can be per iteration. Details make the design. The Odyssey Pant is still stitched right here in the USA using a skilled labor force and industrial work wear grade construction for an unparalleled quality of make.”

The Odyssey Cargo Pant NYCO+ is available in Transitional Field Green, Universal Field Gray, and All Terrain Brown.

The Odyssey Cargo Pant NYCO+ will be available for purchase on Wednesday, April 8th, 2020 at 12:00pm PT via their website, prometheusdesignwerx.com.

Posted in Clothing, Press Release | Comments Off on PDW Odyssey Cargo Pant NYCO+

SecDef Issues Facemask Guidance – SSD Calls On Industry To Fill Gap

April 7th, 2020

On Sunday the Secretary of Defense Mark Esper issued guidance on the wear of face masks to protect personnel from the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

Effective immediately, to the extent practical, all individuals on DoD property, installations, and facilities will wear cloth face coverings when they cannot maintain six feet of social distance in public areas or work centers (this does not include in a Service member’s or Service family member’s personal residence on a military installation)…

The memorandum applies to the following groups:
-Military Personnel
-DoD Civilian Employees
-Family Members
-DoD Contractors
-All other individuals on DoD property, installations, and facilities

Read the full release here.

“Effective immediately, to the extent practical, all individuals on DoD property, installations, and facilities will wear cloth face coverings when they cannot maintain six feet of social distance in public areas or work centers (this does not include in a Service member’s or Service family member’s personal residence on a military installation),” according to the memo. This includes all:

All-in-all, an understandable move, until Sec Esper mentions that the Department will not issue masks and directs service members to make their own.

This is unacceptable. This is a force protection issue and should be taken seriously and rectified with the utmost urgency.

While I know that many in our industry have pivoted their efforts to manufacturing PPE for the medical community, I encourage you to liaise with military organizations in order to provide masks to our military personnel, civilians who contribute to our national defense, and their families.

In compliance with CDC guidance, these do not need to be N95 masks for medical use, but we do need to cover their faces to help staunch the spread of the virus amongst those whose duties to not allow social distancing.

The Navy has stated it plans to procure masks but has issued interim guidance to wear medical or construction masks or alternatively, bandanas and scarves.

Hopefully, other organizational commanders will have the foresight to purchase PPE for their personnel. But regardless of whether or not military leaders decide to protect their personnel, please consider donations to our troops.

Like many of you, this is personal to me. Some of my children currently serve in uniform and others work in the defense industrial base.

Eric M Graves

Editor

Posted in COVID-19 Pandemic | Comments Off on SecDef Issues Facemask Guidance – SSD Calls On Industry To Fill Gap

Edgar Brothers Appointed UK Distributer for SAFRAN Electronics and Defence (Portable Optronics)

April 7th, 2020

Edgar Brothers has announced its appointment as UK distributor for SAFRAN Electronics and Defence (Portable Optronics). The new arrangements, which commenced in spring 2020, will allow British stakeholders who require absolute precision and world-class products to enjoy the benefits of SAFRAN’s premium selection of Multifunctional Thermal Imagers & Handheld Optronics and Laser Rangefinders.

Developed by SAFRAN Electronics and Defence & SAFRAN Vectronix’s highly skilled team and manufactured to world-renowned French & Swiss standards of precision and quality, benefiting from both military and civilian engineering experience. Products include Rangefinder Binoculars (VECTOR Family), Monocular & Binocular Multifunctional Thermal Imagers – Target Observation & Location (JIM COMPACT & MOSKITO TI) and the world famous line of Pocket Laser Range Finders (PLRF Family).

“We’re delighted to be working with Safran as UK distributor,” said Mike Newman Edgar Brothers Sales Director. “Their products have a deservedly high reputation for quality and accuracy and we know they will be extremely popular with the UK market.”

For more information on SAFRAN Electronics & Defence Visit www.safran-electronics-defence.com

For more information on SAFRAN Vectronix AG Vectronix, visit www.safran-vectronix.com

Posted in Advertiser, Industry, International, Optics, Press Release | Comments Off on Edgar Brothers Appointed UK Distributer for SAFRAN Electronics and Defence (Portable Optronics)

XGO Neck Gaiters – In Stock

April 6th, 2020

XGO Neck Gaiters, performance and FR, are readily available online now. Head over to proxgo.com to grab yours! They are a great way to provide additional cover to your mouth and nose. Use the code GAITER25 to take 25% off!

Posted in Advertiser, Clothing | Comments Off on XGO Neck Gaiters – In Stock

Army Property Has 500,000 KN95 Masks For Government Customers

April 6th, 2020

The title of the post pretty much sums it up. Here is a
brochure.

They are currently only selling to government agencies.

Contact:
Cliff Vaughan
Vice President
Business Development/Government Sales
ArmyProperty.com / Inventory Management Solutions
An 8(a) Certified, Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB)
3777 Plaza Drive; Ann Arbor, MI 48108
cliff.vaughan@armyproperty.com
www.armyproperty.com

Posted in COVID-19 Pandemic, Medical | Comments Off on Army Property Has 500,000 KN95 Masks For Government Customers

Calling Veteran SOF Medical Personnel To Staff Field Hospital in New York City

April 6th, 2020

Dic Roush from the Guardian Angel community has put out a call for 300 SOF Medical Providers and LE Tactical /civilian NREMTs to come to New York City and man a 200 bed field hospital which will be under the auspices of NY Presbyterian Hospital named the Ryan Larkin NY Presbyterian Field Hospital in memory of USN SEAL Ryan Larkin.

REQUEST FOR SOF MEDICAL PROVIDERS

SOF Friends and Other Military and Civilian Medical Providers and Medics,

New York City is past the breaking point. The hospitals are truly overwhelmed. Besides the 5,000 beds or so being put in and around the city as field hospitals in field conditions, the major hospitals themselves are understaffed. At this point we are putting together teams of docs, other providers, Nurses and SOF medics.

Our first mission is to staff a 200 bed field hospital which will be under the auspices of NY Presbyterian Hospital which is comprised of Columbia University Irving Medical Center and Weill Cornell Medical Center. COL (Ret) Melissa Givens, M.D. will be the Medical Director. After that we will support other hospitals in need of help of which there are several.

The hospital will be named the Ryan Larkin NY Presbyterian Field Hospital in memory of USN SEAL Ryan Larkin.

Please be healthy and have no underlying medical conditions that put you at high risk.

Please fill out this form.

Also email Bryan Walsh at bryan@pjmed.com with your name, contact info, credentials, and what role you can play. He will begin to put together info on travel and lodging.

Please share this widely. We welcome civilian colleagues who are capable medical professionals and willing to work in field condition.

Thanks for your service and consideration,
That Others May Live

Posted in COVID-19 Pandemic, Medical, SOF, Veterans | Comments Off on Calling Veteran SOF Medical Personnel To Staff Field Hospital in New York City