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New USAF Special Warfare Symbol

July 3rd, 2019

This is the symbol for the new Air Force Special Warfare careerfield (Enlisted is 1Z and Officer is 19). It’s surrounded by the latest versions of the enlisted beret badges, including the new Special Reconnaissance AFSC, which replaces Special Operations Weather Team*.

The SR AFSC has already transitioned to 1Z with Pararescue and Combat Control to follow suit later this year. Along with a new AFSC, they are said to get new job titles as well. TACP and Air Liaison Officers will remain as is, at least for now. Special Tactics Officers and Combat Rescue Officers are supposed to become Special Warfare Officers.

The three new 1Z shredouts as well as STOs and CROs currently wear different colored berets. The plan is transition all to a completely new shade of Grey; Gunmetal. Once again, TACP/ALO will remain in Black berets. That is supposed to change this Fall concurrent with the amalgamation of active duty Pararescue Squadrons into Air Force Special Operations Command. Along with the current Special Tactics Squadrons they are supposed to transition into Special Warfare Squadrons. However, the beret transition is at the direction of the current AF Chief of Staff, General Goldfien. Many at the unit level feel that their heritage is being stripped away and don’t want to make the change, hoping the next CSAF won’t enact the change once he’s in place late this Summer.

As for this new symbol, don’t expect it to be used officially for anything. Guardian Angel used the globe wings for years as a morale symbol. Even so, do notice anything odd about it?

*Never fear, rumor has it Army SOF will soon once again have actual weather support as required by the Key West agreement thanks to Air Combat Command, which is standing up a Flight of Weather Parachutists, just like the old days. Rumor was bad. ACC has no intention of supporting Army SOF. Any support will come from AFSOC weather, remotely.

Posted in Air Force, Battlefield Airman | 26 Comments »

Warfighter Countdown – Networking

July 3rd, 2019

No matter EAST or WEST, Warrior Expo is a great place to network, bringing together end users, procurement specialists, and industry.

In addition to two days on the show floor with multiple opportunities to attend training and forums, attendees are also invited to the Warrior Bash, a unique, secure, and hassle-free networking opportunity. It’s a low-key event in the evening that offers the opportunity to rub elbows with some of the most influential people in the defense industry.

Posted in ADS, Advertiser, Warrior Expo | Comments Off on Warfighter Countdown – Networking

SIG SAUER Introduces Tungsten Infused Polymer Grip Module For New P320 XFIVE Legion

July 3rd, 2019

People have been asking for years, when SIG would bring a striker fired pistol into their exclusive, members-only Legion line, but all of the SIG Legion models have been metal guns.

For the XFIVE Legion, SIG SAUER engineers introduced a patent-pending process which infuses tungsten into the polymer material providing the weight of steel with the flex of polymer. The result is the TXG grip module.

The SIG SAUER P320 XFIVE is a 9mm striker-fired pistol, with a Coyote Tan TXG tungsten infused heavy XGrip module, a Legion Gray PVD Slide with lightening cuts, 5” match grade bull barrel, and a lightened and skeletonized trigger. The recoil assembly of the P320 XFIVE Legion has been upgraded to include a one-piece stainless steel guide rod and a 14 lbs1911-style spring, plus an extra 12 lbs spring, allowing the end user to easily adjust the recoil spring for a customized shooting experience. The pistol comes optic ready and is compatible with a SIG SAUER Electro-Optics ROMEO1PRO Optic or a standard DeltaPoint Pro Optic, features Dawson Precision Fiber Optic front and adjustable rear sights, and comes with three 17-round magazines with anodized aluminum Henning Group base pads.

“We are really excited about the introduction of the SIG SAUER P320 XFIVE Legion to the market because it embodies the forward-thinking SIG SAUER mindset when it comes to product development,” said Tom Taylor, Chief Marketing Officer and Executive Vice President, Commercial Sales, SIG SAUER, Inc. “The P320 XFIVE Legion is defining innovation and changing the game for competition pistols, and it’s these exclusive features that are designed to enhance the shooting experience that our Legion members have come to expect from us. The grip module is heavier, substantially reducing felt recoil and muzzle flip, and the newly developed trigger reduces pull weight by up to 30% for a crisp, fast shooting experience – and that’s just the start.”

Heres’s SIG’s Phil Strader going over the XFIVE Legion.

P320 XFIVE Specs:
Total length: 8.5”
Barrel length: 5”
Weight (including magazine): 43.5 oz
Height: 5.8”
Width: 1.6”
Sight Radius: 6.8″

They’re shipping now. If you’re a striker fired pistol fan, this is your chance to join the Legion. Upon registration of any Legion Series firearm, members receive a complimentary case, a challenge coin matched to the firearm, exclusive access to Legion gear and merchandise, and receive exclusive communications from SIG SAUER and the Legion.

www.sigsauer.com/store/p320-xfive-legion

Posted in Advertiser, Firearms | 9 Comments »

Redpath Notions Ahegao Plate Carrier

July 3rd, 2019

Now here’s something you don’t see every day.

Jesse Redpath is making these carriers from a rather unorthodox pattern. Once you know the story behind the vest, it makes sense.

The idea came from a /k/ thread. This /k/arrier uses a combination of 500D Cordura and nylon with a ahegao print.

Foam padding is used on the user-facing side of the platebags for increased user comfort. Shoulder strap placement has been changed to be even wider for decreased neck discomfort along with ITW G-hooks being used in place of the conventional sewn in shoulder straps, allowing for servicing and customization of the straps. The front platebag includes a removable kangaroo placard attached by two QASM buckles. The kangaroo placard is lined with hook and loop to allow the insertion of magazine retention inserts. Also included with the carrier is a elastic cummerbund with magazine carrying capacity (3 magazines per side). The magazine slots on the cummerbund are sized to accept both 7.62 and 5.56 magazines.

Get yours at his Etsy shop.

Posted in Armor | 19 Comments »

Meprolight USA Hires General Manager, VP of Sales and Marketing

July 2nd, 2019

Bill Yerby, industry executive, brings 29 years of experience to Meprolight’s USA division.

Middletown, Penn. (July 2019) – Meprolight USA, the US Subsidiary company of Meprolight®, a world leader in a variety of optic solutions from electro-optics sights, thermal sights and devices, self-illuminated sights, and innovative pistol sights, has announced that is has named Bill Yerby as General Manager, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Meprolight USA.

“I am excited to be working with Meprolight,” Yerby commented. “As a global brand that is highly respected in the law enforcement and military markets, I will continue to expand its reputation here in the United States to include our law enforcement and commercial customers.”

“Yerby’s success in building relationships and growing market share in the outdoor industry is well known, and we are pleased to have him on our team,” Assaf Shimron, CEO of Meprolight® added. “We have made a significant commitment to our US customers and the investment in our US division will be sooner realized under the leadership of Bill Yerby.”

Yerby brings 29 years of experience leading high-performance teams specializing in consumer goods for the outdoor sports and recreation markets. As Meprolight USA’s new GM and VP of Sales and Marketing, Yerby will be responsible for growing the law enforcement and retailer networks, developing strategies and increasing brand awareness in the outdoor marketplace.

Most recently, Yerby spent the past 17 years working with Vista Outdoor, Bushnell and Bolle Brands as Director of Sales and Marketing focusing on a wide range of high quality and innovative products for the outdoor enthusiast.

Yerby is well known and respected throughout the outdoor industry. He is a leader with strategic vision and proven execution skills. His energy, enthusiasm, and passion for the outdoor markets have earned him the confidence, respect, and trust of his peers as well as retailers across North America.

Yerby holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Marketing from California State University, Northridge and enjoys many outdoor activities, including hunting, fishing, and winter sports.

Stay current with Meprolight USA at www.meprolight.com.

Posted in Industry, Optics, Press Release | Comments Off on Meprolight USA Hires General Manager, VP of Sales and Marketing

SIG SAUER Launches Video Library

July 2nd, 2019

This library features product info straight from SIG SAUER product managers, training tips from Team SIG, and recent projects like the Story of the M17 Tomb of the Unknown Pistols.

www.sigsauer.com/company/videos

Posted in Advertiser | 1 Comment »

LaserMax Introduces the Lightning Rail Mounted Laser with GripSense Activation

July 2nd, 2019

Bloomfield, NY – LaserMax has introduced the most anticipated laser product of 2019. The “Lightning” is a universal fit rail mounted laser with GripSense™ Activation Technology. The new laser fits any firearm with at least 1” of accessory rail space and is designed to withstand rigors of everyday concealed carry and hard duty use.

“Having the most advanced laser technology inside the firearm with our guide rod lasers, we now have the most advanced technology for outside the gun with GripSense,” said Kurt Worden Director of Sales for LaserMax Products. “Making this available now for pistols with rails opens up an entire new opportunity for consumers who don’t want to worry about pressing a button for activation”

Now Shipping!!

GripSense represents the newest generation of laser activation technology by simplifying the activation process. The user simply grips the firearm, setting off a motion sensor once in the detection zone, which then activates the laser immediately and does not require the user to change their firing grip. Additionally, the Lightning with GripSense Activation Technology includes some significant innovations including a fully programmable operating mode, and up to twenty hours of continuous battery life- safeguarded from inadvertent drain by a ten-minute time out feature. The Lightning will come in Vivid Red or Daytime Green, green being the most visible color to the human eye.

Key Features include:
– Rail mounted allowing it to work with over 90% of pistols in the market today
– GripSense Activation senses the users grip within the detection zone and activates the sight
– Dual activation capable with either GripSense or controlled push button
– Does not alter your shooting grip
– Easily programmable for steady or high-vis pulsed beam
– External Battery access hatch with tool-less entry
– Water resistant design
– 5 year warranty

MSRP:
– GS-LTN-R (Red) – $149.99
– GS-LTN-G (Green) – $199.99

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

AFSOC U-28A Aircraft Named “Draco”

July 2nd, 2019

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. —

After more than 13 years in service, the U-28A intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft officially received approval in May for the naming convention of “Draco”.

Draco is the Latin term for dragon. Most aircraft commonly have a name after their numerical designation, such as CV-22 Osprey.

Col. Robert Masaitis, 492nd Special Operations Training Group commander, Draco pilot and former commander of the 34th Special Operations Squadron at Hurlburt Field, commented on the process of naming the aircraft.

“From my time in the community (2010-2012), we were split between a couple of schools of thought on the official naming of the U-28,” said Masaitis. “Lt. Gen. Eric Fiel, the AFSOC commander at the time, had told us we ought to name the aircraft. Between the two, then later three squadron commanders, we could agree that ‘Draco’ was probably the obvious choice. I’m glad to see we’re bringing this initiative to fruition after all this time, as the U-28 has become so much more than the single-engine, non-descript ‘utility’ aircraft we brought into the service over a decade ago.”

The mission of the Draco is to provide manned fixed-wing tactical airborne ISR support to humanitarian operations, search and rescue, conventional and special operations missions.

“This is fantastic recognition of an aircraft and community,” said Brig. Gen. William Holt, AFSOC special assistant to the commander. “Draco has changed the very fabric of our AFSOC DNA and will continue to be our premier ISR platform for years to come.”

The Draco reached a historic milestone on June 22, 2018, when the AFSOC aircraft reached the 500,000 flying hours mark.

Lt. Col. Chad Anthony, 319th Special Operations Squadron commander, commented on the capabilities of the aircraft.

“Over the battlefields of the global war on terror, Draco has come to mean unparalleled special operations intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance support, especially to the men and women on the ground in the line of fire,” said Anthony. “Aircrew and special operators who have flown and worked with the Pilatus U-28A have known it as Draco since its first combat deployment in June 2006.”

Maj. Caitlin Reilly, a U-28A Draco pilot and AFSOC director of operations executive officer, commented on the importance of the name approval and the Draco community.

“All of us in the U-28 community today are humbled by the vision and expertise of the U-28A plankholders (the original founders of the program),” said Reilly. “They created something that had never been done before, and it has evolved into an asset that is now one of the ‘minimum force requirements’ of our nation’s elite SOF teams on their ‘no-fail’ missions.”

The Draco is an integral part of AFSOC’s light tactical fixed wing fleet.

Col. Andrew Jett, 492nd Special Operations Wing commander, former 34th SOS commander and Draco pilot, commented on the significance of the name.

“Our partners may not have known the personal names of the crewmembers, but they always know Draco,” said Jett. “There is a tremendous amount of recognition and respect when a crewmember identifies him or herself as being a member of Draco. I’m thrilled about the exceptional reputation Draco has built over the 13 plus years of the program and it’s now codified as the permanent aircraft name, and is something every member of Draco, past and present, can take pride in.”

Reilly further commented on the pride she and fellow Draco aviators take in the name.

The best thing about the U-28 community, and AFSOC as a whole, is that it is a competency-based organization, she said.

All of the U-28 aircrew are equally proud of the Draco name approval.

Every Air Commando in the U-28A community dedicates themselves to the demanding task of upholding the level of expertise and respect that the name Draco commands, said Reilly. It’s extremely challenging, and we’re all immensely proud of what this name represents.

By SSgt Lynette Rolen, Air Force Special Operations Command Public Affairs

U-28 Photo by photo by A1C Joel Miller

Constellation graphic by Jeff Pendleton

Posted in Air Force, Aviation, Guest Post, ISR, SOF | 1 Comment »