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Air Force Improves Efficiencies for Special Warfare Airmen

December 17th, 2019

ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) —

The Air Force recently consolidated and moved enlisted members of Air Force Special Warfare to new Air Force specialty codes to encompass AFSPECWAR operator, enabler and support specialties.

“The Air Force is invested in ensuring ready and lethal special warfare Airmen who operate primarily from the land domain to achieve air, space and cyberspace dominance for the joint force,” said Under Secretary of the Air Force Matthew P. Donovan. “These Airmen will provide the connective tissue to conduct multi-domain operations, even in the most difficult scenarios.”

As of Oct. 31, 2019, the new special warfare career field (1Z) includes the following AFSCs: pararescue (1Z1X1), combat control (1Z2X1), tactical air control party (1Z3X1) and special reconnaissance (1Z4X1). The special warfare enabler career field (1T) includes Airmen who train, integrate with and accompany operators and teams to enable additional capabilities, such as survival, evasion, resistance and escape specialist (1T0X1). In addition, a special warfare mission support reporting identifier (9ZXX1) was created for Airmen in specific positions that provide consultative leadership on all special warfare mission support enlisted matters.

The Air Force special warfare enterprise includes special tactics officers, combat rescue officers, TACP officers. It also includes enlisted combat controllers, pararescuemen, TACP, special reconnaissance, SERE specialists and combat mission support Airmen.

Changes for special warfare officer AFSCs are expected to go into effect in April 2020.

“The Airmen who choose these specialties are ordinary Americans with extraordinary grit and determination. Through incredible hard work and unparalleled discipline, they’ve forged themselves into teams of exceptional physical and mental strength. They are trained for the toughest missions in the most unforgiving environments,” said Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Stephen Wilson. “Their skills are more in demand today than ever. This movement to new AFSCs is just one of the ways that AFSPECWAR is responding to the evolving mix of threats that the Air Force confronts today and will in the future.”

In addition to the AFSC changes, Headquarters Air Force stood up an Air Force Special Warfare Directorate on Oct. 3. This new directorate is the focal point on the air staff that will provide senior-level integration and management to better organize, train, equip and employ special warfare Airmen on the battlefield through resourcing requirements and providing overarching career field guidance and direction. Previously, special tactics, Guardian Angel and TACP Airmen were spread out across seven major commands with different sources of funding, training and operational requirements.

“These communities have a long record of success on and off the battlefield. AFSPECWAR will continue to build on that legacy while aligning with the National Defense Strategy and evolving for future threats,” said Col. Thomas Palenske, director of the new Air Force Special Warfare directorate at the Pentagon. “Special warfare Airmen need to focus on acting as sensors, communicators and human weapons systems, enabling enhanced multi-domain command and control and air superiority from the ground in anti-access area denial environments. They will be better able to do that with the help of this new directorate as we develop and streamline career field management processes, policy and guidance to make their jobs easier.”

Within the last year, special warfare initiatives included the activation of the Special Warfare Training Wing at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, and the 330th Recruiting Squadron at JB San Antonio-Randolph. The 330th RCS focuses solely on recruiting Air Force special warfare operators and enablers while the SWTW centralizes training to meet the demands of the future battlefield.

“AFSPECWAR delivers ground-based access and placement to conduct preparation of the battlefield operations to the advantage of the Air Force to counter (anti-access/area denial) threats. Our Airmen’s unique capabilities enable air, space and cyber dominance from the ground,” Palenske said. “To be successful, the Air Force must leverage special warfare to execute its mission on an increasingly complex and contested battlefield.”

By Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

Posted in Air Force, Battlefield Airman, Guest Post, Profession of Arms | 3 Comments »

SIG Offering Additional Colors for Optics Cut P320 Slides

December 17th, 2019

Leave it to SIG to get out in front of the aftermarket manufacturers and introduce their own line of pro-cut slides for the P320 family of pistols. Pro-cut is how SIG refers to slides which accept red dot optics.

Even before the US Army adopted the P320 as the M17/18 Modular Handgun System the pistol was gaining popularity, but now people are looking to customize the pistol.

These come optic ready with sight cover plate (ROMEO1PRO and Delta Point Pro footprint) as well as XRAY3 Night Sights. Additionally, the slide features stylized relief cuts.

Now available in Silver, Nitron and FDE colors as full, compact and subcompact sizes.

www.sigsauer.com/store

Posted in Advertiser, Weapon Accessories | Comments Off on SIG Offering Additional Colors for Optics Cut P320 Slides

Kevin “KD” Dixie Joins Propper as Brand Ambassador

December 16th, 2019

St Charles, MO – Propper International is proud to announce Kevin Dixie, owner of No Other Choice (NOC) Firearms Training and community advocate, as our newest Brand Ambassador.

Kevin’s positive influence has grown exponentially over the past several years as he nurtured his national “Aiming for the Truth” program (recently awarded non-profit status) that reaches out to families throughout the country to educate them on how gun rights can benefit the African-American community, with an emphasis on having “no other choice” before employing a firearm in self-defense.

“Being an instructor is more than teaching people about protecting their lives,” Kevin said. “It’s also about teaching them to value themselves. I’m happy to be aligned with Propper, a brand that believes in people the way that I do.”

Prior to founding NOC, Kevin spent 10 years working in Prisoner Processing for the City of St. Louis Police Department.

“Kevin’s passion for educating people is inspirational,” said John Negrau, VP of Marketing & E-Commerce for Propper. “He has worked with Propper as a sponsored shooter for the past three years and we are excited to expand our relationship and have him aboard as a Brand Ambassador.”

In addition to his own video channel, Kevin has appeared on NRA TV, front and center on the cover of Time magazine, on a wide assortment of other industry video channels, and was recently a featured speaker at a pro-gun rights rally on the steps of the U.S. Capitol.

Posted in Advertiser, Industry, Press Release | 7 Comments »

Christensen Arms Introduces New Mesa Titanium Edition and Ridgeline Titanium Edition Models

December 16th, 2019

GUNNISON, Utah – (December 16, 2019) Two new additions to their most popular hunting rifle offerings, Christensen Arms has announced new Titanium Editions of their Mesa and their Ridgeline rifles built to be the most affordable precision titanium action rifles on the market.

“For too long rifles built with lightweight titanium actions have been beyond the financial reach of most hunters,” said Jason Christensen, President of Christensen Arms. “We’re excited to change that starting with these two new products.”

The Mesa Titanium Edition (RETAIL: $1,795) is the most accessible titanium action rifle ever built. The compact hunting rifle features a featherlight contour stainless steel barrel with a bead blasted finish, removable seamless radial brake, and a custom Titanium Edition floorplate. The carbon fiber composite sporter stock is painted with a new Metallic Grey with Black Webbing look. The special edition is offered in 308 Winchester, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, and 300 Winchester Magnum. It weighs in starting at 6.1 pounds.

The Ridgeline Titanium Edition (RETAIL: $2,495) combines a precision titanium action with a Christensen Arms carbon fiber barrel at an impressive price. The firearm features a titanium radial brake, spiral fluted bolt, custom Titanium Edition floorplate, and a carbon fiber composite sporter stock with a new Metallic Grey with Black Webbing finish. The special edition is offered in 308 Winchester, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, and 300 Winchester Magnum. It weighs in starting at 5.8 pounds.

Visit the Christensen Arms website for more information.

Posted in Firearms, Press Release | 1 Comment »

APTUM MINIMALIST Plate Carrier – Beez Combat Systems

December 16th, 2019

The APTUM™ Minimalist is a low visibility plate carrier in the APTUM™ product line. The low profile design of the APTUM™ Minimalist was designed to be upscaled by using a Beez Combat Systems chest rig or load bearing system. This allows the user a minimalist approach to field operations with the option of comfortably adding necessary tools by layering equipment if the mission at hand calls for it.

The Minimalist has multiple cummerbund options and accessories. The APTUM™ system will continually evolve to meet user demands.

Available in Multicam, Multicam Black, Coyote, Black, and Ranger Green.

www.beezcombatsystems.com

APTUM™ Product Line – www.beezcombatsystems.com/APTUM_c61

Posted in Armor, Press Release | Comments Off on APTUM MINIMALIST Plate Carrier – Beez Combat Systems

Chris Sizelove Joins Forge Tactical

December 16th, 2019

Chris Sizelove has joined Chappy and John Spears as a principal instructor and Breaching Program Manager for Forge Tactical, a full service government and law enforcement training and consulting firm.

Chris joins Forge after retiring from the Army after twenty years of service; sixteen in the 75th Ranger Regiment as an infantryman, followed by four years with the Defense Intelligence Agency.

While in the 75th Chris became an SME and instructor for carbine, pistol, CQB, and forced entry TTP’s as well as joint operations in general as an assaulter and strike force senior NCO. He was a sniper, and served in a Sniper/Reconnaissance element; and was the Master Breacher for 75th. Chris also developed and instructed covert carry and vehicle TTP’s for specific roles.

Prior to joining the Army, Chris was fortunate in that he was local to Gunsite Training Center where he worked while in high school as a range hand and professional brass picker-upper. It was there that he met men like Jeff Cooper, Louis Awerbuck, Chris Dwiggins and Pat Rogers – and his decision to join the military was sealed.

Twenty years and thirteen combat deployments and overseas tours later, Chris is returning to the training industry and is honored to work with Forge Tactical in an effort to provide training and expertise to those that seek it in order to benefit themselves, their teams, and their communities.

To learn more about Forge Tactical, visit the website at forgetactical.com; or email chappy@forgetactical.com.

Posted in Industry, Press Release, Training | 4 Comments »

KDG Releases New HK 556 M-Lok Rail Systems in 13.75 and 10 inch Configurations

December 16th, 2019

The New KDG HK 556 M-Lok rails are direct mount rail system, replacing the factory HK 556 rail systems. These new rails are identical in design to their big brother, the KDG HK 762 M-LOK Rail system launched by KDG earlier this Fall. Like the 762 version, these new rails are lighter, longer, and more ergonomic for the operator.

The KDG HK 556s M-Lok rails come in two lengths: 10” and 13.75”. The systems are optimized for all standard M-Lok mounted accessories, or could be used in combination with the KDG Kinect M-Lok quick attach/detach accessory mounts. The KDG HK 556 M-Lok rail is compatible with Heckler and Koch 416 variants including: 416, MR 556, and M27.

The new rail is available through the KDG website, and authorized distributors and dealers. For more information, visit kineticdg.com/product-category/hkparts or email info@kineticdg.com.

Instagram: @kineticdevelopmentgroup

Facebook: www.facebook.com/kineticdevgru

Posted in Advertiser, Press Release, Weapon Accessories | 2 Comments »

BE Meyers & Co Exhibiting at SHOW 2020, BOOTH # 20434

December 16th, 2019

December 16, 2019 (Redmond, WA) – B.E. Meyers & Co., Inc., a manufacturer of optoelectronics and advanced photonics for the Defense and Aerospace Industries, will be exhibiting at SHOT Show (booth # 20434) on January 21-24, 2020 at the Sands Expo Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV. They will be showcasing the MAWL®-X1 which was recently added to the United States Air Force Small Arms and Light Weapons Accessories List alongside other MAWL® (Modular Advanced Weapon Laser) variants that bring increased effectiveness to modern weapon systems, and set a new standard for NIR pointing and illumination on the battlefield. Additionally, B.E. Meyers & Co. will be displaying the BOARS®-M2 modular rail and accessory system for the M2 family of machine guns; the IZLID® series of IR and SWIR laser pointers and illuminators; and the GLARE®-RECOIL (LA-22/U) advanced ocular interruption system for Hail and Warning in any escalation of force scenario.

To schedule a meeting with a member of the B.E. Meyers & Co. team at SHOT Show 2020, please contact info@bemeyers.com.

For more information about B.E. Meyers & Co. products, visit www.bemeyers.com.

Posted in Advertiser, Press Release, SHOT Show | 2 Comments »