Atrius Development Group

Army Researchers Speed Up Delivery of Electromagnetic Warfare Capabilities

July 8th, 2025

ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. (July 7, 2025) — To accelerate the pace of deploying electromagnetic warfare techniques to Soldiers, Army researchers are developing new methods to deliver capabilities with greater speed and flexibility.

The Army Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C5ISR) Center’s DynamIQ Electromagnetic Attack program improves how EW tools move rapidly across the battlefield to match the operational pace required in today’s warfare.

The Center’s research supports the Army’s EW Arsenal — demonstrated this year at Project Convergence Capstone 5 and Cyber Quest 2025 — that enables Soldiers to view a repository of available EW techniques, systems and targets. Given the mission objective and threats, users can understand their tools and quickly engage the adversary.

The key to C5ISR Center’s DynamIQ EA program is the ability to take validated EW techniques from the lab or from existing systems and transport them quickly to additional hardware platforms in a matter of hours, with no additional development time, according to a branch chief Shane Snyder. The Army saves time, money and resources by advancing from legacy EW systems to portable solutions.

“The Army is building a flexible foundation for evolving threats by creating a modular mission payload,” Snyder said. “Developing EW techniques in a modular fashion creates platform independence. Soldiers now have the freedom to choose which tools they need for a mission.”

The C5ISR Center has a long history of science and technology investments in Army EW systems, Snyder said. Multiple C5ISR Center R&D teams continue to invest in both offensive and force protection EW systems to ensure the Army can protect Soldiers from EW threats while impacting the threat decision cycles through offensive EW techniques.

C5ISR Center scientists and engineers working with Soldiers, specifically the 11th Cyber Battalionsince its activation in 2019, during field testing and experimentation events has provided valuable operational input, said Yaakov Gorlin, a C5ISR Center EW subject matter expert.

Testing events like Project Convergence and Cyber Quest provide the C5ISR Center with venues to test out both emerging concepts and maturing technologies, while getting direct operational feedback through their employment by the Soldiers. The C5ISR Center values these types of events as it allows the engineers and scientists to get first-hand insight into the capabilities being developed by the Center and provide the Soldier with relevant technology faster.

“Soldiers giving us direct feedback and talking about implementation during the development phase enables the Army to move faster,” Gorlin said. “Researchers need to understand what their work in the lab means from an operational perspective. These interactions with Soldiers help C5ISR Center achieve goals of improving ease of use and decreasing the cognitive burden. Software capabilities are tailored to the user.”

By Dan Lafontaine, C5ISR Center Public Affairs

CMC Triggers and San Tan Tactical Welcome Jeff Scheider as New Vice President of Sales

July 7th, 2025

July 2025 – Fort Worth, TX – CMC Triggers and San Tan Tactical, leading innovators in the firearms industry, are pleased to announce the appointment of Jeff Scheider as the new Vice President of Sales, effective July 2025. Jeff will oversee sales strategies for both companies, bringing his extensive expertise to further drive growth and strengthen market presence.

Jeff Scheider joins the team with over a decade of experience in sales, business development, and team leadership across several industries, including defense, apparel, and optics. Prior to joining CMC Triggers and San Tan Tactical, Jeff served as National Sales Manager at Primary Arms, LLC. In this role, he successfully led sales strategy and execution across the Southeast U.S., underscoring his ability to drive results and achieve operational excellence.

Jeff’s career also includes key roles at Nine Line Apparel, where he was instrumental in scaling national retail operations. His foundational experience in client relationship management and talent acquisition at Aerotek further complements his robust leadership skills. Jeff’s track record reflects a consistent pattern of driving growth and fostering strong partnerships while leading high-performing teams.

Beyond his professional achievements, Jeff brings a touch of Southern charm to his role. A native of Coastal South Carolina, he spent four years as a fishing captain during college—a testament to his diverse background and commitment to perseverance.

“We are thrilled to welcome Jeff Scheider to our team,” said Jennifer Biegel, CEO and owner. “His extensive experience and proven leadership will be invaluable as we continue to expand our footprint in the firearms industry.”

For more information about CMC Triggers and San Tan Tactical or to get in touch with Jeff Scheider, please contact him directly at jeffs@cmctriggers.com or jeffs@santantactical.com.

Contacts:

cmctriggers.com

santantactical.com

Jennifer Biegel Returns as CEO/President of CMC Triggers, San Tan Tactical, and SOUSA Optics – Ushering in a New Era of Innovation and Growth

July 7th, 2025

Fort Worth, TX – CMC Triggers is proud to announce the return of Jennifer Biegel as Chief Executive Officer and President of CMC Triggers, San Tan Tactical, and SOUSA Optics. With a powerful blend of legacy, leadership, and vision, Jennifer’s return marks a bold new chapter for this growing family of firearm and optics brands.

Jennifer began her career in the family business in 2010, playing a pivotal role in transforming CMC Triggers into one of the industry’s most respected and elite trigger manufacturers. Under her leadership, the company experienced rapid growth, expanded its product lines, and became a household name among competitive shooters, military professionals, and firearm enthusiasts.

During her tenure, the company strategically acquired San Tan Tactical, a precision firearms manufacturer known for its superior craftsmanship and innovation, and SOUSA Optics, a rising optics brand committed to performance and durability. These acquisitions expanded the company’s portfolio and positioned the group to deliver a complete firearms solution—from trigger to rifle to glass.

In 2021, Jennifer stepped away from the family business to launch a firearms industry consulting firm and successfully opened her first retail gun store in Phoenix, Arizona. Her hands-on experience as both a strategic advisor and retail operator further deepened her industry expertise and customer insight.

“I’m incredibly excited to be back,” said Jennifer Biegel. “This is more than a business—it’s my legacy and my passion. I’m committed to pushing innovation, empowering our teams, and delivering products that exceed the expectations of today’s shooters. With CMC Triggers, San Tan Tactical, and SOUSA Optics under one roof, we’re uniquely positioned to lead the industry.”

Under Jennifer’s leadership, the companies are poised for expansion into new markets, deeper customer engagement, and continued excellence in quality, service, and performance.

About CMC Triggers

Based in Texas, CMC Triggers is an industry leader in drop-in trigger systems for AR-platform rifles and handguns. Known for exceptional reliability and precision, CMC Triggers is trusted by law enforcement, military, and civilian shooters nationwide.

About San Tan Tactical

San Tan Tactical is a manufacturer of precision-machined firearms and components, proudly made in the USA. Known for innovation, durability, and exceptional design, San Tan Tactical serves both professional and recreational shooters with American-made excellence.

About SOUSA Optics

SOUSA Optics is a forward-thinking optics brand offering rugged, high-performance scopes and sights for hunters, competitive shooters, and defense professionals. Built to perform in the harshest environments, SOUSA stands for strength, clarity, and trust.

Contacts:

info@cmctriggers.com

www.cmctriggers.com

www.santantactical.com

www.sousaoptics.com

TacJobs – Task Force Dagger

July 7th, 2025

Task Force Dagger Special Operations Foundation is growing—and we’re looking for two new full-time team members:

Director of Operations – Lead our Rehabilitative Adaptive Events, manage logistics and grant budgets, and support SOF veterans across the country.

Administrative & Marketing Assistant – Support Foundation operations, financial disbursements, and social media engagement.

Remote roles | Mission-focused work | High impact

Learn more: www.taskforcedagger.org/hiring

Apply now: tinyurl.com/TFDapply

High Speed Gear Products Recommended by NTOA

July 7th, 2025

SWANSBORO, NC – July 7, 2025 – High Speed Gear® and BlackPoint Tactical®, two trusted leaders in American-made tactical gear, proudly announce that five of their latest products have earned official recommendations from the National Tactical Officers Association (NTOA). Tested and proven by active-duty law enforcement professionals, these products have met the highest standards and now carry the NTOA’s coveted seal of approval:

Field-Tested and Operator Approved

Each product was assessed under real-world conditions and scored on key performance metrics such as functionality, durability, comfort, and ease of use—earning high marks across the board.

Product Highlights:

GEN 2 Medium Radio Pouch: Redesigned for today’s first responders and their communications needs, this pouch provides secure retention, improved adjustability, and rapid access to popular duty radios (Motorola APX 6000/7000/8000 and Harris XL200P). Available for standard and tall-extended battery models.

GEN 2 Operator Belt: A next-generation duty belt engineered for enhanced support and modularity while maximizing comfort and gear retention in high-risk environments.  A 1” COBRA® buckle and mil-spec 5625 tubular nylon webbing make up the load-bearing core of the belt, with rigid thermoplastic wrapped in rugged nylon laminateproviding a mounting surface that is compatible with virtually all holster and pouch attachment systems.

Duty Key Ring Holder: Offers a secure, quick access, low-profile solution for key retention. Built for daily duty wear and long-term reliability.

Taser 10 Holster: Purpose-built for the Axon® TASER 10, this holster features secure Level II retention and fast draw capabilities for high-pressure, less lethal deployment.  Optional 30 and 45-degree belt cross draw mounting option with auto safety engagement when taser is holstered.

BlackPoint Tactical Dekke™ Pouch: A versatile and low-profile radio pouch, ideal for carrying a wide range of radios while offering several mounting options. Full Kydex® coverage protects radio and prevents inadvertent button engagement, while a PTT relief cut allows gloved finger to activate button with radio in pouch.

Trusted by the Best

These five newly recommended products join a long and growing list of High Speed Gear and BlackPoint Tactical offerings previously approved and recommended by the National Tactical Officers Association. With dozens of products already tested and validated by law enforcement professionals through the NTOA’s rigorous evaluation process, this recognition further solidifies both brands as trusted leaders in the industry.

“At High Speed Gear, our products are built to perform in the most demanding environments, and that’s been proven time and time again in the field,” said Gary Robbins, HSG’s Director of Law Enforcement Business Development. “Earning continued recognition from the NTOA reinforces our commitment to delivering quality, functionality, and gear that law enforcement professionals can depend on.”

For more information about High Speed Gear®, please visit www.highspeedgear.com or contact the HSG Customer Service Team at sales@highspeedgear.com.

BFG Wins DLA Contract for its VCAS Sling

July 7th, 2025

POOLER, GA. – Blue Force Gear, Inc. (“BFG”), the world leader in load carriage equipment innovation, is honored to announce they were the sole awardee of a Defense Logistics Agency contract for their legendary Vickers Sling, in support of the U.S. Marine Corps.

The competitively awarded contract recognizes Blue Force Gear’s proven track record of delivering superior equipment that meets the demanding requirements of military operations. The patented Vickers Combat Applications Sling (VCAS) has been extensively tested and validated by military personnel, establishing itself once again as the gold standard for weapon retention and a crucial accoutrement for small arms.

“We are honored to be Competitively Selected as the sole awardee for a contract with Defense Logistics Agency in support of the U.S. Marine Corps,” said Ashley Burnsed, CEO of Blue Force Gear. “We want to put the best products in the hands of our fine Marines, Soldiers, and Airmen that we trust to protect us. Our VCAS Sling has proven itself downrange countless times, and we’re proud to continue supporting those who serve our nation with unwavering dedication.”

Blue Force Gear was founded in 2004 with a commitment to serve the U.S. Armed Forces with domestically produced material and products manufactured on American soil. BFG has maintained an “Always Made In America” standard, ensuring that every product meets the highest quality?requirements while supporting American workers and manufacturing.

The Vickers Sling revolutionized the way automatic rifles are carried. Developed with former 1st SFOD-Delta operational member Larry Vickers, the VCAS Sling is a two-point quick adjust, tailless sling that bridges the gap between transporting and fighting in all fields of fire. When sized properly, the VCAS Sling becomes another point of contact, creating a more stable and reliable shooting position. The VCAS Sling has been in service for over a decade?with every branch of the U.S. military as well as many allies worldwide.

Standard Issue Vickers Sling™

Galvion CORTEX Offers Headborne Integration

July 7th, 2025

Galvion CEO Todd Stirtzinger looked at me and said, “We are not only going to transform how helmets are made, but how they are used.” That was how he opened our meeting during last month’s SOF Week in Tampa, Florida and it certainly got my attention.

He led me to a helmet with multiple enablers and began to explain Galvion’s digitally enabled smart helmet, CORTEX.

The project stemmed from development for the UK’s Defence Science and Technology Laboratory Future Integrated Dismounted Soldier Vision (FIDSV) program. Further work has been accomplished on behalf of US Special Operations Forces. Integration is an ongoing process.

What’s amazing about CORTEX is that a Soldier can dump out his bag of kit and Galvion can integrate it, digitally. Enablers like smart watches, biometric sensors, strobes, laser detection systems, night vision, and thermal optics are no problem. They’ve encountered it all. The system is hardware agnostic and relies upon software, cables, and connectors to act as bridgeware so that everything comes together as a system, no matter who manufactured it. It is both modular and scalable and offers both data and power management.

Using the helmet as a platform, edge processing is accomplished with a module featuring an internal battery and purpose-built android-based operating system which is compatible with Tactical Awareness Kit, the de facto command and control interface for the Dismounted Soldier. This increases Soldier acceptance and facilitates faster integration of new systems.

CORTEX is powerful. It will automatically detect whether a visual augmentation system is compatible with Augmented Reality inputs. This places key data in the VAS field of view, in the direction it is found in real life. Key ATAK functions can be accessed with a quick button press via the built-in 4-key controller at the temple, eliminating the need to open the EUD. This moves the data from the usual torso mount and puts it in front of the eye so the Soldier can concentrate on the battlespace.

Everything is streamlined to make the data more digestible. There’s nothing worse than being overwhelmed with extraneous data and icons cluttering the field of view. Consequently, the AlertCentr plugin for ATAK is configurable by the Soldier who can setup multiple profiles for different phases of a mission. Navigation waypoints, target data, blue as well as red force information, and drone feeds can all be toggled data on and off based on what is needed for the task at hand.

With multiple system communication protocol options (USB, ISW, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi) and onboard battery, CORTEX is designed to fit Galvion’s Caiman and Hellbender helmets, although it has also been integrated unto select helmets from other manufacturers, based on customer needs.

With a combination of cabling running under rails (VAS connector, 4-key controller, Laser Sensor) as well as some exposed connection cabling, Galvion informs me that in the not-too-distant future, cables won’t be visible.  They’ll be incorporated inside. As Mr Stirtzinger alluded to in his opening statement to me, Galvion is going to change the way helmets are made. The result will be a more elegant way to integrate power and data into the helmet.

The system is already fielded in limited numbers with interest growing. Integration with new peripherals continues, along with functionality as more customers adopt the CORTEX ecosphere.

www.galvion.com

AV-14 Infantry FPV Goggle

July 7th, 2025

Introducing the AV-14 from Ascend ISR, the First American-Made FPV Goggle System.

The Ascend ISR Systems AV-14 is a rugged, low-profile FPV monocular developed at the request of a U.S. Army Special Warfare Group seeking a combat-ready FPV solution that integrates directly into their equipment ecosystem. Designed for drone operators and dismounted teams alike, it delivers unmatched situational awareness in a compact, durable package.

Built from aerospace-grade 7075-T6 aluminum, the AV-14 is machined for the unforgiving tempo of light infantry operations. Integrated dovetails are cut directly into the housing, enabling native compatibility with Wilcox G24 mounts, J-Arms, PanoBridges, and virtually all industry standard PVS-14-style mounting systems. Powered by a single 18650 rechargeable battery, the AV-14 delivers five hours of continuous runtime.

The AV-14 is compatible with ALL analog FPV systems currently on the market. Operational with a flick of the switch, the AV-14 offers instantaneous boot-up and can toggle on the fly between RGB and thermal views when paired with upcoming our aerial platforms.

ascendisr.com/products/av-14-infantry-fpv-goggle