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FirstSpear Friday Focus: Wetter Is Better V2

July 4th, 2025

The WETTER IS BETTER V2 T-shirt is made for those who thrive in the mud, surf, and grind—not behind a desk. Constructed from a saltwater-approved cotton/poly blend, this shirt holds up against the elements while maintaining its soft, comfortable feel.

The athletic cut ensures a dialed-in fit that stays true, even after a plunge in the ocean or a downpour. Proudly printed in the USA, this tee is a nod to the kind of people who embrace the suck and keep moving.

For those who see rain and waves not as obstacles, but as invitations—this is your uniform. It’s more than just a shirt—it’s a statement. Staying dry is for tourists, office workers, and the uninitiated.

Wetter means you’re doing it right. Whether you’re trudging through surf zones, getting smoked in the rain, or just living on the edge, this shirt lets others know you’re built different. Wetter is better—and you wouldn’t have it any other way. FirstSpear is the premier source for cutting edge-tactical gear for military, law enforcement and those who train.

For more information visit First-Spear.com.

Posted in Advertiser, Clothing, FS Friday Focus, Guest Post, Morale | Comments Off on FirstSpear Friday Focus: Wetter Is Better V2

Happy Independence Day

July 4th, 2025

Today I’d like to honor the 56 men who stood up and declared independence for this new nation.

Of them, five were captured by the British and tortured as traitors, before dying. Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned. Two lost their sons in the revolutionary army, another had two sons captured. Nine of the 56 fought and died from wounds or hardships of the revolutionary war.

They sacrificed so that we could prevail. God bless them all and God bless America!

Celebrate the 249th birthday of this great republic.

Posted in Admin | 1 Comment »

USACE Marks 250 Years with Pivotal Support to the Army’s Birthday

July 4th, 2025

WASHINGTON, D.C. — As the U.S. Army celebrated its 250th anniversary June 14 with a birthday festival and parade in the nation’s capital, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers was hard at work behind the scenes and on the logistical front lines. In a powerful intersection of history and engineering excellence, USACE’s contributions helped ensure parade success while also symbolizing its own 250th anniversary of building and defending the nation.

Just two days later, June 16, USACE marked its own 250th anniversary, dual milestones that illustrate the organization’s longstanding role in supporting the nation and the warfighter.

“Army engineers have served and strengthened America since 1775,” said Lt. Gen. William “Butch” Graham Jr., USACE commanding general and 56th Chief of Engineers. “We are proud to carry on that legacy as we continue engineering solutions to the nation’s toughest challenges.”

Protecting the Parade Route: USACE Baltimore District installs protective plating

One of the parade’s logistical challenges was how to safely operate heavy tracked vehicles like the M1 Abrams main battle tanks, M2 Bradley Fighting Vehicles, M109 Paladins and M88 Hercules recovery vehicles through the heart of Washington, D.C. In particular, the Abrams, weighing more than 140,000 pounds and nearly 30 times the weight of a standard SUV, could have posed a risk to city streets, especially at any turning points where tracked vehicles must pivot, creating added stress and friction on asphalt.

To help protect the parade route, USACE Baltimore District spearheaded the installation of metal plating at critical 13 pivot points along the route. These protective measures ensured that turns and idling points where tracked vehicles exert the most pressure would not result in damage to the roads.

“The infrastructure protection plan was a success,” said Baltimore District Commander Col. Francis Pera. “Close coordination with partner agencies allowed us to honor our rich history while preserving the structural integrity of D.C.’s roadways.”

Plate removal was complete by June 17 and officials determined the protective plates performed as intended. Subsurface inspections will also be completed in the coming weeks in conjunction with the NPS.

Beyond the protective plating, other key precautions included installation of new rubber track pads on all tracked vehicles to avoid the stresses of direct metal-on-pavement contact, and slow driving speeds that allowed vehicle crews to exercise maximum caution as they moved along the route.

Geospatial Precision: AGC mapping supports parade safety and planning

Beyond road protection, the Army Geospatial Center (AGC) played a crucial role in assessing the parade route through geospatial analysis. The Geospatial Visualization Team (GVT) from the Warfighter Support Directorate’s Engagements Branch conducted ground-based video reconnaissance both before and after the Army’s 250th Birthday parade to support damage assessments and potential repair planning.

Using vehicle-mounted cameras, the team captured more than 155 gigabytes of high-resolution 4K video from both the front and rear perspectives of the route. Engineers then reviewed and analyzed the footage to identify any signs of road damage directly linked to the movement of tracked and heavy wheeled Army vehicles.

Keeping the Mission on Track: ERDC optimizes vehicle transport

Further north in Jessup, Maryland, the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) played a pivotal role in the logistical success of the parade. With just hours to offload more than 60 heavy combat vehicles, engineers turned to ERDC’s Rapidly Available Interface for trans-Loading (RAIL) system, a mobile solution built to speed up rail operations while reducing manpower and safety risks.

“The RAIL system for rail ops proved 100% critical for timely operations,” said Col. Brandon Perdue, NORTHCOM Plans Team chief. “This system reduced download and upload times from about 2.5 days on both ends to just a few hours. Without this system, the only option for tracked vehicle download was a single crane.”

The modular RAIL system was designed to offload military vehicles at any point along a rail line, providing greater operational flexibility to quickly move combat power where and when it’s needed most. Two RAIL systems were used to simultaneously unload the various tracked and wheeled vehicles. Soldiers received onsite training from ERDC experts, proving how the organization’s innovation directly supports mission readiness and modern solutions.

Building the Nation, Supporting the Army

As the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers continues celebrating 250 years of service to the nation, the role of Army Engineers remains vital. From battlefield engineering in the Revolutionary War to modern-day infrastructure, mapping and mobility solutions, Army Engineers continue to deliver solutions to the nation’s toughest challenges.

By MAJ Spencer Garrison and Kathryne Gest

Posted in Army, Guest Post, Mobility | 1 Comment »

Saab Receives Order for Ground-Based Air Defence from Sweden

July 3rd, 2025

Saab has received an order from the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) for the mobile short-range air defence solution RBS 70 NG with missiles. The order value is approximately SEK 1.5 billion and deliveries are scheduled 2027-2028. This order was booked in Q2 2025.

The order also includes equipment which will enable the Swedish Armed Forces to integrate the system on a Mobile Short-Range Air Defence (MSHORAD) solution in the future.

“We are continuously contributing to strengthening the capabilities of the Swedish Armed Forces and Saab’s air defence systems play a vital role in keeping Sweden’s skies secure,” says Görgen Johansson, head of Saab’s business area Dynamics.

Saab’s MSHORAD system with RBS 70 NG features an automatic target tracker and a built-in night sight and provides the user with capability to defeat threats including aircraft, drones and missiles from distances of up to nine kilometers.

Posted in Contracts, International, Press Release, weapons | Comments Off on Saab Receives Order for Ground-Based Air Defence from Sweden

Primary Arms Exclusive Source for Geissele Blemula Line

July 3rd, 2025

We’re excited to announce a powerful new partnership between Primary Arms and Geissele Automatics!

In addition to having the largest selection of Geissele products online, Primary Arms is now the exclusive source for the highly sought-after Geissele ‘Blemula’ blemished product line, which offers the full performance of Geissele products at a fraction of the regular price.

This collaboration brings together Geissele’s industry-leading craftsmanship and innovation with Primary Arms’ commitment to providing everyday great prices and world-class service.

Primary Arms now offers the most comprehensive selection of Geissele products available anywhere. From small parts to complete rifles and accessories, PA is the best place to shop for anything Geissele.

Shop confidently with Primary Arms’ renowned customer service, easy ordering, and fast shipping.

www.primaryarms.com

Posted in Advertiser, Firearms, Guest Post | Comments Off on Primary Arms Exclusive Source for Geissele Blemula Line

ASA Statement on Final Passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill

July 3rd, 2025

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The American Suppressor Association (ASA) issued a statement following the final passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill, which eliminates the National Firearms Act (NFA) tax on suppressors, short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns, and AOWs.

“The One Big Beautiful Bill passed by Congress and sent to President Trump’s desk includes a $200 million annual tax cut for gun owners,” said Knox Williams, President and Executive Director of the American Suppressor Association. “While we fought hard on behalf of millions of Americans for full removal of suppressors and other items from the NFA tax scheme, this outcome is a critical step in our plan to dismantle the NFA once and for all. We will not stop fighting until that goal is achieved.”

ASA also joined the National Rifle Association, Firearms Policy Coalition, and Second Amendment Foundation in a joint statement announcing pending litigation to challenge the NFA following the elimination of the tax:

“When President Trump signs the One Big Beautiful Bill — which will eliminate the excise tax on suppressors, short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns, and AOWs — he will have delivered the biggest blow to the National Firearms Act since its passage nearly a century ago. We thank President Trump for his leadership and every member of Congress who fought for law-abiding gun owners throughout the reconciliation process.

“By eliminating the excise tax on these NFA items, the OBBB will not only lift the heavy burden of an unconstitutional tax from the backs of hard-working Americans, it will also serve as a critical step towards our ultimate goal of dismantling the NFA once and for all. But there is much work yet to be done.

“While we will continue to fight for the total legislative elimination of the NFA, our organizations are proud to stand together in a new strategic lawsuit to challenge the constitutionality of the NFA in Federal Court.”

Posted in 2A, Press Release | Comments Off on ASA Statement on Final Passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill

Beez Combat Systems Launches Uncrewed Systems Line

July 3rd, 2025

As the landscape of modern warfare evolves, Beez Combat Systems is leading the charge with its newly launched “Uncrewed Systems” line; specially designed for drone operators and warfighters evading thermal detection. This cutting-edge tactical gear line acknowledges a clear shift: The battlefield is no longer confined to boots on the ground. Drones and autonomous systems are now critical assets in reconnaissance, surveillance, and tactical engagement.

www.beezcombatsystems.com/collections/uncrewed-systems

Posted in Guest Post, UAS | Comments Off on Beez Combat Systems Launches Uncrewed Systems Line

Introducing the Bongo Gear SLAM Pack!

July 3rd, 2025

Bongo Gear is proud to announce the release of the incredible SLAM Pack! The SLAM Pack is a purpose-built, mission-driven, multi-operational pack designed with an emphasis on tropical/jungle operations. The pack was developed in closecollaboration with the experts at Tactical Tracking Operations School, Inc.(TTOS) and it is the result of over four years of intensive research, development, and field testing.

TTOS is known for their expertise in jungle operations and TTOS cadre haveconducted jungle warfare training for various Special Operations Forces for well over a decade. The team at TTOS was instrumental in bringing the SLAM Pack to life and the pack was evolved through both training and operational use. The SLAM Pack was specifically designed to meet the unique, rigorous, and harshdemands of vertical mobility and jungle operations. A large portion of the field testing of the pack was carried out during repeated deployments and training rotations in the PACOM area of operations.

The name “SLAM” is inspired by the legendary MACV-SOG’s SLAMcompanies. MACV-SOG (Military Assistance Command, Vietnam – Studies and Observations Group). SLAM is the acronym for Search, Locate, Annihilate, and Monitor missions. MACV-SOG performed extremely dangerous and demandingtop-secret, deep reconnaissance and interdiction operations that required equipment as rugged, resilient, and adaptable as the courageous men who carried it. The SLAM Pack honors that legacy with a design that merges the demands and qualities of extreme ruggedness and practicality with mission-driven utility.

The SLAM Pack comes in at about 35 liters total. It was designed with jungle/water ops, technical rope work (rappels, climbing, etc.), and free-fall as part of its DNA. It is a mission-first solution for operators working in extremely demanding and logistically isolated environments. Every feature is based on real-world needs derived from many years of jungle warfare instruction and operational deployments. Every detail incorporated was designed for utility andpracticality and to ensure the pack is rugged and reliable and that it meetsessential requirements.

Only the highest quality, U.S.A.-made Mil-Spec, NIR compliant fabric, webbing, and hardware are used in the making of a SLAM Pack. Fabrics and components are selected to help reduce signature and facilitate silent movement through dense terrain and double and triple-canopy jungle.

SLAMS Packs are available in Ranger Green and Vietnam Tiger Stripe. Other colors such as Multicam Tropic and Multicam/OCP are available upon request (minimum order quantity applies).

KEY FEATURES:

• Quick-Drain External Pouches (2) with adjustable buckle closures, drawstring collars, and pass-throughs with hook & loop. Pouches are large enough to easily accommodate 2-liter water bottles. Each pouch is about 2.5 liter capacity.

• Superior Drainage provided via heavy-duty Mil-Spec woven mesh. Water drains almost instantaneously.

• Ergonomic and Comfortable Shoulder Straps with adjustable chest strap.

• SLAM Lid Configuration with single, center-point fastener for quick opening and closing; quick-drain zippered Claymore pouch; horizontal Daisy Chain; large loop pile for attaching luminous tape/identification markers/morale patches/etc.; underside zippered mesh pocket for maps/documents/miscellaneous.

• Quick-Drain External Zippered Pouch located above the two front buckled pouches.

• Internal Daisy Chain attachment points for securing radio pouches, carabiners, tubes (e.g. LAW rockets), etc. using Voilé-style straps and cord.

• Internal Pockets (2) on inside front panel – a top zippered pocket for secure storage and an open-top bottom pocket for quick-access items.

• Removable Plastic Framesheet/Closed-cell Foam Back Pad – framesheet with bendable central aluminum stay to add structure and 1/2″ thick foam to provide padding and some flotation.

• Center-Mounted External Daisy Chain and Lashing Loop (ice axe loop) for modular attachment.

• Reinforced Carry Handle at the top of the pack back. Handle is large enough for use with gloved hands.

• Horizontal Daisy Chain on both sides above the PALS webbing for clipping on carabiners and for tie-points.

• PALS Webbing on both side panels for modular expansion.

• Copious Amounts of Drainage Mesh in all water entrapment areas for rapid water evacuation and elimination of water retention.

• Integrated A-Frame Webbing System (“A-harness”) for parachute harness interface and lowering of pack prior to ground impact.

? Note: The SLAM Pack has been designed, fabricated, and tested for jumping but it is not currently “certified for airborne operations.”

• Retaining tabs (4) for retention of pack lowering line during technical mobility operations. Tabs are located on the lid just aft of the zippered Claymore pouch.

For procurement inquiries, custom orders, detailed spec sheets, and bulk unit pricing, contact Bongo Gear Sales at info@bongogear.com or visit www.bongogear.com.

Equip your team to Search, Locate, Annihilate, and Monitor — and bring every operator home.

Posted in Packs, Press Release | Comments Off on Introducing the Bongo Gear SLAM Pack!