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In Memoriam – Dave Harrington

September 21st, 2025

MSG Dave Harrington was friend, inspiration, instructor, and mentor to many readers of SSD, me included. Although we were never close, everytime I saw him he acted like we were lifelong friends and he wanted to catch up. He passed away last month but I’ve been waiting for a proper bio to share this man’s incredible story.

May He Rest In Peace, he more than earned it.

David Alan Harrington

August 1, 2025 (Age 64)

Greenwell Springs, Louisiana

Special Forces

David Alan Harrington, age 64, transitioned to glory on August 1, 2025, in Greenwell Springs, Louisiana. He was a beloved, son, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend who will be fervently missed by all who had the honor of knowing him. Dave was born on November 2, 1960, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to James Harrington and Nell Marhefka. He graduated from Live Oak High School in Watson, Louisiana in 1979. After graduation, he followed his passion to serve our great nation and began his lengthy career in the U.S. military. Dave served fearlessly in the U.S Navy, and the U.S. Army from 1986-2004. He earned numerous commendations, honors, and medals throughout his years of dedication. Dave was a respected Army Ranger, Green Beret, and Special Forces veteran. Some of his accomplishments include the meritorious service medal, National Defense Service Medal, Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal, Expert Infantryman Badge, Master Parachutist Badge, Royal Thai Army Airborne Wings, Special Forces and Intelligence honors and many more. He is a true American hero and will continue to be celebrated for his incredible sacrifice and commitment to our country, his family, friends and to his integrity. He was known as “Super” Dave Harrington for many reasons.

Dave spent the first half of his life serving and protecting others. He spent the second half of his life teaching others to protect themselves. After completing his military career, Dave entered the Firearms and Outdoor Industry. He is widely recognized as a prolific and exemplary firearms instructor and competitive shooter. He enjoyed sharing his knowledge and skill with individuals and groups, from high-level military tacticians to civilians wanting to become more skilled with their knowledge and use of firearms. Through Combat Speed, LLC and Martial Gun, Dave trained countless people to better their mindset, individual skills, and overall confidence to be their absolute best – which was, to him, always something to keep training towards, no matter how good you thought you were. He was a sponsored competitive shooter and was supported by so many companies along the way that believed in him and his outstanding skill and his drive for excellence. Dave was an unwavering supporter of our 2nd Amendment rights and an avid hunter. Words are not sufficient to describe the impact he has had on the firearms and outdoor community. He will forever be known as one of the VERY best of the best; not just for his skill, but for who he was as a man. Intense, loyal, focused, deep-thinking, accountable, trustworthy, dedicated and kind-hearted are words that only scratch the surface of who Dave was. He was a unique human being blessed by God with immense talent, an immeasurable will and great strength for endurance.

Dave exemplified excellence through his strong work ethic and unwavering devotion to doing what was right. He embodied this belief: “Do the right thing, at the right time, every time.” He loved his country. He loved his guns. He loved his family. He loved his friends and good times together. He loved AC/DC and playing the guitar. He loved his cats. In his final days, he loved hearing Psalm 91 read aloud. He would want you to read it and think of him. He said what he meant and meant what he said. He was impactful, honorable, and unforgettable.

Dave fought valiantly until the very end at 3:33AM on August 1st . Two of Dave’s common phrases were, “That’s all I got” and “OK, here goes” … They are the perfect exit and entry from his last moments on earth and his first glimpse of eternity. He would not want us to mourn him in sadness, but to simply look ahead to the day when we will see him again.

Dave is survived by his stepbrother Eric Wesley Harrington (Pamela Harrington) of Baton Rouge.

Brother, Peter Wayne Harrington of Portland, Oregon, aunt and uncle Sue Harrington Talley and Wayne Talley of Greensburg, LA, cousins Vickie Harrington Smith (Charles Everett Smith); Elizabeth Harrington Robertson; Renee Harrington; Shannon Harrington Kennedy-Perri; Fred Newman, III; Mitchell Newman; Darren Talley and Cherae Talley Slack, and numerous other cousins, nieces, nephews, and cherished friends.

Dave is preceded in death by his beloved father James Edward Harrington; Mother: Gay Nell Marhefka; brother Jon Everett Harrington; paternal grandparents Pearlie Everett Harrington and Hazel Margaret Young Harrington; uncle & aunt Bobby Gene Harrington and Beverly Williams Harrington; aunt and uncle Lela Ann Harrington Newman and Fred Newman, Jr.; and cousin: Kara Danette Talley Worthington.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Dave’s memory to either the Special Forces Trust (sftrust.org) or the Black Dagger Military Hunt Club (www.blackdaggermhc.org/how-to-support/).

This obituary is courtesy of Bonnie Cooper’s tireless work at Special Forces TAPS on Facebook.

Posted in Memorial | 2 Comments »

Nomad Outdoor Releases Updated Version of Popular Harvester In-Field Gear

September 21st, 2025

Newest update to Nomad Outdoor’s perennial favorite line of in-field gear

CHARLESTON, SC. (September 19, 2025) – Nomad Outdoor launched Harvester VX3, the newest version of its popular line of technical in-field gear designed for stealth, maximum comfort and warmth in the field on the chilly fall mornings and evenings during prime hunting season.

Harvester VX3 is sherpa lined for insulation and has an inner membrane to cut brisk autumn winds. Lightweight and breathable, Harvester VX3 has a woven, brushed outer shell for super quiet movement, and a built-in four-way stretch component to make it easy to pull a bow to full draw or shoulder a rifle without any binding or encumbrance.

“Harvester has always been one of our most popular lines and now we have improved it” said Mike Tussey, Marketing Director Nomad Outdoor. “The new VX3 version takes it even further with an improved fabric that adds stretch for better mobility and SilverZÔ scent suppression technology to keep hunters undetected. It’s the perfect Goldilocks combo for fall hunting. Not too hot, not too lightweight, but just right for the days that most hunters head into the field. “

Harvester VX3 is available in both the recently reintroduced Mossy Oak New Break Up pattern, and Mossy Oak Bottomland. The lineup includes bib overalls, pants, jacket, vest, beanie, neck gaiter, and matching gloves to protect hands and fingers.

The bib overalls have zippered legs for easy on and off over boots, zippered chest pocket for gear and generous pockets to keep your hands protected in cold weather. The Harvester VX3 bib overalls retail for $180.

Harvester VX3 pants have an elastic waistband to fit easily over base layers or other garments, plus plenty of zippered and snap-closure pockets for all the gear a hunter might need. The pantsalso have zippered legs for easy on and off and retail for $180.

The jacket has generous hand warmer pockets and a lined hoodfor full coverage warmth. An integrated harness port allows easy access for a safety tether when in a tree stand. The HarvesterVX3 jacket retails for $160.

The Harvester VX3 vest also has a safety tether port, a zippered chest pocket and traditional hand warmer pockets. It gives the same lightweight-but-warm performance as all the other Harvester VX3 garments with a sherpa lining and anti-wind inner membrane. The vest retails for $120.

Harvester VX3 accessories include a beanie, gloves and a matching neck gaiter for maximum concealment and protection against the elements, all with the same materials and construction as the rest of the VX3 line. The beanie retails for $45; the gloves for $45 and the neck gaiter for $40.

Mossy Oak released a YouTube video showing the details of the Harvester VX3 line of in-field hunting gear.

To learn more or to purchase, visit www.Nomadoutdoor.com

Posted in Clothing, Off-Duty, Press Release | Comments Off on Nomad Outdoor Releases Updated Version of Popular Harvester In-Field Gear

Lethality, Innovation, and Transformation Through AI Education at the U.S. Army School of Advanced Military Studies

September 21st, 2025

THE ARMY UNIVERSITY, FORT LEAVENWORTH, Kansas – In late July 2025, the Advanced Military Studies Program at the School of Advanced Military Studies, known as SAMS, launched its first-ever experimental, three-day, Practical Application of Artificial Intelligence module.

The mission was simple: transform the program with an innovative, hands-on AI learning experience for students and faculty. The purpose was to enable warfighter lethality through AI education and training.

“AI is changing the character of warfare. Our graduates have got to be ready to lead formations powered by AI—and that’s why we did something about it,” Col. Dwight Domengeaux, Director, SAMS said.

Dr. Bruce Stanley, Director, AMSP, envisioned a module that pushed institutional norms about how mid-career officers learn about AI and learn with AI.

“Did we accept risk? Yes. We did—to create a critical learning opportunity for our students,” Stanley remarked. “We knew what was at stake, and we trusted our faculty and students to make it work.”

And make it work they did.

According to AMSP faculty, the module’s experimental instructional design was key, consisting of ten-and-a-half hours of total classroom contact time divided over three lessons.

“We covered a lot of ground with our students in three days,” Dr. Jacob Mauslein, associate professor, AMSP, said. “Subjects ranged from AI theory and ethical considerations of AI, to applying AI tools, and leading AI-enabled organizations.”

A novel feature of the module was that it was developed by AMSP students. As a task in their Future Operational Environment course, six students from the Class of 2025, mentored by two faculty, developed the AI module that would be taught to the Class of 2026. The students’ final draft was adopted almost without change by the faculty.

“Incorporating students as full participants in the process allowed us to co-develop lesson objectives and materials that deeply mattered to them,” Dr. Luke Herrington, one of the faculty leads for the module shared.

Meeting students where they were in terms of their AI skills and then taking them to the next level was part of the academic approach for the AI module, Herrington explained.

Maj. Justin Webb, PhD, an AY 2025 AMSP student, and one of the module’s developers explained it this way: “SAMS is a warfighting school—so we chose learning activities that would help us become more lethal warfighters with AI. Using AI tools like CamoGPT, Ask Sage, and others for several hours over three days helped us get there.”

Some students in the AY 2026 class were initially skeptical of using AI.

“At first, I didn’t know what I didn’t know,” Army Maj. Stuart Allgood, an Armor officer SAMS student said. “But by the end of the first day my thinking about AI had changed. After the second day, I could use AI tools I had never even heard of.”

Maj. Callum Knight, an intelligence officer from the United Kingdom summed up his experience.

“Before this course I viewed AI as just a data point,” Knight said. “Now that I’ve experienced what’s possible with AI, I realize it’s an imperative that is going to impact everything I do going forward.”

So, what’s next for AI at SAMS?

“Based on what our students got out of this, we intend to add more AI learning moments across the program,” Stanley said. “The priority now is to integrate AI into our upcoming operational warfare practical exercise.”

AMSP is one of the three distinct academic programs within SAMS.

The other two SAMS programs are the Advanced Strategic Leadership Studies Program or ASLSP – a Senior Service College equivalent, and, the Advanced Strategic Planning and Policy Program or ASP3 also known as the Goodpaster Scholars—a post-graduate degree program.

Matthew Yandura is an AMSP assistant professor, and retired Army colonel.

By Matt Yandura, Assistant Professor, School of Advanced Military Studies

Posted in AI / ML, Army, Guest Post | Comments Off on Lethality, Innovation, and Transformation Through AI Education at the U.S. Army School of Advanced Military Studies

DroneShield Surpasses 4,000 Systems Sold, $7.9m orders

September 20th, 2025

DroneShield (ASX:DRO) is pleased to announce it has surpassed 4,000 systems sold worldwide with the receipt of a package of 2 standalone contracts totalling $7.9 million for handheld systems for delivery to the U.S. Department of Defense. DroneShield expects to deliver all equipment in Q4 2025, with cash payment expected in Q4 2025. No additional material conditions need to be satisfied. There is no obligation for any additional contracts from this customer.

DroneShield has previously received standalone orders from this customer. These repeat orders strengthen DroneShield’s position as a trusted provider of mission-critical solutions to address the growing challenge of drone threats on the modern battlefield and the civilian sector.

The latest orders build on existing Department of Defense programs already deploying DroneShield systems. With this milestone, more than 4,000 DroneShield solutions are now fielded globally, highlighting sustained end-user confidence and the solutions’ effectiveness in operational environments.

“Passing 4,000 systems in service is an important milestone for our team and our customers,” said Matt McCrann, U.S. CEO of DroneShield. “It underlines the performance and dependability of our solutions in the field, and the trust placed in DroneShield by those who rely on them.”

Image: DroneShield DroneGun Mk4 utilised by the U.S. Army at a training exercise

DroneShield’s handheld solutions form a cornerstone of its wider counter-drone portfolio, which spans dismounted, vehicle-mounted, and fixed-site solutions that fuse multiple sensors and effectors integrated through DroneShield’s advanced software. Together, they provide a layered defense architecture enabling operators to detect, track, identify, and defeat hostile drones with speed and precision. Customers enrolled into the SaaS-based AI software updates receive new firmware quarterly through the Company’s secure portal.

The entire order is expected to be fulfilled within 30 days from existing stock. This is important for this and other DroneShield customers due to their urgent operational requirements, and is an important factor of securing more orders.

The milestone comes as DroneShield reported a record 1H2025 revenue of $72.3 million (up 210% vs. 1H2024), 1H2025 Profit Before Tax of $5.2 million for the June 2025 period.

3Q25 recognised revenue to date (with significant additional deliveries and further revenue anticipated prior to September month end) is currently standing at $77 million and growing, already in excess of the previous two record quarters combined. The quarterly revenue and cash receipts will be released in October as part of the 3Q25 4C investor report.

DroneShield CEO, Oleg Vornik, commented, “As our customers seek to step up from their early small-scale evaluation purchases into full scale procurement, we are seeing rapidly rising customer demand. Counterdrone is still at its nascency with our customers requiring very significant additional purchases to progress to the required levels of counterdrone defence. DroneShield is a well regarded industry leader globally, and we expect to continue to benefit from this rising demand.”

Operational Excellence

The 4,000 devices sold, includes over 2,200 RfPatrols, produced by an Australian contract manufacturing partner, following rigorous in-house quality assurance testing. The RfPatrol has featured in multiple high-profile programs, including:

The Company’s all-time record $61.6 million European contract in mid-2025

The recent $5 million order for the Australian Government’s Land 156 Line of Effort 2 program, delivering handheld drone detection and neutralisation equipment to the Australian Defence Force

A $10.4 million contract to Ukraine in 2023, through the Australian Government’s only Ukraine counter-drone aid package

Image: DroneShield RfPatrol Mk2 utilised by the U.S. Army at a training exercise

The RfPatrol is a passive (non-emitting) lightweight, intuitive, and reliable drone detection device, designed to enhance situational awareness by alerting users to the presence of drones in real time, without requiring specialist training or complex setup. The device receives quarterly AI-firmware updates for customers enrolled into its SaaS plans.

Production of the significant volume of the complex devices, underscores DroneShield’s advanced manufacturing and production capability, underpinned by a robust Australian supply chain. Around 85 per cent of the device’s components are sourced from local manufacturers across New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia.

US and European-made versions of RfPatrol will be available in those markets from 2026, as the Company expects local production to further boost sales in those geographic segments.

DroneShield remains focused on advancing its current and next-generation counter-drone technology solutions, leveraging export success, deep counter-drone technology expertise, and a strong manufacturing base, to deliver sustained growth.

Learn more at droneshield.com.

Posted in C-UAS, Industry, Press Release | Comments Off on DroneShield Surpasses 4,000 Systems Sold, $7.9m orders

Franklin Armory Issues Statement on ATF Action Regarding Antithesis Firearms

September 20th, 2025

Minden, Nev. – September 19, 2025 – Franklin Armory®, one of America’s leading manufacturers of innovative firearms and accessories, issued the following statement today regarding Franklin Armory’s Antithesis™ line of short-barreled firearms:

Last night, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) requested that we voluntarily bring back all 5.56 caliber Antithesis firearms in advance of the agency issuing a new classification. We were surprised by this in light of the U.S. District Court’s ruling in FRAC v. Bondi.

Out of an abundance of caution and for the well-being of consumers, dealers, and distributors, we are voluntarily requesting all of our customers to return their 5.56 caliber Antithesis firearms for a full refund.

We encourage customers who have taken possession of an Antithesis firearm to contact Franklin Armory Customer service for an RMA (Return Merchandise Authorization) and shipping label. This return does not affect Reformation, the .410/45LC Antithesis, or any other firearm made by Franklin Armory.

As Facilitators of Freedom, we are actively raising our concerns with various entities within Congress and the Trump Administration. We are also hopeful that continued negotiations with ATF can arrive at a solution that avoids litigation if at all possible.

Be assured, this will not be the final chapter on Antithesis.

Posted in Firearms, Industry, Press Release | 1 Comment »

One Month Out for MAG Exchange at Tucson, AZ

September 20th, 2025

We’re about a month away from the first MAG Exchange in Tucson. The focus is on ANG and AFRC ground combatants who are attending WEPTAC.

Posted in AFSW, Air Force, Tradeshow | Comments Off on One Month Out for MAG Exchange at Tucson, AZ

Rock’a Lock’a BANG! BANG! by Sparrows AAR

September 20th, 2025

Sparrows held their Rock’a Lock’a BANG! BANG! Event near Reno, Nevada last week and it looks like it was an amazing event.

Here’s a rundown of what participants experienced.

First full day:

Range day with Night Vision Monkey, Royal Arms and KCI USA

Teams had a great day at the Carson City outdoor range and were lead through several drills.

– Point of Aim/ Point of Impact

– Recoil Management & follow up

– Shot placement & combat Accuracy – presented by KCI USA

– Situational Training Drills – Presented by Night Vision Monkey

– Shot Gun Breaching – Present by Royal Arms

Then back to the event center for lessons in the explosive art of fire breathing and lock picking

Day Two:

Teams were in the Nevada state maximum security prison complex

– Lock picking for both beginners and advanced pickers – Dominated by SPARROWS

– Safe manipulation – Presented by SPARROWS

– SERE escape work – Presented by SPARROWS

– CQB training with night vision monkey, royal arms and KCI USA within the complex

Day Three:

Back to the prison

– Impressioning (you file a working key for a lock with no prior knowledge of the key) Presented by SPARROWS

– Safe drilling through hard plate present by OAKLEY

– Night Vision course presented by KCI USA

– HANDS ON Vehicle Extraction present by TNT rescue. Participants literally tore cars apart.

Day Four:

Mission day storm the prison.

The report is this was just one escalating course that involved multiple hostage rescues that led teams from one chaotic environment to another.

It even involved the onsite “Dark Prison Haunted house” you have to see it to understand how chaotic this multi level kill house is.

With nightly high level guest talks, prison tattoos, quality sponsors and constant surprises… like a Boston Dynamics spot robot Rock’a Lock’a BANG! BANG! has quickly established itself as a leading event within the tactical industry and SSD looks forward to attending next year.

www.sparrowslockpicks.com

Posted in TacCraft, Tachacker, Training | Comments Off on Rock’a Lock’a BANG! BANG! by Sparrows AAR

US Army Retires Two Most Distinguished Aerial Intelligence Platforms

September 20th, 2025

CAMP HUMPHREYS, Korea — The 501st Military Intelligence Brigade-Theater (MIB-T) observed the closure of the U.S. Army’s two most distinguished aerial intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) legacies, GUARDRAIL and Airborne Reconnaissance Low (ARL) during events, July 30-31, 2025.

In an event designated Operation PACIFIC SUNSET, the 501st MIB-T hosted a commemorative ceremony at the Desidario Army Airfield that featured a final flight of the aerial platforms, exhibition flights, and a runway display of aircraft. Soldiers of the Republic of Korea concluded the ceremony with a dedication honoring the contributions of the 3rd Military Intelligence (MI) Battalion, ARL, and GUARDRAIL Common Sensor (GRCS).

Since 1975, GUARDRAIL has provided indications and warnings to United States Forces Korea. Throughout its operational history, GUARDRAIL monitored the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) through a series of diplomatic crises on the peninsula. In 1988, under the 3rd MI Battalion, the first version of GRCS entered service, ensuring foreknowledge of any aggressive actions across the DMZ for many years to come.

“[GUARDRAIL] is our longest serving U.S. Army ISR asset in the [Korean Theater of Operations], and our only true [program of record] aircraft,” said Lt. Col. Derrick J. Zantt, commander of the 3rd MI Battalion.

At the program’s high point, GUARDRAIL aircraft and ground stations became standard, serving in six aerial MI battalions. Each iteration, at its debut, was on the cutting edge of technology.

By the 1990s, the U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command (INSCOM) had gained considerable experience in the development and fielding of special electronic mission aircraft. ARL emerged out of a shift in national priorities toward counterdrug smuggling, primarily out of the Andean Ridge region of South America. Originally a quick reaction capability, ARL was developed to satisfy low intensity multi-intelligence requirements in U.S. Southern Command and quickly proved its worth.

When the Army decided to retire the OV-1D Mohawks, the service looked to DoD and Congress for a solution.

“JSTARS couldn’t do it. The Air Force U-2 couldn’t do it. Even satellites couldn’t do it,” said Dr. Thomas Hauser, U.S. Army Intelligence and Security (INSCOM) historian and author of the INSCOM aviation book series. “INSCOM came through at the last minute with a solution: the versatile ARL. Their ever-watchful eyes stayed open all these years. It was always on the flightline or in the air, ready to serve the Army.”

During five decades of service, GUARDRAIL and ARL flew over 120,000 hours of support, over 30,000 sorties, and were flown by more than 800 military pilots through the 3rd MI Battalion over the life of the systems.

The final flights of these aerial intelligence platforms come as the Army transitions to more modern and lethal assets.

“Through the end of [its] life, the aircraft continued [its] operational collection mission until the last day and were able to effect a seamless handoff to the ATHENA program, which is serving as our bridge,” said Col. Brian Tinklepaugh, 501st MI Brigade-Theater commander.

The Army Theater-level High-altitude Expeditionary Next Airborne (ATHENA) platform combines multiple intelligence disciplines into a singular platform, enabling the Army to have a multi-intelligence approach to targets where the Army can use geospatial intelligence, signals intelligence, and electronic intelligence to look at a single target and better define that target for operational commanders.

“These bridge aircraft will continue to inform HADES programmatic requirements, facilitate early implementation of new training concepts and fielding strategies, and ultimately ensure “No Cold Starts” for the HADES program,” said Jordan Rubin, chief, INSCOM G3 ISR Operations.

The Army’s shift to the High Accuracy Detection and Exploitation System (HADES) marks a pivotal step in the future of aerial intelligence. HADES is a crewed aerial multi-intelligence collection system optimized for active campaigning in areas where range, speed, and data convergence are critical to rapidly gain and maintain situational understanding, freedom of maneuver, overmatch, and decision advantage in multi-domain operations. The system will employ on-board data processing using artificial intelligence and machine learning and will provide sensor-to-shooter links to shorten the kill chain to operate at the tempo and volume of high-intensity conflict.

HADES replaces legacy platforms such as GUARDRAIL and ARL and gives commanders the ability to see deeper, decide faster, and strike more effectively across multiple domains. As large-scale combat operations grow more complex, HADES and other strategic aerial assets will be central to ensuring U.S. forces maintain overmatch and decision advantage on the battlefield.

“As we move forward to the Army’s aerial future with HADES, I’m incredibly proud of not just the [legacy] aircraft, but the men and women who have flown the aircraft, maintained the aircraft, and who have provided that intelligence watch over more than five decades,” said Tinklepaugh.

By Erin Rohn

Posted in Army, Aviation, Guest Post, ISR | Comments Off on US Army Retires Two Most Distinguished Aerial Intelligence Platforms