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GALLS Announces Acquisition of Her BlueWear

April 14th, 2025

Answering The Call To Provide Fit to Shape, Tailored Uniforms To Women In Law Enforcement

Lexington, Ken. (April 2025) – GALLS®, the nation’s leading uniform and tactical gear supplier serving America’s public safety and military professionals, proudly announces the acquisition of Her BlueWear UniformsTM. This acquisition marks a significant step in GALLS®’ commitment to female first responders, providing them greater access to uniforms tailored for their unique needs. GALLS® is Proud To Serve Those Who Serve.

GALLS® purchase of Her BlueWearTM provides product scalability and increases accessibility for women in public safety to experience uniforms that enhance performance, comfort, and safety. Her BlueWear UniformsTM started with uniform pants. As the largest distributor in the public safety industry, GALLS® resources will augment the brand/product line by adding tailored uniform shirts. Full uniforms will be available to order at a department level first, with individual ordering capabilities coming later this year.

Mike Fadden, CEO of GALLS®, stated, “For the past five years, every time I talk to a female police chief, they ask me when we (GALLS®) will fix the issue of women’s uniforms not fitting. I took on the challenge personally and am proud to bring Her BlueWear TM into the GALLS® portfolio of brands to provide female officers with tailored uniforms that fit. Because GALLS® is relentless with our focus on the customer, this partnership will give female officers greater access to uniforms that are made for their specific needs.”

Her BlueWearTM was founded in 2007 by Denise Czack to solve a long-overlooked issue: the lack of properly fitting uniform pants for women in law enforcement and public safety. Traditionally, female officers were forced to wear uniforms designed for men, leading to discomfort, mobility issues, and even safety concerns. Her BlueWear’sTM tailored designs offer three distinct fits – Balanced Fit, Defined Fit, and Streamlined Fit – accommodating sizes 0 to 24.

Her BlueWearTM Founder, Denise Czack, expressed her appreciation of GALLS®commitment to expanding access to the product line. “Her BlueWear began at a happy hour with my sister, a police officer, after yet another uniform failure. That moment sparked a fire in me; women in public safety deserved better. Her BlueWearTM is entering a new and exciting chapter in the mission to deliver safe, functional, and confidence-building uniforms to the women who serve. Seeing a woman light up when she puts on a Her BlueWearTM uniform for the first time is what drives us.”

As the only uniform company solely dedicated to designing for women, Her BlueWearTM led the way in providing female officers with apparel that fits, functions, and empowers. Now, with GALLS® resources and a relentless focus on the customer, the ability to serve women in public safety has never been greater. Visit HerBlueWear.com to learn more about Her BlueWearTM uniforms, sizing, and more.

Posted in Clothing, For the Ladies, LE, Press Release | Comments Off on GALLS Announces Acquisition of Her BlueWear

“Soviet Weapons of the Atomic Age”

April 14th, 2025

Live on Kickstarter now, “Soviet Weapons of the Atomic Age” is an upcoming photo book depicting history of the Soviet Weapons of the early post-WW2 period.

Written by Vlad Besedovskyy, who also authored “Soviet Weapons of the Afghan War” and published by Safar Publishing, this volume will boast 400 pages covering Pistols, Sniper Rifles, Automatic Rifles, Machine Guns and Grenade Launchers.

They will offer historical context for each featured weapon, exploring their design, development, and deployment including exclusive content from private collections and archives.

Back the project here.

Posted in Cold War, History, International, weapons | Comments Off on “Soviet Weapons of the Atomic Age”

Be Sure To Visit SOF Select

April 14th, 2025

Swing by SOF Select to see the latest gear from these great vendors. During SOF Week, May 6-8 at the Westin Tampa Waterside.

Posted in SOF Select, SOF Week | Comments Off on Be Sure To Visit SOF Select

New LANTAC Sight On Laser (SOL) Front Sight Post For EOTech OGL

April 14th, 2025

OGL INTRODUCTION:

The design for the EOTECH On-Gun Laser (OGL) focuses on human performance factors under extreme stress creating thepremium choice for professional users. The OGL Standard Power (restricted to MIL/LE use) is powered by a single CR123 battery providing up to 9 hours of continuous run time. The machined aluminum housing provides extreme durability in a compact package roughly the size of a standard deck of playing cards.

The IR illuminator utilizes a high performing Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Laser (VCSEL) diode creating a clean beam and allowing quick adjustments from spot to flood. The ergonomic (patent pending) lever is unique to the OGL and allows professionals to adjust their illumination needs instantly, all while maintaining superior situational awareness.

LANTAC SOL (Sight On Laser):

The Patent Pending SOL™ (Sight On Laser) is designed to solve rail space issues when mounting backup sights and Laser Illuminators or Laser Aiming Modules (LAMs). It is manufactured to mount directly to the Eotech OGL.

The OGL is an ideal candidate for direct attachment as it features an aluminum chassis and four T10 Torx head screws that retain the unit’s lens covers. These can be utilized to form a robust attachment point for a backup front sight.

By mounting directly to the Laser/Illuminator, the maximum amount of rail space is retained for the operator’s convenience. The device can be mounted to the top rail as far forward as the rail permits, leaving space for other equipment and furniture—even on the shortest carbine configurations. This increases the backup sight radius and improves aiming accuracy.

The sight has minimal forward projection from the LAM and features an angled front face to reduce potential snagging.

MAXIMUM RAIL SPACE, MAXIMUM SIGHT RADIUS:

On a 10.5” Handguard the SOL allows for a 16.5” Sight Radius and 6.0” of available rail as compared to a traditional folding sight that delivers a shorter sight radius of 15.25” with only 3.5” of rail left available to the operator.

IR ILLUMINATOR SPILL, SIDE:

Observed through a PVS14 White Phosphor NVM.

Traditional folding sights produce a brighter highlight signature with increased light spill over the weapons handguard.

The Lantac SOL produces a much more diffuse highlight signature with less overall illumination spill.

IR ILLUMINATOR SPILL, HIGH READY:

Observed through a PVS14 White Phosphor NVM.

Traditional Folding Sights when deployed produce a considerably brighter illumination signature as compared to the Lantac SOL.

IR ILLUMINATOR SPILL, SPOT & FLOOD:

Observed through a PVS14 White Phosphor NVM.

Regardless of the OGL’s illuminator beam angle the Lantac SOL demonstrates minimal IR spill signature.

With departments across the USA requiring backup sights to be fitted to duty weapons’ rails, space is at a premium. Many users are forced to mount LAMs on the side of handguards, where they increase snagging potential, take up valuable grip and illumination mounting space, and cause convergence issues by not aligning properly with the weapon’s optics. In the case of the OGL, side mounting also makes operation of the illuminator divergence lever more problematic.

The rear surface of the SOL mates to the front face of the OGL and acts as a massive recoil lug, reducing stress on the fixingscrews. The parts are in continuous contact and therefore act as one complete assembly.

The sight is supplied with two specially manufactured ‘extended’ Torx screws that support the rubber lens covers and anchor the sight to the OGL chassis.

FLEXIBLE & DEPENDABLE:

The SOL’s unique design provides a fully adjustable front sight that takes up no rail space. It uses a standard AR15/M16/M4 sight post that offers 1.250 MOA of adjustment per quarter turn and 5 MOA per full revolution. The design includes a standard drain hole below the sight post channel and positions the channel at the correct 2.357” over bore, exactly as you would find in a traditional triangle FSB (Front Sight Base) with the same elevation adjustment range.

Any aftermarket post (such as tritium) can be installed should the user desire.

Absolute or Lower 3rd co-witness can be achieved through the choice of optics height, and the system offers full redundancy should both the optic and laser fail.

MATERIALS & MANUFACTURING:

Precision machined from certified 7075-T6 Aerospace alloy and Hardcoat Anodized to MIL-A-8625 Type III Hardcoat, Class 2, Black.

SIGNATURE REDUCTION:

Satin black finished to reduce IR light reflectance.

Forward position reduces IR illumination spill on exposed surfaces.

KEY FEATURES:

• Optimizes Rail Space
• Low ISS (Illuminator Spill Signature)
• Robust Mechanical Attachment
• Longer Sight Radius
• Full Elevation Adjustment
• Compatible with all Sight Post upgrades.
• Sight Post drainage hole.
• Certified Aerospace Grade Materials for full traceability.
• Weight = 0.5 oz
• Patent Pending
• Made in the USA.

$195 MSRP Contact us for LE & MIL pricing.

SKU: 01-UP-SOL01

UPC: 614347562703

For more information about the OGL visit Lantac-USA.com

Posted in Optics, Press Release, Weapon Accessories | Comments Off on New LANTAC Sight On Laser (SOL) Front Sight Post For EOTech OGL

MATBOCK Monday – Most Advanced Indirect Firing System

April 14th, 2025

The Multi-Weapon Aiming Device (MWAD) is a multi-platform capable ballistic computer that digitally displays range and azimuth for indirect fire weapon systems. The MWAD provides real-time ballistic solutions accounting for environmental conditions, round type, platform, and lot deviations, allowing the user to put rounds on target more accurately and in less time than legacy aiming systems. Full integration into ATAK architecture allows receipt of call for fire missions, informs team leaders of aim point for entire teams, and enables accurate engagement of moving targets. The MWAD is compatible with 40mm and 60mm and has various crew-served weapon platforms. Software modifications can be made on request to include any direct fire weapons system.

NSN: 1240-01-718-6292

www.matbock.com

ITAR Controlled: Multi-Weapon Aiming Device, MWAD Version 1, Part Number MB-MWAD, is subject to its jurisdiction in accordance with the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) (22 CFR parts 120-130). It is designated a defense article under Category XII(c)(2)(iii) of the U.S. Munitions List. Pursuant to the ITAR, a license or other approval is required prior to any export from, or temporary import into, the United States.

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Michael Kelly, IVAS Acquisition and Operations Chief

April 14th, 2025

Fort Belvoir, Va

If you had told 18-year-old Army recruit Michael J. Kelly in 1987 where he would be nearly four decades from then, he wouldn’t have believed it.

“I didn’t think I would be here after I retired from the Army,” Kelly said during a recent interview. “I didn’t think I’d go back into government civilian work.”

Yet after serving honorably in the Army for 25 years, Kelly proudly serves as the Acquisition and Operations Chief for Project Manager IVAS.

The Integrated Visual Augmentation Systems (IVAS) is the Army’s cutting-edge mixed-reality headset of the future that provides Soldiers with a single platform to train, rehearse, and fight through a mixed-reality heads up display. IVAS has the flexibility to integrate situational awareness tools such as low light and thermal sensors, augmented reality, advanced targeting capabilities, 3D mapping and navigation, squad immersive training, and much more all in one platform.

IVAS provides Soldiers with a level of situational awareness and human-machine integration capabilities not currently seen anywhere else in the world.

It’s that unprecedented level of flexibility and Soldier integration that Kelly is most excited about while working with IVAS.

“It’s the extensibility and everything else that we can bring into the system,” Kelly said about IVAS, noting the advancements offered to Soldiers now compared to when he was in the Army.

Having used old PVS-5 night vision goggles, which he jokingly described as “like strapping a brick to your face,” Kelly knows first-hand just how much Soldiers will benefit from using IVAS headsets.

“There’s no extensibility in goggles,” Kelly said, holding his hands up to his face to mimic binoculars as a way to demonstrate a goggle’s smaller field of vision. “You don’t get the extensibility or ability to be extensible.”

IVAS is unique in that it provides both low-light and thermal vision to Soldiers, as well a fused option to provide soldiers with an unprecedented amount of visibility all in one headset.

“When you’re in the woods, even with low-light and enhanced night vision there’s still parts you can’t see,” Kelly explained. “But if you turn thermals on, if there’s a person there they won’t be able to hide.”

That’s also in-part due to IVAS providing Soldiers a significantly wider FOV that what night vision or thermal goggles.

There’s a lot more that Kelly enjoys about working with IVAS, such as the headset’s digital zoom feature to allow soldiers to see objects from further away, or IVAS’ ability to create 3D maps and models that can be shared across all soldiers to provide enhanced situational awareness.

But it’s getting to work with the IVAS team that Kelly most appreciates.

“I like this team,” Kelly says, answering almost immediately when asked about what he liked most about his position. “This is a very high-performing team. It’s one of the things I enjoy about this. More than most places I’ve worked, it’s the team here at IVAS. And I’ve been on a lot of teams in a lot of situations both in and out of the Army.”

Kelly definitely speaks from experience, having served multiple tours in the Middle East during the height of the War on Terror.

Although he prefers not to think of moments during his life and career as highlights, Kelly did mention one moment in particular as something he is particularly proud of.

In 2008, Kelly was again deployed to Iraq as a First Sergeant. His unit was moved around a lot, due in part to the fact that America had already begun the process of withdrawing from the country. Despite that, all of Kelly’s unit returned home.

“We brought everybody back,” Kelly says. “We had some injuries, but no KIAs.”

Kelly has lived a fascinating life, one that has taken turns that even he never would have expected. Throughout all of it, however, Kelly has always held the mindset of embracing things as they come, and it’s led him to where he is today.

“Never say never. Because you don’t know what is going to change in your life,” Kelly said, reflecting on how he never imagined he’d have the duties and position he has now. “So keep your possibilities open. Keep your options open.”

By Zach Montanaro

Posted in Guest Post, PEO-Soldier | 5 Comments »

Embry Riddle’s Air Force ROTC Programs Rank Among the Best in the Nation

April 13th, 2025

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. / PRESCOTT, Ariz.

U.S. Air Force ROTC programs based at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University’s Daytona Beach and Prescott campuses have been recognized as among the top 10% of all detachments nationwide.

Photographer, Wilson Van Ness, 2024

The evaluation — conducted annually by the U.S. Air Force’s Jeanne M. Holm Center for Officer Accessions and Citizen Development — reviewed all 145 ROTC detachments based on the quality of officers commissioned, resource utilization and meeting Air Force needs for rated and critical skills.

At the Daytona Beach, Florida, campus, Air Force ROTC Detachment 157 currently has 477 cadets and is one of the largest detachments in the country. Air Force ROTC Detachment 028 at the Prescott, Arizona, campus has 210 cadets.

“Our two detachments earning these uppermost rankings highlight that Embry?Riddle is producing elite Air and Space Force officers who are making our nation stronger and more secure,” said Embry?Riddle President P. Barry Butler, Ph.D. “Congratulations to Detachments 157 and 028 for providing cadets the highest level of education and training.”

Noted accomplishments of Detachment 157 to earn the top 10% evaluation included success in officer production, with 245 cadets commissioned over the 5-year period during the 2020-2024 fiscal years, said Col. Gregory Adams, commander of the Daytona Beach Campus detachment.

Detachment 157 also has the highest Rated Officer selection. Rated Officer selections encompass four career fields: pilot, combat systems officer, air battle manager and remotely piloted aircraft pilot. Cadets compete for these jobs during their junior year and are selected in their senior year.

In addition, the detachment has one of the highest selections of Space Force officers.

“This honor is due to the tremendous effort our cadets put forward every day. Their drive, perseverance and ingenuity are what continue to make Detachment 157 a special place,” Adams said. “Our university leadership has also contributed to our success. We would not be able to offer cadets the opportunities they receive without the university’s support. We continue to rise to the occasion of preparing and producing future Air and Space Force leaders.”

The top 10% evaluation for ROTC Detachment 028 at the Prescott Campus recognized the detachment’s success in officer production, technical degree attainment and aviation officer commissioning, ranking in the top 2% to 3% in these key areas. Detachment 028 excelled in all evaluation criteria, said Col. Russell Davis, commander of the detachment and professor of Aerospace Studies.

“This recognition is due to the outstanding work of our cadets and support from our university leadership,” Davis said. “We consistently exceed expectations in our mission to prepare future officers to succeed in today’s Air and Space Forces.”

Detachment 028 was one of only two detachments in the Southwest region to earn a top 10% ranking this year.

“The recognition of Detachment 028 underscores the strength of our program and the exceptional students we develop,” said Dr. Ken Witcher, chancellor of the Prescott Campus. “It’s a credit to our faculty, staff and especially our cadets who embody the values of integrity first, service before self and excellence in all they do.”

Posted in Air Force, Press Release, Profession of Arms | Comments Off on Embry Riddle’s Air Force ROTC Programs Rank Among the Best in the Nation

ASA President Knox Williams Elected to the NRA Board of Directors

April 13th, 2025

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the American Suppressor Association (ASA) issued a statement following the announcement that Knox Williams, President and Executive Director of ASA, was elected to the National Rifle Association (NRA) Board of Directors.

“It is an honor to fight on behalf of firearm and suppressor owners across the country. The American Suppressor Association has worked diligently to advocate for the Second Amendment rights of all Americans, and this position allows me to take that critical work to a new level,” said Knox Williams, President and Executive Director of ASA. “I look forward to bringing a fresh perspective and representing the next generation of leaders in our community to this long-standing and important organization, so that we can protect and expand our rights for generations to come.”

“Knox has dedicated his career to defending and advancing the rights of law-abiding gun owners,” said Owen Miller, Vice President of ASA. “His leadership, drive, and unwavering commitment to our mission have been instrumental in shaping the success of the American Suppressor Association. We’re proud to see his hard work recognized by the broader firearms community.”

Click here to read the NRA’s full announcement on the 2025 Board Election Results: www.americanrifleman.org/content/2025-nra-board-election-results

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