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Mack Defense Wins Prototype Phase of Medium Tactical Truck (MTT) Development for U.S. Marine Corps

May 20th, 2025

ALLENTOWN, PA (May 19, 2025) – Following the initial development contract awarded last year, Mack Defense today announced they won the contract to produce two prototype vehicles for the next phase in the Medium Tactical Truck (MTT) program with the U.S. Marine Corps. The new family of vehicles will replace the Marine Corps’ Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement fleet (MTVR), which includes cargo, dump, wrecker, tractor and re-supply trucks supporting air-ground task force combat support missions.

The Marine Corps’ initial development requirements for the MTT fleet focused on cargo variants consisting of 10-, 15- and 20-foot cargo bed configurations with hybrid-electric technology for reduced fuel consumption, extended range and reduced noise for silent watch capabilities. A 70% off-road and 30% on-road mission profile will be supported by a 60-inch fording capability to traverse through deep water typically encountered during Marine Corps missions.

The prototype phase includes the development of two variants: a 4×4 configuration featuring a 10-foot cargo bed and a 6×6 configuration with a 20-foot cargo bed. The trucks share DNA with the Mack® Granite® but are specially designed to meet the specific requirements of the U.S. Marine Corps. The MTT prototypes incorporate significant technological advancements in driver safety and operational capability. These include advanced driver assistance features such as collision avoidance, blind-spot detection and vehicle dynamic control systems incorporating enhanced traction control and anti-lock brakes. The vehicles also feature hybrid-electric technology delivering improved fuel efficiency while enabling critical tactical advantages such as silent watch capabilities using extensive onboard power storage and generation and exportable power for other military systems.

“These prototypes represent the next generation of purpose-built, specialty vehicles for the Marine Corps,” said David Hartzell, president of Mack Defense. “By leveraging our commercial vehicle technology expertise and adapting it for military applications, we’re delivering a highly capable platform that can perform in the most challenging terrains, while incorporating advanced safety features and hybrid propulsion systems that meet the Marine Corps’ rigorous mission requirements.”

The MTT program emphasizes enhanced off-road mobility with vehicles designed for cross-country operation while maintaining optimal weight for improved fuel efficiency and payload capacity. The purpose-built design incorporates an open systems architecture that enables future autonomous capabilities and technology integration.

Construction of the prototypes will begin in the second half of 2025, with completion targeted for early fall. Following assembly, the vehicles will undergo comprehensive contractor performance testing at the Nevada Automotive Test Center (NATC) in the first half of 2026 before delivery to the Marine Corps.

Following the initial development contract awarded last year, Mack Defense today announced the production of two prototype vehicles for the next phase in the Medium Tactical Truck (MTT) program with the U.S. Marine Corps.

Mack Defense, a wholly owned subsidiary of Mack Trucks, is responsible for the sale of heavy-duty trucks to federal- and ministerial-level customers globally. For more information, please visit www.mackdefense.com.

U.S. Special Operations Command Hosts First Ever International Commander’s Forum to Build Generational Relationships During Special Operations Forces Week 2025

May 20th, 2025

TAMPA, FLORIDA, UNITED STATES

U.S. Special Operations Command kicked off Special Operations Forces Week 2025 with an International Commander’s Forum. The forum was attended by 311 participants from 61 countries with 78 Special Operations Forces units represented.

The Forum was incorporated this year directly based on recommendations after the 2024 SOF Week. USSOCOM’s international division recognized that the most valuable part of the week was the interaction between command teams. Maintaining strong networks, and developing generational relationships is strength of special operations.

Building generational relationships takes commitment. While SOF Week is fast paced, with the displays, panels, keynote speakers, so it was a deliberate effort to start the week with this Forum to set the tone. Gen. Bryan Fenton, commander U.S. Special Operations Command often says, “relationships are our competitive advantage.”

USSOCOM has always recognized the significant role that international partnerships play in accomplishing the mission of special operations forces around the globe. To grow and develop generational partnerships, the Command hosted more than 60 countries from around the world.

The conference was attended by King of Jordan Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein along with Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and the Chairman of the Joints Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine and current and retired senior military leaders.

“In today’s contested world SOF does not go alone. They go first, but they also go with partners. SOF’s ability to work by, with and through international partners pays huge dividends on our border, in the Indo-Pacific and around the world,” said Hegseth. “Partners, as I see so many of our partners right here in the front, are central to how SOF works. They must believe that America is strong, that peace through strength is real, then they want to come into our orbit and be force multipliers. I’m talking about generational relationships that we have built with partner forces around the globe.”

“The fusion of what we have in this room — interagency, industry, academia, practitioners, and policymakers — is tied together and galvanized towards irregular and asymmetric options,” said Fenton. “We’re the scalpel, but when the time comes, we can bring the hammer too.”

A special operations officer from Japan reflected on his relationship with U.S. SOF.

“My relationship with U.S. SOF has been built on trust, mutual respect, and shared experiences in the field. We’ve trained, planned, and operated together—not as separate forces, but as one team with a common mission. That connection has only deepened over time. Generational partnerships ensure that knowledge, values, and strategic alignment are passed down and sustained. I was surprised and deeply moved when I discovered that my jump buddy from 1st SFG ten years ago was now serving as J3-I Director, USSOCOM as my counterpart. In today’s rapidly evolving threat environment, it’s not just about the mission at hand—it’s about building a legacy of trust and collaboration that empowers future operators and leaders,” he said. “I want to express my deepest gratitude to the SOCOM community. Your commitment, humility, and professionalism have inspired me throughout my journey. To my partners—let’s continue building something greater than ourselves. The mission continues, and so does our unbreakable bond.”

A Jordanian special operations officer emphasized the strategic value of long-lasting relationships between allies.

“Our relationship is strategic, productive, and collaborative. This is an historical, long-lasting relationship that we will always maintain. Relationships continue to grow in unprecedented ways with an increase in joint combat operations and UAS development for both Special Operations organizations. Generational partnerships are also extremely important. We continue to build on our partnerships to reach a level of trust that leads us to greater interoperability, seamless integration, and eventual interdependence to fight together as force multipliers,” he said.

SOF employs a partnership model around the world to build partner nation security force capacity and capability. The intangible power of generational partnerships comes from thoughtful, deliberate, and persistent interactions that lead to partnerships, and this intentional effort is irreplaceable for advancing and protecting U.S. national security interests.

Story by Michael Bottoms  

U.S. Special Operations Command

A New Option for Treating High Blood Pressure is Available to United States Veterans

May 19th, 2025

Ultrasound Renal Denervation, a Proven Treatment for High Blood Pressure, is Available to Veterans Thanks to a Partnership Between Recor Medical and Recon Supply

ST. CHARLES, Mo., May 16, 2025 — Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is known as the “silent killer” because many people do not know they have it and, over time, it can lead to serious health issues. In fact, hypertension increases the risk of heart disease and stroke, two of the leading causes of death in the United States. The 2020 Veterans Health Administration (VHA) guidelines on hypertension define uncontrolled hypertension as a reading above or equal to 130/90 mmHg.1 66% of veterans diagnosed with hypertension are considered uncontrolled by the VHA’s guidelines.2

Hypertension treatment typically begins with a change in diet, like reducing salt intake, and physical exercise. For some, medication may also be prescribed. However, about one-third of the patients who are treated for hypertension remain uncontrolled despite making healthy lifestyle changes and taking more than three medications. For these patients, medical device-based hypertension therapies, like the Paradise™Ultrasound Renal Denervation (uRDN) system, may be an additional treatment option.

Army veteran Richard Van Name is one such patient who was looking for another way to treat his uncontrolled hypertension. An Army pilot for more than 30 years, Richard noticed his blood pressure was increasing during the later part of his service, and he was diagnosed with hypertension after retirement. Despite adjusting his lifestyle and taking progressively more medications, his blood pressure had not reached a normal level. That’s when his physician recommended that he consider the Paradise uRDN treatment, a one-time, safe and minimally invasive procedure that is clinically proven to reduce blood pressure.3-6

“My blood pressure was starting to creep up in the last part of my career, but they were still within the limits for the military. When I was first diagnosed with hypertension, my blood pressure was 178 over 100. Diet and exercise did not bring it down any, and the medication brought it down to around the 150 to 160 region,” said Richard. “My cardiologist was not satisfied that the maximum he had prescribed had not brought it down to where he thought was best. The doctor prescribed ultrasound renal denervation, and the procedure had definite results. My wife and I feel a lot better because it relieves us of the chances of heart attack or stroke.”

The Paradise uRDN system is a first-of-its-kind ultrasound-based RDN technology designed to lower blood pressure by denervating the sympathetic nerves surrounding the renal arteries, reducing the overactivity that can lead to hypertension. The Paradise uRDN system delivers two to three doses of 360-degree ultrasound energy—lasting seven seconds each—through the main renal arteries to the surrounding nerves. The Paradise catheter features the exclusive HydroCooling™ system, which circulates sterile water through the balloon catheter during the procedure to help protect the renal artery wall. This minimally invasive procedure is supported by many medical societies including the American Heart Association, the American College of Cardiology, the European Society of Cardiology and others.

Recor Medical—the manufacturer of the Paradise System—has partnered with Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) Recon Supply to support the distribution of the Paradise System through the VHA and Department of Defense.

Recor has been focused on developing and testing uRDN for the treatment of hypertension since 2009, and completed three independently powered, sham-controlled, randomized clinical trials, all which demonstrate the efficacy and safety of the Paradise System, leading to FDA approval in late 2023. Recor has also initiated the US Global Paradise System (GPS) Post-Approval Study to collect real-world clinical evidence with long-term follow-up in 1,000 patients with uncontrolled hypertension in the United States.

The Paradise uRDN system is indicated to reduce blood pressure as an adjunctive treatment in hypertension patients in whom lifestyle modifications and antihypertensive medications do not adequately control blood pressure. A physician will make a medical assessment to determine if a patient is a candidate for ultrasound renal denervation. The most common risks include pain, vascular access site complications and vasospasm. Full important risk information can be viewed here.

  1. Defense DoVAaDo. VA/DoD Clinical Practice Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of Hypertension in the Primary Care Setting. 2020.
  1. Yamada et al. J Hypertens. 2023 Apr 17;41(6):995–1002.
  2. Azizi et al. JAMA. 2023;329(8):651-661.
  3. Azizi et al. Lancet. 2018 Jun 9;391(10137):2335-2345.
  4. Azizi et al. Lancet. 2021 Jun 26;397(10293):2476-2486.
  5. Kirtane et al. JAMA Cardiol. 2023;8(5):464-473.

For more information on Recon Supply’s offerings, visit www.Recon-Supply.com or contact Recon Supply at 314-317-0300.

Sneak Peek – Minuteman Pack V2 from FullTang Tactical

May 19th, 2025

USMC ILBE meets FILBE meets modern patrol pack

FullTang Tactical says the Minuteman V2 pack is the most modular pack on the market.

It’s a 50 Liter ruck that attaches to Alice-style frames. The interior has a beavertail compression system, MOLLE grid, plush loop Velcro back wall, and large mesh pocket.

FullTang Tactical recommends the Frontier Resolve Fortitude Frame for this pack, and are selling these packs as a complete system with that frame soon. They will also be selling individual pieces as part of their B.A.R. (Build-A-Ruck) System.

Did I mention it is available in Woodland?

Coming soon from fulltangtactical.com.

Black Folium – Ground To Air Signal Kit

May 19th, 2025

Introducing the GTAS Kit, the larger and more advanced version of Black Folium’s popular ISKIT. Designed specifically for performing the Ground-To-Air Signal (GTAS) procedures according to STANAG standards, this kit includes everything you need for effective aerial communication.

The signal panel, inspired by the military VS-17, measures 180 x 60 cm and is made from ultra-lightweight materials. Despite its size, the entire kit weighs only 180 grams, making it easy to carry without compromising functionality.

Pouch is available in Black, Coyote, Ranger Green, and MultiCam.

Limited quantities in stock – order now!

blackfolium.com/products/gtas-kit

Newly Revealed Defence Company Tiberius Aerospace Launches “Sceptre” a Revolutionary New Ramjet 155mm Munition

May 19th, 2025

Tiberius Aerospace is a modern defence technology company built to empower the UK, US and their global allies with next generation weapon systems and AI powered solutions.

Tiberius is publicly announcing its flagship weapons program, Sceptre (TRBM 155HG), a revolutionary new liquid fuelled, 155mm Ramjet extended-range precision-guided artillery munition. Sceptre delivers superior precision and dramatically improves the cost effectiveness of all howitzer class artillery. This announcement coincides with the Future Artillery conference, London 20-22 May 2025.

Emerging today from stealth mode, Tiberius Aerospace was founded in 2022, in response to a new era of conflict where speed, adaptability, cost-effective capability and supply chain assurance are essential to national security. With its founders’ DNA rooted in Silicon Valley, Tiberius’ team of engineers, strategists and entrepreneurs are applying best practices, innovative design and engineering expertise from multiple commercial sectors to rapidly deliver high-impact, compliant, modular and open architecture weapon systems.

The first product to be announced by Tiberius Aerospace is Sceptre (TRBM 155HG) – a revolutionary new 155mm ramjet extended-range precision-guided ballistic munition reaching speeds of Mach 3.5 and altitudes in excess of 65,000 feet (beyond jamming range). Its unique design balances performance and operational efficiency (manufacturing, safety, maintenance and modularity) to deliver a next-generation munition for legacy artillery and future platforms. Sceptre has an extended range up to 150km depending on payload (max 5.2kg) and superior targeting precision with a circular error probability (CEP) of less than 5m, even in GPS contested battlespaces, compared
to over 100m for traditional artillery. Designed with the customer and end user foremost, the
system is fully compatible with NATO standard 155mm artillery platforms and its ignition system and limited barrel contact points minimises barrel degradation. To reduce the logistics burden, minimise storage and in-transit safety hazards, and maximise shelf life beyond 20 years, Sceptre uses a proprietary just-in-time, multi-fuel (diesel, JP-4 and JP-8) liquid propellent design.

Sceptre was designed to allow a cost down procurement model that broadens and strengths the supply chain, delivering better security, resiliency and cost efficiency. Its modular, open architecture allows for future software and hardware upgrades drawing on modern technology best practice. Its sophisticated guidance system has a simple user interface for target selection and supports an open API for 3rd party fire control platform integration. During flight, the onboard GPS and inertial measurement unit synchronise and leverage advanced AI to error correct to desired confidence levels, allowing operation in degraded or GPS denied environments. If needed, multiple munitions can communicate in-flight to further refine the targeting solution. Sceptre delivers a 10X solution – precision, cost-effective, long-range capability with minimal collateral damage.

Chad Steelberg, Founder and CEO of Tiberius Aerospace said: “Our mission is to deliver next-
generation weapon systems of outstanding capability with precision, scale and efficiency. The public launch of Sceptre today, the first of our Ramjet munitions, meets this goal and fills a critical capability gap by delivering long-range precision-guided effects in a high-quality cost-effective package. Tiberius’ innovation pipeline of products and services is engineered to catalyse a strategic leap in defence—empowering the UK, the US and their allies with unmatched agility, precision and rock-solid resilience.”

Aimpoint Introduces Active Law Enforcement Discount Program

May 19th, 2025

Manassas, Virginia – Aimpoint, the leading manufacturer and innovator of red dot sighting technology, announces the launch of its ACTIVE LAW ENFORCEMENT DISCOUNT PROGRAM, extending increased support of the professional end-user community by offering deeper discounts and priority access to Aimpoint® industry-leading optics.

Aimpoint stands behind the men and women who protect and serve our country. Whether the individual is an active-duty service member, veteran, first responder, or security contractor, the ACTIVE LAW ENFORCEMENT DISCOUNT PROGRAM ensures that professionals in critical roles have access to trusted, high-performance optics designed for duty use.

Completed within minutes at aimpoint.us/le-military-discount, the application and verification process allows quick access to establishing an account, where the exclusive pricing structure can be viewed. Additional benefits of the program include:

NEW purchase program for individual officers making premium AIMPOINT optics accessible whether on or off duty.

Streamlined account setup allows approval within minutes to begin using the program.

Exclusive communications for members, including early product announcements and insider news.

Professional training content curated by the Aimpoint Professional Training team.

Priority customer service. You are always our priority.

“With a legacy of commitment to our nation’s Law Enforcement and Military, Aimpoint prioritizes the needs of Professionals who require ultimate reliability in their gear, ” said Keith Parker, Director of Professional Sales & Training at Aimpoint. “We are pleased to extend the new discount program and the opportunity to support individuals’ duty and lifestyle needs.”

About Aimpoint

As the originator of red dot sighting technology, Aimpoint is trusted as the worldwide leader of reflex sights in both quality and technical support. For 50 years, AIMPOINT red dot sights have been the top choice of military, law enforcement, hunters, and sport shooters worldwide. For more information on AIMPOINT products, visit the company’s webpage: www.aimpoint.us

US Army Opens Recruiting for Robotics Warrant Officer MOS

May 19th, 2025

Last fall, I mentioned a that US Army Special Operations Command was adapting to the evolving face of warfare by creating a new Military Occupational Specialty. In true SOF fashion, they attacked the problem asymmetrically by adapting a career management field they had control over and using authorities to recruit talent into the warrant officer force. Now, it’s open for applications. If you are into emerging warfighting capabilities, this is the job for you. I’m jealous something like this wasn’t available when I was in.

MOS 390A Robotics Technician

The result is MOS 390A Robotics Technician, intended to enable and provide robotic and autonomous system solutions to tactical problems across all warfighting functions and domains during competition, crisis, and combat operations.  The 390A will be assigned to tactical formations at brigade/group-level and above.  This new MOS will be the subject matter expert for planning robotics and autonomous systems operations, integrating those operations into broader plans, engineering and fabricating robotic and autonomous system solutions to tactical problems, managing attritable systems and their kinetic and sensor payloads, and delivering those capabilities and effects in support of Soldiers at the tactical edge.

Eligibility:

a.  The MOS is open to all enlisted, officer, and warrant officer that are currently serving in Special Operations Forces Units. As there is no requirement for SFQC graduation, I hope to see some enablers applying.

i.  Enlisted: Open to all MOS and grades/ranks.

ii.  Warrant Officer: Applicants must be a graduate of the Warrant Officer Candidate School and a Warrant Officer Basic Course.  Must be a Chief Warrant Officer Two (CW2) with a minimum of one-year time in grade or Chief Warrant Officer Three (CW3) with no more than one-year time in grade.

iii.  Officer: Applicants open to all branches. Officers must be branch qualified.

b.  Must meet Army physical fitness and Army Height / Weight standards.

c.  Must possess a Secret clearance.

d.  Have no derogatory information in their OMPF, a referred NCOER or OER, or pending adverse action.

e.  Must be able to complete a 3-year tour following graduation from WOBC.

Packet Submission Deadline is Friday, 1 August 2025 

For full information, visit recruiting.army.mil/In-Service-Opportunities/US-Army-Warrant-Officer-Recruiting/Do-I-Qualify/WO-MOS-Feeder-List/39A-Robotics-Technician