Soldier Systems Daily Soldier Systems Daily

Sagewood Armament Para-Buckle – Sling Attachment

October 19th, 2024

We don’t see a lot of innovation these days, particularly with buckles, but Sagewood Armament has hit it out of the park with this one.

The Para-Buckle – Sling Attachment is available in two sizes: 1″ and 1.25″ and allows an interface between sling and weapon using 550 cord. I’m sure users are going to come up with 100 other ways to put it to good use as well.

Made from 1/8″ thick G10, the Para-Buckle is offered in OD Green and Black. Get them at sagewoodarmament.com/sling-hardware/para-buckle-g10-2-pack.

Posted in Materials, Weapon Accessories | 2 Comments »

Spread Warmth, Make a Difference! Send a Woobie to Western NC

October 19th, 2024

Western North Carolina still needs our help! As temperatures drop, the need for warmth is growing in WNC. We’re proud to announce our partnership with Uwharrie Outdoor Inc. to support relief efforts in the area. From now through December 31, for every Exfil Woobie Poncho Liner purchased, we’ll donate an identical one to those in need.

Now is the perfect time to buy—these woobies make the ideal gift for anyone who enjoys the outdoors or as a handy emergency item to keep in the truck. Get your holiday shopping done while making a difference in someone’s life!

Shop now and help spread warmth this season!

Exfil Woobie Poncho Liner

As cooler weather moves into Western North Carolina, the need for warmth has never been greater. First responders and volunteers are working tirelessly to provide essential items—like jackets and blankets—to those in need. But they can’t do it alone.

Here’s how you can help: From now until December 31, we’re partnering with Uwharrie Outdoor Inc. to support the community. For every woobie purchased, we will donate an identical one to the relief efforts in Western NC, helping provide comfort and warmth to those in need. Together, we can make a real difference.

Buy Now for $79.00 at raptortactical.com/exfil-woobie-poncho-liner.

Posted in Advertiser, Charity, Guest Post, Shelter | No Comments »

After a Year of Development, Army Releases Blue Book

October 19th, 2024

WASHINGTON — During the “Leading Change Brief” at the annual AUSA Annual Meeting & Exposition in Washington D.C. on Oct. 15, 2024, Sgt. Maj. of the Army, Michael A. Weimer, announced the U.S. Army has completed and released a digital Blue Book with a companion website. The Blue Book development was announced at last year’s AUSA Annual Meeting.

“You can’t build standards and discipline in a time of crisis,” Weimer said last year. “If we’re really going to be truly ready for large-scale combat operations, we have to have those standards and discipline before we get called upon for that.”

Command Sgt. Maj. Raymond S. Harris, U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, was tasked to lead the Blue Book development.

“To meet the SMA’s intent, we had to ensure that we created a digital version that can be accessed anywhere at any time on any device and that is what the team was able to do,” Harris said.

The purpose of the Army Blue Book is to support history, heritage, lineage, and standards and discipline while simultaneously reinforcing trust at echelon and strengthening the Army profession. The book also includes commonly violated or misunderstood standards. The Blue Book is based on the original intent of Baron von Steuben’s Regulations for the Order and Discipline of the Troops of the United States and will serve as the base for all unit standards books to create commonality and consistency throughout the Army.

The TRADOC team traveled to several installations across the Army to gather input for the Blue Book. “We wanted to hear from the force during Blue Book development,” said Sgt. Maj. Tyson Crosby, TRADOC Enlisted Initiatives Group and Blue Book lead planner. “We traveled to five installations, engaging with students and cadre from our Non-commissioned Officer Academies. We also solicitated input and insight from senior Army leaders.”

Although TRADOC was tasked with developing the Blue Book, Crosby said they wanted to ensure NCOs outside of TRADOC had input as well.

“The Blue Book mission was not a singular effort. We received great input and feedback from across the Army, making it a collaborative work. The Blue Book is for the entire Army and our overall plan reflects that,” Crosby said.

The final version of the Blue Book is 23 pages (three chapters), designed to be the first three chapters of a unit-level Blue Book. Once a user opens the Army Blue Book through the QR code, they can download the Blue Book PWA using the phones settings, which will create an app on the phone’s screen. In terms of useability, this will act no differently than app from an application store

Through Army University, TRADOC also developed a progressive web application centered around “Strengthening the Profession.” The webapp will serve as a leadership development and Army professionalism hub. It will also give users the ability to print a Blue Book PDF version. The Strengthening the Profession site will be contemporary and user friendly and will include hot topics, links to relevant sites, and professional articles all relevant to strengthening the Army profession and leadership. TRADOC will be the proponent of the site with regular reviews and updates.

The webapp can function like a native, downloadable app from an application store, but will require a QR code or the weblink to access first. When on the site, users can download the app that will take them directly to the site.

“The Army Blue Book was best developed as a PWA,” stated Matthew MacLaughlin, Army University’s mobile division chief. “The instructional designers determined how the info in the book would be optimized for the format, and then the computer scientists built the framework to ensure the execution is seamless and for all screen sizes.”

He added that while native applications have their place, the PWA format for publications allows for faster updates and provide a native-app experience for the user. The website can detect the user’s device type and will format accordingly.

Weimer said the Blue Book is for living by a standard and enforcing that standard amongst teams that are preparing for combat.

“Be disciplined and be brilliant at the basics,” Weimer said.

TRADOC will review the Blue Book content often and conduct updates as necessary.

The new Blue Book can be viewed online through the Central Army Registry website.

By SGM Jason Stadel

Posted in Army, Guest Post, Profession of Arms | 2 Comments »

GA-ASI Completes Full-Scale Fatigue Test on MQ-9B for Second Lifetime

October 18th, 2024

SAN DIEGO – 14 October 2024 – On Sept. 30, 2024, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (G A-ASI) completed a major milestone with the full-scale fatigue testing of an MQ-9B Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA). The team completed the “second lifetime” of fatigue testing, which is equivalent to 80,000 operating hours and represents an important step in validating the design of the airframe system. The testing is part of the aircraft certification to NATO standard STANAG 4671, where the aircraft will ultimately be tested through three lifetimes, thereby proving the 40,000-hour lifetime of the airframe.

The full-scale fatigue test simulates the aircraft’s design service through the application of repeated structural loading on the assembled airframe. The testing identifies any potential structural deficiencies ahead of fleet usage and assists in developing inspection and maintenance schedules for the airframe. The results of the test will be used as part of the documentation for certification and will form the basis for in-service inspections of structural components.

MQ-9B is GA-ASI’s most advanced RPA and includes the SkyGuardian® and SeaGuardian® models as well as the new Protector RG Mk1 that is currently being delivered to the United Kingdom Royal Air Force (RAF).

“Full-scale fatigue testing is an integral part of validating the airframe design and a key input for the certification of the airframe prior to entering service,” said Chris Dusseault, vice president of MQ-9B in Europe. “The completion of the fatigue test builds confidence for our MQ-9B customers that the SkyGuardian/SeaGuardian meets the stringent design rigor and is mature at Entry into Service.”

The testing is the validation of years of design and analysis efforts. This is the second of three lifetimes of testing for the airframe. Two of the lifetimes simulate the operation of an aircraft under normal conditions, and the third has intentional damage inflicted on the airframe’s critical components to demonstrate its resistance to operational damage that may occur over the lifetime of the air vehicle.

Testing was conducted from Jan. 31, 2024, through Sept. 30, 2024, at Wichita State University’s National Institute for Aviation Research in Wichita, Kansas. The airframe tested is a production airframe purpose-built to support the test campaign.

In addition to the RAF, contracts have been signed for MQ-9B with Belgium, Canada, Japan, Taiwan and the U.S. Air Force in support of the Special Operations Command. The Japan Coast Guard is currently operating the SeaGuardian for maritime operations, and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) selected SeaGuardian for its Medium-Altitude, Long-Endurance (MALE) RPA System Trial Operation Project.

Posted in Aviation, Press Release, UAS | No Comments »

At EDGE, Lockheed Martin Drives Advancements in AI, Crewed-Uncrewed Teaming and Networked Connectivity for U.S. Army

October 18th, 2024

The Big Picture

At several 2024 U.S. Army demonstrations such as Project Convergence and Army Futures Command’s Experimental Demonstration Gateway Event (EDGE), Lockheed Martin is demonstrating crewed-uncrewed teaming, uncrewed-uncrewed operations, Artificial Intelligence (AI)/Machine Learning (ML) and integrated systems in various missions relevant to 21st Century Security® in all domains including through the digital frontier.

During EDGE, Lockheed Martin conducted highly realistic air/ground teaming scenarios with uncrewed aerial and ground vehicles. A launched effect provided overwatch guidance for a quadruped that navigated urban terrain with human and vehicle obstacles. This technology is designed to operate in environments with degraded or intermittent communications, and scale to many uncrewed systems. Image courtesy DVIDS.

The Details

During EDGE, Lockheed Martin conducted successful AI and launched effects demonstrations including rapid integration into Lockheed Martin’s mission systems thanks to the company’s open architecture systems. Image courtesy DVIDS.

During EDGE, Lockheed Martin conducted highly realistic air/ground teaming scenarios with uncrewed aerial systems (UAS), acting as launched effects surrogates, and uncrewed ground vehicles (UGV).

In one mission scenario, a launched effect provided autonomous overwatch guidance for a quadruped that navigated urban terrain with human and vehicle obstacles. This technology is designed to operate in environments with degraded or intermittent communications, and scale to many uncrewed systems.

The successful demonstrations included rapid integration into Lockheed Martin’s mission systems thanks to the company’s open architecture systems.

The scenario played out in the Air-Ground Littoral, an area where the majority of Army operations, both air and ground occur.

Lockheed Martin sees the Air-Ground Littoral as the space primarily occupied by ground forces, supporting helicopters and launched effects, between the ground and up to a few thousand feet of altitude.

Expert Perspectives

Dan Morrison, technical program manager, Lockheed Martin

“Our experimentation is refining autonomous, collaborative behaviors and proving out AI/ML systems in a realistic and challenging environment. Ultimately, this will further enable commanders to better integrate humans and machines in formation and offer increased standoff and reduced workload for Soldiers.”

Michael Harasimowicz, director, AI Innovations, Lockheed Martin

“AI enabling technologies are critical for the U.S. Army to harness decision advantage by extending and expanding sensor understanding at the edge of the battlespace. One day very soon you will see a mission where a Black Hawk helicopter sends information to launched effects that is out ahead of the fight and communicates with a UGV for first contact with the opposing force.”

Going Deeper: The Lockheed Martin AI Center

Lockheed Martin’s AI Center (LAIC), and the experience of our Applied AI researchers combined with the expertise of teammates who are U.S. Army veterans led to the successes at EDGE.

Fifteen members of the LAIC went to Yuma to support EDGE to support five separate AI-enabled capabilities.

“We are demonstrating our suite of AI capabilities for coordinated use and intuitive control across the Air and Ground domain featuring the Lockheed Martin Stalker uncrewed system and a Spot®, Boston Dynamics Quadruped Robot,” said Harasimowicz. “This synchronization of airborne and ground-based defenses demonstrates Lockheed Martin’s commitment to Force Protection Technologies, a key mission for the U.S. Army.”

Posted in Press Release, Robotics, UAS | No Comments »

High Speed Gear Products Group to Showcase at IACP 2024 Annual Conference and Exposition

October 18th, 2024

SWANSBORO, NC – October 18th, 2024 – High Speed Gear® (HSG), along with its subsidiary brands BlackPoint Tactical®, Comp-Tac®, and Crucial Concealment®, is participating in the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Annual Conference and Exposition from October 19th through the 22nd of 2024. Held in Boston, Massachusetts, the IACP Conference is one of the largest and most impactful law enforcement events of the year, attracting over 16,000 public safety professionals from around the globe.

At Booth #1777, High Speed Gear Products Group will showcase its latest innovations in tactical gear, holsters, and accessories, designed to meet the evolving needs of law enforcement professionals. High Speed Gear and its brands are dedicated to providing high-quality, mission-driven solutions that help law enforcement officers operate at their best, whether in the field or on duty.

“We are excited to return to the IACP Annual Conference and Exposition this year,” said Gary Robbins, Director of Law Enforcement and Government at High Speed Gear. “This event is an invaluable opportunity to engage with public safety professionals, showcase our best-in-class gear, and demonstrate how our products can make a real difference in the lives of officers on the front lines.”

Attendees will have the opportunity to explore a wide array of products, including High Speed Gear’s renowned TACO® pouches, Comp-Tac’s durable and customizable holsters, BlackPoint Tactical’s high-performance concealment solutions, and Crucial Concealment’s innovative EDC (everyday carry) gear. Each brand is committed to providing law enforcement with equipment that enhances safety, functionality, and comfort.

The IACP Annual Conference and Exposition is a cornerstone event for public safety professionals, offering four days of world-class training, invaluable networking opportunities, and an expansive exhibit hall featuring more than 600 vendors. Visitors to the expo will have the chance to meet directly with High Speed Gear’s team of experts, who will be on hand to provide product demonstrations, answer questions, and discuss how their gear can support the specific needs of law enforcement agencies.

For more information or to set up a time to meet, please reach out to gary.robbins@highspeedgear.com.

Posted in Advertiser, LE, Press Release, Tradeshow | No Comments »

Jack Carr x BCM Mod 4 Pistol Grip

October 18th, 2024

The Bravo Company USA x Jack Carr Mod 4 Pistol Grip is here.

Featuring the Crossed Tomahawks design, it’s available in Black and Flat Dark Earth, and it’s made right here in the USA. With improved ergonomics, aggressive texture, and a streamlined fit, this grip isn’t just gear, it’s a game-changer.

Ready to upgrade your rifle? Head to the website now and get yours today.

shop.officialjackcarr.com/products/bcm-x-jack-carr-mod-4-pistol-grip

Posted in Advertiser, Guest Post, Weapon Accessories | No Comments »

GM Defense Debuted “Next Gen” Tactical Vehicle at AUSA 2024

October 18th, 2024

GM Defense, a subsidiary of General Motors (GM), unveiled its new “Next Gen” tactical vehicle prototype at this week’s AUSA 2024, the annual meeting and exposition of the Association of the U.S. Army.

Based on the Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD ZR2 truck, the rugged and durable Next Gen combines GM’s 2.8L Duramax® turbo-diesel engine with a 12-module battery pack, in addition to drive motors for the front and rear axles that enable Silent Drive and Silent Watch, technologies that make the vehicles harder to detect.

Side view of GM Defense’s Next Gen tactical vehicle

The technologies enable stealthy ingress and egress through high threat zones, with onboard power to support high-energy-demand sensors, shooters, and Soldier kit. The vehicles offer active and passive safety features, including roll-over protection, anti-lock braking, electronic stability control, four- and five-point seat belt harnesses, and 360-degree camera capabilities.

“Our Next Gen vehicle is a game-changing mobility solution that delivers tactically significant capabilities by integrating GM’s proven commercial technologies,” said Steve duMont, president of GM Defense. “This rugged and highly capable diesel-powered vehicle offers tactical advantages, such as Silent Operations, exportable power, and increased range with extended mission duration. Our warfighters deserve the latest technology that industry can offer in order to gain and maintain competitive advantage over our adversaries. Our Next Gen mobility solution can be customized and fielded now.”

Next Gen offers the following tactical advantages:

• Silent Drive and Silent Watch, enabling low acoustic and thermal signatures;

• Exportable power capable of charging mission systems;

• Tactically significant range with extended mission duration;

• Designed to be autonomy-ready with manned and unmanned options; and

• Add-on armor capable.

In addition, Next Gen provides sustainment benefits, including:

• Fuel demand reduction;

• The ability to use existing JP8 fuel infrastructure;

• Lower maintenance requirements from reduced parts and subsystems in the overall propulsion system; and

• Reduced logistics tail for fuel, batteries, and vehicle parts.

“Next Gen’s ‘wow’ factor is right behind the wheel,” said John ‘JD’ Johnson, vice president of GM Defense’s Government Solutions and Strategy Division. “Customers need to drive this highly capable vehicle to see, feel, and hear the benefits. Next Gen fundamentally changes the discussion around modern mobility through the tactical benefits delivered by its propulsion system, including its ability to address the power gap in the formation. This highly capable tactical vehicle leverages billions of dollars of investments GM has made in R&D and innovation to enhance warfighter capability. We encourage customers to test drive it so that we can get these capabilities fielded immediately.”

Next Gen is offered in two-, four-, and six-seat configurations. The vehicle will be optimized to support multi-mission capabilities, including command and control, launched effects, network extension, counter unmanned aerial systems anti-armor, casualty evacuation, and other critical missions.

Posted in AUSA, Mobility, Power, Press Release | 8 Comments »