Soldier Systems Daily Soldier Systems Daily

Air Force Specialty Code 14F – Information Operations Officer

June 23rd, 2018

In mid-May Chief Of Staff of the Air Force, Gen Dave Goldfein awarded four officers the new Information Operations occupational badge. Although it’s hard to see in this photo, it features a Trojan Horse, long associated with deception in war. In fact, the practitioners of this field, also have a new Air Force Specifically Code, 14F to go along with the badge. In the past, these functions were performed generally by Intelligence Officers (AFSC 14N), unrated Staff Officers (16G), and Behavioral Scientists (61B) based on ad-hoc training for duty positions.

This is an officer AFSC which uses information-related capabilities to influence, disrupt, corrupt or usurp the decision making of selected audiences to create desired effects.

Currently, part of their qualification includes attending Military Information Support Operations aka PSYOPS training with the Army at Ft Bragg, as well as Courses in Tactical Deception and Operations Security.

However, the Air Force is standing up a new schoolhouse at Hurlburt Field, Florida, which is coincidentally the headquarters of the Air Force Special Operations Command. A new 15-week course will come online in 2019 and focus specifically on the Air Force application of IO.

The careerfield itself remains small, but there are multiple IO Squadrons within the Air Force which conduct a wide variety of intelligence functions. This is sure to lead to confusion about the specialized focus of the 14F AFSC.

Photos via CSAF twitter feed.

Posted in Air Force, ISR, Training | 10 Comments »

Mounts Plus – M240 Bullet Bag

June 23rd, 2018

Officially called the Balanced Ammunition Delivery System (B.A.D.S.), it will work with the FN MAG/M-240 and the German MG3 machine guns.

BADS accommodates up to 125 rounds of ammo to be easily loaded by the gunner within ten seconds while in a standing or sitting position. This increased ammo capacity enables the gunner to engage the target for up to 150% more time on target while on assault, on patrol, or in a hasty defensive position without a need to change the ammo box. Rather than placing the weight of the ammunition to the side of the weapon, BADS puts less stress on the operator and the M240 system. Additionally, unlike legacy ammo boxes, the ammunition deflection plate ensures spent cartridges are ejected away from the gunner.

www.mountsplus.com/blog/balanced-ammunition-delivery-system-b-d-s-fn-magm-240-german-mg3-machine

Tags: Mounts Plus
Posted in Weapon Accessories | 7 Comments »

Ask SSD – Where Can I Get A KCRF Patch?

June 23rd, 2018

There are two ways to get a “Keep Calm and Return Fire” Patch.

The first is to run into me at one of the many industry events I attend each year and do for one.

The second way is to purchase one from my friend Dave at Mojo Tactical in Honolulu, Hawaii. Since most people don’t make it go Honolulu regularly, it’s a good thing his website is back up. He offers the patch in multiple colors, but this one remains my favorite.

mojotactical.com

Posted in Ask SSD, KCRF | 6 Comments »

Defoor Proformance Shooting 1st Qtr 2019 Course Calendar Opens Tomorrow

June 22nd, 2018

Giving everyone a heads up, Defoor Proformance Shooting’s first quarter 2019 classes will be available at 0630 Eastern, tomorrow morning. Kyle promises new, proven curriculum for 2019 plus some surprises.

Historically, classes fill quickly. There will be full sellouts in 3 of the 5 locations within minutes of posting. The other two dangerously close from what they’ve been told by the hosts.

defoor-proformance-shooting.myshopify.com

Tags: Defoor Proformance Shooting
Posted in Training | 2 Comments »

L3 and Optics 1 Awarded Opportunity to Provide Small Tactical Optical Rifle Mounted Micro-Laser Range Finder to US Army

June 22nd, 2018

The Department of Defense recently announced that L3 Technologies and Optics 1 are the two vendors who will compete for each one the of Small Tactical Optical Rifle Mounted Micro-Laser Range Finders (STORM) for the US Army.

L3 Technologies Inc., Londonderry, New Hampshire (W91CRB-18-D-0007); and Optics 1 Inc., Bedford, New Hampshire (W91CRB-18-D-0008), will compete for each order of the $236,019,734 firm-fixed-price contract for the Small Tactical Optical Rifle Mounted Micro-Laser Range Finder. Bids were solicited via the Internet with two received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of June 20, 2025. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, is the contracting activity.

The program has been around for many years. This 2013 video from PEO Soldier goes over the basic attributes of STORM. Hoever, new systems procured from this contract will offer improved performance.

Seen here is the STORM PI by L3 Insight Technologies.

It offers integrated infrared (IR) illumination and aiming lasers (IR and variable), and a Digital Magnetic Compass (DMC). When operated in conjunction with a GPS, may be used to display target location as geo-spatial coordinates (grid or slant). When weapon-mounted, the visible aim laser enables the STORM to be co-aligned with existing optics, and the IR illuminator and IR aim laser facilitate target acquisition and aiming in low ambient light conditions.

The Optics 1 offering is said to be a larger version of their Integrated Compact Ultralight Gun-Mounted Rangefinder (I-CUGR), seen above, with improved capabilities.

Tags: L3, Optics 1
Posted in Contracts, Optics, Sensors | 6 Comments »

Rogan Tools

June 22nd, 2018

Rogan Tools offers a variety of pry bars, sized to fit in PALS channel for easy carry.

Seen here is the REX (Rescue.Escape.Xtract.). It is Made in the USA from carbon steel with a paracord handle. The REX measures: 3/8″ thick x 1″ wide x 8″ long

As you can see, this is a tool, intended for multiple tasks. There are models available, in various sizes.

roganusa.com

Tags: Rogan Tools
Posted in Knives | 2 Comments »

Texas Department of Public Safety Selects SIG SAUER P320

June 22nd, 2018

NEWINGTON, N.H., (June 20, 2018) – Today, SIG SAUER, Inc., announced the Texas Department of Public Safety (TXDPS) has integrated the SIG SAUER P320 as its official service firearm throughout its divisions.

The Texas Department of Public Safety is the statewide agency responsible for law enforcement and vehicle registration headquartered in Austin, Texas. The TXDPS is one of the largest law enforcement agencies in the country and is comprised of thirteen divisions including the Texas Highway Patrol, and the Texas Rangers.

“We are proud to continue our long-standing relationship with the Texas Department of Public Safety and honored that they have chosen the SIG SAUER P320 as their official service firearm,” began Tom Jankiewicz, Executive Vice President, Law Enforcement Sales, SIG SAUER, Inc. “The modularity and ability to customize the P320 pistol, combined with the ultimate in reliability and accuracy, made it the right choice for the diverse needs, across all divisions, for the Texas Department of Safety.”

The P320 is a modular, striker-fired pistol available in full-size, carry, compact, and subcompact sizing. The serialized trigger group makes the P320 adaptable to multiple caliber, size, and grip options. The P320 is available in 9mm, .357SIG, 40S&W, and .45ACP, with a choice of contrast, or SIGLITE Night Sights. The intuitive 3-point takedown requires no trigger pull for disassembly, and safety features include a striker safety, disconnect safety, and optional manual safety.

The Texas Department of Public Safety will acquire 4,000 SIG SAUER P320 pistols for official service use throughout the TXDPS Highway Patrol, Criminal Investigations Divisions (CID), Aircraft Division, Executive Protection Bureau, Intelligence and Counterterrorism, Texas Rangers, SWAT, and Special Operations Group.

“To earn the confidence of such a highly revered law enforcement agency is truly a privilege for all of us within the SIG SAUER organization. We value and appreciate the opportunity to assist the men and women of the Texas Department of Public Safety in carrying out its mission – to protect and serve the citizens of Texas,” concluded Jankiewicz.

www.sigsauer.com

Tags: Sig Sauer
Posted in Advertiser, Contracts, LE, Press Release, weapons | 2 Comments »

Sneak Peek – Board Shorts from LBX Tactical

June 22nd, 2018

These upcoming Board Shorts from LBX Tactical are yet another indicator of the brand’s continued effort to expand into different areas while keeping the Tactical customer as their core focus.