Via social media the Army dropped this image regarding the announced the establishment of the Army Mariner and Mountaineer badges in ALARACT 025/2025 and 026/2025.
The Mariner Badges will recognize proficiency in mariner operations at three different levels of expertise and the Mountaineer badge will recognize proficiency in mountaineering operations.
FORT IRWIN, Calif. (March 11, 2025) – The Army’s Next Generation Command and Control effort is reaching a critical milestone at Project Convergence Capstone 5, where commanders and Soldiers are employing new capabilities in realistic mission scenarios and conditions.
Next Generation Command and Control, known as NGC2, aims to provide the integrated information framework that commanders need to make rapid decisions across warfighting functions, giving them an edge over adversaries. NGC2 will also enable Army tactical units to operate faster and more dispersed by providing lighter, more mobile and survivable network and C2 equipment.
“What we’re trying to do is take these emerging technologies where we can get this data better and faster to execute,” said Lt. Col. Tad Coleman, commander of the 2-37 Armor Battalion, 1st Brigade, 1st Armored Division (1/1 AD). “The technology in Next Generation C2 is the stuff a majority of people are seeing and already doing (in their daily lives). It’s just that now, it’s at the fingertips of the commander.”
After a year of NGC2 technical experimentation in lab and field environments, the Project Convergence Capstone 5 (PCC5) experiment taking place within the operational rigors of the National Training Center is serving as a “proof of principle” for the Army to assess progress with the approach before transitioning to prototyping.
NGC2 is focused at the 3-star headquarters and below to provide a “full stack” of capabilities from applications to edge compute and tactical communications links. At PCC5, the 1/1AD, 82nd Airborne Division, and 18th Airborne Corps are utilizing elements of NGC2 experimental capabilities to execute offensive and defensive operations at speed, scale, and distance, attempting to achieve shared understanding of the battlefield and improve decision-making at all echelons.
Although early in the experiment, Soldiers and leaders at PCC5 said they saw the value of NGC2 in providing faster communications, smaller form factors, more complete data across warfighting functions, and ease of training and use as compared with legacy systems.
“It is really good information that is passed a lot faster,” said Staff Sgt. Paul Johnson, a section sergeant in Alpha Company, 2-37 Armor Battalion.
At PCC5, NGC2 experimental technology – including applications, data infrastructure, software, and hardware such as tablets, end user devices, and mobile communications equipment – has been integrated onto the armor battalion’s tactical vehicles, as well as brigade, division, and corps nodes. However, Army officials emphasized that the equipment at PCC5 is not a final product, and solutions will continue to evolve based on upcoming prototype contract awards and continuous iteration of requirements and user input.
The ability to avoid vendor lock, and flexibility to make quick changes to functionality based on Soldier needs, are key Army priorities in developing the NGC2 approach. Even ahead of PCC5, Army Futures Command made updates based on Soldier feedback received from 1/1 AD at a touchpoint in January.
“We were able to generate more Soldier feedback, and since we’ve been out here (at Project Convergence) we’ve actually seen a lot of that integrated and incorporated,” said Capt. Nathan Kraemer, brigade AS3 (operations officer), 1/1 AD. “It’s very intuitive, the functionality of it. That really opened our eyes, and everyone was excited to use this. Now, we are just seeing how it can contribute, take effect, and change the way we fight.”
Breaking down information siloes and stovepipes across warfighting functions, locations, and echelons for a common understanding of the battlefield has the potential to significantly change operations, users said.
“I fully believe that you cannot win any war without communications,” said Sfc. Victor Norman-Morris, a communications section chief in 2-37 Armor Battalion. “I don’t care if it’s bullets, logistics – if you can’t talk to whoever you’re trying to, to get whatever you need, you’re not going to be able to do it. At every echelon, everybody (must be) able to talk and sync and be on the same page so we can continue moving forward and completing our missions successfully.”
For example, Sfc. Joshua Holland, a platoon sergeant in Alpha Company, 2-37 Armor Battalion, said using NGC2 at PCC5 enabled him to gather more real-time data to “paint a picture” of the battlefield that provided greater situational awareness to his platoon leader.
“She can control everything that she has to control, and I can continue to paint that picture, and the system I’m [using] right now is making it a lot easier to do that in a quicker time,” Holland said. “You can get a visual image of something and simultaneously share that with your counterparts. Even if it’s something simple like sending a message saying, ‘Hey, can you see this?’ and you share it and it’s an immediate response back and forth.”
Project Convergence is the Army’s premier experimentation event that brings operational units and industry teams together in a complex real world operational environment to test ideas, concepts, and promising technology. The lessons and observations captured during PCC5 will directly inform Army decisions to refine requirements documents, prioritize funding, and invest to accelerate promising technologies.
For NGC2, the operational feedback received through PCC5 will inform updates to requirements including the Capability Characteristics of Need (CoN) document, which is consistently updated to reflect the evolving needs of the warfighter and technology progress.
NGC2 is executed in partnership by the Army Futures Command (AFC) and the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology (ASA(ALT)). The AFC product owner and ASA(ALT) program manager will work together to plan and rapidly execute capability drops in concert with the operational force.
By Claire Heininger, U.S. Army Futures Command C2 CFT
Savox Communications, a global leader in mission-critical communications and hearing protection solutions, proudly announces the commencement of cooperation with northern European customer.
Under this multi-million-level cooperation deal, Savox will provide mounted audio systems to a Northern European customer. This agreement also sets the foundation for future collaboration and potential expansions in the region.
The scope of the cooperation includes the delivery of the Savox IMP Intercom system for integration into existing military vehicle ?eets. The Savox IMP system is an advanced, digital intercom solution designed for use on both land and sea platforms. Engineered for the most demanding environments, the system is highly scalable, allowing seamless expansion from small con?gurations to large, complex installations, ensuring effective communication across all vehicle categories.
A key highlight of this cooperation is the rapid development and deployment of new features based on the end-user’s requirements. This demonstrates Savox’s core values of trust, innovation, teamwork, and perseverance. By working closely with the end-user, Savox has been able to tailor its solutions to meet real operational challenges efficiently and effectively.
The Savox IMP System streamlines both internal and external communications, facilitating seamless interactions among vehicle crew members and command structures. Its ability to enable multiple talk groups and secure access levels ensures optimal situational awareness and control at all times.
“We are honored by the trust placed in Savox,” said Janne Pöllänen, SVP Head of Global Sales and Business Development at Savox Communications.
“This order is a proof of the close cooperation established from the very beginning and re?ects our commitment to delivering innovative, mission-critical solutions tailored to the evolving needs of modern defense and security forces. At Savox, we prioritize understanding our customers’ needs and continuously learning from them, fostering a foundation of mutual trust and reliable cooperation. We look forward to further strengthening this partnership in the future.”
For further information about Savox and its range of advanced communication solutions, please visit www.savox.com.
The STUB SBNVG Battery Adapter delivers mission-critical power for your SBNVGs with a secure twist-lock mechanism for fast, one-handed battery swaps. Designed for the modern warfighter, it features an additional USB port for powering essential gear and universal mounting options for seamless helmet integration.
For more information about the STUB, contact them at freedom-atlantic.com/contact
Hot on the heels of the ALARACT announcing the new Army Mountaineering badge, the design has leaked via LinkedIn and it features a Ram’s Head.
Here are a couple of points:
– Guidelines should be ‘official’ in 60 days, per the message.
– 120 days or so until they’re available for purchase.
– This should cover any Echo Qualified Soldier.
MARYVILLE, TN., (3/18/2025) – Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. (NASDAQ Global Select: SWBI), a leader in firearm manufacturing and design, is pleased to announce the release of the M&P FPC chambered in 10mm Auto.
The optics-ready FPC, now chambered in 10mm, utilizes a blowback design and is equipped with three 15-round double-stack M&P M2.0 pistol magazines. It features an integrated recoil buffer system, an overall length of 30 ¨ü inches, and can fold to a compact length of 16 ¨ü inches for easy storage. The horizontal folding mechanism of the FPC provides a locking latch to ensure secure transport and prevents interference with most top-mounted optics or accessories. Its 9/16-24 threaded muzzle can be paired with the user¡¯s preferred suppressor, while the in-stock magazine storage facilitates fast and efficient reloading.
The M&P FPC handguard features an upper Picatinny rail and M-LOK¢ç slots for accessories, a flat-face trigger with a crisp break, and interchangeable palmswell grip inserts for comfort. It also includes a carrying bag with multiple storage compartments to keep components and accessories organized and secure. In addition to the new standard 10mm model, Smith & Wesson now also offers a compliant version that shares the same feature set but includes three 10-rounds magazines.
For more information on the M&P FPC, visit www.smith-wesson.com
Following a couple years of sickness and recovery, Jacobite Solutions has moved into a new shop in their home town of Aberdeen, Scotland.
Bigger Space, Bigger Projects-
The new space not only features a better space for JS branded kit, but also a more elaborate display for their TUFF DUGZ brand of heavy-duty dog equipment, as well as more space for their ever growing offering of surplus/pre-owned kit.
But the new premises isn’t just a shop, having more space to work means Jacobite Solutions now has room to work on bigger, more substantial projects.
“I’ve always wanted to push more into the equipment manufacturing side of things, but never really had the space to do so. Now, with the new shop, it not only gives greater shelf space that also lets customers come in and browse, but also space for me to really lay out projects, both product and R&D wise.” -Rob, Director of Jacobite Solutions
S.E.R.E Kit updates-
One of the things JS is best known for (aside from the memes) is its offering of S.E.R.E kit. With the new shop, what plans does JS have for this area this year?
“In terms of S.E.R.E kit, this year will be solely focused on re-visiting the current line-up, seeing where things can be improved or perhaps even designed altogether. The S.E.R.Espace has been really busy the past couple of years, with all the ongoings in Europe and the Middle East. Now the mad rush for kit has settled, I can finally sit down and pick at ideasthat I never got around to before I became ill.”
What else is to come?-
With a new found health and momentum, what else does Jacobite Solutions have in the pipeline?
“This year will certainly busy. Outside of the S.E.R.E kit, our belts have proven popular, especially with local Law Enforcement, so there’ll certainly be more to come in that area. There’s also our brand of heavy-duty dog accessories that’s really starting to mature now, both in terms of the off-the-shelf stuff and the custom work. Of course, we’ll still continue to offer our 3D printing and repairs service, as well as all the other custom work we do and our surplus/pre-owned kit catalogue is also growing more and more, so it’s really a war on all fronts this year that may even involve employing someone and, with the way things are going, potentially a bigger space. Obviously, considering not too long ago I was near death in hospital with an illness that has taken me almost 2 years to return to some kind of normal, it’s been crazy how things have grown and I don’t think I’ll get over just how supportive and understanding both my customers and others in the community have been.”
Jacobite Solutions can now be found on Summerhill Drive, Aberdeen, Scotland. They ship internationally and offer both off-the-shelf and custom work, as well as consultancy services.
The Ministry of Defense codified and allowed the domestically produced ground robotic complex “Lyut” to be operated in the units of the Defense Forces of Ukraine. It is designed to perform a wide range of tasks in difficult conditions. In particular, to conduct surveillance and fire support for the actions of our units. This was reported by the Main Directorate for Support of the Life Cycle of Weapons and Military Equipment.
The robotic complex “Lyut” has been tested in real combat conditions. The robot is armed with a 7.62 caliber machine gun and additional equipment, thanks to which it can detect and hit targets both day and night. The NRC is quite compact – it fits in the body of a military pickup truck, equipped with a silent electric motor. The capacity of the batteries is enough for a fairly long time of operation. The NRC has a fairly high clearance, which allows you to move steadily on terrain with difficult terrain. “Fury” works at a wide range of temperatures.
The operator controls the complex from a protected position without being exposed to danger. The main task of ground robots is to strengthen our units and replace the soldier in the most dangerous areas.
We remind the manufacturers of military equipment that useful information on the procedure for codification of new types of weapons and military equipment can be found here.
Photo provided by the manufacturer
This is a translated press release from the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine
