Soldier Systems Daily Soldier Systems Daily

New Fit Exchange by DXL + Military & First Responders Discount Offers New Savings for All Big + Tall Men

April 6th, 2025

CANTON, Mass., April 2, 2025 — Destination XL Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: DXLG), the leading integrated-commerce retailer specializing in Big + Tall men’s clothing and shoes, is proud to announce two new cost-saving initiatives designed to bring a heightened level of exceptional value and recognition to its guests – our newly announced Fit Exchange by DXL program and a program supporting those who serve us all.

In late February, Fit Exchange by DXL launched, offering customers an easy way to donate clothing and refresh their wardrobe, while giving back. Customers can bring in clothing that no longer fits them to any of the 250+ DXL Big + Tall or Casual Male XL locations and receive 20% off their in-store purchase of new, better-fitting styles. All donated items will be distributed locally, supporting those in need within the community.

“At DXL, we believe every man deserves clothing that fits perfectly, so he can look good and feel good.” said Harvey Kanter, President and Chief Executive Officer of DXL. “That said, we are dedicated to continuing to find ways to provide value at a time when customers are really looking for it.”

The next exciting announcement is the introduction of the DXL Heroes Discount. This exclusive 15% discount is available to active military personnel, veterans, first responders, healthcare workers, and teachers – both in-store at DXL Big + Tall and Casual Male XL locations, as well as online at DXL.com.

As a token of appreciation for their dedication, this program helps these everyday heroes refresh their wardrobes with great-looking styles that fit comfortably. By teaming up with GOVX, the largest online marketplace dedicated to serving those who serve, DXL will be added to a list of respected retailers offering such discounts.

“These new initiatives are about more than just savings – they’re about empowering our guests to step into the styles they love and to wear what they want,” Kanter went on to say. “Whether it’s through our Fit Exchange by DXL program or exclusive discount honoring heroes, we’re here to ensure every man can find the perfect fit and embrace his unique style.”

Posted in Clothing, Off-Duty, Press Release, Veterans | Comments Off on New Fit Exchange by DXL + Military & First Responders Discount Offers New Savings for All Big + Tall Men

Practicum Prepares Students for Division Assignments in Large Scale Combat Operations

April 6th, 2025

THE ARMY UNIVERSITY, FORT LEAVENWORTH, Kansas – Classrooms at the Command and General Staff College, organized to replicate a real division command post, were a flurry of communications and activity March 26-28, 2025, as students participated in a Division Offensive Operation practicum.

Significant time was devoted to conducting a targeting working group, which was a student led replication of division staff directing combat actions and setting conditions for division offensive operations in a large-scale combat operation.

Additionally, students benefited from on-the-spot mentoring from experienced leaders.

Department of the Army Tactics Instructors, Matt McKinley and Brian Leakey, bring decades of technical and education experience.

Two targeting warrant officers, CW4 Calvin Cameron and CW3 Jerry Burks, enhanced student understanding through candid conversation based on their operational experience with targeting.

Students who complete the practicum are prepared for their future roles as division staff officers responsible for providing recommendations to commanders to lead their organizations in combat.

“In our first field grade roles as junior majors, our job is to integrate operations at echelon within the division,” Cpt. Michael West, CGSOC student stated. “This past year has been an opportunity to learn from the different branches in our small group and understand how to synchronize information, planning, and execution preparation. Over the last three weeks, the opportunity to see this at the division level was good preparation before going into our next job.”

Students had specific roles and were responsible to identify and nominate targets for the division, corps, and joint assets to enable a division offensive operation 24-96 hours out from execution.

Planning and preparing the operation in detail, rehearsals in time and space, and constant communication across cells ensured synchronization of the overall operation across multiple echelons and divergent staff sections.

Maj. Stewart Tice filled the role of a division chief of staff and shared that the TWG allows participants to understand the various roles and functions in warfighting and how those processes integrate across time.

“We learned to conduct current operations while leaning forward to determine what we are doing next, or how we respond if something happens,” Tice said. “It’s thinking beyond where we were in our careers, focused on here and now; and thinking what we need to do today, to enable the brigade’s success tomorrow.”

To culminate the event, students presented an after-action review to leadership.

“Everything we do training wise is meant to replicate real-world experiences we will face when we go back to the force,” Maj. James Corbitt said. “This is a good, immersive exercise to see the way rotations are run, practice processes, and take feedback with the AAR, as it’s the major last part of the military operations process.”

Reviewing and assessing outcomes of actions and decisions as division staff during a large-scale combat operation captures lessons learned and reinforces the learning objectives.

“Before attending CGSS, I completed a broadening assignment with the Mission Command Training Program. I realized our discussions before execution were very similar to what takes place at MCTP, so this is a sign of success,” West stated.

By Jessica Brushwood, The Army University Public Affairs Office

Posted in Army, Guest Post, Profession of Arms | Comments Off on Practicum Prepares Students for Division Assignments in Large Scale Combat Operations

Laura Burgess Marketing (LBM) Announces Ashley Burgess Gall as President

April 5th, 2025

Ashley Burgess Gall will take over the leadership role at the 22-year-old PR and marketing firm, while founder Laura Burgess will take on an advisory role.

Ashley Burgess Gall, President, LBM

Laura Burgess, Founder, LBM

Saint Augustine, Fla. (April 202) – Laura Burgess Marketing (LBM), public relations and marketing communications for the law enforcement, public safety, military, outdoor, shooting sports, hunting, boating, fishing, and forensic communities, is proud to announce the well-deserved promotion of Ashley Burgess Gall to President. Laura Burgess, founder of the company in 2003, will be taking the role of advisor, providing Gall with assistance during this transition phase.

Throughout her sixteen-year career with LBM, Gall has played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s strategic direction. She originally joined LBM to introduce social media as a key marketing tool for the industry but quickly expanded her expertise to encompass public relations, media strategy, brand positioning, and content development. Over the years, she has led comprehensive marketing campaigns, managed client communications, written for industry publications, and presented on PR and marketing strategies at industry-leading events such as the NAUMD Convention and SHOT Show. Her leadership, strategic vision, and deep understanding of the industry have been instrumental in LBM’s continued success.

“Ashley came aboard LBM just as the tide was incoming on social media. With her business school degree and several years working within the digital industry, she was an instant positive addition to the LBM team,” Burgess stated. “She has continued to demonstrate she is ready for this leadership role by assuming direct managerial relationships with all our clients, guiding their public relations and marketing projects. I cannot tell you how proud I am to have her take the reins of our family business and make it her own.”

“As I step into this new role, I am honored to carry forward the legacy that Laura has built,” said Gall. “LBM has always been about more than just marketing—it’s about building lasting relationships, amplifying our clients’ voices, and staying ahead of the curve in an ever-evolving industry. I look forward to continuing our tradition of excellence while bringing fresh ideas and strategies to the table.”

Over the next several months, the www.lauraburgess.com website will undergo updating to reflect the transition. Burgess will continue to work with Gall as she steps into her new role.

Posted in Industry, Press Release | 2 Comments »

CHPWS Appoints GW Ayers as VP of Sales and Marketing

April 5th, 2025

C&H Precision (CHPWS), an industry-leading designer and manufacturer of precision optics, optics adapter plates, and pistol slide milling upgrades, is pleased to announce the appointment of GW Ayers as Vice President of Sales and Marketing.

In this role, Ayers will lead the company’s strategic sales initiatives and marketing efforts, leveraging his extensive background in the defense and firearms industries to drive growth and expand market reach.

CHPWS manufactures RDS adapter plates, does custom slide milling, and, of course, sells a variety of optics and sights for various weapon platforms.

Ayers, a native of rural Virginia, served 22 years in the U.S. Army before transitioning to the defense industry. After working for a leading manufacturer for several years, he moved into the firearms sector. During his tenure there, he oversaw the construction and development of several high-end retail stores and shooting ranges, as well as the development and mentoring of their staff and instructors.

SFC Ayers (US Army, Ret) during an operation during the winter of ’05 in MNCI-North. Ayers served as the senior enlisted advisor to an Iraqi Army battalion. The Tal Afar AO went all the way to Sinjar and the Syrian border (including the border crossing at Rabia).

“I am honored to have the opportunity to join C&H Precision,” said GW Ayers, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for C&H Precision. “This company has built a reputation for excellence, and I’m excited to contribute to its continued growth. I look forward to providing top-tier products and service to the most discerning customers in the world.”

Ayers, seen here with HH-6 Mrs. Anittra Ayers, is a member of the III Armored Corps Sgt. Audie Murphy Club as well as the Honorable Order of St. George. He continues to serve today, as the CEO of a charity for transitioning homeless veterans.

Buck Holly, Owner of C&H Precision, expressed his enthusiasm for Ayers’s addition to the leadership team.

CHPWS founder Bucky Holly standing with GW outside the new 50,000 square foot C and H Precision facility in Richmond Hill, Georgia.

“GW brings a unique combination of military, retail, and industry experience that will be instrumental in driving our brand forward. His leadership and customer-first mindset align perfectly with our mission, and we are excited to have him on board.”

Connect with GW Ayers.

Learn more about CHPWS.

Read some C&H Precision history.

Posted in Industry | 1 Comment »

Future of Army Test and Evaluation Shown at Global Force Symposium

April 5th, 2025

REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. — The U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command, ATEC, and the U.S. Army Redstone Test Center, RTC, presented at the Association of the United States Army’s Global Force Symposium and Exhibition on March 26, 2025 at the Von Braun Center in Huntsville.

The presentation, titled “Transformation in Aviation and Missile Test and Evaluation,” featured ATEC Commanding General Maj. Gen. Patrick Gaydon, ATEC Command Sgt. Maj. Bradford Smith, RTC Commander Col. Joseph Alexander and RTC Technical Director Kenny Chenoweth. Gaydon began by outlining ATEC’s mission: performs test and evaluation to inform Army senior leaders. While the panel discussed ATEC’s overall role, they also emphasized the evolving role of RTC in supporting next-generation military platforms.

“We are part of the Army enterprise that helps ensure our Soldiers have the capabilities they need to fight and win our nation’s wars,” Gaydon said. “When we send Soldiers to war, the equipment works, is effective and is safe for those Soldiers — and that doesn’t happen by accident.”

Gaydon explained that while ATEC is a direct reporting unit to the vice chief of staff of the Army, ATEC also directly supports Army Futures Command, established in 2018. “If we have to deconflict on the ranges, we look at the priorities that Army Futures Command sets for us,” he said.

Smith then detailed the ATEC enterprise, including RTC and other subordinate organizations.

“We have 8,100 people: 5 percent are uniformed service members, 47 percent are Department of the Army Civilians, and 48% are contractors,” Smith explained. “We recruit, retain, train and take care of those people. We conduct 2,300 tests annually, utilize 5.5 million acres — a third of the Army’s land mass, roughly the size of New Jersey.”

The presentation focused on RTC’s continuing shift to support testing next-generation systems, driven by the need for more advanced capabilities as the military integrates new technologies.

While RTC has long supported testing of legacy platforms, the organization is also pivoting to focus on future needs. This transformation was highlighted by Alexander, who noted RTC’s unique reimbursable business model.

“One of the unique things that makes us different, as a developmental test center under ATEC, is we are reimbursable. We don’t receive appropriated dollars; we have to generate work and create value, similar to our industry counterparts,” Alexander said.

Chenoweth, the senior civilian at RTC, has been a test engineer at RTC for more than two decades and discussed how the business model drives innovation.

“We conduct tests earlier in the acquisition cycle,” Chenoweth said. “By getting involved sooner, we can identify issues earlier, leading to faster fixes and better solutions. For example, with the Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft and [RTC Approach to Persistent Integrated Developmental Testing] systems, we developed tools that digitally trace test requirements to the tests and data verifying those requirements. This process, which used to take weeks, can now be completed in minutes, significantly reducing the time between testing and decision-making.”

RTC is adapting by developing new methodologies, integrating emerging technologies, and expanding its facilities.

The AUSA Global Force Symposium provides a forum for military leaders, industry experts, and academics to discuss military technology. The event is held annually in Huntsville.

RTC, a subordinate command of ATEC, is located on Redstone Arsenal. RTC provides technical expertise, facilities, and capabilities to plan, conduct, analyze, and report tests on missile and aviation systems, sensors, subsystems and components.

By Christy Barnett

Posted in Army, Guest Post | Comments Off on Future of Army Test and Evaluation Shown at Global Force Symposium

Rapid Deployable SATCOM Systems for USVs, Small Vessels and Special Operations Forces : Orbit Showcases Multi-Purpose Terminal (MPT) at Sea Air Space

April 4th, 2025

Compact solution features roll-on/roll-off capability enabling SATCOM connectivity in minutes

Sea Air Space, Washington DC, April 7-9, 2025 | Booth #T415

April 2, 2025 – Tel Aviv, Israel – Orbit Communication Systems Ltd. (TASE: ORBI), a leading global provider of ground, airborne, and maritime SATCOM terminals, tracking ground station solutions, and mission-critical communication systems, will highlight its MPT30Ka and MPT46Ka SATCOM Systems at Sea Air Space 2025. Specially designed for space-constrained platforms such as Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs) and small naval craft and special forces operatrion, the MPT30Ka and MPT46Ka offer powerful, secure, and reliable satellite communication in a compact and lightweight form.

Based on Orbit’s battle-proven Multi-Purpose Terminal (MPT), the MPT30Ka and MPT46Ka deliver broadband SATCOM connectivity in minutes, thanks to their rapid roll-on/roll-off capability. With plug-and-play functionality and single-button activation, they are ideal for missions requiring rapid deployment and immediate operational readiness—even in GPS-denied or hostile environments.

The systems support GEO, MEO, LEO, and HEO satellite constellations, ensuring comprehensive global coverage. With high EIRP and G/T values and efficient EIRP Spectral Density (EIRPsd), they provide optimal performance with reduced bandwidth consumption—making them especially suitable for defense forces operating large SATCOM fleets.

Their ruggedized, MIL-STD-compliant construction enablesreliable operation in extreme maritime conditions, while theircompact footprint makes them a perfect fit for small vessels, where every inch of space matters.

“Modern naval operations increasingly rely on unmanned and small platforms that still require robust connectivity,” said Daniel Eshchar, CEO of Orbit. “The MPT30Ka and MPT46Ka rapid deployable systems bring advanced SATCOM capabilities to even the most compact maritime systems, ensuring operational effectiveness and mission continuity.”

Posted in Comms, Press Release, Space | Comments Off on Rapid Deployable SATCOM Systems for USVs, Small Vessels and Special Operations Forces : Orbit Showcases Multi-Purpose Terminal (MPT) at Sea Air Space

RT’s Advanced Aerostat Technologies Are Poised to Take US Border Security to the Next Level

April 4th, 2025

The pioneering company will show how its latest ATV (All Terrain Vehicle) aerostat system can provide a superior solution for border security professionals.

TX, USA – April 2, 2025 – RT LTA Systems Ltd., a global leader inthe development and manufacture of aerostat systems for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR) and communications, will showcase its full range of advanced aerostat solutions at the upcoming Border Security Expo in Phoenix, Arizona. Alongside its U.S. subsidiary, RT Aerostat Systems, Inc., the company will present its innovative mobile aerostat platforms, offering critical solutions to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and other security agencies.

RT’s persistent, elevated surveillance and communicationssolutions provide 360-degree coverage over vast areas, delivering real-time intelligence, early warning alerts and enhanced situational awareness. With nearly three decades of operational experience and over six million flight hours, RT has established itself as a trusted provider of combat-proven aerostat systems. Designed for extreme weather conditions, these systems prioritize multi-domain versatility and user-friendliness—critical factors when securing a nation’s extensive borders.

Each aerostat system consists of a ground control station, a ground system module, a tether, a lighter-than-air platform, a stabilized payload platform and an advanced sensor suite. The systems can be rapidly deployed by a

small crew, making them ideal for border security missions. RT’s systems support a variety of payloads, including radars, COMINT/ELINT modules, electro-optical (EO) and infrared (IR) cameras, as well as communications equipment, ensuring high adaptability for various mission types and seamless interoperability with other field assets, such as UAVs, drones and ground forces.RT’s Skystar™ tactical aerostats provide high mobility and cost efficiency, carrying diverse payloads at altitudes of up to 1,500 feet. The larger, blimp-shaped Skyguard aerostat family can reach up to 20,000 feet, ensuring comprehensive surveillance across expansive geographic areas. RT’s systems have consistently proven their reliability and adaptability across a wide range of environments,from deserts and mountains to maritime settings, offering 24/7 surveillance and communications, even in the harshest conditions.

A standout among RT’s offerings is its compact tactical aerostat mounted on an ATV. Engineered for real-time reconnaissanceacross rugged terrains, and with rapid deployment and maneuverability both on- and off-road, the system can markedly improve flexibility and efficiency for border security operations. This unique system can be operated locally or remotely – from the site or from a distance – supporting EO/IR cameras and communication payloads at altitudes up to 1,500 feet, with real-time data transmission to command and control centers. This robust aerostat solution is easily transportable and operable with minimal training by a small team. The system offers medium-range surveillance capabilities, with swift assembly and launch within 15 minutes. Control is effortlessly managed through a handheld personal control system, making it an ideal choice for diverse surveillance missions.

Rami Shmueli, RT’s CEO, emphasized the company’s commitment to providing reliable, long-endurance surveillance solutions: “For years, we have delivered cutting-edge aerostat technologies to border security agencies worldwide. Our highly mobile and versatile systems are designed to address the evolving challenges of the U.S. Southern Border and beyond. With our Texas-based subsidiary, we are well-positioned to equip U.S. border security agencies with state-of-the-art ISR solutions.”

RT will present its SkyStar™ and Skyguard Aerostat systems at the upcoming Border Security Expo 2025, taking place at the Phoenix Convention Center, South Building, 8-9 April, 2025 (booth #239). Visitors and delegates are encouraged to reach out in advance to schedule an in-person meeting.

Posted in Aviation, ISR, Press Release | 3 Comments »

XS Sights Introduces Handguard for Henry Lever-Action Rifles

April 4th, 2025

Fort Worth, Texas (April 1, 2025) – XS® Sights is pleased to introduce the XS Lever Handguard (LVR-HG) for Henry lever action rifles. Designed for modern lever-action enthusiasts who want to upgrade their Henry rifles, this highly customizable handguard is equipped with six M-LOK slots on each side and seven on the bottom to accommodate a wide array of accessories. Made of aircraft-grade aluminum, the LVR-HG is rugged, yet lightweight, with an aesthetically pleasing look.

The handguard’s sleek profile matches the receiver’s lines for a sturdy and seamless fit, enhancing the structural integrity of the rifle while preserving the traditional look and feel of a lever gun. The angled slot cuts dissipate heat effectively for comfort during extended shooting sessions.

“This new handguard allows Henry lever gun owners to add functional upgrades like lights, lasers, grips, and stabilizers to their rifle while staying true to the lever gun’s classic appeal,” said Jeff King, Marketing Manager, XS Sights.

Fits: All Henry rifle models chambered in .357 Mag/.38 Spl, .44 Mag/.44 Spl, and .45-70.

Retail Price: $247.50

For more information, visit www.xssights.com.

Posted in Press Release, Weapon Accessories | 1 Comment »