The year is 2025. The Empire introduces the Scout Trooper to its ranks.
The Brim 2.0 version will be available before the end of the year in MultiCam.
Sneak Peek – Nutsof’s The Brim 2.0
December 4th, 2024Spectre Military Equipment – Protected Compass Pouch
December 4th, 2024While most of us in the US rely on the issue Lensatic Compass, many use various versions of the Silva line.
Manufactured from laser cut Cordura, the pouch is reinforced with Curv’s PauaSkin to offer rigidity and protect the compass.
Additionally, the compass can be accessed from top or bottom and there’s a tether eyelet inside so you can tie it down.
Now this is interesting, it’s available with two different attachment variants.
The MOLLE variant features PALS and the tear away variant is backed with Velcro hook which fits directly onto the loop MOLLE backer so you can remove the whole thing quickly.
Available in any color as long as it’s MultiCam.
www.spectremilitary.co.uk/product-page/protected-compass-case
Army Mountaineering Badge Update
December 4th, 2024During AUSA Sergeant Major of the Army Michael R. Weimer announced several qualification badge updates including the implementation of a Mountaineering badge to holders of Special Qualification Identifier (SQI) “E” which is awarded to graduates of the Basic Military Mountaineering Course (BMMC) a National Guard course held at Army Mountain Warfare School (AMWS) in Vermont.
For decades graduates have worn the Ram’s Head insignia. While not authorized for active duty Soldiers, National Guard troops have probably worn the badge on their uniform.
In fact, it has a long history in the Army. It was derived from the Distinctive Unit Insignia or unit crest for the 85th Infantry Regimental crest which was one of three regiments comprising the 10th Light Division (Alpine) when it was activated in July 1943. In the 1950s, the United States Army Mountain and Cold Weather Training Command at Fort Carson and Camp Hale, Colorado adopted the Ram’s Head Device as the badge worn by their cadre.
Despite this, when SMA Weimer made the announcement he stated that it would be a completely new badge and that the service would not adopt the Ram’s Head Device.
Instagram account @ovisapparel has seen artist concepts of the proposed badge and shared them online.
This is his post verbatim so as not to add or subtract from what was shared.
The Army Mountaineer Badge, an official replacement for the current Rams Head Device, is slated to be finalized this month. In October, the AMWS was asked to submit designs to the Heraldry office for use as inspiration. Initially I was told there would be ‘no animals allowed’, as the SMA appears to have a disdain for ‘goats’.
Above are three designs we created with my original artist and submitted to the Office of Heraldry. Directly after this, I heard there was strong pushback (from people with much more influence than me) on there not being a Ram involved in the conversation (shoutout).
I have been fortunate enough to see the two final designs being debated, one of which is in fact a Rams Head. I’m not comfortable sharing those quite yet, but I can say the other design is a combination of two of our sketches shown above, which is pretty rad (1 & 3). Funny enough, we just drew #3 as an undercover Ram (if it’s flipped upside down). Got ‘em.
~The AMWS was not a source for any of this information and remains unaffiliated with OVIS – this all remains as speculation until we see a Memo~
Here are the drawings:
15 Companies Pitch Their Capabilities at GA-ASI’s Blue Magic Netherlands
December 3rd, 2024Nov. 19 Event Hosted by GA-ASI and Supported by Lockheed Martin Ventures
and Brainport Attracts Cross-Section of Netherlands’ High-Tech Sector
SAN DIEGO – 02 December 2024 – On November 19, 2024, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) hosted its first Blue Magic Netherlands (BMN) event in Eindhoven, the Netherlands. Approximately 200 people attended the event that provided Dutch businesses with an opportunity to present their capabilities to GA-ASI and other companies interested in possible collaborations. GA-ASI was joined for the event by the Netherlands Ministry of Economic Affairs, the Netherlands Ministry of Defence, Lockheed Martin Ventures, Brainport Development, Brabant Development Agency (BOM), the Netherlands Industries for Defence & Security (NIDV), and SpaceNED.
At this event, GA-ASI and its partners heard first-hand from Dutch companies about the important capabilities they are developing. The process started in July when GA-ASI put out an open invitation to Dutch businesses to apply for the opportunity to present innovative technologies at the November 19 event. Key areas of focus included Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning, Autonomy, Advanced Materials, Sensors, Advanced Manufacturing, and Space. Close to 50 companies applied and after reviewing the applications, 15 businesses were selected to pitch their capabilities to an audience that included lightweight lattice structures, gas detection technologies, advanced battery and photonics applications, and several innovative unmanned system and AI applications, among many others.
“This event is where the rubber meets the road,” said Brad Lunn, Managing Director-Strategic Finance at GA-ASI. “In addition to attracting many companies, we increased the areas of expertise and depth of knowledge from the presenting companies in order to provide research, development, and breakthrough innovations to support current and future missions by GA-ASI aircraft. We also wanted to give the companies an opportunity to pitch in front of other potential customers, partners, and investors.”
The first Blue Magic event held by GA-ASI was in 2019 in Belgium, with subsequent events held in 2020, 2021, and 2023. GA-ASI is deliveringeight MQ-9A Remotely Piloted Aircraft to the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF).
GA-ASI expects to announce technology partnerships stemming from the BMN event and intends to hold this event on an annual basis in the Netherlands.
Arctic Technical Gear – Bottle Strap
December 3rd, 2024This is the Bottle Strap from Arctic Technical Gear which is compatible with their General Purpose Canteen pouch or GPC, Hybrid Nalgene Pouch, TCR Placard V2, MODSAW pouch and Stacked MODGP pouch.
Coming soon, it retains multiple types of Nalgene bottles and issued canteens.
All components are Berry compliant including webbing and ITW buckles.
The CAGE MPU5 Pouch from End Strategies
December 3rd, 2024The CAGE from End Strategies was designed in consultation with Wave Relay specifically for use with the Persistent Systems MPU5.
The skeletonized upper front panel of the chassis allows for increased airflow for thermal regulation while the bottom portion facilitates battery changes without having to remove the entire radio.
The CAGE will be available on special order only, and details on how to order will be available on end-strategies.com soon.
Team O’Neil’s Tactical Driving Tuesday – Winching & Recovery
December 3rd, 2024Eventually, everyone ends up in a spot they can’t just drive out of and needs a little mechanical assistance. In this week’s tip, Instructor Wyatt doves over winching and recovery.
If you’re in need of in-person training like this, sign up for the Team O’Neil Tactical Driving Course at their facility in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. This five-day course includes driving under NODS and is available to military and other government agencies as well as civilians.
The Perfect Gift for the Tactical Gear Enthusiast: The Vertx Transit Sling
December 3rd, 2024
Back in stock just in time for the holidays, the Vertx Transit Sling is the ideal gift for anyone passionate about everyday carry or tactical gear. Featuring a streamlined sling design, rapid access tabs for quick gear retrieval, and a customizable MOLLE panel, this versatile bag effortlessly adapts to urban or outdoor environments. With its concealed carry compatibility and smart storage options—including space for a 15” laptop—it combines functionality and style.
Explore the Transit Sling today: Vertx Transit Sling
