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Langdon Tactical Adds the HK VP9A1 to its Lineup

April 15th, 2025

Phoenix, AZ – Langdon Tactical Technology (LTT) known for their best-in-class custom gunsmithing, proudly announces the addition of the HK VP9A1 to their lineup and Custom Gun Work offerings.

The LTT VP9A1 combines the reliability, durability, and engineering that you expect from H&K with the custom touch of Langdon Tactical in a striker fired platform. Starting with the optics-ready HK VP9A1, which includes a nickel Teflon-coated trigger bar, aggressive slide serrations, a fully customizable grip, and an enhanced magwell, we take it a step further. LTT adds our Trigger Job, your choice of GrayGuns aluminum trigger to reduce pre-travel and over-travel, customizable backup iron sights, and the option to include a C&H Precision optics plate—delivering a pistol that’s range-ready right out of the box.

“We added the LTT VP9A1 to provide our customers with the HK design and quality that we know from our work on the P30 and USP pistols, now in a striker fired platform. We are proud to work alongside HK to add our Precision Build Confidence to their No Compromise.”

–Ernest Langdon, CEO

Upgrade Options Include:

LTT Trigger Job with GrayGuns Aluminum Trigger

·Flat

·Hybrid

Backup Iron Sights

·HK Backup Sights

·XS Minimalist Backup Sights

C&H Precision Optic Plates

Customers also have the option to send in their own VP9 or VP9A1 for LTT upgrades, making these premium features accessible to those who already own the platform.

Posted in Firearms, Press Release | No Comments »

The Four Stages of Competence in TCCC and TECC

April 15th, 2025

‘We do not rise to the level of our expectations. We fall to the level of our training.’ -Archilochus

Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) and Tactical Emergency Casualty Care (TECC) are critical frameworks for managing trauma in high-stress, often life-threatening situations. Mastery of these skills can be understood through the lens of the four stages of competence, a model that outlines the progression from ignorance to expertise. Here’s how these stages apply to learning Tactical Trauma Care (TTC):

Unconscious Incompetence: Blissful Ignorance
At this initial stage, individuals are unaware of their lack of skill and knowledge. An untrained responder might not realize the importance of applying a tourniquet correctly or when to prioritize airway management in a trauma scenario. Without exposure to these concepts, they don’t even know what they don’t know. This stage ends either when training begins, and the gaps in knowledge become apparent, or when an actual trauma incident occurs.

Conscious Incompetence: Awareness of the Challenge
Once training starts, learners enter conscious incompetence. They now recognize the complexity of TTC skills but struggle to execute them effectively. Mistakes are common, and confidence is low. This stage is crucial, as it drives motivation to practice and improve, whether through simulated scenarios, guided learning, knowledge gathering or real-world application.

Conscious Competence: Deliberate Proficiency
With consistent practice and study, learners reach conscious competence. They can now apply TCCC techniques accurately, but it requires focus and deliberate effort. A medic at this stage might successfully stabilize a patient but still mentally walks through each step. They start to see and react to the casualty’s condition preemptively. Repetition and experience are key to moving beyond this phase along with continuing medical education.

Unconscious Competence: Instinctive Mastery
At the final stage, TTC skills become smooth, honed and second nature. Seasoned practitioners can perform life-saving interventions with ease, even in high threat environments. They no longer need to consciously recall protocols; their actions are swift, automatic, and effective. Their experiences and training control the chaos. This level of mastery is the goal for anyone operating in tactical or emergency environments.

The journey through these stages is not linear—it requires training, real-world exposure, and a personal commitment to refining skills. Whether in military or civilian contexts, progressing to unconscious competence can make the difference in “time is life” situations.

CTOMS™ has been providing tactical medicine to service organisations for nearly two decades. For more information on our in-person and online training, contact training@ctomsinc.com.

Posted in Advertiser, Guest Post, Medical | 1 Comment »

Spiritus Systems Adds “Equipnor AB” as European Dealer

April 15th, 2025

Equipnor AB is proud to announce that we have been appointed as an official European dealer for Spiritus Systems. This partnership marks a significant step in expanding the reach of Spiritus Systems’ cutting-edge tactical gear to military elite units across Europe. With a deep understanding of the operational needs of military professionals, Equipnor AB will manage the sales and distribution of Spiritus Systems’ high-performance equipment, ensuring that Europe’s elite forces have access to the most advanced tactical solutions available.

We are honored to collaborate with Spiritus Systems and look forward to supporting military professionals with industry-leading gear designed for the highest levels of performance and reliability.

For inquiries and further information, please contact Equipnor AB info@equipnor.se

Posted in Advertiser, Industry, International, Press Release | No Comments »

Streamlight Launches Special-Edition Lights for a Cause

April 15th, 2025

Portion of Proceeds From Nano Light® II and Wedge®XT Lights to Support Breast Cancer Research Foundation and Concerns of Police Survivors

EAGLEVILLE, PA, April 14, 2025 – Streamlight® Inc., a leading provider of high-performance lighting tools, announced the launch of four new “Lights for a Cause” models to support two major non-profit organizations. The new lights, including the BCRF Pink Nano Light® II, BCRF Pink Wedge® XT, C.O.P.S. Blue Nano Light® II, and C.O.P.S. Blue Wedge® XT, are designed to raise awareness of and funding for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) and Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.)

“As a long-time corporate supporter of these two critically important organizations, Streamlight is proud to introduce these new Lights for a Cause, which offer customers dependable tools while also funding vital work,” said Michael F. Dineen, Streamlight President. “Whether supporting the families and co-workers of fallen officers or advancing life-saving cancer research, these special edition lights give back in a meaningful way.”

The Nano Light® II is an ultra-compact keychain light that delivers 20 lumens of brightness and one hour of run time, powered by a single AAAA alkaline battery. Lightweight and durable, it’s made of machined aluminum and includes a non-rotating snap hook for quick, one-handed use.

The Wedge® XT is a USB-C rechargeable everyday carry light that provides 500 lumens of bright white light, with a slim, flat profile for comfortable pocket carry. It features a tactical push-button tail switch, deep pocket clip, and an 11-hour run time on low, making it ideal for users who rely on a powerful yet easily portable lighting solution.

Streamlight is donating $1 from the purchase of the Pink Nano Light® II and $3 from the purchase of the Pink Wedge® XT to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation; both lights are marked with the BCRF logo. BCRF’s mission is to advance the world’s most promising research to eradicate breast cancer. For more information about BCRF, visit www.bcrf.org.

The company is also donating $1 from the purchase of the Blue Nano Light® II and $3 from the purchase of the Blue Wedge® XT, both marked with the C.O.P.S. logo, to Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.). C.O.P.S.’s mission is rebuilding the shattered lives of surviving family members and co-workers affected by a line-of-duty death. For more information about C.O.P.S., visit www.concernsofpolicesurvivors.org.

All four models are available now through Streamlight’s network of authorized dealers. The Nano Light® II has an MSRP of $19.50, and the Wedge® XT is priced at $159.65. The lights include Streamlight’s Limited Lifetime Warranty.

For more information, visit www.streamlight.com.

Posted in Advertiser, Charity, For the Ladies, LE, Lights, Press Release | No Comments »

Army Launches xTechOverwatch Competition to Advance Autonomous Capabilities

April 15th, 2025

WASHINGTON — On April 2, 2025, the U.S. Army xTech Program launched xTechOverwatch to advance military capabilities in autonomous air and ground vehicles. This competition directly addresses critical Army requirements by partnering with small businesses developing artificial intelligence and sensor technologies. Participants can earn $35,000 in cash prizes and pursue follow-on Army Small Business Innovation Research contract awards.

How it Works

The Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology, in partnership with Army Futures Command, launched the xTechOverwatch competition to identify innovative solutions for advanced autonomous unmanned systems, such as unmanned aerial vehicles, unmanned ground vehicles and sensor networks. The Army plans to select up to 40 finalists, awarding each a $15,000 cash prize and providing them an opportunity to showcase their solutions to Army and Department of Defense experts during a live demonstration at the Army Human Machine Integration Summit in October 2025.

During the demonstration, government stakeholders will assess the participants’ technological capabilities, solution maturity and potential contributions to identify the most promising advancements. In August 2025, finalists will also attend a Collider event designed to facilitate high-impact networking, knowledge-sharing and strategic partnerships with industry leaders and peers.

Following the final pitch demonstrations, the Army will select up to 20 winners, awarding each a $20,000 cash prize and offering each firm the opportunity to submit a Direct to Phase II Army SBIR proposal through the Army SBIR and Small Business Technology Transfer Program. Valued at up to $2 million per proposal, these submissions could secure up to $40 million in funding to help businesses transition innovations from prototypes to practical applications. Through this initiative, the Army aims to deliver advanced technologies to Soldiers, enhance operational efficiency, safety and effectiveness, and foster relationships with key Army and DoD representatives that empower participants to grow their businesses.

Competition Timeline

Concept White Paper Submission:Between April 2 and May 21, 2025, businesses may submit short concept white papers outlining technology alignments, their solutions’ advantages and impact, technical approaches and commercial potential.

Collider Event: In August 2025, AFC will host a Collider event at Fed Supernova, a unique forum designed to foster collaboration between xTechOverwatch finalists and technology integrators to pitch innovative, dual-use solutions that can address the Army’s current and future needs.

Final Pitch Demonstration Event: In October 2025, finalists will pitch and demonstrate their innovative technology solutions to a panel of Army and DoD experts.

Follow-On SBIR Opportunities: From Nov. 15-25, 2025, up to 20 xTechOverwatch winners may submit a Direct to Phase II Army SBIR proposal.

Eligibility Requirements

To participate in xTechOverwatch, vendors must be for-profit businesses operating in the U.S. that adhere to 13 C.F.R. § 121.702. Over 50% of the equity must be held by U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or other for-profit small businesses with no more than 500 employees, including affiliates.

Proposals must be fresh and unique, distinct from any that have received funding, are currently funded, or have pending funding from other federal agencies. If there is any uncertainty about this, vendors should visit the xTechOverwatch Competition Request for Information for further details and to ensure their innovative solutions are eligible for submission to this competition.

About the Army xTech Program

Established in 2018, the Army xTech Program offers participants unparalleled exposure to Army laboratories, program executive offices, and program managers. Participants receive valuable feedback from Army DoD stakeholders and gain access to training, mentorship, and networking opportunities, aligning their solutions with Army needs. The xTech Program hosts several competitions annually, including open-topic competitions like xTechSearch and technology-specific competitions addressing critical Army requirements.

About the Army SBIR|STTR Program

Army SBIR actively releases funding opportunities, including Phase I funding for commercially viable, feasible, and technically sound solutions. Firms with mature technologies that meet Phase I requirements can progress to Phase II or begin directly with Direct to Phase II contracts. Army experts in technical, acquisition, and operational fields guide businesses to align their innovations with the Army’s critical needs throughout the process.

Army STTR integrates small businesses into the Army innovation ecosystem by coordinating with universities, federally funded research and development centers, or qualified non-profit research institutions. Small businesses serve as prime contractors, performing at least 40% of the work, while research partners complete at least 30%.

ASA(ALT) leverages innovative technologies to give Soldiers a decisive advantage in any environment by developing, acquiring, fielding and sustaining the world’s finest equipment and services. For more information, visit the ASA(ALT) web page and follow @ArmyASAALT.

Stay Updated

For more information, subscribe to email updates, explore the Army xTech Program website, or follow us on YouTube, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and LinkedIn. For inquiries, please contact the xTech Program mailbox.

By Daniel Smoot, Office of Army Innovation Programs, including xTech and the Army SBIR|STTR Program

Posted in AI / ML, Army, Contracts, Guest Post | No Comments »

OTB – The Go-To Boot for 2025 Best Ranger Competitors

April 15th, 2025

FORT BENNING, GA – April 14, 2025 – OTB Boots is proud to report that an estimated 90% of competitors at the 2025 Best Ranger Competition laced up in its elite tactical footwear. Held April 11–13 at Ft. Benning, GA, this grueling 3-day competition brings together the most capable warrior athletes in the U.S. military for a relentless test of endurance, skill, and willpower.

The overwhelming presence of OTB Boots at this year’s event reinforces the brand’s fast-growing reputation for performance, durability, and trust within the Special Operations and Ranger communities. From rope climbs to ruck marches, OTB’s boots were battle-tested at this prestigious event by some of the military’s most elite.

OTB would like to extend a big congratulations to 1st Lt. Kevin Moore and 1st Lt. Griffin Hokanson from the 75th Ranger Regiment on winning this year’s competition –– well done, gentlemen!

The flagship M-Carbon 8 continues to dominate as the boot of choice among competitors. As the only AR 670-1 compliant tactical boot with a carbon plate, the M-Carbon 8 delivers superior propulsion, responsiveness, and support under load—qualities that are mission-critical for elite warfighters.

“We built this brand for high-performance military athletes,” said Dan Ellis, President of OTB Boots. “To see our boots trusted by nearly the entire competitor field at Best Ranger—it’s humbling, and it fuels our commitment to push even further.”

OTB Boots is a proud partner of the Best Ranger Competition and remains dedicated to serving the unique needs of America’s most elite. Its full lineup—including the M-Carbon 8, M-Flex 8, and Abyss—is available now at select premium tactical retailers and online at OTBBOOTS.CO and Amazon.

Follow @otb_boots on Instagram and Facebook to see how top-tier performers are putting their OTBs to the test.

Posted in Boots, Press Release | No Comments »

US Army Conducts First Battalion-Level All-Domain Home Station Training Exercise

April 15th, 2025

YAKIMA TRAINING CENTER, Wash.—Within the foothills of the Cascade Mountain range, the 1st Multi-Domain Effects Battalion (MDEB) from the 1st Multi-Domain Task Force (MDTF) conducted the Army’s first battalion-level All-Domain Home Station Training (HST) exercise, Static Focus 3. Held from March 3-14, the exercise took place at the Yakima Training Center in conjunction with Project Convergence Capstone 5 (PC-C5).

Static Focus 3 enabled live training of the MDEB’s family of systems used to conduct Reconnaissance, Surveillance, and Target Acquisition (RSTA) and non-kinetic effects execution. 1MDEB, activated concurrently with 1MDTF in 2020, integrates the task force’s information, intelligence, cyber, electromagnetic warfare, and space capabilities.

A highlight of the training was the network extension integration and deep sensing capability of High-Altitude Balloons (HABs) and the experimentation with ultra long-endurance, solar powered Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS).

“This is our first real exercise integrating government owned and operated ultra long-endurance UAS specifically designed for long-range deep sensing,” said Lt. Col. Joseph Mroszczyk, commander of 1MDEB.

Prior to the exercise, the unit spent two years testing and training with the platform alongside the long-endurance UAS system’s contractor, Kraus Hamdani Aerospace. It wasn’t until this event that the Soldiers were able to independently operate the system.

“We’ve got trained pilots and mechanics gaining valuable experience on the platform now,” Lt. Col. Mroszczyk added. “They’re logging hours and providing crucial sensor data, enabling us to serve as the task force’s eyes and ears, and as key contributing Army sensor to the Joint Force.”

During Static Focus 3, 1MDEB logged over a hundred UAS flight hours in various configurations.

“From a maintenance perspective, I was astonished by how little time and resources the platform demanded,” said Sgt. Jake Meyer from the UAS platoon from 1MDEB’s Extended Range and Sensing Effects (ERSE) Company. “Compared to traditional platforms, which require several months to get familiarized with, we were up and running in just two days.”

Max endurance testing was included in the experimentation of the platform, to include multi-ship flights.

“Multi-ship flight operations are the most complex missions, but the autonomous capability allows me, as an operator, to focus on the mission instead of my continuous direct management of each aircraft,” said Staff Sgt. Jacob Wilbert from the UAS platoon from 1MDEB’s ERSE Company.

Complementary to the long-range deep sensing UAS, the unit also experimented with HABs from three vendors, sponsored by the Army Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) Task Force for inclusion in the event and in conjunction with PC-C5.

“For me, the highlight of the event was witnessing the successive launches from all three HAB vendors and creating a constellation. Being part of this was exhilarating, because each vendor offered their own unique features and capabilities,” said Sgt. Antonio Morales from 1MDEB’s ERSE Company’s HAB platoon.

Previously, the unit had to travel to Fort Huachuca, Arizona, to access the same level of training. Static Focus 3 not only reduced the cost of traveling to Arizona to train, but also served as a valuable technical rehearsal for future employment.

“The progress that we’ve made over this last week greatly enhanced our capability as a task force,” said Mroszczyk.

As a theater-level unit and Joint Force enabler, assigned to the Indo-Pacific, the 1MDTF plays a vital role in synchronizing long-range precision fires layered with long-range precision effects to create multiple dilemmas and neutralize adversary anti-access and area denial networks. The MDTF’s proven innovation, agility, and lethality have led the Army to direct five full MDTFs in strategically significant locations worldwide.

PC-C5 is an Army hosted experiment that provides Joint and Multinational participants various locations that supports individual modernization efforts while solving problems through applications with Combined, Joint All Domain Operations (CJADO). PC-C5 ensures that the Army, can rapidly and continuously converge effects across all domains – air, land, sea, space, and cyber, to increase operational tempo and generate decision advantage over our adversaries. These structured series of experiments demonstrate transformation and modernization efforts, expand war-winning capabilities, and deliver the Army of 2030 while designing the Army of 2040.

By SSG Brandon Rickert

Posted in Army, CEMA, Guest Post, ISR, Space, UAS | No Comments »

Draganfly and SafeLane Global Enter into Multi-Year Agreement with Draganfly as the Preferred Global Provider of Landmine Mapping Drones and Aerial Survey Services

April 14th, 2025

First Ukraine Landmine Aerial Survey Contract Underway

Tampa, FL — April 10, 2025 — Draganfly Inc. (NASDAQ: DPRO) (CSE: DPRO) (FSE: 3U8) (“Draganfly” or the “Company”), an industry-leading developer of drone solutions and systems, today announced that it has been selected by SafeLane Global Ltd. (“SafeLane”) as its preferred unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and aerial survey provider.

SafeLane, a world-renowned specialist in explosive threat mitigation, is one of only two private organizations licensed by the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense to conduct landmine and explosive ordnance clearance operations in Ukraine. With over 30 years of experience across more than 60 countries, SafeLane supports governments, humanitarian organizations, and commercial clients in the clearance and disposal of landmines, unexploded ordnance (UXO), and explosive remnants of war (ERW), both on land and underwater.

Under the agreement, Draganfly will provide advanced drone solutions, including UAVs, specialized sensors, and data analysis services, to support SafeLane’s global mine action initiatives. The collaboration aims to enhance the speed, accuracy, and safety of explosive threat detection and removal operations in high-risk environments.

“We are honored to be selected as SafeLane’s UAS partner,” said Cameron Chell, President and CEO of Draganfly. “This partnership represents a significant opportunity to leverage Draganfly’s technology to support critical humanitarian and defense efforts. Together, we will work to deliver scalable, innovative solutions for global landmine action.”

The companies will co-develop joint intellectual property and standard operating procedures tailored for aerial mine detection and clearance. SafeLane will lead proposal submissions and operational deployment, while Draganfly will provide technology, mission planning, piloting, and survey analysis.

According to the Landmine Monitor 2023, more than 60 million landmines remain buried across over 60 countries, posing a persistent threat to civilians, especially children, who account for nearly half of the casualties. Ukraine is currently one of the most mine-contaminated countries in the world.

“Draganfly’s drone-based technology will significantly increase the safety and efficiency of our operations,” said Asa Gilbert, Director of Business Development at SafeLane. “This partnership is a critical step in helping communities recover from the legacy of conflict.”

The collaboration further positions Draganfly as a key player in the defense and humanitarian sectors, supporting efforts to create safer environments in some of the world’s most vulnerable regions.

draganfly.com

Posted in Contracts, International, Press Release, UAS | No Comments »