Tactical Tailor

HOP Munitions Fills the Gap Amid Vista Outdoor’s Uncertainty

July 24th, 2024

Hayesville Ohio, USA – [July 2024] – In light of recent news regarding Vista Outdoor’s ammunition division facing potential sale and shareholder uncertainties, HOP Munitions, a trusted U.S.-based ammunition manufacturer, is stepping up to provide American shooters with a reliable and high-quality alternative.

Vista Outdoor’s Market Challenges

Vista Outdoor, a leading ammunition supplier, is experiencing significant challenges that have led to concerns among shareholders and consumers. Speculation about potential sales or restructuring has introduced uncertainties in the market, prompting many shooters to seek dependable sources for their ammunition needs.

Impact on American Shooters

The instability surrounding Vista Outdoor’s future poses several risks for American shooters:

? Supply Chain Disruption: Potential changes in Vista Outdoor’s operations could lead to delays and shortages, disrupting the supply of ammunition for recreational, hunting, and self-defense purposes.

? Price Fluctuations: Restructuring or new ownership might bring price adjustments, making it difficult for shooters to plan their purchases.

HOP Munitions: A Trusted Alternative

Amid these challenges, HOP Munitions stands out as a steadfast provider of high-quality ammunition. HOP Munitions is committed to domestic production and strategic sourcing, ensuring a stable and reliable supply for American shooters.

Key Advantages of HOP Munitions:

? Consistent Supply: Despite industry-wide challenges, HOP Munitions has maintained a steady supply of ammunition through effective production management and strategic sourcing.

? High-Quality Products: HOP Munitions prides itself on producing ammunition that meets stringent quality standards, providing shooters with reliable performance for various applications.

? Domestic Production: By manufacturing ammunition within the U.S., HOP Munitions reduces dependency on foreign suppliers, offering a more secure and stable supply chain.

Navigating the Gun Powder Shortage

The ammunition industry has also faced a gun powder shortage, affecting many manufacturers. HOP Munitions has navigated this challenge by diversifying suppliers and optimizing production processes, ensuring continued supply even when others face delays.

Transparency and Communication 

HOP Munitions values transparency and has kept customers informed throughout the gun powder shortage, building trust and loyalty. This commitment to clear communication further distinguishes HOP Munitions as a reliable partner for American shooters.

TacJobs – Position with Project Manager Electronic Warfare and Cyber

July 24th, 2024

NEW JOB OPPORTUNITY!!!

Project Manager Electronic Warfare and Cyber has a job opportunity announcement open on USAJobs for a Business Management Analyst, NH-1101-04, term position within the C5 OTA Program Management Office at Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD. This announcement is open to the public to apply through 01 August 2024 at USAJOBS – Job Announcement.

This position was previously announced and canceled due to the absence of regulatory information. Anyone who applied under the original announcement (MCAD241765343430DHA) must apply to this announcement to be considered.

www.usajobs.gov/job/801201900

AFSOC Seeks sUAS Group 3 Swarm Carrier Drone Capability

July 24th, 2024

The U.S. Air Force Offensive small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS) System Program Office (SPO) has issued a Request for Information to Industry to conduct market research to determine Industry’s ability to provide capabilities supporting the Air Force Special Operations Command’s (AFSOC) Adaptive Airborne Enterprise (A2E) concept within 24 – 36 months.

What they are after is a Group 3 sUAS capable of internally carrying and deploying Group 2 sUAS equipped with an Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) payload. Essentially, a drone capable of being launched from a C-130 which carries and deploys a swarm of even smaller drones.

This is one of three distinct RFIs to be issued that will cover the sUAS platform needs for fielding Adaptive Airborne Enterprise (A2E) capabilities within 24 – 36 months of this RFI.

The SPO intends to release three distinct RFIs, each covering a specific A2E sUAS capability, detailed below. The SPO is seeking Industry responses to help inform how it can provide AFSOC with air-launched sUAS capabilities that integrate Group 2 Air-Launched ISR systems, Group 3 Air-Launched Swarm Carrier systems, and Group 3 Air-Launched Signature Managed systems within the A2E architecture (see Appendix A, Figure 1) while complying with a Modular Open System Approach (MOSA). Specifically, the SPO will be seeking responses for each of the three capabilities below via three separate and distinct RFIs:

• Group 2 ISR – To be internally carried and air-launched via Common Launch Tube (CLT) from a Group 3 Swarm Carrier.

• Group 3 Swarm Carrier – To be deployed from a C-130 as an air-dropped, palletized effect, internally carrying and able to launch Group 2 ISR sUAS from CLTs.

• Group 3 Signature Managed – To be air-launched from a Group 5 system, act as a C2 node in a network/swarm of sUAS and send data from the contested/denied environment to the Joint Force.

Solutions must align with MOSA design principles and be cost-effective for the government. They must also be compatible with an Autonomous Government Referenced Architecture and the software chosen to support that architecture. Finally, solutions must demonstrate a maturity level and production capacity that confidently conveys the ability to deliver scalable quantity within 36 months.

RFI responses are due no later than (NLT) 1700 EST (sic) on August 09, 2024.

Read the details at sam.gov.

Belleville Boot Releases New USMC Combat Boot

July 24th, 2024

Belleville Boot Co., a leading manufacturer of military and tactical footwear has announced the arrival of an all new USMC certified combat boot. The 520 MOTO is one of the lightest available options for Marines built on Belleville’s exclusive VIBRAM Incisor outsole with a strobel-stitch construction that feels more like an athletic shoe with the durability and support you expect from Bellevilles. 100% USA genuine cattle-hide leather and 1000D nylon with cool mesh lining for enhanced breathability.

Now available on Bellevilleboot.com and the MCX. 

CSAF Leadership Library: July 2024

July 24th, 2024

Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.

-John F. Kennedy

Airmen,

In this time of consequence, we stand at a critical juncture with the opportunity to shape the architecture of our current and future Air Force. As we reoptimize and adapt to the challenges of an evolving security environment, your leadership has never been more important. This next installment of the Leadership Library is intended to provide you with a collection of resources designed to educate, inspire, and provoke thoughtful discussion.

John Kotter’s Leading Change is a must-read for Airmen seeking to drive meaningful change and innovation. Drawing on real-life examples, Kotter outlines a multi-step process that enables leaders to navigate the complexities of change and overcome resistance. By understanding the nuances of change management, Airmen will be better equipped to create a more agile and adaptive force.

George Marshall: Defender of the Republic is a thought-provoking biography exploring one of America’s most influential military leaders and statesmen. By examining Marshall’s leadership style and decision-making process, Airmen will gain valuable insights into strategic planning and crisis management. This work will aid Airmen seeking to better understand the complexities of leadership and the importance of character in shaping outcomes. General Marshall was clearly an extremely effective leader in a time of consequence.

In this At the Table episode, Unveiling the Motivation Vacuum in the Workplace, the podcast offers practical strategies for leaders to enhance motivation, retention, culture, and productivity. The key to success lies in aligning individual and team goals while fostering resilience. This episode provides valuable insights into the challenges of maintaining motivation in the workplace and offers actionable solutions for leaders to create a more driven and productive team.

The recently released CNAS report, Evolution not Revolution: Drone Warfare in Russia’s 2022 Invasion of Ukraine, explores the transformative impact of drones on the battlefield. The report provides an insightful analysis of the changing character of war, focusing on the role of drones in modern warfare. As Airmen, it is crucial to stay informed about the latest technological advancements and their implications for the battlefield.

This library release is designed to empower Airmen at all levels by exploring advanced technologies, delving into the intricacies of leadership, and drawing parallels between historical and contemporary contexts. Through engaging with these selections, I am confident that you will be better equipped to meet the challenges we face today. These titles can be accessed and tracked through the E-Learning CSAF Library Journey.

Together, we will continue to ensure that our Air Force remains the most formidable and ready force in the world. Stay curious, stay engaged, and lead with confidence.

Editor’s note: The CSAF Leadership Library is a fluid set of media selected by Gen. Allvin that evolves as novel ideas are published, recorded and debated. New entries will be added periodically throughout the year.

Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

Darley Names Lee J. Wise as Chief Financial Officer

July 23rd, 2024

ITASCA, IL – 7/22/24 – Darley announced that Lee J. Wise has been named Chief Financial Officer of Darley, effective July 22, 2024.

Mr. Wise joins Team Darley from Covetrus, where he was a Senior Vice President of North America Distribution and Category Management at Covetrus (based in Portland, Maine) where he led a $2 billion animal healthcare distribution business and previously their North American finance team. Prior to Mr. Wise’s tenure at Covetrus, he was a Vice President of Corporate Finance at Mauser Packaging Solutions, where he led the corporate finance group, overseeing FP&A, IR, strategy, treasury and corporate development. Mr. Wise’s previous roles include financial leadership positions within treasury and corporate development for Rockwell Collins, Inc., Treehouse Foods, Inc., Mead Johnson Nutrition Company, and Brunswick Corporation.

As CFO, Mr. Wise’s experience and leadership will guide Darley’s financial organization and activities including accounting and controllership, financial planning and analysis, tax, internal audit, and treasury. “I am very excited to join Team Darley. The company’s customer-centric and values-based culture, along with its strategic market positioning, holds great potential for continued growth and value creation.” said Mr. Wise.

Darley CEO Paul Darley, said, “We’ve completed an exhaustive CFO search and have found the perfect Team Darley member in Lee Wise. Lee comes to us with a strong financial, business development, strategy, and defense background. We are so excited to have him join our leadership team.”

Mr. Wise holds a Master of Science in Finance from the University of Indiana’s Kelley School of Business and a Bachelor of Arts and Business Administration in Economics from the University of Iowa. A native of Iowa, Mr. Wise now resides in Lincolnshire, Illinois, with his wife and children.

GA-ASI to Host First Blue Magic Event in the Netherlands

July 23rd, 2024

Dual-Use Innovation and Funding Conference Gives Dutch Businesses
An Opportunity to Partner With World-Leading UAS Supplier

SAN DIEGO – 22 July 2024 – Following the success of Blue Magic events held in Belgium, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) has scheduled its first Blue Magic event in the Netherlands on November 19, 2024. The Blue Magic Netherlands (BMN) event will be held in Eindhoven, a city known as a global technology hub. BMN will bring together Dutch startups, universities, government officials, aerospace leaders, and representatives from other high-tech industries, who will see technology advancements within the Dutch technology ecosystem and connect qualified partners with funding opportunities to support next generation dual use solutions.

Joining GA-ASI for the event will be partners Lockheed Martin Ventures, Brabant Development Agency (BOM), and the Netherlands Industries for Defence & Security (NIDV), as well as Brainport Development, an organization that develops regional economic strategy and projects, and promotes Brainport Eindhoven at home and abroad.

“We want to build on our successful Blue Magic concept, which fosters a collaborative partnering environment for technology ideation, and bring it to the Netherlands,” said Brad Lunn, Managing Director-Strategic Finance at GA-ASI. “We look forward to hosting thought leaders in the Dutch innovation ecosystem for a full day of technology interchange. Our goal is to provide a single forum for sharing ideas and implementation strategies that can shape the course of technology and defense systems and ultimately make the world safer.”

GA-ASI delivered its MQ-9A Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) to the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) in 2021 and recently announced an increase in the total order of MQ-9As in its service to eight.

GA-ASI held its first European Blue Magic event in 2019, with subsequent events held in 2020, 2021, and 2023. Since the inception of Blue Magic, GA-ASI has commenced work with a broad range of European and international businesses. For the Blue Magic Netherlands event, GA-ASI and other participants will hear technology pitches followed by a lively panel discussion and host a networking event where participants can meet with other high-tech businesses and leaders to see if their capabilities can be leveraged in new and useful ways.

Areas of focus for BMN 2024 will be artificial intelligence/machine learning, autonomy, advanced materials, sensors, advanced manufacturing, and space.

Businesses interested in participating in the BMN 2024 event should visit the event website for additional information.

Daniel Horner Achieves Historic Win at USPSA Multi-Gun National Championship with SIG MCX-SPEAR LT

July 23rd, 2024

NEWINGTON, N.H., (July 23, 2024) – SIG SAUER, Inc. congratulates Team SIG professional shooter Daniel Horner on a historic win at the 2024 USPSA Multi-Gun Nationals. After successfully defending his championship title, Horner remains the only competitor in USPSA history to hold the national Modified Division title and is the first competitor ever to earn a national competition title win with an MCX-SPEAR LT rifle.

“At the beginning of 2024, Daniel set his sights on the IPSC World Shoot this August. He could have easily taken his M400-DH3, that he’s won multiple championships with, given it a tune-up and started training – that was the easy button,” began Robby Johnson, Chief Marketing Officer, SIG SAUER, Inc. “However, Daniel’s plan was to use this opportunity to demonstrate to the world, on the biggest stage, the versatility of the MCX-SPEAR product line.  On his quest, Daniel has activated so many elements of SIG SAUER with the one constant being his persistence to prove the capability beyond the battlefield.”

At the 2024 USPSA Multi-Gun National Championship, Horner defended his title through eight field courses and four speed shoots using an MCX-SPEAR LT Rifle with a TANGO6T riflescope, a P320-DH3 pistol with a ROMEO-X optic, and SIG SAUER Match Elite competition ammunition.

“Winning this year felt great, and not just to put another national championship under my belt- it was the result of six months of hard work with the engineers developing the MCX platform from the ultimate battle rifle into the ultimate competition rifle. I have shot many thousands of rounds through the MCX platforms that have been selected for SOCOM while I’m teaching classes, so I was very familiar with the design and the operation but tuning it to be able to win at the highest level (including the long-range portion of the nationals) was something that hadn’t been done before. What happened at Multi-Gun Nationals is the result of a bunch of people at the absolute top of what they do coming together and making great things happen,” commented Daniel Horner, Team SIG professional shooter.

The MCX-SPEAR LT was developed for an exclusive special operations military program that has since been adopted and fielded throughout the world. Additionally, in 2022, the SIG SAUER MCX-SPEAR was selected by the U.S. Army for the Next Generation Squad Weapons (NGSW) program, bringing an entirely new level of performance, reliability, and capability to the soldiers.

The 2024 USPSA Multi-Gun Nationals was held at the Forest Lakes Sportsman’s Club in Forest Lake, Minnesota, July 19 – 21, 2024. Horner will compete next at the International Practical Shooting Competition (IPSC) beginning August 4, 2024, at Ruutikangas Shooting Center in Liminka, Finland.

For more information about the SIG SAUER equipment used by Team SIG Professional Shooter Daniel Horner visit sigsauer.com.