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Dragon’s Lair Pitch Goes from Idea to Production

March 10th, 2026

FORT BRAGG, N.C. — A modular drone case conceived by two 82nd Airborne paratroopers is heading into production eight months after being a runner-up at the XVIII Airborne Corps’ Dragon’s Lair competition on June 25, 2025.

This rapid turnaround from idea to production demonstrates the success of Secretary of the Army Daniel Driscoll’s Transformation Initiative, which simultaneously increase warfighter lethality and accelerates the Army’s acquisition process.

Spc. Alexander Soto, a paratrooper assigned to the 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, noted the reoccurring problem of drones being broken during airborne drops and rigorous field exercises.

“We needed to be able to carry drones in our rucksacks for airborne operations,” said Soto. “The idea of a smaller rigid case that allowed us to pack it also made it possible to get them in the air as soon as we hit the drop zone.”

His solution was born out of necessity and pitched at Dragon’s Lair 11, an annual competition modeled after the TV show Shark Tank. Soldiers from across the corps presented their battlefield solutions to real-world challenges to a panel of judges for potential adoption.

Following the competition, Soto collaborated with Staff Sgt. Larry Dockins from the Airborne Innovation Lab. Together they developed a functional prototype in just three months. The result was a lightweight, rigid, and jumpable modular drone case compatible with multiple small unmanned aerial systems.

The accelerated path from concept to contract was made possible by another of the Corps’ innovation initiatives: the Lt. Gen. James M. Gavin Joint Innovation Outpost. The drone case project served as a successful pilot for the outpost’s new rapid-procurement model — testing the team’s ability to align the necessary resources for production.

The JIOP officially opened its doors in January 2026. Its primary mission is to bridge the gap between military needs and industry partners, fast-tracking the procurement process.

“By implementing the systems that the Lt. Gen. James M. Gavin Joint Innovation Outpost enables, we are able to bring these Soldiers’ ideas forward and implement them rapidly,” explained Col. Thomas R. Monaghan Jr., the JIOP’s director. “It also demonstrates the shift in prioritizing innovations that Soldiers want and view as viable solutions to problems.”

The significance of such Soldier-led innovation was not lost on leadership.

“Any solution that makes a warfighter more lethal is a winning solution for us,” Dockins said. “Ultimately, ounces make pounds, seconds make minutes. Creating a device that cuts weight could mean winning or losing on the battlefield.”

By SGT Prim Hibbard

Posted in Army, Drone, Guest Post | 2 Comments »

Elbit America Awarded U.S. Army Contract to Establish a New Class of Soldier Capability

March 10th, 2026

Perception becomes power and decisions move at the speed of instinct with Soldier Borne Mission Command

FORT WORTH, TEXAS – March. 9, 2026 – The modern battlefield will be won by Warriors who understand first, decide in milliseconds, and act with absolute certainty. That future isn’t coming. It’s here.

The United States Army has awarded Elbit Systems of America (Elbit America) an Other Transaction Authority (OTA) contract valued at $120.5 million to develop Soldier Borne Mission Command (SBMC). This creates a next-generation capability that redefines how Soldiers operate, connect, and dominate in complex, contested environments, built on Elbit America’s proven legacy of see-through-display and night vision expertise.

Elbit America’s SBMC isn’t an evolution in capability. It’s a revolution in Soldier lethality built for the speed and complexity of modern combat. SBMC fuses live multi-spectral sensors with assured positioning into an intuitive, head-borne experience. The result? Soldiers gain the prime advantage with continuous, mission-critical awareness without burden, distraction, or delay.

SBMC delivers total connectivity, sharing visual intelligence and threat data across the unit in real time. Squads become synchronized, sensor-enabled teams where every Soldier benefits from the collective insight of the force. SBMC delivers prime perception that drives clarity and dominance even in denied or degraded environments.

“SBMC changes the speed of decision-making and enables confident, decisive action in moments that define the fight.” said Erik Fox, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Warfighter Systems at Elbit America. “Thanks to our close collaboration with Booz Allen Hamilton we gain mission-critical information, instantly and intuitively, allowing Soldiers to think and react faster.”

Elbit America tapped advanced technology company Booz Allen (NYSE: BAH), the leading provider of AI to the federal government, to build SBMC’s critical software backbone, including advanced extended reality solutions, networking frameworks, and AI-enabled insights.

“Our Soldier Borne Mission Command is critical to winning on the battlefield. Soldiers need processed data distilled, so they’re more lethal and survivable. They need it at near zero latency and in a manner that enables them to shoot, maneuver, and share instantaneously,” said Luke Savoie, President and CEO of Elbit America. “For years, we’ve been the lead at sending data directly into the eye of the Warfighter, whether it’s through our Enhanced Night Vision Goggle – Binocular systems or the sensor fusion we do in the F-35 helmet. Enabling the Soldier to do more is one of our core competencies. We look forward to bringing game-changing innovation and decades of production program experience to this competition.”

As the U.S. Army enhances the capabilities of fielded systems, SBMC sets the foundation for human-machine teaming, autonomous integration, and cognitive warfare dominance. Elbit America is merging proven expertise with next-generation technologies to create SBMC: a capability that transforms awareness into action and ensures Soldiers move at the speed of instinct.

MORE: www.elbitamerica.com/night-vision

Posted in Army, C5ISR, Contracts, Press Release | 2 Comments »

Med-Eng Pleased to Support United States Department of War with Delivery of Sensor Capabilities Contract Previously Announced by Cadre Holdings

March 10th, 2026

Company Providing Mission-Critical Blast Exposure Monitoring System to Preserve and Maintain Readiness for Warfighters

OGDENSBURG, NY — As originally announced by Cadre Holdings, Inc. (“Cadre”), on November 19, 2025, Med-Eng, LLC, a world leader in personal protective technologies against blast and a subsidiary of Cadre, was awarded a 5-year Indefinite Delivery / Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract with a maximum value of $50 million by the United States Department of War (DoW) to deliver and support the Blast Exposure Monitoring (BEMO) Program. The BEMO systems, including sensor hardware and related software, measure and record blast overpressure exposures experienced in training operations as part of a DoW Brain Health program.

First delivery under the contract is underway and follows a competitive 5-year funded development program to improve methods for identifying blast overpressure exposures impacting the warfighter while using heavy weapon systems and conducting explosive breaching in dynamic combat and training environments. Once deployed, real-time updates will be available for team leaders, commanders, and medical personnel, enabling rapid triage decisions and dynamic adjustments to tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs).

Med-Eng General Manager Rob Reynolds commented, “I am extremely proud of the Med-Eng team for the tireless efforts they have shown throughout this multi-year program and since contract award in late 2025. At each phase of the open competition, the team showed its ability to listen, evolve and deliver. This is the latest demonstration of how Med-Eng can leverage its deep understanding of blast threats to develop new, technology-based solutions that will help the short and long term health of the warfighter. This capability will form a key part of monitoring the effects of blast overpressure exposures during training and will significantly increase the empirical data knowledge base of the military medical community. We look forward to supporting the customer through the delivery phases and to developing our sensor capabilities to meet evolving threats.”

Med-Eng has been a pioneer in the development and fielding of body-worn blast sensors since 2006. This latest generation is a significant step forward in the convergence of hardware, mobile device apps, and intuitive dashboards to bridge the gap between blast overpressure events and longitudinal brain health monitoring. This will help team leaders, medical staff, and senior leadership to utilize powerful decision-making tools based on tracking both single event and cumulative blast overpressure exposure.

Posted in Contracts, Medical, Press Release, SOF | No Comments »

Green Berets Hone Drone Proficiency with Advanced Training

March 10th, 2026

FORT CARSON, Colo. — High winds tear across the tactical range — tumbleweeds pass and debris swirls but a tactical drone maneuvers steadily through the sky, locked on course and unmoved by the elements. This moment reflects the culmination of three demanding weeks of training.

Green Berets from the 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) completed an intensive training program from Feb. 9 to 27, conducting exercises both in the classroom and across multiple tactical ranges on Fort Carson. The Advanced Drone Course taken by the Soldiers is designed to expand operational capabilities and enhance small unmanned aerial system employment across the modern battlefield.

The course, led by instructors from 4th Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne), brought together Green Berets, alongside a Soldier from the 4th Infantry Division. Throughout the training, students developed hands-on proficiency in soldering, assembling, programming and piloting small UAS platforms.

The course emphasized technical mastery and tactical integration, reinforcing that drones are not a substitute for core Soldier skills but an additional asset that increases precision, adaptability, and lethality during reconnaissance and combat operations.

“This is simply another tool in a Soldier’s kit but its impact depends on how well we understand and employ it,” said Sgt. 1st Class Jovani Vasquez of the 4th Combat Aviation Brigade. “Our adversaries recognize that too. This technology is increasing worldwide, and enemy forces and terrorist organizations are actively using it. We must remain just as adaptive and informed to maintain the advantage.”

As the rhythm of warfare continues to evolve, UAS platforms have become increasingly central to operations. Over the past two decades, the battlefield has expanded beyond traditional ground maneuvering, requiring Soldiers to adapt to threats and opportunities in the air domain. The Advanced Drone Course reflects the Army’s commitment to ensuring units remain agile and prepared to meet emerging challenges.

Upon completion of the course, graduates are capable of independently maintaining and repairing their systems in austere environments. Soldiers are trained to troubleshoot malfunctions, replace components, and conduct basic modifications to sustain mission effectiveness.

“If the motor goes out, they now have the ability to re-solder a new motor, fix it, and continue the mission,” said a UAS instructor from 4th Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne). “If your M4 jams, you don’t stop — you find a solution. The same mindset applies to drones. Soldiers need to perform basic repairs and keep the mission moving.”

By investing in advanced drone training, the 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) reinforces its ability to adapt to the evolving character of warfare. The course equips Soldiers with the technical skills and problem-solving mindset needed to build, repair, and employ small unmanned aerial systems in any environment. As technology reshapes the battlefield, initiatives like this ensure Green Berets remain agile, self-sufficient, and ready to maintain the advantage.

By SGT Zachary Myers

Posted in Army, Drone, Guest Post, SOF | No Comments »

Haley Strategic – MOD Placard

March 9th, 2026

The MOD Placard features MOLLE on all exterior surfaces with built in slots for magazines inserts. Constructed from a single piece of nylon laminate with bartack bonding, it can be configured from a slick placard to a complete rig.

Universal Plate Carrier Attachment System

Ride Height Adjustable

FirstSpear TUBES Compatible

Berry Compliant and offered in MultiCam.

haleystrategic.com/mod-plus-placard-multicam

haleystrategic.com/mod-placard-multicam

Posted in Admin | Comments Off on Haley Strategic – MOD Placard

SIG SAUER Expands Shooter Affiliate Program to Include Sal Hernandez, Ian Meyers, and Kevin Lally

March 9th, 2026

NEWINGTON, N.H., (March 9, 2026) – SIG SAUER is excited to welcome Sal Hernandez, Ian Meyers, and Kevin Lally to the SIG Shooter Affiliate Program. They will represent SIG SAUER at major competitive shooting events around the country, joining their teammates Tre’Von Barber, Kay Lane, and Todd Sindelar.

Sal Hernandez is an active member of San Antonio Police Department’s SWAT team, a Master class USPSA shooter, and a sniper and firearms instructor.  He is a dominant force in The Tactical Games and SWAT-focused competitions with numerous podium finishes.

Ian Meyers is a former U.S. Army Ranger and BORTAC operator currently working for the U.S. Border Patrol in Arizona. He is a GM and Master class competitor in USPSA and competes in pistol, 2-gun, and Multi-gun competitions around the country.

Kevin Lally is a former Metropolitan PD officer currently serving as a SWAT operator and instructor for a local NH police department. He is a Master class USPSA and IDPA competitor in multiple divisions and coaches his department’s shooting team.

SIG SAUER is excited to support these heroes who serve and protect our country while enhancing their skills through competition and training.  We look forward to being a part of their journey as they represent SIG SAUER on the range.

To learn more about SIG SAUER, please visit sigsauer.com.

Posted in Advertiser, Press Release, Shooting Sports | No Comments »

TacJobs – Internships with SOFWERX

March 9th, 2026

SOFWERX Seeks Juniors & Seniors across 16+ disciplines. U.S. Security Clearance eligibility required.

Spring evaluation window: submit before the end of March.

Apply at sofwerx.org/internships.

Posted in TacJobs | No Comments »

Cana Provisions and Qore Performance Launch Water Data Decals for ICEFLASK® – Modular Thermoregulation with On-Body Water Treatment Reference

March 9th, 2026

Huntsville, AL / Knoxville, TN — Cana Provisions, in collaboration with Qore Performance, Inc.,announces the release of the Water Data Decals for ICEFLASK® , a mission-critical evolution of the PRC-152-shaped handheld thermoregulation and hydration bottle. These detailed decals allow all ICEFLASK® users to add the same water purification protocols, treatment dosages, sanitization instructions and conversion tables directly to their ICEFLASK®.

Directly derived from the Water Data ICEFLASK® the ICEFLASK® Water Data Decals offer the user the ability to augment their standard, unmarked ICEFLASK® bottle with the same field-tested water treatment data.

Key Features:

  • Permanent on-body reference: purification tablet dosing, chemical treatment ratios, boil times, filtration guidelines, common volume/weight conversions, and critical warnings.
  • Modular thermoregulation that can be added to plate carriers and chest rigs for on-body cooling and heating capability.
  • Zero additional weight or bulk
  • Dimensions closely matching the PRC-152 radio for seamless fit in existing NATO radio pouches.
  • 28-410 thread standard (Coca-Cola/Dasani compatible) for improvised field cap replacement and filter compatibility.
  • Curved geometry optimized for body-worn comfort and pack pocket efficiency.
  • Stackable design doubles as a replacement for single-use ice in coolers.
  • 100% Made in the USA from US-sourced, FDA-certified, BPA-free HDPE.
  • High-Tac Adhesive backing to withstand freeze/thaw cycles
  • Heat, scratch, UV resistant
  • Die cut with matte finish
  • Legible under NVGs
  • Decals are designed, printed, packaged in the USA

Designed for dismounted operations, disaster response, training environments, and austere expeditions where contaminated water sources are the norm, both the Water Data ICEFLASK® and ICEFLASK® Water Data Decals ensures users can treat, verify, and consume safe water without external reference.

“Cana Provisions built their reputation on providing the knowledge and tools to own water security in the worst places on earth,” said Austin Pitsch, Marketing Manager of Qore Performance, Inc. “Placing that expertise directly onto ICEFLASK® [either with the decals or printing directly on the bottle itself] removes one more point of failure: the right data is always there, exactly when and where it’s needed.”

The Water Data ICEFLASK® and ICEFLASK® Water Data Decals are now available now exclusively at Cana-Provisions.com

Posted in Advertiser, Hydration, Press Release | No Comments »

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