Swing by SOF Select to see the latest gear from these great vendors. During SOF Week, May 6-8 at the Westin Tampa Waterside.
Be Sure To Visit SOF Select
April 14th, 2025New LANTAC Sight On Laser (SOL) Front Sight Post For EOTech OGL
April 14th, 2025OGL INTRODUCTION:
The design for the EOTECH On-Gun Laser (OGL) focuses on human performance factors under extreme stress creating thepremium choice for professional users. The OGL Standard Power (restricted to MIL/LE use) is powered by a single CR123 battery providing up to 9 hours of continuous run time. The machined aluminum housing provides extreme durability in a compact package roughly the size of a standard deck of playing cards.
The IR illuminator utilizes a high performing Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Laser (VCSEL) diode creating a clean beam and allowing quick adjustments from spot to flood. The ergonomic (patent pending) lever is unique to the OGL and allows professionals to adjust their illumination needs instantly, all while maintaining superior situational awareness.
LANTAC SOL (Sight On Laser):
The Patent Pending SOL™ (Sight On Laser) is designed to solve rail space issues when mounting backup sights and Laser Illuminators or Laser Aiming Modules (LAMs). It is manufactured to mount directly to the Eotech OGL.
The OGL is an ideal candidate for direct attachment as it features an aluminum chassis and four T10 Torx head screws that retain the unit’s lens covers. These can be utilized to form a robust attachment point for a backup front sight.
By mounting directly to the Laser/Illuminator, the maximum amount of rail space is retained for the operator’s convenience. The device can be mounted to the top rail as far forward as the rail permits, leaving space for other equipment and furniture—even on the shortest carbine configurations. This increases the backup sight radius and improves aiming accuracy.
The sight has minimal forward projection from the LAM and features an angled front face to reduce potential snagging.
MAXIMUM RAIL SPACE, MAXIMUM SIGHT RADIUS:
On a 10.5” Handguard the SOL allows for a 16.5” Sight Radius and 6.0” of available rail as compared to a traditional folding sight that delivers a shorter sight radius of 15.25” with only 3.5” of rail left available to the operator.
IR ILLUMINATOR SPILL, SIDE:
Observed through a PVS14 White Phosphor NVM.
Traditional folding sights produce a brighter highlight signature with increased light spill over the weapons handguard.
The Lantac SOL produces a much more diffuse highlight signature with less overall illumination spill.
IR ILLUMINATOR SPILL, HIGH READY:
Observed through a PVS14 White Phosphor NVM.
Traditional Folding Sights when deployed produce a considerably brighter illumination signature as compared to the Lantac SOL.
IR ILLUMINATOR SPILL, SPOT & FLOOD:
Observed through a PVS14 White Phosphor NVM.
Regardless of the OGL’s illuminator beam angle the Lantac SOL demonstrates minimal IR spill signature.
With departments across the USA requiring backup sights to be fitted to duty weapons’ rails, space is at a premium. Many users are forced to mount LAMs on the side of handguards, where they increase snagging potential, take up valuable grip and illumination mounting space, and cause convergence issues by not aligning properly with the weapon’s optics. In the case of the OGL, side mounting also makes operation of the illuminator divergence lever more problematic.
The rear surface of the SOL mates to the front face of the OGL and acts as a massive recoil lug, reducing stress on the fixingscrews. The parts are in continuous contact and therefore act as one complete assembly.
The sight is supplied with two specially manufactured ‘extended’ Torx screws that support the rubber lens covers and anchor the sight to the OGL chassis.
FLEXIBLE & DEPENDABLE:
The SOL’s unique design provides a fully adjustable front sight that takes up no rail space. It uses a standard AR15/M16/M4 sight post that offers 1.250 MOA of adjustment per quarter turn and 5 MOA per full revolution. The design includes a standard drain hole below the sight post channel and positions the channel at the correct 2.357” over bore, exactly as you would find in a traditional triangle FSB (Front Sight Base) with the same elevation adjustment range.
Any aftermarket post (such as tritium) can be installed should the user desire.
Absolute or Lower 3rd co-witness can be achieved through the choice of optics height, and the system offers full redundancy should both the optic and laser fail.
MATERIALS & MANUFACTURING:
Precision machined from certified 7075-T6 Aerospace alloy and Hardcoat Anodized to MIL-A-8625 Type III Hardcoat, Class 2, Black.
SIGNATURE REDUCTION:
Satin black finished to reduce IR light reflectance.
Forward position reduces IR illumination spill on exposed surfaces.
KEY FEATURES:
• Optimizes Rail Space
• Low ISS (Illuminator Spill Signature)
• Robust Mechanical Attachment
• Longer Sight Radius
• Full Elevation Adjustment
• Compatible with all Sight Post upgrades.
• Sight Post drainage hole.
• Certified Aerospace Grade Materials for full traceability.
• Weight = 0.5 oz
• Patent Pending
• Made in the USA.
$195 MSRP Contact us for LE & MIL pricing.
SKU: 01-UP-SOL01
UPC: 614347562703
For more information about the OGL visit Lantac-USA.com
MATBOCK Monday – Most Advanced Indirect Firing System
April 14th, 2025The Multi-Weapon Aiming Device (MWAD) is a multi-platform capable ballistic computer that digitally displays range and azimuth for indirect fire weapon systems. The MWAD provides real-time ballistic solutions accounting for environmental conditions, round type, platform, and lot deviations, allowing the user to put rounds on target more accurately and in less time than legacy aiming systems. Full integration into ATAK architecture allows receipt of call for fire missions, informs team leaders of aim point for entire teams, and enables accurate engagement of moving targets. The MWAD is compatible with 40mm and 60mm and has various crew-served weapon platforms. Software modifications can be made on request to include any direct fire weapons system.
NSN: 1240-01-718-6292
ITAR Controlled: Multi-Weapon Aiming Device, MWAD Version 1, Part Number MB-MWAD, is subject to its jurisdiction in accordance with the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) (22 CFR parts 120-130). It is designated a defense article under Category XII(c)(2)(iii) of the U.S. Munitions List. Pursuant to the ITAR, a license or other approval is required prior to any export from, or temporary import into, the United States.
Michael Kelly, IVAS Acquisition and Operations Chief
April 14th, 2025
Fort Belvoir, Va
If you had told 18-year-old Army recruit Michael J. Kelly in 1987 where he would be nearly four decades from then, he wouldn’t have believed it.
“I didn’t think I would be here after I retired from the Army,” Kelly said during a recent interview. “I didn’t think I’d go back into government civilian work.”
Yet after serving honorably in the Army for 25 years, Kelly proudly serves as the Acquisition and Operations Chief for Project Manager IVAS.
The Integrated Visual Augmentation Systems (IVAS) is the Army’s cutting-edge mixed-reality headset of the future that provides Soldiers with a single platform to train, rehearse, and fight through a mixed-reality heads up display. IVAS has the flexibility to integrate situational awareness tools such as low light and thermal sensors, augmented reality, advanced targeting capabilities, 3D mapping and navigation, squad immersive training, and much more all in one platform.
IVAS provides Soldiers with a level of situational awareness and human-machine integration capabilities not currently seen anywhere else in the world.
It’s that unprecedented level of flexibility and Soldier integration that Kelly is most excited about while working with IVAS.
“It’s the extensibility and everything else that we can bring into the system,” Kelly said about IVAS, noting the advancements offered to Soldiers now compared to when he was in the Army.
Having used old PVS-5 night vision goggles, which he jokingly described as “like strapping a brick to your face,” Kelly knows first-hand just how much Soldiers will benefit from using IVAS headsets.
“There’s no extensibility in goggles,” Kelly said, holding his hands up to his face to mimic binoculars as a way to demonstrate a goggle’s smaller field of vision. “You don’t get the extensibility or ability to be extensible.”
IVAS is unique in that it provides both low-light and thermal vision to Soldiers, as well a fused option to provide soldiers with an unprecedented amount of visibility all in one headset.
“When you’re in the woods, even with low-light and enhanced night vision there’s still parts you can’t see,” Kelly explained. “But if you turn thermals on, if there’s a person there they won’t be able to hide.”
That’s also in-part due to IVAS providing Soldiers a significantly wider FOV that what night vision or thermal goggles.
There’s a lot more that Kelly enjoys about working with IVAS, such as the headset’s digital zoom feature to allow soldiers to see objects from further away, or IVAS’ ability to create 3D maps and models that can be shared across all soldiers to provide enhanced situational awareness.
But it’s getting to work with the IVAS team that Kelly most appreciates.
“I like this team,” Kelly says, answering almost immediately when asked about what he liked most about his position. “This is a very high-performing team. It’s one of the things I enjoy about this. More than most places I’ve worked, it’s the team here at IVAS. And I’ve been on a lot of teams in a lot of situations both in and out of the Army.”
Kelly definitely speaks from experience, having served multiple tours in the Middle East during the height of the War on Terror.
Although he prefers not to think of moments during his life and career as highlights, Kelly did mention one moment in particular as something he is particularly proud of.
In 2008, Kelly was again deployed to Iraq as a First Sergeant. His unit was moved around a lot, due in part to the fact that America had already begun the process of withdrawing from the country. Despite that, all of Kelly’s unit returned home.
“We brought everybody back,” Kelly says. “We had some injuries, but no KIAs.”
Kelly has lived a fascinating life, one that has taken turns that even he never would have expected. Throughout all of it, however, Kelly has always held the mindset of embracing things as they come, and it’s led him to where he is today.
“Never say never. Because you don’t know what is going to change in your life,” Kelly said, reflecting on how he never imagined he’d have the duties and position he has now. “So keep your possibilities open. Keep your options open.”
By Zach Montanaro
Embry Riddle’s Air Force ROTC Programs Rank Among the Best in the Nation
April 13th, 2025DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. / PRESCOTT, Ariz.
U.S. Air Force ROTC programs based at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University’s Daytona Beach and Prescott campuses have been recognized as among the top 10% of all detachments nationwide.
Photographer, Wilson Van Ness, 2024
The evaluation — conducted annually by the U.S. Air Force’s Jeanne M. Holm Center for Officer Accessions and Citizen Development — reviewed all 145 ROTC detachments based on the quality of officers commissioned, resource utilization and meeting Air Force needs for rated and critical skills.
At the Daytona Beach, Florida, campus, Air Force ROTC Detachment 157 currently has 477 cadets and is one of the largest detachments in the country. Air Force ROTC Detachment 028 at the Prescott, Arizona, campus has 210 cadets.
“Our two detachments earning these uppermost rankings highlight that Embry?Riddle is producing elite Air and Space Force officers who are making our nation stronger and more secure,” said Embry?Riddle President P. Barry Butler, Ph.D. “Congratulations to Detachments 157 and 028 for providing cadets the highest level of education and training.”
Noted accomplishments of Detachment 157 to earn the top 10% evaluation included success in officer production, with 245 cadets commissioned over the 5-year period during the 2020-2024 fiscal years, said Col. Gregory Adams, commander of the Daytona Beach Campus detachment.
Detachment 157 also has the highest Rated Officer selection. Rated Officer selections encompass four career fields: pilot, combat systems officer, air battle manager and remotely piloted aircraft pilot. Cadets compete for these jobs during their junior year and are selected in their senior year.
In addition, the detachment has one of the highest selections of Space Force officers.
“This honor is due to the tremendous effort our cadets put forward every day. Their drive, perseverance and ingenuity are what continue to make Detachment 157 a special place,” Adams said. “Our university leadership has also contributed to our success. We would not be able to offer cadets the opportunities they receive without the university’s support. We continue to rise to the occasion of preparing and producing future Air and Space Force leaders.”
The top 10% evaluation for ROTC Detachment 028 at the Prescott Campus recognized the detachment’s success in officer production, technical degree attainment and aviation officer commissioning, ranking in the top 2% to 3% in these key areas. Detachment 028 excelled in all evaluation criteria, said Col. Russell Davis, commander of the detachment and professor of Aerospace Studies.
“This recognition is due to the outstanding work of our cadets and support from our university leadership,” Davis said. “We consistently exceed expectations in our mission to prepare future officers to succeed in today’s Air and Space Forces.”
Detachment 028 was one of only two detachments in the Southwest region to earn a top 10% ranking this year.
“The recognition of Detachment 028 underscores the strength of our program and the exceptional students we develop,” said Dr. Ken Witcher, chancellor of the Prescott Campus. “It’s a credit to our faculty, staff and especially our cadets who embody the values of integrity first, service before self and excellence in all they do.”
ASA President Knox Williams Elected to the NRA Board of Directors
April 13th, 2025WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the American Suppressor Association (ASA) issued a statement following the announcement that Knox Williams, President and Executive Director of ASA, was elected to the National Rifle Association (NRA) Board of Directors.
“It is an honor to fight on behalf of firearm and suppressor owners across the country. The American Suppressor Association has worked diligently to advocate for the Second Amendment rights of all Americans, and this position allows me to take that critical work to a new level,” said Knox Williams, President and Executive Director of ASA. “I look forward to bringing a fresh perspective and representing the next generation of leaders in our community to this long-standing and important organization, so that we can protect and expand our rights for generations to come.”
“Knox has dedicated his career to defending and advancing the rights of law-abiding gun owners,” said Owen Miller, Vice President of ASA. “His leadership, drive, and unwavering commitment to our mission have been instrumental in shaping the success of the American Suppressor Association. We’re proud to see his hard work recognized by the broader firearms community.”
Click here to read the NRA’s full announcement on the 2025 Board Election Results: www.americanrifleman.org/content/2025-nra-board-election-results
Muhlenberg College Earns 2025-2026 Military Friendly School Designation
April 13th, 2025
Allentown, Pa. (4.8.25) – Muhlenberg College’s Division of Graduate and Continuing Education has earned recognition as a 2025-2026 Military Friendly ® School. Institutions earning the Military Friendly ® School designation were evaluated using both public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey. More than 1,800 schools participated in the 2025-2026 survey with 830 earning special awards for going above the standard.
The 2025-2026 Military Friendly® Schools list will be published in the May and October issue of G.I. Jobs magazine and militaryfriendly.com. Methodology, criteria, and weightings were determined by Viqtory with input from the Military Friendly ® Advisory Council of independent leaders in the higher education and military recruitment community.
“We are honored to once again be recognized as a Military Friendly® School for 2025-2026,” says Vice President of Muhlenberg College Division of Graduate and Continuing Education, AJ Lemheney, Ed.D. “At Muhlenberg, we are deeply committed to supporting our student veterans and military-affiliated learners with flexible, high-quality academic programs and dedicated support services tailored to their unique needs. This designation reflects the strength of our community, the value we place on service, and our ongoing commitment to helping military-connected students succeed in their academic and professional journeys.”
Final ratings were determined by combining the institution’s survey scores with the assessment of the institution’s ability to meet thresholds for student retention, graduation, job placement, loan repayment, persistence (degree advancement or transfer) and loan default rates for all students, and specifically for student-veterans.
“Military Friendly® is committed to transparency and providing consistent data-driven standards in our designation process. Our standards provide a benchmark that promotes positive outcomes and support services that better the educational landscape and provide opportunity for the Military Community. This creates a competitive atmosphere that encourages Institutions to evolve and invest in their programs consistently. Schools who achieve awards designation show true commitment in their efforts, exceeding the standard.” – Kayla Lopez, vice president, Military Friendly®.
The Muhlenberg College School of Continuing Studies has specialized in adult and continuing education for over 100 years, offering over 25 programs, including accelerated and traditional bachelor’s degrees, teacher certification and a certificate in project management. Its programs are built for the unique needs of the adult learner and provide flexible scheduling options. The Muhlenberg College School of Graduate Studies offers graduate degrees and certificates with multiple pathways that provide flexibility for students to create their own graduate experience. Programs are delivered in a fully online format and provide impactful learning experiences with virtual learning, helping our students achieve an enhanced work-life balance.
Founded in 1848, Muhlenberg is a highly selective, four-year residential, liberal arts college in the city of Allentown, Pa., with nearly 2,000 bachelor’s and master’s degree-seeking students. The college’s curriculum and experiences are designed to open doors to new ideas, discoveries, friendships and a lifetime of personal and intellectual growth.
For all inquiries, please contact: careymanzolillo@muhlenberg.edu
Army Junior Officer Counsel Drives Change from the Ground Floor
April 13th, 2025
WASHINGTON — The Army Junior Officer Counsel is a pilot program sponsored by the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-1, that is led by junior officers. Its goal is to transform how the Army learns, develops and retains young leaders in the officer grades of O-1 to O-3 and WO-1 to CW-3.
AJOC gives junior officers a formal platform to improve Soldiers’ quality of service and life, which supports junior officer retention and career satisfaction. It’s proving to be a valuable asset by fostering innovation and positive change within the Army while cultivating the next generation of Army leaders.
The name AJOC deliberately contains the word “counsel” to highlight its advisory role to senior leaders, which allows JOs to share perspectives, insights and innovative ideas. The program capitalizes on the leading-edge knowledge and experience of junior officers because they are often the most recently formally trained, and they work close on the final planning and execution of many of the Army’s missions.
“We’re taking the knowledge we gain in our specific fields and applying it to broader Army challenges,” said Maj. Chris Slininger, AJOC’s director and founder. “AJOC provides a space to hone these skills amongst our peers, allowing for candid feedback and rapid growth.”
AJOC is designed to have numerous chapters at different installations gathering feedback, research and recommendations from JOs. It currently has three active chapters at Fort Stewart, Georgia; Smith Barracks in Baumholder, Germany; and Fort Huachuca, Arizona.
Slininger said AJOC chapters prioritize action-oriented, collaborative problem-solving approaches that focus on delivering rigorous research and tangible results. They also emphasize active listening, encouraging JOs to gather information effectively, understand diverse perspectives and build consensus.
“This isn’t about endless debates and discussions,” explained Slininger. “AJOC is about identifying challenges, developing practical solutions and driving meaningful change within the Army.”
AJOC also offers significant professional development opportunities for participating JOs by cultivating critical thinking and encouraging them to leverage data, artificial intelligence and other resources to inform and improve decision-making.
One of the program’s core strengths involves encouraging JOs to take ownership of driving change within the Army profession. It also gives senior leaders who want to support change an opportunity to hear from JOs and mentor them to help implement effective solutions to identified challenges and gaps.
Interaction with senior leaders is an invaluable experience for JOs as it gives them first-hand access to the perspectives of senior leaders, who help them understand the Army’s broader vision and its network of stakeholders, campaigns and responsibilities.
Slininger created AJOC as a junior officer after recognizing the need for a more structured and effective system to understand and address the perspectives and needs of junior officers. Even now, as a field grade officer, he is a strong advocate for the program because of its value to the Army and JOs.
“AJOC offers a unique opportunity for JOs who want to make a tangible impact on the Army,” said Slininger. “Whether driven by a desire to improve their units, enhance their leadership skills or contribute to solving complex challenges, AJOC provides a platform for JOs to drive tomorrow’s solutions today.”
As AJOC expands, its impact on the Army’s future is poised to grow even further.
U.S. Army Public Affairs there you go
