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JROTC Cadets from Across the Country Take on the National Raider Challenge

November 2nd, 2024

FORT KNOX, Ky. — As the early morning sun broke the dawn, hundreds of JROTC cadets moved to their start positions. Radio crackles could be heard across the starting lines, signaling the competition was about to begin. Nervous faces turned serious. On the command ‘Go!’ cadets broke into a sprint, striving to bring home the gold.

The JROTC National Raider Challenge, hosted by U.S. Army Cadet Command, brought more than 5,000 cadets from across the country to Fort Knox Oct. 24-27, 2024, to test their grit and attempt to bring home the title of National Raider Champion.

“This is an opportunity to see America at its finest, and these young people came to battle it out and they want to win,” said Sgt. Maj of the Army Michael R. Wiemer, the Army’s senior enlisted advisor.

While this was an event for high school students, it was not for the faint of heart. The competition featured grueling obstacle courses, a 5K run and the infamous one rope bridge among other challenging tasks. Despite how overwhelming this competition may seem to some, JROTC cadets who have been training for months happily accepted the challenge.

“My team has been training since summer started,” said Cadet Stephanie Quintero-Hernandez from Palmetto High School, Florida. “We knew that we were coming to nationals, and we wanted to win. We’ve been working extra, even during the hurricanes. Nothing stopped us.”

The competition is divided into three divisions – Challenge, Masters and All-Service. The Challenge division competed on Friday and is comparable to junior varsity in other high school sports, with teams being made up of younger or less experienced cadets. The Masters division competed on Saturday and is the equivalent of varsity with teams comprised of primarily upper classmen who typically have years of raider experience. Competing alongside the Master divisions were JROTC programs from the Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps who were slated in the All-Service Division.

Once the Masters and All-Service divisions concluded, the top finishing teams nominated two cadets to represent their school in the Ultimate Raider challenge — a three-mile course broken up into an 800-meter sprint, a 14-station obstacle course, a 25-meter swim and a 2-mile run. The results from the Ultimate Raider Challenge are then combined with their overall scores from Saturday’s events to create the final standings for the competition.

During the final awards ceremony, the top 12 finishers of the Ultimate Raider Challenge were presented a 4-year Army ROTC scholarship. These scholarships will allow the cadets to continue their education at their school of choice with an Army ROTC program, provided that they meet the minimum requirements and choose to serve as an officer in the Army.

“It’s events like this that show the true colors of these cadets and prove that they are ready to be the next generation of leaders for this country,” said Brig. Gen. Maurice Barnett, commanding general of U.S. Army Cadet Command. “We saw some true grit and determination from all of the competitors as they faced a pretty tough course — and they should be incredibly proud of themselves and their teams.”

In addition to the competition, cadets experienced a festival like atmosphere throughout the weekend. From performances by the Army’s ‘As You Were’ rock band to demonstrations from premier military units, there was plenty to entertain cadets and families. This event also gave cadets the opportunity to talk to multiple universities, helping them decide their paths after high school.

Competition Results

Masters Division

Male

1st Place — Leavenworth High School

2nd Place — Adairsville High School

3rd Place — Etowah High School

Female

1st Place — Leavenworth High School

2nd Place — Ozark High School

3rd Place — Warren County High School

Mixed

1st Place — Clarkrange High School

2nd Place — Georgia Military College Prep School

3rd Place — Smith-Cotton High School

All-Service Division

Males

1st Place — Hendersonville High School

2nd Place — Camdenton High School

3rd Place — Campbell County High School

Females

1st Place — Live Oaks High School

2nd Place — Logan County High School

3rd Place — Smith-Cotton High School

Mixed

1st Place — Walker High School

2nd Place — Concordia Lutheran High School

3rd Place — Rhea County High School

Challenge Division

Male

1st Place — George Rogers Clark High School

2nd Place — Manatee High School

3rd Place — Bluffton High School

Female

1st Place — Palmetto High School

2nd Place — Manatee High School

3rd Place — Claudia Taylor Johnson High School

Mixed

1st Place — Newsome High School

2nd Place — Northeast High School

3rd Place — Kenwood High School

By Ian Ives

Posted in Army, Guest Post | Comments Off on JROTC Cadets from Across the Country Take on the National Raider Challenge

Kratos Design Group Expands “Hera” Bag Rider Product Line to include SOPMOD Stocks

November 1st, 2024

Building on the existing options for Magpul SL & SL-S stocks, Kratos Design Group announces a new addition to fit SOPMOD & Enhanced SOPMOD stocks.

The Hera Bag Riders provide more surface area to contact your rear support bag giving you some benefits of a precision stock while maintaining the small profile and features of an assaulter-style stock. Designed to fit perfectly with the contours of the stock, it seamlessly integrates as part of the stock.

A defining feature of the Hera bag rider is the ability to store a ¼” bit and a Multitasker Nano optic adjustment tool giving the user a method to have tools with your rifle at all times (sold separately).

The Hera features a very aggressive texture on the bottom to ensure positive contact with the rear bag and prevent slippage.

The design incorporates multiple tabs and an alloy steel bolt to securely hold the bag rider in place. One of the tabs integrates with the bottom sling mount and prevents the bag rider from moving up and down along the stock.

Weighing just 0.9 oz the Hera adds over 2 inches of surface area to the bottom of your stock.

The Hera bag Rider for Sopmod stocks are available in Black. FDE & ODG will be released shortly after.

Plans to further expand the Hera line include bag riders for Magpul CTR & B5 Bravo stocks and will be released later in 2024.

Backed by a lifetime warranty and Made in T exas, the Hera Bag Rider is designed to last for years of service and provide you with a stable foundation for shooting with magnified optics.

The Kratos Design Group Hera & Hera Lite bag riders are available directly from Kratos or at any of their dealers.

Posted in Press Release, Weapon Accessories | Comments Off on Kratos Design Group Expands “Hera” Bag Rider Product Line to include SOPMOD Stocks

Strike Industries and Narsil Dynamics Announce Strategic Partnership to Launch Advanced AI Drone, “Waspy” in 2025

November 1st, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – October 31, 2024

Pioneering autonomous drone technology with groundbreaking latency reduction, target acquisition, and real-time facial recognition capabilities.

Las Vegas, Nevada — Narsil Dynamics, a leader in drone technology with a legacy as Asia’s first large-scale drone manufacturer, has teamed up with Strike Industries (SI) to introduce the Waspy—a revolutionary AI-powered drone poised to transform military, commercial, and search-and-rescue (SAR) operations. Set for its first public demo flight in December 2024, Waspy leverages advanced AI capabilities to minimize latency, providing unmatched target acquisition without reliance on traditional FPV piloting.

Click here to watch our intro video.

Autonomous Precision Targeting and AI-Driven Tracking

Designed primarily for military use, Waspy’s AI-driven capabilities allow it to autonomously “chase” and secure targets based on predefined parameters. Operators can import specific target data, enabling Waspy to search and identify individuals based on features such as clothing colors or distance from a set location. By eliminating the need for direct control, Waspy significantly reduces the limitations traditionally posed by signal transmission delays.

This autonomous targeting is further enhanced by high-end models featuring integrated real-time facial recognition, priced competitively at around $2000, while entry-level models are set to retail at approximately $1000.

Manufactured in the USA and Taiwan with Zero Reliance on Chinese Chipsets

Reflecting Narsil Dynamics’ commitment to security and reliability, Waspy will be manufactured in both the USA and Taiwan. The drone’s production process is entirely free of Chinese chipsets, ensuring a secure, stable, and technologically independent platform.

Click here to watch our intro video.

Company History: Setting Global Standards in Drone Innovation

Founded with a commitment to innovation, the original team of Narsil Dynamics achieved a Top global ranking in the 2010s and delivered its first large scale drone to the Taiwan Police Department in 2013, advancing law enforcement capabilities across Asia. From law enforcement applications to groundbreaking solutions worldwide, the founders of Narsil have consistently set industry standards. Now, with Waspy, Narsil Dynamics pushes boundaries once again, bringing the world a new level of autonomy in drone technology.

Upcoming Demo and Purchase Information

Waspy’s debut demo flight is scheduled for December 2024, offering an exclusive look at its cutting-edge functionality. Narsil Dynamics will open purchase orders in early 2025, and interested parties can follow the company’s social media and website for the latest updates and details.

Stay Connected

For continuous updates on Waspy and other groundbreaking innovations, follow Narsil Dynamics on Instagram and visit our official website. Join us in witnessing a new era in autonomous drone technology.

Email: info@narsildynamics.com

Instagram: instagram.com/narsildynamics

Youtube: youtube.com/@NarsilDynamics

Website: www.narsildynamics.com

Narsil Dynamics and Strike Industries’ collaboration signals a major step forward in the world of autonomous drone technology, setting a new standard for performance, security, and innovation in both military and commercial applications.

Posted in Advertiser, Press Release, UAS | 7 Comments »

CTOMS Presents: Evolution of Tourniquet Placement Guidelines

November 1st, 2024

Since its inception, the Committee on Tactical Combat Casualty Care (CoTCCC) has evolved its guidance on tourniquet placement, especially with advancements in battlefield medicine and lessons learned from conflicts.

1. Early Guidance (1990s-early 2000s): Initially, CoTCCC recognized the need for clear guidelines on tourniquet use due to the high number of preventable deaths from extremity hemorrhage. The early recommendation was to place a tourniquet high and tight on the limb, proximal to the injury, and as close to the trunk as necessary. This guidance emphasized speed to control bleeding, often at the expense of precision in placement.

2. Afghanistan and Iraq Wars (2000s): As lessons were learned in the field, CoTCCC reinforced the importance of tourniquet use in preventing deaths from extremity hemorrhage. The “high and tight” guidance remained, particularly when rapid placement was required in chaotic situations or when the precise location of the wound was obscured.

3. Refinements in the 2010s: Over time, CoTCCC refined its recommendations with more precise guidance. While the “high and tight” rule was still valid in situations requiring immediate bleeding control, there was a recognition that a more targeted approach—placing the tourniquet 2-3 inches above the bleeding site—was optimal when conditions allowed. This approach helped minimize tissue damage and nerve injury associated with prolonged tourniquet use.

4. Current Position: The current CoTCCC position balances the “high and tight” placement for emergency situations where time is critical, with a preference for more targeted placement when the exact source of bleeding can be identified. The focus remains on immediate and effective bleeding control, followed by rapid evacuation and medical intervention.

In essence, CoTCCC has continuously emphasized the critical role of tourniquets while refining the guidance to reflect a balance between speed and precision, with a focus on saving lives while minimizing potential complications.

To learn more about tourniquet application and massive hemorrhage control, CTOMSAcademy.com provides Emergency Bleeding Control courses on our e-learning platform. Use code SSD25 for 25% off all CTOMS Academy training.

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AUSA 24 – SIG Remote Operated Equipment

November 1st, 2024

SIG gave us an update on their robotics and remote operated weapon station programs which they are referring to, with an eye to the future, as Remote Operated Equipment. As you may recall, SIG purchased Israel’s General Robotics last year.

This is the first fully US-produced SIG weapon station, mounted with an MMG 338 Machine Gun, and sitting atop the tracked Donkey concept platform.

The weapon station is capable of remotely charging and firing the weapon as well as rendering it safe.

The flexible feed chute is from Nobels Worldwide and the weapon is fed from a 300 round quick change ammo can. The entire system can be controlled via a tether or remotely via a Persistent Systems MPU5 radio.

Finally, the weapon station optics include a variable powered day camera along with a thermal camera and 1550 eye safe laser range finder.

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AUSA 24 – GORE-TEX Defense Fabrics’ All Weather Integrated Clothing System

November 1st, 2024

The US Army has been working on the Cold Temperature and Arctic Protection System for several years with limited fielding of developmental items to troops in Alaska including the 11th Airborne Division (Arctic).

According to sources close to the effort, a formal requirement has been approved and both the name and scope will change. Currently, CTAPS is a multi-layer system that aims to keep Soldiers warmer in cold weather environments, spanning from 45 degrees Fahrenheit to -65 degrees Fahrenheit.

The new All Range Tactical Clothing will become an overarching program for all organizational clothing including other regions besides just Arctic.

Many of the designs associated with CTAPS were created in house at Natick when the program concentrated more on materials than function. In the ensuing years, industry has introduced new styles which have strong Soldier acceptance. For example, the so-called 11th Airborne Jacket and Trouser was procured as a Commercial-Off-The-Shelf item and developed by SITKA Arrowhead.

GORE-TEX Defense Fabrics has monitored the program and trickled out a couple of design concepts over the past few years, such as the stretch technology fabric seen above. But at this year’s AUSA they introduced us to an entire clothing system they call All Weather Integrated Clothing System (AWICS).

Here is the system. That compression bag you see at the bottom contains the whole system except for the softshell layer which is generally worn all of the time in cold regions and takes the place of the ACU or Combat Shirt and Trouser.

We’ll cover down on the individual mannequins from left to right.

This is the Temperate Mid-Layer Pullover. It offers a great deal of moisture wicking and breathability.

Here you can see the details of the trousers made from GORE-TEX WINDSTOPPER.

Next is the Weather Protective Active Insulation Jacket. It combines a WINDSTOPPER shell with Polartec Alpha Direct insulation.

It is paired with an insulated short with full side zips for quick donning and doffing.

Next is the Softshell uniform which many are familiar with as Level 5 of Protective Combat Uniform / MARS or Gen III ECWCS. In the Twight model codified by Alpinist Mark Twight in his book “Extreme Alpinism: Climbing Light, Fast and High” which our clothing systems are based upon, it is called the “Action Suit” and is the basic outer layer worn day-to-day. It’s made from WINDSTOPPER fabric for comfort, breathability, and durability along with its water shedding properties. Even when wet, it dries faster than other fabrics.

This is the GORE-TEX Temperate Cold/Wet Layer. It’s made from waterproof, breathable 3-layer fabric and incorporates features troops have been asking for such as pocket placement. This laminate is durably waterproof, totally windproof, and very breathable even after exposure to common battle field contaminates.

The final component is the Insulation Layer. Unlike with the current programs of record this doesn’t have a bulky Level 7 Bivy Parka. The GORE-TEX team has worked to reduce the number of garments and the insulation of the Level 7 can be obtained by combining various AWICS pieces.

The GORE-TEX Defense Fabrics development team is currently working on an employment wheel like the one used with USSOCOM’s PCU to assist with when and how to combine components of the system to get the desired effect.

Hopefully, this system will get a look by the US military and that they remain open to commercial innovation.

To learn more about GORE-TEX Military Fabrics visit www.goretexprofessional.com/ausa.

Posted in Advertiser, AUSA, Clothing, Materials | 1 Comment »

FirstSpear Friday Focus: Cold Climate Gloves

November 1st, 2024

Key Features:

PrimaLoft Gold Insulation —High-performance warmth with a water-resistant insert.

Touchscreen Compatibility**: Index finger is touchscreen-sensitive for device use.

Keratan Palm Patch—Durable, provides extra grip and protection.

Super Soft Suede

Adjustable Elastic Wrist— Ensures a secure, customized fit.

Don’t let the cold slow you down—gear up with FirstSpear’s Cold Climate Gloves, designed to keep you warm without sacrificing functionality. These gloves are lightweight, warm, and now available in fatigue green and black.

With PrimaLoft Gold insulation, these gloves deliver premium warmth while staying highly breathable and water-resistant, perfect for varying winter conditions. The Pittards Keratan leather palm patch ensures durability and extra grip, critical in demanding environments. Touchscreen capability on the index finger and a soft suede thumb provide both function and comfort, while the adjustable wrist cuff ensures a snug fit that locks in warmth.

Built to be reliable, warm, and adaptive, these gloves are a solid choice for anyone facing cold climates and needing dependable handwear.

Learn more at www.first-spear.com/cold-climate-glove-ccg.

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First Enlisted US Air Force Air Defense Artillery Fire Control Officers certified

November 1st, 2024

JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. (AFNS) —

The Washington Air National Guard’s 225th Air Defense Squadron hosted its second Joint Kill Chain Exercise for 14 U.S. Army and two 225th ADS enlisted weapons directors Sept. 24-27 at the Western Air Defense Sector on Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

The JKCE is the final event at the end of a three-week Air Defense Artillery Fire Control Officers course. The academic portion of the course was hosted by the 1-51 Air Defense Artillery Battalion on JB Lewis-McChord from Sept 9-23.

The course is designed to instill ADAFCOs with the necessary skills to integrate Army Air and Missile Defense engagement operations at the appropriate controlling authority,” explained U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 3 Jesus Arellano. “All operations are tied into the Joint Integrated Air and Missile Defense System to destroy, nullify or reduce the effectiveness of hostile air breathing and missile threats against friendly forces, as well as to reduce the potential for fratricide.”

ADAFCO course students received graduate level training in mission analysis, advanced air battle management/command and control, and joint air and missile defense operations. According to Arellano, the demanding curriculum challenges students’ competencies using hands-on training, examinations, and practical exercises. Students are required to develop and present a threat-specific mission briefing to a board of cadre and inter-service personnel.

Washington Air National Guardsmen Master Sgt. Andrew Snyder and Tech. Sgt. Jordan Schaefer, weapons directors from the 225th ADS, had the unique privilege of going through the course and are now the only two U.S. Air Force enlisted certified ADAFCOs. Normally the course is reserved for U.S. Army warrant officers and company grade officers.

According to Snyder, “we train to integrate joint fires into the battlespace and air domain in large areas of operation. The course provided me with in-depth knowledge about the PATRIOT weapons system and IADS integration across the joint service, which will have a direct impact on the homeland defense mission [Operation Noble Eagle] at WADS.”

WADS was chosen as the location to support the JKCE due to its robust capability to provide live, virtual and constructed simulation execution. Arellano explained that “the WADS team can connect to the Distributed Training Operations Center which enables state of the art simulation feed and hosts the PATRIOT tactical directors for a full integration of systems and operations. The WADS facility also provided a workspace and briefing areas to conduct joint planning training between the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Army and we look forward to a continued effort to joint training.”

By Kimberly D. Burke, Western Air Defense Sector Public Affairs

Posted in Air Force, Guest Post | Comments Off on First Enlisted US Air Force Air Defense Artillery Fire Control Officers certified