Soldier/Journalist Sarah Blake Morgan spoke with United States Army Special Operations Command, Command Sergeant Major JoAnn Naumann about what the command has been up to this year.
USASOC Year In Review
December 24th, 2024Varusteleka Project MEGA Update
December 24th, 2024Our project MEGA is moving forwards. Where are we at now, and why is this project so important?
Read more in the article: www.varusteleka.com/en/articles/project-mega-gtfo-of-china-3/692
U.S. Army Takes Delivery of Textron Systems’ MK 4.8 HQ Aerosonde System for Future Tactical Uncrewed Aircraft Systems Program
December 24th, 2024Redstone Arsenal, AL – The U.S. Army’s Future Tactical Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (FTUAS) Product Office has officially taken receipt of the Textron Systems’ MK 4.8 HQ Aerosonde system, marking a significant milestone in the program’s rapid prototyping effort. This achievement follows a comprehensive two-year development and testing process, which included extensive technical testing, ground and flight acceptance testing, and a joint effort between the vendor and the United States Government (USG).
The delivery of the system, formalized through the DD-250 process, transfers ownership to the USG. The FTUAS team will now proceed with New Equipment Training (NET) to qualify instructors and operators at the Redstone Test Center on the MK 4.8 HQ Aerosonde system. This training is expected to be completed by late January 2025.
Upon completion of NET, the FTUAS team will embark on a USG-led developmental testing cycle, which will culminate in the program’s capstone event. This testing effort will occur in parallel with the ongoing efforts to evaluate production proposals for award, anticipated in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2025.
The FTUAS program will provide Brigade Combat Teams (BCTs) with an organic capability for reconnaissance and surveillance operations, enabling them to collect, develop, and report actionable intelligence. This will allow BCT commanders to maintain dominance during Multi-Domain Operations. The FTUAS system boasts transformational capabilities, including vertical take-off and landing, on-the-move command and control, and Soldier-led, field-level maintenance. Its Modular Open Systems Approach enables rapid capability insertions, ensuring the system keeps pace with evolving technology.
The Program Executive Office (PEO) for Aviation, located at Redstone Arsenal, AL, is responsible for modernizing the Army Aviation fleet of crewed and uncrewed aircraft. PEO Aviation’s Uncrewed Aircraft Systems Project Office is dedicated to rapidly fielding innovative UAS capabilities to Army formations, maintaining the Army’s asymmetric advantage over peer adversaries in large-scale combat operations.
Courtesy Story from Program Executive Office, Aviation
Photos by David Hylton
Scrubland Special Reconnaissance Patrol Pack
December 23rd, 2024The Scrubland Special Reconnaissance Patrol Pack (SRP Pack) is now available.
This pack was designed by current serving Australian SF members and tested to its limits on multiple selection courses and in all conditions on multiple deployments.
It offers seven external pouches with extra room to customize your pack four columns of PALs webbing on each side. It also features bottom access to your sleeping gear which easily fits the issued sleeping bag and bivvi bag.
There is also an internal divider that can be unzipped to make a single internal compartment.
The pack’s frame straps work on both metal or plastic frames.
All accessories are sold separately so if you just need a new pack or you need a whole new set up then you can tailor your order to suit.
– Aprox 60-65L
– Made from 1000d Cordura
– YKK zippers
– Easily Replaceable buckles (if needed)
Prices in Aus $
– SR Patrol pack $680.00
– Frame Straps $139.95
– Frame pad metal/plastic $69.95
– Frame pouch $49.95
– Hydration pouch $69.95ea
– Pack utility pouch set $99.95 (set is 1x vertical and 1x inverted)
All Orders via DM at their IG account www.instagram.com/scrublandco/profilecard.
*Contents not included
Beez Combat Systems – Big Rig Hydration
December 23rd, 2024
The Big Rig Hydration by Beez Combat Systems specifically supports the Cana Provisions AR-1 pump via a laser cut pouch manufactured in the United States. Built into the pouch are two hose retainer bungees constructed from laser cut laminate as a low-profile simple means of securing both intake and outtake hoses.
The Big Rig system is a large mission configurable Beaver Tail system which attaches to a Downeast 1606 frame as found on MOLLE system packs.
www.beezcombatsystems.com/products/big-rig-hydro
*The Frame, Shoulder Straps, Waist Pad , Water Can, Pump, Hoses, Pouch Items and any other External pouches are not included. The Big Rig external grid field allows the attachment of pouches to meet the users specific configuration needs.
Dynamic Principles – SLPC 2.0
December 23rd, 2024Dynamic Principles’ SLPC 2.0 Is finally here!
According to the manufacturer, the SLPC was born out of the need for a lightweight, low profile carrier that retains as many features from their Dynamic Plate Carrier as possible, providing the user with concealability and utility in the smallest package possible.
Featuring removable QASM buckles for placard compatibility, laser cut sides for cable management, four (4) full rows of MOLLE to allow to (2) mounting ride heights for EUD adapters. On the rear bag, full MOLLE webbing for pouch attachment, three (3) rows of loop for ident patches and laser cut rear loop for cummerbund attachment.
The folks at Qore Performance have dubbed these plate bags “Alien FaceHuggers” which is less like a bag and more like a clamshell. It all wraps up on itself to accommodate a wide variety of plate sizes and cuts with perfect fitment.
These bags forego the loop loc shoulder strap system from their other carriers/chest rigs with a laser cut hook/loop shoulder strap to achieve the lowest profile possible for increased comfort when concealing the carrier under clothing.
Sold as a set of front and rear bags, the design is unique and cannot be dropped into their other systems. However, it will accept other cummerbunds as well as their QD cummerbund or SLPC 2.0 Elastic Cummerbund as well as your favorite placard.
As Dynamic Principles says, “Run it slick, or run it thicc. It will do both.”
SLPC 2.0 Plate Bags fit:
Small Sapi Plates of any thickness
Small Swimmer Plates of any thickness
Medium SAPI Plates of any thickness
Medium Swimmer Plates of any thickness
10×12 SAPI Plates of any thickness
10×12 Shooter Plates of any thickness
10×12 Swimmer Plates of any thickness
Large Swimmer Plates of any thickness
Offered in Black, Ranger Green and MultiCam.
Get yours at dynamicprinciples.us/store/p/slpc-20.
RTS Tactical – Uniform Vest Carrier
December 23rd, 2024Last week, we showed you the Athletic Vest Carrier from RTS Tactical. This time, we’ll introduce you to their Uniform Vest Carrier.
Built for everyday duty, the Uniform Vest Carrier is compatible with both, soft and hard armor, and can be used in conjunction with one another. The Uniform Vest features a hard armor zipper for easy access, cable management loops for a streamlined setup, and a double-layered elastic cummerbund for a secure and comfortable fit. Designed for full 360-degree coverage, even under the zipper, this vest prioritizes both protection and practicality.
RTS Tactical shared this statement with us:
In today’s world, the brave men and women who serve and protect—our law enforcement officers, security professionals, and first responders—face an increasingly complex and dangerous landscape. They confront threats that are constantly evolving, demanding gear that can keep up with everyday challenges. Ill-fitting and uncomfortable body armor hinders movement, compromises safety, and simply isn’t an option when lives are on the line. That’s why RTS Tactical is driven to empower these everyday heroes with the highest-quality, tactical gear, including customizable soft armor body panels designed for the perfect fit. We believe in keeping manufacturing in the US and pushing the boundaries of innovation, we equip those who serve with the confidence and courage they need to face any obstacle. Because, when our heroes stand fearless, we all stand stronger.
Although the Uniform Vest was created for Law Enforcement Officers and other Security Professionals, RTS Tactical also makes armor solutions for First Responders, Military Personnel, and Civilians.
Visit their website: www.rtstactical.com
Contact the sales team: sales@rtstactical.com
Call RTS Tactical: 786-769-2759
Platatac Has Frogskin!
December 23rd, 2024
What might sound like an insult to many is actually great news for those in the know.
Frogskin camouflage was developed by the US military during World War II and most famously used by the Marines during the island hopping campaign across the Pacific Theater.
Like with other historical patterns, Platatac has taken this classic and applied it to their most popular designs like the Peacekeeper Mk5 chest rig, SD Duffel, Kurtz Shirt, and Jaywick Shorts, with more coming in early 2025.
To learn more and order yours, visit: info.platatac.com/platatac-frog-skin
