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J.P. Sauer & Sohn and Field Ethos Introduce The Exception Rifle in 9.3×62

November 26th, 2025

San Antonio, Texas (November 24, 2025) – J.P. Sauer & Sohn and Field Ethos introduce their latest collaboration – a limited-edition Sauer in 9.3×62 named The Exception. This adventure rifle is designed for the most challenging hunting adventures. It is the ultimate ‘working man’s adventure rifle’ and an exceptional value.

Developed in the early 1900s, the 9.3x62mm cartridge was widely used by German farmers and settlers in colonial Africa due to its effectiveness in taking a wide array of species from plains game to Cape Buffalo. The caliber’s versatility made it an easy choice for The Exception.

“The Exception is designed to handle any adventure you can throw at it while maintaining the classic look of a traditional safari rifle,” said Ron Dan, President, Field Ethos. “Using a Sauer in 9.3×62 as a base, we have added features you would find at 4x the price, and we have a rifle that can accompany you throughout the world. Tapping into the lineage and capabilities of the 9.3×62 cartridge, we now have a rifle that is as reliable as it is versatile.”

Featuring a grade 3 walnut stock, Sauer red safari recoil pad, and semi-weight barrel with 19mm taper, iron sights, and a barrel band sling stud, The Exception delivers German precision and accuracy. Sporting a customized Field Ethos magazine floor plate and a checkered steel bolt handle ball that handles like a dream, even with sweaty or muddy hands, this all-around rifle is engineered to excel in the most rugged terrain.

“Field Ethos embodies the spirit of adventure, traveling the globe to experience epic hunting and the challenges these quests often entail,” said Jason Evans, CEO, Blaser Group. “At J.P. Sauer & Sohn, we share their passion for hunting off the beaten path, and The Exception is our latest collaboration to provide hunters with a special, workhorse of a rifle that delivers accuracy and a level of performance far exceeding its price point.”

All sales of The Exception will be through Rivers & Glen Trading Co. Home – Rivers & Glen Trading Company Guns.

MSRP: $2,699.00

Posted in Firearms, Hunting, Press Release | 1 Comment »

US Army Revamps Direct Commissioning Program to Accelerate Recruitment of Applicants with Specialized Skills

November 26th, 2025

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Army announced updates to its Direct Commissioning Program, DCP, aimed at attracting top-tier professionals with specialized skills directly into its officer corps. The program offers qualified civilians and former service members the opportunity to be appointed as officers, potentially entering at ranks from second lieutenant to colonel, depending on their qualifications.

The overhaul, formalized in a recent execution order, centralizes the recruiting, screening, and selection process under the U.S. Army Recruiting Command. This move seeks to create a more unified and standardized approach to accessing talent, replacing a previously fragmented system where procedures varied by branch or component.

“The Direct Commissioning Program fundamentally changes how we bring specialized talent into the Army,” said Brig. Gen. Gregory Johnson, U.S. Army, Director of Military Personnel Management. “By reducing commissioning timelines across a wide range of emerging skills, cyber, technology, logistics, and beyond, the program directly enhances warfighting readiness and ensures we remain competitive in an evolving operational environment.”

A key objective of the revised DCP is to shorten commissioning timelines to approximately six months, a significant reduction intended to improve efficiency. The program also aims to improve transparency by consolidating applicant screening, waiver processes, and board procedures under USAREC.

The revamped DCP provides an alternative accession pathway beyond traditional routes like Reserve Officers’ Training Corps, the U.S. Military Academy and Officer Candidate School. It helps align civilian expertise with critical mission needs and potentially reduce costs associated with scholarships, permanent change of station moves, and training requirements.

Positions are available in both active duty and Army Reserve components. Applicants must meet specific criteria to be considered, including:

U.S. citizen (dual citizenship disqualifies applicants).
Meet Army medical, physical and fitness standards, including height and weight standards.
Clean moral background.
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
Match specific education and skill requirements, demonstrating leadership and technical expertise.
Able to obtain and maintain a security clearance (Secret or Top Secret, depending on the position).
Meet age requirements (waivers may be possible).
The program is not open to inter-service or inter-component transfers.

“Ultimately, the DCP is part of a broader effort to modernize the Army’s talent management strategies,” said Brig. Gen. Johnson. “The updated DCP provides a more adaptable model for accessing specialized skills needed now and in the future. We will be more lethal because of this effort’”

Interested individuals can find more information on the Army Direct Commissioning Program website.

By LTC William Lincoln, U.S. Army Directorate of Military Personnel Management

Posted in Army, Guest Post, TacJobs | 1 Comment »

Varusteleka Commando Cap

November 25th, 2025

Offered in Finnish M05 Woodland and Alpine versions, the Commando Cap from Varusteleka is made from Merino wool and available in Medium and Large sizes. Inspired by the Finnish Army Sissipipo, these are made Made by Agtuvi Oy in Finland.

Posted in Advertiser, Clothing, International | No Comments »

HOP Munitions and SOAA Join Forces to Advance Responsible Firearm Ownership and Veteran Wellness

November 25th, 2025

HOP Munitions, a veteran-operated ammunition manufacturer, and the Special Operations Association of America (SOAA) are proud to announce a strategic partnership centered on responsible firearm ownership, safe storage, and community wellness. This collaboration seeks to elevate awareness of firearm safety, PTSD education, and mental health within both the veteran and civilian shooting communities.

At its core, the partnership aligns two mission-driven organizations that share a commitment to keeping America safe, America’s veterans, and responsible gun culture. Through thought leadership, educational initiatives, and open dialogue, HOP Munitions and SOAA aim to strengthen understanding around safe firearm practices, suicide prevention, and the physiological impacts of shooting on long-term health.

Bridging Industry and Community

For the men and women of SOAA, veterans who have served at the highest levels of U.S. special operations, responsible firearm ownership is not merely a policy discussion; it’s a lived responsibility. SOAA’s community engagement initiatives focus on addressing real issues such as suicide prevention, PTSD awareness, and the importance of recognizing signs of distress in peers.

“Many gun owners, even within the tactical and sporting communities, don’t always recognize the warning signs that someone may be struggling,” said Daniel Elkins of SOAA. “Our goal with this partnership is to open up those conversations, equip people with knowledge, and build a culture of awareness that saves lives.”

Together, HOP Munitions and SOAA will co-produce educational content and host discussions that encourage open conversations about mental health, including identifying the behavioral cues that precede crises and exploring how our community can intervene responsibly.

Advancing Safety and Performance Through Thought Leadership

This partnership also emphasizes the importance of safety in firearm use, from eye and ear protection to understanding the physiological effects of overpressure in high volume shooting, factors increasingly linked to cognitive and auditory damage in both military and civilian shooters.

“Responsible firearm ownership goes far beyond marksmanship,” said Joe Nook, Chief Executive Officer at HOP Munitions. “It’s about education, awareness, and taking care of the people who take care of others. We’re honored to partner with SOAA to address not only the technical side of shooting but the human side as well, mental health, safe storage, and long-term well-being of our veterans and the 2nd Amendment community.”

HOP Munitions and SOAA plan to co-author a series of expert-led articles that cover:

? Safe storage practices and accident prevention in the home

? Recognizing early indicators of PTSD and suicidal ideation

? The role of overpressure and hearing damage in long-term health

? Community education to promote responsible ownership and safe handling of firearms

These initiatives will be featured on both organizations’ platforms and shared across national media outlets, bringing expert-driven discussions to the forefront of the firearms industry.

A Partnership with Purpose

Both organizations share a unified goal: to protect, educate, and empower.

For HOP Munitions, that means producing high-quality, American-made ammunition while giving back to the community that shaped its values.

For SOAA, it means leveraging the experiences of America’s veterans to improve mental health awareness and foster responsible, informed firearm ownership nationwide.

“Partnerships like this are how real change begins,” said Daniel Elkins. “When the firearms industry and the veteran community come together to focus on wellness, safety, and education, we move the entire culture forward.”

Posted in Ammo, Press Release | 2 Comments »

Milipol 25 – Lindnerhof Taktik Expands Beast Heavy Load Carrying System

November 25th, 2025

In 2023 Lindnerhof Taktik introduced the Beast, a packboard system for extremely heavy and unwieldy loads like breaching tools. In German, they refer to the capability as the “Ausrüstungsträger” or equipment carrier.

The frame and attachment system has proven to be quite adaptive and has been adopted by multiple units around the works due to its versatility.

At Milipol, Lindnerhof introduced a series of packs for the Beast.

These modular packs are 30L and 50L respectively but can be fitted out up to 110L when adding side pockets. Naturally, more bags and accessory pockets are in the works.

www.hqg.de

Posted in Load Carrying, Milipol, Packs | No Comments »

Milipol 25 – North Eagles

November 25th, 2025

North Eagles is a Swiss firm specializing in wrist one situational awareness systems. For instance they manufacture a gas detector for industrial applications.

At Milipol they showed their newest creation, a tactical instrument which offers several functions:

Battlefield Situational Awareness

Collect and analyze data generated by the watch sensors or connected sensors
(GPS, acceleration & pressure sensor, noise)
Generate an automatic report of the current field situation (rest or active time, soldier is moving rapidly, fall, explosion, shootings, combat intensity, etc.)
Geolocation of troops at Soldier level
Target geolocation
Distance to target
Blue forces geolocation
Dead reckoning (GNSS denied environment)

Soldier Health Awareness

Collect & analyse data generated by the watch sensors or connected sensors (heart beat, acceleration & pressure sensors, noise)
Generate an automatic report of the soldier’s health: stress level, estimated need to recover, medical issue
Vital information transmission
Proof of life

Communication & Data

C2 Support: Enables command and control functions
Secure Communication: Provides encrypted data transmission.
Multi-Function: Handles location, status, requests & commands
Jamming resistance & minimal radio signature
Kill Switch

Additionally, this wrist mounted device offers the wearer access to the following data:

Local temperature
Local pressure
Blue and Red tracking
Gas detector
Ionizing radiation detector
Explosives detector
Narcotics detector

Although the screen does not depict a map, the system will integrate vector map backgrounds. Additionally, it uses a spread spectrum protocol to connnect to Soldierborne comms systems.

Learn more at northeagles.ch.

Posted in C5ISR, International, Milipol | No Comments »

GORE-TEX Professional Pyrad Battle Dress Uniform

November 25th, 2025

At the AUSA and Milipol exhibitions, W.L. Gore & Assoc have displayed Battle Dress Uniforms made from a new version of their FR Pyrad material.

As the fabric is currently produced in Europe, they are gaging interest in the US for an FR material which retains the inherent qualities of the base fabric. PYRAD is a finish which is added to the fabric before it is assembled into a garment but does not significantly affect characteristics like air permeability of comfort of the fabric against the skin.

Learn more at www.goretexprofessional.com/defense-fabrics.

Posted in Advertiser, AUSA, FR, Materials, Milipol | No Comments »

Sneak Peek – Evader Smock & Anorak

November 25th, 2025

Coming Black Friday from Onward Research is the Evader Smock and Anorak. Apply my named considering Onward Research is the gear brand founded by former AF SERE Instructor and TAcO Officer Mike Jones. You may know him as Garand Thumb.

So far, they’ve released these details on the Anorak. “Waterproof integrated hood, built in hand warmer, wire brim, zippered pockets, minimal Velcro. We’re staying cozy this winter.”

Posted in Clothing | 1 Comment »