SIG SAUER - Never Settle

New Antiterrorism Strategic Plan Coming This Fiscal Year

August 23rd, 2023

WASHINGTON — The Department of the Army is working on a new Antiterrorism Strategic Plan that is scheduled to roll out this fiscal year.

The plan, which is being coordinated with the Department of Defense, will update policy, training, exercises and how the Army analyzes and shares information about terrorism.

“The threats we faced 20 years ago aren’t the threats we face today, nor are they the threats we will face in the future,” said Maj. Gen. Duane R. Miller, Army provost marshal general. “Our adversaries are constantly evolving with the use of technology to identify vulnerabilities. It’s through this strategic plan that we hope to address any vulnerabilities and any threats we may face in the future.”

The program will help put Army civilians, contractors, Soldiers and their families on common ground with the service’s antiterrorism goals and objectives moving forward, he added.

The Army’s Antiterrorism Division worked with multiple federal organizations, including the Department of Homeland Security, as they developed the antiterrorism program. This allowed them to share information on best practices and emerging technologies that could pose a threat.

Training, education and awareness remain the key elements in the service’s efforts to prevent terrorism at home and overseas, Miller said.

“The more aware our community members are, the more likely we are to obtain advanced warning to defend against terrorist attacks,” he said. “Constant vigilance, timely threat reporting, knowledge of antiterrorism prevention measures and Army leadership advocacy are vital to sustained prevention.”

August is dedicated as Antiterrorism Awareness Month to educate members of the Army on the threat and provide information on how to prevent acts of terrorism.

“Soldiers who are aware of the risks and who report concerning behavior can help prevent threats from impacting the local community,” he said. “Don’t be a bystander. Do your part as a member of the team.”

According to Miller, the fight against terrorism has shifted in recent years from terrorist groups overseas to individual domestic terrorists fueled by extremist ideologies.

To combat the evolving threat, the Army has updated the antiterrorism program and continues to look for ways to improve protection efforts. The service is continuing to field and expand the capability of the Joint Analytic Real-time Virtual Information Sharing System.

JARVISS is a desktop and mobile application that pulls information from more than 80,000 sources to give commanders real-time data on potential threats, so they can make informed decisions.

Along with advances in technology, the Army and the National Guard continue to conduct annual exercises to stay ready. The Ohio National Guard held their emergency response exercise in April with support from local emergency services.

The exercise evaluated how the responding agencies can affect control and containment of the situation as well as the effectiveness of the facilities’ response capabilities.

National Guard units from 12 states along with multiple federal and local agencies completed an emergency response exercise at the Anchorage Fire Department Fire Training Center in June. The training is designed to maintain readiness, validate response procedures and collaborate with partners.

These efforts, along with others throughout the service, allow the Army and local partners to stay vigilant in the fight against terrorism.

“We must understand the threat and be prepared to prevent any impact on Army readiness,” Miller said. “We’re confident the outcomes from implementing the strategy will align policy, training, doctrine, partnerships and information sharing to meet the challenges of terrorism over the horizon.”

Army personnel can report suspicious behavior to their chain of command or submit a report online through INSCOM’s iSALUTE form.

By Christopher Hurd, Army News Service

Photos by Jenn DeHaan, Mike Strasser, SSG Aven Santiago, and SPC Cecilia Soriano

Alaska National Guard photos by Robert DeBerry

Navistar Defense Selected to Produce Trailers for Joint Light Tactical Vehicle Program

August 22nd, 2023

Madison Heights, Mich. – August 17, 2023- Navistar Defense, LLC (Navistar Defense) announced today it was selected by leading military mobility solutions provider, AM General, to partner in the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV A2) program. The subcontract is to manufacture an estimated 10,000 JLTV trailers over the life of the contract.

“We are excited that AM General chose us to partner in this important program to support the United States military,” said Ted Wright, chief executive officer, Navistar Defense. “AM General is a world class Tactical Vehicle manufacturer and we’re eager to support their team.”

“We look forward to working with our industry partner on this contract,” added Wright. “The JLTV trailer subcontract allows us to continue diversifying our business portfolio, support our growth in Mississippi, and expand our growing business,” added Wright.

“Welcoming Navistar Defense to the JLTV A2 program is a key milestone in our operations,” said John Chadbourne, AM General Executive VP – Chief Business Development Officer. “Their commitment to excellence translates into the quality products they are known for in the industry. Since receiving the JLTV A2 program contract, our main focus is to deliver quality vehicles on time and on target and this includes the equipment needed to ensure our Warfighters can succeed in their missions.”

The JLTV A2 trailer is a multipurpose platform configured to support general purpose cargo and tactical generator mobility missions. The trailer is built to operate with the Closed Combat Weapons Carrier, the General Purpose, Heavy Guns Carrier and Utility JLTV variants over the same mission profile of those vehicles.

Production will begin in 2024 and will take place at Navistar Defense’s Assembly Plant located in West Point, Mississippi. The period of performance is for five-base years, with the option for an additional five years.

Exclusive OPT x Altama Maritime Assault Boots – Land Warfare Mod in Multicam Arid

August 22nd, 2023

Exclusive OPT x Altama Maritime Assault Boots – Land Warfare Mod in Multicam Arid are available for the first time. These shoes have a few modifications that make them a better for non-amphibious ops while keeping the feel and form factor of the Maritime Assaults. The drain holes have been omitted to limit the ingress of water and debris, and the included insole is an anti-microbial foam with a fabric top for ease of use with socks, making them ready to go out of the box.

We are happy to bring these to the market with Altama. These are a limited run, get yourself a pair today.

www.optactical.com

Sneak Peek – Jacob Grey Double Stack TWC // 9 with ZeroTech Optics New Micro Dot

August 22nd, 2023

Today, you’re getting a double feature sneak peek.

This is the as-yet-unreleased TWC // 9 from Jacob Grey Firearms, outfitted with ZeroTech Optics’ New Micro Dot.

The double stack 2011-style pistol offers 17+1 capacity along with an Optic Ready, Fully CNC Machined, 4140 Steel Slide. The 7075-76 Al billet grip is also CNC Machined.

The TWC // 9 features an ambidextrous safety, 3.5 lbs trigger pull, XS Sights with Orange Tritium I front sight, flared magazine well, and Picatinny accessory rail.

Justin Charles Ward to Serve as General Counsel for Blue Force Gear

August 22nd, 2023

POOLER, GA – Justin Charles Ward has joined Blue Force Gear, Inc. (“BFG”) as Vice President of Legal & General Counsel as a key legal and business executive to provide legal counsel while furthering BFG’s corporate business objectives.

“Justin is an effective and strategic addition to the BFG executive team,” said Ashley A. Burnsed, Jr., Chief Executive Officer.  “As BFG continues in its growth, innovation, and intellectual property enforcement, Justin’s skills, effective legal experience, and leadership will be key in supporting our strategic initiatives.”

 

Ward previously served as the Vice President of Legal and Compliance for a large firearms and accessories company wherein he effectively counseled all aspects of legal.  Additionally, Ward served as Secretary and Legal Counsel for a local Domestic Nonprofit Corporation whose mission was to protect the Second Amendment by expanding shooting sports through strategic initiatives.  Ward has been recognized in Georgia for his litigation skills for patent and trademark infringement disputes.

“I’m truly honored to join BFG.  With a world-class reputation, an unparalleled dedication to procuring and enforcing its intellectual property rights, and an unwavering commitment to growth and innovation, BFG is an excellent employer of choice,” added Ward.

Ward, a registered patent attorney, received his juris doctorate and intellectual property certificate from the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law, and a bachelor’s degree in MCB from the University of Arizona.

Spiritus Systems Presents Shake Down: The Machine Gunner’s Kit

August 22nd, 2023

In this episode of Shake Down, Adam Holroyd goes over kit considerations for crew served belt-fed weapons and the nuances of a machine gunner’s kit.

www.spiritussystems.com

Misty Mountain Mountain Mobility Sit Harness

August 22nd, 2023

Since 1985, Misty Mountain has been providing customers with strong, durable, comfortable harnesses for climbing and vertical activities. The last two decades, we’ve been working directly with military and tactical operators to provide them with gear tailored to their specific needs. Our Mountain Mobility series takes the operators’ heavy duty belts, and makes them part of a modular harness solution. For 2023 we redesigned the MM Operator Belt and Leg Loops, and these new harnesses are quickly becoming the choice of Special Operations Forces. 

The MM Operator Belt is a load rated gun belt featuring a new laser cut CORDURA Polymer composite outer layer for mounting mission essentials. The two piece system has a 1.5″ wide lightweight liner belt with Velcro loop outer for holding up trousers. The 1.75″ wide load rated nylon outer belt mounts securely onto the liner belt, and features front and rear attachment loops and the load rated AustriAlpin Cobra buckle. Suitable for edge restraint, the MM Operator belt can be used while tethered into rotary wing aircraft for safety. 

MM Cobra Light Leg Loops can be added to the belt with an enclosed auto-locking carabiner to create a full strength sit harness, UIAA Safety Label approved, suitable for fall protection. The MM Cobra Light Leg Loops are made from US woven 2″ wide nylon, and feature auto-block loops for rappel backup, and 1″ AustriAlpin Cobra buckles. These leg loops stow easily around the operator’s waist until deployed, making them suitable for high speed operations.

MM Cobra Leg Loops (not Light), have the same features as their lighter counterpart, and additionally, they have closed cell foam padding and elastic leg loop hold up straps. These comfortable leg loops are a better choice for operations where longer harness hangtime is anticipated. Auto-locking carabiner is included with MM harnesses. All Misty Mountain tactical gear is made in the USA and Berry Amendment Compliant. 

The harness is available in Black, Coyote, MultiCam and MultiCam Black in sizes Small – XLarge.

Please contact Misty Mountain at phone # 828-963-6688, or customerservice@mistymountain.com, for further information and quotes. Orders can be placed online at mistymountain.com

Minot AFB Develop Prototype Gloves for Extreme Cold Temperatures

August 22nd, 2023

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. (AFNS) —  

Minot Air Force Base’s innovation cell, also known as Atomic Spark, brought another innovative solution to the mission.

Atomic Spark is an agency that accelerates grassroots innovations within Minot AFB, providing both a voice and conduit to turn powerful ideas into operational capabilities. The newest innovative solution brought forward to the cell … gloves.

“Innovation can start with any Airman; they are the subject matter experts and know how to solve the problems,” said Capt. Matthew Matuszak, 91st Missile Wing Atomic Spark director. “Atomic Spark helps refine and elevate the Airman’s idea so that it can be seen by a decision maker.”

With frigid winter temperatures that can reach 50 below zero, Airmen working outdoors are exposed to extreme weather. This makes gloves an essential item in the winter. The standard-issue gloves currently used by many Airmen may protect them from the elements but don’t offer the dexterity and movement needed to perform duties easily. A custom, heated glove was identified as a potential solution by the 54th Helicopter Squadron during a recent IGNITOR outreach project with their unit. Commercially-available gloves did not offer the right amount of dexterity, comfort and insulation required by the mission.

“You can’t effectively employ your weapon system or the hoist if you can’t feel your fingers in the winter,” said Staff Sgt. Mathew Brown, 54th HS flight engineer. “The previously issued version had some limitations, so it was determined that an improved glove was needed.”

These issues were brought to the IGNITOR group, a working group whose goal is partnering with Minot AFB units to identify feasible contractual, facilities or process improvement solutions to tactical problems.

The IGNITOR group saw the need for a custom heated glove opportunity that spanned several career fields across both the 5th Bomb Wing and the 91st MW. Atomic Spark brought the idea for custom heated gloves to base leadership and assisted with drafting the required documents to request innovation funds at the Air Force level. As a result, custom heated gloves are now being developed to not only help Airmen assigned to the 54th HS, but all base personnel working in extreme weather conditions.

“It can be difficult to get good training in ambient temperatures of 20 below zero or lower if you’re only thinking about how cold you are so anything that can help you focus on the task you’re accomplishing in the aircraft only makes you and your squadron better,” Brown said.

Minot AFB’s custom glove proposal was selected by Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. as the recipient of a portion of his Momentum Innovation Fund. The next step in the process involved the 5th Contracting Squadron soliciting and awarding a contract prior to the winter.

The Atomic Spark and IGNITOR teams at Minot AFB have shown no signs of stopping their streak of innovation, having acquired over $45 million in Small Business Innovation Research funding in just under two years. These funds allow Minot AFB to identify small businesses that can provide solutions to the warfighter in a faster, more efficient manner.

“Atomic Spark is critical to Team Minot’s innovation goals, having been extremely successful obtaining Department of Defense innovation funds,” said Lt. Col. Stephen Kroft, 5th CONS commander. “The partnership between Atomic Spark and IGNITOR has been a key factor in turning Team Minot into a hotbed for innovation.”

Atomic Spark and IGNITOR have more than 40 projects currently in the works. Custom heated gloves won’t be the last innovation coming from Minot AFB as Airmen work hard to improve not only the base but the Air Force as a whole.

By Airman 1st Class Alexander Nottingham, 5th Bomb Wing Public Affairs