Aquaterro

UNITY Tactical Expands FAST Line to Support Additional Optics

August 15th, 2023

New FAST™ MicroPrism and FAST™ FTC PA designed specifically for optics from Primary Arms®
BROUSSARD, LA. (Aug. 15, 2023) – UNITY™ Tactical, a designer of components that integrate tactical systems and optimize the human factor, announced the launch of two new FAST™ mounts today, expanding the line to increase compatibility with additional optics.

The FAST MicroPrism positions Primary Arms® MicroPrism™ optics at the established FAST height of 2.26″ to the optical centerline from the rail. It is also compatible with other optics of industry standard mini-prism footprint, though heights may vary depending on the optic.

The FAST FTC PA magnifier mount employs UNITY’s FTC (flip-to-center) technology – already found in the FAST FTC OMNI and FAST FTC 30MM– specifically to bring the Primary Arms MicroMagnifier to the 2.26” FAST height.

“We want to ensure a wide range of end users are able to enjoy the benefits of a heads-up shooting posture,” said Mike Roth, VP of business development for UNITY Tactical. “That means bringing all available optics on the market to the FAST height of 2.26 inches, and we’re glad to support Primary Arms customers with these mounting solutions.”

The FAST MicroPrism and FAST FTC PA are designed to work together with minimal occlusion of the primary optic when the magnifier is stowed.

Both new FAST mounts are available in black or FDE, and mount directly to an M1913 rail. The FAST MicroPrism comes standard with a two cross bolt rail clamp but is compatible for retrofit with a FAST QD Lever. It retails for $186.

The FAST FTC PA comes standard with a FAST QD Lever and retails for $265.

Both the FAST MicroPrism and FAST FTC PA offer a lifetime warranty, and are available for purchase now through authorized UNITY dealers and on UNITYtactical.com.

Leaders Give Update on ‘Modern Triad’

August 15th, 2023

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Space, cyber and special operations leaders said America and its allies continue to integrate capabilities in a triad intended to influence multi-domain and full-spectrum operations and provide the joint force with an enhanced capability to see, sense, stimulate, strike and assess across the spectrum.

The triad panel members: Lt. Gen. Daniel L. Karbler, commanding general of U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command; Lt. Gen. Maria B. Barrett, commanding general of U.S. Army Cyber Command; Lt. Gen. Jon Braga, commanding general of U.S. Army Special Operations Command; and United Kingdom Royal Air Force Air Commodore Adam Bone, U.K. Space Command director of operations, plans and training; participated on a panel discussing the triad during the 26th annual Space and Missile Defense Symposium at the Von Braun Center in Huntsville on Aug. 8.

“The combined use of space, cyber and special operations force capabilities provides other options to commanders that are less likely to cause escalation,” Karbler said. “When you look at what the triad demonstrates in its ability to integrate and synchronize space, cyber and SOF capabilities at the most effective, tactical echelon and then expand options for creative venues to exploit, that is what commanders and joint forces are looking for.”

Karbler said USASMDC is the Army’s force modernization proponent and operational integrator for global space, missile defense and high-altitude capabilities, and that space capabilities enable land operations in multiple ways in the same way that land capabilities enable space operations.

“We have explored countless opportunities and taken advantage of different exercises that all of us have gone arm-in-arm to demonstrate capabilities the triad brings,” Karbler said. “When you look at the complimentary, reinforcing nature of each capability and how they present multiple dilemmas for the enemy, the overall effect is greater than the sum of each individual effect.”

Bone said the UK is realistic about its current status as a military space power, creating the U.K.’s Space Command to help advance U.K. and allied equities in space.

“We are justifiably more confident of our established U.K. strengths in special forces, cyber and intelligence,” Bone said. “The obvious next steps are to leverage those strengths in the space domain. With that in mind, the innovation we see the U.S. Army leading is of significant interest.”

Bone said the U.K. Space Command recognizes the triad’s acknowledgment that the space domain provides a vital role in national defense. He added the U.K.’s capabilities across special forces and cyber domains are highly regarded by partners globally, and it is only rational to demonstrate ambition to leverage and support such potent resources in the space domain.

“By synchronizing effects, the layered output adds up to be greater than the sum of their parts — that’s what makes the triad concept so valuable,” Bone said. “And, it links neatly with the U.K. concept of multi domain integration. If space is recognized by the U.K. to be the most essential integrator, why wouldn’t we also want to make the most of those connections in mutual multi-domain support?”

Bone said in regard to U.K. Space Command’s connection with the U.S. Army, and in particular USASMDC, that there are synergies between the organizations, highlighting the scale, mindset and approach. He added that experimentation, innovation and operational integration are all second nature because of this.

“U.K. defense broadly understands the value of ‘space as an enabler,’ but we haven’t quite indoctrinated the joint force in the opportunity of ‘space as an effector’ in its own right,” Bone said. “The triad concept will act as a proving ground for this employment within a slightly smaller community of interest that has both the operational necessity and experience to drive this forward, particularly given the synergies between the space and cyber domains. In turn, we hope that the subsequent lessons and vignettes will help further the U.K. multi-domain integration concept — maximizing the value of the space domain within U.K. operations.”

These space, cyber and special operations experts said the synergy of these organizations help the joint force, Army and U.S. allies and partners to face the future. With space, special operations and cyber all possessing unique but independent capabilities, each component can rapidly gain intelligence and attack critical vulnerabilities.

Barrett said they are focused on synchronizing and converging each organization’s capabilities to create an effect and combining their unique capabilities and efforts to facilitate the use of these capabilities with either combatant commanders or their service commanders in the theaters.

She said the triad is a partnership that will help the Army and joint force commanders achieve information advantage. Barrett added the triad is more than an idea saying they are already coming up with solutions and tools together as a team.

“The triad brings an essential aspect of battlefield geometry that alone none of us can,” Barrett said. “We now have an understanding of what is happening in the competition’s space we previously did not have.

“We will never run out of challenges,” she added. “We have to provide the proof of concept that this works and that it’s worth the investment. Adaptation and innovation are imperative. We can see what the threat is and know we are going to have to do to adapt.”

Braga said during the last year, his command has started to change their organizational structures for tomorrow’s needs. He added they are integrating triad concepts into doctrine and exploring professional educational opportunities and the development of a new military occupational specialty to codify the focus and investment required to achieve success.

“Moving forward I would expect more adaption to technology,” Braga said. “Adaptation of technology and how you leverage them affects elements from SOF, space and cyber communities.

“Innovation is a mindset, and if not us, then who?” Braga asked. “Who is going to adapt the changing technology of all three legs of the triad? Who is going to embrace that technological change to their advantage the quickest and the fastest?”

Braga asked if space, cyber and SOF and its coalition partners were prepared to win if the country faces a high-end conflict.

“That is what’s before us,” Braga said. “Although the weight of that burden is not 100 percent on the legs of the triad, we certainly have a major role to play and an outsized ability to influence and prevent and contribute toward deterrence with this modern day triad.”

By Jason Cutshaw, USASMDC

Rheinmetall’s LUNA NG to See Action in Ukraine –Düsseldorf-Based Tech Group Supplying Air-Supported Reconnaissance System on Behalf of Germany

August 14th, 2023

Rheinmetall has reached another milestone with its LUNA NG reconnaissance drone. The Group’s next-generation LUNA-NG air-supported short-range reconnaissance system will soon be in action in Ukraine. The system should be ready for delivery in the course of 2023. The order now placed is worth a low double-digit million euro amount. Rheinmetall is therefore making another important contribution to enhancing the effectiveness of the Ukrainian military through advanced technology. The LUNA NG has already clocked on several thousand hours of flying time, to include active deployment.

Experience accumulated during the war in Ukraine shows how crucial having real-time reconnaissance results can be at the operational level. This is precisely the purpose of the LUNA NG, an acronym standing for “Unbemannte Nahaufklärungs¬ausstattung der nächsten Generation” or “unmanned short-range reconnaissance equipment, next generation”. The last word in unmanned air-supported reconnaissance, it can detect, classify and recognize objects in real time.

An unmanned aerial system, the LUNA NG comprises a ground control station and several unmanned aerial vehicles, otherwise known as drones. The system also includes the launch catapult, an optional net equipment for catching the drones when they land as well as equipment for rapid repair. The entire system is mounted on an HX truck with a swap body system made by Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles.

Thanks to their ultralight high-stability design, LUNA NG drones can remain aloft for over twelve hours. Moreover, when fitted with optional StaCom equipment, they have a datalink range of up to 300 kilometres.  It has a reconnaissance capability of several hundred kilometres with sufficient time over the mission area.
The LUNA NG system ordered for Ukraine is part of an extensive military aid package initiated by the German government in July 2023. The Bundeswehr is currently introducing the LUNA NG unmanned reconnaissance system under the name “Husar”.

Now placed, this order represents a major milestone for Rheinmetall’s UAV and the Group’s digitalization strategy. LUNA NG is an advanced sensor component for networked operations, which significantly increases the performance of the sensor-to-shooter chain. At the same time, LUNA NG provides the basis for future development of Rheinmetall’s product portfolio both in the field of vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) capabilities and in the field of tactical payloads.

MATBOCK End of the Year Spend Bundles

August 14th, 2023

Tarsier Eclipse Bundle **IN STOCK**:

For every $10k spent on Tarsiers, get $500 worth of free skins.

Operator Belt Bundles (4-6 week lead times):

Buy a Soteria and get a free low-vis medial pouch and helmet skins – MSRP from $230

Buy a HAALO belt and get a free low-vis medial pouch and helmet skins – MSRP from $425

Medical Bundles:

GRAM Bundle: Buy 5 x GRAMs and get 1 free GRAM Micro pouch – MSRP is $4,700

Sustainment Bundle **IN STOCK**: Buy 5 Graverobber Sustainment & get 5 free medical Assault Medic Pouch – MSRP is $9,750

Raider Bundle:

Buy the Front, Back, and 2 sides and we will throw in a rifle bag for only $300 (vs $600).

Download PDF here.

Please reach out to the MATBOCK Sales Team to get your quote in ASAP. sales@matbock.com

B&T USA Announces Commercial Release of its APC9K SD2 US Army Submission

August 14th, 2023

Tampa, FL (August 14th, 2023) – B&T USA is excited to announce that due to continual requests by those familiar with the project, we have been persuaded to produce a limited number of integrally suppressed APC9K SD2 models complete with its scalable suppressor system. This variant was submitted for consideration during the United States Army Sub Compact Weapon (SCW) trials, with said branch ultimately selecting B&T USA’s APC9K and awarding it the SCW Contract.

“To win a US Government contract, you must submit a product that as closely meets their defined specifications as possible — not necessarily what you think the end user needs or even a product that is scalable to best suit its future needs — as was the case with the SD2; the advanced platform was not what the Army required in 2019, but one we anticipate it may in the future” said Chris Mudgett, Vice President of Marketing, B&T USA.

“At less than 15-inches in overall length, the APC9K SD2 is the shortest integrally suppressed submachine gun currently available. It is optimized for low visibility carriage and discreet deployment; while delivering unsurpassed accuracy, controllability, and ergonomics. With its advanced scalable suppressor system, the SD2 is a solution for your future mission.”

For more information on B&T USA, visit: www.bt-usa.com.

Guns & Outdoor News Kicks Off Third Week

August 14th, 2023

Today marked the beginning of Guns & Outdoor News’ daily webcast, hosted by Bri Coelho.

Each episode is available at gunsandoutdoornews.com at 9 AM Eastern and focuses on different topics. A co-production of SSD and MakeReady.tv, we cover all things related to outdoors and outdoor sports, the shooting industry and shooting sports, the tactical industry, hunting, and water sports. Additional content include interviews with members of the gun industry, major shooting sports events, behind the scenes tours of manufacturer facilities, new product debuts, and trade shows.

High Speed Gear and Phokus Research Group Achieve Immediate Success Revolutionizing Tactical Gear and Medical Solutions

August 14th, 2023

SWANSBORO, N.C. –August 14, 2023– High Speed Gear, a renowned manufacturer of top quality tactical gear, has instantly accomplished success with Phokus Research Group, a cutting edge research and development company specializing in tactical medical equipment, by joining forces to create state of the art medical kits. Phokus has implemented the use of HSGI’s revolutionary RAM Pouch, Med Pak, TRiK Bag, and Tourniquet TACO® within select medical kits, benefiting military, law enforcement, and first responder professionals worldwide.

The collaboration between High Speed Gear and Phokus Research Group resulted in the development of an extensive range of advanced tactical gear solutions, incorporating state-of-the-art medical components seamlessly into tactical equipment. This integration has allowed for enhanced medical functionality while providing uninterrupted access to critical gear during high-pressure situations.

The Rapid Access Multipurpose (RAM) Pouch is a versatile pouch with a quick deployment pull tab. Elastic loops on the interior secure a small med kit, including a CAT tourniquet, or other gear. A loop panel on the front allows attachment of hook-backed labels. The pouch can be mounted to either MOLLE or a belt.

The Med Pak is a mid-sized MOLLE mounted pouch featuring a quick-access pull-tab and customizable organization features. Ideal for medical, EOD, or various other supplies.

The Team Response Kit (TRiK) Bag is a full-sized “CLS” waist pack with a padded hip belt and user-centric organization features. It has 2 modes of use, either by opening the top flap to access supplies while wearing the bag or placing the bag on the ground and opening it fully to easily access all supplies. The zipper-stop straps prevent accidental opening. The TRiK bag can hold a variety of medical supplies.

The Tourniquet TACO is designed to retain most windlass tourniquets, such as SAM® XT, C-A-T®, SOF® TT, AND SOF® TT Wide tourniquets, on the market. It features a removable flap allowing covered or open-top use and a loop fastener panel on the front for label patches. This pouch is built to expand and contract like the rest of the TACO family to fit your needs and preferences.

The implementation of 100% USA made and Berry Compliant kits that are lighter, stronger, and more applicable than ever before allowing for more effective usage in all environments. These new medical kits can come outfitted with the most vital medical supplies needed for any situation, courtesy of Phokus Research Group. With the most trustworthy tactical medical supplies on the market being supplied by Phokus, the lifesaving capabilities of these new kits are profound.

Chris Bush, CRO of Phokus Research Group, emphasized the significance of this collaboration, stating, “We have sought after a company that makes long lasting, durable gear that we trust will perform in life saving situations. Teaming up with High Speed Gear has presented an incredible opportunity for us to design and manufacture innovative medical solutions that seamlessly integrate with tactical gear. Our goal is to provide mission-critical medical capabilities while ensuring ease of use and quick access to gear under extreme conditions. Together, we bring game-changing products to the market that exceed the expectations of the tactical community.”

With the technical capabilities and applications of HSGI® products from industry leading designers, Phokus is able to supply their tactical medical users with the most up-to-date and efficient treatment kits on hand. The newly designed tactical medical kits prioritize organization in medical emergencies faced by the user. When the difference of seconds matter most, you can turn to these innovative new kits by HSGI and Phokus to have your back.

To purchase the medical pouches with the medical contents included:

AMP – Ancillary Medical Pouch

ORK – Operator Response Kit

TRK “Trick”- Team Response Kit

To purchase the pouches on the HSGI website:

Rapid Access Multipurpose (RAM) Pouch

Med Pak

Team Response Kit (TRiK) Bag

 

Reserve Cyber Marines Support Tradewinds 23 after Winning Another USMC Cyber Games

August 14th, 2023

NEW ORLEANS, LA. —

Marines from 6th Communication Battalion reclaimed the first-place title for the Marine Corps Cyber Games May 1-5, 2023, as the only Marine Reserve unit to compete.

Despite tying for first place with I Marine Expeditionary Force, 6th Comm Bn are still the reigning champions of the semi-annual competition as both units earned perfect scores in their respective events. 6th Comm Bn didn’t compete in 2022 due to operational tempo and were unable to send a team but they won first place in the 2020, 2021 and now the 2023 USMC Cyber Games.

“We’re lucky to have such a talented group of Marines,” said Lt. Col. Marc McNeill, commanding officer of Headquarters Company, 6th Comm Bn.

“Their performance in this competition, as well as their wins in the 2020 and 2021 USMC Cyber Games, really shows the capabilities that the reserve component can bring to the fight.” Lt. Col. Marc McNeill, commanding officer of Headquarters Company, 6th Comm Bn.

The Cyber Games provide Marine Corps units an opportunity to compete in tailored scenarios and challenges of varying difficulty to test their knowledge and skills of defensive cyber operations. Marines also learn new skills to better their cyber proficiency.

A total of five teams of six to 12 Marines each competed this year from different units, including Marine Special Operations Command, I MEF, III MEF, 8th Comm Bn and 6th Comm Bn. These teams engage in a simulated environment where they were given 24 hours over a two-day period to gather as many cyber flags as possible of differing levels.

The 6th COMM Bn team consisted of Marines from both Alpha Company, Bravo Company and one Marine from the Marine Innovation Unit. From Alpha Company, Warrant Officer Travis Nichols, a defense cyber weapons officer, Gunnery Sgt. Adam Radloff, a cyberspace operation chief, Staff Sgt. Michael Torres, a network administrator, Staff Sgt. Ezell Hardman Sgt. James Johnson, both cyberspace warfare operators. From Bravo Company, Staff Sgts. David Osborne, Tyler Short, Nicholas Szantos, Cpl. Joshua Mackaman and Lance Cpl. Nirajan Poudel, all defense cyberspace warfare operators. From MIU was Maj. Robert McCartney, a communications officer.

“Many of these Marines are cybersecurity professionals in the civilian careers and are as technically proficient as anyone in the Marine Corps,” said McNeill. “Most of these Marines didn’t start their careers as [cyberspace officers, or cyber defense operators]. So, if any Marines out there have skills in this area, regardless of your current [military occupation specialties], we’d love to add you to the team.”

As a Reserve unit, 6th COMM Bn is split geographically, while Alpha Company is in Concord, California, Bravo Company is on the other side of the country in Ayer, Massachusetts. This proves that 6th COMM Bn can operate in a distributed environment and still accomplish their mission.

6th COMM Bn’s win streak continues even though under half their team has not been formally trained through the Marine Corps’ defensive cyber school. This is a result from when the Reserve Component stood up the cyber companies, they pulled many Reserve Marines from other MOSs that had a cyber background.

Staff Sgt. David “Ryne” Osborne, formerly an artillery gun chief, was one such Marine. He thought his time in the Reserve force was coming to an end because of limited open billets for artillery career progression. He was then reached out to because of his cyber background in his civilian career and was given the opportunity to stay a Reserve Marine and lateral transfer to cyber.

When asked about next year’s games, Osborne replied, “I am extremely excited for next year’s competition. We, as Reserve Marines, have consistently proven that we are executing at par and often above our active-duty counterparts. Having another opportunity will give us another platform to show that many of the Reserve Marines can execute at an extremely high proficiency while most often, not being MOS 1721 school-trained certified.”

A few members of the winning team have also been involved in Tradewinds 23 a U.S. Southern Command-sponsored exercise designed to strengthen partnerships and interoperability, promote human rights, as well as increase all participants training capacity and to mitigate, plan for and respond to crisis and security threats. This year, Tradewinds was hosted in Georgetown, Guyana.

Nichols, Osborne, and Mackaman from the winning team along with Gunnery Sgt. Danel “Nikki” Beier, a cyber intelligence chief, and Cpl. Mario Huelga, a cyber intelligence analyst, with 6th COMM Bn, provided multiple classes on defensive cyber operations to 26 service members from seven different partner nations. These classes ranged from basic network enumeration and analysis, cyber incident response, vulnerability analysis, threat hunting and cyber threat intelligence.

This was the first time since 1984 that Tradewinds has brought cyber capabilities to the exercise and is also one of the first exercises that 6th COMM Bn has supported an overseas exercise as the Marines annual training.

“It’s a very unique opportunity in training with partner nation forces, especially in cyber,” Nichols said. “With cyber being at the forefront of everyone’s priorities, it gives my Marines the ability to not only spread the knowledge of cyber security, but also cyber threat intelligence (CTI).

“This year was the first iteration of expanding cyber’s scope to include CTI in the course curriculum,“ continued Nichols. “As cyber threats become more prevalent into today’s battlespace, the Marine Corps partners not just with the US sister services, but also partner nations like Guyana to help combat emerging persistent cyber threats.”

By LCpl Sarah Pysher | U.S. Marine Corps Forces Reserve