FirstSpear TV

NFM Tailoring the Future of Combat Clothing in EU Development Program

August 9th, 2023

NFM Group AS has been selected with partners within the European Defense Fund (EDF) to deliver on the ARMETISS smart textile development program. The project, a €20 million EU-funded project, will develop innovative textile technologies to create smart clothing for soldiers, improving their performance, safety, and well-being.

ARMETISS (Smart Multifunction Textiles for integrated Soldier Systems) aims to develop a set of smart clothes and equipment integrating complementary functions based on EU end-users’ needs and textile-based advanced technologies. The project output will provide the necessary functionality to enhance soldiers’ capacity to perform their demanding tasks while increasing their safety and well-being during military operations.

The ARMETISS project will initiate the development of innovative textile technologies, tailored to cater to the varied needs of the modern soldier by integrating smart functionalities.

“Being selected for the ARMETISS project emphasises our position as forerunners in military textile technology development. This venture reaffirms our commitment to enhancing soldier safety and marks a significant milestone for NFM’s innovation,” says Walter Øverland, CEO of NFM Group AS.

The ARMETISS consortium comprises a total of 18 selected members and spans nine countries.

This powerful union of partners strengthens the program’s potential for successful implementation and promises profound advancements in the realm of multifunctional smart textiles for soldiers.

Emissary Development’s Alternator Now Available

August 9th, 2023

The Alternator for the ModButton Lite is now available from Emissary Development.

Alternator is a three-button switchboard and housing that sits on top of two ModButton Lite switches which provides the end-user with both single and dual device activation capabilities. Each button has a unique surface texture pattern and angle, to aid in user identification, even in complete darkness.

Standard and Raised Fence models are available.

Emissarydevelopment.com

* Please note that the TWO Modbutton Lites from Modlite needed for function are not included

Announcing S.O.Tech 2023 Ground Warfare Catalog – Innovation and Craftmanship Since 1997

August 9th, 2023

SOTech/ Special Operations Technologies Inc announces its 2023 Ground Warfare Catalog debuting Gen 5 of their Battle Load Carriage System (BLoCS).  From Rifleman, Grenadier, and Medic ensembles down to individual ammunition, electronics and survival pouches, this catalog dissects the soldier’s load.  BLoCS Gen 5 has been under development for over a year and has been developed with Americas elite SOF units and field tested by individual soldiers and Marines as well as an Army Infantry platoon.  While SOTech is currently filling orders at the Battalion and Company level, these designs are being considered at the Army and Marine Corps level.  For details and specs, check SOTechTactical.com.

Belleville – CANOPY Jungle Boots

August 9th, 2023

Belleville has brought back the classic green jungle boot but with some improvements.

Based on the iconic Vietnam-era boot, the recently released BV503PR / CANOPY Olive Drab features a dual density rubber outsole which provides better shock absorption and a new Puncture Resistant textile insole that provides superior puncture protection at reduced weight and increased flexibility.

You’ll find the tried and true Panama sole, designed to release dirt and debris as well as drainage vents and barrel lacing as found on later issue models.

Here, Belleville’s Glen Becker goes over the boot.

Offered in OD and Black sizes 4-14.

www.bellevilleboot.com

First Annual Army Cyber Seminar to Help Recruit and Retain Talent

August 9th, 2023

WASHINGTON – A panel of Army senior leaders will select 12 Soldiers and civilians to learn the intricacies of cyber strategy and policymaking.

As part of the service’s broader effort to retain and recruit its top talent, the first annual Secretary of the Army’s Cyber Strategic Seminar will give participants the rare opportunity to receive exposure to top Army and government leaders.

The proposed activities in the nine-month session include meetings with officials from across the federal government, industry and academia, and practical exercises with Army senior leadership. The dozen finalists will also brief Army senior leaders at the conclusion of the program.

The seminar, jointly administered by Army Principal Cyber Advisor Michael Sulmeyer and Army Cyber Command commander, Lt. Gen. Maria Barrett, will also help identify and train the Army’s top talent in cyber security.

“What we’re looking for is to develop leaders who have a particular aptitude for cyber-related issues,” Sulmeyer said. “And hopefully, they will use this program to increase their awareness and creativity around how cyber operations fit into multi-domain operations, [and] how cyber operations can inform operations in other domains.”

As the Army competes for top talent in cyber security, the seminar will showcase career opportunities in the field.

The Soldiers and Army civilians will discuss topics that include weapons systems security, intelligence support to cyber functions, the defense industrial base and acquisition support to cyber operations. Participants will gain an understanding of partnerships with foreign allies to defend and secure critical data, as well as meet with leaders in cyber security across government, the private sector, and academia.

The dozen selectees will include Soldiers in the grades of sergeant to sergeant first class, warrant officer 1 through chief warrant officer 3, and first lieutenant to major, and civilians GS-9 through GS-13. Finalists must have a minimum secret clearance and be available to attend all sessions of the seminar.

The group will meet monthly for a different activity planned by Army Cyber Command. The application period began last month and ends Aug. 11. The participants will be announced at the Association of the U.S. Army annual meeting in October, with the seminar set to begin shortly after.

The search will not be limited to individuals in cyber or tech-related positions. Soldiers and civilians in all military occupational specialties and career fields can apply.

“What we wanted to do is to identify the Army’s top talent across enlisted [Soldiers], warrant officers and civilians and provide a way to broaden their exposure to strategic policymaking, to be able to take them to different venues,” said Sulmeyer, who previously served as senior policy advisor for U.S. Cyber Command. “Our hope is that [the seminar] is a tool not just to develop their careers and make them into even stronger Army leaders, but also to retain them in the force.”

Cyber and data centricity have increasingly become important factors in multi-domain operations. Secretary Wormuth has prioritized recruiting Soldiers with expertise in the field.

“[Secretary Wormuth] has placed such a premium on strategic recruitment and retention,” Sulmeyer said. “[The seminar] was a way that she thought the Army could lead in identifying our top talent and giving them exposure to strategic cyber issues.”

Interested Soldiers and civilians can apply at armyeitaas.sharepoint-mil.us/teams/CyberStrategicSeminar. Candidates must self-nominate to apply but will need a supervisor endorsement if they are selected for an interview. Finalists will be selected based on an interview and written application.

By Joe Lacdan, Army News Service

Danish Defence Show to Welcome the Latest in Military Fabrics

August 8th, 2023

Adlington, United Kingdom: Global textile manufacturer of military fabrics, Carrington Textiles, and its main manufacturing facility in the UK, Pincroft, announced their debut at The Danish Ministry of Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organisation (DALO) Industry Days event, taking place from 23rd to 24th August in Denmark.

After recently announcing the launch of their new stretch military ripstop fabric, Spartan HT Flex Lite, and strategically appointing a new Head of Defence and Security Fabrics, Carrington Textiles’ presence at the event represents the company’s commercial focus on building on its over 90 years of heritage of manufacturing military fabrics.

Likewise, Pincroft’s latest technology on non-skin contact vector protection for defence textiles and their recent involvement in printing the new Dutch Ministry of Defence’s camouflage pattern as part of their army’s uniform programme, are just a few of the textile services the company is showcasing at the event.

Head of Defence and Security Fabrics, Graham Dobson, says: “Combining Carrington Textiles experience in manufacturing some of the best military fabrics in the world with Pincroft’s know-how on dyeing, printing and finishing textiles for militaries since 1891, makes it the perfect mix to provide a full service for the sector. Our offer of a number of MultiCam® camouflage patterns together with many specially designed patterns makes us a competitive player in today’s military fabrics market”.

To find out more about Carrington Textiles and Pincroft’s presence at DALO Industry Days, visit their joint stand at the Ballerup Arena in Denmark, booth 50.

Matador Launches BetaLock

August 8th, 2023

Matador Travel Equipment has just launched the BetaLock, a TSA-compliant, carabiner-style lock.

According to Matador, the BetaLock offers both locking and non-locking capability for versatile use, with an easy-to-use spring gate for quick attachment and detachment, as well as a dead-bolt locking gate that effectively provides security against opportunistic thieves.

Each BetaLock comes with two keys for added convenience and peace of mind and is fully TSA-compliant, ensuring seamless travel experiences.

Tech Tuesday: The Small Tactical Universal Battery (STUB)

August 8th, 2023

What is the STUB battery that everyone is talking about?

The Small Tactical Universal Battery (STUB) is a series of eight different capacity batteries that share a common connection interface – and feature a built-in USB-C connector with the USB PD fast charging protocol. Providing multi-voltage support with every model, the STUB is the new interoperable, mission-scalable power source for tactical electronics. Built to rigorous specifications, the STUB is also a key component of the DoD’s battery standardization roadmap.

With the STUB SAMPLE KIT from EXO CHARGE, Engineers and Program Managers are able to select the right STUB for their application. Included in the kit is a set of all eight STUB models, a USB PD wall charger and USB-C cable, and an optional PD analyzer. For total convenience and protection, all of this is packed into a ruggedized watertight case with internal padding for storage and transportation.

Visit exocharge.com/products/stub-sample-kit for further information and/or to request a quote.