Soldier Systems Daily Soldier Systems Daily

“Metal Fever” by Jim Schatz

January 7th, 2023

A horrible scourge is stealing the health from many of my friends, and taking the lives of still others. Heavy metal poisoning is an affliction we are just beginning to comprehend. It almost sounds like some quaint illness from the 19th century but its effects are manifesting themselves in members of the profession of arms. So far, the SOF community has been at the forefront of identifying it but as this briefing by Jim Schatz shows, so many more have been exposed to heavy metals.

Jim Schatz left us with a great deal of information on small arms, but this briefing on the effects of heavy metal poisoning, presented to the NDIA Joint Armaments Forum in 2014, is one we should all review. Just take a look at the symptoms. They are easy to rationalize as another illness, or “just getting old”. As you’ll learn in this briefing, exposure is much simpler than spending lots of time in a shoothouse. I’ll go one step further than this briefing and remind those who’ve deployed that exposure to industrial waste is more likely in locales that lack effective means of disposal.

Please, take a few minutes to go over this briefing. Many of our breathren are suffering from the effects of heavy metal poisoning. One of them could be you.

To download your copy, click here.

Thanks to the SOF Health Initiatives Program for sharing this briefing with us.

Posted in Medical | 4 Comments »

Soldier Earns Ranger Tab, Airborne Wings, Air Assault Badge in One Year

January 7th, 2023

BOISE, Idaho — Pfc. Cooper Hayes has only served in the Idaho Army National Guard for 14 months, but he has already compiled a career’s worth of accomplishments. Over the past 11 months, the 20-year-old has completed the U.S. Army’s Ranger, Airborne and Air Assault schools.

“It’s been a long year,” Hayes said.

Hayes moved from Bothell, Washington, to Boise to attend Boise State University and enlisted into the Idaho Army National Guard in October 2021 to help pay for college, where he is a business student.

He took a semester off from school to attend the Army’s 11B infantry school at Fort Benning and was planning on being home in time to resume classes in August. That changed after he was offered the chance to attend Ranger School.

“I wanted to challenge myself and be the best Soldier I can be,” he said. “So, I decided to take another semester off and go to Ranger School. It sucked in the moment, but it’s the most rewarding thing I’ve done in my life.”

On average, less than 50 percent of Soldiers complete the first phase of the three-phase course, making it one of the Army’s most challenging courses. The course is 61 days and tests Soldiers’ physical stamina, mental toughness and tactical fundamentals.

After earning his Ranger tab, Hayes completed the Basic Airborne Course to earn his jump wings. Earlier this month, he completed the Army’s Air Assault School. Air Assault School has close to a 55 percent fail rate, including a washout rate of 15 percent on the first day.

“Airborne and air assault were great experiences,” Hayes said. “They are both another thing to add to my resume.”

Hayes is currently assigned to C Company, 2-116th Combined Arms Battalion, Idaho’s only infantry company. He plans to commission through the Boise State University Army ROTC program.

By MAJ Robert Taylor, Idaho Army National Guard

Posted in Army, Guest Post | 17 Comments »

Rheinmetall Wins Triple-Digit Million-Euro Contract for Explosives Factory in Várpalota, Hungary

January 6th, 2023

The Hungarian state is building a new explosives plant to produce RDX (Research Department eXplosive) at its site in Várpalota, Hungary. Rheinmetall Denel Munition Pty (Ltd) from South Africa is supplying the necessary plant technology. Under the contract signed on 15 December 2022, a new plant will be built and operated by a joint venture consisting of Rheinmetall and N7 Holding, a state-owned Hungarian enterprise.

The contract is worth a figure in the low three-digit million-euro range.

Now that the planning phase is complete, the project will start in 2023, so that production can begin by 2027. The explosives produced in the new plant can be used for artillery, tank, and mortar ammunition, among other things. The contract covers the supply of plant engineering, technology, and process know-how as well as the associated documentation, training, and all activities necessary to achieve full-scale production.

The project is a strategic investment by Hungary in cooperation with Rheinmetall in response to the shortage of explosives resulting from strong demand for ammunition in Europe and NATO. At the same time, it promotes Europe’s independence from overseas imports in this sector.

Once completed and taken over by the Hungarian state, Rheinmetall AG will be the primary customer for the explosives produced by the plant.

Posted in Advertiser, International, Munitions, Press Release | Comments Off on Rheinmetall Wins Triple-Digit Million-Euro Contract for Explosives Factory in Várpalota, Hungary

Federal Will Announce New Handgun Ammunition at the 2023 SHOT Show

January 6th, 2023

ANOKA, Minnesota – January 6, 2023 – Federal Ammunition is proud to announce new handgun ammunition options for 2023. Several all-new products and line extensions will be showcased and on display at the 2023 SHOT Show (Booth No. 11838), January 17–20 at the Venetian Expo and Caesars Forum in Las Vegas, Nevada. These new additions include new offerings in Federal’s Train + Protect, Punch, and Gold Medal product lines.

Federal engineers designed both Punch ammunition and the new 30 Super Carry cartridge from the ground up for self-defense, and the two have come together in a load that’s far easier to shoot effectively. The blending of the two technologies gives shooters an extremely effective option for real-world defense.

Compete at the highest level with loads designed specifically for the action shooting sports. New Gold Medal Action Pistol—available in 9mm Luger and 40 S&W—offers even better accuracy and consistency than original Gold Medal, and it’s loaded to power-factor requirements. The fully encapsulated FMJ bullet and Catalyst lead-free primer deliver cleaner shooting.

Federal has made it easier than ever to honor your birthright to bear arms with a new Train + Protect load in 10mm Auto. The full-power offering features a VHP bullet to deliver both precise, practical performance at the range, and instant, reliable expansion on impact.

Attendees of the 2023 SHOT Show are encouraged to stop by Booth No. 11838 for a first-hand look at these new products and more. Information about the new products and line extensions can soon be found on Federal’s brand website.

For more information on all products from Federal or to shop online, visit www.federalpremium.com.

Posted in Ammo, Press Release, SHOT Show | Comments Off on Federal Will Announce New Handgun Ammunition at the 2023 SHOT Show

Speer and CCI Ammunition Announce New Products for 2023

January 6th, 2023

LEWISTON, Idaho – January 5, 2023 – Speer and CCI Ammunition are proud to announce new ammunition options for 2023. Two all-new products will be showcased and on display at the 2023 SHOT Show (Booth No. 11838), January 17–20 at the Venetian Expo and Caesars Forum in Las Vegas, Nevada. These new additions include Speer’s Gold Dot Carbine and CCI’s Clean-22 Hyper Velocity ammunition.

“We are extremely proud of these two new product introductions,” said Jesse Whiteside, CCI and Speer’s Product Management Senior Director. “For the first time ever, defenders can get Speer Gold Dot’s legendary accuracy and terminal performance in ammunition built specifically for carbine platforms. Also, CCI rimfire shooters can now get all the benefits of Clean-22 technology with the flat trajectories and power of an extreme velocity load.”

New Speer Gold Dot Carbine produces ideal velocities through carbine-length barrels and cycles flawlessly. The G2-style, elastomer-filled bullet nose is tuned to produce extremely effective penetration and expansion through common barriers. Available in one 135 grain 9mm Luger load.

New CCI Clean-22 22 LR Hyper Velocity clocks in at 1,550 fps, while its exclusive purple, polymer bullet coating reduces fouling, especially in suppressed rimfires.

Attendees of the 2023 SHOT Show are encouraged to stop by Booth No. 11838 for a first-hand look at these new products and more. Information about the new products can soon be found on Speer and CCI’s brand website.

Speer and CCI Ammunition can be found at dealers nationwide. For more information on all products or to shop online, visit www.speer.com and www.cci-ammunition.com.

Posted in Ammo, Press Release | Comments Off on Speer and CCI Ammunition Announce New Products for 2023

SIG SAUER Academy to Offer Classes in Colorado at DCF Guns East in Colorado Springs

January 6th, 2023

NEWINGTON, N.H., (January 6, 2023) – SIG SAUER Academy, the leading provider of the highest quality firearms instruction and tactical training in the world, is pleased to announce that DCF Guns East in Colorado Springs, Colorado will be hosting on-location SIG SAUER Academy courses as an official affiliated SIG SAUER Academy Outpost.

Beginning in February 2023& SIG SAUER Academy course offerings will be taught by the world-renowned SIG SAUER Academy instructors onsite at the DCF Guns East location. The course offerings are as follows:

Handgun 101: This comprehensive course provides hands-on training and the basic knowledge necessary to safely handle, load, fire, and maintain most types of semi-automatic pistols. Classroom and range time offer ample opportunity to achieve the skills for success in a casual, stress-free environment.

Handgun 102: This is step 2 in the SIG SAUER Academy foundational handgun series. Utilizing the principles of training in Handgun 101, this course takes students through the efficient and safe use of a handgun. Working from the holster, performing reloads clearing stoppages and correctly manipulating a trigger to maximize accuracy are all thoroughly taught in a relaxed, hands-on environment.

Handgun 103: This intensive one-day class is designed to take your skills to the next level. Handgun 103 builds upon and refines the skill sets previously established in Handgun 102 while also introducing shooters to new drills, cutting-edge concepts, and core shooting principles.

Handgun 104: A fast-paced class of defensive handgun drills designed to increase time on target and performance with one common objective: surviving a deadly force encounter armed with a handgun.

Pistol Mounted Optics: Leave the Iron Age behind. There is no longer any debate that a red dot makes for faster, more accurate shots over iron sights. Take your shooting to the next level with the course built specifically around this major advancement in firearm technology and learn to shoot and engage targets with a pistol-mounted red dot.

Basic Trauma Management: This course teaches students how to keep themselves and their team members alive and fighting in critical injury situations. Students will master basic lifesaving emergency medical skills using equipment available under field conditions. Training scenarios presented also include basic weapon manipulation and live fire while simulating high-risk situations. Other topics covered include suppressive fire techniques, evasive action, and preparing wounded team members for evacuation and advanced medical care.

To register and review the in-depth course outlines, prerequisites, and equipment requirements for the SIG SAUER Academy courses at the DCF Guns East visit sigsaueracademy.com.

Posted in Advertiser, Press Release, Training | Comments Off on SIG SAUER Academy to Offer Classes in Colorado at DCF Guns East in Colorado Springs

DISCUS from DISCO32

January 6th, 2023

Simply put, DISCUS enables you to make phone calls, listen to music, or interact with Bluetooth-enabled devices using a military-style comms headset.

DISCUS plugs inline between the radio and headset, or can operate independently of a PTT to provide Bluetooth connectivity to the headset (i.e., DISCUS can pair with a Bluetooth device without a two-way radio present).

Additionally, it automatically adjusts audio levels to prioritize radio traffic over audio received from a Bluetooth source.

DISCUS is powered by one CR-123 battery, which provides up to 48 hours of life.

If you have been on the fence about it, now is the time to order. Prices for everything are going up from suppliers of raw materials and DISCO32 is are waiting as long as they can to pass that cost on. There are a few bundles left with 2022 Amp pricing attached.

DISCO32.com

Posted in Advertiser, Comms | 2 Comments »