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Special Tactics Hosts IFAM at Hurlburt Field

January 3rd, 2025

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. —

The 24th Special Operations Wing and the Special Tactics Training Squadron hosted the second iteration of the Initial Familiarization Course Dec. 9-13, 2024, at Hurlburt Field, Fla. IFAM is a five-day program for select candidates that are considering careers in combat control, special reconnaissance or as a special tactics officer.

“IFAM is packed with invaluable experience and information that any serious candidates interested in joining special tactics should apply for,” said U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Ricky Patterson, 720th Special Tactics Group recruiting assessments and selections section chief.

This year, a total of 26 enlisted Airmen and officers participated in the course, which included mission briefings, interviews with leadership, exercises testing physical and mental readiness, equipment demonstrations and field training events. The participants, all active-duty members from various career fields, are exploring the opportunity to transition to special tactics.

While IFAM has no bearing on the application process or selection boards, it will help identify future candidates for special tactics career fields, explained Maj. Chris Walsh, 24th Special Tactics Training Squadron commander.

“IFAM is an important new initiative for the special tactics community,” Maj. Walsh said. “Our goal is to educate and inspire members that are interested in special tactics career fields, combat control, special reconnaissance and special tactics officer positions. We recognize that many Airmen may not know what to expect or where to start, so it is important that we dispel any myths or unknowns. We also want to prepare future operators with the skills, habits and the training focus they need to be successful.”

In addition to the participants, 14 special warfare recruiters from the 330th Recruiting Squadron in San Antonio, Texas, attended IFAM to gain career field-specific recruiting insight. Recruiters were able to observe and ask the special tactics cadre questions about types of candidates they should try to recruit, said Tech Sgt. Austin Jessup, a senior recruiter with the 330th Recruiting Squadron serving Florida’s Panhandle region.

“Each recruiter will be able to take this knowledge and pass it along to their current and future candidates in their areas of operation,” Jessup said.

Looking ahead, Maj. Walsh said the goal is to host IFAM twice a year to continue to prepare and inform interested candidates.

“We have struggled to attract the talent that exists in our Air Force, and we need to bring more people into our community,” Walsh said. “I’m confident that IFAM is a way to give that talent a place to interact with our operators. To me, this is where the magic happens, I believe they will see how great the people and the mission are in Air Force Special Operations Command and U.S. Special Operations Command.”

For candidates interested in attending IFAM, more information can be found at airforcespecialtactics.af.mil or by emailing 24SOWSTTS.ASSESSMENTS.RAS@us.af.mil.

By Capt Savannah Stephens, 24th Special Operations Wing

Posted in AFSW, Air Force, Guest Post, SOF | Comments Off on Special Tactics Hosts IFAM at Hurlburt Field

Strike Industries Launches New Firearms Brand: Strike Arms

January 2nd, 2025

Strike Industries is proud to announce the Strike Arms Pistol (Compact) Frame, designed to fit Glock® Gen 3 components. The polymer-frame striker-fired market is one that Strike Industries has already distinguished itself in recent years across multiple weapon platforms with superior aesthetics, ergonomics and modularity.

Strike Arms has been a behind-the-scenes design powerhouse in the firearms industry for over a decade and is very excited to bring its first iteration of this popular pistol platform to the market.

Crafted with precision, this frame allows users to integrate their preferred Glock® 19 Gen 3 parts seamlessly, offering a highly customizable platform. With Strike Industries’ commitment to innovation and quality, the Compact Frame ensures an unparalleled shooting experience tailored to meet the evolving preferences of firearm builders and enthusiasts.

As the first serialized firearm product of many to come from Strike Arms, the SAP-C is a complete frame inspired by the Glock® 19 Gen 3 that comes with a lower parts kit pre-installed.
It also comes with an aggressive stippled texture straight from the factory. removing the need for aftermarket services and could save the owner some costs.

The grip angle has been improved to be more similar to that of a 1911, creating a significantly more natural point of aim compared to OEM frames which are often known to make shooters uncomfortably push their wrists forward and downwards to properly aim. There is also an extended beaver tail — its extended length is designed to protect the shooting hand from slide bites even for the largest of hands.

Whether users are right or left-handed, as they wrap their hands around the Compact Frame they’ll find that the double undercut around the trigger guard and oversized scalloped areas for the thumb create an extremely comfortable and ergonomic experience. To reduce the chance of accidentally engaging the slide lock lever there is a raised shelf that is stippled which doubles as a great area for the support hand’s thumb to rest on. Towards the front of the frame there are also Dynamic Control™ cuts on both sides designed for maximum recoil control.

With an integrated flared magwell there is a larger surface area to aid in quick and smooth insertions — its subdued design makes the frame still comfortable and possible to conceal carry without risk of overly printing. Attach whatever weapon mounted light, laser, or other accessory you like with the full length picatinny rail.

Thanks to Strike Industries’ diverse catalog of third party accessories for Glock, users can customize a fully Striked-out pistol with a wide variety of combinations.

The Strike Arms Pistol Compact Frame is now available exclusively at Primary Arms.

For more information on how to build out a new SA Pistol Compact Frame, visit StrikeIndustries.com.

Posted in Advertiser, Industry, Press Release, weapons | Comments Off on Strike Industries Launches New Firearms Brand: Strike Arms

ANR Design – NIDHOGG Level II Holster

January 2nd, 2025

The NIDHOGG Level II Holster is now available from ANR Design.

Relying on a patented light-specific locking mechanism, this OWB holster is great for competition as well as daily carry.

Key Features:

Level II Retention: Provides an extra layer of security with a large push-button release for rapid deployment.

Light-Specific Locking: Currently available for Surefire X300 Ultra series lights, with more options coming soon.

Durable Construction: Unibody 0.125” thick KYDEX construction for rugged reliability.

Open Bottomed Design: Allows water and debris to clear easily.

Optic and Suppressor Sights Ready: Accommodates most optics and suppressor-height sights up to 0.5?.

Rigorous Testing: Withstands 400 lbs of hanging weight and 30,000 presses in various conditions without failure (Spec Sheets Available Upon Request).

Competition Focused: Ideal for Tactical Games, PCSL, USPSA, and other competitive shooting sports.

Offered in left or right-handed models in Black, Coyote, MultiCam, MultiCam Arid and MultiCam Tropic with fits for Beretta 92 family, GLOCK 17/19/34, and SIG P320 family pistols and SureFire X300 lights.

www.anrkydexholsters.com/product/nidhogg-level-ii-holster

Posted in Holsters | 1 Comment »

Midwest Armor Expands GP Double Mag Pouch Color Options with Classic Vietnam Tiger Stripe and MultiCam Tropic

January 2nd, 2025

Midwest Armor, known for their affordable American-made tactical equipment, has announced the immediate availability of two new colorways for their popular GP Double Mag Pouch: Vietnam Tiger Stripe and MultiCam Tropic.


GP Double Mag Pouch featured in Vietnam Tiger Stripe

The GP Double Mag Pouch combines a general-purpose front pocket with a hidden rear compartment that holds two magazines side-by-side, easily mounting to any carrier, chest rig, cummerbund, or belt system for maximized space efficiency.

GP Double Mag Pouch featured in Multicam Tropic

The expanded color options are available for order and shipping and like all Midwest Armor products, these new variants are Berry Amendment compliant, IR compliant, and 100% manufactured in their Knoxville, Tennessee facility.

For more information or to place an order, visit: https://midwestarmor.com/products/gp-7x6x3-double-mag-pouch/

Posted in Advertiser, Load Carrying, Multicam, Tigerstripe | Comments Off on Midwest Armor Expands GP Double Mag Pouch Color Options with Classic Vietnam Tiger Stripe and MultiCam Tropic

The Multi-Component Boot System

January 2nd, 2025

Yesterday, I was way down the rabbit hole of reviewing the library of photographs taken by Natick Soldier Systems Center over the years when I ran across this photo. I knew immediately what it was and it got my mind to racing.

I had read an article on a boot system used by the Rangers over 30 years ago in Infantry magazine. In fact, I adopted some of the concept as my own during my time at Bragg.

I did a little online research and found the article in the online Infantry magazine archive at Fort Moore’s website. It was in the March-April issue of 1989 but I know I didn’t read it until at least Fall of 90.

Unfortunately, the older issues are all PDF scans and whoever did it didn’t do a very good job. Consequently, the pages I’m going to share aren’t the best. For instance, one of the pages was scanned upside down. I have tried to rectify them as best as possible, and hopefully you can read the article.

I had recalled that one of the authors was a physicians assistant with 2/75, and at the time they were Warrant Officers, and not commissioned officers like today. When I went back and reread the article, the co-author really stood out: CPT Peter E Blaber who at the time the article was written was the XO of A Co, 2nd Bn, 75th Ranger Regt. Yeah, that Pete Blaber. Obviously, the name would not have resonated with me in 1990, but COL Blaber definitely made his mark on the Army during the ensuing years.

But I find even more remarkable is that he took the time to write an article about footwear and foot care for Infantrymen.

Now, on to the meat of this trip down memory lane: the Multi-Component Boot System. The article lays out a project undertaken by Natick and 2/75 for a boot system based around the popular OD Green Jungle Boot which could be accessorized with various socks and a GORE-TEX gaiter to increase the temperature and climatic range of the boot so that the Soldier could rely upon a single pair for a mission which takes place during varied environmental conditions. There article also offers some great advice discussing foot care and boot sizing. As far as I know, no other units ever adopted the system.

I won’t steal anymore of the authors’ thunder except to say that it made a significant impression my me as young Sergeant, influencing my equipment choices, and it educated me that that metal foot size gizmo is called a Branock Device.

Enjoy!




Posted in Boots, History | 8 Comments »

DAF Updates Waiver Policies for Asthma, Hearing Loss, Food Allergies

January 2nd, 2025

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas (AFNS) —

The Air Force Accessions Center announced the expansion of medical waiver considerations for multiple medical conditions, which opens up the opportunity for military service to an additional 600 applicants annually, Nov. 1.

The Department of the Air Force holds strict medical accession standards but can grant waivers in specific cases. The new policy expands previous guidance in several areas, including asthma, hearing loss and food allergies.

“We are constantly evaluating how we can bring in the best talent while ensuring our members can serve effectively and safely,” said Brig. Gen. Christopher Amrhein, AFAC commander. “By expanding waiver criteria for manageable health conditions, we can access a wider pool of qualified applicants without compromising mission readiness.”

The new waiver policy will allow for the recruitment of individuals with clinically diagnosed asthma, provided they do not require daily preventive medication, and their rescue inhaler use is kept to a minimum. This marks a significant change from the previous standard, which disqualified all individuals with a positive asthma diagnosis and did not consider the severity of the diagnosis, according to Col. David Gregory, director of the Accession Medial Waiver division at AFAC.

Additionally, applicants with hearing loss in one ear that has been diagnosed as moderate hearing impairment can now be considered for waiver, provided the opposite ear meets the standards of mild hearing impairment.

Finally, individuals with a documented history of food allergies, provided there has been no anaphylaxis or serious systemic reaction, will now qualify for a waiver.

All three of the expanded waiver considerations will come with limitations to the career fields that applicants will be eligible to ensure members will not be put into career fields that will put them at increased risk to worsen their medical condition and be given an assignment limitation code in accordance with medical retention waiver practices per Air Force Personnel Center.

The decision to expand waiver criteria for these specific medical conditions was made after careful consideration of the potential medical, operational and financial impacts, and in close coordination with medical and operational experts across the DAF, Gregory said.

“Any adjustment to medical waiver practices comes with some level of cost for the DAF,” Gregory said. “After analyzing the available data on these conditions, the cost was felt to be acceptable to accommodate more applicants who are otherwise qualified to join the Air and Space Forces in specific career fields.”

The DAF is developing a process to monitor the long-term effects of these changes, including the medical and operational outcomes, to ensure they continue to meet the service’s needs.

For more information about waiver changes or how to apply to join the Air Force, visit www.airforce.com.

– Air Force Accessions Center

Posted in Air Force, Guest Post, Profession of Arms | Comments Off on DAF Updates Waiver Policies for Asthma, Hearing Loss, Food Allergies

Fast Metal Launches New Integrated Website

January 1st, 2025

Yuma, AZ – December 31, 2024 – Fast Metal, manufacturer of premium sunglass frames machined from the highest and strongest grade alloys known to man, has announced the official launch of their new website. 

The new website, www.fastmetal.com features an updated and redesigned layout, providing easier navigation and searches, as well as more detailed product information and images, and an e-commerce section – allowing for customers to purchase directly from the site. Designed to speak to the user, the site provides a new sense of functionality and customer interaction, making the experience easier by highlighting specific components and benefits with each product. 

“We, at Fast Metal, maintain an unwavering level of customer service, and quality with every product that goes out the door,” stated Fast Metal President, Mike Torres. “This new site further demonstrates our commitment to making each of our customers happy. The upgraded features and streamlined look will allow you to easily find the products you want, find education about the technology, and get the lates on the first drop for new products.”

In addition to the more comprehensive and user-friendly appeal, the new site features a Fast Metal dedicated MIL / LEO channel, and a news and social media feed, keeping visitors connected to the latest information from the company.

Posted in Eyepro, Press Release | Comments Off on Fast Metal Launches New Integrated Website

“Close and Destroy” by Tom Marshall

January 1st, 2025

I can’t think of a better way to kick off the new year than by touting a novel by my friend Tom Marshall. Many of you will know Tom’s many years of work for Recoil and Off Grid magazines, but fewer still know that Tom is an Army Veteran with service in the GWOT as well as work as a contractor for a prominent PMC.

Tom’s first novel leverages his experience to create an operational environment which will be familiar to many.

Windsor Kraft Strategies is a shadow empire in the murky world of private intelligence and corporatized warfare. Their “Special Mission Troops,” staffed by former military operators and intelligence specialists, are able to discreetly deliver surgical force around the globe, making them a silent partner in American foreign policy. 

In the failing nation-state of Daristan, NATO’s long-running counterinsurgency campaign begins to falter when the country’s fundamentalist spiritual leader returns from exile with an army of devout fighters – and covert support from foreign agents looking to upset the balance of world power. 

A token force of international peacekeepers, propped up by the Special Mission Troops and their local guerilla units, try to hold the line as coalition governments scramble to shore up exit plans amid the shockwave of violence.

Windsor Kraft’s team must begin evacuating their clients while attempting to stall the newly energized insurgent offensive. But with the clock ticking, the country collapsing, and a hidden enemy hunting them behind the scenes, they must choose between mission accomplishment and self-preservation, or risk being abandoned behind enemy lines by the government that hired them.

The Kindle version is available now with the paperback available for pre-order with a January 14, 2025 release from Amazon.

Posted in Off-Duty | 4 Comments »

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