This is pretty cool and not very expensive. I really like ratchet tools as they speed up most jobs.
The DOOHICKEY incorporates a ratchet, flat bit 3.5 + 5.5mm, Phillips bit #1 + #2, bottle opener, standard/metric ruler, wrenches, pry tool, scoring point. There are also two wrenches (1/4″and 5/16″) featured in center with two more revealed when the bit holder is rotated or removed (5 and 5.5mm).
niteize.com/catalog/product/view/id/1281/s/doohickey-ratchet-key-tool
FULDA, GERMANY (24.09.2024)
At DVD 2024 held at UTAC Millbrook in the UK, Mehler Protection showcased its advanced body and platform armour ballistic solutions. Attendees explored a variety of protective gear designed to ensure safety and comfort for military and law enforcement personnel.
As a premier event for defence industry professionals, equipment and support teams, and users of land equipment, DVD plays a key role in equipping and supporting the UK’s Armed Forces.
Mehler Protection’s booth featured a wide range of ballistic protection solutions, including the 3D-printed armoured sensor case, which highlights advancements in platform protection, along with solutions for both civilian and military vehicles.
A standout feature was the M.U.S.T. system, recognisedfor its versatility and robust safety features. Specifically designed for high-risk environments, the M.U.S.T. system offers reliable protection for military and law enforcement personnel. The booth also displayed an extensive selection of protective gear, including hard- and soft-ballistic panels, tactical vests, plate carriers, and helmets, all crafted to provide optimal safety and comfort under demanding conditions.
“As the premier UK trade show for the land equipment sector, DVD provided Mehler Protection with the perfect platform to showcase our latest solutions in body and platform armour,” says Jamie Macefield, Technical Sales Manager for the UK and Ireland at Mehler Systems.
For more information on upcoming events, please visit Mehler Systems’ event website.
The Army Contracting Command – Aberdeen Proving Ground (ACC-APG) recently awarded ECS Federal a delivery order valued at $1.2M for initial acquisition, tailoring, integration and testing of the Information Collection Management Application (ICM). This is the first delivery order on the IDIQ which has a ceiling of up to $23M to support all development, integration, testing, training, license procurement and maintenance across the next five years.
The Information Collection Management App, a critical component of the Army’s modernization initiatives, is designed to digitize collection management workflows and provide a tactical, expeditionary toolset that addresses Commander’s information needs. With streamlined workflows, the app significantly reduces the burden of soldier operations, ensuring that our forces are equipped with the best possible intelligence capabilities to face the challenges of tomorrow’s complex battlefield environments.
“The awarding of the Information Collection Management App marks a significant milestone in our mission to develop and field modernized intelligence systems,” said Col. Chris Anderson, Project Manager for PM Intelligence Systems & Analytics. “This app is a testament to the exceptional work of our dedicated professionals who are committed to integrating best value solutions for the battlefield of tomorrow.”
PM IS&A is responsible for multiple Army Intelligence Foundation’s modernization initiatives and develops and fields modernized intelligence systems through an exceptional workforce of dedicated professionals, integrating best value solutions for the battlefield of tomorrow.
Team O’Neil is world renowned for their instruction in rally driving. Several decades ago the Special Operations community discovered this unique training and began to attend Team O’Neil courses to improve their driving skills under varied, arduous conditions. Starting this week we are going to share some of that knowledge via a series of videos produced by Team O’Neil. In this first video, instructor Wyatt offers an overview of high speed driving.
In late October, I’ll be attending their five-day tactical driving course at their facility in New Hampshire. These videos are as much for your benefit as for mine. I got a taste of what they teach last fall during an event with SureFire so I’m leveraging my memory as I go over the basic skills I’ll need to succeed during the upcoming course.
–Eric Graves
After years of testing, refining, and perfecting, the future of breathable, stretchable, lightweight, low-maintenance uniforms is ready for action. Introducing Power Flex—a revolutionary uniform that redefines comfort and functionality. Power Flex features a next-gen all-way stretch knit fabric that delivers more give, more stretch, and more comfort than ever before. Whether you’re jumping, running, sitting, sweating or relaxing, Power Flex matches your every move.
This next-gen knit fabric provides the added comfort, convenience, and class needed for peak performance. Featuring wrinkle, static, and odor-resistant properties, Power Flex ensures a polished appearance and maximum comfort for all day support.
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CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. —
The 27th Special Operations Wing conducted its first Combat Readiness Inspection as a part of Emerald Warrior 24 FTX II in various locations throughout the western United States, Aug. 4 to Aug. 9, 2024.
The CRI is a new Air Force Special Operations Command assessment method designed to better evaluate a wing’s combat readiness for high-end operations. AFSOC’s pivot toward Great Power Competition requires its units to be pushed to their limits, encouraging them to boldly take risks and try new tactics and techniques. The CRI provides units the “freedom to fail” in a controlled exercise environment, ensuring any failures are viewed as opportunities for learning and growth, rather than punishments or setbacks.
A key element of the CRI is focusing on the performance of mission-essential tasks in a robust threat environment, helping units better prepare for the complexities inherent to real-world operations against pacing challenges.
“Overall, the 27th Special Operations Wing set the benchmark for the future of Combat Readiness Inspections” said Lt. Gen. Mike Conley, AFSOC commander. “The goal for this event was never perfection. We wanted the Wing to be all in, face tough challenges, discover areas for improvement, and work together to problem solve for the future…and they did just that. The CRI was a true reflection of AFSOC culture – a willingness to take on challenges that others may shy away from, even when success isn’t guaranteed. This mindset is key as we learn, grow, and continuously improve our readiness for current and future conflicts.”
The 27th SOW implemented the CRI as a part of an already existing high-end readiness exercise, Emerald Warrior, to identify opportunities for improvement, innovate training approaches and align its programs with the latest advancements in technology, tactics and strategic objectives.
The CRI brought U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Stephen Davis, Department of the Air Force Inspector General, to Cannon AFB to observe AFSOC’s premier readiness wing execute the CRI. While at Cannon AFB, Davis attended several battle staff events to ensure the inspection was as realistic as possible, highlighting the focus on combat readiness and accurately assessing the readiness required to succeed against pacing challenges across the spectrum of competition, including conflict.
“We were the first to do this new type of exercise, pathfinding for AFSOC,” said Col. Cary Mittelmark, 27th SOW deputy commander for operations. “We were able to validate some of the Agile Combat Employment concepts that AFSOC has been working hard at for the last couple years.”
During the CRI, inspectors evaluated the capabilities of a 27th SOW Special Operations Task Group, comprised of multiple aviation, Special Tactics and Mission Sustainment Team Special Operations Task Units.
Throughout the inspection, the 27th SOW MST established and secured one primary forward operating base and two geographically separated forward operating locations across Idaho and Nevada, sustaining 200 personnel while providing the placement, access and survivability required to conduct a variety of air and ground operations.
After a base of operations was established, Special Tactics Airmen from the 24th Special Operations Wing worked with the 27th SOW MST, AC-130JGhostrider, MC-130J Commando II and U-28 Draco crews to execute a variety of AFSOC core missions, including SOF mobility, strike Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) and air to ground integration.
Prioritizing readiness based on overall mission effectiveness rather than functional competence will ensure AFSOC’s continued ability to rapidly project unconventional airpower for the joint force globally, a task The Steadfast Line executes day-in and day-out.
Throughout the inspection, the 27th SOW MST established and secured one primary forward operating base and two geographically separated forward operating locations across Idaho and Nevada, sustaining 200 personnel while providing the placement, access and survivability required to conduct a variety of air and ground operations.
After a base of operations was established, Special Tactics Airmen from the 24th Special Operations Wing worked with the 27th SOW MST, AC-130JGhostrider, MC-130J Commando II and U-28 Draco crews to execute a variety of AFSOC core missions, including SOF mobility, strike Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) and air to ground integration.
Prioritizing readiness based on overall mission effectiveness rather than functional competence will ensure AFSOC’s continued ability to rapidly project unconventional airpower for the joint force globally, a task The Steadfast Line executes day-in and day-out.
By Staff Sergeant Kevin Williams
27th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
Leveraging the ATLAS platform, Eonix will accelerate battery materials discovery focused on powering Directed Energy, C-sUAS, and e-VTOL systems
Knoxville,TN — [Sept 18th, 2024] — Eonix, a pioneer in next-generation battery technology, has been selected by AFWERX for a PHASE II STTR contract with the University of Tennessee Tickle College of Engineering in the amount of $1.7M focused on ultra-high-power batteries for directed energy, counter drone swarms, and e-VTOL systems. The funds will be used to design high conductivity electrolytes that are drop-in compatible with batteries manufactured today and meet the ambitious DoD energy storage targets for next gen platforms.
“New technologies like Directed Energy, Counter Small Unmanned Aircraft (C-sUAS), and electric Vertical Take Off Landing (e-VTOL) Systems promise to transform modern air defense systems by offering cost-effective engagement, enhanced base resiliency, and advanced surveillance and attack capabilities,” said Eonix Founder Don Derosa. “Our ATLAS materials discovery platform will design a next generation battery chemistry that improves power density, discharge rate, and operational temperature…thus powering the Air Force to respond to a rapid evolution of aerial threats.”
Eonix is revolutionizing battery product development, leveraging their ATLAS platform which is 40x faster and 15x lower cost than traditional R&D methods. This groundbreaking platform, previously harnessed for projects backed by Army/DOE/NSF/Air Force, pairs real-time measurement of material behavior in batteries with quantum mechanics simulations to train AI models, significantly accelerating materials discovery. These models predict material performance and suggest novel material candidates, marking a significant leap forward in the quest for next-gen energy storage solutions.
The Air Force Research Laboratory and AFWERX have partnered to streamline the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) process by accelerating the small business experience through faster proposal to award timelines, changing the pool of potential applicants by expanding opportunities to small business and eliminating bureaucratic overhead by continually implementing process improvement changes in contract execution. The DAF began offering the Open Topic SBIR/STTR program in 2018 which expanded the range of innovations the DAF funded and now on Eonix will start its journey to create and provide innovative capabilities that will strengthen the national defense of the United States of America.
The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Department of the Air Force, the Department of Defense, or the U.S. government.
Smarter Technologies, the leading British provider of Internet-of-Things (IoT) solutions, has completed stage one of a rolling programme to support health and safety compliance at His Majesty’s Naval Base (HMNB) Portsmouth. Working closely with the base infrastructure team, the new legionella risk management capability is one of several innovative digital solutions implemented by Smarter Technologies at the dockyard, aimed at improving operational outcomes for the Royal Navy, effectively and efficiently. Across a range of functions, the combination of IoT data capture and cloud computing has made transformative empirical evidence available to Portsmouth’s operational and strategic decision-makers. The team will be at DVD (18/19 September) to discuss this and their other IoT solutions.
The latest capability has revolutionised the management of water hygiene, which is a key factor for health and safety at any organisational premises. Responsibility is governed by statutory legislation and strictly enforced, and it includes the control of water-borne bacteria, such as legionella, which can cause Legionnaires’ disease. Careful and persistent management is required to ensure that water systems function compliantly, and that legionella is controlled. It is particularly important, and made more difficult, in mixed estates with aging infrastructure and spaces that are used irregularly, which are common features of many Defence facilities.
Targeting the historic Wardroom at HMNB Portsmouth as a potential at risk accommodation block, Smarter Technologies has positioned IoT sensors strategically around the building’s water system, to monitor the temperature at which it is stored and distributed, in real-time, and enable HSE- recommended temperatures to be pro-actively maintained. They have also installed automated flushing units at key outlets. These ensure periodic and programmable water flows, to contain the risk of stagnation and the growth of legionella. Data captured by these edge devices is passed to Smarter Technologies’ secure cloud platform via “Orion”, a proprietary LPWAN (low powered wide area communications network), which is optimised for large and complex estates by its combination of range, structural penetration and bandwidth. The captured data is presented back to the user in “SmarterView”, an intuitive, secure, web-based user interface where programmable alerts and notifications can be created, trends can be viewed and reports compiled.
With Smarter Technologies’ IoT solution installed in this potential risk space, HMNB Portsmouth has been able to assure water hygiene much more effectively and far more efficiently. Legionella is consistently suppressed at safe levels, emerging risks are identified and addressed immediately to avoid actionable events, time spent on manual temperature checks and flushes has been slashed, and the automated system provides an auditable record of due diligence.
Fubara Pepple, Head of Strategic Asset Management at Portsmouth, said, “We have worked closely with Smarter Technologies to ensure any potential risk to water supplies is identified at an early stage therefore making it much easier to keep our people safe.”
Mark Read, Chief Executive of Smarter Technologies Group said, “We’ve been delighted to work so closely with the HMNB Portsmouth team. They understand the value that our Orion systems can bring and have embraced the use of targeted technology innovation.”
