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Aimpoint – ACRO P-2 in Sniper Grey Tiger Stripe

December 2nd, 2024

You guys know I just can’t help myself when it comes to Tigerstripe so when the owner of OP Tactical told me that Aimpoint was offering a version of their popular P-2 red dot pistol optic, I had to share the news.

It kind of reminds me of the old Air Force ABU pattern and if they had called it a Sniper pattern, they’d probably still be wearing it, for the cool factor, if nothing else.

Other than the great paint job*, it’s a standard P-2.

Features:

-5 MOA dot size
-50,000 hours (over 5 years) of constant operation
-4 night vision compatible settings and 6 daylight settings
-Featured in Cerakote H-Series surface coating in Sniper Grey with special Tiger Stripe engraving
-Weight 2.1 oz / 60 g (sight only)
-Submersible to 115 feet (35 meters)
-Clear Aperture (mm/in): 15 × 15mm / 0.59 × 0.59in
-Optimized for pistol and applications which require a low-profile red dot system
-INCLUDES: CR2032 battery, Aimpoint T10 / Battery Cap Tool

Get yours at aimpoint.us/acro-p-2-sniper-grey-tiger-stripe-3-5-moa-red-dot-reflex-sight.

* Someone will freak out because I said paint job and will feel compelled to point out that it’s Cerakote. Yep, it is, and even says so in the features section.

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ARO – The Wrap

December 2nd, 2024

The Wrap is the first product released by ARO; a new company founded by Jace Foulk, a Soldier in the U.S. Army. The Wrap is designed to allow the user to mount pouches to their retention holster.

High strength, low profile the Wrap is constructed from polycarbonate sheets woven together for maximum strength and weight savings. Weighing in at less than an ounce, the Wrap is lighter than the competition. By wrapping around the holster body, the bulk added to the holster is virtually zero. The Wrap is the most modular solution enabling pouches on every face of the holster.

The Wrap is designed to use your existing retention holster hardware.

ARO has produced exceptional instruction materials available at at their website: aroproducts.com/instructions

The Wrap is currently available for Safariland holsters, the Legacy Wrap fitting most 6XXX and 7XXX series holsters and the Vault Wrap fitting most SafariVault series holsters.”

Posted in Guest Post, Holsters, Load Carrying | Comments Off on ARO – The Wrap

Sneak Peek – Qore Performance ICEBLOQ Tactical Breaching Water Tamping Device

December 2nd, 2024

QORE Performance has a number of epic collaborations in the works for 2025. What you see here is the first phase of another collaboration they’ll be releasing with their friends at K-Factor Breaching.

Its’s called the ICEBLOQ Tactical Breaching Water Tamping Device. What it does is direct kinetic energy into the target during an explosion. Water is the perfect medium for the job—it’s incompressible, non-combustible, and highly effective at focusing explosive force exactly where it’s needed. It’s the same principle that makes the ICEPLATE Curve so effective at eliminating backface deformation behind hard or soft armor.

To focus energy, you need a solution that works seamlessly with water as the medium. ICEBLOQ is designed for this purpose.

ICEBLOQ K-Factor and K-Clip V2s are 100% Made in USA from US materials. US and International Patents pending and isued.

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AFSOC Pathfinding Fuel Efficient Technology

December 2nd, 2024

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. —

Air Force Special Operations Command, in partnership with Air Force Operational Energy and the Defense Innovation Unit, is testing drag reduction technology to enhance combat capability to mitigate operational risk to the warfighter.

“AFSOC is thrilled to be at the forefront of innovations in drag reduction technology,” said Robert McMaster, SOF Mobility Requirements Analyst. “What we are supporting as a MAJCOM will reduce fuel costs, increase aerodynamic efficiency and flexibility, and may have significant positive implications across the entire service.”

The effort is part of the Air Force’s desire to update legacy aircraft through the application of drag reduction technology. By reducing drag, an aircraft is more aerodynamically efficient which decreases the aircraft’s fuel usage and increases mission capability.

“By exploring drag reduction technology for our legacy airframes we are not only improving performance but also optimizing our energy usage across the enterprise,” said Bill Clark, Operational Energy Analyst for the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force, Installations, Energy and Environment (Air Force Operational Energy). “This translates to cost savings for taxpayers and increased capability for our warfighters.”

AFSOC is testing various drag reduction technologies, which Air Force Operational Energy has funded with the goal of fielding the technology on all C-130 variants. The first test of drag reduction technologies took place here in October with a shark skin-inspired ‘riblet’ film. Early next year AFSOC will support another drag reducing technology by installing small finlets on the C-130 rear cargo door which will smooth out turbulent airflow.

“AFSOC has aircraft at Hurlburt that are specifically used to pathfind new technologies. By using them for this riblet test, it avoids impacting combat coded aircraft from training and operations,” said McMaster. “This is a complex science project where the results may have far-reaching benefits.”

In the coming years, the data collected during the flights will be used to formulate the life-cycle cost-benefit analysis and inform the DoD procurement process of potential drag reducing, fuel saving technologies.

“Drag reduction technologies improve our overall posture for Great Power Competition by optimizing aircraft performance through the lowering of demand for energy in fuel constrained environments,” said Mr. Roberto Guerrero, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Operational Energy, Safety and Occupational Health. “Large theatres, such as the Pacific, require our aircraft to fly long distances to conduct operations. The technologies we are working on today will ensure our forces make it to the fight with the energy supplies needed to win the day.”

Optimization programs like this support the DoD’s operational energy goals, as well as the Department of the Air Force’s goal of increasing legacy aircraft performance and capability. Overall, these goals reflect the DoD’s and Air Force’s commitment to improve energy intensity of current operations, advance transformative technologies, and develop an energy-optimized force that maximizes combat capability.

Air Force Special Operations Command

Posted in Air Force, Aviation, Guest Post, SOF | Comments Off on AFSOC Pathfinding Fuel Efficient Technology

U.S. Patriot Sponsored Athletes Conclude 2024 The Tactical Games Season with Three Podium Finishes

December 1st, 2024

U.S. Patriot athletes competed in the National Championship from Nov. 15 – 17, 2024, in Florence, Texas, against 240 competitors.

Lexington, KY (November 2024) – U.S. Patriot, a GALLS® company and the nation’s largest supplier of military and related high-performance gear for professionals, in partnership with Under Armour, proudly concludes its 2024 sponsorship of The Tactical Games with outstanding results from its team of elite competitors at the National Championship in Florence, Texas. Supporting five athletes throughout the season, U.S. Patriot provided high-performance gear, competition entry fees, and unwavering encouragement as its athletes showcased their grit, discipline, and skill on the national stage.

The 2024 National Championship, held from Nov. 15 – 17, 2024, featured 240 competitors, with each athlete completing over three hours of stage time and contributing to the staggering 152,000 rounds fired. U.S. Patriot athletes delivered standout performances, with three podium finishes:

Ehea Scheurch – 2nd Place, Women’s Elite

Blayr Drumm – 3rd Place, Women’s Elite

Nathan Drumm – 2nd Place, Men’s 40+

In the Men’s Elite division, Zach Rodman and Jacob Horton placed 7th and 15th, respectively, rounding out an impressive showing for the U.S. Patriot team. See the full results from the National Championships at practiscore.com/results/new/267415.

L-R: Women’s Elite Top 3:Ehea Scheurch (2nd Place)Jenay DeCaussin (1st Place)

Blayr Drumm (3rd Place)

L-R: Men’s 40+ Top 3:Nathan Drumm (2nd Place)Clint Gower (1st Place)

Jason Deal (3rd Place)

“It was an honor to support these incredible warriors throughout the season and witness their dedication and grit in competition,” remarked Josh Sandhaus, Vice President of Operations at U.S. Patriot. “They exemplify the spirit of our brand and uphold the very best values of service, resilience, and determination – qualities that resonate deeply with the communities we serve. We’re proud to stand behind them and look forward to continuing to support and grow alongside them. Congratulations to all our athletes on an outstanding season!”

The Tactical Games were created to provide a platform to test the skills and readiness of tactical athletes from all backgrounds. Whether you are military, law enforcement, competition shooter, or a civilian gun enthusiast you can compete in The Tactical Games. The Tactical Games provides a venue for all shooters and athletes to compete against the best in the world to find weaknesses and test gear in the most stressful environment a competition can offer.

For more information on U.S. Patriot and its commitment to veterans and military professionals, please visit www.uspatriot.com or follow us on Instagram or Facebook.

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Kit Badger Asks, “What’s the Best Length?”

November 30th, 2024

In this video by my friend Ivan, he looks at carbine barrels from 13.7″ to 16″ to determine the best barrel length. Specifically, he examines what is gained or lost by deviating from the non-NFA 16″ barrel length.

Learn more at kitbadger.com/13-7-to-16-the-best-barrel-length.

Posted in Guest Post, weapons | 8 Comments »

Barrett Celebrates Marine Corps Full Operational Capability for MK 22 Advanced Sniper Rifle a Year Ahead of Schedule

November 30th, 2024

MURFREESBORO, TN — Barrett Firearms Manufacturing Inc. is proud to announce that the Marine Corps Systems Command has achieved Fully Operational Capability (FOC) for the MRAD® MK 22 Mod 0 Advanced Sniper Rifle (ASR) a year ahead of schedule.

A U.S. Marine fires a MK 22 Advanced Sniper Rifle during a new equipment training range on Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan. (Photo by Cpl. Alex Fairchild)

The MK 22 represents the culmination of Barrett’s dedication to innovation and collaboration with the Department of Defense. Originally developed through a Special Operations Command contract, the MK 22 transitioned to the Marine Corps via the “Special Operations Forces (SOF) to service” process, with contracting led by the U.S. Army. This seamless interservice cooperation enabled the Marine Corps to achieve FOC a full year ahead of schedule, delivering critical capability enhancements to warfighters sooner.

“The MK 22 isn’t just another rifle; it’s a modular, mission-adaptable system that empowers the warfighter with unmatched precision and flexibility,” said Bryan James, CEO of Barrett. “We’re honored to contribute to this pivotal modernization effort for the U.S. Military and Marine Corps, and to support our nation’s elite forces.”

The MK 22 offers unparalleled versatility, with caliber conversion kits allowing for seamless transitions between 7.62mm, .300 Norma Magnum, and .338 Norma Magnum. This adaptability enhances the ability to engage targets with precision at extended ranges. Paired with the state-of-the-art M317 Precision Day Optic – a variable power optic providing a 7-35x magnification – the MK 22 delivers a significant leap forward in capability over legacy sniper systems.

Barrett designed the MK 22 to be a complete system, providing soldiers with an integrated solution tailored for operational efficiency. Each rifle kit includes three barrels, a hard and soft carrying case, 15 magazines, a cleaning and tool kit, a sound suppressor, optic with scope mount, and mission-specific components such as a scout sniper tripod kit and anti-reflection device.

“The MK 22 consolidates what was previously two rifles into a single platform, lightening the Marine’s load while improving logistical efficiency,” Mr. James said. “The ability to conduct caliber conversions in the field ensures that Marines are equipped for any mission, anytime, anywhere.”

Another key advantage of the MK 22 is its sustainability. Maintenance is streamlined, with most repairs now performed at the organizational level. In the rare event of a barrel failure, the rifle can quickly be reconfigured to a different caliber, ensuring continuous operational readiness – an improvement that was unattainable with previous systems.

“At Barrett Firearms, we are committed to equipping our armed forces with the tools they need to succeed in an ever-changing battlefield,” Mr. James said. “The MK 22 Mod 0 Advanced Sniper Rifle exemplifies our dedication to precision, innovation, and mission success. As the Marine Corps ushers in this new era of sniper capabilities, Barrett stands ready to support their efforts and the future fight.”

Posted in Advertiser, Press Release, USMC, weapons | 5 Comments »

10th Mountain Division Hosts Summit Strike 2024 – Offering a Glimpse into Future of Multi-Domain Operations

November 30th, 2024

The 10th Mountain Division (LI) hosted Summit Strike 2024, Nov. 19-21, with the intent to seamlessly integrate fires; intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR); and multi-domain operations (MDO) assets by partnering with other countries, military branches, and multiple industry partners to defeat adversaries, while showcasing Fort Drum as the premier training and force development hub in the Northeast.

“It is our sacred obligation to fight and win our nation’s wars,” said Maj. Gen. Scott Naumann, the 10th Mountain Division (LI) and Fort Drum commander. “Summit Strike provides the 10th Mountain Division the opportunity to hone the skills our warfighters need to accomplish this. Through this multi-domain training exercise, we are able to learn, refine requirements, and develop innovative solutions to fight a near-peer enemy with successive iterations of live, multi-domain training.”

“This type of training, partnered with facility improvements, deepening institutional knowledge from our deployments, and ever-strengthening partnerships in the region, positions the division to continue leading transformation initiatives to build warfighting readiness,” he added.

The exercise involved live-fire training, with emitters simulating enemy artillery and weapon systems placed throughout the Fort Drum training area. The Joint Air Ground Integration Center (JAGIC), then coordinated attacks on these targets using various weapon systems, including High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), AH-64 Apache helicopters, A-10 Warthogs, and Mobile-Low, Slow, Small-Unmanned Aircraft Integrated Defeat Systems (M-LIDS).

Summit Strike ’24 validated the division’s ability to integrate surface-to-surface, rotary-wing, and fixed-wing weapon systems, enhancing its lethality. The exercise also incorporated emerging military electronic systems technology to build resilient kill webs.

“Here, in these types of exercises, replicating real-world, large-scale combat operations, we are coordinating, synchronizing, and employing effects both lethal and non-lethal,” said Maj. Mark Smerka, 10th Mountain Division Artillery operations officer.

Owners of an 80-year-old legacy, born in the battle of Riva Ridge in Italy, the 10th Mountain Division remains at the forefront of modern warfare. The division is dedicated to adapting to the ever-evolving battlefield, embracing innovation, and staying ahead of potential threats, in line with the unit’s history as they face the future of warfighting.

“The future fight that we’re looking at in a near-peer environment is going to be bigger, faster, require more assets and more technology than we’ve been using in the past,” said Maj. Sean Thomas, 10th Mountain Division JAGIC chief. “We’re embracing a lot of that in this exercise, testing it out and getting comfortable using it.”

The exercise involved more than 400 service members from Fort Drum, with additional support from both U.S. and international military members. By fostering these partnerships within the Army and Department of Defense, Summit Strike ’24 provided MDO training on Fort Drum and allowed for the development of shared systems to enhance warfighting capabilities.

“We won’t fight alone in any future operation, whether that’s multi-branch or multi-nation,” said Capt. Maddie Crimmins, commander of C Battery, 3rd Battalion, 27th Field Artillery Regiment, 18th Field Artillery Brigade, located at Fort Liberty, N.C. “Here we are executing multi-platform as well as multi-domain.”

Summit Strike ’24 provided a demonstration of the division’s ability to coordinate and execute an MDO live-fire exercise. The exercise highlighted the unique training opportunities offered by Fort Drum in a low-threat environment for Soldiers to train for MDO threats in a contested environment.

“Summit Strike is really the first of its kind where you have a division creating an MDO environment at home station to make sure we are trained proficiently so that we can win the Army’s future wars,” said Capt. Sean Thorpe, 10th Mountain Division cyberspace and electromagnetic activities officer in charge.

Summit Strike ’24 solidified Fort Drum’s position as the premier training and force development hub in the Northeast, showcasing its ability to integrate emerging technology and systems into range operations. The exercise also highlighted the division’s commitment to partnering with industry to enhance MDO training capabilities at Fort Drum.

“We learned that the 10th Mountain Division is able to conduct multi-domain operations, especially here at home station,” said Maj. Michael Spickard 10th Mountain Division assistant chief of fires, and lead planner for Summit Strike ’24. “We are more prepared in the future to make this exercise grow for Summit Strike ’25.”

By PFC Alyssa Norton, 27th Public Affairs Detachment

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