XC3 Weaponlight

Evergreen Innovations Manages All-Domain Network at Northern Strike Exercise

September 29th, 2023

Company’s network solution enabled military exercise attendees to train with cloud-based AI for object recognition and satellite connectivity for Digitally Aided Close Air Support

TIMNITH, Colo.– Evergreen Innovations LLC (“Evergreen”), a tactical communications integrator, announced today that it successfully managed the All-Domain Network (ADN) during the Northern Strike 23-2 reserve component readiness exercise held July-August at the National All-Domain Warfighting Center, in Michigan.

Northern Strike 23-2, conducted under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Defense’s National Guard Bureau, brought together more than 7,000 participants from across the United States—plus international partners—to train in expeditionary fighting, command and control, sustainment, and joint integrated fires.

And it was Evergreen’s ADN (called the Michigan All-Domain Network by its Michigan National Guard operators) that provided the communications backbone for the exercise.

“We were very excited to, once again, participate in Northern Strike,” said Chris Wallower, CEO of Evergreen Innovations. “Our ADN solution ties together third-party mobile ad hoc networking radios and fixed antennas, advanced integration software, and government common operating picture software, enabling geographically dispersed units to conduct complex operations.”

ADN was first implemented as the Michigan All-Domain Network in 2021, to provide units with real-time situational awareness, voice, and video. The following year, Evergreen Innovations was asked by its National Guard customer to incorporate commercial satellite communications, cellular backbones, and various common operating pictures into the network.

Since then, Evergreen has continued to expand the network’s capabilities.

During this most recent Northern Strike exercise, the ADN enabled Guardsmen and international partners to train with cloud-based AI for object recognition and satellite connectivity for Digitally Aided Close Air Support. At the same time, senior staff participated in a live telemedicine demonstration with remote medical support from across the state.

“Next year we’ll do even more,” said Wallower.

Additionally, the Air National Guard’s 2023-2024 Domestic Capability Priorities Book lists getting Domestic Operations All-Domain Networks fielded to the states and territories as a critical priority. This will translate into increased demand for Evergreen’s ADN.

“We’re excited to begin this journey with the Air Guard,” said Wallower. “ADN will empower the warfighter and save lives on the battlefield.”

www.evergreeninnovationsllc.com

SPD Invictus-SP

September 29th, 2023

New Variation of the Invictus Framelock Featuring MagnaCut Blade Alloy

Prometheus Design Werx releases their newest iteration of the Invictus folding knife design under the Special Projects Division sublabel, featuring a MagnaCut blade. This variant also features a chamfered flat handle configuration to reduce the overall thickness for a slimmer profile. Other high-level details include ceramic pivot bearings, a selection of presentation side scale options such as G10, micarta and carbon fiber, a LBS insert, dive watch grade luminous inlays in the dual thumbstuds, signature fullers, and precision machined details throughout this knife. The Invictus-SP is a purpose driven design and edged tool painstakingly made with state-of-the-art multi-axis CNC machines and the highest level of precision refinements found only in the best production tools.

The SPD Edition Invictus-SP by Prometheus Design Werx will be available with OD Green G10, carbon fiber, micarta scales or full titanium handles as pictured.

The Design and R&D Team at PDW states:

“We created this version of the Invictus to be a slimmer profile when in the pocket. Originally designed to address IWB carry with board shorts, these are well suited for anyone who is looking for a full-sized, technical folder in a slimmer profile. And of course, we’re stoked about our first knife offering in the CPM MagnaCut alloy.”

The SPD Invictus-SP will be available on Wednesday, October 4th, 2023 at 12:00pm Pacific via their website, prometheusdesignwerx.com.

Mission First Tactical Introduces Belly Band Ultralite

September 29th, 2023

Horsham, PA – (October 2nd, 2023) – Mission First Tactical (MFT), manufacturers of state-of-the-art, USA made rifle/carbine accessories and holsters, is proud to announce the newest edition to the Belly Band holster family: the new Belly Band Ultralite. This new belly band holster was specifically designed without additional storage and engineered for smaller carry firearms.

“We listened to the market and the end user when they asked for a smaller foot print for smaller framed people or those who prefer a minimal foot print and don’t require additional storage, “said David Edelman, Vice President of Mission First Tactical. “The Belly Band Ultralite provides increased comfort and discreet concealability for those who choose to carry compact handguns.”

The new MFT Belly Band Ultralite holster’s comfortable, all-day carry is achieved with 3D Spacer Mesh Fabric. Special channels allow for more efficient airflow, increasing comfort in comparison with other elastic-type holsters. An open-air weave construction design provides for air/moisture to pass through, naturally hindering bacterial growth. Maximum breathability keeps you cool and dry all day long.  A soft, medical-grade hook & loop construction ensures no chaffing. “CLICK HERE” to see product-in-use.

The Belly Band Ultralite holster has a self-laminated fastening end that can be cut and trimmed with scissors for a custom fit. The hard laminate trigger shield protects the firearm’s trigger from unwanted intrusion. It’s ambidextrous and compatible with a wide variety of firearms. The best thing about this holster; there is no belt needed! It’s great for walking, jogging, hiking and biking etc. It’s designed to go wherever you go. This a great solution if you’re wearing activewear such as shorts, sweats or leggings. The MFT Belly Band Ultralite holster is designed to accommodate waist sizes from 26” to 52”. MSRP: $39.99

Features include:
– Hard laminate trigger shield
– Ambidextrous carry positions
– Multi-positional for appendix, side, back and hip carry options
– Pistol retention
– Moisture wicking
– Breathable
– Easily worn without a belt

To explore the full range of Mission First Tactical’s offerings, including the Belly Band Ultralite Holster, please visit: www.missionfirsttactical.com.

NDIA Future Forces Conference 23 Poster #5 – Improved Burning Tracers for Small Arms

September 29th, 2023

This is the fifth poster from this week’s NDIA Future Force Capabilities Conference.

Contact info is at the bottom of the poster.

AXL Advanced Releases Burrito Bag Today

September 29th, 2023

Available for order September 29th, 2023 and similar to its predecessor, the Burrito Bag is a near-universal, low-profile solution to add admin pouch capa- bility behind industry-standard SwiftClip and G-Hook placards. It is designed to give users the ability to have a side-access admin. The Burrito Bag attaches between the two side release buckles used on carriers and placard adapters. When empty, it adds little to no additional bulk to the front of your carrier.

The Burrito Bag is available in Black and Coyote, can work with virually any velcro placard, and can be used to store important documents, cables, even a cell phone or two.

These bad boys will be going for $49.95 a piece.

www.axladvanced.com

FirstSpear Friday Focus – Socks

September 29th, 2023

We understand that having high-quality gear is essential to your performance and safety. From helmets to tactical boots, every component plays an important role. In today’s Friday Focus, we’re tapping into a sometimes overlooked topic, socks… specifically, two FirstSpear fan favorites, the Everyday Sock and the Boot Super Sock, which have been no stranger to the most elite warriors on the face of the planet.

The Everyday Sock is engineered to provide you with the ultimate comfort and ventilation. It’s made of a unique blend of materials that allow your feet to breathe naturally, so you don’t have to worry about sweat getting trapped inside. The extra-light design on the top of the sock helps dissipate heat, allowing you to wear it comfortably, for longer periods.

The Boot Super Sock combines the best aspects of durability, comfort, and breathability in one design. The sock’s naturally antimicrobial and highly breathable qualities make it perfect for wearing under your tactical boots. Its thicker and offers additional protection against blisters and hot spots. Like the Everyday Sock, this sock is proudly made in America with U.S. materials.

Deets

They are made of a blend of merino wool, nylon, lycra, and spandex. Merino wool is known for its warmth, whereas nylon gives the socks excellent abrasion resistance. Lycra and spandex help retain the sock’s shape, even after extended use. As a result, the materials can withstand the wear and tear of daily use, providing you with long-lasting comfort and performance.

Both socks thrive in tactical and field environments as well as everyday wear at home. Whether you’re MIL/LEO, first responder, or an outdoor enthusiast, these socks will provide you with the comfort and performance you need during long hours on your feet.

Visit FirstSpear to find American Made kit and accessories, Built For The X.

US Facilitates Philippine Air Force AOC, ISR Training

September 29th, 2023

VILLAMOR AIR BASE, Philippines —  At the request of the government of the Philippines, the 505th Training Squadron located at Hurlburt Field, Florida, sent a team of U.S. Air Force Air Operations Center Formal Training Unit instructors to Villamor Air Base, Philippines, from Aug. 10-19. The instructors trained twenty-eight members of the Philippine Air Force’s 300th Air Intelligence and Security Wing and 5th Fighter Wing. The bilateral training focused on joint planning processes; intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance fundamentals; and best practices for ISR support to operations.

The 705th Training Squadron and the 505th Combat Training Squadron, located at Hurlburt Field, Florida, and Pacific Air Forces Intelligence Operations Division assisted the 505th Training Squadron.

“We couldn’t have done this mission without the support of PACAF/A2 and without the support of our sister squadrons,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Jason Gossett, 505th TRS commander. “Our intelligence professionals are always in high demand, and when we saw how much intel training the PAF was requesting, we reached out to our partners to get the right blend of expertise.”

In a brief graduation ceremony, PAF students expressed their gratitude for the unique and focused training.

In the closing remarks, U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. David Jones, 505th TRS director of operations and mobile training team lead, said, “The United States and the Philippines became formal allies with the signing of the National Defense Treaty of 1951, and with the changing geopolitical environment, we are as committed as ever to our allies and partners in the Pacific. Many of us have strong personal and professional ties to the Philippines, and we were honored to come out and support this mission.”

“This training has offered exceptional chances to engage and build connections with fellow instructors and intelligence professionals who share our interests,” said Philippine Air Force Brigadier General Torres, 300th AISW commander “In our swiftly evolving world, adaptability is paramount. Training fosters our capacity to remain versatile and receptive to fresh concepts, technologies, and methodologies.

“Through the enriching five-days of training, we’ve established a robust network that fosters collaborations and invaluable partnerships, benefiting both the 300th Air Intelligence and Security Wing and the Philippine Air Force.”

The 505th TRS is responsible for preparing graduates to operate the AOC Weapon System, graduating more than 1,600 joint and coalition personnel annually. The squadron teaches 13 initial qualification courses (including an Integrated Air and Missile Defense Course), an AOC Fundamentals Course, a Joint Air Operations C2 Course, and an Academic Instructor Course. Graduates from the 505th TRS serve in all combatant commands.

505th Training Squadron located at Hurlburt Field, Florida, sent a team of U.S. Air Force Air Operations Center Formal Training Unit instructors to Villamor Air Base, Philippines, from Aug. 10-19, 2023.  The instructors trained twenty-eight members of the Philippine Air Force’s 300th Air Intelligence and Security Wing and 5th Fighter Wing. The bilateral training focused on joint planning processes; intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance fundamentals; and best practices for ISR support to operations.

Story by Deb Henley

505th Command and Control Wing

Public Affairs

Special Forces of the German Armed Forces to use Vector reconnaissance drones from Quantum Systems in the future

September 28th, 2023

German drone manufacturer from Munich wins “FALKE” tender from the German Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw)

Germany, Munich, September 27, 2023 – Quantum-Systems GmbH, Munich-based manufacturer of dual-use reconnaissance drones that use multi-sensor technology to collect data for government agencies and commercial users, yesterday signed a framework agreement with the BAAINBw for the delivery of Vector reconnaissance drones.

Delivery of 14 unmanned aerial systems begins at the end of 2024

In November 2022, the German Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) published the project under the name “Framework contract for the procurement of remotely piloted reconnaissance systems, airborne, short range” – “FALKE” for short. The complex performance specifications of the competitive award procedure placed numerous requirements on the future supplier of the unmanned systems. Quantum Systems successfully submitted a bid and was able to conclude the framework agreement with the BAAINBw on September 26, 2023.

Delivery of the first 14 systems is scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2024. In the future, the Bundeswehr will thus have a system for precise reconnaissance that can be deployed quickly and independently.

Requirements for availability, innovation capability and precise reconnaissance methods

The vertical take-off and landing capable drone type Vector provides the German Army’s special forces with a market-available tactical reconnaissance system optimized for their range of operations and meeting requirements in terms of range, flight time and sensor capability. Vector enables precise reconnaissance over a range of up to 30 km with a flight duration of up to three hours. The integrated ‘Raptor’ combi-sensor is equipped with an optical and an infrared camera, enabling day and night operations in all climates and under challenging environmental conditions.

For the operational tasks of the Army’s special forces, precise reconnaissance is a mandatory requirement.