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In Memoriam – Col Gail S. Halvorsen (USAF, Ret)

February 18th, 2022

Earlier this week Col Gail S. Halvorsen (USAF, Ret) aka The Berlin Candy Bomber and Uncle Wiggly Wings passed away. His family was at his side at the Intermountain Utah Valley Hospital in Provo, Utah, where he was admitted following a short illness. Colonel Halvorsen was 101 years old and he is survived by his five children and numerous grand- and great grandchildren.

We received this information from the Airlift/Tanker Association:

Col Halvorsen, a Utah native, began his flying career when he earned his private pilot’s license in 1941 through a Civil Air Patrol program. His passion for aviation led him to join the Army Air Force in 1942 flying transport aircraft. In 1948, peace in Europe was threatened as the Soviet Union blockaded all ground access to war-torn West Berlin. Then, Lt Halvorsen, a member of the newly formed United States Air Force, began flying humanitarian airlift missions to starving West Berliners. During one mission, he paused to share two sticks of gum with nearby German children who were watching the aircraft and busy flightline. Two sticks of gum did not go far and he promised the children he would be back the next day to drop candy from his airplane, telling them, you will know it is me when I “wiggle” my wings. That simple act of kindness and compassion led to “Operation Little Vittles” and, in all, over 23 tons of candy were dropped from Allied aircraft. His impact spread beyond the smiles of German children. He brought visibility to the plight of the German people and put a human face on their suffering—Americans now saw the Germans as humans, not enemies. Strategically, the Allied resolve strengthened, and West Berlin’s freedom was secured without a single shot fired and his act of kindness forged the strong bond between America and Germany that endures today.

After hanging up his uniform Col Halvorsen continued his life of service by inspiring youth and adults around the world to a life of service.

May He Rest In Peace

Posted in Air Force, Cold War, History, Memorial, Veterans | 3 Comments »

FirstSpear Friday Focus – Squadron Smock Now Available in Multicam Arid

February 18th, 2022

Now available in Multicam Arid— check out the Squadron Smock, an exceptionally popular garment from FS which has maintained its classic design matched with modern high performance materials. The dual layer MID 400 merino package is used throughout the hood, back and shoulders as well as two zippered hand pockets.

With over 18 total pockets this smock serves a load bearing vest style capability many outer garments could not support. An oversized hood works great over the top of a bump lid or helmet.

FirstSpear has also used a low profile padding through the elbow and forearm finished with extra large adjustable cuffs. Webbing attachment points on the back and hood can be used to secure a pack like the ECP or even add foliage for concealment. Like most FirstSpear products the Squadron Smock is 100% American made and Berry Compliant.

Additionally, we offer our popular Wind Cheater in Multicam Arid as well.

For more information, check out www.first-spear.com/squadron-smock or www.first-spear.com/wind-cheater

Posted in Advertiser, Clothing, FS Friday Focus, Guest Post, Multicam | 3 Comments »

Air Force to Phase Out 13O Career Field, Strengthen All Airmen Joint Capabilities

February 18th, 2022

WASHINGTON (AFNS) —

The Department of the Air Force announced Feb. 17, the Multi-Domain Warfare Officer (13O) career field will be phased out while emphasizing that multi-domain capabilities will become fundamental across the Air Force.

This phase out impacts 136 currently-assigned Total Force Airmen in the active component, Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve.

“We must be prepared to face future conflicts with our joint and combined partners, and the knowledge Multi-Domain Warfare Officers bring to the fight is too critical to confine to a single career field,” said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. “To continue outpacing near-peer adversaries, we must reinforce all Air Force members’ multi-domain expertise.”

The Air Force will continue to evolve its professional education and force structure to ensure all Airmen can apply operational concepts and contribute to Joint All-Domain Operations, versus limiting it to one core AFSC.

The transition will begin after eligible officers meet the LAF-X Colonel central selection board March 29 – April 14, 2022. Commanders will guide Multi-Domain Warfare Officers through the reassignment process. Officers trained in multi-domain warfare gained valuable experience in all-domain and joint planning capabilities which will be leveraged at all levels of training and professional military education to strengthen enterprise-wide capabilities.

“We want to utilize the depth of knowledge and experience that our Multi-Domain Warfare Officers bring to the fight and to the maximum extent possible need their help to train and educate Airmen to fight and win against a peer threat in all domains,” said Maj. Gen. Albert G. Miller, director of Training and Readiness, Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations at Headquarters U.S. Air Force.

Air Education and Training Command, the lead for Professional Military Education, plans to implement principles of the current Multi-Domain Warfare Initial Skills Training into Air Force-wide developmental education. This will increase the operational knowledge and expertise required to produce joint-capable and credible Airmen.

The Multi-Domain Warfare Officer (13O) career field was established June 25, 2018, as a result of the Multi-Domain Command and Control Implementation Plan to train operational-level C2 personnel specialized in executing command and control of multi-domain operations.

Posted in Air Force, Guest Post, Profession of Arms | 8 Comments »

ACC’s Agile Combat Employment Just Got More AGILE

February 18th, 2022

JOINT BASE LANGLEY – EUSTIS, Va. (AFNS) —

Air Combat Command has made significant progress on a number of Agile Combat Employment initiatives, including the creation of an agile battle lab.

As the command continues to anticipate changes and adapt to ACE concepts, innovation and integration has never been more important to members of the staff here.

Lt. Col. Adam Chitwood, ACC’s Agile Battle Lab commander, launched his unit into the ideology of accelerating change and influencing the necessity of ACE Airmen. The ABL mission is to accelerate technology, tactics and unit design to further ACE in ACC and around the Air Force.

More than 22 years ago, under Air Education and Training Command, ABL, then called Squadron Next, began with tests and experiments. Now, after transitioning to ACC in 2020, the ABL collaborates with many organizations, including ACC’s A6 communications directorate (cyber) units outside of ACC to find and solve problems, giving organizations effective ways to operate and train Airmen.

An Airman assigned to the 52nd Combat Communications Squadron from Robins Air Force Base, Ga. sets up a satellite in a simulated austere environment in Sunglow City during Exercise Bushwhacker 21-07 at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., Oct. 4, 2021. Bushwhacker allowed DM to execute and test Agile Combat Employment processes and timelines to pack up, load and re-establish wing facilities and command and control structures at newly established locations. Air Combat Command has made significant progress on several Agile Combat Employment initiatives, including the creation of an agile battle lab. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Kristine Legate)

“One unit cannot solve all of the problems of the Air Force,” Chitwood said. “That’s why collaborating and adapting is so vital.”

The difference between the ABL and traditional ACC units is its unique mission. ABL’s ultimate goal is to reshape the way Airmen think, work and incorporate processes that elevate the capabilities of the Air Force in preparation for the future fight.

We are not focused on everyday problems. We’re focused on strategic and more operational level issues,” said Master Sgt. Andrea Murray, ABL’s intelligence integration manager. “We’re making changes in 18 to 20 months. Unlike traditional labs and units, we can’t wait 10 years. We need things to change now, and that’s what we’re doing.”

A major part of ACE is the creation of a multi-capable Airmen mindset. MCA is an initiative where a small group of Airmen will be trained to accomplish tasks outside their core Air Force specialty. They will train in a cross-functional team to provide combat support to aviation force elements conducting dispersed and dynamic operations. MCA will recover, refuel, reload, launch and defend mission generation force elements.

As MCA concepts expand across the Air Force, the need for immediate, effective change and improvements grows. According to Chitwood, with ACE being ABL’s primary effort, integrating MCA will become essential to the Air Force as a whole. ABL’s goal is to equip the force with more than capable Airmen.

“We, as Airmen, have to practice like we fight,” said Senior Master Sgt. Reid Beveridge, ABL superintendent. “War is not an additional duty. We need to practice MCA jobs and we need to identify failure gaps before we are called on to use [tactics, techniques and procedures] in combat.”

In December 2021, ABL led an ACE command control and communications operations rehearsal for ACC and joint partners. The success of the rehearsal resulted in a way ahead to plan and identify what future challenges adversaries might present Airmen.

“Developing and testing ACE concepts through the lab and other venues will ultimately give our Airmen decisional advantage in tomorrow’s fight,” Chitwood said.

By SSgt Jaylen Molden

Air Combat Command Public Affairs

Posted in Air Force, Comms, Guest Post | Comments Off on ACC’s Agile Combat Employment Just Got More AGILE

The American-Made Independence Holster from We The People Holsters; Premium Leather, Perfect Fit

February 17th, 2022

The Independence Holster pays tribute to America’s Western past in a beautifully crafted premium leather OWB or IWB holster with all the modern fit, functionality and retention today’s handgun enthusiasts expect.

Las Vegas, NV (February 2022) – Nothing speaks to handgun enthusiasts like the iconic leather holster; a reflection of pride in America’s past and the Old West traditions. Today, most leather holsters on the market are made off shore, but the new Independence leather OWB and IWB holsters from We The People Holsters are proudly made in America using only the finest leather from patriotic American cows.

Unlike the competition, The Independence does not require “working” the pistol in the new holster to “mold” to the shape of the handgun. Designed using a double-layer shell for added rigidity, The Independence allows a custom-tailored fit to your handgun, first time and every time you draw and reholster, without sacrificing retention. The Independence is constructed using four layers of the highest quality, premium, vegetable-tanned American cowhide resulting in superior durability even when worn every day, all day.

The Inside the Waistband (IWB) Independence holster is a low-profile design with one of the smallest footprints possible while maintaining maximum strength and retention. The Independence IWB features tuckable clips that are fully adjustable for ride and cant, offering the user multiple ways to wear The Independence in comfort and confidence with three retention points for maximum security.

The Outside the Waistband (OWB) Independence holster features a “tail fin” that pushes the firearm against your body to reduce printing. The proprietary belt-loop design allows the holster to be easily taken off or on in a hurry. The rear belt-loop is made from reinforced PVC-coated ballistic nylon that easily snaps open for quick deployment. With three retention points for maximum security the Independence OWB holster will feel and wear like a custom-made holster at an affordable price.

The We The People Holsters American Eagle emblem is proudly branded onto The Independence holsters for a classic American Western vibe. The heavy-duty stitching, outlining the holsters, not only adds increased durability, but compliments the rich brown or black hand rubbed and handcrafted leather holsters.

The Independence premium leather American-made OWB or IWB holsters are available in the right- or left-hand models for the GLOCK 17-22-31 (Gen 1-4) for an MSRP of $149.00.

For more information on We The People Holsters, visit its website, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

Posted in Holsters, Press Release | 2 Comments »

1791 Gunleather Promotes Lauren Manglitz

February 17th, 2022

Miami, FL – 1791 Gunleather is excited to announce the promotion of former Regional Sales Manager Lauren Manglitz to Territory Development Manager.

“After her excellent performance over the past few years, we’re thrilled to have Lauren take on even more responsibility within 1791 Gunleather,” said Ramiro Romani, CEO of 1791 Gunleather. “I know she’ll bring passion, experience, and knowledge to her new position.”

A valuable member of the 1791 Gunleather team since 2018, Manglitz is an experienced shooter and firearms instructor with a passion for keeping Americans safe while exercising their Second Amendment rights. She previously worked as an editor for government contractors and spent several years in retail.

In her new role, Manglitz will be responsible for new business development with target accounts in multiple territories, sales associate training, and new product development.

“With a company that I can be truly proud to work for, I have enjoyed every moment of these last years serving our dealers, expanding our customer base, and spreading the word about what we do here at 1791 Gunleather,” said Manglitz. “I’m excited to move forward with this company in my new role as Territory Development Manager, assisting in the creation of new product lines that are needed by our fellow patriots, and working to further expand our reach across the United States, so that gun owners in every state can go into their local gun shop and get a quality product they can trust.”

Headquartered in Miami, 1791 Gunleather empowers Americans to exercise their Second Amendment rights with high-quality leather holsters and accessories, all backed by a lifetime warranty and 100% satisfaction guarantee. To learn more browse the full lineup of premium holsters and leather goods, visit 1791Gunleather.com.

Posted in Industry, Press Release | Comments Off on 1791 Gunleather Promotes Lauren Manglitz

Blackhawk To Sponsor Zach Rodman Throughout Tactical Games

February 17th, 2022

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – February 17, 2022 – Blackhawk®, a leader in law enforcement and military equipment for over 20 years, is pleased to sponsor tactical athlete Zach Rodman during this year’s Tactical Games. Rodman’s first competition of the nine-match season will be at the Tactical Games Meridian, held February 19-20 in Meridian, Mississippi.

Outside of competition, Rodman has been a police officer for 15 years in Kokomo, Indiana. Rodman holds the rank of lieutenant and has been a member of the Kokomo SWAT Team for 12 years and a UC drug task force member for seven years. A family man, Rodman also coaches his son’s baseball team and is involved in the Kokomo community.

“The Tactical Games provide an arena where competitors can test their decision making, training, equipment and mental approach,” Rodman said. “The community surrounding the Tactical Games is second to none. Everyone learns from everyone. It’s not often that you find a sport in which a competitor lends advice to another competitor. I believe these athletes help each other because they understand that elevating those around them is one of the most important things in life. Many competitors are servants in their everyday professions, so it’s really no surprise.”

Throughout the season, Rodman will be running Blackhawk T-Series holsters and new Foundation Series Tac Nylon gear, including plater carrier, belt and pouches. Blackhawk’s T-Series holsters with leg straps are optimally designed to maintain proper holster position and security as competitors navigate unconventional obstacles throughout the Tactical Games. “Our team is outfitted with the same T-Series holster, so it’s important to me to maintain a consistent draw between competition and work,” said Rodman. “The T-Series leg strap adapter lets my leg move naturally but still secures the mid-ride holster to my leg when I run.”

Foundation Series Tac Nylon gear gives competitors some of the lightest weight gear in its class without sacrificing durability or modularity, which is critical to maintaining speed and endurance while wearing heavy plater carriers. “On the carrier, the shoulders straps are flat in the chest area, which helps prevent the sling from snagging and allows for good placement of the stock while shooting,” said Rodman. “It’s a minimalist design that allows you to build it for the task at hand.”

Blackhawk will follow Rodman as he competes throughout the Tactical Games, which culminates November 5-6 at the Tactical Games National Championship at Reveille Peak Ranch in Burnet, Texas.

Attendees at the upcoming Tactical Games Meridian will be able visit the Blackhawk booth to check out T-Series holsters and Foundation Series Tac Nylon gear. Based on podium position, winners in each category will have the opportunity to win a Foundation Series gun belt, IFAK pouch and dump pouch, or a Blackhawk holster.

“I have used everything from Blackhawk – from gloves, to holsters, to bags – for years as a police officer,” Rodman said. “I finally tore the pair of SOLAG hard knuckle gloves I was issued ten years prior. That same dependability has been consistent across the board with Blackhawk gear.”

Posted in Advertiser, Industry, Press Release, Shooting Sports | Comments Off on Blackhawk To Sponsor Zach Rodman Throughout Tactical Games

AeroVironment Awarded $8.5 Million Puma AE Unmanned Aircraft Systems Foreign Military Sales Contract for U.S. Ally

February 17th, 2022

• Portable, rugged Puma 3 All Environment (AE) unmanned aircraft system provides immediate tactical reconnaissance capabilities for land and maritime operations

• Foreign Military Sales program promotes interoperability among U.S. and allied forces for joint operations

The Puma 3 All Environment (AE) unmanned aircraft system operates autonomously, providing persistent intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and targeting data. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Bill Dodge/Released) Disclaimer: The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.

ARLINGTON, Va., Feb. 15, 2022 – AeroVironment, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVAV) a global leader in intelligent, multi-domain robotic systems, today announced it received a $8,541,428 firm-fixed-price U.S. Department of Defense Foreign Military Sales (FMS) contract award on Jan. 27, 2022 to provide Puma™ 3 AE small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), initial spares packages, training and support to an allied nation. Delivery is anticipated by November 2022.

“Combat-proven, versatile and reliable, Puma 3 AE provides persistent situational awareness, critical force protection and force multiplication capabilities to small tactical units conducting operations in salt water, fresh water or on land,” said Trace Stevenson, AeroVironment vice president and product line general manager for small UAS.

AeroVironment’s Puma 3 AE delivers mission critical intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) in all environments. Puma 3 AE has a wingspan of 9.2 feet (2.8 meters), weighs 15 pounds (6.8 kilograms) and can operate for up to 37.2 miles (60 kilometers) with AeroVironment’s Long-Range Tracking Antenna (LRTA). Multi-mission capable, operators can swap between Mantis™ i45 and the enhanced night variant Mantis i45 N for day, night and low-light operations. Puma 3 AE is launchable by hand, bungee, rail, or vehicle, and recoverable by deep-stall landing, providing class-leading capabilities in challenging environments around the world.

AeroVironment’s small UAS comprises the majority of all unmanned aircraft in the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) inventory, and its rapidly growing international customer base numbers more than 50 allied governments. To learn more, visit www.avinc.com.

Posted in Contracts, International, Press Release, UAS | Comments Off on AeroVironment Awarded $8.5 Million Puma AE Unmanned Aircraft Systems Foreign Military Sales Contract for U.S. Ally