JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska — Jan. 10-14, 2022, Paratroopers with the 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, “Spartan Brigade,” completed the inaugural Arctic First Responder Course held at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska.
The Arctic First Responder Course is a prototype Combat Lifesaver Course that adapts Tactical Combat Casualty Care for operations in the Arctic environment. It was developed using lessons learned by medical personnel during exercise Arctic Warrior 21, where temperatures exceed -40F. The course prepares Arctic Paratroopers to provide lifesaving aid in any environment.
“Every Soldier should take part in an Arctic First Responder style training,” said Spc. Kenyi Foster from Avalanche Company, 725th Brigade Support Battalion. “This course has better prepared me for any combat situations I may face and helped me in being able to administer aid in any weather condition.”
Spartan Paratroopers from the 725th BSB learned cold weather injury identification, treatment and prevention. They also learned about and exercised patient transport and packaging in extreme cold weather environments.
The training comes as the 725th BSB prepares to support JPMRC 22-02 — a home station combat training center rotation in March that takes place in Central Alaska where winter weather can be unpredictable and dangerous.
“I now feel more comfortable if I’m ever under fire and know I have to administer aid whether that’s in the Arctic or the desert,” said Spc. Lisvette Vasquez from Avalanche Company, 725th BSB. “After taking this course I feel I could proficiently perform in medical lanes for ESB as well as know medical related questions for any Soldier of the month board.”
The Spartan Brigade is the only airborne infantry brigade combat team in the Arctic and Pacific theaters, providing the combatant commander with the unique capability to project an expeditionary force by air in both Arctic and Pacific environments.
New Management Structure Reflects Company’s Significant Growth and Talent Acquisition
JESSUP, Md., — AirBoss Defense Group (ADG) is pleased to announce that it has added significant strength to its senior leadership team following a period of sustained growth. Since ADG’s founding in early 2020, the company has become the leading source for survivability solutions including high demand personal protective equipment (PPE) for the military, law enforcement, first responders, and health care providers. As a result, ADG is attracting top-tier industry talent and strengthening the executive team to continue building upon the company’s strong track record.
Mr. John Johns has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer (COO) of AirBoss Defense Group. John joined ADG as the Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) in October 2020 following senior executive assignments with the U.S. Government and industry, which included 10 years as a Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense, U.S. Department of Defense. During his time as CSO, John’s focus has been on strategy, sales, operations, and merger and acquisition activity. Over the last year, he has been instrumental in ADG winning and executing key contracts, solidifying ADG as a leading domestic supplier of survivability and protective solutions. His performance has demonstrated the highest level of capability and professionalism and has enabled the growth of the organization.
Dr. Andrew Rogers has been hired to take over the role of Chief Strategy and Growth Officer. In Andrew’s most recent role, he served as Vice President, Strategic Initiatives Group at General Dynamics Mission Systems (GDMS), growing the Undersea Defense Systems business by sixty-five percent in three years, securing new work in both core offerings and adjacencies, and returning double-digit earnings. He has built and grown businesses, acted as an advisor to private equity firms, serves on non-profit and private company boards, and is the former president of QinetiQ North America (QNA), a high-tech leader in unmanned survivability robotics systems research and development (R&D) and production. Andrew will utilize his considerable skills and lead the company into the next phase of expansion.
Andrew received his Ph.D. in Applied Marine Physics/Ocean Engineering from the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science and has furthered his studies in management at the Harvard Business School, Georgia Institute of Technology, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Sloan School.
AirBoss Defense Group CEO Patrick Callahan said, “The addition of Dr. Andrew Rogers and the well-deserved promotion of John Johns will allow ADG to accelerate our rapid growth and puts in place the leadership necessary to assure our continued success. ADG’s results continue to attract the best talent with extensive industry experience. These actions will enable ADG to expand our reach, maximize our capability, and leverage the strongest and most creative people in this industry. We are always looking for top-tier talent to join our exceptional team as we meet and exceed our business goals.”
Emissary’s NANO Carrier is a simple solution to carry the Multitasker NANO Tool on board their gun. The NANO is a versatile little tool that can be used for a multitude of different tasks like zeroing optics/lasers or tightening down accessories.
Both Mlok and Picatinny are available. $12 for the standalone carrier and $22 for the carrier bundled with a Multitasker NANO Tool.
SOFWERX, in collaboration with USSOCOM Science and Technology (S&T) Joint Acquisition Task Force (JATF), will host a series of events to identify solutions for optical character recognition text to text translation technology from Industry, Academia, Laboratories, and other interested organizations. The desired end state is to understand the current capabilities and determine if those solutions are compatible with ongoing translation efforts.
The Phase I collaboration event kicks off on 16 March 2022 with other events to follow.
RSVP NLT 02 March 2022 11:59 PM ET to participate.
Laser on board: The Skyranger 30 HEL is a hybrid solution designed to thwart the full range of future airborne threats. Here, the interplay of a 30mm automatic cannon, guided missiles, and a high-energy laser (HEL) results in a mix of effectors unique in this combination. Teamed with a matching sensor mix, the Skyranger 30 HEL can monitor airspace autonomously, while simultaneously selecting the optimum effector in response to emerging threats. The Skyranger 30 HEL can protect mobile units on the march or critical stationary infrastructure and facilities from aerial threats. No matter what the initial situation, an appropriate response is always readily available, assuring adherence to legal requirements and the avoidance of collateral damage.
Thanks to its longstanding experience in the field of ground-based air defence and adherence to a clear technical road map for a future laser weapon system, Rhein¬metall is able to integrate mechanically and systemically a full range of advanced capabilities into a wheeled or tracked mobile platforms such as the Boxer multipurpose wheeled armoured vehicle* or the tracked Lynx KF41 armoured vehicle. Thanks to the highly flexible Skymaster fire control system and state-of-the-art sensors, the effectors achieve maximum tactical impact.
Rheinmetall’s HEL effectors consist of a laser source and laser guidance system, both of which are integrated into the vehicle, along with a laser weapon station built into the turret that simultaneously serves as a platform for the electro-optical sensors. The laser weapon station tracks targets automatically, neutralizing them with a laser beam. Thus, the Skyranger 30 HEL is capable of effectively defending assigned airspace with three different effectors – an automatic cannon, guided missiles, and a high-energy laser – with the appropriate level of intensity.
Featuring a rate of fire of 1,200 rounds per minute, the 30mmx173 KCE revolver gun is the world’s top-performing weapon in this calibre. Programmable time-delay ammunition enhances the probability of hitting even the smallest aerial targets. The Skyranger 30 HEL’s guided missiles increase the system’s operational flexibility and maximum range.
In live trials, current technology sample systems for laser weapon systems have successfully achieved laser outputs of 20kW. The ability to increase this figure to 100kW is already an integral feature of this technology. The laser weapon station used here has its own sensors for identifying and tracking targets. Subassemblies coordinated by Rheinmetall to interoperate harmoniously produce the outstanding beam quality of Rheinmetall laser sources even at high-output levels, meaning that they can be directed at the target with high precision. The carrier platform’s sophisticated mechanical design assures 100% coverage of assigned airspace. Laser outputs of up 20-50 kW are planned for the first realization phase.
Late last year, the Skyranger HEL was presented in public for the first time at a counter-drone event held by the Swiss procurement agency armasuisse in Bure, Switzerland, sparking great interest from the experts present at the event.
*Produced in cooperation with industrial partners
Posted in Advertiser, Press Release, weapons | Comments Off on The Skyranger 30 HEL – Rheinmetall’s Hybrid Solution for Threat-Commensurate, Modern Mobile Air Defence
Development Never Stops Alpha: A team that combines specialists in clothing technology, with those from the Military.
Marcel Geser is the head of the development team. In recent years he has been the man that leading outdoor clothing manufacturers have turned to when their in-house development team could not solve a task. For this he has won ISPO and ECO awards.
Tim Vetter is the contact person for government and the military. He was involved in logistics for the German Special Operations Forces and later the managing director of the most innovative manufacturer of tactical equipment in Germany.
Together they form the backbone of DNS Alpha.
WHAT
Their collective mission is to provide the most demanding end-users on the planet with the best clothing possible.
As a licensed partner of Gore-Tex, Cordura and Outlast, DNS Alpha is able to offer highly specialized fabrics. When no suitable fabrics are available, we develop them with our partners. Examples of those are an elastic FR fabric and the toughest merino quality on the market.
In the DNS Alpha clothing system, all layers are perfectly coordinated. So your size is always your size.
DNS Alpha works in constant close contact with their end-users. This already includes highly specialized units where materials and design are tailored to their specific needs.
Also, having our own sample production capability in Germany makes it possible to react quickly to feedback, and to produce new prototypes, custom-made products and small series in short timeframes that our customers demand and need.
WHERE
DNS Alpha currently operates from three locations:
the head office is in Switzerland, and both, the design studio and sales office that is currently responsible for Europe and the Middle East, are located in and near Munich, Germany.
DNS Alpha works with selected manufacturers, primarily in Europe for its current production. And is currently looking at several production facilities beyond that, such as in the USA to offer all clients production where they want it.
DNS Alpha is currently available through a worldwide network of dealers which can be found HERE.
The companies in the network have many years of experience in selling high end Military, Law Enforcement and Outdoor brands to their respective end-users.
WHEN
The DNS Alpha team not only has over a decade of cooperation with the leading brands in the outdoor industry behind them, but also military experience, ranging from personal deployments to working with end-users on innovation and procurement. With each project, new experiences were gained and further technologies developed. Over this period, DNS Alpha has evolved and created innovations that are years ahead of its competitors.
WHY
DNS Alpha knows from experience that every task and mission brings with it special requirements in terms of the cut of an item, and the materials used. The solution starts with using the right materials, and then tailoring that to the intended use. When a material that fits the use does not exist, DNS Alpha is in the position to make that material, together with our partners. We believe that material and product development should come from the same source to create real meaningful innovations.
Anyone who has tried and tested a DNS Alpha product will notice the difference compared to all others.
It’s here in Woodland & Manatee! The MultiPurpose Pack was originally developed as a medical pack for a U.S. Special Operations unit, this pack can easily be adapted for use as a range bag, E&E pack, or 1-day pack. Features include hydration compartment, padded shoulder straps, 5 external pockets and compression straps.
• 5 external pockets including large hydration compartment
• Low profile padded shoulder straps
• Exterior compression straps
• Exceptional low profile range bag
• Developed as a med bag for a US SOF element
• Made in the USA
Currently available in woodland, manatee and ranger green.
ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. — The Materials in Extreme Dynamic Environments Collaborative Research Alliance, or MEDE CRA, culminated its 10-year program with a virtual capstone event, co-hosted by the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command, known as DEVCOM, Army Research Laboratory and Johns Hopkins University.
More than 180 people participated in the event, including principal investigators, students from consortium universities, Army researchers and industry partners. Representatives from U.S. Army Futures Command, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology, Office of Naval Research, National Ground Intelligence Center, National Science Foundation, Department of Energy and other DEVCOM subordinate organizations participated as well.
The alliance is a basic research program led by Johns Hopkins University, which includes a consortium of 25 university and research partners located in 13 states and three foreign countries. MEDE has developed a materials-by-design strategy, which has resulted in innovative protection materials and computational design codes for armor applications. These new concepts will support the Soldier Lethality and Next Generation Combat Vehicle modernization priorities. According to DEVCOM ARL Director Dr. Patrick Baker, MEDE successfully achieved its mission by focusing on the three key elements of a basic research program: relevance, team, and science.
Maj. Gen. Edmond “Miles” Brown, DEVCOM commanding general, highlighted the capstone with a keynote address. He described a multinational force that was attacked while on patrol during a deployment to Afghanistan. The body armor they wore provided the necessary protection to survive the attack and make it back home safely. Additionally, Brown described the evolution of body armor from the time he entered the U.S. Army to present day, and the importance of basic research programs like the MEDE CRA.
Sen. Ben Cardin and Sen. Christopher Van Hollen of Maryland expressed their congratulations to the MEDE CRA. Cardin noted that MEDE has graduated 76 Ph.D. students and transitioned 55 postdoctoral fellows. More than 200 undergraduates participated in research activities; 62 of whom were from HBCUs and minority serving institutions. This highlights the program’s real dedication to inclusivity and diversity, he said. Van Hollen added that MEDE will help save American lives and keep troops safer for years to come.
Officials said a hallmark of the MEDE CRA is its impact on workforce development. Including the university faculty, students, postdoctoral fellows, and DEVCOM ARL researchers, over 600 individuals have been involved in the MEDE research. These individuals include high school and undergraduate student apprentices sponsored through DEVCOM’s Army Educational Outreach Program, and the Army Research Office’s partnered research initiative for HBCUs and minority serving institutions. The MEDE CRA ensured these valuable opportunities were incorporated into the core research program.
Prof. Lori Graham-Brady of Johns Hopkins and Dr. Sikhanda Satapathy, DEVCOM ARL, presented the numerous accomplishments of the MEDE CRA. According to Satapathy, the goal of the program was to look at the materials or different material classes at different scales, starting from the atomistic scale to the application scale. To achieve this, the MEDE program developed a rigorous mechanism-driven materials-by-design strategy that resulted in new magnesium alloys, boron carbide, and glass-epoxy composites.
In each material, MEDE was able to achieve a weight reduction and improved performance. These discoveries were translated into computational design codes which assisted in validating the experimental data. Industry partners were able to scale-up the laboratory produced materials for ballistic evaluation at DEVCOM ARL.
Graham-Brady said by improving these armor materials they will have a real impact on keeping people safe, which, she said, motivated much of the research.
The capstone included a MEDE CRA video, which provided an overview and successes of the program.
Awarded in April of 2012, the Materials in Extreme Dynamic Environments (MEDE) collaborative research alliance is a ten-year, basic research program which has developed a materials by design process which has improved protection materials for armor applications. Research activities were performed jointly amongst academia, the DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory (ARL), and industry.
This video highlights the tangible successes of the program.
Funding for MEDE created a center within HEMI. For more information, visit hemi.jhu.edu/cmede.
The impact of MEDE to the broader science community will be felt for years, Graham-Brady said. To date, MEDE university personnel and DEVCOM ARL researchers have authored 478 peer-reviewed journal articles. These articles have been cited over 8,000 times. To ensure the legacy of the MEDE CRA, special edition journals featuring MEDE research have been published.
Johns Hopkins University President Ronald Daniels expressed his appreciation to the U.S. Army for sponsoring the MEDE CRA. Johns Hopkins’ partnership with the Department of Defense was seeded in 1940 with the creation of the National Defense Research Committee. MEDE’s innovations will continue to shape the future of the government-university research through the doctoral students and postdocs now working in DOD and national laboratories, academia and global industry.
As the Army’s foundational research laboratory, ARL is operationalizing science to achieve transformational overmatch. Through collaboration across the command’s core technical competencies, DEVCOM leads in the discovery, development and delivery of the technology-based capabilities required to make Soldiers more successful at winning the nation’s wars and come home safely. DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory is an element of the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command. DEVCOM is a major subordinate command of the Army Futures Command.
By Dr. Victor Nakano, Johns Hopkins University
Photos by Jessica Ader, David Jordan, and Will Kirk
Posted in Armor, Army, Guest Post, Research | Comments Off on Consortium Partnered with Army Research Lab Completes 10-year Program to Advance Armor Materials
