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Ivy Soldiers Test Knowledge, Strength and Determination During E3B qualification

December 23rd, 2023

FORT CARSON, Colo. — For an entire month, Ivy Soldiers prepare, practice and perfect more than 40 tasks in order to successfully execute a five-day evaluation. Upon sufficing the tasks, Soldiers are able to earn one of three Army-sponsored badges: the Expert Infantryman Badge, the Expert Soldier Badge and the Expert Field Medical Badge.

1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, recently hosted the three badge evaluations, known as E3B, at Fort Carson from December 4-8, 2023.

“This is a great opportunity for Soldiers to hone and sharpen all of their skills,” said Sgt. 1st Class Julian Pacheco, E3B lane noncommissioned officer in charge assigned to 1st SBCT, 4th Inf. Div. “Whether you get it or not, there is a positive outcome out of this. Soldiers get an opportunity to come out here and train.”

Each testing lane evaluated is a skill level 10, or entry level, task. Pacheco says the badge helps a Soldier’s career progression regardless of their occupational specialty, however, it is no easy feat.

“There is a very high rate of attrition because it’s very methodical and procedural,” said Pacheco. “It asks a lot of the Soldiers throughout the week in order to get their GOs.”

To put the attrition into perspective, 1,100 hundred Soldiers submitted a packet for E3B. By day 3 of the testing, 252 remained in the running for one of the three badges.

Pfc. Angelina Shabelina, a cavalry scout assigned to 2nd battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 1st SBCT, 4th Inf. Div., felt added pressure to her participation as she aspired to gain her ESB.

“I am nervous about earning my ESB because I am the only female from the battalion who is testing for the ESB,” Shabelina said. “It’s a lot of pressure and work.”

Shabelina says there is a lot of preparation behind E3B testing, which consists of events ranging from land navigation to weapon familiarity. The first event started with the expert physical fitness assessment and then moved onto land navigation.

However, the testing doesn’t end there. Throughout the week, Soldiers must pass 10 different stations that tested their knowledge of tactical combat casualty care, weapons functions checks and basic knowledge of different weapon systems, patrolling and tasks associated specifically to the badge they were testing for.

For example, the EFMB conducts three testing lanes with a varying number of evaluated skills. These lanes test the practical ability and keen eyes of candidates while performing evacuation and warrior skills tasks.

“EFMB is a test of a candidate’s attention to detail,” said Sgt. 1st Class Jonathan Bland, flight paramedic, 2nd Battalion, 4th General Support Aviation Battalion, 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Inf. Div. “All of the grade sheets and standards are published and that is really where the rubber meets the road.”

Soldiers are graded on each task to a strict standard. Participants are eliminated if they receive two no-go’s on a task. Soldiers who complete all the tasks perfectly are recognized as earning their “True Blue” for EIB, “Perfect Edge” for ESB and “No Blood” for those who earned their EFMBs with perfect scores.

Despite a plethora of rigor during the first few days of competition, the remaining Soldiers enter the final event, a 12-mile road march completed within three-hours. After crossing the finish line, Soldiers must disassemble and reassemble their weapon within five minutes.

“If you feel like you are losing yourself when you’re training up, you get everything right, you are in line to test out, and your mind goes completely blank, try to remember the Soldiers who are motivating you,” Shabelina said. “For me it’s my first sergeant and my team leader.”

In the end, 172 out of 924 Soldiers earned one of the E3B awards. Ivy Division alumni were able to pin the respective badges onto the recipients during the award ceremony at the conclusion of the final event.

Story by SPC Jason Klaer

Photos by PVT Cecilia Ochoa and SPC Mark Bowman

Posted in Army, Guest Post, Profession of Arms | Comments Off on Ivy Soldiers Test Knowledge, Strength and Determination During E3B qualification

Capacity Expansion: Rheinmetall Builds First Lynx Infantry Fighting Vehicle for Hungary in Hungary

December 22nd, 2023

Rheinmetall continues to expand Europe’s armoured vehicle production capacity. Following the opening of the Group’s production, development and test facility for armoured fighting vehicles in Zalaegerszeg, the first Lynx infantry fighting vehicle to be built in-country in Hungary has now rolled off the assembly line. It is currently undergoing commissioning.

In mid 2024, following comprehensive function, performance and quality inspections in Zalaegerszeg, the first Hungarian-built Lynx will be transferred to the Hungarian armed forces.
“Rheinmetall is steadily expanding its production capacity in Europe in order to meet growing demand from our customers and to support European security”, states Rheinmetall executive board chairman Armin Papperger. “Opened in August of this year, our new plant in Hungary is the most advanced production and testing facilities for armoured vehicles anywhere in the world,” notes Papperger, going on to point out that it will further strengthen the Group’s global production network.

“We’re proud of our team in Zalaegerszeg and of our colleagues in Germany, who reached this milestone in record time”, declares Paul Walf, managing director of Rheinmetall Hungary.
The Hungarian ministry of defence awarded Rheinmetall a contract in September 2020 worth over €2 billion to supply Hungary with Lynx infantry fighting vehicles and related products and services. In the first production phase, Hungary is taking delivery of 46 Lynx IFVs made in Germany. The first vehicle was already transferred to the Hungarian military in October 2022. Starting at the end of 2023, the remaining vehicles will be produced in Hungary by Rheinmetall Hungary Zrt., a joint venture company co-owned by Rheinmetall (51%) and the Hungarian state (49%).

Opened in August 2023, Rheinmetall’s ultramodern facility in Zalaegerszeg will enable the development and production of state-of-the-art wheeled and tracked armoured fighting vehicles for the Hungarian armed forces. These include the Lynx KF41 family as well as the Evo version of the Panther KF51 main battle tank.
The contract originally envisaged seven variants of the Lynx KF41 for the Hungarian military: the standard infantry fighting vehicle; a command post vehicle; a reconnaissance vehicle; a forward artillery observer vehicle; a mortar track; a field ambulance; and a driver education vehicle. As a further variant, Rheinmetall will develop a Lynx mobile air defence vehicle with a Skyranger 30 turret. The contract for the conceptual development of this variant was signed in December 2023.

Posted in International, Press Release | Comments Off on Capacity Expansion: Rheinmetall Builds First Lynx Infantry Fighting Vehicle for Hungary in Hungary

MTHD x TDQ Sherpa Fleece Jacket

December 22nd, 2023

Tactical Distributors have teamed up with Q to introduce a thick pile Sherpa jacket in Bandit or Madala camouflage patterns.

Offered as part of TD’s MTHD line of premium outdoor clothing, the Sherpa Jacket uses a high-pile fleece fabric combined with abrasion-resistant reinforcement panels in the shoulders, elbows, and pockets feature a super lightweight and durable stretch woven nylon ripstop fabric + DWR (Durable Water Repellent). The underarm gusset material is a Merino wool/ polyester blend grid-knit fleece for enhanced odor-control and mobility.

BANDIT – Black Jaguar Print/ Black

MADALA – Canteen/ Hundreds Camo Print

Offered in sizes XSmall – 3XLarge.

www.tacticaldistributors.com/products/mthd-x-tdq-sherpa-fleece-jacket

Posted in Advertiser, Camo, Clothing | 2 Comments »

Meet the “Jake” Victory First Signature Series | Raven Concealment + Matt Jaques Collaboration

December 22nd, 2023

North Ridgeville, OH – December 22nd, 2023 | For Immediate Release

Raven Concealment Systems has announced the launch of their new Signature Series holster, the “Jake.” This series is born out of a 12+ year-long advisory relationship with Matt “Jake” Jacques of Victory First.

The “Jake” is the culmination of all the knowledge RCS gained since their first AIWB holster in 2008. RCS took every lesson learned from their preceding holsters in this category (the ACR, VanGuard 2, and Eidolon), and combined that with the expert input of Matt Jaques, one of the firearms industry’s preeminent concealed-carry gurus.

Matt Jaques, the mind behind Victory First, brought an invaluable perspective to this design. A retired law enforcement officer (with a background in both SWAT and undercover work) who later worked for the Diplomatic Security Service Firearms Training Unit, Jacques ensured that this holster’s design answered the real-world needs of individuals concealing firearms in high-risk environments.

The “Jake” incorporates all the innovative designs that Raven Concealment has pioneered over the last 15 years, such as a user-selectable wedge near the muzzle to keep the rear of the slide from tipping away from the beltline, a new, low-profile claw to tuck the butt of the grip of the pistol into the body, and multiple attachment points for belt hardware like overhooks or soft-loops.

The “Jake” also bears a key feature that Matt Jacques feels is absolutely essential to a proper AIWB holster: A dual body shield. This configuration provides an inboard shield to protect the pistol from sweat, and an outboard shield which protects cover garments from excessive wear from rubbing against slide serrations. This outer shield also helps keep foreign objects from entering the mouth of the holster once the pistol is drawn.

The “Jake” is the natural evolution of Raven Concealment’s approach to AIWB carry, merging time-tested and proven design features with forward-thinking innovation. It’s an ideal choice for discerning shooters in their concealed carry choices. If you’re interested in reading more, or getting one yourself, head over to RCSGear.com.

Posted in Holsters, Press Release | 2 Comments »

EuroOptic Exclusive – Daniel Defense M4A1 Rifle with Vortex AMG 1-10×24 FFP EBR-9 Super Short Scope

December 22nd, 2023

As soon as the elusive Vortex 1-10×24 Super Short Scope was revealed just over a year ago, folks have been trying to figure out how to get one and now is your chance. There’s a catch, well two catches. The first is that there are only 50 available and the second is that you have to buy a rifle along with it.

Now the rifle is pretty nice as well. It’s a Daniel Defense Daniel Defense M4A1 RIII 5.56mm NATO 14.5″ P&W Bbl Rifle and you also get the Vortex AMG 1-10×24 FFP EBR-9 Super Short Scope with the UK issue Reptilia Mount.

Regardless of the fact that this is a full system purchase at $5595, I expect these to go very quickly.

Here are the details:

Explore the exclusive EuroOptic Daniel Defense M4A1 RIII Rifle package featuring the highly sought-after Vortex AMG 1-10×24 Super Short Scope secured within a custom-designed Reptilia AUS mount. Limited to just 50 units, this package delivers a specialized combination of rifle, optic, and mount, drawing inspiration from the L403A1 weapons system recently adopted by the British Special Operations Forces.

Crafted around the Daniel Defense M4A1 RIII, a semi-automatic 5.56x45mm NATO rifle, this package boasts a 14.5” barrel, complemented by a pinned and welded flash hider, maintaining a 16” overall “barrel length” for non-NFA classification. Representing an enhanced iteration of the popular M4A1 platform, the M4A1 RIII incorporates numerous upgrades to optimize performance and user convenience.

Distinguishing itself with the exclusive RIS III rail system, an evolved version of the esteemed RIS II rail developed by SOCOM, the M4A1 RIII features the robust 6-Bolt, Bolt-Up system capable of enduring the recoil from an M203 grenade launcher. Further enhancing usability, its ambidextrous safety selector, bolt release, and charging handle empower both left and right-handed users to operate the rifle seamlessly without adjusting their dominant grip.

Atop this exceptional rifle, the Vortex AMG 1-10×24 34mm Super Short Riflescope, adorned with an EBR-9 First Focal Plane Reticle, rests within the precision-crafted Reptilia AUS optic mount. This American-manufactured scope, weighing a mere 18.85 ounces and measuring a compact 8.5 inches in length, ranks among the lightest and most compact scopes in its category. The EBR-9 Reticle, designed for close and medium-range engagements, combines an illuminated segmented circle dot for optimal visibility at 1x magnification with Christmas tree-style hold-overs for use at higher magnifications. Notably, this scope is currently exclusively available with the purchase of this rifle and optic package.

www.eurooptic.com/Daniel-Defense-M4A1-RIII-556mm-NATO-145-P-W-Bbl-Rifle-with-Vortex-AMG-1-10×24-FF

Posted in Black Rifle, Optics | 4 Comments »

FirstSpear Friday Focus – Merry Christmas!

December 22nd, 2023

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Spike Missile Integrated into Apache Helicopter at Yuma Proving Ground

December 22nd, 2023

YUMA PROVING GROUND, Ariz. — A primary responsibility of U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground is to support developmental testing to improve existing weapons systems, even on platforms considered the most lethal of their kind.

A recent example of this is testing in support of an airworthiness release that will allow the Spike non-line of site missile to be integrated into the AH-64 Apache attack helicopter.

Always identified with state-of-the-art sensors and precision guidance systems, as well as lethal air-to-surface missiles like the Hellfire, the Apache will now boast a precision weapon with more than four times the range of the iconic missile.

“Our plan is to field next summer,” said Maj. Brian Haley, assistant product manager for Program Manager Apache. “We are going rapidly from this culminating test event to fielding. It is an awesome capability that I think will be a game-changer.”

Over the course of five days in December 2023, testers fired eight full-up rounds in a variety of test scenarios at the proving ground: day and night shots, against both moving and static targets such as a mock SA-22 and a Dodge Dakota truck, at different distances, from hovers close up to more than 30 kilometers away.

In more than one fire, the Apache dropped down in altitude and even turned 180 degrees as the missile sped toward its target to intentionally lose link with the round to verify it would still hit the target on its automatic track: the link was reestablished before impact in one test and intentionally not reestablished in another.

The Spike missile is also able to disable the warhead mid-flight, and one test verified this, hitting a target board like a slug. The test included acoustic sensors to gather sound data on its impact.

“The flight restriction algorithm on the Spike is pretty robust,” said Cole Sutter, YPG test officer. “It has an intended and expected flight area, and when it leaves that expected flight area it induces a roll to land within the surface danger zone.”

Aviation testers appreciate YPG’s vast ranges and variety of realistic targets as they put the weapon through its paces in a variety of situations and altitudes. YPG’s natural desert environment also contributes significantly to the realism of the testing. The Spike had three successful test shots in January 2023 for integration qualification and had been demonstrated at the proving ground in 2019 and during Project Convergence 2021.

“We’ve had a relationship with Yuma for four years now,” said Haley. “It has the range space, the facilities, and frequency management requirements that are specific to us. Other ranges have different resource challenges that we don’t have here.”

Information gathered during the test will not only validate fielding the weapon, but also contribute new insights into reconfiguring existing pods on the Apache to accommodate more missiles, as well as in training combat pilots on how to use the Spike for maximum effect.

By Mark Schauer

Editor’s note: Spike Non Line of Sight (NLOS) is part of the Spike Fire-and-Forget family of missiles manufactured by Israel’s Rafael. It was selected in 2020 by the US Army as their Interim-Long Range Precision Munition.

Here is a Lockheed Martin press release on the test . They accomplished the system integration and offer Spike in the US.

Posted in Army, Aviation, Guest Post, Munitions | Comments Off on Spike Missile Integrated into Apache Helicopter at Yuma Proving Ground

Government of Canada Orders the MQ-9B SkyGuardian RPAS from GA-ASI

December 21st, 2023

SAN DIEGO – 19 December 2023 – The Government of Canada has signed a contract to purchase a fleet of MQ-9B SkyGuardian® Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI). The order includes the associated Certified Ground Control Stations and support equipment from GA-ASI. The first delivery is expected in 2028.

The SkyGuardian RPAS is interoperable with Canada’s domestic missions and its continental defence missions through NORAD, as well as with Canada’s closest allies – including the Five Eyes Alliance (FVEY) and NATO – for seamless integration with current and future Canadian defence, civil air, and ground assets.

“Canada’s vast territory and complex terrains, including in the Arctic, require a cost-effective multi-mission RPAS solution that can endure long periods on station, fly in harsh weather environments, and safely operate in all airspaces,” said Linden Blue, CEO of GA-ASI. “MQ-9B SkyGuardian delivers those critical capabilities. GA-ASI and Team SkyGuardian Canada are honored by this opportunity to become a key partner to Canada for the very long term in delivering these no-fail defence and security outcomes.”

Team SkyGuardian Canada is a coalition of leading Canadian businesses – including CAE, MDA Ltd., and L3Harris Technologies – that are working with GA-ASI on MQ-9B development, delivery, and sustainment. Canada’s investments in the RPAS Project and Team SkyGuardian Canada are a direct reflection of Canada’s vested domestic interest in pursuing leading-edge RPAS technologies.

GA-ASI has had a long, successful, and proud history with Canadian industry that continues to grow. Nearly every system that GA-ASI has delivered throughout its more than 30-year history has contained some level of Canadian content, including sensors, propulsion equipment, and training/simulation systems and services. CAE, MDA Ltd., L3Harris, and GA-ASI are committed to delivering the world’s premier RPAS capability to Canada while creating domestic economic benefits and work opportunities.

MQ-9B is the next generation of RPAS, delivering exceptionally long endurance and range, with auto takeoff and landing under SATCOM-only control, and will be able to operate in unsegregated airspace using the GA-ASI developed Detect and Avoid system. First customer deliveries of MQ-9B began in 2022 to the U.K. Royal Air Force, and contracts have been signed with Belgium and the U.S. Air Force, in support of Special Operations Command. The Japan Coast Guard is currently operating the MQ-9B for maritime operations, which the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) also selected for its Medium-Altitude, Long-Endurance (MALE) RPAS Trial Operation Project. MQ-9B has additionally supported various U.S. Navy exercises this year, including Northern Edge, Integrated Battle Problem, and Group Sail.

“We look forward to working with our Team SkyGuardian Canada partners to deliver our industry leading RPAS for Canada’s dynamic mission requirements. GA-ASI is the world leader in reliable, cost-efficient, and sustainable remotely piloted aircraft systems. These aircraft perform advanced interoperable and systems-of-systems operations for our valued customers around the world – all at a fraction of the carbon footprint impact as traditional manned systems performing similar missions,” added Blue.

Posted in Contracts, Press Release, UAS | Comments Off on Government of Canada Orders the MQ-9B SkyGuardian RPAS from GA-ASI