XC3 Weaponlight

Federal Ammunition Adds New Train + Protect 10mm Auto

June 4th, 2023

ANOKA, Minnesota – May 31, 2023 – Federal recently added a new line extension to its popular and versatile Train + Protect product line—which features packaging that honors any shooter’s birthright to bear arms—with a new load in 10mm Auto. The full-power 10mm offering features a Versatile Hollow Point (VHP) bullet to deliver both precise, practical performance at the range, and instant, reliable expansion on impact.

Train + Protect | Federal Ammunition

“With the popularity of our Train +Protect products and customers desire to have a good all-around option they can use for training as well as protection, we’re expanding the line with 10mm auto,” said Federal’s Handgun Product Line Director Nick Sachse. “10mm has seen a resurgence in recent years and we continue to receive requests for more options in the cartridge.”

Summary of features include: New 180-grain 10mm Auto load; VHP bullets based on proven Federal versatile hollow-point design; Reloadable Federal brass case; Extremely reliable primer; Loaded to produce consistent performance on the range and in defense situations; 50-count boxes; MSRP: $57.99.

For more information on all products from Federal or to shop online, visit www.federalpremium.com.

Blackhawk’s Zach Rodman and Jared Halbert Take First at South Carolina Tactical Games

June 3rd, 2023

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – May 31, 2023 – Blackhawk®, a leader in law enforcement and military equipment for over 20 years, congratulates tactical athletes Zach Rodman and Jared Halbert for their first-place finish at The Tactical Games South Carolina Team Event 2023, which took place at The Sawmill Training Complex.

Like individual Tactical Games events in terms of structure, Team Events see two competitors working together to complete various physical and marksmanship stages as quickly as possible. Rodman and Halbert both ran Blackhawk T-Series® holsters and Foundation Series Tac Nylon gear, including plate carrier and belt, to help them secure first-place in the Men’s Elite Division.

“Jared and I have competed against each other since 2019,” said Rodman. “We first met on the firing line in Mississippi, and since that time have remained good friends. I’m more of a team orientated person by nature, so having Jared as a partner over the last two years has been great. Not only is he a great teammate, but as a former champion, he knows what it takes to win. I push hard individually, but there’s an element of not letting your teammate down that makes you push even harder.”

The duo, who previously secured a second-place win when they competed together last season, have praised the Foundation Series and T-Series holsters as a big contributor to their success both in individual and team competitions.

“The Foundation Series Plate Carrier is very minimalist but still holds standard sized plates,” Halbert said. “This design makes it easy to traverse obstacles where other plate carriers would get caught-up. Plus, the removable placard options have proven to be great for mission specific loadouts. Likewise, I’m also pretty particular about holsters, and the T-Series is not only fast, but it also retains the pistol through any kind of movement.”

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. 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 plate carriers.

To learn more about Blackhawk or to see the full line-up of holsters and tactical gear, head over to Blackhawk.com.

The 2023 OTTE Gear x Bawidamann 2023 Narcos Playa Shirts Are In!

June 3rd, 2023

It’s finally here! The 2023 OTTE Gear x Bawidamann 2023 Narcos Playa print which recalls the 80s Miami Drug War, a gritty fight between the US and the cartels. The fuel for the failed state was Cocaine and the fight was with the elusive Cocaine Cowboys. Hand-designed by Andrew Bawidamann himself, this pop-heavy print courses through your veins, weaving around Hibiscus & Coca, Beechcraft Kings & Cigarette boats, Brass Knucks & AK47s to name a few. The Mexican bass guitar plays Chalino Sanchez’s music, setting the stage for Miami Vice days and nights.

ottegear.com/products/aloha-narcos-playa-shirt

Hidden gems include Grenades & AK47s, straight razors, brass knucks, switchblades, Bren 10, SBS 12, coffins, rosary & skulls, CAR 15 & mac10.  Available in Blowout Black, Paradise Blue and Rush Green.

The Nacros Playa print is also available on OTTE Gear as a Nalgene bottle in Rush and a Range Bag in exclusive Sunset Pink.  We also partnered with TXC Holsters to make this print available in the holster lineup as well (available on their site).

ottegear.com/products/og-x-nalgene-32oz-bottles

ottegear.com/products/tactical-range-bag

txcholsters.com/collections/limited-edition

AFSOC’s Second Summit Tackles How to Instill Mission Command

June 3rd, 2023

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. —  

Air Force Special Operations Command’s second Mission Command Summit concluded its three-day event on May 18 with the goal to generate how to instill a culture of mission command across the formation.

During the first summit, the team developed the philosophy of mission command which empowers our commanders and subordinates to execute assigned missions using some or all of the seven joint functions. Those missions are assigned by commanders via mission-type orders that ultimately enable subordinates to operate competently and confidently.

This summit provided an opportunity to connect key stakeholders from DAF, joint and ally counterparts to have candid conversations about the vision for mission command in AFSOC’s new force presentation construct. 

“Our future operating environment looks very different than how we’ve fought over the last three decades and our adversaries have been paying attention to that,” said Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind, AFSOC commander who provided opening remarks for the summit. “We’ve become on reliant on our global reach, active FOBs (forward operating bases) and centralized command/decentralized execution. For us to be successful, we need to shift our focus to the control piece, which is mission command.”

He expanded on the “how” and laid out the aspects that surround mission command: mutual trust built through exercises, ensuring clear commander’s intent, having an aggressive but disciplined mindset, a higher tolerance for risk and building competence.

“Developing mission command across our command will take more than writing doctrine or policy,” said Bauernfeind. “This is why we’ve established the headquarters A7 and are establishing the Air Commando Development Center this summer. This will allow us to focus that energy to synchronize and coordinate the training, education, exercising and experimentation that are required to develop the competence around mission command. And competence leads to the first aspect of mission command, mutual trust.”

This is yet another change AFSOC is tackling to prepare Air Commandos for the future operating environment. The command has been a pathfinder for the Air Force chief of staff, Gen. C.Q. Brown Jr.’s five drivers for change across the force: AF Force Generation, Agile Combat Employment, Multi-capable Airmen, wing A-staff implementation and now, mission command.

Moving forward, the 492 Special Operations Training Group and A7 are outlining actions and owners for the identified barriers to normalize mission command in AFSOC formations and updating the Mission Command Toolkit to rollout the next version at Commando Rally scheduled for June 2023.

“There’s no denying that this is a heavy developmental effort across the Air Force, but here in AFSOC, we’re up for the task,” said Bauernfeind.

By 2nd Lt Cassandra Saphore, AFSOC Public Affairs

Ministry of Defense (MoD) of Ukraine Orders Additional 300 Vector Drones from Quantum Systems

June 2nd, 2023

Germany, Munich,  May 31st, 2023  – Quantum-Systems GmbH, the dual-use aerial intelligence company that provides multi-sensor data collection drones to government agencies and commercial customers, today announced an order of 300 additional mid-range reconnaissance drones type Vector™ in military support of Ukraine’s armed forces, funded by the German Government.

Founded in 2015, Quantum Systems is at the forefront of unmanned aerial system (UAS) development. Its electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) systems boast industry-leading endurance, ease of operation, and reliability, exceeding the performance of conventional UAS platforms. Quantum Systems’ drones bring together the most robust and field-proven systems and commercial speed in development and innovation.

Aerial intelligence when it matters

The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine has placed a third order of 300 Vector™ systems, following two earlier orders of 105 Vector systems in January 2023, and 33 Vector systems in August 2022.

Since August 2022, Vector demonstrated its unprecedented performance under the most challenging conditions. Vector has been extensively used and intensively tested on the Ukrainian battlefield, where it has proven to be an asset for military intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations. The Vector offers unparalleled agility and rapid deployment capabilities. Ready to use in two minutes, it ensures continuous enemy target detection regardless of weather conditions, it achieves speeds of up to 72 km/h and sustains long flight times. Leveraging advanced artificial intelligence capabilities, the Vector empowers Ukrainian forces to swiftly gather critical intelligence and gain a strategic advantage.

The Ukrainian MoD’s third Vector order is a testament to Quantum Systems’ commitment to support the Ukrainian MoD in the defense of their country and signifies a crucial milestone in advancing defense capabilities and fostering innovation in UAS technology. The Vector system’s integration into the Ukrainian Armed Forces equips military personnel with advanced aerial intelligence and situational awareness, enabling enhanced decision-making and heightened operational effectiveness.

Quantum Systems proudly stands in solidarity with Ukraine, as highlighted by representatives of the Chief Intelligence Department of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense in a recent statement. Quantum Systems is pleased to reaffirm its strong partnership and unwavering support for Ukraine by delivering cutting-edge Vector drones, as per Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense contract.

Advancing Vector through battle-tested insights

The direct and immediate feedback received from the operators in the Ukrainian battlefield, as well as Quantum Systems’ commitment to enhance security capabilities through technological advancements accelerated the system’s development processes.

With on-board Artificial Intelligence, Vector provides live aerial intelligence in an efficient and user-friendly manner. The system eases the operator from constant video monitoring. Built-in algorithms allow it to automatically identify objects and immediately transmit key intelligence information to the ground. The AI Board – an NVIDIA Jetson Orin – supports and enables GNSS-denied navigation, a feature that was developed with direct feedback from the battlefield.

The self-heating Smart Battery Pack manages the power supply during operation and will extend Vector’s endurance from 120 to 180 minutes. The Battery Management System transmits the battery status and warning messages to the operator, to prevent downtime and support uninterrupted detection of enemy targets.

Vector’s unique open systems architecture encompassing both the autopilot’s hardware and software modules, allows for seamless integration of new capabilities on an ongoing basis.

Supporting Ukraine “whatever it takes”

To further support the Ukrainian forces in their defense, Quantum Systems recently opened a Service-Training-Support and Logistics (SSTLC) Facility in Ukraine. This facility provides training for operators on the use and maintenance of the Vector™ system and is the local hub for procuring spare parts and repair services.

“Quantum Systems stands firmly in support of Ukraine and their democracy, and we are dedicated to assisting them in defending their country, whatever it takes. The trust of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense in our systems holds immense significance for us. We consider it a privilege to contribute to Ukraine’s defense, and we remain committed to delivering superior systems to their armed forces. Our unwavering belief in democratic values, coupled with the daily challenges faced by Ukrainian soldiers, fuels our motivation, and accelerates our development processes.”

Florian Seibel, CEO Quantum Systems

For more information about Quantum-Systems, visit www.quantum-systems.com.

UF PRO Champions the Spirit of the Special Forces in ‘Limits are a Mindset’ Video

June 2nd, 2023

KOMENDA, SLOVENIA (1 June 2023) – In a powerful tribute to the relentless spirit of the Special Forces selection candidates, UF PRO launched a new video, ‘Limits are a mindset.’ The video doesn’t just celebrate the grit and tenacity of these extraordinary individuals—it also encapsulates UF PRO’s commitment to the same ethos in designing tactical gear for military and law enforcement professionals.

The video follows the journey of a Special Forces selection candidate, offering a gripping testament to the perseverance required to overcome each gruelling challenge. This narrative mirrors UF PRO’s own commitment to transcending boundaries, not just in product innovation, but in the mentality that fuels the company.

“Like the SF candidate in the video, we at UF PRO see limits not as barriers, but as challenges to be overcome,” says a company spokesperson. “This ethos is central to our brand. It drives us to design gear that enables our customers to meet their own challenges head-on, no matter how daunting.”

UF PRO’s ‘Limits are a mindset’ video reflects the company’s belief that the pursuit of excellence is unending. In a world that demands constant evolution, both on the battlefield and in the tactical gear industry, the ability to adapt and overcome is vital. And that’s precisely what UF PRO delivers: tactical gear designed with the tenacity to tackle the unknown, echoing the spirit of those who wear it.

For more information, please visit UF PRO’s website at ufpro.com

Apollo Ranger Bio-Fin – Stealth Black

June 2nd, 2023

For when you need more than one tactical fin option!

The Apollo Ranger Bio-Fin was engineered for a particular mission set. Designed to provide a tough, light & compact fin offering performance without compromise. It provides nearly all the benefits and 80% of the thrust of a full-sized Stealth Bio-Fin but without the length. It is now also available with stealth black stainless-steel spring.

Ideally suiting dives where a long fin is either undesirable or simply gets in the way of operations. Inclusive tactical divers wearing Patriot3 Jet Boots, DDV pilots, parachutists conducting water jumps, helicopter or ship SAR swimmers or divers, Police dive teams, standby divers and white water rescue teams to name a few.

• Fits both Amphibious boots and standard Military footwear.

• A tough Natural rubber blade provides exceptional manoeuvrability and explosive thrust.

• Propeller-fin technology – proven to reduce fatigue and maximise endurance.

• Secure stainless steel spring strap eliminate strap, lug or buckle breakage and are quick & easy to don and remove.

• Soft comfortable foot pocket with anti-slip high traction sole (easy to walk in).

• Negatively buoyant, if the operator is required to discard the fin it will sink to the bottom; so as not to alert others of the operator’s presence.

• The rubber’s flexibility still gives a powerful thrust, while reducing the risk of surface splashing. The comfortable foot pocket accommodates most military and amphibious footwear, for example jungle boots.

Uncompromisingly made of the best natural rubber and fittings in Japan.  

Stealth Black military only version is NSN’d for all size ranges. 

NSN # and Size options are available from www.apollomilitary.com/products/bio-fin-ranger-stealth-black-spring-strap 

TacJobs – Catoma Seeks National Account Manager

June 2nd, 2023

Position Title:

National Account Manager – Full Time

Position Overview:

MMI Outdoor is in search of a National Account Manager to manage our tactical level sales function for institutional customers under the Catoma brand.

This person should be organized and capable communicator that provides weekly status reports that explain current opportunities, new initiatives, a Sales Call Report, and needs for additional support. This person should expect to gain an extensive knowledge Catoma products, brand identity, and history as well as how military purchasing works and the best avenues to direct customer purchases. In addition, this person should be capable of product explanation and demonstration in various, but reasonable, environments.

Responsibilities:

·         Engage in direct customer contact with a focus on end-user product exposure and education. Opportunities for engagement include – Base visits, Trade shows, Customer follow-up, Customer Support (warranty, repair, additional training, etc).

·         Maintain unrivaled knowledge of our customer needs, Catoma product line, and overall competitive dynamics within our target markets.

·         Identify opportunities to meet annual sales and profit goals. Provide timely updates through selling cycle while working with team members to understand any discrepancies or adjustments needed

·         Evaluate opportunities to present as potential new customers and sales leads

·         Understand military purchasing channels and be able to direct our customers through those channels

·         Maintain a contact list, follow up with customers and keep CRM current

·         Track all sales activities while submitting accurate and timely reports of sales activity, customer service issues, and follow through on assigned initiatives.

·         Oversee education of key sales partners, including the Prime Vendors’ Sales Reps, on Catoma products

·         Manage our Dealer of Record (DOR) program

·         Submit accurate and timely reports of sales activity, customer service issues, and follow through on assigned initiatives.

·         Provide market and customer insight to product creation process.

·         Coordinate with other team members and departments to optimize sales efforts

·         Ensure a clean and safe workplace

·         Management of corporate resources as a part of an overall plan and budget as determined by the Chief Product Officer

·         Other tasks and duties as assigned

Skills/Desired Attributes:

·         Must have strong interpersonal skills to work and able to build relationships and network

·         Strong decision-making abilities and analytical/problem-solving skills

·         Excellent verbal and written communication skills; Ability to speak and present effectively before groups of employees, customers, or suppliers

·         Strong organizational skills

·         Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite

·         Preferred: experience with CRM/ERPs

Qualifications (required):

·         Ability to work overtime as required

·         Minimum 1 year of related experience.

·         High School Diploma or equivalent.

·         Able to pass the GCA background check

·         Must be able to stand on feet for long periods of time and lift/carry up to 25lbs

·         Must be willing to travel up to 60% of the time

·         Must be authorized to live and work in the United States

What you receive:

·         Competitive pay (Base + Commissions)

·         Health insurance

·         FSA option

·         PTO

·         401k with matching

Note: As it is a travelling/semi-remote position we will be flexible about where this person lives. They will need to be located within AL, GA, SC, or TN so they are within a reasonable driving distance to our office as well as the major bases they will be calling on.

To apply please submit resumes via email to rtorpey@catoma.com