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NDIA Future Forces Conference 23 Poster #9 – Armament Mechanical Speed Bar Mk-1

October 5th, 2023

This poster was presented during last week’s Future Forces Capabilities Conference. It presents an accuracy enhancing capability for select models like the Mk19, M2, and M134-style weapons.

Contact info is on the poster for those interested.

Blue Force Gear Enforces Its Trademark Rights

October 5th, 2023

Pooler, GA, October 5, 2023 – BLUE FORCE GEAR, INC., an industry-leading manufacturer of innovative tactical gear, equipment, and accessories, has asserted its trademark rights and reached a settlement with Tacticon Armament (“Tacticon”) out of California in the case of Blue Force Gear, Inc. v. Concealed Carrier, LLC. DBA Tacticon Armament (Case No. 4:23-cv-00055-WTM-CLR). BLUE FORCE GEAR is the owner of numerous domestic and international trademarks, including: (1) BLUE FORCE GEAR®; (2) BFG®; and (3) its cross trademark, which is used in connection with a variety of products, including the TRAUMA KIT NOW!®, MICRO TRAUMA KIT NOW!™, and the HAMMOCK®.

Tacticon has agreed to permanently discontinue using the mark that was the subject of the BFG Complaint and has settled the matter for an undisclosed monetary amount. The specific terms of the settlement agreement are confidential.

BLUE FORCE GEAR is committed to protecting its intellectual property, including its trademarks, patents and copyrights, and to ensure that consumers are able to purchase genuine, non-counterfeit high-quality BLUE FORCE GEAR products. Blue Force Gear General Counsel, Justin Charles Ward, stated: “Protecting Blue Force Gear intellectual property and its innovative products is our utmost priority in protecting our consumers and our brand.”

www.blueforcegear.com

Back By Popular Demand – The Gamma SL Anorak IFF By Arc’teryx LEAF

October 5th, 2023

Due to popular demand, Arc’teryx has commissioned a limited second build of this superlight, breathable softshell pullover.

SMU is an acronym for “Special Make Up” which is a custom run, not included in the standard lineup, but generally based on an in-line item.

I have one and if you like anoraks, you will love this one. Sizing is directly from the outdoor version of the Anorak, so if you want some extra room, go up a size.

Features:

• Air permeable four-way stretch woven textile with superior abrasion and water resistance

• Articulated patterning for unrestricted mobility

• Gusseted underarms for mobility and comfort

• Low profile exterior left chest pocket with zipper

• Deep front zipper for easy on and off, and rapid ventilation

• Stretchy storm hood with a soft brim and adjustable draw-cord

• Elasticated cuffs allow the sleeves to be pulled up over wristwatches or other equipment

• Adjustable hem cord to seal out drafts

• 4×4.5” Velcro Upper Arm identification patches with V-Lite retention loop allowing for the application of IFF markings/devices

This SMU, as with all LEAF product, is only available to active Gov-Mil-LE personnel through the following LEAF partners:

Canada

911 Supply

DS Tactical

Europe

Cobbs Industries, Netherlands

Edgar Brothers, UK

MP-SEC, Sweden

Silent Technical, Poland

TACWRK, Germany

United States

US Elite Gear

Asia Pacific

SKC, Japan

UTG, Republic of Korea

 

HIMARS Crews Demonstrate Capabilities and Cross-Train with NATO Allies in Estonia

October 5th, 2023

TAPA, Estonia — A U.S. Army-led High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, or HIMARS, live-fire exercise demonstrated the weapons system’s capabilities and enhanced allied interoperability with NATO allies in Estonia, Sept. 27, 2023.

U.S. Army Soldiers with Task Force Voit, assigned to 3rd Battalion, 27th Field Artillery Regiment, 18th Field Artillery Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division, supporting the 3rd Infantry Division, demonstrated M142 HIMARS operations to multinational troops comprising NATO’s enhanced Forward Presence Battle Group Estonia during the exercise at the Estonian Defense Force’s Central Training Area .

The Task Force Voit Soldiers demonstrated the capabilities of the HIMARS to NATO allies while conducting gunnery qualification on the system.

The live-fire demonstration followed months of multinational training, with Estonian troops training on the platform side-by-side with U.S. Soldiers in recent months at Camp Tapa. The training also coincided with Estonian Defense Forces purchasing HIMARS from the U.S. late last year to enhance its military’s operational capabilities.

Maj. Jeremy Rathbun, the executive officer for 3-27th Field Artillery Regiment, said his unit has been cross-training with NATO allies since they arrived in Estonia in June. Some of this training took place in the week prior to the exercise, with U.S. and Estonian troops participating in a simulated contested environment HIMARS training scenario, according to Rathbun.

Rathbun said the live-fire exercise set a foundation for the 3-27th Field Artillery Regiment’s real-world HIMARS capabilities and its readiness for future missions, operations, and exercises with NATO partners.

Staff Sgt. Austin Quiñones, a HIMARS crew section chief with 3-27th Field Artillery Regiment, said the HIMARS training with Estonians and the live-fire exercise increased his Soldiers’ readiness.

“The training value for my crews participating in this exercise, like with my crew specifically, they’ve never been overseas before; this is their first time,” Quiñones said. “They get to see not only what it’s like to be overseas, but helping the allies as well, and seeing what they’re really doing this stuff for. [It’s] not just checking a box that we’re certified — this is real world stuff that we’re doing.”

Quiñones added that the HIMARS training also enhanced interoperability with U.S. allies.

“It’s important to train with our allies, especially when we’re in their country,” Quiñones said. “If something were to happen, we need to be able to work together and efficiently. Even if something doesn’t happen, we’re building these bonds with them. They can see that it’s not just our countries that are allies, we’re allies too, on a personal level.”

Rathbun said the culminating live-fire demonstration shows the U.S. Army’s unwavering commitment to its allies.

“For them to come out here and witness the live-fire and the capabilities of the HIMARS platform is just a demonstration of our commitment to the mission here in Estonia,” Rathbun said.

Task Force Voit Soldiers, who continue to train with NATO allies in the Baltic, support the 3rd Infantry Division-led Task Force Marne. The 3rd Infantry Division’s mission in Europe is to engage in multinational training and exercises across the continent, working alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, America’s forward deployed corps in Europe.

By SGT Cesar Salazar Jr.

RCBS Celebrates 80 Years of Precision Reloading

October 4th, 2023

Brand Continues Legacy of American-Made Reloading Gear

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – September 26, 2023 – RCBS®, the leading manufacturer of ammunition reloading equipment for rifles and pistols, is celebrating its anniversary this year, marking eight decades of equipping handloaders with trusted, American-made reloading gear.

“After 80 years of operation, RCBS is still delivering top quality reloading products backed by world class customer service,” said Justin Smith, product line manager for RCBS. “The brand has never lost the essence that Fred championed back in 1943 and the men and women in Oroville today truly do bleed green. You’ll be hard pressed to find another group who cares more about the quality of products they produce and the consumers who depend on them.”

The RCBS story began in 1943 in the backroom of Fred T. Huntington’s father’s laundry and dry-cleaning business in Oroville, California. A dedicated shooter, Huntington sought to make his own high-quality .22 caliber bullets for shooting local varmints known as rock chucks. He designed and crafted his own “Rock Chuck Bullet Swage” dies, a name later shortened to RCBS.

In the decades following becoming a business, RCBS rapidly grew from a small shop into the nation’s leading maker of reloading equipment. Now using state-of-the-art equipment in large manufacturing facilities, RCBS has stayed near its roots in Oroville.

Product manager and R&D engineer, Steve Koch, has witnessed RCBS meteoric rise firsthand. He’s been with the company for over half its lifetime and knows personally how passionate the employees are in Oroville.

“Wow, 80 years, a lot has changed. I’m very proud to say that I’ve spent 45 years at this great establishment,” said Koch. “Everyone is extremely proud of what we have here in Oroville. The pride and dedication of the people that produce, assemble and package the finest reloading equipment in the world is the key to our success. Quality is the RCBS motto, and we will continue to ensure we provide our customers with the finest reloading equipment possible.”

In honor of the brand’s 80th anniversary, RCBS will soon be introducing a limited-edition Summit™ single stage reloading press. The American-made press will feature a special red, white and blue design, and will be limited to only 1,000 pieces. Interested patrons should stay tuned to RCBS social media channels and the brand website for more information on the upcoming release date.

To learn more about the RCBS 80th anniversary, check out the special video playing on the brand’s YouTube page. For more information on RCBS products and its legacy, in the world of handloading, head over to RCBS.com.

UTM Halts Sales of Training Ammunition to Civilians Due to ATF Ruling

October 4th, 2023

We received this announcement from UTM earlier today.

Visit Gentex at AUSA

October 4th, 2023

NDIA Future Forces Conference 23 Poster #8 – The Answer for Vendors Hitting the Wall

October 4th, 2023

This is eighth poster we are sharing from last week’s NDIA Future Forces Capabilities Conference in Huntsville. This topic offers some interesting possibilities for companies desiring to leverage technologies from other industries.

Contact info is at the bottom of the poster.