GORE-TEX Military Fabrics

Milestone in Hungarian Infantry Fighting Vehicle Programme: Rheinmetall Hands Over First Lynx from Domestic Manufacturing

July 28th, 2024

At a ceremony on 24 July 2024, Rheinmetall handed over the first KF41 Lynx infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) produced at the Zalaegerszeg site in Hungary to the Hungarian armed forces. On behalf of the Hungarian government, Defence Minister Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky attended the handover. Dr Björn Bernhard (Head of Rheinmetall Vehicle Systems Europe) and Paul Walf (CEO Rheinmetall Hungary) welcomed the guests on behalf of Rheinmetall.

The first Lynx from Hungarian production was already completed in December 2023. Following extensive functional inspections as well as performance and quality acceptances, it has now been officially handed over to the Hungarian armed forces.

In Zalaegerszeg, Rheinmetall Group operates the world’s most modern competence centre for the production of tracked armoured vehicles, in particular the highly innovative Lynx. The factory was opened in August 2023.

Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky, Defence Minister of Hungary: “I often say that peace requires strength, which means a lot of kinds of strength, and in this regard, we have gained real and serious strength with Rheinmetall and in this alliance, which significantly enriches Hungary. This is a kind of strategic partnership that is more than strategy or partnership – this is a real alliance, and within this framework, we hope to win the future for Hungarians, and we’re building something that will remain for the next generations, and we’re strengthening Hungary.” 

Dr Björn Bernhard, Head of Rheinmetall Vehicle Systems Europe: “We are grateful to be able to support the Hungarian armed forces as an industrial partner in the Lynx lighthouse project. We have now reached an important milestone within the project. With the production of the Lynx, we are seriously proving our commitment in creating local added value in Hungary and transferring technology to the country. This model is also transferable to other countries which might also be interested in similar partnerships”.

In August 2020, the Hungarian Ministry of Defence commissioned the Rheinmetall Group to supply combat vehicles and associated services worth over 

€2bn as part of its “Zrínyi 2026” initiative. A total of 209 Lynx KF41s are to be supplied to the Hungarian armed forces in seven variants: IFV, command post vehicle, armoured reconnaissance vehicle, fire control vehicle, mortar carrier, medical vehicle and driving school vehicle. A Lynx air defence tank with a Skyranger 30 turret is also in progress as part of another development contract, placed in December 2023.

In the first production phase, Hungary will receive 46 German-made Lynx infantry fighting vehicles by the end of 2025. The first vehicle from this series was handed over in October 2022. Production of the remaining vehicles began at the end of 2023 as part of the Rheinmetall Hungary Zrt. joint venture between Rheinmetall (51%) and the Hungarian government (49%) in Zalaegerszeg. 

The state-of-the-art development and manufacturing site in Zalaegerszeg was opened on an area of approximately 33 hectares as part of the industrial complex ZALAZone in August 2023. The site also includes an extensively equipped test centre with a firing tunnel. In addition to strengthening the local economy, the factory also contributes to promoting innovation and, above all, creates around 300 highly qualified jobs. Rheinmetall plans additional investments in the site in the coming years in order to further increase production capacity. The establishment of the IFV and other variants will also strengthen the development of the Hungarian economy and defence industry.

Thanks to its modular design, the Lynx KF41 is characterised by maximum adaptability. This means that the Hungarian customer’s specific national requirements can be precisely fulfilled. The state-of-the-art infantry fighting vehicle impresses with its scalable armament, various layers of protection, upgradeable systems and the ability to take on new roles in just a few hours after being fully converted.

BlueForge Alliance Promotes Careers “Built to Last” with a Modernized Classic American Icon

July 28th, 2024

BRYAN/COLLEGE STATION, TX – BlueForge Alliance (BFA), a nonprofit integrator supporting the United States Navy’s Submarine Industrial Base (SIB), has launched its second national marketing campaign — “Built to Last”— focused on elevating awareness of opportunities in maritime manufacturing.

The campaign seeks to reach a younger audience of next generation talent who may be unaware of the substantial opportunities for stable and impactful careers in maritime manufacturing. Parents, mentors, teachers, coaches, and other key influencers of this upcoming generation of professionals will also be reached to help spread awareness about these meaningful career opportunities.

Leading the charge in short commercials will be Rosie the Riveter, an icon of World War II who originally encouraged women to seek manufacturing industry roles supporting the U.S. military. The reimagined Rosie will choose a role in the current maritime manufacturing effort instead of service industry work, calling on the new generation to consider the same path.

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The campaign will lead its viewers to CareersBuiltToLast.com, a mobile-first website focused towards Gen Z. The site showcases well-paying, high-tech, high-ceiling manufacturing opportunities in comparison with more conventional careers. While discovering the benefits of these opportunities, they can also explore hundreds of training programs in all 50 states where they can gain skills and certifications to launch their careers.

“Stability, sustainment, and purpose are paramount for those seeking professional paths,” said Melissa Wren, principal for external affairs and administration, BlueForge Alliance. “The careers emphasized through ‘Built to Last’ ensure individuals and families are supported in long-term roles, and they ensure the United States Navy has the vessels it needs to remain the best in the world. We thank adam&eveDDB for its efforts in creating a campaign that meets the moment during this critical period in American history.”

“Built to Last” will utilize a broad multimedia, out-of-home, and new media approach, and will include both national media and regional outlets in areas of the country of key importance to the U.S. Navy.

“Many people across America aren’t aware of the huge opportunities for careers in maritime manufacturing,” said James Rowe, Managing Director at adam&eveDDB New York. “The gig economy has created a transitory workforce, and we wanted to demonstrate that there are incredible long-term career opportunities across American manufacturing. Bringing an icon like Rosie the Riveter into 2024 felt like a unique way to connect with a new generation and make them aware of the prospects that a career in manufacturing has to offer.”

The new campaign will complement BFA’s initial national marketing effort, “We Build Giants,” which supports BuildSubmarines.com, the recruitment hub for the 15,000-plus suppliers making up the Navy’s SIB. “We Build Giants” encourages individuals entering or already in the manufacturing workforce to consider careers at SIB suppliers.

In order to meet the Navy’s goal to add three submarines to its fleet each year beginning in 2028, sustain its existing undersea platforms, and support allies, an estimated 140,000 skilled workers are needed in the American maritime defense manufacturing workforce over the next decade.

DAF Stands Up Integrated Capabilities Office to Advance Operational Imperatives

July 28th, 2024

ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) —  

In an effort to codify the success and significant gains made in line with the Operational Imperatives, Department of the Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall stood up the Integrated Capabilities Office July 19.

Driven by the need to rapidly modernize the DAF to meet emerging challenges in an era of Great Power Competition, the ICO seeks to institutionalize the speed, agility and rapid innovation that the Operational Imperatives have brought to the force.

“The Integrated Capabilities Office will directly support the Department of the Air Force senior leadership team as we develop our integrated modernization plans for the Air Force and Space Force,” Kendall said. “China, our pacing challenge, is modernizing its military with the intent to defeat U.S. power projection capabilities. We will not let that happen.”

The Operational Imperatives were born out of necessity. Upon his arrival in 2021, Kendall ordered a series of studies and analyses that identified key capability gaps within the force. Seven areas of need were determined imperative to meet the pacing challenge: Resilient Space Order of Battle and Architectures, Joint All-Domain Command and Control, Moving Target Engagement at Scale, Next Generation Air Dominance, Resilient Forward Basing, B-21 Long-Range Strike Family of Systems, and Readiness for Wartime Posture.

Initiated under the DAF’s optimization for Great Power Competition, the ICO is a Secretariat-level office that will continue the work of the Operational Imperatives. Prior to initiation of GPC, the Operational Imperative teams operated mostly ad hoc, which allowed for innovation, speed and agility.

The ICO will facilitate agile Integrated Development Campaign Teams led and staffed by operational experts from the newly formed U.S. Space Force Space Futures Command and U.S. Air Force Integrated Capabilities Command, and acquisition professionals from Air Force Materiel Command’s Integrated Development Office and Space Force acquisition organizations.

The campaign teams will work imperative problem sets and provide data-driven solutions and recommendations. The ICO will incorporate these results into prioritized recommendations for modernization and will collaborate with other organizations to integrate these priorities, along with other portfolios, into the budgeting process.

The ICO will remain in a primarily advisory role but will have direct access to the Secretary and senior leadership, with the ability to make highly collaborative and unfiltered, recommendations to ensure emerging capability opportunities get a voice in the enterprise.

Many of the current Operational Imperatives will graduate to existing programs of record and stakeholder teams.

The ICO, in conjunction with the Integrated Capabilities Command and Space Futures Command, will optimize capability development through assessment, development, integration, and fielding of future capabilities that will rapidly modernize the DAF and preserve the advantages U.S. forces have benefited from for decades. The ICO is on schedule to be fully staffed and resourced by the end of 2024.

Rheinmetall Manufactures 81mm Mortar Ammunition for the Swiss Armed Forces

July 27th, 2024

The Düsseldorf-based technology group Rheinmetall has been commissioned by the Swiss Confederation to manufacture and supply 81mm mortar cargo ammunition. The total value of the order is in the mid double-digit million euro range. 

The entire scope of supply comprises 81mm MX2-KM mortar weapons from Rheinmetall EXPAL Munitions SA as well as 81mm mortar cartridges Cargo for illumination white light, illumination infrared and smoke discharge based on RP (Red Phospor), which are manufactured by Rheinmetall Waffe Munition GmbH at the Neuenburg am Rhein plant. The delivery is scheduled to be completed by 2025 and includes various additional services as part of the product launch. 

The cartridges are qualified for the MX2-KM mortar of the Swiss armed forces and, together with the weapon system, form a mortar system in which both the ammunition and the weapon system are manufactured by Rheinmetall.

At the end of the qualification measures, the cargo cartridges were verified at a test site on the Spanish coast. The order underscores Rheinmetall’s expertise in the production of state-of-the-art steep-fire mortar ammunition.

Max Michel and Mason Lane Take Top Finishes at SIG SAUER Academy USPSA Area 7 Match

July 27th, 2024

NEWINGTON, N.H., (July 25, 2024) – SIG SAUER, Inc. congratulates Team SIG Captain Max Michel and Team SIG professional shooter Mason Lane on their first-place finishes at the 2024 USPSA Area 7 Match hosted at SIG SAUER Academy. Max earned the top prize for the Carry-Optics Division and first overall; Mason earned the top prize for the Production Division and third place overall.

Max Michel competing at the SIG SAUER Academy USPSA Area 7 Match.
“The atmosphere at the Academy for the Area 7 match was electric and for Max and Mason to each come away with first place divisional finishes and first and third overall is impressive. These results reflect hard work and dedication to their sport,” said Robby Johnson, Chief Marketing Officer, SIG SAUER, Inc. “I also want to recognize the team at SIG SAUER Academy on their collective achievement. This competition had the largest attendance of an Area 7 match ever and has garnered amazing positive feedback from both competitors and spectators. It takes many forces coming together to make a match like this happen and the Academy team makes it look easy to prove they are the best in the industry.”

At the USPSA Area 7 Championship, Max earned his first-place finish in the Carry-Optics Division and the first-place overall finish for the match using a P320-MAX pistol with a ROMEO3MAX Optic and SIG SAUER Match Elite competition ammunition.

Max Michel, Team SIG Captain added, “I’m thrilled to have won the Carry-Optics title and the overall title at the Area 7 competition. SIG SAUER Academy hosted an incredible event with a huge crowd and amazing stages. The biggest victory of the weekend goes to the staff and the entire team that put this match on the ground, they did a spectacular job showcasing the facility and what it means to be a part of Team SIG to the world.”

Mason Lane competing at the SIG SAUER Academy USPSA Area 7 Match.
At the USPSA Area 7 Match, Mason earned his first-place finish in the Production Division and the thrid place overall finish for the match using a P320-XFIVE LEGION with iron sights and SIG SAUER Match Elite competition ammunition.

“This match stands as a historical full circle moment in time for me, as the first major USPSA match I ever competed in was this Area 7 match at SIG SAUER Academy in 2013. I can remember watching Max and admiring how easy he made it look and wanting to be on that stage someday,” said Mason Lane. “Fast forward to 2024 and seeing the transformation of SIG SAUER Academy on display at this match, being afforded the opportunity to represent the best firearms company, and having a podium finish was truly unbelievable and I am so honored to be part of Team SIG.”

The 2024 USPSA Area 7 Match at SIG SAUER Academy, in Epping, New Hampshire took place July 19 – 21, 2024 and hosted over four-hundred competitors. To learn more about the SIG SAUER Academy and SIG Experience Center league and match schedule visit sigsaueracademy.com.

Michigan National Guard Soldier Earns Ranger Tab

July 27th, 2024

LANSING, Mich. – Joining the Army is tough; you’re immediately off to basic and individual training, facing drill sergeants, and learning the basics of soldiering. Going straight to Ranger School after that? That’s an entirely new level of challenge and excellence.

No Michigan Army National Guard Soldier accomplished all three schools through the Ranger Team Leader Initiative program — until now. On June 21st, 19-year-old Pfc. Chase Cammenga achieved this milestone, graduating from all three rigorous training programs.

The RTLI is a specialized training program for enlisted Soldiers in the Army National Guard who aspire to attend Ranger School. This program transitions Soldiers from initial training to the Ranger Training Assessment Course (RTAC) and then directly to Ranger School. The program scouts for top National Guard Soldiers, selecting those with the highest potential to succeed in the challenging Ranger course.

When Cammenga enlisted in the National Guard two years ago in November while still in high school, his ambition to pursue advanced military training was a driving force behind his decision.

“I wanted to challenge myself and be in the best fighting force on the planet,” he said.

Cammenga was initially set on the active-duty route until a friend introduced him to the National Guard. He discovered the Guard offered a balance between military service and pursuing higher education, with educational benefits such as tuition assistance and the GI Bill.

“One of my buddies joined, and I figured this was a good way for me to do both. I could be in the National Guard and still serve while I’m going to college,” he said.

Cammenga embarked on his initial training. The fear of the unknown was daunting, and his One Station Unit Training experience was no exception. OSUT consolidates Basic Combat Training and Advanced Individual Training at one location.

“It was hard because it was the first time I was away from my family for that long. The training was different from anything I’d ever done before,” he recalled.

Cammenga’s determination to excel in training was driven by a desire to be a member of a team. He chose the infantry military occupational specialty of 11B.

“I’ve always wanted to be the best, but more than that, I want to be able to help those around me,” he said. This mindset was particularly evident during Ranger School.

As his time at OSUT ended, he was identified as a standout candidate based on factors such as his PT score of 584 out of 600 points. He earned a spot in the RTLI program.

“I was pretty excited,” he said. “Going to Ranger School wasn’t always a dream, but once I heard more about it, I knew it was what I wanted to do.”

Cammenga’s journey to earning the Ranger tab began with rigorous RTAC training. The 30-day course prepares enlisted Guard members for the Army National Guard “pre-Ranger” course, called the Ranger Training Assessment Course. RTAC lasts 17 days, and all Army National Guard members must complete it before heading to Ranger School.

“In RTAC, the training was incredibly tough. It made us think, ‘If this is hard, just imagine what Ranger School will be like.’ But we always supported each other and lifted each other up,” said Cammenga.

Once RTAC was completed, Cammenga was ready for Ranger School. For more than two months, Ranger students train to exhaustion, pushing the limits of their minds and bodies.

Reflecting on his journey, Cammenga emphasizes the importance of camaraderie and support. “You don’t get your tab; your buddies get it for you. I learned that I had to lean on those around me.”

Recycling during training is a common challenge; for Cammenga, it was no different. Darby, the first phase of Ranger School, was a hyper-structured environment where attention to detail was paramount.

“The instructors were different, with different criteria. It was all about doing everything by the book,” said Cammenga.

Feeling that sinking sensation in his stomach when he realized he had to do Darby again was tough, but he kept telling himself he wasn’t a quitter.

“I felt like I couldn’t go on, but I learned to dig deep and find that inner strength,” he said.

With dedication and hard work, Cammenga passed Darby and moved to the next phase. For Cammenga, the training presented significant challenges, especially the lack of sleep and food for more than 62 days.

“The lack of sleep was the most difficult part for me,” said Cammenga. “There were times I found myself falling asleep while walking. On average, we got about an hour to an hour and a half of sleep a night.” Despite these hardships, he stayed motivated by reminding himself, “At least I’m not in Darby. I can get this done.”

During Ranger School, one mentor, a fellow Soldier in his platoon, had a profound impact on Cammenga.

“He told me that people here will do anything for you; you just have to ask,“ Cammenga said. “His words inspired me to be more patient and to help others wherever I could.“

Cammenga pushed through 12-mile rucks, completed water survival training, navigated difficult terrain, and led battle drills.

“Failure was not an option. I pushed myself harder than I ever thought possible,” he said.

His perseverance paid off when he completed Ranger School and earned the coveted Ranger tab.

“It was one of the proudest moments of my life. All the hard work and sacrifices had finally paid off,” he said.

After Ranger School, he attended airborne school. The training further honed his skills and prepared him for future missions.

“My parents always encouraged me to follow my dreams and never give up,” he said. “During training, they wrote me letters and offered incredible support. Their encouragement was a big part of what kept me going.”

By 2LT Paige Bodine, 126th Theater Public Affairs Support Element

GA-ASI SeaGuardian Featured Again at RIMPAC

July 26th, 2024

U.S. Navy Rim of Pacific Exercise Is World’s Largest Maritime Exercise
SAN DIEGO – 23 July 2024 – An MQ-9B SeaGuardian® Unmanned Aircraft System from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) is once again supporting the U.S. Navy during its Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise, this time for RIMPAC 2024. RIMPAC 2024, the world’s largest international maritime exercise, started on July 8, 2024, and continues operations through the month in areas throughout Hawaii.

GA-ASI’s SeaGuardian is a maritime derivative of the MQ-9B SkyGuardian® and remains the first UAS that offers multi-domain Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance, and Targeting (ISR&T) as an internal payload that can search the ocean’s surface and depths in support of Fleet Operations. SeaGuardian is also providing real-time ISR data feeds to the U.S. Pacific Fleet Command Center using advanced long-range targeting capabilities, Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) parametrics, Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) acoustic and tracking data, and full-motion video to the watch floor and intelligence centers as well as to surface, air, and subsurface exercise participants for real-time dynamic tasking and targeting in support of cooperative kill-chain execution.

SeaGuardian arrived at RIMPAC 2024 with more than 8,000 hours flown showcasing all operational payloads, which includes the SeaVue Multi-role radar from Raytheon, an RTX business, SNC’s Electronic Support Measures (EMS) solution, as well as an Automatic Identification System (AIS), and a self-contained ASW. This year, GA-ASI is introducing its Sonobuoy Dispensing System, demonstrating the deployment of A-size sonobuoys from a UAS for monitor and control. Additional SeaGuardian capabilities include a GA-ASI-developed Lynx® Multi-mode Maritime Radar, a high-definition Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) imaging system, and Link 16.

SeaGuardian’s multi-domain capabilities allows it to flex from mission to mission and pass real-time sensor data directly to the Fleet through Link 16 and satellite feeds to the shore-based command and intelligence centers. During RIMPAC, the MQ-9B is effectively passing ISR&T information to various surface and air units, such as the Nimitz-class carrier USS CARL VINSON,Guided Missile Destroyers (DDG), Littoral Combat Ships (LCS), frigates, patrol boats, P-8s, P-3s, and numerous other U.S. and foreign units taking part in the exercise.

Paladin 33 x Bawidamann Custom Tigerstripe Bags

July 26th, 2024

Today Paladin 33 is launching a first production run of their collaboration with Andrew Bawidamann consisting of their American made Outback CCW Sling bags which are great for CCW.

There are many tiger stripes out there, but none are like their exclusive AB Tiger patterns. It is one of the most historically accurate and detailed tiger patterns on the market.

Saigon is their interpretation of the classic ADS tiger stripe from the Vietnam War. The contrast of the olive background and true black tiger stripes is absolutely stunning.

In addition to the classic pattern, they have developed additional spectrums that complement the MultiCam universe. Siberian will work well with MC Alpine and Midnight will work well with MC Black. These stylish additions are not only fashionable but highly effective in various environments.

Lastly, all the bags are built with vertical tiger stripes instead of horizontal stripes. Natural vegetation is orientated vertically and most importantly, a real tiger’s stripes are vertical because the pattern has evolved to perfection over generations.

Siberian dropping today at 1200 PST, Saigon at 1500 PST, Midnight at 1800 PST. Extremely limited quantities.

Units that need unique custom printed and designed soft goods, please feel free to reach out.

Arid and Tropic Tigers coming soon…