SIG SAUER - Never Settle

MATBOCK Monday: Raider Back Pouch

August 19th, 2024

The Raider back pouch is a low-profile waterproof backpack that mounts directly to the back of your plate carrier with MOLLE attachment points. It can also mount to MATBOCK’s GRAM insert and is worn as a removable pack making access to your back pouch even easier. Keeping your gear waterproof and sand-free without the bulk makes OTB and maritime operations so much more efficient.

Features:

• Tested to 92′ (28m) for 4 hours

• Easy attachment system to any plate carrier with MOLLE.

• Made with a heavy-duty waterproof zipper and lightweight waterproof material.

• Slim/low profile back pouch stays out of the way of the operator but adds huge capability and efficiency to maritime operations.

Checkout other products within the raider line here: www.matbock.com/collections/maritime/raider

US Army Soldiers Assemble Across NATO’s Eastern Flank for Norwegian Foot March

August 19th, 2024

FORWARD OPERATING SITE POWIDZ, Poland — From as far out as Romania to Estonia, Soldiers who support NATO missions across NATO’s eastern flank arrived at the 33 Baza Lotnictwa Transportowego (33rd Air Transport Base) of the Polish Air Force to conduct the 30 km (18.6 miles) Norwegian Foot March.

The march was first held in 1915 as a test of marching endurance for soldiers in the Norwegian Army, with the goal being to move a large number of troops over a great distance and have them be combat-ready even after completing the march. The Norwegian Foot March has since evolved into a coveted foreign service badge that can be earned by U.S. service members due to its challenging nature.

Spearheaded by Staff Sgt. Ramon Figueroa and Staff Sgt. Letzy Williamsperez of Alpha Company, 553rd Division Sustainment Support Battalion, ‘Task Force Gunslinger,’ of the 1st Cavalry Division Sustainment Brigade, the ‘Task Force Wagonmaster’ organizers successfully assisted more than 300 candidates overnight across two days. The candidates, ranging in age from 18 to 53, came from permanent stations in Poland to rotational forces deployed across NATO’s eastern flank.

Candidates had to march 30 km with an 11kg (24 lbs.) rucksack and complete the march within a designated amount of time, depending on the candidates’ age group and gender. There are seven age groups, with the second age group having the largest age range (21-34-year-olds) and the most demanding time standards (five hours, 15 minutes for women, and four hours, 30 minutes for men).

For some, this was an exciting new challenge.

“It’s a mental challenge, it’s a physical challenge, and without challenges, there’s no fun,” said Spc. Malaika Lukata, a human resources specialist with the 53rd Transportation Battalion, 593rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command, home stationed in Joint-Base Lewis-McChord, Washington.

For Lukata, whose unit is forward deployed to Forward Operating Site Powdiz, this was her first attempt at the Norwegian Foot March, and she successfully completed it in five hours and eight minutes.

“I think the people around me definitely helped,” said Lukata when asked about her experience during the Norwegian Foot March.

The camaraderie and everybody coming together and helping one another was what Lukata found most enjoyable about this experience.

Upon completion of the event, Lukata is authorized to wear the NFM badge in Bronze, which is a badge given to those who have completed the NFM their first time.

Participants who have completed the march two to four times are authorized to wear the badge in Silver, whereas those who have completed the march five or more times will have earned the badge in Gold.

For others, this was an opportunity for redemption.

1st. Lt. Carson Deushane, an armor platoon leader with 2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment out of Fort Cavazos, Texas, first attempted the Norwegian Foot March while a cadet in the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps but missed the time mark for a gut-wrenching reason.

“One of the paths actually branched off to the right where there’s a straightaway, and I accidentally went down the straightaway about a mile and a half before I realized that was the wrong way,” said Deushane, whose unit is currently deployed to Bemowo Piskie Training Area (BPTA), near the Poland-Lithuania Border.

Despite ‘booking’ it back to the finish line, to complete the march in time, the additional three miles proved to be too costly.

“I missed the time by about five minus,” Deuschane recalled.

Deushane commenced the planning and execution of this NFM. “I just appreciate them hosting this and actually reaching out to our battalion,” he said.

This time around, Deushane successfully completed the NFM and earned his badge in Bronze, finishing with a time of four hours and 16 minutes.

In addition to Deushane, there are Soldiers like Capt. Huayra Ferrufino, the sustainment (S-4) officer assigned to the 529th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, with the Virginia National Guard. She was the first female to finish the ruck march, with an astonishing time of four hours and 27 minutes. What makes it more remarkable is that she did not extensively train for it.

“I tried to train [for it], but the most I’ve gotten is six miles, to be honest,” said Ferrufino when asked what kind of training she did to prepare for the NFM. “It was a great experience [and it] definitely tests your endurance throughout … I loved it.”

Ferrufino, whose unit is currently deployed to Forward Operating Site Karliki, Poland, not only earned an NFM Badge after completing the event, but she also went away with a medal around her neck. After the event, organizers awarded her the title of fastest female finisher. The first-place male finisher was also given an award.

Nearly all participants who completed this event said that other Soldiers should take this challenge head-on and test themselves. Even if they are unsuccessful in meeting the time requirements to earn their respective badge, the camaraderie of the event and the potential growth Soldiers could experience by pushing themselves to their limits is an opportunity that ought not to be squandered.

By CPT Zemas Andargachew

1791 Outdoor Lifestyle Group Introduces the COBRA Gun Belt 01

August 18th, 2024

Miami, FL – 1791 Outdoor Lifestyle Group, a leading provider of premium leather holsters, EDC tool organizers, and associated outdoor and sporting goods, proudly announces their newest gun belt, the COBRA® Gun Belt 01. Featuring genuine AustriAlpin COBRA® Buckles, renowned for their reliability and ease of use, this premium gun belt is made from robust and durable, full-thickness 14 oz steerhide in Classic Brown or Stealth Black.

The COBRA® Buckles allow the wearer to confidently mount and dismount the belt with a simple flick of the two release switches. The belt is designed for both performance and convenience. The male buckle’s diameter matches the 1.5” gun belt, allowing it to seamlessly pass through belt loops without any snagging. Adjusting the belt to a perfect fit is simple and secure. Simply remove the two Chicago screws, tailor to the needed size for proper fit around the waist and for gear, then secure the screws. It’s a “set it and forget it” solution.

A belt specifically designed for carrying a firearm in a holster is an often overlooked yet critical piece of an EDC system. The COBRA® Gun Belt 01 is optimized for IWB and paddle holsters.  The COBRA® Gun Belt 01 is now available with an MSRP of $99.99. For more information visit 1791gunleather.com.

SB Tactical Wins Lawsuit Challenging ATF Rule on Pistol Stabilizing Braces

August 18th, 2024

Bradenton, Fla. – SB Tactical®, in conjunction with the Firearms Regulatory Accountability Coalition, Inc. (FRAC), B&T USA, Rick Cicero, and a massive coalition of 25 states, is pleased to announce that the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled in our favor against the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

“This is a significant victory for all law-abiding Americans,” said Jeff Creamer, president and CEO of SB Tactical. “This unlawful rule was a gross overreach of regulatory authority by an agenda-driven agency. We are encouraged that the courts are holding the ATF accountable.”

In the ruling, the Court held that “the Final Rule, as a whole, is arbitrary and capricious because it allows the ATF to arrive at whatever conclusion it wishes without ‘adequately explain[ing] the standard on which its decision is based….’”

“This ruling denies ATF’s ability to issue vague and amorphous standards that allow it to reach any outcome it wants,” said Travis White, president and CEO of FRAC. “At one point, the 8th Circuit went so far as to state that the ATF’s arguments ‘make as much sense as shouldering a rifle by the barrel.’ This published federal appellate court ruling will serve to hold ATF accountable in future attempts by the agency to invent subjective factors that allow it to apply post hoc reasoning in classification letters and rules.”

In addition to thanking the other plaintiffs, the Firearms Policy Coalition, the Gun Owners of America, and the Second Amendment Foundation for their efforts, SB Tactical sincerely thanks the National Rifle Association for their unwavering support and assistance during this litigation.

For more information on the brand’s growing line of products for multiple firearms platforms, visit www.sb-tactical.com.

Political Activity Dos and Don’ts for Airmen, Guardians, DoD employees

August 18th, 2024

ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) —

In our democracy, elections are quite common, and with a presidential election this year, we can expect many opportunities for citizens to participate in the democratic process. With this in mind, it is important to be aware of specific guidelines that apply to service members and federal employees on acceptable behavior. 

Military personnel and civilian employees are encouraged to carry out their obligations of citizenship, which include the right to participate personally in the political process. These rights are protected by the U.S. Constitution that all military members have taken an oath to support and defend.

Because of that oath, service members and civilian employees also have a duty to ensure that their personal activities do not imply official endorsement by the Department of Defense or Department of the Air Force. As individuals, we do not have to be politically neutral, but the Air Force and Space Force do. These rules help to ensure the DoD does not influence or appear to be partisan in our nation’s electoral process. 

Department of Defense Directive 1344.10, Political Activities by Members of the Armed Forces, and individual service regulations outline permitted and prohibited political activities by active duty, Reserve component and retired service members. These rules regulate how and when service members are able to participate in the political process. Service members who violate these directives could face punishment under the Uniform Code of Military Justice and/or other criminal or administrative penalties. The Hatch Act of 1939 (5 U.S.C. 7321-7326) applies to civilian employees and similarly regulates how and when individuals can conduct personal political activities.  

Service members and federal employees are encouraged to participate in the political process, but they must be careful about not engaging in political activities in the workplace and not using their official positions to advocate for or against political issues. With the directives set forth in DoDD 1344.10 and other regulations in mind, service members should be aware of what they can and cannot do regarding political activities. The below do’s/don’ts are not exhaustive, and service members and employees should consult with their servicing legal office with any questions regarding their personal political activities.

Active duty service members CAN: 

· Register to vote, vote and encourage others to vote. 

· Express a personal opinion on political candidates and issues. 

· Write a letter in a newspaper, blog or social media expressing personal political views. However, if you identify yourself as a service member (for example, if you have a photo on your social media of yourself in uniform) you must include a statement that your views do not represent those of the Department of Defense or Department of the Air Force. 

· Attend partisan or non-partisan political rallies and clubs as a spectator during off-duty hours. However, service members (including retirees) may not be in uniform. 

· Serve as a non-partisan election official while off-duty and not in uniform. However, this requires Department Secretary (e.g., Secretary of the Air Force) approval. Contact your servicing Legal Office for more information. 

· Sign petitions for legislative action or to place a candidate’s name on the ballot, if done as a private citizen and not as a representative of the armed forces. 

· Donate money to a political party, candidate, organization or committee. 

· Display one non-offensive bumper sticker on your personally owned vehicles. 

· Wear political t-shirts or buttons when not in uniform, performing military duties or when it could give the appearance of DoD or DAF endorsement. 

Active duty service members CANNOT: 

 · Attend a political event (meeting, rally, fundraiser, debate, convention) in uniform, whether it is partisan or nonpartisan. 

· Express personal opinions as if they are service branch or DoD policy. 

· Make derogatory statements about elected officials and DoD/DAF leadership – a potential UCMJ violation. 

· Organize, lead, sponsor or speak at partisan political events. 

· Engage in partisan political fundraising activities – except as a donor. 

· Place large political signs on your vehicle (bigger than a bumper sticker). 

· Display any type of political sign, banner, poster or similar device in your office, work area or on-base residence (including privatized housing). 

· Engage in the public or organized recruitment of others to run for political office. 

· Run for political office without Secretary of the Air Force approval. 

· Attempt to influence the view, position or vote of any subordinate.

The Hatch Act governs political activities by DoD and other federal civilian employees. The Hatch Act provides restrictions that are similar, but not identical, to those imposed on active duty service members, and restrictions on civilian employees are broken down into “Further Restricted” and “Less Restricted” categories. Most DAF employees will be “Less Restricted,” meaning, GS-15 and below, and Schedule C employees. Federal civilian employees who violate these rules and restrictions are at risk of disciplinary actions, including reprimand, suspension, removal, debarment from federal employment for up to 5 years, and a $1,000 fine.

All federal civilian employees CAN: 

 · Register to vote, vote and encourage others to vote. 

· Express a personal opinion on political candidates and issues. 

· Write a letter in a newspaper, blog or social media expressing personal political views.  

· Attend political fundraising functions, rallies and clubs during off-duty hours. 

· Serve as a non-partisan election official. 

· Sign petitions for legislative action or to place a candidate’s name on the ballot, if done as a private citizen. 

· Donate money to a political party, organization or committee. 

· Display one non-offensive bumper sticker on your personally owned vehicles. 

· Be candidates for public office in nonpartisan elections in accordance with Office of Personnel Management requirements. 

· Display or wear political signs, stickers, t-shirts or buttons when not on-duty, in a government building or using a government vehicle.

All Federal Civilian Employees CANNOT: 

 · Use official authority or influence to interfere with or affect an election. 

· Solicit, accept or receive political contributions. 

· Use an official title while participating in political activities. 

· Engage in political activity while: on duty, in a government building or vehicle or wearing an official uniform. 

· Become a candidate in a partisan election. 

· Host or sponsor a political fundraiser (though merely attending one is permitted).

Less Restricted Civilians CAN: 

· Volunteer to work for partisan political campaigns 

· Attend and be active (including speaking) at political rallies and meetings 

· Join and hold office in a political party or organization 

· Work the polls on election day for a candidate for partisan political office 

· Assist in partisan voter registration drives (but not in the workplace). 

· Organize and speak at a political fundraiser (but cannot solicit or receive funds).

Service members are encouraged to review DoDD 1344.10 and Department of the Air Force Instruction 51-508, Political Activities, Free Speech and Freedom of Assembly to understand permissible political activity.

DoD civilian employees are encouraged to visit osc.gov/Services/Pages/HatchAct-Federal for more information on the Hatch Act.

All members are encouraged to review the Deputy Secretary of Defense’s 15 February 2024 memorandum on Political activities, available at: dodsoco.ogc.osd.mil

Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

The information in this article is provided for informational purposes and is not intended as legal advice. For further assistance or if you have questions or concerns, please contact your installation legal office. 

Japan Buys Two SeaGuardians from GA-ASI

August 17th, 2024

SAN DIEGO – 15 August 2024 – The Japan Coast Guard (JCG) has signed a contract for the purchase of two SeaGuardian® Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), scheduled for delivery in 2025. This follows JCG’s ongoing Company-Owned, Contractor-Operated agreement with GA-ASI for operating SeaGuardian, which began in April 2022.

“Since JCG started operating SeaGuardians, they have been used for various JCG missions including supporting search and rescue and disaster response specifically during the 7.6 magnitude earthquake early this year near the Noto Peninsula of Ishikawa Prefecture and maritime surveillance during the 2023 G-7 Summit in Hiroshima, and the system has performedefficiently and effectively,” said GA-ASI CEO Linden Blue.

SeaGuardian is a medium-altitude, long-endurance RPA system that can fly for 24 hours or more, depending on the configuration.

GA-ASI has strengthened its Maritime Wide Area Surveillance (MWAS) for Japan with Optix+, which gathers information from the SeaGuardian sensors, as well as other data sources, displaying the full picture of surveillance information for its operator. This functionality makes it easy to task and direct its Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) information in real time. GA-ASI’s Optix+ software suite rapidly correlates and exploits collected data into an easily shared common operational picture. Having multi-source correlated data enables automatic detection of anomalous behaviors over waters.

Blast from the Past – “It’s what we in the business call a mixed-fruit pudding.”

August 17th, 2024

“…fragmentation, grenades…tactical, antitank, antipersonnel…It`s what we in the business call a mixed-fruit pudding.”

The MM-1 Manville Gun made its film debut in 1980s “Dog of War” where it appeared as the XM18E1R. The quote above is from the arms dealer explaining how the weapon should be loaded for combat even though he avoids the question of whether or not he had ever served in combat. Interestingly, the weapon used in the movie looks to be the 12 ga variant which offers several more cylinders than the 26.5mm and 37mm models. Only manufactured from 1935-1943, the Manville Gun never saw widespread use.

National Guard Rifle Team Clinches Dogs of War Trophy

August 17th, 2024

CAMP PERRY, Ohio – The All National Guard six-person marksman team won the National Trophy, also known as the Dogs of War Trophy, at the National Matches in August. It was only the third time the National Guard has won this prestigious award, with previous wins in 1986 and 1977.

The National Trophy, a revered symbol of excellence in marksmanship, represents more than individual prowess; it embodies the collective discipline, skill and dedication of a team working in harmony.

“The greatest thing about it is that we are all from different states and at some point in time, every state has been part of the all-Guard rifle team,” said Sgt. 1st Class Amanda Elsenboss of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard, a shooter and coach on the team. “Those Soldiers and Airmen are taking back to their units the knowledge that they’ve gained from these national matches, and they’re sharing that wealth of knowledge with those Soldiers and Airmen back at their bases.”

The atmosphere at Camp Perry, steeped in history and tradition, was charged with patriotism and honor, reflecting the connection between military service and the art of marksmanship.

Maj. Kirk Freeman, a shooter and coach from the South Carolina National Guard, emphasized the impact and difficulty of the achievement.

“This is demonstrating the lethality that we are gaining here, being able to engage a target at 600 yards,” Freeman said. “We were able to make the correct wind call to get a hit 119 out of 120 times with six different shooters, shooting off a sling, not off a bi-pod, not off a bag, this was off elbows and a sling.”

Individual achievements and another team award further highlighted the team’s success.

During the award ceremony, Freeman presented Sgt. Jonathan Wood of the Louisiana National Guard with the U.S. Army Distinguished Rifleman Badge. Elsenboss was awarded the Women’s Rifle Trophy. The team also won the Hilton Trophy given to the highest scoring reserve component team in the National Trophy Rifle Team Match, adding to the National Guard’s legacy in the competition.

“To win this is really a big achievement,” said Master Sgt. Michael Hester, an Arkansas National Guard gunsmith and machinist for the team. “The shooters did exactly what they were supposed to do and the coaches were absolutely on point this year. It’s almost a 40-year try for this match, and this year we secured it.”

As the team members return to their respective units, they carry not just the trophy but the pride of having contributed to a tradition that spans generations. Their achievement at Camp Perry is a reminder of the National Guard’s enduring role in both national defense and the preservation of America’s marksmanship heritage.

By Shawn Monk, 171st Air Refueling Wing