The first official US military parachute jump was on 16 August, 1940. Seen above are members of the Parachute Test Platoon.
By The Way, Happy National Airborne Day
August 16th, 2024Tasmanian Tiger to Exhibit at TacOps South
August 16th, 2024Tasmanian Tiger® will attend this law enforcement tactical training conference and expo in Nashville, Tennessee, Aug. 21 – 22, 2024 at Table 3.
Knoxville, Tenn. (August 2024) – Tasmanian Tiger®, a tactical nylon line of products distributed exclusively for the US market by Proforce Equipment, Inc., will be exhibiting at TacOps South this Aug. 21 – 22, 2024 at Sheraton Music City in Nashville, Tennessee. Tasmanian Tiger will exhibit its line of Medic Packs and the recent NTOA Member Tested and Recommended TT Plate Carrier QR LC at Table 3. For two days, over 150 industry vendors will showcase the latest technologies and products aimed at patrol officers, SWAT, tactical teams, corrections, narcotics units, detectives, and TEMS.
Attendees can expect to see a comprehensive display featuring Tasmanian Tiger’s renowned Medic Packs, designed for optimal organization and rapid access in critical situations. Additionally, its versatile bags will be on exhibit, demonstrating their durability and functionality for a wide range of missions. Furthermore, attendees will have the opportunity to explore TT’s advanced plate carriers, engineered to provide superior comfort in demanding environments.
The TT Plate Carrier QR LC recently received an overall score of 3.95 out of five from the National Tactical Officers Association (NTOA) Member Tested and Recommended Program. This lightweight plate carrier is designed to offer a sleek and modern look, with a MOLLE system in laser-cut technology. The TT Plate Carrier QR LC is designed to fit SAPI plates of 12 x 10 in. (30 x 25 cm). It features a quick-release system with ROC buckle, which allows the wearer to quickly and easily remove the plate carrier in case of an emergency. The shoulder straps are adjustable, ranging from a minimum of 11 in. (28 cm) to a maximum of 20 in. (52 cm), providing a comfortable and customized fit for all users.
?2024 is Tasmanian Tiger’s 25th anniversary in business. For a quarter-century, Tasmanian Tiger has been at the forefront of innovation, providing top-quality products for military operators, medics, law enforcement professionals, and enthusiasts alike. The company owes its success to the tireless efforts of its dedicated team, the support of valued dealers, and the trust of customers who have been an integral part of its extraordinary journey.
Interested in Becoming Editor of “Special Warfare” Magazine?
August 16th, 2024
Applications are currently being accepted for one of the Army’s newest broadening opportunity programs – The Major General Edwin “Forrest” Harding Fellowship.
The Harding Fellowship is a competitive 36-month program consisting of a one-year accelerated master’s degree program at the William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communications at the University of Kansas for active component captains, non-commissioned officers in the grade of E-8, and warrant officers in the grade of CW4. Upon completion, Fellows will then serve as editors-in-chief for the branch journals at their respective center of excellence for a two-year term.
The Harding Fellowship produces leaders who strengthen the Army profession with their deep expertise in branch matters and superior communications skills. Given the two-year editor term, the Harding Fellowship alternates eligible branches by year.
In FY25, Special Forces, Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs branch personnel may apply for utilization as editor-in-chief of “Special Warfare” at Fort Liberty, NC.
They are now accepting applications for the second group of fellows. Army University recently published an article regarding the application window for the fellowship — Harding Fellowship application window now open | Article | The United States Army
Harding Fellowship application window now open
Meet requirements in chapter 2-2 of the Broadening Opportunities Catalog available at www.hrc.army.mil/content/BOP.
Mustang Survival Launches the All-New Quadra Dry Suit
August 16th, 2024
The Quadra Dry Suit is an excellent introduction to Mustang Survival’s high-quality standards. It features the same tough and durable three-layer Marine Spec BP fabric used in their other dry suits, with a design inspired by the gear they’ve innovated for military and public safety agencies and subjected to the same comprehensive testing.
Key Features of the Quadra Dry Suit:
• Durable Fabric: Waterproof and abrasion-resistant 3-layer Marine Spec BP fabric holds up in challenging saltwater environments.
• Custom Fit: Trimmable latex neck and wrist seals for maximum protection and comfort.
• Easy Maintenance: Collar and cuffs design make repair and replacement straightforward.
• Adjustable Waist Belt: Ensures a snug fit, accommodating various body types.
• Heavy-Duty Reinforcements: 500D Cordura® panels on the seat and knees add durability.
• Convenient Drying: External hanging loop simplifies the drying process.
• User-Friendly Zipper: Waterproof YKK® AQUASEAL® zipper for easy donning and doffing.
• Leak-Proof Assurance: Every suit undergoes comprehensive leak testing, ensuring superior performance and reliability.
“Dry Suits often come with a hefty price tag, and understandably so as a lot of engineering and materials go into a specialized garment that keeps you completely dry,” says Anja Mueller, Head of Marketing at Mustang Survival. “With the Quadra, we offer people new to cold water marine activities the same quality materials at a budget- friendlier price.”
Product Availability and Pricing:
• Men’s Version: Ocean Blue/Admiral Grey and Red/Admiral Grey, sizes small to 2XL.
• Women’s Version: Bluefin Blue/Admiral Grey, sizes X-small to X-large.
• Retail Price: $849.99 USD / $999.99 CAD
For more information about the Quadra Dry Suit, and to explore Mustang Survival’s full range of products, visit mustangsurvival.com
FirstSpear Friday Focus – NEW ACM 150 Short-Sleeve Field Shirt
August 16th, 2024• American sourced Wool
• Made in the USA
• Antimicrobial
Don’t be fooled by its lightweight feel – the ACM Base 150 wool fabric offers unparalleled performance and durability. Updated with 55% Lenzing, 33% wool and 12% nylon, the new Field Shirts offers the perfect blend of synthetic and wool.
Use it as a base layer or standalone, no matter which way you choose, it will be a year-round go-to. The moisture-wicking properties of wool, means it’s perfect in all seasons. Whether its protection from the sun or a base layer in inclement weather, the ACM 150 Weight Short Sleeve Field Shirts get it done. Available sizes are S-2XL and colors include Midnight Blue, Black, Charcoal, Commando Green and not in stock, but coming soon is Stone Grey.
FirstSpear is proud to partner with Texollini in the creation of the Field Shirt. They are a fully vertically integrated company who specializes in yarn and fabric capabilities, and have a long-standing history of quality fabrics, specifically in their wool offerings. They have been in the military industry for decades and are well versed with Berry Compliant offerings such as the Field Shirt. Check them out here: www.texollini.com.
For more information, check out www.first-spear.com.
Soldiers Test Drive Autonomous Equipment Decontamination System at MSPIX 24
August 16th, 2024Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD — The best way to find out if a new car is right for you is to take it for a spin. When it comes to a new way to decontaminate military vehicles using mobile robotic technology, the same holds true. Take a seat at the computer, operate the system’s remote controls and see what feels right and what doesn’t.
That is exactly what four Soldiers from the U.S. Army’s 1st Armored Division did at this year’s Maneuver Support and Protection Integration eXperiments event, or MSPIX, held at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, May 6 to 23. The robotic system they were operating was the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Chemical Biological Center’s (DEVCOM CBC) Autonomous Equipment Decontamination System.
The Soldiers were excited. “This system takes us away from the threat completely, and its buttons and controls are easy to use,” said Spc. Yaleidi Escalera. “We are the ones who will be using it in the fight, so it feels good to be able to tell the technology developers exactly what we need now.”
Escalera and three other CBRN Soldiers spent four days operating the system, followed by face-to-face feedback with the technology development team on what they liked about it and what parts of it can be improved.
“We usually never get a chance to meet the people designing the instruments we’re using as Soldiers,” said Sgt. First Class Joseph Bennett, also of First Armored. “So getting to experience the brain behind the equipment was exciting. They’re coming to us and asking, ‘Is this what you really want,’ and we get to tell them what we think.”
The Autonomous Equipment Decontamination System consists of a camera mounted on an unmanned ground vehicle (UGV). The camera scans the entire vehicle surface as it circles around it, transmitting the contamination data back to the system operators seated at a computer safely in the rear. A robotic manipulator arm then uses that data to spray a decontamination slurry developed by DEVCOM CBC on only those chemical agent hotspots, conserving decontaminant and saving time.
The Autonomous Equipment Decontamination System team received valuable feedback that they will use to refine the technology. The Soldiers pointed out the challenges encountered by the robotic platform while navigating around and manipulating the odd shapes and hard to reach surfaces of some military vehicles. The Soldiers also noticed simple things, such as adding right click functionality to the mouse on the computer interface to add more user capability. Finally, the Soldiers wanted to have a manual override for the applicator arm in case they find that not all the hot spots are being reached in autonomous mode.
Autonomous Equipment Decontamination is a multi-year cooperative project led by DEVCOM CBC. In addition to DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory support in designing the system’s robotic arm, DEVCOM Ground Vehicle Systems Center supports the computer interface and UGV operations. Industry partner Teledyne FLIR supports the development of software for the system’s camera.
Currently, it takes a team of 20 to 30 Soldiers in full protective gear 45 to 60 minutes to decontaminate each vehicle exposed to chemical or biological hazards. Soldiers must perform this task close to the point of exposure and may be vulnerable to enemy fire. The process takes more than 500 gallons of water and 50 gallons of decontaminant per vehicle.
Warfighter feedback is the acid test for a technology initiative according to Maj. Paul Austin, a CBRN experimental officer with the Maneuver Support Battle Lab who coordinates and runs MSPIX. “I know from my experience as a CBRN officer during my time in the Special Operations Command the value of fast, efficient decontamination in the field,” said Austin. “Chemical and biological agents are a weapon that can severely disrupt an operation, so being able to quickly address it is essential to completing the mission.”
Story by Brian Feeney, U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Chemical Biological Center
Strategic Acquisition in the USA: Rheinmetall Agrees Takeover of Vehicle Specialist Loc Performance
August 15th, 2024Acquisition expands and strengthens Rheinmetall’s position in North America and the competition for high-volume major orders in the USA
With a strategic acquisition in the USA, the Düsseldorf-based Rheinmetall Group is expanding its position in the world’s largest defense market and strengthening its core business in the field of land vehicles for military customers worldwide.
On 13 August 2024 Rheinmetall has signed an agreement to acquire all equity interests in Loc Performance Products, LLC, a renowned vehicle specialist based in Plymouth, Michigan.
The acquisition expands the Group’s business with the US military, increases its industrial base in the USA and creates further access for its technologies in North America. Furthermore, Rheinmetall is strengthening its production capacities in the USA with a view to targeted high-volume major orders for U.S. Army vehicle programs with a total potential of over USD 60 billion. Rheinmetall is one of two remaining participants in the current prototype phase of the XM30 program. This program serves to introduce a new generation of infantry fighting vehicles. The volume is estimated at around USD 45 billion for around 4,000 infantry fighting vehicles. Furthermore, Rheinmetall is participating in the CTT (Common Tactical Truck) program, which has a volume of around USD 16 billion for around 40,000 trucks.
In addition, Rheinmetall expects the acquisition of Loc Performance to bring considerable benefits for both its American and for its global business. For example, an experienced workforce with a high level of technical expertise – including in the maintenance, repair and combat enhancement of military combat vehicles – will be integrated into Rheinmetall’s internal supply chains.
The purchase price agreed for Loc Performance, which will become due upon closing, is based on an enterprise value of USD 950 million. Closing of the transaction is subject to regulatory approvals.
With its skilled workforce of around 1,000 employes, Loc Performance generated significant and growing sales revenues. With its broad-based activities, the company will make a direct contribution to the Rheinmetall Group’s fast-growing US military vehicle business, which is managed by American Rheinmetall Vehicles based in Sterling Heights, MI.
The acquisition provides the Rheinmetall Group with key capabilities in the US and enables American Rheinmetall Vehicles to more effectively and comprehensively supply the US Department of Defense by expanding the company’s product portfolio and domestic manufacturing capabilities.
The investment follows Rheinmetall’s clear strategy for growth in the United States, which will be an important core business for the Group in the future. Loc Performance is already pursuing a sustainable business model with robust organic growth, has a highly skilled workforce and offers the Rheinmetall Group ample capacity reserves for the targeted orders in the USA.
Loc Performance Products, LLC was founded in 1971 in Plymouth, MI and is a diversified full-service provider for both military and civilian customers. In addition to its headquarters in Plymouth, MI, the company has further locations in Lansing, MI and Lapeer, MI as well as in St. Marys, OH.
The vehicle specialist is a high-performance full-line supplier of drivetrains, suspensions, track systems, rubber products, armour products and fabricated structures for vehicle platforms. The company is an established supplier to the US government and, in particular, OEM for most military ground vehicle track systems in the USA. In addition, the company’s products are used by major vehicle manufacturers in the agricultural, construction, mining, locomotive, transportation and oil and gas industries. Loc Performance’s current manufacturing capabilities include modernised fabrication, machining and welding technologies capable of meeting the critical manufacturing requirements of the US Army’s XM30 and CTT programs. An available manufacturing footprint of 1.7 million square feet provides significant capacity for future expansion.
Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall AG: “We are making this investment because we have a clear strategy for growth and the United States will be an important core market for us in the coming years. The acquisition of Loc Performance proves that we are consistently focussing on success in the USA and want to expand our share of the large market volume. Everything speaks in favour of this acquisition: Loc Performance is already pursuing a sustainable business model there with robust organic growth, has a highly qualified workforce and offers us significant capacity reserves for the orders we are targeting in the USA.”
Matthew Warnick, CEO of American Rheinmetall Vehicles: “In the USA, we have a promising position in two major military projects, both in the XM30 infantry fighting vehicle program and in the CTT project. The acquisition of Loc Performance gives us the manufacturing readiness that will enable us to realise the major orders we are aiming for. This puts us in a position to realise 100% local value creation in the USA.”
Jason Atkinson, CEO of Loc Performance: “The significant engineering capabilities of American Rheinmetall Vehicles and the next-generation technologies that are part of the exceptional global Rheinmetall Group are a great fit with Loc Performance’s 53 years of manufacturing experience in the United States. I am excited about this combination, which represents a powerful end-to-end solution that will bring even better products to our customers and even more growth to our combined company.”
American Rheinmetall Vehicles provides US customers with next-generation tracked and wheeled combat vehicles and tactical wheeled vehicle platforms. American Rheinmetall Vehicles supports the U.S. Army in two major modernisation programs, the XM30 Combat Vehicle program, and the CTT program.
The acquisition of Loc Performance will be of great benefit to American Rheinmetall Vehicles as the company further expands and strengthens its presence in the United States. With the purchase, American Rheinmetall Vehicles acquires 1.7 million square feet of modern, efficient manufacturing space with significant capacity for future expansion.
American Rheinmetall is supporting the Department of Defense in key modernisation programs of national significance that directly improve the effectiveness, mobility and situational awareness of soldiers on the battlefield. This includes developing and delivering next-generation products and capabilities, including advanced direct and long-range precision fire weapons, innovative tracked and wheeled combat vehicle platforms, and intelligent mission systems.
The American Rheinmetall family includes American Rheinmetall Vehicles in Sterling Heights (MI) and Troy (MI), American Rheinmetall Munitions in Stafford (VA), Windham (ME) and Camden (AR), American Rheinmetall Systems in Biddeford (ME) and the parent company American Rheinmetall Defense in Reston (VA).
Justin Melnick Hosts Charity Raffle Featuring SEAL TEAM TV Show Gear
August 15th, 2024
Justin Melnick who portrayed Brock Reynolds on the show SEAL TEAM is raffling off some of his screen used gear and memorabilia to support several charities. MWDTSA supports Military Working Dog teams and Word of Honor Fund supports Gold Star kids from the Naval Special Warfare Community.
Several pieces from this collections are rare, 1 of 1 screen used, or were experimental preproduction in nature. Gear ranging from Crye, Blue Force Gear, Eagle industries, and more.
Enter the raffle at raffall.com/363944/enter-raffle-to-win-justin-melnick-gear-raffle-hosted-by-justin-melnick.
