Soldier Systems Daily Soldier Systems Daily

Defenders Memorialized During Police Week, DAF Expands Security Forces Training

May 22nd, 2023

WASHINGTON (AFNS) —

The names of three Department of the Air Force defenders were among the 556 fallen officers read aloud during the 35th Annual Candlelight vigil May 13 as part of the many events that take place across the country during National Police Week, May 14-19.

The three defenders honored during the vigil were Tech. Sgt. Jason Norton, Staff Sgt. Brian McElroy and Senior Airman Jason Nathan.

“It is important to honor their memories and celebrate the achievements they made to the defense of our nation,” said Brig. Gen. Thomas Sherman, director of Security Forces. “National Police Week in general is a time to reflect on those we lost, as well as a time to come together as law enforcement professionals within the Security Forces career field.”

At this year’s vigil, Timothy Gerald, deputy director of Security Forces, attended the vigil to represent the Department of the Air Force defender family.

“Our Department of the Air Force civilian police officers have worked alongside uniformed defenders for more than a decade. Together, our active duty, Guard, Reserve, and civilian defenders conducting law enforcement make us a stronger fighting force,” said Gerald, who also serves as the senior Air Force civilian and functional manager overseeing all matters concerning the utilization, development and career field management of the 4,600-person DAF civilian security and police force. “Thank you to our Total Force defender family for their dedicated service.”

National Police Week is a time to reflect on the challenges that law enforcement officers face every day. The Security Forces Air Staff continues to support law enforcement officers by ensuring that they have adequate resources and training.

Law enforcement is an important aspect of Security Force’s larger mission of base defense. Defenders protect Airmen, Guardians and their families; defend resources, equipment and capability; and assure that air and space missions supporting the DAF are carried out successfully and securely.

Law enforcement is not only important for the safety and well-being of Airmen—it is also a key force-multiplying capability vested in base defense.

As the Air Staff recognizes law enforcement professionals during Police Week, it also reflects on the major efforts underway to support civilians within its law enforcement community. In 2022, the Security Forces enterprise launched an effort to build the law enforcement specialty directly within the civilian career field. This required selecting a subset of the 43,000 Total Force Security Forces population to be uniquely identified as law enforcement practitioners.

Building on that effort, the Air Staff expanded the Police Officer Training and Standards Accredited Academy to accept military students. This enables the Security Forces enterprise to establish a foundation of base defense training, creating base defense-focused defenders within the basic courses while later selecting Airmen for specialized law enforcement training at the academy.

The Air Force Security Forces Center facilitated funding to increase course availability to 500 students per year. All graduates are credentialed and badged federal law enforcement officers. Finally, to sustain officer skills, the AFSFC will introduce a 40-hour annual recertification course and additional instruction for field training officers, sergeant/supervisors and deputy directors.

Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

Posted in Air Force, Guest Post, LE, Memorial | Comments Off on Defenders Memorialized During Police Week, DAF Expands Security Forces Training

ASA’s Newest Tier 1 Sponsor: Elevated Silence

May 21st, 2023

Santa Rosa Beach, FL: The American Suppressor Association (ASA) is pleased to announce that Elevated Silence has increased their sponsorship to ASA’s highest Tier 1 level for 2023. They join Silencer Shop as ASA’s second Tier 1 sponsor.

Jim Hood, Founder and CEO of Elevated Silence speaks to their Tier 1 Sponsorship of the American Suppressor Association, “We’re investing in ASA’s future, which is Elevated’s future. Securing the rights of law-abiding firearms owners to purchase, possess, and use suppressors is common sense. It’s foundational to our country, to the market, and to this entire industry’s success. ASA’s hard work makes this possible, and we’re proud to support Knox and the team. We pride ourselves in punching above our weight, and hope the rest of the industry will match us in support of the fight for our industry and our Second Amendment rights.”

“WE’RE INVESTING IN ASA’S FUTURE, WHICH IS ELEVATED’S FUTURE.”

— Jim Hood, Founder and CEO of Elevated Silence

The search for a suppressor that does it all led gun enthusiast and businessman Jim Hood to one thought – if you can’t buy it, then build it. Jim founded Elevated Silence and developed a multi chamber technology that effectively redirects gas away from the bullet as it travels through the length of the suppressor. This in turn yields the absolute minimal effects on bullet trajectory and stability, which in turn yields a consistently accurate suppressor over a myriad of calibers and weapons systems.

“Elevated Silence may not be a household name just yet, but their commitment to suppressor advocacy and the Second Amendment is second to none. As ASA’s newest Tier 1 sponsor, they are putting their money where their mouth is, joining Silencer Shop as one of ASA’s top supporters. Jim and the team he has assembled are masters of their craft, with an assortment of world-class suppressors in their catalog. We expect big things from Elevated Silence, and are thrilled to continue building our partnership with them,” said Knox Williams, President and Executive Director of ASA.

Posted in 2A, Industry, Press Release, Suppressors | Comments Off on ASA’s Newest Tier 1 Sponsor: Elevated Silence

SeaGuardian Used by USN in Support of Integrated Battle Problem

May 21st, 2023

AN DIEGO – 18 May 2023 – In support of the U.S. Navy’s (USN) Integrated Battle Problem 2023 (IBP-23) exercise in May, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) conducted a series of Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) exercises cooperatively with the USN Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadrons (HSM) 38, 49, 71, and 75. GA-ASI flew a company-owned MQ-9B SeaGuardian® Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) under a USN Flight Clearance. The HSM squadrons flew the MH-60R Seahawk helicopter flown out of Naval Air Station North Island off the coast of San Diego, Calif., on April 24-25, 2023.

The exercise was focused on Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) to conduct Cooperative ASW in the Southern California Offshore ASW range. During the two-day event, MH-60s dropped sonobuoys to detect a mobile training target. Using the combined SeaGuardian and MH-60R teaming concept, correlation and location of the target was expeditiously achieved and tactical reports – known as TACREPs – were then transmitted to Commander, Task Force (CTF) 34 Theater ASW Center at Naval Station Pearl Harbor via the MQ-9B crew. The CTF then directed a coordinated constructive “kill” of the simulated submarine with notional torpedoes dropped from the MH-60s. The ASW payload on the SeaGuardian uses the latest version of General Dynamics Mission Systems’ Sonobuoy Processor.

“These advanced tactics, techniques, and procedures utilizing MUM-T further reinforce the advantages to unmanned aircraft in combat with less risk to force,” said GA-ASI Vice President of DoD Strategic Development Patrick Shortsleeve.

The IBP-23 exercise is the third time GA-ASI’s MQ-9B SeaGuardian has supported this annual event. These exercises generate warfighting advantages for the Fleet by providing the operational environment to work through tactics, techniques, procedures, and command and control to refine and enhance warfighting. The Fleet IBP series is led by Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet and executed by Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet and will continue throughout May 2023.

Posted in Maritime, Navy, UAS | Comments Off on SeaGuardian Used by USN in Support of Integrated Battle Problem

You Never Know Where They’ll Show Up

May 21st, 2023

On the trail with Prometheus Design Werx.

Posted in Advertiser, KCRF | Comments Off on You Never Know Where They’ll Show Up

Strike Mini HandStop with Cable Management System

May 20th, 2023

Look, pretty much everything you need to know is on the image up above but to save your eyes, here are the features:

-Built-in SI Cable Management System® (CMS) w/ excess wire storage (patent pending)

-Single M-LOK slot attachment with 1.70″ (43.18mm) overall length

-Cables can be routed: alongside, across, 90-degrees, U-shape or Z-shape

-Rearward angle for pull style grip options for better weapon manipulation control

-Textured front and rear finger areas for better grasp

-Built-in front and rear barricade stop

-Lightweight

-High-strength impact resistant custom blended SI Polymer Extreme material

Did I mention it’s available in Black and FDE?

www.strikeindustries.com/si-ar-cms-mhs

Posted in Weapon Accessories | Comments Off on Strike Mini HandStop with Cable Management System

New Sig Sauer Toolkit From Fix It Sticks

May 20th, 2023

Chicago, IL- Fix It Sticks, the industry innovator of modular firearms maintenance tools and torque limiters has introduced the perfect kit for handgun shooters, the Compact Pistol Kit for Sig Sauer®. Designed specifically for Sig Sauer pistol owners, the new kit features the tools, wrenches, hex bits necessary for setting up and maintaining Sig handguns. The kit also includes a variable torque driver. This comprehensive selection of components can handle almost any maintenance or setup task as needed. The Compact Pistol Kit for Sig Sauer® is not much larger than two double stack magazines, making it easy to carry in a range bag, in a vehicle, on an ATV etc.

To maximize convenience and performance the kit comes with the Fix It Sticks Ratchet T-Handle w/Locking Hex Drive as well as the Mini All-In-One Torque Driver which is perfect for properly mounting the optics commonly used on handguns. Sig handgun-oriented components include a E2 Slide punch bit and grip screw bit.

Compact Pistol Kit for Sig Sauer® includes the following parts, tools, and bits:

• Mini All-in-One Torque Driver

• Ratchet T-Handle w/Locking Hex Drive

• Brass Hammer

• Set of two 8-32 Adapters

• Two Brass Rods

• T-Pins

• Cleaning Brush Bit

• Steel Pick

• Spring Tool

• 1/16″ Pin Punch

• 1/8″ Pin Punch

• 1/8″ Roll Pin Punch

• E2 Slide Punch

• Grip Screw Bit

• Battery Cap Tool

• 9 Electroless Nickel Plated Bits:

• Hex: 5/64”

• Torx: T6, T10(2”), T15, T20, T25

• Screwdriver: 3/32”(2”), 5mm, PH2

• Compact Carrying Case w/ molded bit holders designed to hold any ¼” bit

The Compact Pistol Kit for Sig Sauer® is contained in a soft zippered carrying case with a molded low profile bit holder that is designed to hold any bit / accessory with a standard 1/4″ Base (including Fix It Sticks Torque Limiters), and any 8-32 threaded component. With overall dimensions of 6 1/2” x 2 5/8” x 1 5/8” this kit easily fits in glove boxes, tool storage compartments, range bags, etc.

The Compact Pistol Kit for Sig Sauer® is now available with an MSRP of $184.

Posted in Advertiser, Press Release, Weapon Accessories | 6 Comments »

Chief Master Sgt John Bentivegna Selected as Next Chief Master Sergeant of the US Space Force

May 20th, 2023

ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) — Chief Master Sgt. John F. Bentivegna was selected May 5 to become the next Chief Master Sergeant of the Space Force.

Bentivegna is currently serving as the Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chief Operations Officer and the Enlisted Space Systems Operations Career Field Manager at Headquarters Space Force, Washington D.C.

In making his selection, Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman said, “I needed someone that would bring a perspective on our future that was articulated differently from mine.”

“Someone who could (and would) challenge my assumptions and ensure that important issues were evaluated from multiple angles and would catch things I missed,” Saltzman continued. “All the candidates had tremendous experience, skills, and expertise and it made it a close run.”

This was an open selection process and any Space Force chief master sergeant with 22 years’ time in service and three years’ time in grade could apply.

Saltzman selected Bentivegna from a group of five candidates who underwent a four-day evaluation process that vetted their skills and leadership capabilities. The process, along with personal interviews with each candidate, helped Saltzman make his final decision by giving him data on how the chiefs performed in various exercises and assessments.

“Chief Bentivegna brings a wealth of operational experience, a dedication to caring for our Guardians, and the spirit needed to take our service to the next level,” Saltzman said.

Bentivegna has been a space operator for more than 25 years, and has held positions at the squadron, group, wing, Numbered Air Force, Field Command and Headquarters Air and Space Force levels.

“It’s overwhelming and incredibly humbling to be offered the opportunity to become the next Chief Master Sergeant of the Space Force” Bentivegna explained. “I am really excited to have that opportunity to work next to General Saltzman to help fulfill his vision for where the service needs to go.”

“We have run really fast to develop the service and shape what it’s going to be,” Bentivegna continued. “We have charted a vision for the future, and I want to deliver that vision to our Guardians and the joint force. I know this is going to take collaboration, communication, policy and processes to make that happen. I am humbled that I get to be the one to champion these efforts for them in the future.”

As the next CMSSF, Bentivegna will be appointed as the Space Force’s highest noncommissioned officer position, making him only the second person in history to hold the title.

“Chief Towberman was the first Chief Master Sergeant of the Space Force, and there was no one better to guide us through that initial launch phase of the Space Force. Just like actual space launch, there’s a lot of anticipation, it’s exciting, it’s energetic, it’s violent, but it was also so critically important,” Bentivegna said. “He was the enlisted leader that got us out of the atmosphere and into orbit. Now I’ll have the opportunity to work with our Guardians to continue getting them combat ready.”

“He’s been right here with us every step of the way,” said Chief Master Sgt. of the Space Force Roger A. Towberman. “He knows where we’ve been and believes in where we’re going. I couldn’t be happier for our Guardians or more proud of how it’s all coming together. He’s exactly who we need right now.”

Bentivegna joined the U.S. Air Force August 1994, and transferred into the U.S. Space Force September 2020. He started his career as a Precision Measurement Equipment Lab Technician in McGuire Air Force Base, N.J., before cross-training to become a space operator in 1998. He eventually went on to serve in several command chief assignments and served as the senior enlisted leader for Space Operations Command at Peterson Space Force Base in Colorado before his current position.

As the CMSSF, Bentivegna will act as the personal advisor to the CSO and the Secretary of the Air Force on all issues regarding the welfare, readiness, morale, proper utilization, and development of the Space Force. He will also provide direction for the enlisted force and represent their interests, as appropriate, to the American public and to those in all levels of government.

By Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

Posted in Guest Post, Space | 1 Comment »

HENSOLDT Strengthens Air Surveillance in Ukraine

May 19th, 2023

Taufkirchen/Germany, 16 May 2023 – Sensor specialist HENSOLDT is supplying six more of its TRML-4D high-performance radars to strengthen Ukraine’s air defence. As part of an order worth more than 100 million euros, the radars will be delivered in the second half of the year following training of the Ukrainian operators. HENSOLDT already has several TRML-4D radars under contract for Ukraine as part of the IRIS-T SLM air defence system.

Thomas Müller, CEO of HENSOLDT, said: “We are pleased to support Ukraine with six additional TRML-4D radars, which will further strengthen Ukraine’s air surveillance and air defence sensor network. The information from the TRML-4D feeds into Ukraine’s national air situation picture, protecting Ukrainian citizens. We are proud to be able to deliver this much-needed equipment at short notice.”

TRML-4D uses the latest Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar technology with multiple digitally shaped beams. It is capable of early detection of various types of aerial targets such as aircraft, helicopters and cruise missiles. It ensures the rapid detection and tracking of about 1,500 targets in a radius of up to 250 km.

HENSOLDT has decades of experience with radar systems for air defence and actively drives the development of key technologies in this field. The company’s portfolio also includes the Twinvis passive radar, the Spexer product family and radars for securing ship and air traffic. Among other things, HENSOLDT supplies radars for the frigates and corvettes of the German Navy, for airspace surveillance and for approach control at airfields of the German Armed Forces.

Posted in International, Press Release, Sensors | Comments Off on HENSOLDT Strengthens Air Surveillance in Ukraine