Phantom Lights

CTOMS Launches My Memorial List

November 1st, 2023

CTOMS announces the release of the ‘My Memorial List’, a project created to commemorate the names of those now passed. The ‘My Memorial List’ is a symbolically rich piece of art that has been formatted with fillable fields for the addition of names, dates, and locations. The intent is for anyone to download and create their own list of those whose memory they wish to preserve and honor. Once a list is created, it is meant to be printed and displayed that the memory of those listed is kept alive.

For more information on the project, including a detailed description of its intent and the meaning of the symbolism, and to download the list for free, visit ctomsinc.com/pages/memorial-list.

Sneak Peek – Tigerstripe Seatbelt Chest Rig from Legit Kit

November 1st, 2023

Strap in for the new Seatbelt Chest Rig dropping THIS Friday Noon ET from Legit Kit.

No, Lake City Army Ammunition Plant Isn’t Cancelling Commercial Contracts

November 1st, 2023

There have been some bad actors spreading rumors that LCAAP is cancelling commercial production contracts for ammunition.

Yesterday, they posted a very simple and to the point clarification to Facebook; the rumors are false.

Carcajou Tactical Introduces Belt Kit

November 1st, 2023

It seems we are in full back to the future mode as more and more companies are releasing belt orders.

My friends at Canada’s Carcajou Tactical are joining the fight, with a complete line of belt mounted pouches, padded belt, and harnesses, all made from laser cut laminate.

Offered in Coyote, Ranger, Green, MultiCam, and M81 Woodland, there are options for a MOLLE yoke, padded MOLLE yoke, and more traditional H-style harness. You can order individual pieces or go for full sets of various configurations.

While I haven’t seen this particular line of products in person, Carcajou makes great stuff, in Canada I might add, and is owned by a retired Paratrooper. Looking forward to checking it out next Spring when I visit again. Maybe I can get them to make a set in Tigerstripe.

The website is simple to use and the prices seem reasonable.

carcajoutactical.com/collections/lbe

Milrem Robotics Presents a New Combat UGV

November 1st, 2023

Milrem Robotics, Europe’s leading robotics and autonomous systems developer, presents a new combat UGV. The new system is the combination of Milrem Robotics’ intelligent THeMIS Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) and HITROLE® Light Remote Weapon Station (RWS), one of the land turrets developed by Leonardo, a leading global Aerospace, Defence and Security company.

THeMIS Combat UGV’s provide direct fire support for manoeuvre units and act as a force multiplier. With the HITROLE® Light RWS which can be fitted with a 7,62 mm or a 12,7 mm Machine Gun or a 40 mm Automatic Grenade Launcher and is assisted by AI functions for target acquisition, recognition prioritization and tracking, they provide the capability to perform multi-role tasks like surveillance, patrolling, border security, counter-sniper and asymmetric missions. Engagement of the target is always done by a human operator.

THeMIS Combat UGVs enhance force protection and increase stand-off distance by allowing the operator to utilize the weapon system and observe, day and night from a protected position.

The HITROLE® Light RWS is a multi-role ultra-lightweight turret of which more than 300 units are in service worldwide.

“The THeMIS has proven to be the most popular and suitable robotic mobility platform for RWS integrations. Our cooperation with Leonardo and the integration of HITROLE® represent the next crucial steps in this journey. Together with Leonardo, we can offer a highly capable robotic combat system to the Italian Army and customers worldwide. This will significantly enhance warfighting capabilities and, even more importantly, contribute to troop safety,” said Kuldar Väärsi, CEO of Milrem Robotics.

The THeMIS UGV is a multi-role unmanned system that is part of robotics programs in various configurations in 16 countries around the world, including 8 members of NATO.

Milrem Robotics is the leading European robotics and autonomous systems developer and systems integrator, with offices in Estonia, Finland, Sweden, the Netherlands, and the US. The company is known for their THeMIS and Multiscope UGVs, the Type-X Robotic Combat Vehicle and MIFIK.

Green Berets Partner with Spanish Special Operations Forces for Training

November 1st, 2023

ALICANTE, Spain — Green Berets with the U.S. Army’s 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) concluded a nearly two-month joint combined exchange training — known as JCET — with members of the Spanish Army’s Grupo Especial de Operaciones near Alicante.

The U.S. and Spanish special operations forces practiced a wide variety of skills during this exercise, including training in long-range marksmanship, crew-served weapons familiarization, mission planning, close-quarter battle, breaching operations, military operations in urban terrain, rappelling and other critical combat and unconventional warfare skills.

U.S. Special Forces conduct JCETs with foreign militaries and partner agencies in their home countries. “JCETs facilitate shared understanding and awareness of capabilities and readiness,” said Lt. Col. Kevin Bowman, U.S. Special Operations Command Europe’s special operations liaison officer to Spain. “More importantly, they allow for both country’s units to build bonds and relationships, which are invaluable, particularly in times of crisis.”

Conducting JCETs with traditional U.S. allies like Spain is important to U.S. Special Operations Forces. “Spain is a very capable NATO ally with diverse, yet shared interests around the globe. It is critical that both countries collaborate wherever possible, given the high probability that we’ll be asked to work together in a future scenario,” Bowman said.

This JCET built upon past training and exercises for the Green Berets of 10th SFG (A). “This two-month JCET was extremely successful – not only did we increase our own tactical capabilities, but we also improved our interoperability and integration with our Spanish Army SOF peers,” said a U.S. Army special forces detachment commander directly involved in the training. “My Spanish counterpart and I integrated our teams to the maximum extent possible… this afforded both detachments the opportunity to develop our mission planning skills, mobility capabilities, and combined special reconnaissance and direct action tactics, techniques, and procedures.”

Both the Green Berets and the GOE gained valuable experience and increased their interoperability according to the detachment commander. JCETs continue to provide unique training opportunities for both U.S. forces and their multinational counterparts.

By CPT Jonathan Leigh

Photos by SSG Jacob Dunlap

Lieutenant General (R) John Deedrick, Former U.S. Military Representative to NATO, joins SIG SAUER

October 31st, 2023

NEWINGTON, N.H., (October 31, 2023) – SIG SAUER is pleased to announce former United States Military Representative to the NATO Military Committee Lieutenant General E. John Deedrick has joined SIG SAUER as Advisor to CEO, Ron Cohen. 

Lt. General E. John Deedrick served 35-years in the United State Army as an Infantry and Special Forces Officer; he has commanded units at every level through multiple combat tours including Special Operations Command – Korea, Combined Special Operations Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve, the 1st Special Forces Command (Airborne), the Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan, and culminated his career as the United States Military Representative to the NATO Military Committee in Brussels, Belgium where he represented the U.S. military position on all aspects of Military advice and policy to NATO.

“Lt. General Deedrick is an exceptional addition to our global defense team and joins us as we expand the depth of our defense portfolio,” said Ron Cohen, CEO, SIG SAUER, Inc.  “Having worked his way through the ranks of the U.S. Army to top NATO advisor Lt. General Deerick’s keen understanding and expertise for the complexities of global defense is invaluable to broadening our worldwide reach.”

Lt. General E. John Deedrick is a graduate of The Citadel, holds a Master of Science in Management from Central Michigan University, a Master of Art in Strategic Studies from the Air War College, and completed the Executive Leadership Program from Kenan Flagler Business School at the University of North Carolina.

“It is an honor to join the team at SIG SAUER and help to shape the future of their strategic global endeavors,” added Deedrick.

NEXTORCH Introduces the WL11 Rail Mounted Tactical Light

October 31st, 2023

Cleveland, TN – (October 31, 2023) – NEXTORCH Industries, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of illumination tools and specialized equipment for law enforcement, first responder, tactical, and outdoor applications, is proud to announce the high-output rechargeable WL11 Rail Mounted Tactical light.

“The WL11 is a great addition to our weapon light offerings,” said Jordan Brothers, Vice President of Sales & Marketing, NEXTORCH. “It’s poised to become our #1 weapon light with our Law Enforcement partners thanks to its fantastic ergonomics, rock solid reliability, and unbeatable value.”

The WL11 Rail Mounted Tactical Light offers incredibly high performance at a great value. The WL11 features a toggle switch that is perfectly positioned just the right distance from the trigger for comfort. The 650-lumen beam casts the perfect amount of illumination in low light situations. The WL11 is a powerful weapon light that weighs only 2.6 oz and runs approximately 1.5 hours on a full charge. Its small and lightweight design and ambidextrous switches make it great for left or right-handed shooters.

The WL11 has a USB-C direct charge port on the battery for convenient charging, and is compatible with 16340 or CR123A batteries. With its innovative rail mount system, the WL11 can be attached securely to both MIL-STD-1913 rails and Glock accessory rails.

Features

– Lightweight aluminum body weighs only 2.6 oz.

– Up to 650 lumens

– USB-C Rechargeable 250mAh built in Li-Ion battery

– Momentary & Constant On modes

– Long runtime – up to 1 hours & 30 minutes

– Innovative rail system for easy installation & removal

– Beam distance up to 142 yards

– 1m Impact Resistance

– IPX7 Waterproofing

– Compatible with MIL-STD-1913 and Glock rails

– Manufacturer’s 5-year warranty

– MSRP: $107.99

www.nextorch.com