SureFire

D3O and Craig International Ballistics Partner to Enhance Military Body Armor with Next-Generation Ballistic Foam

November 4th, 2024

Blacksburg, Virginia 11/04/24 — D3O, the global leader in advanced protection solutions, is proud to announce a collaboration with Craig International Ballistics (CIB), a prominent manufacturer of ballistic protection based in Queensland, Australia. This partnership will include CIB’s use of D3O’s latest generation Ballistic™ foams to reduce back face signature trauma in body armor systems for a significant military contract, enhancing the protection and comfort of personnel across the APAC region.

CIB, has over 25 years of experience in high-performance protection solutions, and serves military and law enforcement customers with a range of products, including body armor, hard armor plates, tactical shields, and platform armor. CIB began testing D3O’s advanced ballistic foam in early 2024 at its cutting-edge onsite ballistic testing facility, where rigorous evaluations validated the foam’s ability to reduce back face signature (BFS) and weight in armor systems.

Simon McNair, D3O SVP of Sales, emphasized the significance of this partnership, saying, “At D3O, we are committed to creating advanced material solutions that meet the highest standards of protection in the defense sector. Our partnership with Craig International Ballistics is an example of how two industry leaders can collaborate to deliver life-saving technologies to military personnel. The integration of our ballistic foam with CIB’s body armor systems is a big step forward in reducing back face signature injuries in armed conflicts.”

James Craig, CIB’s Executive Director said “Having our own onsite ballistic testing laboratory was a significant resource and pivotal in the initial validation process of these new products. The capability demonstrates to our customers our ability to quickly test and adopt the latest raw material innovations from partners such as D3O but provide ongoing quality assurance of internal batch testing during production”.

Earlier this month, CIB delivered nearly 10,000 units to a military client, integrating D3O’s ballistic foam into hard armor systems that achieved proven BFS reduction and optimized weight for enhanced wearer mobility and protection.

“Our focus at CIB, is to deliver our customers world-leading solutions, providing the lightest weight protective products for our service personnel.” Said Ed Clark, CIB’s Chief Technology Officer, “A big part of that is embracing new raw material innovations as well as enhanced processing methods”.

Through this new partnership, D3O and Craig International Ballistics are raising the standards of protective equipment for military and law enforcement personnel worldwide.

Navy’s BIG IDEAS Challenge for the IW Community

November 4th, 2024

Do you have a big idea that can help our Navy solve a problem?

The Navy’s IBoss Vice Adm. Mike Vernazza is launching the Big Ideas Challenge, a “Shark Tank” style competition for IW Sailors and government civilians to propose innovative solutions to current and future Naval challenges. 

Naval Information Forces (NAVIFOR) is the Navy’s Information Warfare (IW) Type Command (TYCOM) responsible for manning, training, equipping, and certifying combat-ready IW forces to fight and win our Nation’s wars.  The IW domain extends from seabed to space; is critical to our Navy’s success in competition, crisis and conflict; and underpins all Naval warfighting capabilities!

Our 60,000+ IW professionals are our asymmetric advantage – IW warriors “think, act, and operate differently.”  This Challenge is an opportunity to unlock new ideas and bring fresh perspectives to meet current and future challenges through optimization, modernization and transformation.

Program Overview:

The Big Ideas Challenge creates a direct line to the IBoss for any IW Sailor or government civilian to propose and / or demonstrate their solution, big or small, for the IW enterprise.  Selected winners will have a chance to implement their idea at-scale and a potential partnership with private industry and academia.

There are four submission categories:

IW Readiness

IW Training

Advancing IW Warfighting Capabilities

IW Alignment and Integration (includes business processes and process improvements)

Submission deadline is 17 January 2025.

Following the deadline, a group of Phase I judges will select the top 10 percent to move forward into Phase II.

Phase II judges will select the top 2 candidates per category (8 total) to move onto the final stage: Pitch Day.

IBoss will judge the finalists during Pitch Day and award one winner per category.  Winners will be awarded a cash prize and honorary recognition.

Participants can access the Big Ideas Challenge submission portal here

If you have additional questions or concerns, please contact our team at IWBigIdeasChallenge@us.navy.mil

TacJobs – 20th SFG(A) Seeks MI NCOs

November 4th, 2024

Alabama is looking to fill some vacancies!

Do you fit the criteria?

Do you want to work with the best?

Send us a message on guardsf.com by clicking on “Contact a Green Beret.”

THYF – Throwbot Carry System

November 4th, 2024

I can’t think of a time when I’ve been able to mention these two of my favorite things in the same article, load carriage and robots.

Thyf’s Throwbot Carry System (TCS) is a means to keep the ReconRobotics Throwbot close at hand as well as provide storage for the Operator Control Unit.

The Throwbot pouch hangs below the armor where it’s handy but must be removed from the ThrowBot when it’s employed, otherwise it will get in the way of the camera. The OCU pouch is also made from 500D Cordura and is PALS compatible.

Made from 500D Cordura, it’s available in Black, Ranger Green and MultiCam.

www.thyfsupply.com/products/tcs

OTB Boots Is Live!

November 4th, 2024

We know you’ve been waiting for the resurgence of OTB Boots and it’s finally here.

Initially offering three popular styles, in stock and ready to ship. Look for many more, coming in the future.

M-Carbon 8

M-Flex 8

Abyss

otbboots.com

Here is their press release:

OTB Boots Launches Elite Tactical Footwear Line

Boston, MA – November 4, 2024 – OTB Boots, an elite tactical footwear brand, proudly announces the anticipated launch of its high-performance line of boots on November 4, 2024. Built by a team of seasoned footwear professionals, and tested by U.S. Navy SEALs and elite Tip-of- the-Spear operators worldwide, OTB Boots are designed to withstand the most punishing operational environments. The boot collection will be available on otbboots.com and at select speciality retailers.

OTB Boots were born out of a direct request from U.S. Navy SEALs to create tactical footwear for amphibious operations. Working with SEAL operators through multiple focus groups, OTB Boots are engineered for deployment across sea, air, and land operations. These boots are crafted for the harshest conditions.

We design with the warfighter in mind,” said Dan Ellis, President, OTB Boots. “Our mission is to deliver boots that perform when it counts—on front lines, under fire, and in the toughest terrains. Comfort, support, and durability are non-negotiable, and OTB Boots deliver on all fronts.

OTB Boots are already proven in the field: four out of the top five teams in the 2024 Best Ranger Competition, including the first-place team, wore OTB Boots as they achieved victory. These boots have been tested by Special Operations Forces operators, divemasters, and outdoor guides worldwide, earning the trust of those who demand the best.

Each pair of OTB Boots is designed to provide:

Operational Superiority: Featuring high-tech materials, reinforced construction, and aggressive outsoles, OTB Boots are built to deliver tactical advantage in any combat or operational scenario.

Sustainment-Ready Comfort: Ergonomically engineered with advanced cushioning systems and moisture-wicking, these boots enable all-day wear without compromising comfort.

OTB Boots are made for operators, law enforcement professionals, and civilian tactical enthusiasts who demand reliable gear. The initial product line will include the M-Carbon 8, the M-Flex 8, and the Abyss, available at otbboots.com and select tactical gear retailers.

Elbit America Announces Two Additions to Board of Directors

November 4th, 2024

FORT WORTH, TEXAS – OCT. 30, 2024 – Elbit Systems of America, LLC, (Elbit America), is a high technology company, providing product and system solutions that focus on United States military, homeland security, commercial aviation, and medical instrumentation markets. Mr. Todd Gautier and Mr. Scott Greene, both of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, joined the company’s Board of Directors this month. The Directors provide leadership, vision and experience to the company and its shareholders.

Mr. Todd Gautier has more than 35 years of combined experience in the U.S. Navy and in the aerospace and defense industry. He spent more than 20 years at L3Harris Technologies Corp., retiring as President of L3Harris Aviation Systems. The multi-billion-dollar segment provided solutions, products, and services to the U.S. Department of Defense, allies and select commercial markets. Prior to his tenure at L3Harris, Mr. Gautier served a little more than 14 years in the United States Navy as a Naval Aviator and F/A-18 Strike Fighter Pilot. Mr. Gautier has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Southern Methodist University.

Mr. Scott Greene’s career in the aerospace and defense industry spanned more than four decades. He retired from Lockheed Martin as the Executive Vice President of the Missile and Fire Control business area. He was affiliated with Lockheed Martin for most of his career, working in several lines of business, supporting the Department of Defense and international partners. Through various leadership roles with the company, Mr. Greene honed his finance, strategic planning, operations, engineering, and product development expertise. Mr. Greene has a bachelor’s degree in business and applied economics from Cornell University.

“As Elbit America continues to grow our portfolio and capacity as a critical member of the U.S. Defense Industrial Base, it’s important that we have sound guidance. With the addition of Todd Gautier and Scott Greene, the expertise of our Board of Directors expands exponentially,” said Luke Savoie, the company’s President and CEO. “Our Board of Directors has an extensive understanding of our industry, financial acumen, and the experience that comes with service to our nation and within our local communities. This mix of talent and skill will serve our customers and our company well.”

Elbit America’s Board of Directors are committed to the oversight of company activities and methodologies. They advocate for our customers, igniting our workforce to offer innovation in the various markets we serve. 

To learn more about Elbit America’s Board of Directors, visit www.elbitamerica.com/board-of-directors#bod.

PSA x AAC Ammunition to Develop 338 ARC Ammo & Firearms

November 3rd, 2024

Palmetto State Armory has announced that they’ll be partnering with Hornady to bring more 338 ARC options to market.

From new developments in the JAKL and Sabre lines to ammo from AAC, this project promises to be big.

FALCO Holsters Launches Hybrid Holsters Featuring New TalonGuard System

November 3rd, 2024

Ft. Lauderdale, FL – October 31, 2024 – FALCO® Holsters, a global leader in crafting innovative holsters and EDC accessories, announces the launch of three new leather/Kydex hybrid holsters featuring their innovative, new TalonGuard™ system. FALCO’s new hybrid holsters combine premium Italian leather with a customized Kydex insert that fully covers the trigger guard on both sides. The A910 holster features a Kydex TalonGuard and is fully enclosed by leather, while the A911 and the A911 L combine a Kydex TalonGuard with an exterior comprised of half leather and half Kydex.

According to FALCO Holsters Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Katarina Zacharová, “This design greatly enhances safety and passive retention while preserving the comfortable and quiet experience unique to leather. With TalonGuard, we offer the best of both worlds. By providing the renowned retention and safety of Kydex holsters, our customers enjoy peace of mind without sacrificing the everyday carry comfort of leather.”

New FALCO TalonGuard Hybrid IWB Holsters

  • IWB Holsters equipped with TalonGuard system
  • Kydex insert fully encloses the trigger guard (and weapon-mounted light on light-bearing models) for enhanced safety and improved retention
  • Open-bottom allows for threaded barrels and easy maintenance
  • Custom-fit for 2,455+ handguns and 80+ lights
  • Exterior leather delivers a more comfortable carrying experience
  • Double-thickness leather sweat guard shields the gun from body moisture
  • Proprietary FALCO stainless steel belt clip with matte black finish delivers a secure fit for belt widths of 1.5” and 2.0”
  • Premium, pre-tanned Italian leather, hand-molded, stitched, lacquered, and finished by leather artisans
  • Durable FALCO “Signature Stitching”
  • Customizable options are available for leather color, stitching, edge color, and more
  • Lifetime Limited Warranty
  • 30-Day Buyback Guarantee
  • A910 TalonGuard Hybrid IWB Holster: Kydex insert surrounds the trigger guard with full leather exterior coverage, MSRP: $109.95
  • A911 TalonGuard Hybrid IWB Holster: Extended Kydex insert covers the trigger guard and front of the handgun, with half leather exterior coverage and two adjustable retention screws, MSRP: $109.95
  • A911 L TalonGuard Light Bearing Hybrid IWB Holster: Extended Kydex insert covers the trigger guard, light, and front of the handgun, with half leather exterior coverage, two adjustable retention screws, and offers compatibility with rail-mounted lights, MSRP: $119.95

Click to learn more or order a FALCO Holsters TalonGuard Hybrid IWB Holster.

For more information about FALCO Holsters’ complete lineup of holsters and gear, visit FALCOHolsters.com.