SIG MMG 338 Program Series

The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) and W.S. Darley & Co. (Darley) Announce Winners of the 2024 Thought Leadership Essay Competition

November 13th, 2024

ITASCA, IL – November 13, 2024
The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) and W.S. Darley & Co. (Darley) are thrilled to announce the winners of the 2024 Thought Leadership Essay Competition, a platform that celebrates the fire service’s forward-thinking leaders. Founded by Congress in 1992, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) honors fallen firefighters and supports their families, providing resources, counseling, and educational assistance. NFFF also collaborates on initiatives to prevent firefighter fatalities and injuries nationwide.
This year’s theme, “Overcoming Resistance to Change in the Fire Service,” inspired 85 innovative essays from fire service members nationwide, offering solutions to drive adaptability, inclusivity, and resilience. Jamie Howarth, Battalion Chief of Anne Arundel County Fire Department, earned first place with a thought-provoking essay on fostering inclusivity and securing organizational buy-in, while Chris Paskett, Battalion Chief of Eugene Springfield Fire Department, and retired Fire Chief Chris Truty of Tri-Lakes Monument Fire Protection District rounded out the top three winners, each recognized for their contributions to enhancing fire service leadership.
“Supporting and uplifting the rising voices in the fire service is central to our mission at Darley,” said Paul Darley, CEO of Darley. “We’re proud to collaborate with NFFF and contribute to this writing platform that inspires innovation and empowers leaders to shape the future fire service.” The competition, sponsored by Darley in partnership with the NFFF, allowed participants to voice solutions that spark dialogue and build a more adaptable, progressive fire service.
“The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation is honored to team up with Darley to support the essay project. The essays demonstrate the high caliber of firefighters serving our communities who stand ready to drive progress and put great ideas into action” said Victor Stagnaro, CEO of the NFFF.
The competition, sponsored by Darley in partnership with the NFFF, allowed participants to voice solutions that spark dialogue and build a more adaptable, progressive fire service. Winners were awarded monetary prizes, with Jamie Howarth also invited to present her essay at the Texas A&M Leadership Conference in January 2024. As the program continues to grow, NFFF and Darley invite fire service members to participate in next year’s competition, contributing to a platform that cultivates leadership and encourages impactful change across the industry. Stay tuned for the 2025 competition details and visit here for more details on the competition. Join the movement toward shaping the future of the fire service. Winning essays can be found here.

2024 NDIA Future Forces Conference Poster #5 – Dual Purpose Ammunition For The 4.6mm

November 13th, 2024

For those interested, POC data is on the poster.

Gerber Dredge

November 13th, 2024

Like an entrenching tool on steroids, the Gerber Dredge is a full-size folding shovel.

It features a steel blade with large anti-slip step plate, glass-filled nylon shaft with aluminum rod core, and a rubber grip.

Offered in Coyote, the open length is 45”, folded length is 25” and weight is 6.75 lbs. There is no carrying case.

www.gerbergear.com/en-us/shop/equipment/all-equipment/dredge

CHAPPIE: An Innovative Advancement in CBRN Defense

November 13th, 2024

BUCKLEY SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. (AFNS) —

Buckley Space Force Base is home to one of the Defense Department’s only two chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear quadrupedal unmanned ground vehicles.

“You spend enough time around him and start to forget he’s a QUGV,” said U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Dominic Garcia, Installation Office of Emergency Management section chief. Garcia refers to this innovative QUGV, affectionately known as CHAPPIE, representing a significant technological advancement in CBRN defense.

CHAPPIE, one of the only two QUGVs in the DoD repurposed for CBRN field operations, stands out with its extensive list of capabilities and customizations. These include remote CBRN sensing capabilities using our current inventory of detectors, which distinguishes it from other systems and makes it a significant technological advancement in CBRN defense.

“This QUGV is not only an operational game-changer for CBRN defense but also serves as a proof of concept for technological innovation within the Air and Space Forces,” Garcia explained. “The AFWERX vehicle allows end-users from the force, regardless of rank, to collaborate directly with industry to develop what the multi-capable warfighter needs at the speed of relevance, not 10-15 years later.” AFWERX, an investment program and the Department of the Air Force’s innovation arm accelerates agile and affordable capability transitions by teaming innovative technology developers with Airman and Guardian talent.

Garcia’s passion for this project dates back six years to his time at Dyess Air Force Base. “The idea came after a deployment to Syria where we were locating and destroying ISIS chemical weapons while facing novel chemicals,” Garcia recalled. “I thought there had to be a safer and faster way. In 2022, while stationed at Minot, I applied for a Small Business Innovation Research Grant through AFWERX. I received $1.24 million to develop a remote CBRN sensing capability using our current inventory of detectors. Within 20 months, we reached 90% of our goal, conducting tests at the Defense Threat Reduction Agency and Dugway Proving Ground.”

CHAPPIE is more than just a tool for saving lives and improving CBRN efficiency. According to Garcia, it represents a legacy of innovation and a testament to the power of new ideas. “The QUGV’s functionality provides a significant capability to support every mission at every base across the Air and Space Force. The message ingrained in this project transcends to every Airman and Guardian, emphasizing the importance of innovation.”

Garcia’s message extends to all enlisted and commissioned Airmen across all branches. He emphasizes, “Every service member has unique skills, knowledge or background that should be leveraged. Leaders should offer empowering words of support. Rank does not define intelligence, capability or competency. Many high-potential grassroots innovations and ideas never advance past the first line of supervision. We need to start recognizing and promoting these innovations to meet current challenges.” This recognition of the potential in every service member is what drives the success of this project.

The development of the CBRN QUGV is ongoing, with plans to enhance CHAPPIE’s agility, competitiveness and effectiveness in the Great Power Competition. Future upgrades aim to further improve its mobility, enabling it to navigate more complex environments. Additionally, advancements in sensor technology and artificial intelligence will allow CHAPPIE to detect and respond to threats with unprecedented accuracy and speed. These enhancements and tests of effectiveness will allow CHAPPIE to remain at the forefront of CBRN defense, providing unparalleled support to missions and reinforcing the United States’ commitment to maintaining an even stronger technological edge in global defense operations.

“It is a refreshing change to how we have traditionally tested and fielded new equipment,” said Master Sgt. Jacob Schrader, Installation Office of Emergency Management superintendent. “We have opened a new world of opportunity by enabling the end users to be creative and use their existing skills to create equipment designed around their needs. Ultimately, this will help us meet the pacing challenges faster and allow the use of existing technologies to increase our capabilities.”

As Buckley Space Force Base continues to innovate and push the boundaries of what is possible, CHAPPIE symbolizes the future of military technology and the ongoing pursuit of excellence within the Air and Space Forces.

By TSgt Jordan Thompson, Space Base Delta 2

Rheinmetall and ICEYE Cooperate to Provide Ukraine with Satellite Imagery on Behalf of the German Government

November 12th, 2024

The strengthened cooperation between Rheinmetall and SAR satellite company ICEYE, announced in September 2024, is already bearing fruit. To meet Ukraine‘s urgent demands for SAR satellite reconnaissance capabilities, Rheinmetall and Ukraine, supported by the German government, signed a contract. The agreement further increases the SAR data and other support Ukraine has been receiving from ICEYE during the war.

Since early October 2024, Ukraine receives new satellite images taken by ICEYE’s SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) satellites, under the collaboration between Rheinmetall and ICEYE.  This provision will supplement further reconnaissance data obtained by other sensors and provide the basis for decision-making and operational planning by the Ukrainian armed forces. The collaboration includes dedicated satellite capacity and constellation access, which allows the capacity of the entire ICEYE satellite fleet to be utilized.  Since 2018, ICEYE has launched 38 satellites for ICEYE’s and its customers’ use.

SAR satellites offer the advantage over conventional satellites that they can generate high-resolution images regardless of weather conditions or time of day. These are very detailed and make even the smallest objects on the earth’s surface identifiable. This can bring decisive advantages for the armed forces in terms of surveillance, target acquisition, reconnaissance or their own positioning on the battlefield.

In June 2024, the Düsseldorf-based technology group announced its participation in the world’s largest fleet of radar reconnaissance satellites. In September 2024, Rheinmetall and ICEYE had further intensified their cooperation. In the course of this, Rheinmetall had secured exclusive rights to market the SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) satellites to military and government end users in both the German and Hungarian markets.

ICEYE has been working closely with the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine to support and help Ukraine in building space defence capabilities. In August 2022 ICEYE announced a contract with the Serhiy Prytula Charity Foundation to provide the Government of Ukraine with ICEYE’s SAR satellite imaging capabilities with one of ICEYE’s SAR satellites designated for the Government of Ukraine’s use over the region. ICEYE also provides access to its constellation of SAR satellites, allowing the Ukrainian Armed Forces to receive radar satellite imagery on critical locations. In July 2024, ICEYE and the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine signed a Memorandum of Cooperation outlining partnering to strengthen Ukraine’s space defence capabilities.

Avon Protection Awarded US DoD ASPIRE Hood Mask Interface Contracts

November 12th, 2024

Avon Protection will apply its extensive experience as a provider of CBRN protective systems to optimize integration of personal protective equipment
Cadillac, MI, (November 11th, 2024): Avon Protection, renowned leader in innovative personal protective equipment, has been awarded three contracts by the US Department of Defense’s (DoD’s) ASPIRE HMI (Advanced System for Protection and Integrated Reduction of Encumbrances Hood/Mask Interface) program, which is executed by the Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense (JPEO-CBRND).

The three contracts will cover the design and development of a solution to optimize integration between currently fielded M50 and M53A1 CBRN protective masks and CBRN protective garment hoods on a CBRN suit.

“The risk a customer faces when procuring protective equipment as individual systems from different suppliers is that there are potential integration issues at the points at which these different systems meet, no matter how advanced each individual system is,” Steve Elwell, President, Avon Protection, said. “Our approach is to mitigate this risk by designing our equipment to integrate seamlessly together, and it is this understanding of the importance of interface optimization between systems that we will bring to our work on this contract.”

The DoD is a strategic partner for Avon Protection, with millions of Avon Protection M50/M51 and M53/M53A1 air purifying respirators (APRs) in use across all branches of the US military.

Ammunition Innovator, Shell Shock Technologies, Launch Shell Tech Ammunition Line

November 12th, 2024

Built on the revolutionary NAS3 two-piece shell case, which is twice as accurate and 50 percent lighter than traditional brass, Shell Tech Ammunition offers superior ammo rounds in 380 ACP, 9mm, 556 NATO and 300 BLK for sports shooters, hunters, and personal defense.

Eubank, KY (November 2024) – Shell Shock Technologies, LLC. (SST), a leading innovator in the ammunition industry with the 2015 introduction of the revolutionary Nickel Alloy Shell (NAS3) ammo case, is pleased to announce the next step in the company’s evolution: Shell Tech Ammo available in 380 ACP, 9mm, 556 NATO, and 300 BLK. The newly relaunched Shell Tech website features premium factory-direct ammunition that competes with traditional brass pricing while offering consumers high-quality, advanced ammunition that outperforms brass.

Shell Tech Ammunition is produced in a state-of-the-art factory in Calhoun, Georgia and is up to 30 percent lighter than traditional brass case ammunition. The lightweight cartridge allows for superior accuracy and velocity. The weight reduction also reduces the weight of a full magazine, hence reducing shooter fatigue while training, competing, or in the case of an extreme conflict. Every round is hand-inspected and the exceptional strength of each round ensures consistent performance with a greatly reduced risk of failure. The Shell Tech patented design which features a unique interior “wave” feature, pushes the projectile into the barrel rifling for enhanced alignment, significantly increasing accuracy and velocity.

“After our successful launch in 2015, Shell Shock Technologies shifted its engineering focus from high-volume pistol cases to rifle and military machine gun rounds,” Peter Foss, CEO of Shell Shock Technologies, explained. “While our move into rifle and machine gun calibers caught the attention of defense contractors, we also continued to pursue the American civilian market through the development of the most popular calibers used for personal defense, conceal carry, sport shooting, and hunting. Currently, we are working on the much-asked for 7.62 hunting round to add to our available in-house stock.”

Part of the company’s strategic initiative includes launching a consumer-based brand of ammunition that focuses on delivering the same high-quality, advanced ammunition in popular calibers for sport shooters, hunters, and self-defense. By bypassing the middleman, SST can pass significant cost savings directly to consumers through its website. In addition, consumers can save even more through the Shell Tech Subscription plan that offers up to 15 percent off a subscription purchase, every one, two, or three months.

Shell Tech Ammunition now available onlineincludes:

.380 ACP Defense – Copper Polymer

9mm Luger Defense – Copper Polymer

9mm Nosler ASP

9mm Competition Ready FMJ

5.56 NATO Copper Hollow Point

5.56 NATO Nosler Varmageddon

5.56 Competition Ready FMJ

.300 ACC Blackout Copper Hollow Point

.300 ACC Blackout Nosler Varmageddon

.300 ACC Blackout Competition Ready FMJ

More calibers are currently in production and free shipping is available on all orders over $125.00. Keep up with Shell Tech’s advanced ammunition on the website and the social media platforms: Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

TRACE Systems Courses

November 12th, 2024

TRACE™ is a complete capability micro-rope system designed for military, law enforcement, and adventure seeking end-users. TRACE™ Systems are built around a set of innovative core components designed for use with the TRACE™ 6mm micro rope. These are then used to build out ultra-light and ultra-compact task specific or general-purpose kits. TRACE™ kits currently available from CTOMS™ include Basic Capability, Rescue, Mountain Guide, Glacier Travel, Basic Operator, Special Operations Capable (SOC), and the Assault Lead Climber Rack.

The technology that allows for the small size and weight of the system does have some unique characteristics, and CTOMS™ training is highly recommended prior to use of TRACE™ Systems. These courses allow the safe use of the system while providing instruction on it’s most efficient and effective employment in any capability requirement.

CTOMS™ is now booking 2025 for the following TRACE™ Systems (TS) courses:

TS Basic, TS Rescue and Access, TS Advanced, TS Tactical Climbing, TS Alpine, TS Night Operations, and TS Instructor.

For information on TRACE™ Systems and training visit:

ctomsropesystems.com

Or contact training@ctomsinc.com