SIG SAUER - Never Settle

Tactical Tuesday: Save up to 40% on 4 New Sale Items!

July 23rd, 2024

Vertx dropped prices on 4 of their latest Men’s Shirts, giving you up to $37 in savings. These aren’t your average shirts; they feature unique pockets for EDC, high-performance fabrics, and versatile colors. Designed for comfort and functionality in any environment, they’re perfect for tactical problem-solvers like yourself. Check them out before they’re gone!

Recce Technical Shirt (Short Sleeve) – Now: $55.99 (Was: $92.99)

Recce Technical Shirt (Long Sleeve) – Now: $64.99 (Was: $97.99)

Flagstaff Shirt (Short Sleeve) – Now: $64.99 (Was: $92.99)

Flagstaff Shirt (Long Sleeve) – Now: $69.99 (Was: $99.99)

Once they’re gone, they’re gone – so stock up while supplies last!

Shop now at vertx.com.

US Army’s Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon Battery Debuts in Resolute Hunter Exercise

July 23rd, 2024

JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. — The U.S. Army’s Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon Battery, part of the 1st Multi-Domain Task Force, made history by participating in Exercise Resolute Hunter 24-2, a joint, combined exercise on the base from June 25-27, 2024. This exercise marked a significant milestone, as it was the first time the Army’s hypersonic capability was integrated into the bi-annual joint training exercise.

Hosted by the Naval Aviation Warfighting Development Center at Naval Air Station Fallon, Nevada, Resolute Hunter 24-2 is the Department of Defense’s only dedicated battle management, command and control, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance exercise. This year’s event brought together three participating nations and four joint services for a three-week training exercise.

Building on this achievement, Col. Charles Kean, commander of the 1st MDTF, emphasized the importance of this exercise, stating, “these scenarios provide invaluable sets and repetitions that build upon and reinforce the steadfast integration of MDTF capabilities in the broader partnered joint all-domain construct.”

The exercise demonstrated the battery’s ability to integrate with higher joint echelons and sustain operations over an extended period. Bravo Battery, 5th Battalion, 3rd Field Artillery (Long Range Fires Battalion), 1MDTF, successfully employed its force package for over 72 hours, showcasing the long-range hypersonic weapon digital kill chain in collaboration with joint partners and providing real-time situational awareness to the joint command post.

Capt. Jennifer Lee, commander of Bravo Battery, highlighted the significance of the exercise, stating, “Exercise Resolute Hunter 24-2 demonstrated the critical role of landpower and the Army’s indispensable contribution to joint operations. I’m proud of our team’s commitment to excellence and their ability to adapt and innovate in a complex and dynamic training scenario.”

The Army’s long-range hypersonic weapon development has been a long-term effort, with Soldiers contributing to the prototyping process since 2019. After receiving the initial hardware delivery in March 2021, the unit initiated new equipment training in September 2021, which consisted of four three-week iterations. The fielding process was completed by the end of fiscal year 2023, enabling Soldiers to train on the equipment, create doctrine, and develop new tactics, techniques and procedures.

In February 2023, the unit deployed the capability more than 3,000 miles away to Cape Canaveral, Florida, in the system’s longest recorded overland movement to date, as part of Exercise Thunderbolt Strike, demonstrating the Army’s ability to rapidly deploy the hypersonic capability.

Since then, the unit has participated in several other named and joint exercises, with Resolute Hunter being the latest.

As a theater-level unit and joint force enabler, assigned to the Indo-Pacific, the 1MDTF plays a vital role in synchronizing long-range precision fires layered with long-range precision effects to create multiple dilemmas and neutralize adversary anti-access and area denial networks. The 1MDTF’s proven innovation, agility and lethality have led the Army to direct five full MDTFs in strategically significant locations worldwide.

By CPT Ryan DeBooy

GRIDRASTER Proudly Selected by U.S. Air Force for Strategic Financing (STRATFI) Program

July 22nd, 2024

Program is Integral Part of AFWERX and SpaceWERX vision to forge an innovation ecosystem that delivers disruptive Air and Space capabilities

Mountain View, Calif. – (July 16, 2024) – Grid Raster Inc., a leading provider of AI-enabled cloud-based Extended Reality (XR) platforms that power high-performance and scalable Augmented Reality (AR)/Virtual Reality (VR)/Mixed Reality (MR) experiences for enterprises, announced today it has been selected by the U.S. Air Force for its Strategic Financing (STRATFI) program. 

The announcement was made at the South by Southwest conference in Austin, Texas, made public by AFWERX, the innovation arm of the Department of the Air Force and powered by the Air Force Research Laboratory, and SpaceWERX, the innovation arm of the U.S. Space Force and a unique division within AFWERX. The joint entities announced the Program Year 2024 Strategic Funding Increase, a contract award selection from its Phase II eligible applicants.

AFWERX Director and Chief Commercialization Officer for the Department of the Air Force, Col. Elliott Leigh, made the announcement during his keynote speech titled “Chasing Innovation: Lessons Learned,” at Capital Factory, the home of AFWERX’s Austin Hub.

“Our growth stage investment programs, Strategic Funding Increase and Tactical Funding Increase, are an integral part of the AFWERX and SpaceWERX vision to forge an innovation ecosystem that delivers disruptive Air and Space capabilities,” Leigh said. “By deliberately engaging with Space Force Deltas, Air Force Major Commands, Program Executive Offices and Department of the Air Force Senior Acquisition leadership, we are employing dollars at scale, both government and private investment, to accelerate the development of strategic capabilities. I am impressed by the scope and diversity of capabilities submitted in response to the Program Year 24 opportunity and am excited to see the outcome of the continued development of these capabilities over the coming years.”

For the U.S. Air Force, maintaining superior situational awareness is crucial for mission success and ensuring the safety of personnel. GridRaster’s 3D AI extended reality solutions can integrate data from various sensors and sources into a unified augmented reality display, providing pilots and commanders with real-time insights into their operational environment. From advanced threat detection to terrain mapping and navigation assistance, these augmented displays enhance situational awareness and decision-making capabilities in high-stakes scenarios.

GridRaster works extensively with the U.S. Air Force and aerospace manufacturers for high-fidelity modeling, simulation and training, and extended reality (XR) solutions. The company provides a functional, agile, modular, scalable XR technology stack for automation, robotics and digital twins in support of the digital transformation efforts in the industry. GridRaster’s XR platform moves the heavy computation required for immersive and high precision XR experiences to the cloud while using XR HMDs as a collection of sensors and displays, greatly reducing or eliminating many of the limitations of current and forthcoming XR devices and platforms.

STRATFI is both an AFWERX and SpaceWERX effort to help Small Business Innovation Research, or SBIR, and Small Business Technology Transfer, or STTR, projects overcome the difficult transition between development and full production. This multi-year infusion of funds gives small businesses an opportunity to find the investors they need and the ability to continue research and development as they march toward full-rate capability.

“The integration of 3D AI extended and mixed reality solutions represents a paradigm shift in how the US Air Force and aerospace manufacturers approach training, operations, maintenance, and design processes,” said Rishi Ranjan, CEO fof GridRaster. “By leveraging immersive simulations, augmented maintenance procedures, virtual prototyping, collaborative remote operations, and enhanced situational awareness, these technologies offer unprecedented opportunities to enhance efficiency, safety, and effectiveness across the board. Embracing these transformative technologies will not only drive innovation within the aerospace industry but also ensure the continued readiness and superiority of the US Air Force in an increasingly complex and dynamic global landscape.”

To schedule a demo or to learn more about GridRaster’s technology, please visit gridraster.com.

Tacpickel, The Helmet Spike

July 22nd, 2024

Students of military history are likely familiar with the Pickelhaube, the distinctive headgear of the Imperial German Army from mid-1800s until the middle of World War One.

Tacpickel is a polymer version of that famous spike which can be affixed via Velcro to current ballistic helmets (or other headgear like motorcycle helmets) for that throw back look.

Gets yours at www.recon-company.com.

Limited Edition B5 Systems Flecktarn Combo Kits

July 22nd, 2024

B5 Systems, a leading manufacturer of professional grade firearms accessories, released it’s in house hydro dippedproducts earlier this year with the launch of the in-line MULTICAM®, MULTICAM ® Black and Woodland dipped skus. For the remainder of July they have added limited edition Flecktarn combo kits, pairing their most popular products together. Additionally, every combo kit includes a FREE B5 Systems Flecktarn hat.

Flecktarn originated in Germany to provide concealment inwooded terrain, consisting of 5 colors in a spot (fleck) typecamouflage (tarn) pattern. While Flecktarn is still in use with the German military, it has developed a strongfollowing among American shooting and outdoor enthusiasts. B5 Systems is proud to pay tribute to an effective and timeless camouflage pattern and have partnered with Edgar Sherman Designs to make this pattern available in firearms accessories.

Combo Kits Available:

Bravo Stock / P-Grip 22

Bravo Stock / P-Grip 23

Enhanced Sopmod Stock / P-Grip 22

Enhanced Sopmod Stock / P-Grip 23

Vertical Grip M-LOK® available as an add on

Black Hills Designs – EXTRACT-R

July 22nd, 2024

Meet the BHD EXTRACT-R, a is a compact multi-tool for clearing AR15 and machine gun malfunctions in the field.

It’s a marked improvement over the OG paint can opener, with better geometry and more tools!

Features:

-castle nut wrench
-extractor hook
-lanyard hole
-hex key slot
-roll pin driver / push tool
-multiple carbon scrapers

Availiable at BLACKHILLSDESIGNS.NET

MATBOCK Monday: Aceso Plasma

July 22nd, 2024

Aceso Plasma is a subsidiary under MATBOCK. Aceso is the greek god of healing and when you see this device you will understand why the team at MATBOCK named it Aceso.

We have developed a patented technology to deliver high concentrations of dry, low-temperature Reactive Oxygen Species (aka oxygen plasma) with no harmful bi-products such as ozone or UV light. The potential therapeutic effects of Oxygen Plasma have long been known and have been widely published, but existing vendors have struggled to achieve high concentrations of plasma (efficacy) as well as low temperature and low to no harmful byproducts (safety).

Here is a brief video on how it works:

Recent independent research has validated that Aceso Cold Plasma (ACP) is uniquely effective at killing viruses and bacteria in bench and animal models and is safe to both patients and users. ACP uses a mode of action that precludes development of antibiotic resistance in pathogenic organisms.

While initially applied to hemostasis, the company has pivoted to apply the technology to the much larger wound healing (trauma, general, surgical, burn, and chronic) and non-medical decontamination markets. The domestic Total Available Markets are $700b and $200b per year, respectively.

ACP may be deployed in many form factors, including a hand-held, portable, battery-powered medical device; a closed decontamination chamber; several forms of air purifiers; and others. Some use cases within our target markets – including some aspects of decontaminating military equipment – represent business problems with no current solutions.

If you have any more questions about Aceso, please contact Zach Steinbock or Sean Matson of MATBOCK.

www.acesoplasma.com/pages/contact-us

USecAF, CMSAF Visit F.E. Warren, Emphasize Essential Role of Ground-Based Nuclear Force

July 22nd, 2024

ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) —

Under Secretary of the Air Force Melissa Dalton, Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force David Flosi, and several other senior leaders visited F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyoming, July 1-2.

The group was immersed with Airmen from 20th Air Force and the 90th Missile Wing to discuss nuclear modernization and better understand the vital role of the Intercontinental Ballistic Missile force.

Four-hundred ICBMs form the most responsive leg of the nation’s nuclear triad alongside bomber and submarine-launched nuclear weapons. The geographically dispersed basing of the ICBM force, in addition to the range and speed in which it can be employed, complicates potential adversaries’ decision calculus.

“The ground leg of the triad is essential,” Dalton emphasized. “Its responsiveness deters potential threats by signaling that any attack on the U.S. would be impractical, self-defeating and met with severe consequences.”

During the trip, all leaders agreed that while the current weapon system is reliable for now, the Air Force must prioritize a replacement to ensure effectiveness and credibility well into the future.

“Our Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles are the most responsive leg of our nation’s nuclear triad. It requires sustained and fully funded investments,” Flosi added. “Without these resources, we risk leaving ourselves vulnerable to 21st century threats. We must continue to prioritize these investments in order to ensure our military remains the best in the world.”

The Air Force’s fleet of ICBMs have remained on around-the-clock alert since 1959 with the last major recapitalization occurring in the 1980s. The current Minuteman III missiles and 450 launch facilities are set to be replaced by the increasingly accurate, secure and reliable Sentinel program.

While the Sentinel program is one of the largest and most complex programs the Air Force has ever undertaken, it will drastically improve the overall effectiveness of the nuclear triad to counter current and future strategic risks.

“Modernizing the ground-based deterrent while sustaining the Minuteman III system is a challenge that demands significant, responsible investment and a holistic approach,” Dalton noted. “In the face of the nuclear modernization by our competitors, it’s imperative to modernize our own force to underwrite our nation’s defense and uphold our extended deterrence commitments to our allies.”

After a mission brief at 20th Air Force headquarters, the group was hosted at Missile Alert Facility A-01 by missileers, defenders and a myriad of Airmen who perform other critical support functions.

First Lts. Connor Tovey and Sydney Kongquee, 319th Missile Squadron missileers, talked through a day in their life during a 24-hour shift. After a lengthy drive to the facility, the pair travels 60-70 feet underground into a capsule where they monitor their assigned launch facilities and wait for an order they hope never comes, though it’s an order they’re determined to execute if necessary.

Maintaining and operating the 15 missile alert facilities and various launch facilities across F.E. Warren’s 9,600 square-mile missile field is a 24-hour, seven-days a week responsibility.

Flosi, who joined the Air Force in 1996 as a nuclear weapons specialist, is vividly familiar with the importance of the job.

“Our Airmen are critical to national security,” Flosi said. “They are on the front lines of deterrence every single day, working tirelessly to ensure our nation is protected from any threat. Dedicated and professional Airmen are what makes our Air Force the best in the world.”

Later, the group toured a launch facility, more commonly referred to as an underground missile silo. The senior leaders witnessed first-hand how a highly skilled, disciplined cadre of maintainers have kept the Minuteman III operational for more than 50 years.

Until the transition to the Sentinel program is made, the Air Force will continue to rely on these maintainers to ensure the Minuteman III remains a reliable and effective deterrent.

“After meeting these Airmen, and learning about their creativity and innovation, I’ve never been more confident in our military’s ability to deter threats to the U.S. and our allies,” Dalton said. “We owe it our Airmen to ensure that we modernize the force.”

Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs