XC3 Weaponlight

Unity Tactical Hires CMDCM Todd Roth, USN, Ret

April 4th, 2023

Roth Joins Executive Leadership Team as Vice President of International Operations
BROUSSARD, LA. (April 4, 2023) – UNITY™ Tactical, a designer of components that optimize the human factor and integrate tactical systems for peak performance, announced today the hire of Todd Roth as vice president of international operations. In this role Roth joins the executive leadership team and is responsible for the strategic growth of all international initiatives, including the curation of key relationships, oversight of the business development process, and program management for tenders and opportunities outside the U.S.

Roth joins UNITY following his role with Bell Collaborative™ as vice president of business development where he was able to grow, reach and diversify its traditional portfolio, while expanding services to new and existing clients.

“With customers in more than 40 allied nations worldwide, global operations are a key to our business and future growth,” said Trent Zimmer, founder and president of UNITY Tactical. “With his intimate understanding of the professional end user and his extensive experience in international business development and operations, Todd will usher sustained growth and ensure a continued focus on and commitment to the global customer.”

Prior to joining Bell Collaborative, Roth managed international business development for tactical helmet manufacturer Team Wendy® for two years. He also held a similar role at Wilcox® where he was responsible for the formation of their international business practices that yielded significant growth for the business during his nine-year tenure there. His initial transition to defense manufacturing with Wilcox was seamless following his more than 26 years serving in diverse operational and executive joint-combined leadership roles and program systems development/acquisition within the U.S. Navy and U.S. Special Operations.

“UNITY has a history and catalog of innovative and high-quality products backed by great people and a mature culture of integrity, professionalism and agility,” Roth said. “UNITY has seen significant success and growth in recent years, and I’m honored to join their ranks and help the brand in its continued upward trajectory. Ultimately, people make a great business and UNITY has some of the best.”

“Todd is one of the most well-respected professionals in the industry and we are proud to welcome him to our team and benefit from his expertise,” Zimmer added.

Former Oshkosh Executive Joins Darley Board of Directors

April 4th, 2023

Wilson Jones excited to join Darley and add to “rich history of innovation and excellence”

ITASCA, IL – 4/4/2023 – Wilson Jones, the former President and CEO of Oshkosh Corporation, has been appointed to the Board of Directors at Darley.

Jones brings with him a wealth of experience and expertise in both the defense and firefighting industries, working at Oshkosh Corporation since 2005 and serving as CEO from 2016 to 2021. Under his leadership, Oshkosh grew into a global leader in specialty vehicles and vehicle bodies, with a focus on serving customers in the defense, fire and emergency, and commercial markets.

In his new role on the Board of Directors at Darley, Jones will bring his strategic vision and operational expertise to our company, helping to guide its growth and success in the highly competitive firefighting, emergency response and defense industries. Wilson also serves on the Board of Directors for Thor Industries, Inc., one of the world’s largest manufacturers of recreational vehicles, as well as on the Boards of the Green Bay Packers, Green Bay Packaging, and the Oshkosh Kid’s Foundation.

“Wilson Jones is a highly respected leader and confidant. We are thrilled to have him join our Board of Directors,” said Paul Darley, Chairman & CEO of Darley. “His insights and expertise will be invaluable as we continue to expand our offerings, build on our commitment to innovation and customer service, and implement our continuity plan.”

Throughout his career, Wilson has cultivated a servant-led leadership model with a focus on valuing diverse opinions, fostering an environment of trust, developing others, and acting with humility. These efforts to build a culture around putting people first have contributed to the many recognitions Oshkosh Corporation has received. Most notably, Oshkosh Corporation has been listed as a World’s Most Ethical Company by Ethisphere Institute for six consecutive years, highlighting the company’s strong ethical culture.

“I am excited to join the Board of Directors at Darley,” said Jones. “I have known Paul Darley and the Darley family for over 25 years as both a customer and a supplier. The company has a rich history of innovation and excellence in the firefighting, first response and defense industries, and I look forward to working with the team to help drive its continued success and growth.”

Jones’ appointment to the Board of Directors at Darley is just the latest example of the company’s commitment to building a team of highly experienced and talented leaders, who can help guide Darley into the future.

3rd Infantry Division Soldiers Win Dragon’s Lair 8

April 4th, 2023

TAMPA, Fla. — The eighth iteration of Dragon’s Lair was co-hosted by the U.S. Special Operations Command and the 18th Airborne Corps, which brought the finalists to the University of South Florida’s Research and Innovation Park in Tampa on Mar. 29, 2023.

During the competition, seven innovations that were developed by individuals and teams were presented in front of a panel of expert judges from government, industry, academia and investors. Each innovator had seven minutes to present the concept, scope and application of their ideas, which was followed by 12 minutes of questions generated by the judging panel.

After careful deliberation, the judges selected the Mold Conditions Awareness Tool, or MCAT, that was presented by U.S. Army 1st Lt. Chris Aliperti and Pvt. Salem Ezz from the 3rd Infantry Division, as the top innovation of Dragon’s Lair 8.

The MCAT is a specialized 3D-printed device that uses sensors to detect temperature and humidity levels within barracks rooms to identify early signs of mold. The data is ingested in real-time to an application through Wi-Fi that enhances military leaders and barracks managers’ visualization to assess the conditions and remediate through taking action.

“Dragon’s Lair was a great opportunity to present our ideas to leaders across the Department of Defense and the civilian sector,” Aliperti said. “It is not every day you get to present your ideas on improving the Army to a three and four-star general, so it was a great honor to be selected.”

Aliperti and Ezz expected the first problem they would address would focus on national security. “We did not expect to find the greatest threat to our Soldiers right now was within their own living areas,” said Aliperti.

The 18th Airborne Corps was fortunate to have Ms. Kathi Vidal, U.S. Undersecretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the U.S. Patent and Trade Office, as a judge. Her experience and resources will help the innovator service members find a pathway to patent their intellectual property.

“I thought all the ideas today were so phenomenal,” said Vidal. “We saw these innovators really put their boots on the ground to see their projects through and create concrete solutions for real problems the Army currently faces.”

Ezz spent months developing the MCAT, and now it is being beta tested in barracks on Fort Stewart.

“It feels great to be recognized for our technical skills in software engineering and product management,” said Ezz. “This tool has been months in the making and it feels great that the hard work has been recognized by the Department of Defense.”

U.S. Army Gen. Bryan Fenton, commander of USSOCOM, presented Certificates of Achievement to the seven competing teams, thanking them all for their participation in Dragon’s Lair.

Canadian Army Brigadier General Pierre “Pete” Huet, the Assistant Commanding General of Operations, 18th Airborne Corps, directs modernization and innovation initiatives for the Corps.

“This was the best episode of Dragon’s Lair yet,” said Huet. “These innovators had their voices heard by industry and military leaders, and their concepts will make a real impact across the U.S. Department of Defense.”

With their selection, Aliperti and Ezz each were presented with the Meritorious Service Medal, they will be allowed to attend a military school of choice, and they will receive the support and resources from U.S. Special Operations Command and the 18th Airborne Corps to propel their idea’s implementation across the U.S. Department of Defense.

Story by SGT Jameson Harris

Photos by SGT Maxine Baen

Appointment of Mr. Pietro Mazzei as President and CEO of Rheinmetall Canada Inc.

April 3rd, 2023

Mr. Pietro Mazzei has been appointed President and Chief executive officer of Rheinmetall Canada by the board of directors of Rheinmetall AG.

Mr. Mazzei has been a member of the Rheinmetall Canada’s executive committee and has headed the Electronic Solutions/C5ISTAR business line since 2016.  Prior to joining Rheinmetall Canada, Mr. Mazzei spent more than 25 years with CAE Inc. in various strategic roles, including several years internationally.

Combined with his diverse background, his great knowledge of Rheinmetall, both locally and internationally, have made him a prime candidate to ensure the success of Rheinmetall Canada for the coming years. Mr. Mazzei succeeds Mr. Stéphane Oehrli, who held the position as CEO of Rheinmetall Canada since 2017 and who successfully developed Rheinmetall Canada’s position domestically and internationally.

In his new position at Rheinmetall Canada located in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec, Mr. Mazzei will lead a company renowned for its expertise in the design and integration of surveillance solutions, vehicle systems, autonomous solutions, and remotely controlled weapon systems. Rheinmetall Canada is a partner of choice on major projects for the Canadian Forces and international customers.

We are confident that under Mr. Mazzei’s leadership, Rheinmetall Canada will continue to provide excellent value to our customers and to be a strategic asset for our business partners.

See MATBOCK At This Week’s Warrior West

April 3rd, 2023

Come stop by booth 1429 at ADS Warrior West this week. The MATBOCK team will have the Tarsier Eclipse, the new OTB kit, their waterproof Berserker carrier, their LIFT System and so much more on display. If you would like to schedule an appointment with their team email sales@matbock.com.

82nd Abn Div Stands Up Gainey Company (Provisional)

April 3rd, 2023

Last week the 82nd Airborne Division stood their newest unit, Gainey Company in a provisional status as a dedicated innovation asset named in honor of retired CSM William Gainey.

Gainey Co (Provisional) is charged with challenging how the Division operates, becoming lighter, faster, and more lethal, ensuring that the 82nd’s Paratroopers are prepared to face any threat when they hit the drop zone.

The 82nd Abn Div has been leaning forward in the foxhole, working hard to integrate unmanned systems into how the Division fights and sponsoring the Airborne Innovation Lab. Gainey Co (Provisional) solidifies the Division’s dedication to adapting to the modern battlefield.

TacJobs – Noveske Seeks Customer Service Specialists

April 3rd, 2023

Time to get excited!

We have 2 Customer Service Specialist Positions available.

In-office position, so you must live locally or be willing to relocate.

Apply here.

IVAS 1.2

April 3rd, 2023

IVAS 1.2 features an improved form factor and a lower profile heads-up display with distributed counterweight for improved user interface and comfort.