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KAK Industry K-SPEC Recoil Reduction Buffer

October 2nd, 2023

The KAK Industry K-SPEC Buffer was developed with specific goals: reducing felt recoil and providing faster follow-up shots. With modern technology being applied to firearms, you’re likely aware of the recoil management solutions applied to many popular pistol operating systems. Recoil rods in pistols advanced from a single-piece recoil rod assembly to a dual recoil spring assembly with a compression guide rod. With our new K-SPEC buffer systems, we have applied this same concept to the AR15 platform.

The K-SPEC Buffer features an innovative recoil reduction system that absorbs and disperses felt recoil. Minimizing muzzle flip and kickback allows you to fire faster and more accurately by being able to stay on target more effectively.

The K-SPEC Buffer features a two-piece reciprocating buffer body and a captured compression spring mechanism internally, which works in conjunction with our flat wire buffer spring. The majority of the felt recoil is transferred into the buffer spring and then dispersed into the K-SPEC buffer internals. This combination of features helps to absorb recoil and distribute it more evenly and linearly instead of abruptly as you experience with traditional buffer systems.

K-SPEC Buffer systems are available for the AR15 in a variety of configurations including, Carbine length, A5 length, and Extended PCC length. Selecting which buffer you need is easy. Simply select the weight that is closest to what you are currently running. If your current weight is lighter, such as a 3oz Carbine buffer, you should choose the K-SPEC H1 weight.

See all K-SPEC buffers here: kakindustry.com

Posted in Press Release, Weapon Accessories | Comments Off on KAK Industry K-SPEC Recoil Reduction Buffer

Naval Special Warfare Initiates Random Performance Enhancing Drugs Testing For Health Of Force

October 2nd, 2023

CORONADO, Calif. — In a decisive move to underscore the health, safety, and readiness of its force, Naval Special Warfare (NSW) Command is set to introduce incremental, random force-wide urinalysis testing for Performance Enhancing Drugs (PEDs), commencing Nov. 1st of this year.

This initiative stems from the command’s continuous effort to eliminate unauthorized PED use, a matter that Rear Adm. Keith Davids, commander, Naval Special Warfare Command, stresses is of paramount importance.

“My intent is to ensure every NSW teammate operates at their innate best while preserving the distinguished standards of excellence that define NSW,” said Davids.

In strict alignment with Department of Defense (DoD) and Department of Navy regulations, the use of unauthorized PEDs, including steroids, human growth hormone, and SARMs, without a military medical prescription following DoD protocols, remains dangerous and poses significant risks.

NSW’s new testing initiative will consist of incremental, random tests conducted in parallel with the Navy’s standard testing and following the mandated 15% of the unit’s population per month.

Defense Instruction (DoDI) 6130.06, Use of Dietary Supplements in the DoD, dated 9 March 2022, prohibits use of products on the DoD Prohibited Substance Ingredients List, found on the Operation Supplement Safety website, unless authorized by a DoD healthcare provider.

“This incremental, random force-wide testing initiative is far more than a regulatory step—it’s a steadfast commitment to the health, safety, and operational readiness of every member of the NSW community,” Davids said.

According to Davids, NSW leadership understands that there can be legitimate medical conditions that warrant treatment with prescription supplementation and medication – under military medical supervision.

“The unauthorized and unsupervised use of PEDs is what we are trying to identify and prevent,” said Davids. “Nevertheless, we realize that some of our teammates may have legitimate medical conditions that need to be treated with prescription supplementation. If that is the case, we encourage our teammates, who haven’t already, to speak with their medical providers to get diagnosed and properly treated.”

Learn more about DoD prohibited dietary supplement ingredients at www.opss.org.

By Naval Special Warfare Command Public Affairs

Posted in Guest Post, Medical, Navy, Profession of Arms, SOF | 10 Comments »

ASA-F Hosts Inaugural Silent Night Fundraiser Banquet

October 1st, 2023

AUSTIN, TX – The American Suppressor Association Foundation (ASA-F) is thrilled to announce the inaugural Silent Night Banquet. Taking place at the Bullock Texas State History Museum in Austin, Texas on Thursday, November 30th, the Silent Night Banquet will include an open bar, a delicious dinner, a silent auction, a live auction, a raffle, and a keynote address from Captain Chad Fleming from Team Never Quit. In addition, every table package sold will come with the buyer’s choice of amazing products, including the best suppressors, rifles, pistols, shotguns, and optics.

As the 501c3 wing of the American Suppressor Association, the ASA Foundation is leading the charge through active litigation to make suppressors legal in all 50 states. ASA-F has already filed Anderson v. Raoul in partnership with Silencer Shop, challenging the constitutionality of the suppressor ban in Illinois. The Silent Night Banquet will help ASA-F raise essential funds to continue the litigation in Illinois and file lawsuits in other states like California and New Jersey. If successful, suppressors will become legal in all 50 states for the first time in over 100 years

“Help us reach our goal of raising $250,000 for the ASA Foundation by buying a ticket or a table today,” said Knox Williams, Executive Director of ASA. “Not only will your purchase help fund our pro-suppressor lawsuits and educational initiatives, at the Banquet you’ll have access to an open bar, a delicious dinner, a silent auction, a live auction, and a raffle filled with products and experiences you simply can’t buy.”

To help support ASA-F’s fight for your constitutionally protected right to own and use a suppressor, visit www.ASABanquet.com to purchase a ticket or table for the Silent Night Banquet.

Posted in 2A, Fundraising, Nonprofit, Press Release | Comments Off on ASA-F Hosts Inaugural Silent Night Fundraiser Banquet

USSOCOM Awards Contract to Final Forge for Rotary Wing Advanced Tactical Helmets

October 1st, 2023

Last week USSOCOM awarded an IDIQ contract to Final Forge for the Rotary Wing Advanced Tactical Helmets we wrote about awhile back which were adopted by the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment ‘Night Stalkers.’

Final Forge, Blountville, Tennessee, has been awarded an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (H92403-23-D-0004) with a maximum ceiling of $49,000,000 and a $5,000 minimum ordering guarantee for a new generation of rotary wing advanced tactical helmets with spare parts and accessories. The helmets provide operationally relevant characteristics and performance including but not limited to excellent comfort, stability, field of view, and head mobility. This contract will fulfill the full operational capability requirements for all U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) rotary wing aviation components. Fiscal 2023 procurement funds in the amount of $874,970 are being obligated at time of award on the first delivery order. This contract is a follow-on production contract stemming from a competitive prototype agreement and is being awarded in accordance with10 U.S. Code 4022(f). USSOCOM, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, is the contracting activity.

The RATH was developed and is manufactured by Final Forge, a company founded by David Rogers who coincidentally also founded Ops-Core before selling it to Gentex in 2012.

Posted in Aviation, Contracts, Helmets, SOF | 4 Comments »

UF PRO Presents: Do You Know What Camo European Countries Use?

October 1st, 2023

In their latest blog post, UF PRO catalogs the camouflage patterns of Europe. Take for instance Austria, seen below.

Read it here.

Posted in Advertiser, Camo | 3 Comments »

Help Available for DAF Airmen, Guardians, Civilians in Event of Lapse in Appropriations

October 1st, 2023

ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) —

Assistance to reduce potential impacts in the event of a government shutdown on Airmen,?Guardians, civilians, and their families is available through various means.

Those experiencing financial difficulties should contact their chain of command, who can provide more information on the financial aid organizations below.

Compensation:
TheMilitary Leaders Economic Security Toolkit,?located on theMilitary OneSource?website, offers information and support. The site is updated regularly to reflect challenges and policy changes related to economic security.

Unemployment Benefits:
Furloughed employees are eligible to apply for unemployment benefits, but excepted employees working on a full-time basis are generally not eligible. Employees who wish to file should do so with the Unemployment Office for the state where the employee worked (i.e., last official duty station prior to furlough). Please be advised, however, that when employees receive retroactive pay, they will be required to pay back any unemployment benefits they received, in accordance with State law. For more information, see OPM guidance and the U.S. Department of Labor’s Unemployment Compensation for Federal Employees.

Personal Financial Readiness:
The Military and Family Readiness Center personal financial readiness program sustains and improves financial literacy and readiness by offering information, education, training, and free personal financial counseling to Airmen, Guardians, and their families. The DAF has also increased the number of Personal Financial Managers available to assist and enhance financial readiness and money management skills for members and their families.

TheAir Force Aid Societycontinues to support emergent needs such as basic living expenses (e.g., food, rent/mortgage, utilities), vehicle expenses (e.g., payments, repairs, insurance), and child care costs. Airmen and Guardians can submit requests through local Military and Family Readiness Centers and Airman and Family Readiness Centers.

If Airmen, Guardians, or their families are not near an aid organization, they may seek financial assistance from the Red Cross.

Several banking institutions, such as USAA, Navy Federal Credit Union, and Marine Federal Credit Union, have been known to advance military pay to their customers during government shutdowns. Contact your bank to inquire about their policies for situations like these.

Food Insecurity:
First sergeants and Military and Family Readiness Centers assist Airmen, Guardians, and their families in need of food security-related grants and loans with referrals to programs such as: U.S. Department of Agriculture’sSupplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, theFederal Subsistence Supplemental Allowance program, and theAir Force Aid Society.

The FY22 National Defense Authorization Act established a Basic Needs Allowance. The BNA Program provides supplemental income for military members and dependents whose gross household income falls below 130% of federal poverty guidelines.

TRICARE:
In response to the ongoing possibilities of a government shutdown, the Defense Health Agency (DHA) has authorized its TRICARE contractors to continue delivering health care to the 9.4 million beneficiaries of TRICARE. TRICARE beneficiaries seeking medical care from private providers should feel no significant effects. Care at military hospitals and clinics would remain largely unaffected. The TRICARE website includes current information about the impact of the shutdown on TRICARE health plans and military hospitals and clinics.

Overseas and Remote Commissaries:
Check?status of local commissaries to determine the status of your local store. During a shutdown some non-appropriated fund services may continue to operate. Check with your local installation’s website to determine which services will remain open in your area. If able, plan ahead and minimize its impact on day-to-day routine.

To see contingency plans for federal government agencies visit:
www.whitehouse.gov/omb/agency-contingency-plans

Additional Helpful Links:

CONTINGENCY PLAN GUIDANCE FOR CONTINUATION OF ESSENTIAL OPERATIONS IN THE ABSENCE OF AVAILABLE APPROPRIATIONS

AFPC TOTAL FORCE SERVICE CENTER

U.S. OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT

OMB OVERVIEW & FAQS

SECAF GUIDANCE, DELEGATIONS OF AUTHORITY

Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

Posted in Air Force, Guest Post | Comments Off on Help Available for DAF Airmen, Guardians, Civilians in Event of Lapse in Appropriations

USSOCOM Awards Geissele Automatics $29 Million for Mid Range Gas Gun – Sniper

September 30th, 2023

This week, USSOCOM finally issued a contract for the Mid Range Gas Gun – Sniper or MRGG-S (pronounced Margie-Ess at SOCOM), a 6.5 Creedmoor gas gun. However, the barrel is user swappable to 7.62mm as per the requirement.

This photo was taken during SOF Week. The program of record rifle features everything you see here except the optic as SOCOM has several optics initiatives under way.

Below is the DoD contract announcement:

Geissele Automatics, North Wales, Pennsylvania, has been awarded an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (H92403-23-D-0003) with a 10-year ordering period and a maximum ceiling of $29,263,029 to procure a new sniper support weapon, designated marksman, rifle taking advantage of advances in ammunition and weapons technology to improve the intermediate range sniper rifle lethality, reliability and performance when suppressed during 50-1,500 meter engagements. This effort will also provide for complete sustainment over the life cycle of the weapon system, including associated spare parts and vendor support, new equipment training, engineering, and travel. Fiscal 2023 procurement funds in the amount of $4,240,133 are being obligated at time of award on the first delivery order. This contract is a follow-on production contract stemming from a competitive prototype agreement and is being awarded in accordance with 10 U.S. Code 4022(f). U.S. Special Operations Command, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, is the contracting activity.

Although listed on Geissele’s website, the gun is not in stock.

The commercial variant features a 20″ cold hammer forged from CRMOV steel and chrome lined barrel. The barrel is interchangeable between 6.5 Creedmoor and 7.62×51 mm NATO at the user level. The full features are available at the Geissele site.

There is still a program afoot to adopt an Assaulter version of MRGG. It features a shorter barrel and different stock as well as full-auto fire.

Posted in Contracts, SOF, weapons | 33 Comments »

SOFWERX – Family of Small Unmanned Ground Systems (FosUGS) Assessment Event

September 30th, 2023

I’m pretty excited to tell you that SOFWERX, in collaboration with SOF Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics (SOF AT&L) Program Executive Office Tactical Information Systems (PEO-TIS), will host an Assessment Event (AE) 04-07 December 2023, to identify production model solutions for general-purpose multi-role/multi-mission robot systems.

This assessment solicits white papers to describe the current capabilities of off-the-shelf robot systems in the 10-40 lbs weight range. Systems will be reviewed by USSOCOM stakeholders and Subject Matter Expert’s (SME’s) to identify solutions for future participation in the FosUGS indoor presentation/outdoor demonstration that will occur at SOFWERX to provide a pathway to ultimately conduct tests on selected systems for specific cyber, safety, and performance requirements.

Technology desired by USSOCOM is an intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) general-purpose multi-role/multi-mission robot system in the weight range of 10-40 pounds that has some level of autonomous behaviors or capabilities which reduce operator workload and can operate in all-weather conditions within rural/urban environments. The system must have an integrated electro-optical/infra-red (EO/IR) full motion video (FMV) capability for day and night ISR operations and be payload agnostic to support additional payloads.

The 10-40 lbs range seems to be the one which the services are having the most trouble with. There are lots on micro systems out there (below 10 lbs) and loads of larger robots on the market but this small size seems to be a bit of an engineering challenge, balancing size, capability, and payload.

Remember, the robot is the platform and carries tailored, modular mission platforms. A robot with sensors, or weapons built-in becomes a screwdriver rather than a multi-tool and is less desirable due to its limited use. The image below gives you an idea of what I’m talking about regarding size. The larger robot is the Transcend Vantage and the much smaller robot is the Mini Vantage.

Program Executive Office Tactical Information Systems is a newly formed PEO within USSOCOM which combines elements of the old PEO Special Reconnaissance and PEO C4. It is responsible for Technical collection and communication, Integrated sensor systems, Sensitive Site Exploitation, Remote Capabilities; and Tactical Communications. Enterprise C4 systems have moved under the Director for Enterprise Information Systems.

To participate in this AE, submit NLT 20 October 2023 11:59 PM ET here.

Posted in Robotics, SOF | Comments Off on SOFWERX – Family of Small Unmanned Ground Systems (FosUGS) Assessment Event