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UK Soldiers Test Next Generation Body-Worn Technology

August 4th, 2024

Cutting-edge data visualisation tools, integrated sensors, and live intelligence feeds are all connected within a single system known as the Future Integrated Dismounted Soldier Vision or FIDSV.

The helmet includes integrated power and data feeds, enhanced audio, a universal Heads Up Display (HUD) interface, and a mounted strobe alert system to identify friend or foe. A head-mounted night vision system (HMNVS) can also be used with enhanced digital night vision and injectable imagery capabilities.

The next generation of body-worn technology has been put through its paces by UK soldiers, bringing a modernised advantage to the battlefield. The aim of the trials is to integrate available technology into wearable tech for soldiers, advancing battlefield awareness and allowing faster tactical decision making

Story via NATO

Photos courtesy of UK Ministry of Defence / © Crown copyright 2024

25th Infantry Division Tests New Technology in Philippines

August 4th, 2024

WASHINGTON — The ability to quickly put cutting-edge warfighting equipment in the hands of Soldiers is key to maintaining readiness, says 25th Infantry Division commander, Maj. Gen. Marcus Evans

Incorporating new technology like drones allows Soldiers to become familiar with off-the-shelf equipment that can increase protection and lethality, he added.

Evans spoke during a media roundtable appearance Friday to highlight participation in “Transform in Contact” efforts in the Philippines during Balikatan, an annual bilateral training exercise that supports the U.S.-Philippine Mutual Defense Treaty.

“Transformation in Contact” is the first step in the Army’s continuous plan to deliver new technologies to deployed warfighters for testing and analysis. In the 25th Infantry Division, 2nd Brigade is spearheading that effort.

“The broad framework that drives our overall assessment validation is, are we more lethal? Are we more mobile? Can we enable infantry formations, combat formation, sustainment formations to see further, to have better sensing capability, to be able to strike further with organic assets” while protecting the force, he said.

Evans said the division’s participation not only helps integrate emerging technologies into warfighting but helps leaders up and down the chain of command to develop solutions to constantly changing combat developments.

“Our main focus is on warfighting readiness,” he said.

The use of unmanned aircraft systems allows the Army the ability to see further, to have better sensing mechanisms, better striking mechanisms, and then to be able to project force while protecting the force, he said.

“Now we have small, unmanned air system in the hands of squad leaders that can see three to five kilometers from their current position, which allows them to understand the battlefield better, protect themselves, and creates increased lethality,” Evans said.

Also key is countering drone threats, “and how we can sense those threats that are approaching a formation, and then take actions to protect the formation or to interdict those elements … that are trying to strike us,” he said.

Lessons learned from the Philippine training will be incorporated into the next Combat Training Center rotation in Hawaii at the Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center [JPMRC].

That October training will involve wide-ranging joint participation, he said, particularly from the Air Force and Navy.

“From a multinational perspective, we are planning to incorporate about a battalion-sized force from Japan,” he said, as well as fire assets from Singapore and Thailand, and logistics teams from Malaysia.

The shoulder-to-shoulder training in the Philippines really starts at JPMRC, Division Command Sgt. Maj. Shaun Curry said.

“A young American kid joins the service, [goes] to Hawaii for their first duty location, and they go to JPMRC, where they meet a host of our multinational partners for the first time. We’re starting our partnerships in on-the-ground friendships, and we start training inside of the jungle … From there, those partnerships and friendships grow into our operations, pathways rotations, whether that’s the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, and we’re really growing as the transformation in contact happens, helping them see their own formations, how they fight, and how they utilize technology.”

Curry said Soldiers learned from Filipino partners that carrying less on a march is far better, given the terrain, heat and humidity. Likewise, Soldiers are fielding newer body armor that weighs 20% less than older equipment, which improves their ability to move through the jungle.

Troops are also incorporating unique methods to use powered, load-carrying vehicles, similar to the common wheelbarrow, Curry said. The new approach enables one Soldier to load several hundred pounds, whether it be causalities or mortars, and move across restricted terrain. Where once it would take a squad to move a third of the weight, the soldier can now execute the mission solo and faster, allowing the remainder of the squad to focus on elements of lethality or protection, he said.

Evans said the Philippine training also confirmed that the time it takes to place equipment on the field is compressing.

“From the time period that we were asked to start executing this transformation in contact, it was the shortest amount of time that I have ever experienced having equipment show up,” he said.

By Jonathan Austin, Army News Service

US Army Updates Test & Evaluation Guidance

August 3rd, 2024

The US Army has published an administrative update to 2003’s DA PAM 73-1 “Test and Evaluation in Support of Systems Acquisition” which provides guidance and procedures to implement test and evaluation policy for material and information technology systems.

The biggest update is moving proponency from the Under Secretary of the Army to the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Acquisition, Logistics, Technology) which is commonly referred to as ASAALT.

This Army pamphlet also implements the policies contained in Army Regulation 73 – 1 and consolidates seven Department of the Army pamphlets: DA Pamphlet 73 – 1, 73 – 2, 73 – 3, 73 – 4, 73 – 5, 73 – 6, and 73 – 7.

Other updates:

? Provides an overview of the test and evaluation process in support of Army systems acquisition (chap 1).

? Describes the test and evaluation working-level integrated product team (chap 2).

? Provides detailed guidance and procedures for the preparation, staffing, and approval of the test and evaluation master plan (chap 3).

? Provides an overview of the Army critical operational issues and criteria development and approval processes (chap 4).

? Provides an overview of the Army system evaluation and system assessment process (chap 5).

? Provides an overview of Army developmental and operational testing processes (chap 6).

Get your copy and dig in at armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/ARN40764-PAM_73-1-001-WEB-2.pdf

Blue Force Gear and Primary Arms- Unveil Exclusive Chocolate-Chip Camo VCAS Slings

August 3rd, 2024

Aug. 4, 2024, Pooler, GA –Blue Force Gear, a recognized manufacturer of high-performance tactical equipment, is pleased to announce an exclusive product launch with Primary Arms. PA is a leading online retailer of premium firearms and tactical gear, and together they are pleased to release a limited-edition Vickers Combat Applications Sling (VCAS) in the iconic Chocolate-Chip Camo pattern.

The Chocolate-Chip Camo pattern, originally developed by the United States military in the 1970s, has a rich history in military and tactical operations. Its distinctive blend of colors and design elements has made it a favorite in the industry. From the harsh deserts of California, the Chocolate Chip Camo pattern, with its distinct blend of browns, tans, and blacks, has a storied history in military operations. Originally designed for the rocky terrain of the American Southwest, this pattern gained widespread recognition during the Gulf War/ Desert Storm. While its effectiveness in certain environments was later superseded by newer patterns, its legacy as a classic camouflage design endures.

This collaboration brings together the know-how of Primary Arms in providing top-tier service to the market and Blue Force Gear’s commitment to innovation and quality of production. With both companies’ dedication to delivering exceptional products to their customers, this opportunity has become a step in the right direction for uplifting more options to the end users. This exclusive product will be offered in two SKU options: the VCAS-PB-125-AA-CC with a push-button attachment and the VCAS-125-OA-CC without hardware for customized setups. This limited-run product is a must-have for collectors and enthusiasts alike.

“We are proud to collaborate with Blue Force Gear on this exclusive release,” said Matt Okun, Director of Merchandising at Primary Arms. “The VCAS Sling is one of the most proven designs on the market, and the new Chocolate-Chip Camo option makes it even more appealing.”

(Rifle provided by Daniel Defense)
“Primary Arms shares our passion for providing top-quality service and gear to our customers,” said Jeffrey Wagner, Commercial Sales Manager at Blue Force Gear. “We believe this collaboration will be a hit with fans of both brands and showcase our loyalty to our customers.”

Chocolate-Chip Camo VCAS Slings will be available exclusively on the Primary Arms website on August 4th, 2024, while supplies last. To ensure you don’t miss out on this highly anticipated release, visit primaryarms.com. For those eager to stay ahead of future product drops and exclusive offers, sign up for the Blue Force Gear newsletter at blueforcegear.com.

For Sales and Marketing Opportunities please email:

Sales@blueforcegear.com
Marketing@blueforcegear.com

TACP Memorial Run: 24 Hours of Remembering the Fallen

August 3rd, 2024

TOWER BARRACKS, Germany – From supporting Gold Star families to hosting Memorial Day ceremonies, the U.S. military has a tradition of honoring men and women who gave their lives in service. For Tactical Air Control Party Airmen with the U.S. Air Force’s 2nd Air Support Operations Squadron (2nd ASOS), paying tribute to fallen service members took on a noteworthy significance last week.

On July 25 and 26, TACPs assigned to the 2nd ASOS gathered to conduct the annual TACP Association 24-Hour Challenge at Tower Barracks, Germany. Over a two-day period, the unit occupied a mile-long trail near the Tower Barracks Physical Fitness Center, circling the track, recording their miles and raising funds and awareness for their fallen brethren as they went. A parking lot along the route served as the main hub for the event, where volunteers collected donations and tracked miles, all while providing music and refreshments to the event goers. Though the challenge’s participants consisted mostly of TACPs, Bundeswehr (German Armed Forces) service members, civilians, spouses and children also recorded mileage, with some families even camping overnight at the softball fields in support of their service members.

The event was coordinated through the TACP Association, a nonprofit organization that supports the TACP community through various services and programs. The 24-Hour Challenge, which serves as the organization’s biggest and most relevant event, is typically held around the same time every year by different TACP units stationed all over the world. All proceeds the organization receives are donated to those within the TACP community, including disabled veterans and Gold Star families.

“This is a chance to remember those that have paid the ultimate sacrifice,” said Alberto Reyes, a combat arms instructor with the 2nd ASOS. “Even if you don’t donate to the TACP Association, taking a minute out of your day to remember somebody who has fallen or look into someone who has fallen, TACP or not, is a service on its own.”

An integral part of U.S. Air Force Special Warfare, Airmen serving as Tactical Air Control Party members are few and far between, making up only a minuscule percentage of the total Air Force. A small and specialized group, TACP Airmen integrate both surface and air fires, operating in demanding and hostile environments all over the world. TACP Airmen with the 2nd Air Support Operations Squadron fall under the 4th Air Support Operations Group out of Ramstein Air Base, Germany, which provides direct support to U.S. Army Europe and Africa (USAREUR-AF) and V Corps.

Fighting through blisters, sore muscles and at times, hours of darkness, the group moved continuously for the full 24 hours, completing mile after mile as they looped around the Tower Barracks softball fields. In the final stretch of each lap, participants traveled a path surrounded by fourteen individual memorials, each honoring a named fallen Airman and serving as a grave reminder of the ultimate sacrifices made by the TACP community. Because this specific military community is so small, many of the Airmen taking part in the run knew the fallen Airmen personally, giving the event an elevated level of significance and emotion.

“There is a whole spectrum of emotions during the 24-Hour Challenge,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Jeffrey M. Mack, commander of the 4th Air Support Operations Group. “I’ve known a lot of the people that we’re honoring personally, so there is always a feeling of loss, but there is also teamwork and joy because we’re such a close knit group of people and we take care of families.”

As the clock ticked towards the 24-hour mark, all runners completed the final mile as a cohesive group, with Mack leading the formation all the way through the finish line. In a culminating act of remembrance, the group completed a series of push-ups at the conclusion of the last mile, each repetition honoring a fallen member of the TACP community. In total, participants completed over 1,800 miles, surpassing the expectations of the event’s organizers. While fundraising was one of the primary purposes of the event, the most important reason – remembering fallen TACP Airmen – was not lost on anyone for the entirety of the 24 hours.

“What goes through my mind as I’m running is all the service members we’ve lost – if they had a choice, they’d be out there with us and they don’t have that option,” said Senior Master Sgt. Gary Demmons, who is currently assigned to the 2nd ASOS. “There is pain and a little bit of being uncomfortable, but it’s nothing compared to what our fallen service members gave.”

By Capt Sara Berner

Dronesheild – Release of 3Q24 Firmware Update

August 2nd, 2024

DroneShield Limited (ASX:DRO) (“DroneShield” or “the Company”) is pleased to announce it has released the latest update to their full range of Radio Frequency (RF) sensors including the RfPatrol Mk2, RfOne Mk2 and all DroneSentry-X models.

This update significantly expands the pool of drones that RFAI can identify, including several additions requested by customers who collaborated with DroneShield to provide real-world recordings of previously unseen models.

New features include:

• Advanced Scanning: Users can customise each device’s scanning pattern to include any combination of AI-powered RF scanning, Wi-Fi scanning, and other emission detection.

• Directional Hardware Upgrade: Existing Directional Antenna Units for the RfPatrol Mk2 now have greater sensitivity and performance in showing a user drone location.

• Directional Filtering: RF Filters have been enhanced on the DroneSentry-X Mk2 to adapt system capabilities to nuances in operational environments.

• Expanded API: The extensive API has been expanded for all DroneShield systems. All major features are controllable remotely, including signal filters and detection band activation.

• Code Downloads: Client developers can now download protocol buffer code packages from the Access Portal to streamline the integration of DroneShield hardware into third-party systems.

Angus Bean, DroneShield Chief Technology Officer, commented, “Our focus on delivering world-class counterdrone technology is highlighted by collaboration with our valued customers. We provide the latest integration tools they need, and work closely with them to gain insights to the cutting-edge threats they experience.”

For more information on product capabilities, see www.droneshield.com.

Vitali Klitschko Receives Quantum Systems Donation of 100 Trinity Drones to Ukraine

August 2nd, 2024

The Mayor of Kyiv took possession of a donation of 100 mapping drones by German manufacturer Quantum Systems. The equipment will be used for the reconstruction and recovery of Ukraine and is configured for various disaster relief, damage assessment and surveying missions.

Kyiv, Ukraine – July 31, 2024 – Quantum Systems, Europe’s leading innovator in dual-use drone-robotics offering state-of-the-art multi-sensor technology for both government and commercial clients, announces the donation of 100 mapping drones to the Mayor of Kyiv, Vitali Klitschko.

“Border guards will use the equipment to organize control of Ukraine’s borders and respond to various challenges. As well as to survey and map the infrastructure. SSTLC instructors will train border service personnel after the first batch is delivered and will be responsible for all support, training and logistics activities.”

Vitali Klitschko, Mayor of Kyiv

The donation was promised by Quantum Systems CEO and founder, Florian Seibel and made possible by the German charitable foundation, #WeAreAllUkrainians gemeinnützige GmbH, who is forwarding the Trinity drones to the State Border Guard Services of Ukraine.

“We will not only send our Trinity drones but true to our motto “deliver, support, integrate”, we will support their operation with repair and maintenance at our facilities in country and we will train the operators of the Ukraine Border Guard. We are committed to Ukraine in its struggle for independency and beyond.”

-Sven Kruck, MD of Quantum Systems

The Quantum Systems Trinity drones are equipped with a 61 Megapixel Sony RGB camera and used for mapping and surveying. They will aid Ukraine in environmental damage assessment and battle damage assessment as well as in surveying and mapping critical infrastructure and terrain. The drones can provide crucial data and information to support during reconstruction and recovery as well as for humanitarian relief.

The first shipment delivered on July 30th contains 28 Trinity drones. The remaining deliveries are expected to be concluded by the end of the year. As an extension of the donation, Quantum Systems LLC in Ukraine will support these systems in the field and will provide repair and maintenance services. Quantum Systems Service, Support, Training & Logistics Center (SSTLC) will train operators of the State Border Guard Services of Ukraine.

Black Hills Designs – Battery Mag

August 2nd, 2024

Black Hills Designs has come up with another handy solution for load carriage. This time it’s a battery caddy that is shaped like a 30 round M4 magazine to help standardize your pouches.

I know what you’re thinking already. No, it won’t fit in a magwell, it’s a bit oversized. Plus, it features a unique texture so it will feel different in your hand as well as having all of those cutouts for batteries. But just to be sure, don’t store it in your kit along with your actual magazines.

CAPACITY

2xAA
2×2032
4xAAA
3xCR123
2x 18650/16650 OR an additional 4xCR123

Currently offered in Black with more colors to come.

Get yours at www.blackhillsdesigns.net/product/battery-mag.