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ManTech Wins $57 Million Navy Contract to Deliver Next Generation Expeditionary Weapon Systems Capabilities for US Special Operations Forces

January 30th, 2023

HERNDON, Va., Jan. 09, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ManTech has been awarded a five-year $57 million contract by Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Crane to develop world-class technology solutions that support advanced expeditionary weapon systems for U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM). ManTech won this contract under the Department of Defense Information Analysis Center’s (DoD IAC) multiple-award contract (MAC) vehicle.

NSWC Crane manages the research, development, prototyping, acquisition, test, evaluation and delivery of expeditionary weapon systems for SOCOM Program Manager-Special Operations Force Lethality (PM-SOF Lethality).

David Hathaway, Executive Vice President and General Manager of ManTech’s Defense Sector

“Our mission is to deliver state-of-the-art, next generation technology solutions that enhance the capabilities of all NSWC-managed SOCOM platforms,” said David Hathaway, Executive Vice President and General Manager of ManTech’s Defense Sector. “We are proud to support SOCOM forces with world-leading technology solutions that help ensure real-time mission success in every conceivable environment, challenge and domain.”

Under this task order, ManTech is Bringing Digital to the Mission® with next generation integrated weapon systems and ISR capabilities for manned and unmanned air, ground, surface, subsurface and maritime mobility platforms. SOCOM systems and associated subsystems that will benefit from the program include: weapons ammunition; optics; validation equipment; production equipment; sensor and fire control systems; mounts; rocket, missile and gun systems; integrated pilot and operator displays; crew-served weapon systems and associated mounts; and airframe integration systems. As importantly, the program will deliver quick-reaction and engineering analyses for total life-cycle management of expeditionary weapon systems.

About the DOD IAC Program
The DoD IAC, sponsored by the Defense Technical Information Center, provides technical data management and research support for DoD and federal government users. Established in 1946, the IAC program serves the DoD science & technology (S&T) and acquisition communities to drive innovation and technological developments by enhancing collaboration through integrated scientific and technical information development and dissemination for the DoD and broader S&T community.

Additional information on ManTech can be found at www.mantech.com.

Posted in Contracts, SOF, weapons | 1 Comment »

5.11 Tactical to Celebrate 20th Anniversary

January 30th, 2023

Brand officially hits 20 years of serving customers on January 29, 2023

COSTA MESA, Calif. (Jan. 29, 2023) – 5.11 Tactical, the global innovator of Purpose-Built Gear™, will celebrate two decades of serving customers when it reaches its official 20-year anniversary on Sunday, January 29, 2023.

“This month, we’re celebrating two decades utilizing consumer feedback to produce innovative Purpose-Built Gear™,” said the CEO of 5.11 Tactical Francisco J. Morales. “Since 2003, it has been a privilege empowering customers to Always Be Ready. Whether they depend on our gear in the line of duty or for everyday use, we’d like to say thank you for counting on us as we pass this milestone and look forward to the future.”

Founded in California in 2003, 5.11 Tactical got its start from a pair of rock-climbing pants that were named after the 5.11 difficulty rating for rock climbing. Eventually, consumers sought to utilize the durability and technical features of those pants for other aspects of life. As a result, the brand expanded its product offering and grew in popularity, especially with public safety professionals such as first responders, fire and emergency services, law enforcement and military personnel

“Serving those who serve will always be at the forefront of what we do,” said Morales. “Whether it’s through brand partnerships, special events like our annual 5.11 Days celebration, or simply developing dependable gear, we will always strive to support public safety professionals and military personnel and show our gratitude for their service.”

Today, the company works directly with end users to design Purpose-Built Gear™ for enhancing the safety, comfort and performance of those who serve, outdoor adventurers, training enthusiasts and customers who wish to live the brand’s mantra of Always Be Ready.

5.11 Tactical products can be purchased online, through authorized dealers and retailers, as well as at more than 100 company-owned retail stores across the U.S. To learn more about the brand and special anniversary celebrations taking place throughout the year visit www.511tactical.com.

Posted in Industry, Press Release | Comments Off on 5.11 Tactical to Celebrate 20th Anniversary

Sneak Peek – Altama Maritime Mid, M05 Varusteleka Special Edition

January 30th, 2023

Coming soon, exclusively from our friends at Varusteleka, the Altama Maritime Mid in Finnish M05 camouflage.

All the features you love in an awesome camouflage pattern.

• Air mesh linings help wick away sweat and other moisture quickly from your foot.

• Full length one piece ABS shank provides stability and support when climbing a caving ladder.

• Non-shine rust-proof lace hardware.

• Ultron PU contoured insole will not absorb water.

• High abrasion quick drying 1000D Cordura quarter panels.

• Front non-metallic drain ports allow for water to drain easily when flexing the boot.

Look for them on Varusteleka’s site late this week.

Posted in Advertiser, Boots, Camo | 5 Comments »

“It’s Not Testing If You Aren’t Wearing A Lab Coat”

January 30th, 2023

I once said that “It’s Not Testing If You Aren’t Wearing A Lab Coat” which was a tongue-in-cheek jab at online “testers” attempts to defame products based on half-assed efforts. While I was on active duty I conducted numerous tests without the lab coat. The reality is that if you don’t have a test plan, it’s not testing.

Taking a product out to the backyard or to a local range and putting a magazine through it isn’t testing. Neither is coming up with some one-off scenario like shooting a helmet with a threat it wasn’t designed for. Or, another fun one is watching some guy claim an item of FR clothing sucks because it caught fire when he held his flambé blowtorch to it.

Such demonstrations are often entertaining, but testing must be repeatable. What’s more, there are established test protocols for every single lifesaving item you’ll use and those tests must be conducted under very strict conditions.

Machine developed at the National Bureau of Standards to test the endurance of women’s shoes, Washington DC, 1945.

Posted in Admin | 3 Comments »

Army Leaders Gather for Annual Stryker Leader’s Summit

January 30th, 2023

JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. — U.S. Army leaders and Stryker industry experts and gathered at Joint Base Lewis-McChord’s American Lake Conference Center, Jan. 9-10, 2023, for the annual Stryker Leader’s Summit. The two-day event gave attendees the opportunity to discuss modernization and readiness for Stryker units throughout the Army.

The summit brought together Army leaders from various Stryker units, DoD civilians, and industry professionals. Static displays and demonstrations gave attendees an up-close look at the latest Stryker technologies and concepts.

“It’s important for us to take a day like today to understand where we’re going and what the way forward is for the Stryker,” said Lt. Gen. Xavier Brunson, commanding general of America’s First Corps. “I know that the answers are here in this room right now.”

Association of the United States Army President, retired Gen. Robert B. Brown, former commander of the United States Pacific, kicked off the summit with opening remarks. He spoke about his time in Stryker Brigade Combat Teams (SBCT) and the modernization of SBCTs and Strykers since then.

“It’s a critical time going from modular brigade centric, to division centric, and really a return to [training for] full scale combat operations,” said Brown. “Despite all the buzzwords, all of the misunderstanding out there, there’s no question that multi-domain operations is the future.”

“The Stryker brigades are the only infantry-centric medium brigades in the Army,” Brown explained. “They have tremendous capability, enhanced lethality, mobility and networked mission command.”

The summit emphasized the Army’s 2030 Force Structure Initiatives and included key discussion on SBCT modernization and Stryker improvements. Leaders in attendance also discussed challenges, lessons learned and ways to maintain and improve readiness.

Guests in attendance also had the opportunity to observe some of the latest technology and Strykers. One of the Strykers being showcased was the Double V-Hull A1, which is equipped with 30mm weapons and an unmanned auto-cannon.

“The actual lessons will be learned from those on the ground closest to the problem,” Brown said. “They will come up with what future fight looks like.”

While the summit encouraged Stryker stakeholders to discuss updates and changes to the SBCT, members acknowledged that the Army’s number one priority, its people, are critical to the decision-making process.

“We’ve got to figure this out,” said Brunson. “And that innovation is going to come from deep down in our formations. It’s going to come from each unit,”

“We’re going to change or revolutionize the things that we have to do,” said Brunson.

Story by SPC Karleshia Gater

Photos by SGT Joshua Oh

Posted in Army, Guest Post, Profession of Arms | Comments Off on Army Leaders Gather for Annual Stryker Leader’s Summit

Hill People Gear Presents: longhouse – Winter Locomotion 2023

January 29th, 2023

longhouse is a long-running video series from Hill People Gear. Six years ago, Evan Hill presented Winter Locomotion where he discusses getting around on snow and ice. If you haven’t watched that one, check it out before moving on.

Yesterday, they released Winter Locomotion 2023 which updates the gear Evan uses.

Posted in Mobility, Mountaineering | Comments Off on Hill People Gear Presents: longhouse – Winter Locomotion 2023

Major Order from the Bundeswehr: Rheinmetall to Modernize the Command and Control Equipment of the “Future Soldier – Expanded System” for 476 troops

January 29th, 2023

The German Bundeswehr has contracted with Rheinmetall to modernize the command and control equipment of its soldier systems. A total of 14 “Future Soldier- Extended System” platoon systems are to be delivered to the troops. These comprise equipment for 476 individual soldiers. Worth a figure in the mid-double-digit million-euro range, the order was booked in December 2022, shortly after the budget committee of the German Parliament appropriated funding from the country’s €100 billion special procurement fund.

The VJTF 2023 version of the “IdZ-ES” soldier system links dismounted troops to the Puma infantry fighting vehicle, which serves as their “mother ship”. For the German Army, the “System Panzergrenadier” represents a significant step in the process of digitalization. It offers two essential advantages. First, it is now possible for all mounted and dismounted personnel to access the same information. Second, they can disseminate this information between each other much more precisely, more quickly and in a more robust manner. Close networking of sensors and effectors of both the soldiers and infantry fighting vehicle minimizes the time between target detection and target engagement. Melding these capabilities into a total system of systems enables more effective tactical interaction between dismounted troops and their infantry fighting vehicle, in turn enhancing the combat effectiveness of mechanized infantry formations. As a longstanding partner of Germany’s armed forces, Rheinmetall leverages in-depth expertise gained in the IdZ-ES programme.

Posted in Advertiser, Digitization, International, Press Release | 1 Comment »

Viridian Now Offers E SERIES Green and Red Laser Sight Offerings for the Palmetto State Armory Dagger

January 29th, 2023

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – January 25, 2023 – Viridian Weapon Technologies continues to assert that human eyes see green better and is now shipping E SERIES™ Green Lasers designed to improve performance and provide rapid target acquisition for Palmetto State Armory’s Dagger compact pistol. The newer Green Laser joins Viridian’s Red Laser Sight as ultra-functional model-specific options for the popular handgun. Viridian also offers holsters to fit the PSA Dagger and laser combinations.

The latest E SERIES Green and Red Laser Sights are made for the conceal and carry owner who wants power and affordability. The E SERIES Green Laser Sight is essential for daily carry, offering the most laser power legally available on the market. With this improved precision and visibility, one can be confident in their aim when it matters most. That’s why we call it essential.

Furthering the commitment to everyday carry—Viridian also offers Kydex holsters handcrafted in Minnesota. The PSA Dagger Model can be worn outside or inside the waistband and features advanced Kydex thermoforming techniques. These holsters are tested in the harshest conditions to ensure the user’s firearm/laser (and/or light) system is safe and secure when its needed most.

“The E SERIES line continues to be a priority and very popular with our customers and partners,” said Viridian President and CEO, Brian Hedeen. “Palmetto State Armory’s Dagger is a very popular concealed carry option, and our green and red lasers make it that much more versatile for personal protection. When you factor in the fact we also have model-specific holsters made right here at our HQ, it’s easy to see why more people are relying on us to complete their comprehensive EDC system.”

E Series Green Laser Sights are designed to easily fit onto the pistol’s trigger guard, hold up to the toughest conditions and provide more than one hour of battery life with a constant laser. These sights offer user-controlled activation and are powered by 1/3n batteries. They’re easy to mount, include tools in the package and have an auto-off feature that kicks in after five minutes.

The Dagger is a compact pistol that maintains Palmetto State Armory’s value and delivers with ergonomics and controllability. The Dagger offers a smooth fire due to its single-action striker-fired trigger mechanism and fast draw that is free of snags due to a smooth edge design. Quality is ever present in the Dagger’s stainless steel and advanced polymer composition with additional diamond-like carbon coating on the slide for further strength. The Palmetto Dagger has many options for upgrades with aftermarket offerings such as the Viridian Essential Green Laser Sight, Viridian Essential Red Laser Sight or the Kydex holster.

These sights are backed by Viridian’s seven-year warranty and have been designed to fit the Palmetto State Armory Dagger model and many more popular handgun models.

All specifications and information one the full Viridian lineup is available at ViridianWeaponTech.com.

Posted in Lights, Press Release, Weapon Accessories | Comments Off on Viridian Now Offers E SERIES Green and Red Laser Sight Offerings for the Palmetto State Armory Dagger