Soldier Systems Daily Soldier Systems Daily

5.11, MGM, United Artists Releasing and K9s For Warriors Team Up to Support U.S. Military Veterans

February 12th, 2022

Channing Tatum (co-director/star) and Reid Carolin (co-director/writer) join to support military veterans in celebration of their new film “Dog”

IRVINE, Calif. (Feb. 11, 2021) 5.11, Inc., the global innovator of purpose-built apparel, footwear and gear, has teamed up with Metro Goldwyn Mayer (MGM), United Artists Releasing (UAR) and K9s For Warriors to support military veterans in celebration of the February 18 theatrical release of the upcoming film, ‘Dog’ starring Channing Tatum and co-directed by Tatum and Reid Carolin. As part of the collaboration, 5.11 will donate $25,000 to K9s For Warriors, the nation’s largest provider of trained service dogs to military veterans suffering from PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and/or military sexual trauma.

As a part of the initiative, Carolin, Tatum and K9s For Warriors delivered a service dog to a well-deserving member of the U.S. Military earlier this month. Active Navy Captain, Jon, and his new Labrador, Winston, will complete a 3-week training program at K9s For Warriors’ headquarters in Florida where will build an unwavering bond.

(Left to Right) Navy Captain, Jon, with Labrador, Winston, Dog Co-Director, Reid Carolin, and Dog Co-Director and Actor, Channing Tatum

Tatum reflected on the opportunity to unite a deserving veteran with his dog saying, “it is an honor to be a part of this moment.” Around creating the film, Tatum remarked, “It was a really beautiful journey for us to learn the depth of the bond between a soldier and a dog.”

DOG is a buddy comedy that follows the misadventures of two former Army Rangers paired against their will on the road trip of a lifetime. Army Ranger Briggs (Channing Tatum) and Lulu (a Belgian Malinois dog) buckle into a 1984 Ford Bronco and race down the Pacific Coast in hopes of making it to a fellow soldier’s funeral on time. Along the way, they’ll drive each other completely crazy, break a small handful of laws, narrowly evade death, and learn to let down their guards in order to have a fighting chance of finding happiness. With roots in servicing military communities, 5.11 products appear throughout the film, including the RUSH24™ 2.0 Backpack used by Tatum’s character.

“We’re pleased to support these outstanding projects that bring awareness to the many sacrifices and struggles that our nation’s veterans face every day,” said 5.11’s CMO, Debra Radcliff. “We hope our contribution helps more brave veterans find a companion through the efforts of K9s For Warriors and lets them know they are greatly appreciated.”

Determined to end veteran suicide, K9s For Warriors is a non-profit that pairs highly trained service dogs, commonly rescued from shelters, with veterans struggling with the invisible wounds of war. This innovative program allows the K9/Warrior team to build an unwavering bond that facilitates their collective healing and recovery.

“We are incredibly grateful to collaborate with 5.11, MGM and UA Releasing to support our veterans who have sacrificed so much for our freedoms,” said K9s For Warriors CEO Rory Diamond. “K9s For Warriors has the privilege every day to see the impact a Service Dog has on a veteran. With a battle buddy by their side, the veteran returns to a life of a dignity and independence. This partnership has given us the amazing opportunity to showcase that special moment when Channing surprises our Warrior Jon with his Service Dog for the first time, beginning their journey towards an unbreakable bond.”

Join us in celebrating the work of K9s For Warriors, the spirit of the film ‘Dog’, and the excitement from Channing and Reid around uniting Jon and Winston. The video can be viewed in its entirety here.

For more information on 5.11’s activation with MGM, UAR and K9s for Warriors, please visit www.511tactical.com/k9s-for-warriors. For more information on 5.11, please visit www.511Tactical.com. To learn more about K9s For Warriors visit www.k9sforwarrior.org.

Posted in Charity, K9, Media, Press Release, Veterans | Comments Off on 5.11, MGM, United Artists Releasing and K9s For Warriors Team Up to Support U.S. Military Veterans

Portable Servers Enhance Army Geospatial Intelligence Training

February 12th, 2022

FORT KNOX, Ky. — The Army Geospatial Center has assisted in further modernizing the 412th Theater Engineer Command’s Engineer-Focused Intelligence Training, or ENFIT, geospatial intelligence procedures with two portable high speed imagery servers.

The OPTIA-produced “ammo can” and smaller-sized portable imagery server from TerraMaster provide Engineers with rapid access global map data without reliance on network speeds or bandwidth limitations. The unit connects a laptop to either device and pulls what they need directly from it, cutting down research and product development by as much as 50 percent.

Jorge Morales, Team Lead Geographer with the AGC Warfighter Support Directorate, stated that the AGC integrated both portable systems into the ENFIT program as of the third quarter of 2021, so the AGC anticipated units to send in results of their use shortly.

“The ‘ammo can’ has about 25 terabytes in storage,” he said. “That fits all of the geospatial maps with space to spare for more.”

Morales explained that the maps already on the devices varied depending on what engineers needed, but each were as detailed down to as much as half a meter. He said they provided a “hybrid solution” with both three dimensional and simulation capabilities.

Armed with comprehensive imagery of the entire world, regardless of depth or height, Army Engineers can precisely direct and reinforce U.S. military efforts for assured mission success. Further, at an estimated five pounds each, the servers prove an easy, more than acceptable burden for any unit.

ENFIT is a specialized course where Soldiers use updated geospatial analytic tools with rapid terrain analysis — geospatial data being facts about occurrences, objects and events that are associated with a particular location on Earth’s surface. These give engineer commanders proper foundational, geographical knowledge to make the right decisions as to where operations should take place.

Maj. Gen. Stephen Strand, 412th TEC Commander, emphasized that ENFIT provides new methods to improve top-tier planning for the Army Reserve.

“The ENFIT program significantly enhances the geospatial engineering capabilities of the [412th Theater Engineer Command],” said Strand. “It’s a great program to develop the bench needed to maintain proficiency for years to come.”

Col. Steven Hayden, 412th Theater Engineer Command Chief of Staff, concurred on Strand’s assessment, adding that ENFIT allows Soldiers to use geospatial analytic tools to provide commanders with terrain analysis that shape the battlefield and drive decision.

ENFIT continues in Alexandria, Virginia throughout 2022 with more classes that include these and more modernizing devices.

By MAJ William Allred and SFC Tony Foster, 412th Theater Engineer Command

Posted in Army, Guest Post, ISR | Comments Off on Portable Servers Enhance Army Geospatial Intelligence Training

Savage Arms Continues Support of Kids & Clays Foundation, Ronald McDonald House Charities

February 11th, 2022

WESTFIELD, Massachusetts – February 8, 2022 – Savage Arms is excited to announce its 8th year of supporting Kids & Clays and their efforts to raise money for Ronald McDonald House Charities Chapters (RMHC) through shooting sports. Savage donates 555 E Shotguns that are used at each event to raise money for local Ronald McDonald Houses.

“It’s with great pleasure that we continue our support of Kids & Clays and participating Ronald McDonald House Charities Chapters,” said Beth Shimanski, Director of Marketing at Savage Arms. “Kids & Clays has formed a unique bond with our industry, introducing non-shooters and new shooters to shooting sports participation to raise funds for charity. Their mission is easily supported by Savage Arms, and we can’t think of a better place to dedicate our efforts.”

Since their first event in 1999, the Kids & Clays Foundation has generated more than $24,000,000 through Sporting Clays, Trap and Skeet Events. More importantly, participation in the events hosted and facilitated by Kids & Clays has raised awareness for Ronald McDonald House Charity Chapters among thousands of shooters, while assisting hundreds of thousands of families served by Ronald McDonald Houses each and every day.

“Savage is certainly making a difference in the lives of thousands of critically ill children and their families through their long-time support and generosity,” said Doug Jeanneret, executive director of the Kids & Clays Foundation. “We are certainly honored to have our name associated with such an iconic firearm company. We cannot thank Savage enough for their help in fulfilling our mission.”

More information on Kids & Clays and their mission to support RMHC’s across the country can be found here. To donate to Kids & Clays, please visit their donations page.

Posted in Charity, Press Release, Shooting Sports | Comments Off on Savage Arms Continues Support of Kids & Clays Foundation, Ronald McDonald House Charities

High Speed Gear Releases Apex Slick Sling

February 11th, 2022

SWANSBORO, N.C. – Feb. 10, 2022 – High Speed Gear® has launched an additional option in their Apex Sling collection.

The Apex™ Slick Sling is a variation of the original Apex™ sling, forgoing the pad portion for a full mil-spec tubular webbing construction. The Apex Slick Sling offers a two-point, quick-adjust capability for rifles, carbines, and comparable sized weapons. The minimalistic design allows for a lightweight, easy to maneuver sling making it practical for any environment. The webbing features Schoeller Nanosphere coating, which resists water absorption and reduces drying time. The Apex™ Slick Sling, like the Apex™ Sling, utilizes HSGI’s patent-pending Double-Tap Slider™ allowing the shooter to have more control over his/her weapon with two levels of friction.

Weighing 0.3 pounds or 136 grams, the Apex™ Slick Sling has a total length of 62 inches. It features a mil-spec tubular webbing along with steel hardware with military grade coating for enhanced durability. The Apex™ Slick Sling is compatible with a wide variety of mounting options and is Berry Amendment compliant. All High Speed Gear® products are hand-made in America with USA made materials.

“For those who prefer a more minimal sling, the Apex Slick offers the same water resistance and adjustability as the original Apex, in a more streamlined product,” said Bill Babboni chief operating officer of High Speed Gear.

The Apex™ Slick Sling is now available for purchase through High Speed Gear Authorized Dealers or on the High Speed Gear® website.

www.highspeedgear.com

Posted in Advertiser, Press Release, Weapon Accessories | Comments Off on High Speed Gear Releases Apex Slick Sling

Midwest Industries Announces Release of Scout Light Extended Mounts

February 11th, 2022

Adjusted Light Placement Offers Visibility and Frees Up HandguardWaukesha, Wis. (February 9, 2022) — Midwest Industries announced that it has released a new line of Scout Light Extended Mounts for the commercial, law enforcement, and military markets.

The mounts are designed to securely attach SureFire’s Scout Light Pro WeaponLights and other compatible lights to any M-LOK® or Picatinny-enabled firearm. The unique forward placement, coupled with the low- profile design of the Pro Series, minimizes shadows from suppressors and muzzle brakes, offering shooters an unobstructed beam of light. The design opens up space on the handguard for roomier hand placement or attaching accessories.

“By positioning lights forward three inches, our new mounts take advantage of the Pro Series design to offer unmatched visibility in low-light conditions,” said Troy Storch, Owner of Midwest Industries. “With these mounts, shooters can aim with confidence even in the darkest night.”

Midwest Industries offers Scout Light Extended Mount options for both M-LOK® and Picatinny platforms, incorporating the following features:

• Designed for the SureFire Scout Light Pro Series, with options for other compatible lights
• Moves light forward 3 inches
• Constructed of Hard Coat Anodized 6061 Aluminum
• Made in the USA
• Lifetime warranty

For more information on the Midwest Industries Scout Light Extended Mounts, visit the individual product pages: Scout Light Extended Picatinny Mount, Scout Light Extended Mount, M-LOK® Compatible, M-LOK® Extended Beam

Posted in Press Release, Weapon Accessories | Comments Off on Midwest Industries Announces Release of Scout Light Extended Mounts

Persistent Systems Firmware Update Contributes to Next Generation Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance

February 11th, 2022

February 10, 2022

Camera Control app allows all MPU5 radio users to remotely view and command/control military EO/IR gimbals via the Rugged Display and Controller (RDC).

NEW YORK, N.Y.—Persistent Systems (“Persistent”), a leading developer of mobile ad hoc networking (MANET) technology, announced today a firmware upgrade to its MPU5 MANET radio that includes a Camera Control Application for third-party electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) gimbaled cameras.

Any MPU5 user—from the Tactical Operations Center staffer to the dismounted warfighter—can not only consume video from manned and unmanned aircraft, but now also take control of the EO/IR camera on the platform and point it at a specific target or area of interest.

“The solution puts sensor control firmly in the hands of the operator on the ground,” said Nick Naioti, Vice President of Business Development at Persistent Systems. “This is very the foundation of the Next Generation ISR vision: to get video and sensor data to all users on the battlefield that need the data in real time.”

To enable the Camera Control Application’s working across disparate systems, the Persistent engineering team collaborated closely with Teledyne FLIR, L3 Wescam, Trillium Engineering and other leading EO/IR gimbaled camera manufacturers, to support their unique camera control protocols.

The result is an increase in capability and a reduction in the cognitive load on the warfighter. “Users carrying the MPU5-linked Rugged Display and Controller can take control of the EO/IR sensor in real-time without needing to relay voice commands to sensor operators or remote unmanned controllers via antiquated and latent mechanisms,” said Naioti.

From the perspective of the user, it’s just a matter of scrolling through auto-populated video feeds on the Rugged Display and Controller screen and using the native joysticks and buttons to control the movement and features of the EO/IR gimbals. This cuts down on information stovepipes and eliminates the need for extra gear.

The new 19.6.8 firmware is now available for download in the Customer Support Portal. Both the Camera Control Application and the Firmware upgrade are available at no cost to MPU5 customers.

www.persistentsystems.com

Posted in Comms, Press Release | Comments Off on Persistent Systems Firmware Update Contributes to Next Generation Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance

Edgar Sherman Designs Glock Gen 5 Magwell

February 11th, 2022

Since the start of ESD Edgar has been working on perfecting the handgun reload. From hours of dryfire to numerous classes and observation of professionals he’s set out to achieve the sub second reload and increase his efficiency as a shooter. Through training and experience Edgar learned a lot about how users reload, the issues they encounter, and how we compensate for them. The primary lesson learned is that it comes down to efficiency and consistency as a shooter. Training both day and night in all weather conditions brought new experiences to the table. Another lesson learned is that while skills are important, the equipment used can either optimize or detract from the experience. Shooters in icy and sandy environments struggled with stripping magazines when magwells were added, and we took note. We listened to shooters working in no light/low light conditions struggling to locate their pistol grip and properly align mags. We watched competition shooters fumble their mags after removing their index finger early to avoid hitting the magwell during reloads.

After years of shooting, observation and dryfire Edgar set out to solve the problems he observed and experienced first-hand. With the expertise of Patrick Law from BP Knives we began development of the first ESD Glock gen 5 magwell. This is the first pistol magwell that’s design understands human ergonomics and motion. A magwell in a class of its own that not only looks like a Ferrari but it performs like one too.

Every curve, every angle, every feature on the ESD magwell is intentional and aligns with our mission to enhance a shooter’s capabilities using human centered design. Featuring symmetrical side cut outs for stripping magazines, the ESD magwell allows for easy removal of flush fitting magazines as well as those that have an extension. Additionally, a third cut out is located on the front of the ESD magwell. This third cut out is especially useful in low light/ no light conditions and serves as a reference point for the shooter which allows them to focus on the task at hand rather than worrying about fumbling a magazine during a reload. The angles on the inside of the magwell allow for a greater margin of error when inserting mags and will “course correct” if they are ever inserted at an off angle.

The ESD Magwell is proudly manufactured with the help of our good friends at Parker Mountain Machine in New Hampshire. We want to support American manufacturing as well as our local community at every opportunity, so for us this partnership was a no brainer. For us, It’s important to not only source a quality product, but also work with a company we trust to maintain strict quality standards at every step of the manufacturing process. The magwell is made of high quality 6061-T6 aluminum and anodized black. The ESD Magwell is currently available for Glock Gen 5 double stack 9mm and .40cal pistols, with support for other handguns coming in the future.

We’re very excited for the launch of the ESD magwell, and hope you are as well. The ESD magwell launches Friday 02/11/2022 and will also be available with our dealers. We can’t wait to see them out there in the wild!

www.edgarshermandesign.com

–The ESD Team

Contributed by Thomas Burton

Thomas@blacksidesolutions.com

Black Side Solutions LLC

Posted in Guest Post, Weapon Accessories | 1 Comment »

FirstSpear Friday Focus – Cold Climate Glove

February 11th, 2022

Stay warm, don’t wait to order these Cold Climate Gloves. This is not your average winter glove. The Cold Climate glove from FS is built with a keratin leather palm patch, Primaloft Gold insulation, and a waterproof breathable insert.

Incredibly warm with excellent dexterity allowing basic trigger control. Additionally, we removed the insulation from the upper half of the trigger finger to increase basic trigger manipulation and make it easier when using a touchscreen. In fact, touchscreen sensitive index fingers and adjustable wrist cuffs come standard on this premium cold climate glove from FirstSpear.

Overall the glove is incredibly light weight compared to how warm it will keep your hands. Impressive dexterity including reduced insulation in the trigger finger to increase basic fire control manipulation. Touch screen capable index fingers and adjustable cuff with a perfect amount of stretch. Available and shipping now in fatigue green and black.

For more information check out: www.first-spear.com/technical-apparel/handwear/cold-climate-glove

Posted in Advertiser, FS Friday Focus, Guest Post, Handwear | 2 Comments »