That’s an interesting collection.
You Never Know Where They’ll Show Up
November 24th, 2022Alpha Group Solution Introduces Nemesis Camouflage Brand
November 23rd, 2022
Alpha Group Solution is excited to introduce a new forward thinking line of camouflage patterns. Branded as Nemesis Camouflage, this new brand is based on lessons learned from 70 years of camouflage development and end-user experience. A little back history…
Owner, Founder and Designer, Clint Hoover is US Army retired. Highlighted service with the Elite 75th Ranger Regiment and Iconic 1st Special Forces Regiment (aka. Green Berets), as an Assaulter & Sniper on an (ODA) Operational Detachment Alpha. He spent a career perfecting all aspects of Special Operations fieldcraft techniques. Followed with time Instructing at the Army’s Asymmetric Warfare Group’s {Combat Applications Training Course} he served as a Primary Subject Matter Expert in advanced combat carbine & pistol marksmanship, Close Quarters Battle and Squad Designated Marksmanship instructor. His final assignment was in lethality acquisitions working capabilities, requirements for US Army Small Arms Branch. Eventually, serving a 25 year active duty career, deployed to over 27 countries in service of National Security Objectives and retiring in 2012.
First, founding Black Skull Tactical Applications in 2013, Hoover has continued to support the US Military mission as a contractor to Train, Advise, Assist the Dept of Defense, Federal, State and Local Law Enforcement personnel and Civilian firearms enthusiasts. Investing a decade working in the developing of multiple camouflages brands, products, research & development, manufacturing, sales, marketing, acquisitions and development of textiles for the camouflage industry. Learning some truth! “Uniforms, gear and camouflage patterns have a progression and a finite life cycle” Almost all current prominent camo brands have been on the market for 20 years or more!
Studying legacy patterns, like the first attempt at disruptive camouflage “Frog Skin” pattern that Marines Raiders first wore in 1942 during the Solomon Islands campaign. Soon after the US Army began development on the 1946 ERDL “Green/Brown dominant” camouflage, the precursor to M81 Woodland pattern. Vietnam period found Special Operations closely identified with wearing the well-known “Tiger stripe” pattern. With the Cold War looming in Europe, the Army continued developing the M81 Woodland pattern and with perpetual middle east turmoil, seeing the development of (DCU) Desert Combat Uniform being adopted and replacing the much older (DBDU) Desert Battle Dress Uniform or “Chocolate chips”. Fast forward to the 2004 (UCP) Universal Camo Pattern disaster, quickly replaced in 2014 with the current Scorpion or (OCP) Operational Camo Pattern.
Clint states: “This is for sure, Warriors from days of old; did not need sexy camouflage to make up for a lack of tactics & concealment fieldcraft. Could you imagine wearing wool tunics, trousers and leather gear?!” Like my grandfather (WWII) and father (Vietnam) before me, they could wear a flannel, jeans and an orange vest and still always bag the game! With current trends in the camouflage market… there is a heavy renewed interest in historical patterns on modern gear and equipment. Some manufactures do not carry some people’s favorite products in their favorite pattern leaving some enthusiast frustrated. Some companies on the other hand offer everything in their camo, making you look like every else!…
I’m the road less traveled guy…. That’s why…Nemesis Camouflage.”
Clint leverages his lengthy end-user experience; coupled to development “lessons learned “on fabric wet printing, sublimation printing, narrow width items, and hydrographic. This along with closely listening and understanding top product manufacturers textile procurement and production concerns. We wanted Nemesis Camo to uncomplicates the overly complicated Macro/Micro pattern theory. During this pattern’s development, implementation of end-user’s interests, popular legacy patterns, modern printing capabilities and limitations, product manufacturing, advanced color combinations, mil-spec requirements and most importantly shelf appeal.
Nemesis Camo is more of a “Macro” pattern. This improves the printer’s ability to maintain or stay on “standard”. The pattern slightly eliminates hard lines with an interlaced feathering of edges, giving these patterns an out of focus illusion. Absolute elimination of directional lines will greatly reduce manufacturing lasers cuter lay out set up time and less waste of fabrics. All patterns are based on a 6 color pattern with predominant percentages in environmental pantones. All pantones have been carefully selected with prior (NATICK) U.S. Army Natick Soldier Systems Center (NIR) Near-infrared reflective testing. Nemesis is easily scaled in size and custom colorized for soft and hard goods such as uniforms, nylon gear, rifles and vehicle wraps. The concept of this new brand (Nemesis) is to utilize a historical pattern look, simplified design, improved textile manufacturing and procurement budget.
The Nemesis Camouflage line-up will initially be available in four variations. For a more “Green” operational environment, the simply named “Nemesis Woodlands” mirrored with an arid environment colorway “Nemesis Desert” camouflage. Also, currently available for licensing “Nemesis Night” and “Nemesis Snow” variants which need little explanation.
While the primary function of a field uniform, it to disguise or to conceal the warfighter, it cannot be overlooked that it also inspires Esprit de Corps and a soldier identity. Instills soldier’s self-confidence, and it can even instill fear in one’s enemy. In a very short period, the Japanese soldiers knew the fierce Warriors in “Frog Skin”, or the MACV SOG Recon Teams in “Tiger stripe” as well as the early GWOT SOF in modified BDU/DCU uniforms. Sweaty, Bloody, Muddy… KEEP IT SIMPLE STUPID!
By blending the past with the future, Nemesis Camouflage will give the future warfighter their individual legacy and advantage to take the fight forward!
For additional information, contact www.alphagroupsolution.com or info@nemesiscamouflage.com
QinetiQ US Completes Acquisition of Avantus Federal
November 23rd, 2022
Lorton, VA and McLean, VA, Nov. 23, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Lorton, VA and McLean, VA – QinetiQ US, a wholly owned subsidiary of QinetiQ Group plc, an integrated global defense and security company, announced today that it completed its acquisition of Avantus Federal (Avantus) from NewSpring Holdings for an enterprise value of $590 million.
The combination of QinetiQ US and Avantus creates a unique platform to offer comprehensive mission-led innovation for the most sensitive and complex challenges intelligence, defense, homeland, civilian, and other government customers face today. This transaction was previously announced August 5, and the transition is expected to be seamless for customers, partners, and employees.
This integration will combine QinetiQ’s leadership in robotics and autonomous systems, sensing, protection systems, and next-generation technology services with Avantus’ advantages in strategic planning, operations, and stakeholder collaboration in a host of government operations, including cyber, data, government facility, and outer space solutions. The combination will deliver mission-led innovation in hardware, software, and mission services to the growing needs of defense, intelligence, homeland security, and law enforcement organizations, along with civilian agencies in the United States and close-U.S. allied nations including the United Kingdom and Australia.
“I am delighted that we have completed the acquisition of Avantus today – it is a strategic milestone in our five-year ambition to build an integrated global defence and security company, delivering innovation for our customers’ mission,” said Steve Wadey, Group Chief Executive Officer for QinetiQ Group plc. “This acquisition extends our customer base, strengthens our capabilities and builds scale in the largest defence and security market in the world. With a strong track record of 10%+ growth at attractive margins, Avantus is a brilliant strategic and cultural fit and positions us to meet the increasing mission-critical needs of our US defence and intelligence customers with agility and pace.”
Andy Maner, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Avantus, said the combination with QinetiQ US “is key to providing more opportunities and growth for our people and customers. We started this journey with our great partner, NewSpring Holdings, and now we’re taking a critical step forward that allows our collective team to leverage additional scale and investments across our world class talent, technology, and processes at a pivotal time in our market and geopolitical landscape.”
“We are thrilled to welcome our Avantus colleagues to QinetiQ US,” said Shawn Purvis, President and Chief Executive Officer of QinetiQ US. “Avantus’ elite talent, differentiated technology solutions, and dedication to mission complement our innovative culture. I am honored to lead a combined team that shares a focus on performance and a proven ability to be agile in impactful delivery at the speed of our customers’ missions.” QinetiQ is a leading science and engineering company dedicated to protecting lives and securing the vital interests of defense and security customers with distinctive offerings in experimentation and technology; cyber and information advantage; engineering services and support; robotics and autonomous systems; training and mission rehearsal; and, test and evaluation. This is complimented by the Avantus capabilities to leverage a strong consulting force to deliver technology, cyber, data, digital engineering and integration, intelligence analysis, and operations strategy and tactics to its clients, ensuring maximum efficiency and impact.
QinetiQ US performs on classified contracts through a Special Security Agreement with the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency.
Citizens and Gleacher Shacklock served as joint lead financial advisers and Baker McKenzie served as counsel to QinetiQ. Guggenheim Securities, LLC served as exclusive financial adviser to Avantus and NewSpring Holdings, and Baker Tilly provided financial due diligence expertise. Blank Rome LLP and Kirkland & Ellis LLP served as counsel to Avantus.
TacJobs – Video Editor (Motion Graphics) at Qore Performance
November 23rd, 2022
Do you love movies and cinematography? Do you love to edit video? Are you talented with Motion Graphics? Are you looking for a full time, in-house Video Editing job with significant career advancement opportunities that is salaried, eligible for Profit Sharing Bonuses, and comes with excellent benefits, top of the line equipment, and a brand-new studio you will get to help design from the ground up? Do you love working on and being part of a creative team? If so, we want to hear from you!
Video Editor is a mission-critical position that is part of the Marketing and Design elements at Qore Performance. The Video Editor reports to the Director of Marketing and also works closely with the CEO, Videographer, and the Design Team to bring our many storylines to life in ways that inspire our wide variety of audiences.
We are looking for a hard-working, talented, ambitious, and highly motivated Video Editor to join us as we grow our in-house digital media and content creation teams. Successful candidates have a nearly unlimited ceiling for personal growth and professional advancement. This position could be tracked to promote to Digital Media Manager and top candidates could be tracked to Director of Marketing eventually.
This role is more important than ever as we are a vertically integrated company. We invent, design, engineer, manufacture, brand, market, sell, distribute, and fulfill every product we make, all in-house from US materials right here at our headquarters. We’re looking for someone committed to seeing their work realized everyday in pursuit of supporting our customers across all branches of the US Military, Constitutional Law Enforcement, SPORT (Snow Physical fitness Outdoor Recreation Travel) and America’s finest enterprises to improve and save lives. If this sounds too good to be true to you, then we want to hear from you.
Primary Video Editor Responsibilities
? Edits videos to communicate ideas concisely
? Designs and animates motion graphics
? Color grades and corrects footage
? Sources 3rd party assets when needed (SFX, music, etc.)
? Assists with video production when needed
? Helps plan and organize shoot days (location, extras, props, etc.)
? Maintains content and brand standards
? Helps maintain Media Studio to clean, professional “on-brand” standards
Requirements
? 5+ years with Expert Level skills in any of the following: After Effects, Premiere Pro, Final Cut, DaVinci Resolve
? 5+ years experience with post-production
? 5+ years of advanced editing, motion design, and color correcting
Bonus skills
? Sound mixing
? Illustration
? Videography with the ability to run Sony or Canon cameras as Primary or Secondary Shooter when needed
? Operational/Professional field experience (not desk jobs): Military, Law Enforcement, First Responder, Emergency Medicine, utilities, pharmaceuticals, logistics, QSR (Quick Serve Restaurants), Manufacturing, General Aviation, Ski/Snow, Mountain Biking, Hiking/Backpacking
How we will measure success: YouTube Subscriber Growth, YouTube Engagement Rate, YouTube Referral Traffic Growth, Website Conversion Rate
Do you see things on this list that suck? Think you have a better way? We DEFINITELY want to hear from you.
Big advantage if you have a background in any of the following:
Military, Law Enforcement, Firefighter (Urban or wild land), First Responder/EMT, SAR/CSAR, Backpacking/Hiking, Mountaineering/Climbing, Outdoors, Travel, Food Service, Consumer Electronics, Crossfit, Running/Marathons, Combative/D-TAC
Click here to learn more about our recruiting process and working at Qore Performance® including culture, benefits, etc.
Compensation
? Base Salary (top 10% of field)
? Eligible for Profit Sharing Bonus
? Automatic raises based on performance milestones
? 100% health care coverage (base)
? Concierge Medicine (optional)
? Personally-issued fuel cards (for personal use, IRS-compliant)
? Unlimited PTO
Requirements
? All candidates must have the legal ability to work in the USA without sponsorship
? Ability to clearly communicate in a fast-paced work environment
? Ability to pass a background check
? Ability to perform physical tasks required of the job
Work location: Qore Performance® Headquarters (New HQ2 coming March 2023)
Please submit a condensed resume (click here for guidance) and an expression of interest for review. All candidates must have the legal ability to work in the United States without sponsorship.
USSOCOM to Host Innovation Foundry Event in Oslo, Norway
November 23rd, 2022SOFWERX, in collaboration with USSOCOM’s Directorate of Science and Technology (S&T) Futures, Norwegian Special Operations Command (NORSOCOM), and the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (FFI), will host the twelfth Innovation Foundry (IF12) Event in Oslo, Norway, 30 January – 02 February 2023.
This is the first international IF, which seeks to bring together U.S. and International Special Operations Forces (SOF), Industry, Academia, Government, and futurists in an exploration, design thinking, facilitated event to assist USSOCOM in decomposing future scenarios and missions.
The Arctic environment presents significant challenges for military operations – harsh temperatures, a predominantly sea and ice environment, poor terrestrial data and communications infrastructure due to a lack of large population centers, and complex ongoing climate, environmental, political, economic, and cultural developments. The theme of IF12 is “Joint and Partner Communications in a Contested and Austere Environment”. The goal of the event is to explore the challenges of communications in a future challenged operating environment in the Arctic. Participants will develop concepts and approaches for the framework, technologies, infrastructure, and capabilities required to enable effective communications between SOF, joint forces, and partners, and to conduct operations in the future environment. Challenges include limited beyond-line-of-sight coverage, ionospheric and atmospheric disturbances to radio communications, Anti-Access/Area Denial (A2/AD) environments, sensor communication challenges, extreme temperatures, high latitudes, the impact of climate change, economic and environmental considerations, diverse stakeholders and interests, and potentially challenged territories.
How do we effectively communicate and operate in a future Arctic environment where civilian, military, and economic activity will be greatly increased, where environmental, communications, navigational, and cultural challenges are significant, and where policy and international relations issues will continue to be sensitive? How do we access, communicate, and operate in a challenged or A2/AD environment facing near-peer adversaries? In such an environment, what technologies, approaches, and solutions will allow SOF to effectively fulfill their mission? How might these technologies be deployed in a future challenged / constrained environment in the Arctic?
As General Terrence O’Shaughnessy, former Commander, USNORTHCOM, said in January 2019, “Our adversaries are rapidly acquiring the capability and capacity to hold our citizens, our way of life and our national interests at risk. Along with our partners and allies, we must adapt to the evolving strategic landscape and associated challenges to ensure we are ready to operate in and through the Arctic in all scenarios, across all domains, and against any adversary. Our homelands are not a sanctuary, and the Arctic is the front line in our defense.”
Participants at the Oslo, Norway, IF12 event will develop concepts for future SOF missions, addressing communications, networking, and navigation, as well as related questions including equipment operations, logistics, ad hoc approaches, and multinational operations in a rapidly changing Arctic environment.
The command is interested in Radio Frequency (RF) technologies, satellite communications technologies, wide area and mesh networking, autonomous systems, robotics, artificial intelligence, machine learning, material science, structures design, hydrophobic and signature reducing coatings, remote sensors, chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear defense, medical treatment and evacuation, device interoperability, technology standards, geophysical positioning and navigation, partnered operations, and SOF Operations.
Submit NLT 07 December 2022 11:59 PM ET to participate.
Poster #9 – Co-Axial Optical Detection for Crew-Served Weapons
November 23rd, 2022This is the ninth(!) installment of a multi-week effort to share examples of posters which were presented during September’s Future Force Capabilities Conference presented by the National Defense Industrial Association in Austin, Texas.
I’ll let it speak for itself and contact info is on the poster.
Rogue Ridge RG750 Is Built for Off-Grid Adventure
November 23rd, 2022Minden, LA – The culmination of years of research and development, Rogue Ridge’s RG750 fat tire e-bike is engineered to take outdoorsmen farther and faster.
Equipped with a 750-watt motor and 13 amp hour battery, the RG750 can last through long rides and power you up steep hills. It can reach up to 20 mph with a range of up to 35 miles and a charge time of just 2.5 hours.
The e-bike’s fat tires easily tackle any terrain from sand and rocks to snow and mud, making it a great fit for backcountry hunting or adventuring in all conditions.
The tech-welded frame constructed of 6061 aluminum weighs 65 pounds and is load-rated for up to 300 pounds. The RG750 features a display for quickly checking current speed, average speed, trip distance, and remaining battery power.
The e-bike comes off-road ready with a rear pannier rack, 48v 2a charger, mud fenders, tire liners, and a 1-year warranty. Available in Mossy Oak Bottomland and three solid colorways, the RG750 is a great value at $3,999.99-$4,199.99.
To learn more about the RG750 and browse the full lineup of e-bikes, visit rogueridge.com.
AFSOC Spark Tank Finalists to Compete at Air Force-Level
November 23rd, 2022HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. —
Since the inception of Air Force Special Operations Command, Air Commandos have been pathfinders, breaking new ground and laying the foundation for others to find innovative ways to solve problems, some not yet considered.
Spark Tank, an annual, Air Force-wide program that solicits solutions to operational problems, allows Air Commandos to use their innovative and pathfinding spirit to get after Air Force and AFSOC-wide problems. The program is focused on empowering Airmen at all levels by providing a platform to pitch innovative solutions.
Of AFSOC’s 31 submissions, six semi-finalists were selected to compete at the major command level.
The six finalists presented their ideas to a panel of AFSOC senior leaders who selected two to compete at the Air Force level.
“The innovative spirit of our Air Commandos is part of what makes AFSOC so unique, so it’s no surprise to see such a large turnout of great ideas,” said Mr. Donald Plater, AFSOC executive director. “This competition is about recognizing our Airmen and making the Air Force better, so let’s give them our full attention.”
The Advanced Maintenance and Troubleshooting Suite (A-MATS), submitted by Master Sgt. Aaron Cordroch, wing avionics manager for the 1st Special Operations Maintenance Group, and Project OREGON TRAIL created by Staff Sgt. Michael Sturtevant, air transportation and aerial delivery supervisor for the 353rd Special Operations Support Squadron, were the two finalists.
Cordroch’s A-MATS proposes the development of an information database which will provide access to aircraft data using cyber security monitoring tools. These tools currently provide access to previously unavailable data. This data can be used to significantly reduce maintenance costs associated with replacing parts that are still serviceable and predicting future potential maintenance issues.
“A-MATS will offer more accurate fail data to maintenance technicians, saving thousands of hours in aircraft downtime currently being used to troubleshoot maintenance problems,” said Cordroch. “It will offer more detailed and accurate aircraft historical data, while also providing current system health statuses to allow for enhanced maintenance scheduling and forecasting.”
Sturtevant’s Project OREGON TRAIL aims to create a quick and space-reducing solution for moving pallets and equipment in austere environments in lieu of a forklift.
“Fork-lifts can take 95-man hours to disassemble and reassemble and can also take up five pallet positions plus a pallet needed for fuel,” said Sturtevant.
“The goal is to deliver more mission critical equipment for those down-range who are getting the mission done and to also ensure their safety. If a forklift is down and a mission must go, our people must carry that heavy equipment themselves, and this eliminates that problem.”
“Without our Airmen, we are nothing and this is a stark reminder of how important it is to invest in our human capital,” said Plater. “I appreciate all who submitted their ideas and am truly impressed with the bright and innovative Airmen we have in this command.”
From here, the two finalists will go on to compete at the Air Force level, where a board of innovation and functional experts from Deputy Under Secretary of the Air Force, Management, and AFWERX, a Technology Directorate of the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), will select the best submissions and compile a slate of Semi-Finalists for presentation to the Semi-Finals board.
If selected, the Semi-Finals board, co-chaired by the Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force, and consisting of Vice Chief of Space and Department of the Air Force Executive subject-matter experts, will select up to six to be pitched at the Spark Tank Finals, which are planned to be held in conjunction with the Air and Space Forces Association’s Warfare Symposium in Aurora, Colo., in March.
By Capt Alicia Premo, Air Force Special Operations Command
