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AFSOC Hosts Security Force Assistance Air Advisor Summit

June 6th, 2023

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. —  

Hurlburt Field, Fla. –Key members from across the Security Force Assistance and Air Advisor enterprise gathered here for a summit, 23-25 May.

The purpose of the summit was to gather expertise to plan and propose a way forward for cross-functional, Air Force-wide Security Force Assistance capabilities that can support higher-level guidance and Combatant Commander objectives and campaign plans.

The conference kicked off with opening remarks from Maj. Gen. Albert G. Miller, Headquarters U.S. Air Force Director of Training and Readiness, and included Col. Jocelyn Schermerhorn, AFSOC Director of Operations, Dr. Sean McFate, a foreign policy expert with a focus on National Security Strategy, and Ms. Beth Grill, RAND Corporation national security policy analyst.

During her remarks, Schermerhorn emphasized the importance of foundationally getting the structure of Air Advisors across the formation right.

“The strategic environment we’re in today is much different than the place we’ve operated for the last 20 years,” said Schermerhorn. “We have an opportunity to make sure that we get this right as we develop a sustainable capability from the ground up. We’re looking to your expertise to ensure that we get there.”

The National Security Strategy and National Defense Strategy details the need to develop diplomacy with our partners and allies – an area that SOF forces are uniquely suited to support.

“If we get this right, we’ll have a more deliberate, requirement-focused enterprise that spans across our formation with a significant return on investment,” said Schermerhorn.

Speakers, panelists, and audience members hailed from a variety of areas, such as International Affairs at Headquarters U.S. Air Force, the U.S. Army Security Force Assistance Command, Air Force Materiel Command, 621st Air Mobility Advisory Group, 571st Mobility Support Advisory Squadron, 435th Contingency Response Support Squadron, 36th Tactical Advisory Squadron, and several others.

The summit concluded with an out brief that detailed findings and made recommendations on a way forward for senior leaders to consider as they’re making decisions.

“Based on the work that I saw this week and the feedback we got from our senior leaders during our out brief – I’m confident that we were able to work together to propose a way forward that accomplishes the mission,” said Col Magill, Headquarters Air Force, Mobility Air Forces Division, air advising cross-functional manager. “Ultimately, we’re bringing back some great proposals that should integrate partners by design, enabling day-zero interoperability and combined effects.”

By Ciara Travis

OpEx 23 – Triggertech

June 5th, 2023

Ontario-based Triggertech started out manufacturing trigger packs for crossbows but has since expanded into ARs and bolt guns.

OpEx 23 – Lorica Equipment

June 5th, 2023

Based in Chilliwack, British Columbia, Lorica Equipment specializes in nylon gear.

This is their latest project, a full body armor vest with laser cut MOLLE.

Other examples of their work are this shotgun scabbard and breacher panel.

OpEx 23 – Gray Fox Strategic

June 5th, 2023

Gray Fox Strategic is integrating Tegris into their designs. For example, the Turner seen below, which is named after Randy Turner and integrates a Tegris bottom. You can see how much lower the magazine rides, offering more room for the tires to maneuver.

Below is the Tegris leg strap adapter, a low-profile solution which fits between the holster and belt mount.

They are also looking for US retailers. Give them a shout.

OpEx 23 – HLC Industries

June 5th, 2023

I was both surprised and pleased to see HLC Industries exhibiting at Operator Expo.

They were there to engage the Canadian textile industry and show their Made in USA fabrics.

OpEx 23 – Morningstar Strategic Services

June 5th, 2023

In addition to security advisory services for government and the financial sector, Morningstar Strategic Services offers a variety of high end equipment solutions in Canada including Torraka cold weather clothing from Sweden as well as Stone Glacier.

They also specialize in precision target engagement and are the Canadian agents for Nightforce as well as being affiliated with Accuracy 1st Canada which offers Accuracy 1st courses on a 360 deg range in Western Canada.

Sneak Peek – Global War on Terror (GWOT) Rifle Package from Daniel Defense

June 5th, 2023

Tomorrow, 6 June 2023, Daniel Defense is releasing an exclusive Global War on Terror (GWOT) rifle package which is based on an upgraded M4A1 RIII and includes a Blue Force Gear Vickers Sling, Magpul MBUS Pro flip-up sights, a Mil-Spec Flat Dark Earth (FDE) Cerakote finish on the rifle’s RIII rail instead of anodizing, custom Global War on Terror engraving on the lower, and a matching commemorative challenge coin. This isn’t the rifle you carried, it’s better.

I spent and afternoon on the range with the GWOT rifle and it’s everything you’d expect from Daniel Defense and more. DD guns are rock solid, reliable builds that incorporate lessons learned from their military and LE contracts. In fact, it’s that experience that makes this rifle so special. The US military and our Allies have used multiple Daniel Defense weapons and parts during the GWOT.

Since their founding around the sunset of the Assault Weapons Ban, Daniel Defense has been based near Pooler, Georgia, but they didn’t open their own dedicated factory until 2009. For a time they also manufactured in Ridgeland, South Carolina, but in 2017, they consolidated all of their operations in the state of-the-art, 300,000 Sq ft facility you see here. They manufacture everything themselves except for a few small parts like springs and fasteners in-house and have begun to integrate additive manufacturing for their suppressor line.

Daniel Defense wanted to honor those who served to protect our nation with a special price on these rifles. In a statement, Daniel Defense Founder/Executive Chairman Marty Daniel said, “This is our way of honoring and thanking the brave men and women who serve—and have served—this great country of ours.”

Daniel Defense tells me it will only be available for purchase by active-duty and retired military and law enforcement professionals, U.S. veterans, and those who diligently and selflessly served our nation in times of need.

They also want me to let you know that to see pricing and order the GWOT rifle package, you must first create an account and provide your military or law enforcement credentials or proof of service to ddmile@danieldefense.com. The rifle goes on sale 6 June 2023, and the sale runs through Independence Day, July 4.

www.danieldefense.com/gwot

Explore the FROG.PRO Tactical Evolution in the New Phantomleaf WASP II Z3A and Z2 Camo

June 5th, 2023

(GATTATICO (RE) – ITALY) – FROG.PRO®, the Italian reference brand for tactical tailoring, is proud to announce the release of its new Capsule Collection #2 – Phantomleaf Vibes.

Always keeping pace with the latest innovations

For years we at FROG.PRO have been committed to offering awesome tailored gear to our customers, but we don’t just stop at the design and production of combat equipment. Our mission is to integrate the most advanced technologies to provide operators with comprehensive and cutting-edge solutions to support them in modern warfare scenarios.

For this reason, we decided to launch the new line Capsule Collection #2 – Phantomleaf Vibes. The Phantomleaf WASP II Z2 and Z3A patterns are the result of experience and continuous field-test to provide optimal camouflage performance in various operating environments.

The advantages of new color schemes

The Phantomleaf camo pattern technology combines natural and geometric elements in an innovative way, creating an unprecedented camouflage effect. These specific camouflage solutions, blending with the surrounding environment, will make you practically invisible, allowing you to operate with confidence and discretion. Phantomleaf represents a true revolution in the field of camouflage and concealment, starting from a completely different approach.

The new Capsule Collection #2 – Phantomleaf Vibes, was created to integrate this technology into FROG.PRO’s most advanced products such as the HAWK Plate Carrier, the Chiron Mini IFAK and the Precision Rifle Scope Cover.

WASP II: breaking the perception

Phantomleaf develops modular camouflage systems using both the concept of mimikry (making something look like something else) and the concept of crypsis (hiding in one’s surroundings) to ensure optimal camouflage. The objective of WASP II is not to imitate or mimic the surroundings, but rather to introduce a pattern that leverages psychiatric and neuro-psychological knowledge to perplex the brain, disrupting its ability to classify visual information as familiar or menacing. All patterns provide micro, midi, and macro elements, addressing relevant engagement distances. The effectiveness of the pattern is demonstrated through night vision footage, showcasing its ability to provide camouflage even in low-light conditions and with infrared illuminators. The various WASP II patterns blend into designated environments, hindering human perception and making the user virtually undetectable.

As a starting point, we picked two patterns that would fit the biomes where most military operations currently take place.

Z2: from bush lands to desert

This coloration variant is designed to effectively camouflage in arid and desert-like regions, seamlessly blending into dry and burnt-out landscapes. With a combination of browns and yellows, this camouflage design perfectly mimics the hues and tones found in arid regions, ensuring that you remain hidden from sight even under the intense sun. Whether you’re lying low amidst the rubble or maneuvering through a desert canyon, WASP II Z2 offers reliable concealment at various distances.

Z3A: from forests to jungles

The WASP II Z3A pattern, a green variant of the Phantomleaf camouflage. Showcases remarkable camouflage capabilities in areas with high vegetation, ranging from deciduous and coniferous forests to lush tropical jungles. Thanks to the strategic combination of its seven-color palette, the adaptability of the Z3A pattern extends to boundary zones, where it transitions smoothly to bush, agricultural, or grasslands. The incorporation of micro, midi, and macro elements offers camouflage capabilities whether in close proximity or at longer ranges, ensuring a reliable performance at varying distances.

FROG.PRO, tactical innovation at your service.

Through the new Capsule Collection #2 – Phantomleaf Vibes, we express our commitment to evolution in the tactical field.

With the Phantomleaf WASP II Z3A and Z2 patterns, whether you’re operating in dense forests, lush jungles, or arid deserts, this new collection ensure you remain concealed, maintaining a tactical advantage. Rely on FROG.PRO for tactical awesomeness and stay one step ahead on the battlefield.

The Capsule Collection #2 – Phantomleaf Vibes is now available on www.frogpro.eu.