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Team Federal’s Alysia Burrows Shines at the 2022 PCSL 2-Gun Championship

December 4th, 2022

ANOKA, Minnesota – November 29, 2022 – Federal Ammunition congratulates Team Federal sponsored shooter and brand ambassador Alysia Burrows, who recently too took home 1st Lady Practical Division at the 2022 PCSL 2-Gun Championship.

“This was Alysia’s first major match returning to the action shooting sports after a 6-month break taken to recover from rotator cuff surgery immediately after winning 1st Lady in 2-Gun Division at the Superstition Mountain Mystery match this past March,” said Federal’s Marketing Director Brian Anderson. “It doesn’t appear as if she has missed a beat, getting back on the clock and ready to tackle anything the stage throws at her. With this win, she secured the top Lady position in Practical Division for her second year in a row. We congratulate her and everyone on Team Federal for their excellent performances this fall.”

Burrows relies on Federal Syntech Action Pistol 150-grain 9mm in her handgun; American Eagle 55-grain .223 Rem and Federal Premium Gold Medal 69-grain Sierra MatchKing .223 Rem in her rifles.

“I was excited to get back and shoot at this event. This match is known for attracting some of the best around, and it’s always a privilege to shoot alongside them,” said Burrows. “What really gave me my edge at this match was Syntech. This handgun load has low recoil, but also has strong power to knock down all the large heavy steel. And in a match like this, the long range can make or break your game, the 69-grain .223 Rem. Gold Medal rounds worked fantastically well. It’s nice to have ammo that you can depend on to get the job done.”

Federal ammunition can be found at dealers nationwide or purchased online direct from Federal. For more information on all products from Federal or to shop online, visit www.federalpremium.com.

You Never Know Where They’ll Show Up

December 4th, 2022

Greetings from the Moltke-Room in the German Ministry of Defence residence Bonn-Hardtberg (the famous „Hardthöhe“)

“Apollo’s Warriors”

December 3rd, 2022

“Apollo’s Warriors: United States Air Force Special Operations during the Cold War” was written by Col Michael E Haas, (USAF, Ret), and tells the story of the rise of Air Force Special Operations post World War Two and up until the late 70s. There are some fascinatikng periods in the command’s history like the creation of the Air Resupply and Communications Service.

It’s available as a free download and definitely worth a read.

MIT Develops Self-Replicating Hierarchical Modular Robotic Swarms

December 3rd, 2022

According to an article in Nature, Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Center for Bits and Atoms (CBA) has developed self-replicating hierarchical modular robotic swarms. That sounds kind of ominous as so many of us are concerned with the use of robotic swarms to overwhelm defenses.

But there’s a word you need to add to your vocabulary and that’s “Voxel”. Some are familiar with the mathematical definition:

Voxel is an image of a three-dimensional space region limited by given sizes, which has its own nodal point coordinates in an accepted coordinate system, its own form, its own state parameter that indicates its belonging to some modeled object, and has properties of modeled region.

There’s another use of the term and that’s in regard to robotics. Voxels are also small robots, generally uniform in size and structure which can be used as components to build a larger robot: kind of like Lego or other construction sets you used as a kid. However, these voxels do so much more. They not only offer mechanical function but can now transit power and data to one another.

You can easily see how these robots can be used for assembly and that these structures will make us question what a robot is as its functionality becomes inherent in many new things which go beyond what we currently consider a robot.

The robots themselves consist of a string of several voxels joined end-to-end. These can grab another voxel using attachment points on one end, then move inchworm-like to the desired position, where the voxel can be attached to the growing structure and released there.

Assembler robots building bigger versions of themselves are just the beginning. Eventually, we will see systems which can reconfigure themselves, shapeshifters if you will, as their purpose changes.

What’s more, they could be capable of repairing themselves by replacing voxels as they are worn out or damaged. Let that sink in. The implications are enormous and may quite possibly change the order of things.

Milrem Robotics to Deliver 14 THeMIS UGVs to Ukraine in Cooperation with KMW

December 3rd, 2022

The leading European robotics and autonomous systems developer, Milrem Robotics, and the German defence company Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) have signed a contract to deliver 14 THeMIS unmanned ground vehicles (UGV) to Ukraine.

Of the 14 vehicles, seven will be configured for casualty evacuation (CASEVAC) and are scheduled to be delivered by the end of this year. The other seven, to be delivered in the second quarter of 2023, will be configured for route clearance with payloads from the French defence manufacturer CNIM Systèmes Industriels.

The effort is being funded by the German Ministry of Defence.

“Casualty evacuation and route clearance are two labour-intensive activities that require the engagement of several people who remain in constant threat of enemy fire. Automating these tasks with unmanned vehicles alleviates that danger and allows more soldiers to stay in a safe area or be tasked for more important activities,” explained Captain (res) Jüri Pajuste, Defence R&D Director at Milrem Robotics.

Milrem Robotics delivered one CASEVAC THeMIS to a Ukrainian charitable organization earlier this year that has proven to be a valuable asset.

“The deployment of the THEMIS UGV to Ukraine means that the Ukrainian forces can increase the safety of their soldiers and let the UGVs handle tasks that are an immediate threat to humans. That is the ultimate purpose of robotic systems. Milrem Robotics is proud to be able to contribute to Ukraine’s fight against the aggressor,” said Kuldar Väärsi, CEO of Milrem Robotics.

“This important project gives evidence of our common ability to provide advanced technology to Ukraine. We are determined to support Ukraine with protective and lifesaving equipment. The fast delivery of 14 THeMIS UGVs proves that KMW and Milrem are partners you can rely on,” said Ralf Ketzel, CEO of KMW.

THeMIS is a multi-mission unmanned ground vehicle with an open architecture that enables it to be rapidly configured from having a transport function to being weaponized, performing ordnance disposal or supporting intelligence operations according to the nature of the mission.

The THeMIS UGV is already part of different programs in 16 countries, including eight NATO members: Estonia, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, the UK, and the US.

Security Force Assistance Primer

December 3rd, 2022

Since 2018, the Army has fielded six purpose-built security force assistance brigades (SFABs) to advise or train with vetted foreign security forces so Army brigade combat teams could focus their training and readiness to participate in large-scale combat operations.

Most of the security force assistance (SFA) planners and practitioners interviewed for this SFA primer publication agree that the authorities to conduct SFA are inconsistent with current SFA activities conducted in several countries around the world.

A general lack of understanding on how these activities are funded has led to inefficient SFAB use. This primer explores current SFA literature to determine if the doctrine is accurate, understandable, and consistent with other doctrine or if further doctrine revisions are required.

The intent of this primer is to review how the Army provides trained and ready SFA capabilities for combatant commands’ (CCMDs’) security cooperation (SC) programs and related activities coordinated through their theater armies.

The principal audience for this primer is theater army SC planners, division and brigade leaders and staffs, and Soldiers assigned or attached as advisors to brigades that execute SFA missions or echelons above brigade accomplishing the same missions.

Read Full Document:

23-02 (703)_Security Force Assistance Primer (Nov 22) (Public).pdf [PDF – 2.3 MB]

Visit Our Website:

www.army.mil/CALL

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By Center for Army Lessons Learned

DroneShield and XRG Partner for Extended Reality Training

December 2nd, 2022

DroneShield is pleased to advise it has teamed with xReality Group Ltd (ASX:XRG) (XRG) to provide eXtended Reality (XR) based counterdrone/C-UAS training solutions.
 
XR includes Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR) and Mixed Reality (MR). It combines physical and digital simulation across the enterprise, defence and consumer markets.

The XR category for military and law enforcement is growing rapidly with the market predicted to grow US$16bn in 2027

XRG’s subsidiary “Operator Tactical Solutions” develops immersive planning, rehearsal and training solutions for the military and law enforcement markets, across local and international markets. XRG is led by Wayne Jones, who prior to establishing XRG was a highly decorated Patrol Commander with the Special Air Service Regiment. Additional information about XRG can be found at xrgroup.com.au.

As part of the launch, XRG will be promoting the training solution at the I/ITSEC 2022 Exhibition in Orlando Florida, taking place November 28th – December 2nd. Additional information about the event can be found at www.iitsec.org.

A video showing some of the highlights of the XR-based counter-UAS solutions can be seen here: 

DroneShield CEO, Oleg Vornik, commented: “As the counterdrone industry continues to rapidly grow and develop, evidenced by significant use of small drones by both side in the Ukraine war, there is an emergent need for counterdrone tactics and training packages for the system operators. As the global leader in the C-UAS sector, DroneShield is well placed to provide the training.

“We are excited to partner with XRG, who have deep experience in defence and law enforcement eXtended Reality training, and work in partnership with our customers to tailor design packages to meet their operational requirements.”

XRG CEO, Wayne Jones, added: “Today’s battlefield is evolving quickly making it difficult for front line defenders to be prepared for all situations. Operator’s solutions are enabling defence and law enforcement to rapidly train for these new situations in realistic, virtual environments. We are pleased to be able to add cutting-edge XR-based Counter Drone training programs to Operator’s product offering, in partnership with the C-UAS market leader, DroneShield.”

Normine Lombard Accepting Appointments for SHOT Show 2023

December 2nd, 2022

Recruitment firm brings innovative solutions to a challenging hiring landscape

Portland, OR – Normine Lombard, the product-centric recruitment firm with over a decade of experience in consumer goods, is now booking appointments at Booth 40809 for SHOT Show. The firm holds a strong success rate in transitioning the right talent to the right role due to their customized hiring methods and in-depth knowledge of the outdoor and tactical space.

“Simply put: the hiring landscape has changed, people are looking for a connection to their teammates, environment, and the products they are working with.” Managing Partner Amanda Normine said. “Modern day hiring requires a customized and targeted approach to building a team, and each hiring journey is going to be unique.”

Whether you’re looking for a candidate with very specific qualifications to take your team to the next level or you’re simply losing money due to an open position you are struggling to fill, Normine Lombard understands the competition, the tangible skills, and the intangible passions necessary to succeed in the outdoor industry. The firm’s thoroughly researched hiring process adapts to their clients and partner’s needs, affably moving with them every step of the way, while managing expectations on both sides to ensure a smooth transition of talent.

“We have explicitly honed our approach to serving product centric clients, and we are the best wingmen in the market.” Normine said. “We’re picky about our clients, because we go to bat for them in a heavy-hitting way.”

To secure an appointment during the 2023 SHOT Show, or to learn more about Normine Lombard’s offering in this space, contact Amanda Normine at amanda@normine-lombard.com.

For more information, visit: normine-lombard.com