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Mehler Vario System Group Opens Second Plant at FULDA Production Site

November 29th, 2022

FULDA, GERMANY (November 28, 2022)—Mehler Vario System, European market leader in ballistic protection and carrying systems with five subsidiaries worldwide, today announced the opening of a 26,000-square-meter production facility, now the second such plant at its Fulda site.

The company said its new plant—which represents a significant expansion of the company’s production capacity—was opened in response to increased global demand for ballistic protection equipment.

Construction of the new facility and outfitting it with state-of-the-art production systems required a capital investment in the eight-figure range, Mehler Vario System revealed.

The new plant is expected to introduce 200 new jobs to the Fulda area, bringing to 500 the total number of local Mehler Vario System employees. Earlier this year, a recruitment campaign called “Guaranteed Secure Jobs” was initiated by the company. Many positions were filled but others remain vacant; those still available include production assistants, machine and warehouse operators, supervisors, administrators, and more—with the added enticement of opportunities aplenty for career development and advancement.

Another enticement is the location itself. Mehler Vario System is situated a short distance from thriving downtown Fulda, served by an excellent public transportation system and other attractive amenities that contribute to making it a desirable environment for workers.

“The opening of the new plant is an important milestone on the growth path along which our group of companies is journeying,” said Thomas Homberg, CEO of Mehler Vario System Group.

Homberg—who also serves as managing director of Mehler Vario System GmbH, which he heads together with Dr. Mario Amschlinger—added that the entire group is committed to production capacity expansion in order to “further strengthen our position as a leading supplier of ballistic protection systems and at the same time, as a member of the Fulda community, to create new jobs that help make our local economy more sustainable.”

www.m-v-s.com

Posted in Industry, International, Press Release | Comments Off on Mehler Vario System Group Opens Second Plant at FULDA Production Site

Fall 2022 Special Operations Center for Medical Integration and Development

November 29th, 2022

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. —

U.S. Air Force Pararescuemen executed the Fall 2022 Special Operations Center for Medical Integration and Development culminating field training exercise in Birmingham, Alabama, Nov. 17, 2022.

Training provided the pararescuemen various controlled scenarios to enhance medical readiness, whether in day-to-day operations or in austere, resource-limited locations.

The culminating FTX was the capstone to a two-week-long certification course where students applied skills learned in civilian hospital care to tactical scenarios.

SOCMID is embedded with the University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital. Their vision is to establish the premier trauma skills, sustainment and recertification platform for pararescuemen and Special Operations Independent Duty Medical Technicians.

The partnership with UAB Hospital is beneficial to students as it is a level one trauma center, allowing them to conduct clinical rotations in operating and emergency rooms.

“The civilian-military partnerships are important to our sustainment program,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Clayton Rabens, 24th Special Operations Wing command surgeon. “Some of these skills are perishable, so having partnerships like we do with UAB allows us to replicate scenarios and solve problems hands-on, then apply them to tactical scenarios for students to practice.”

Some of the other training was completed with virtual reality headsets. Specific VR training helps students refine cognitive skills in approaching medical problem sets.

Additionally, prolonged casualty care scenarios allowed pararescue teams to work through casualty care with new skillsets learned while attending SOCMID real-time with wounded mannequins.

“We want to ensure they’re prepared to meet real-world missions,” added Rabens. “The high stress environment they encounter during the FTX ensures we are able to meet that goal.”

By 1st Lt Victor Reyes, 24 SOW Public Affairs

Posted in AFSW, Air Force, Guest Post, Medical, Training | Comments Off on Fall 2022 Special Operations Center for Medical Integration and Development

Old Ironsides!

November 28th, 2022

The uniforms for the Army vs. Navy game have been unveiled and are inspired by the 1st Armored Division and the 80th anniversary of Operation Torch.

#GoArmyBeatNavy

Photos by Army West Point Athletics

Posted in Army, Morale | Comments Off on Old Ironsides!

‘Tis The Season

November 28th, 2022

‘Tis the season for ugly helmet scrim from MIC Gear, which is Made In Canada.

Posted in Camo | 1 Comment »

Marines Update Female Hair Style Guidance

November 28th, 2022

Based on the final results of Uniform Board 220 and released in MARADMINS Number 615/22, the Marine Corps has authorized the following hair styles for female Marines:

Short hair length for female Marines. Per CMC decision, twists are authorized for short hair (in all uniforms).

Medium hair length for female Marines. Per CMC decision, medium length hair is defined as hair that does not extend beyond 2 inches below the base of the collar’s lower edge; however hair length must not obscure the collar rank insignia. One unsecured half ponytail or up to two unsecured half braids (unsecured in this context is defined as hair on the crest / crown of the head is pulled back into a ponytail or braid(s) and the rest of the hair is left to fall naturally) that provides a neat and professional military appearance are authorized for medium hair length with the MCCUUs, flight suit, or physical training (PT) uniforms only. Half ponytails / braids must be secured over the crest of the head but no lower than the crown of the head with a ponytail holder that is consistent with the hair color, and cannot extend beyond 2 inches below the base of the collar’s lower edge or interfere with the proper wear of any headgear.

Long hair length for female Marines. Per CMC decision, long hair is defined as hair that extends beyond 2 inches below the base of the collar’s lower edge. When styled, long hair will be secured up so that it does not extend beyond 2 inches below the base of the collar’s lower edge, except when authorized in the physical training uniform.

There is no requirement to have tightly pulled back or slicked back hair at any length.

As always, Marine Corps Uniform Board information is available at www.hqmc.marines.mil/Agencies/Marine-Corps-Uniform-Board

Posted in For the Ladies, Profession of Arms, USMC | 3 Comments »

5.11 Holiday Gift Guide – LV10 Sling Pack 2.0

November 28th, 2022

I sat down with my friends at 5.11 Tactical a few weeks ago to discuss some gift ideas for SSD readers. My goal was to present a small cross section of products, with varying functions and prices. I know it’s a tough year and I wanted to be able to suggest value. We ent over their vast catalog and narrowed it down to five items that most anyone can use. This week, we’ll present one of these products each day.

Today it’s the LV10 Sling Pack 2.0. This 13 liter bag will accommodate your off-body EDC needs whether on the job or just running around town.

There’s plenty fo room to
organoze your gear including smaller laptops and concealed carry of a firearm. The main compartment is lined with loop material, laser cut to accommodate MOLLE pouches. The laptop sleeve is padded and the rear CCW comortment features their “hot pull” system, loop panel, and removable holster retention strap. The fleece top zipper pocket is perfect for eye pro storage. You’ll
also find a water bottle pocket and there’s even a channel for flex cuffs at the rear.

The color is a nice shade of Green called Python.

Today is also Cyber Monday, so you also get a deal on this bag at 20% off.

www.511tactical.com/lv10-sling-pack-2-0

Posted in Advertiser, Load Carrying | Comments Off on 5.11 Holiday Gift Guide – LV10 Sling Pack 2.0

USSOCOM’s Armed Overwatch Aircraft Designated OA-1K

November 28th, 2022

Earlier this year the United States Special Operations Command selected the L3 Harris AT-802U Sky Warden as their new Armed Overwatch aircraft. It has now been designated as the OA-1K. Aircraft officianados will recognize the OA designation which identifies the combined Observation Attack role.

The decision to reuse model 1 is an odd choice considering 7 is the next number in line for Observation aircraft and 14 is next up for Attack aircraft. It seems that they are attempting to assert some sort of SOF aviation heritage on this completely new airframe by reusing the model 1 designation shared with the Skyraider and assigning variant K to the Sky Warden.

Thousands of Douglas A-1E, A-1H and A-1J Skyraiders were operated by the US from 1946-1973 with significant service in AFSOC’s forebears, the Air Commandos, during the Vietnam War.

The Armed Overwatch program provides SOF with dedicated Close Air Support, precision strike, and airborne intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) from austere locations in a permissive environment.

USSOCOM plans to procure 75 OA-1Ks and form then into four operational squadrons of 15 aircraft each and an additional 15 for use in training. Special Operations Squadrons operating U-28 Drago and MC-12W Liberty will replace their aircraft with OA-1Ks. However, AFSOC plans to keep some Dragos in service.

Posted in Air Force, Aviation, SOF | 5 Comments »

525th E-MIB Military Intelligence History Minute

November 28th, 2022

Each week the 525th Expeditionary Military Intelligence Brigade presents a video showcasing moments in intelligent history. Here is the latest:

Posted in Army, History, ISR | Comments Off on 525th E-MIB Military Intelligence History Minute