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Thomas Homberg Named CEO of Mehler Vario System Group; Also Managing Director of Mehler Vario System GmbH

August 17th, 2022

FULDA, GERMANY (15 Aug. 2022)—Thomas Homberg has been chosen to serve as CEO of Mehler Vario System Group, Europe‘s market leader for ballistic protection and carrying systems, platform and vehicle protection, and tactical equipment and clothing.

His appointment to the top leadership position took effect at the beginning of August. Homberg also assumed the title of Managing Director of Mehler Vario System GmbH, which he now jointly heads with Dr. Mario Amschlinger.

Homberg brings to his new roles extensive military, defence, and security industry experience. A former German Armed Forces paratroop commander who also received German and French General Staff Service training, Homberg has held board and managing director positions in the European MBDA Group and served as Head of Group Strategy for the Airbus Group.

“I am very much looking forward to my new duties,” Homberg said. “Mehler Vario System Group is a leader in the market and has highly competent teams with decades of experience. Developing the best equipment for those who daily guarantee our safety is an enormous incentive and motivation for me.”

Homberg took the reins after now-former CEO and Managing Director Siegfried Will departed to begin his planned retirement. Will had been with the company 37 years.

Mehler Vario System (MVS) is a globally active group headquartered in Fulda, Germany. Together, the companies of the Group manufacture protection and carrying systems for police, military, and special forces. MVS also is a partner with the German Armed Forces for procurement of the new Modular Ballistic Protection and Carrying Equipment Soldier (MOBAST).

For more than 40 years, the group’s companies have produced protective waistcoats, shields, equipment bags, helmets, and impact and body protection equipment. Additionally, they make an extensive range of high-end protection, carrying, and clothing products that include hard- and soft-ballistic elements as well as bullet, stab, and impact protection.

The Mehler Vario System Group is active in over 40 countries. It is widely recognized as a reliable and innovative partner of the military as well as of national and international security authorities.

For more information about Mehler Vario System, visit: www.m-v-s.com

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American Rheinmetall Vehicles and GM Defense Team to Pursue U.S. Army’s Common Tactical Truck Program

August 17th, 2022

American Rheinmetall Vehicles and GM Defense Team to Pursue U.S. Army’s Common Tactical Truck Program
American Rheinmetall Vehicles (Sterling Heights, MI), a leading developer of tactical wheeled and tracked combat vehicles and systems has formed a strategic collaboration with GM Defense LLC (Washington, DC), to compete in the U.S. Army’s Common Tactical Truck (CTT) program. The CTT program seeks to identify a replacement platform for the Army’s Family of Heavy Tactical Vehicles.

The Army expects to execute multiple Prototype Projects before determining whether to proceed to initial production that could entail purchase of approximately 5,700 vehicles at a value of around $5 billion. A Request for Prototype Proposals for the first phase was issued in late June with an expected Contract Award in December of 2022.

Rheinmetall, with its subsidiary Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles (RMMV), is a global leader in tactical military truck development and manufacturing. The Group’s HX family of trucks have been sold to 20 customers globally including an active Allied user group consisting of Germany, Australia, United Kingdom, Austria, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, and Denmark. Rheinmetall recently unveiled its HX3, next-generation series of truck with advances in power, mobility, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), and an open systems architecture with pathways to hybrid technology incorporation, leader follower driving, and autonomous operations. The militarized HX3 series incorporates substantial commercial technologies reflecting Rheinmetall’s joint venture with MAN Truck & Bus which streamlines logistics and sustainment burdens and provides benefits in vehicle upgrades. An Americanized HX3 forms the basis of what the American Rheinmetall Vehicles and GM Defense team will offer the Army in the first phase of the CTT program. Combined with an open architecture, the commercial backbone of the HX3 will support persistent modernization and allow for increases in capability as technologies mature. This will reduce obsolescence issues and overall lifecycle costs.

GM Defense is a rapidly expanding, wholly-owned subsidiary of global technology powerhouse General Motors (GM) – one of the largest automotive producers in the world, delivering 2.2 million vehicles in 2021 alone, and remains the largest commercial provider of military vehicles in history. As GM’s purpose-built government-facing entity, GM Defense will bring its formidable manufacturing capabilities and technological excellence to the CTT team, leveraging GM’s innovation and portfolio of commercial technologies to advance customer capabilities. Having been selected to deliver the Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV) to the Army under an Other Transaction Authority (OTA) contract, GM Defense understands rapid prototyping, agile design and engineering, and rapid delivery.

The CTT Program is a rapid prototyping effort that uses a middle tier acquisition strategy and OTAs to enable the Army to quickly procure and test tactical truck prototypes to replace its family of heavy tactical trucks. The Army is seeking a modern platform featuring advanced driver safety systems, increased off-road mobility, cybersecurity, machine learning, artificial intelligence, improved survivability, and fuel efficiency among other emerging technologies. The program will enable the Army to replace legacy vehicles like the Palletized Load System (PLS), Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck (HEMTT), M915 Line Haul Tractor, and other platforms in the current heavy and medium tactical wheeled fleet. A truck with maximum commercial elements, able to perform military missions, and that can bring commonality amongst mission roles are top priorities for the Army in the program.

“American Rheinmetall Vehicles is a committed partner to the Army, bringing next-generation capability, technology and competition to high priority Army modernization programs like CTT. GM Defense shares our commitment, and together our team will provide a transformational truck to support the Army and its Soldiers,” said Matthew Warnick, Managing Director for American Rheinmetall Vehicles. “General Motors has a century of experience supporting the Department of Defense with a remarkable heritage in design, engineering, and manufacturing. GM Defense continues that heritage with the ability to rapidly develop and deploy advanced technologies, bringing an important capability to the American Rheinmetall Vehicles team and our exceptional CTT offering,” said Warnick.

“On the heels of successfully delivering the ISV to our Army customer, GM Defense is excited to join American Rheinmetall Vehicles on the CTT program to deliver another exceptional mobility solution for our Soldiers,” said Steve duMont, President of GM Defense. “This strategic collaboration enables GM Defense to continue showcasing our advanced capabilities, leveraging GM’s innovation and proven commercial technology. With American Rheinmetall Vehicles’ HX3 as the starting point, I’m confident that together we will deliver a winning solution that meets or exceeds the Army’s requirements and provides a platform for growth and technology insertion to support our warfighters well into the future,” continued duMont.

HX3 Common Tactical Truck (HX3-CTT)
Technology for the future: The HX3-CTT features an advanced, interchangeable protected cab design, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), and drive by wire operation. The new open systems electrical architecture allows rapid integration of leader follower and autonomous capabilities that focus on protecting our most valuable combat asset – the Soldier.

Common Platforms and parts to support a family of vehicles: The HX3-CTT is the new, next-gen variant of the globally successful HX family of military-off-the-shelf tactical trucks. It possesses an extremely high level of commonality and modularity across variants: cargo, load handling systems, tankers, and line haul tractors. With an HX family that can scale from 4×4 to 10×10, the HX can meet any military need.

Commerciality in its DNA: The HX3-CTT leverages best-in-class advances in commercial truck technology, safety, fuel efficiency, and emissions reduction. Ruggedized for the stresses of military service, the HX family provides an “off the shelf” capability. This commercial backbone reduces obsolescence risk/cost, expands parts availability, and reduces sustainment demands.

Allied Interoperability: The HX family of trucks have been sold to 20 customers globally including an active Allied user group consisting of Germany, Australia, United Kingdom, Austria, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, and Denmark, creating common global supply chains, training opportunities, and integrated operations among key allies operating around the world.

Posted in Army, Mobility, Press Release | 1 Comment »

KGM Technologies Ranks No. 27 on the 2022 Inc 5000 Annual List

August 17th, 2022

Number 1 in manufacturing
Among America’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies

NEW YORK, August 16, 2022 – Today, Inc. revealed that KGM Technologies is No. 27 on its annual Inc. 5000 list, the most prestigious ranking of the fastest-growing private companies in America. The list represents a one-of-a-kind look at the most successful companies within the economy’s most dynamic segment—its independent businesses. Facebook, Chobani, Under Armour, Microsoft, Patagonia, and many other well-known names gained their first national exposure as honorees on the Inc. 5000.

“We are honored that our hard-working employees have been recognized for their extraordinary effort over the last three years” said Richard Cope, CEO of KGM Technologies. “Our amazing team has demonstrated that manufacturing in America is not only possible but profitable.”

KGM Technologies is the largest designer and manufacturer of weapon suppressors in the country. We are protecting the hearing of shooters everywhere and significantly enhancing the capability of our war-fighters. Our patented technologies and advanced manufacturing methods have allowed KGM to set the new standard of suppression. Additional information can be found at www.kgm-tech.com

The companies on the 2022 Inc. 5000 have not only been successful, but have also demonstrated resilience amid supply chain woes, labor shortages, and the ongoing impact of Covid-19. Among the top 500, the average median three-year revenue growth rate soared to 2,144 percent. Together, those companies added more than 68,394 jobs over the past three years.

Complete results of the Inc. 5000, including company profiles and an interactive database that can be sorted by industry, region, and other criteria, can be found at www.inc.com/inc5000. The top 500 companies are featured in the September issue of Inc. magazine, which will be available on August 23.

“The accomplishment of building one of the fastest-growing companies in the U.S., in light of recent economic roadblocks, cannot be overstated,” says Scott Omelianuk, editor-in-chief of Inc. “Inc. is thrilled to honor the companies that have established themselves through innovation, hard work, and rising to the challenges of today.”

Posted in Industry, Press Release | Comments Off on KGM Technologies Ranks No. 27 on the 2022 Inc 5000 Annual List

TacJobs – Oak Grove Technologies

August 17th, 2022

We’re hiring! Seeking the following ‘A Team’ players to help continue writing our success story:

Section 508 Expert: provide 508 compliance experience, including accessibility, Section 508 and W3C testing of all types of electronic and information technology products and services.

Field Craft Instructors: Multiple full-time support positions at Joint Base Maguire-Dix, Lakehurst, NJ in General / Counter IED / Medical / High Risk Driving instruction.

Shuttle Driver: Shuttle (Van) Driver in support of work with the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) in Artesia, New Mexico.

Interested or know someone who is? Visit or share our careers page and learn more.

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Future Sailors, Prior-Service Members Eligible for Bonuses and Loan Repayment up to $115,000

August 17th, 2022

Future Sailors and Prior Service Members, either Navy Veterans or Other Services Veterans (NAVETs/OSVETs), are now eligible for enlistment bonuses and loan repayment up to $115,000, according to a message released by Navy Recruiting Command.

“The maximum current enlistment bonus is $50,000, and the maximum loan repayment is $65,000,” said Rear Adm. Lex Walker, Commander Navy Recruiting Command. “They are not mutually exclusive, so if a Future Sailor maximizes both, that adds up to a life-altering $115,000, and the opportunity to serve in the world’s finest Navy.”

To qualify for the bonuses, Future Sailors and NAVET/OSVET applicants must be able to ship by Sept. 30, 2022.

NAVET/OSVET applicants must enter Active Duty in pay grade E-4 or below, meet specific bonus eligibility, and not have received a bonus in their first enlistment.

NAVETs are applicants whose last tour of active duty or active duty for training (AD/ACDUTRA) was in the U.S. Navy or U.S. Navy Reserve, have been discharged or released more than 24 hours, and who completed a minimum of 12 consecutive weeks of AD/ACDUTRA. OSVETs are applicants whose last tour of AD/ACDUTRA was in a branch of service other than the U.S. Navy (Army, Air Force, Space Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard) meeting the same requirements.

“If you are a Sailor, Marine, Airman, Soldier, Guardian, or Coast-Guardsman who recently separated, this is an opportunity without precedent,” said Walker. “And if you have student loan debt, you could be eligible for the Loan Repayment Program if you ship in any month of any fiscal year while the program remains active.”

NAVETs re-accessing into active duty do not attend Navy recruit training but are ordered to Recruit Training Command Great Lakes for in-processing, while OSVETs are not required to attend Navy recruit training but are required to complete a three week Naval Orientation Course at RTC Great Lakes. They must pass the same evolutions a typical recruit at boot camp would finish such as ship handling, live-fire, swim qualifications and firefighting.

The message also has something new for high school seniors. The Active component EB High School (EBHS) includes $10,000 available for High School Seniors who enter the delayed entry program by Oct. 31, 2022, and graduate from High School prior to shipping in July 2023.

For more information on bonuses and the NAVET/OSVET program, visit www.navy.com to find a local recruiter.

Posted in Guest Post, Navy | Comments Off on Future Sailors, Prior-Service Members Eligible for Bonuses and Loan Repayment up to $115,000

Belt Fed Magazines from Tribe Tactical Supply

August 17th, 2022

Tribe Tactical Supply out of Utah has developed a line of belt fed magazines (nutsacks) called BFM-100 (Belt Fed Magazine-100 round) and BFM-200 (200 round Belt Fed Magazine). Designed to be used with the M249 and its clones, MK46, FightLite MCR® , Shrike®, and the FN Minimi® 5.56 belt fed platforms, they are made in Utah out of Milspec, Berry Compliant Materials.

Currently offered in Coyote Tan, MultiCam®, Ranger Green, and Black in limited Runs and will be available in M81 soon. Contact Tribe Tactical Supply for unit specific or geography specific color requests.

They also manufacture a line of Starter Tabs that work in conjunction with M27 links and for 5.56mm Belt-Fed Weapons, available in Tan499, Coyote Tan and Black.

With products are made to to stand up to the toughest environments, Tribe BFM’s, among other gear, can be found at www.tribetacticalsupply.com.

Proud to serve patriots and those in uniform defending our Freedoms.

Posted in Guest Post, Weapon Accessories | 2 Comments »

Armor Formations are Next for the Army’s Capability Set Designs

August 17th, 2022

ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. — First came boots, then wheels and now tracks.

The Army’s Integrated Tactical Network, or ITN, continues to expand its capabilities across formations, as demonstrated during the ITN Armor Formation Field-based Risk Reduction Communications Exercise held in multiple locations across Aberdeen Proving Ground in mid-August. The exercise was designed to inform capability set, or CS, 25.

Whereas the Army’s CS21 provides ITN capabilities to dismounted troops and CS23 brings mounted to dismounted ITN connectivity for Stryker Brigade Combat Teams, CS25 will bring fully mounted ITN capabilities to multiple armor vehicle variants.

The result will be on-the-move communications in armor formations that are less dependent on command posts.

Led by the Product Manager Capability Set Development, under the Program Executive Office for Command, Control, Communications-Tactical — or PEO C3T — the exercise featured vehicle integration, in partnership with the DEVCOM Command, Control, Communication, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Center’s Prototype Integration Facility; personnel safety and electromagnetic testing, with support from the Aberdeen Test Center and capped off by a fires support communications thread exercise, with support from the fires community.

“In CS23, we saw the benefit of early integration prototyping used on the Stryker combat vehicles” said Lt. Col. Jonathan Judy, product manager for capability set design, assigned to PEO C3T. “We plan to leverage those same activities for CS25 with the introduction of new Armored platforms used by the Armored Brigade Combat Teams.”

This exercise is not the first time the Army experimented with integrating network capabilities onto Armor vehicles. In February of this year, PEO C3T conducted a pilot to evaluate new and emerging commercial network on-the-move technologies integrated onto armored vehicle platforms with the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, to help inform CS25 capabilities.

The pilot focused on bringing high-bandwidth, satellite communications capabilities into armor formations above battalion.

Future plans are emerging to combine the ITN and satellite capabilities into one combined pilot, which will help inform holistic network designs from brigade to division level.

Gaining lessons learned is the primary benefit to the Army’s capability set process, where developers build capabilities based on each previous capability set. The process has been especially beneficial as the Army advances ITN integration from Stryker to armor formations, as engineers are reusing components already designed to integrate into small spaces.

The communications thread portion of the event featured a representative fire support element relaying a call for fires by passing data, not voice, through the fires chain.

“For the first time, we are testing the Warrior Robust Enhanced Network TSM secret and below waveform as a substitute to using [single channel ground and airborne radio systems]” said Wayne Rush, Systems Engineer for Product Manager, Capability Set Development.

The Warrior Robust Enhanced Network, or WREN, TSM is a commercial waveform integrated into the radios and dismounted Soldier end-user devices.

Using WREN, the dismounted Soldiers, in the role of forward observers, used precision fires-dismount software to send the call for fires to the fire support team at the company headquarters in the M113A3 armored personnel carrier. They then sent the request to the Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System in the squadron fire support element M1068A3 armored personnel carrier, which relayed the final order to fire to the mortar fire control system housed in the M1064 mortor carrier vehicle.

“The goodness of this is that we are providing an alternate digital fires thread for squadrons to conduct digital fires,” Rush said. “We’re trying to prove range message completion rates and speed of service over operationally relevant distances using WREN [secret and below] on the test course.”

A representative from the Army Capability Manager Fires Center of Excellence at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, was present to collect data, which will provide to [Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System] and precision fires-dismount software developers critical data for future software requirements modifications. A Picatinny Arsenal representative was also on hand to assess WREN’s performance for the final step in the fires chain process.

Instrumented results will inform the CS25 armored brigade combat team network basis of issue in support of FY25 fielding. Follow on efforts to the Armor Formation Field-based Risk Reduction include the CS25 Preliminary Design Review in 2023, which will set the stage for initial capability set integration and the CS25 Critical Design Review in 2024, which will solidify the designs for fielding.

“The capability set process is working,” Judy said. “Our continued armor vehicle integration efforts are a yet another shining example of the way the Army should be approaching integration and pilot efforts to inform design.”

By Kathryn Bailey, PEO C3T Public Affairs

Posted in Army, Comms, Guest Post | Comments Off on Armor Formations are Next for the Army’s Capability Set Designs

NP Aerospace Supplies Life Saving Body Armour to Ukraine Soldiers

August 16th, 2022

NP Aerospace has manufactured and delivered more than 20,000 sets of life-saving body armour plates and carrier vests to Ukraine military personnel in the last three months on behalf of NATO Governments. This is part of contracts totaling 62,000 sets of armour (124,000 plates) due to be delivered weekly over the next nine months.

The company has also delivered over 1,000 helmets to support a range of NGOs to support humanitarian efforts such as media, hospitals and charities.

The first 6,350 sets of body armour plates and carrier vests were manufactured and delivered in less than 10 weeks since the Ukraine conflict started. In order to ensure urgent delivery NP Aerospace has ramped up production with the recruitment of 90 additional factory operators and 24 hour shifts and is operating around the clock.

James Kempston, CEO and owner of NP Aerospace, comments: “As Ukraine faces a full scale war, NP Aerospace’s extensive manufacturing capacity is providing advanced, life saving armour, helping to keep soldiers in the fight and bring them safely home. We are honoured to be supporting the people of Ukraine in their hour of need and are working around the clock to deliver protection where it is needed most – on Ukraine’s front-line soldiers.”

www.npaerospace.com

Posted in Armor, International, Press Release | 21 Comments »