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Ground Soldier Technology Workflow, Integration, and eXperience (GS-TWIX)

August 15th, 2022

The Army Contracting Command – Aberdeen Proving Ground (ACC-APG), Natick Contracting Division, on behalf of US Army Combat Capabilities Development Command – Soldier Center (DEVCOM-SC), anticipates awarding a Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) contract for the Ground Soldier Technology Workflow, Integration, and eXperience (GS-TWIX) effort.

The Ground Soldier Technology Workflow, Integration, and eXperience (GS-TWIX) effort develops ground Soldier-centric information technology across the operational spectrum of hardware, software, network, and data as well as integrates same to optimize the ground Soldier’s ability to shoot, move and communicate according to the Army Modernization Priorities. GS-TWIX will impact multiple DEVCOM Soldier Center efforts and collaborations including Sensored Soldier, Nett Warrior, Integrated Visual Augmentation System (IVAS), Soldier Integration Facility (SIF), Joint Program Executive Office (JPEO) Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear Defense (CBRND), OUSD Research and Engineering (R&E) 5G Tactical Applications for Small Units in Distributed Operations (5GTA-SUDO). These are detailed below:

Sensored Soldier

The goal of Sensored Soldier is to enhanced Multi Domain Operations (MDO) through mission information integration. This task has three sub-tasks that shall provide an interconnected tool suite of actionable decision tools by the end of FY25. First, the Leader Planning & Decision Tools sub-task shall guide Small Unit leaders in the maneuver planning for optimal Soldier physiological, equipment electrical power, network health, and protection using remote sensing drones. Second, the Soldier Equipment Sensing and Integration sub-task Shall provide Soldier Sub-system operational usage status to Small Unit leaders and provide equipment status sensing across the Squad workflow. Lastly, the Remote Sensing and Integration sub-task shall provide hardware, software, network, and data components that provide a Small Unit with a standoff capability to sense threats, maneuver, and communicate same to Small Unit leaders This sub-task shall 1) integrate remote sensing systems and sub-systems, 2) optimize user experience of remote squad sensing components, 3) optimize remote sensing MDO across the Small Unit workflow. Sensored Soldier tasks will transition to Nett Warrior, IVAS, or other Ground Soldier Systems Program of Record (PoR). Contractor shall provide DEVCOM – SC COR a technical report on Sensored Soldier activities in accordance with CDRL A002 after a technology assessment/demonstration. Contractor shall also provide DEVCOM – SC COR an annual final report on Sensored Soldier activities in accordance with CDRL A005 on an annual basis.

Nett Warrior and Ground Soldier System

The contractor shall provide comprehensive and wide-ranging support to the PdM GSS for evolving, maturing, and maintaining NW V3.X system in the areas of software engineering, system engineering, cybersecurity, system architecture, and integration.

The Contractor, in conjunction with the PdM GSS NW SETA contractor, shall ensure the work has a migration path to the NW program record and/or NW Future Initiatives, if the capability needs time to mature. If the Contractor and PdM GSS NW SETA contractor have divergent views on how to ensure a successful transition to the NW program of record of these requirements or how work is divided between both parties, then the Contractor shall promptly notify PdM GSS (GSS Tech Director / NW Chief Engineer) so any required Government clarification / direction can be provided to both parties. The Contractor shall develop solutions that allows application developers to store and distribute information in their own data format. However, the contractor shall leverage server services already provided by the larger TAK ecosystem rather than developing their own server system. Contractor shall provide DEVCOM – SC COR a technical report on Nett Warrior and Ground Soldier System activities in accordance with CDRL A002 after a technology assessment/demonstration. Contractor shall also provide DEVCOM – SC COR an annual final report on Nett Warrior and Ground Soldier System activities in accordance with CDRL A005 on an annual basis.

Ground Soldier Systems Integration

The contractor shall provide technical services for CCDC SC, IVAS, and other government agencies in areas of advanced concepts for information portrayal, sub-system integration, and data analytics: Similar to the IVAS-Soldier Integration Facility (SIF), CCDC SC Mission Information Team requires the development of information portrayal system that interacts with project objectives, project tasks, and both lab and field experimentation operations that includes Nett Warrior-based Soldier worn sensors, ATAK-platoon based sensors, and NW & ATAK web based sensors. Contractor shall provide DEVCOM – SC COR a technical report on Ground Soldier Systems Integration activities in accordance with CDRL A002 after a technology assessment/demonstration. Contractor shall also provide DEVCOM – SC COR an annual final report on Ground Soldier Systems Integration activities in accordance with CDRL A005 on an annual basis.

CBRND Integration with Ground Soldier Systems:

The Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Defense (JPEO-CBRND) seeks to design, prototype, test, and document promising wearable capabilities integrated into a single system. The wearables system includes the following components: assistive automation capabilities; wearable, subcutaneous, and implantable devices; cyber secure and scalable wired and wireless architectures; and visualization and decision support tools. The contractor shall provide sub-systems that advance the human integration and current technology for lightweight, integrated wearable systems; Soldier integrated displays and body-worn systems that enhance the Soldier survivability, and situational awareness on the battlefield. Special interest areas include unique human systems integration of data and power systems, miniaturization, increased durability and reliability, and components having low power as well as new power solutions that meet Soldier-portable system requirements for survivability and situational understanding. Specific examples of body- worn system capabilities include: data devices, integrated electronic modules, inter- connections in fabrics, wearable battery technologies, combat identification, tactical engagement simulation capability, system voice control, State-of-the-Art unique interfaces, haptics, neuro-physiological, and physiological/medical sensors and data management, Soldier integration of individual/team weapon system sensors and controls. Contractor shall provide DEVCOM – SC COR a technical report on CBRND Integration with Ground Soldier System activities in accordance with CDRL A002 after a technology assessment/demonstration. Contractor shall also provide DEVCOM – SC COR an annual final report on CBRND Integration with Ground Soldier Systems in accordance with CDRL A005 on an annual basis.

5G Tactical Applications for Small Units in Distributed Operations (5GTA- SUDO)

The goal of 5GTA-SUDO is to demonstrate the operational impact of a 5G bandwidth improvement to the Integrated Tactical Network (ITN). This task shall develop and demonstrate in an operationally relevant environment, at the Battalion & Company echelon level, multiple ground Soldier tactical applications. Tactical applications shall include 96 hour out load, sensitive site exploitation, sensor to shooter Full Motion Video (FMV) applications, edge device management, ITN multi-network/Primary, Alternative, Contingency, and Emergency (PACE)) router, image product distribution, robotic systems integration and other 5G-based applications. All applications shall be integrated with the software code base and hardware system for either Nett Warrior or IVAS. Contractor shall provide DEVCOM – SC COR a technical report on CBRND Integration with 5GTA-SUDO activities in accordance with CDRL A002 after a technology assessment/demonstration. Contractor shall also provide DEVCOM – SC COR an annual final report on 5GTA-SUDO in accordance with CDRL A005 on an annual basis.

GS-TWIX specifically seeks to design, develop, and analyze solutions associated with small unit ground Soldier systems and devices as they impact Soldier sub-systems integration, Soldier workflow, and Soldier experience. Historically, Small Unit systems were electronic in nature. Currently, Small Unit systems span the mechanical, electrical, software, network, and data engineering spectrum. Furthermore, the operational space for these solutions is also diverse covering warfighter functions spanning lethality, maneuver, communications, logistics, and protection.

The GS-TWIX effort in FY22 to FY26 will focus on equipment, systems, software, network, and data flow throughout the Soldier workflow as it relates to ground Soldier systems to address optimization in warfighter functions such as lethality, maneuver, communications, logistics, and protection.

The contract will consist of a one year base period and three (3) one year options. This acquisition is a 100% Small Business Set-Aside.

Proposals are due August 21, 2022 by 5:00PM EST (sic).

See the full details here.

Posted in Army, Contracts | 1 Comment »

Coming Soon – Platatac Silks Alpha

August 15th, 2022

Just in time for fall here in the Northern Hemisphere, Platatac is releasing their Silks Alpha jacket on August 18th.

Designed to be thrown on when stopped after you’ve been hard on the move, at just 350g & packable into a 1ltr flask pouch (size medium) the Silks Alpha has you covered in changing conditions.

Silks Alpha uses windproof Multicam Quantum shell fabric with ultralight Polartec Alpha 60 active insulation.

Polartec Alpha was invented for U.S. Special Forces, they required a superior insulation system for extreme temperature variations & the start-stop conditions of combat.

Available in MultiCam August 18, other colours Q4 2022.

platatac.com

Posted in Advertiser, Clothing | 3 Comments »

DEVCOM Command Sergeant Major Barker Inducted as Distinguished Member of Army Rangers

August 15th, 2022

FORT BENNING, Ga. – DEVCOM’s senior Noncommissioned Officer, Command Sgt. Maj. Bryan D. Barker, was recently inducted as a Distinguished Member of the Army Rangers. Formally known as the 75th Ranger Regiment, the Army Rangers are the service’s premier light infantry and special operations force within the U.S. Army Special Operations Command.

“It is an honor to work side-by-side with Command Sgt. Maj. Barker, who exemplifies the qualities of a good Soldier. This is a well-deserved award, and I commend him on his induction into this elite group,” said Maj. Gen. Miles Brown, DEVCOM commanding general.

Barker was named a Distinguished Member of the 75th Ranger Regiment during a July 19, 2022, ceremony at Fort Benning, Georgia. Soldiers are named as distinguished members of the 75th Ranger Regiment for their outstanding accomplishments while assigned to the unit. The 75th Ranger Regiment consists of five battalions, located at Fort Benning, Georgia; Hunter Army Airfield, Georgia; and Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington.

Barker served with the 75th Ranger Regiment from 1996-2012, in the 2nd Ranger Battalion. He served in multiple positions ranging from rifleman to platoon sergeant to operations sergeant major. Officers and NCOs in the 75th Ranger Regiment are required to attend Ranger School, which is an intense 61-day combat leadership course. It has been called the “toughest combat course in the world,” and “the most physically and mentally demanding leadership school in the Army.”

“I am the product of leaders who came before me in the 75th Ranger Regiment who invested in my development and shaped me into the man and leader I am today. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to serve during pivotal times in the history of the Regiment, and I am honored and humbled to be inducted into the company of my heroes,” Barker said.

Barker assumed responsibility as the command sergeant major for the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command, or DEVCOM, on June 18, 2021. DEVCOM, which comprises eight reporting units and three regionally aligned international elements, is the Army’s largest technology developer. The command consists of 27,000 Soldiers, civilians and contractors who leverage cross-cutting technology to solve complex problems and rapidly deliver next-generation capabilities to Soldiers.

As the senior DEVCOM NCO, Barker oversees the NCOs who are located across the command. Many of these NCOs work with DEVCOM’s scientists, engineers, technicians and analysts, sharing their experiences and challenges with technology and equipment in the field. He serves as a top advisor to the DEVCOM commanding general, focusing on building cohesion across the DEVCOM team while increasing lethality and survivability of combat capabilities developed for U.S. Soldiers.

Before joining DEVCOM, Barker was command sergeant major 101st Airborne (Air Assault) Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Born and raised in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Barker joined the Army in June 1996 and served various positions as an Infantryman throughout his career. His overseas assignments include a tour in Germany, with deployments to Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Poland and Ukraine. His other deployments include six combat deployments to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, eight combat deployments to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, and one deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Resolute Support.

By Argie Sarantinos, DEVCOM Headquarters

Posted in Army, Guest Post, Profession of Arms | 2 Comments »

Uncharted Supply Co – The Park Pack

August 14th, 2022

One of the other items I saw from Uncharted Supply Co during last week’s The Big Gear Show in Park City was The Park Pack. This waist pack features a padded hip belt and a waterproof main compartment made from seam sealed 600D Tarpaulin with a YKK water-resistant zipper.

The Park Pack comes outfitted with dual PALS compatible water bottle holsters. These can be removed for other kit if desired.

There’s ample room (2.8 liters) inside for the gear you want to keep close at hand. In these photos you can see it is paired with the Triage Kit which is stocked with first-aid and gear repair items.

The Park Pack is available on Green, Grey, or Black at unchartedsupplyco.com/products/park-pack.

Posted in Load Carrying | Comments Off on Uncharted Supply Co – The Park Pack

SCUBAPRO Sunday – First Submarine Commando Raid

August 14th, 2022

On August 17, the USS Nautilus and USS Argonaut were off the coast of Makin Atoll in the pacific. They were carrying 221 Marine Raiders. The Raider’s objectives were to destroy the Japanese garrison and installations, take prisons so they could be interrogated, and finally, the Gilbert Islands must be reconnoitered. It was also meant to divert Japanese attention and reinforcements from the Allied amphibious invasions on Guadalcanal and Tulagi.

Even with two 100-meter super-subs, A and B Company could only fit 221 men, so they left without a platoon from each. Maj. James Roosevelt, the president’s 35-year-old son, was one of Carlson’s targets. After serving as FDR’s political consultant and covert diplomat, the young Roosevelt joined the Marines. As a Raider enthusiast, he convinced his father to let him join.

Raiders were stuffed inside vacant torpedo tubes during travel. Submarine ventilation techniques couldn’t prevent thin air and high temperatures. The boats would surface for ten minutes twice a day to let the Raiders exercise and breathe fresh air before ducking back into the Pacific to avoid air assault.

The two submarines surfaced outside Makin’s coral reef at midnight on August 16–17 to find turbulent conditions. The first two LCRL rubber boats sank in the surf. The remaining launches’ uninsulated 6-horsepower engines were flooded with seawater and failed to ignite. Carlson felt his two-pronged approach would be too difficult to accomplish in the inclement weather and ordered A and B company to land together. In the chaos, the boat carrying Lt. Oscar Peatross and 11 Raiders missed the orders and headed west.

Carlson’s Raiders landed about 5 AM after battling the waves for an hour, with some troops scattered but undetected. Carlson’s invention was to divide his squad into three fireteams, each with one rifleman with a semi-automatic M1 Garand for distance shooting, another with a Thompson submachinegun for close-range firepower, and a Browning Automatic Rifle gunner to give covering fire. Heavy armaments included.30 caliber light machine guns and.55 caliber Boys anti-tank rifles were requisitioned from the Canadian Army by Carlson.

On landing, a Raider unintentionally fired his BAR, ruining any chance for surprise. The garrison’s commander, Chief Petty Officer Kyuzaburou Kanemitsu, had been alert days earlier. His men deployed by bike and truck to fight the American invaders. Misadventures continued when the Raiders kidnapped a Japanese soldier but shot him when he escaped.

Carlson met Makin locals who spoke pidgin English. They were pleased to help the Americans and said 160 to 300 Japanese were on the island, and they were ready. The Raiders maintained their march until 6 AM when Lt. Le Francois’ scouts sighted Japanese forces dismounting from vehicles.

Le Francois ambushed his platoon in a breadfruit grove on high ground. Sgt. Clyde Thomason adjusted the men’s positions as Japanese skirmishers neared. When the Japanese got close, the marines opened fire, killing the closest attackers and exploding the truck’s engine with an anti-tank rifle.

The Japanese answer was fatal. Four Type 92 Lewis machine guns raked Raider positions, killing Sgt. Thomason and injuring Le Francois. Posthumously, Thomason became the first enlisted Marine to win the Medal of Honor. Camouflaged shooters killed Lt. Jerry Holtom and four radio operators among palm palms.

Carlson quickly added the 2nd Platoon, which lost nine men in 15 minutes, and B Company. Raider machine gunner Cpl. Leon Chapman fired 400 rounds into a Japanese machine gun nest at 200 meters. After inspecting the silenced weapon, Chapman “nearly threw up” when he discovered he had slain a dozen Japanese who had sacrificed themselves to man it.

Twelve of Peatross’ forces landed at the second landing zone and proceeded uncontested into the barracks and the defender’s command position. An isolated squad shot six astonished Japanese before being held down by an LMG crew. Pvt. Vernon Castle was struck multiple times as he advanced, but he threw a grenade and killed three before dying.

After that, Peatross’ marines fired a car speeding towards the command post, blew up a radio and a truck full of ammo, and retreated to the Nautilus, losing two more troops. In the chaos, they killed Kanimetsu, who destroyed confidential documents and conveyed the message, “We are dying defending the island.”

The Nautilus began bombarding Japanese positions with two dozen shells when Carlson learned from natives that hostile ships were in the lagoon. Unwilling to risk a shore battery’s fire, the Nautilus arced 65 6-inch shells into the lagoon. By luck, indirect fire sank two ships, igniting a transport and a patrol boat and mistaking a hostile plane for a bird, the submarine dove, ending naval gunfire support. The Japanese assaulted the Raiders, attempting to swarm them failed, and the assailants were all killed at close range. Undeterred, the bugle played again, and the Japanese launched a second suicide strike, wiping out Kanimetsu’s marine platoon. A few dozen survivors continued to shoot intermittently. Fearing more reinforcements, Carlson chose not to strike the Japanese position. At 1:30, air support arrived. Twelve Mitsubishi F1M floatplanes bombed and strafed the island for an hour, driving the Raiders fleeing but not inflicting any fatalities. Then an F1M and a Kawanishi flying boat landed in the lagoon. The Raiders fired machine guns and anti-tank rifles at the aircraft, setting it on fire. The seaplane with scores of men managed to land. The intensity of incoming fire must have given the pilot second thoughts as he taxied on the water and took off again before landing.

The colonel decided to withdraw to submarines at 7 PM as planned. When they returned to the ocean, his troops discovered their boats’ motors had stopped working, and the waves and weather made it difficult to paddle back to the submarines. Exhausted Raiders dropped their ineffective launch motors and spent five hours trying to force through severe waves, losing most of their weapons and supplies. Eleven of 18 boats reached the American subs. By nightfall, Carlson, Roosevelt, and 70 injured Raiders remained on Butaritari. Individual boats continued to battle the waves the following day, including one with Roosevelt onboard. A five-person crew led by Sergeant Allard volunteered to row back to the atoll with a rope the Raiders could use to board the submarine. A squadron of Japanese jets bombed the Nautilus halfway through its launch. The subs crash-dove, and the jets strafed the rescue squad, killing them. After reassessing the situation, Carlson opted to finish the mission on Makin. The Raiders scavenged Japanese weapons to replace those washed away and sabotaged a derelict seaplane facility while avoiding air assaults. They burned much of the facility and 1,000 aviation fuel drums. Carlson decided his forces had a greater chance of reaching the submarines from the lagoon because it had no shore armament.

He encouraged the Nautilus’s captain to enter the lagoon using a semaphore lamp and a dinner chat they had earlier. The Raiders paddled on a raft of three launches, two working outboard engines, and local canoes as outriggers. The Indians gave them a canoe and buried their dead in exchange for USMC combat knives. The new boat reached the submarines, and the Raiders set sail for home. Among the 17 wounded soldiers, four surgeries were performed on the submarine’s mess table. The injured soldiers all survived.

On August 27, Carlson’s Raiders returned to Pearl Harbor to a hero’s welcome. They reported 18 dead and 12 MIAs and killed 160 enemies. According to Japanese records, 46 base personnel and an undisclosed number on Japanese boats and planes died.

Posted in Advertiser, Guest Post, History, Maritime, Navy, USMC | 1 Comment »

Country Traditionalist Jo Smith’s New Single “Ammunition” Available Now

August 14th, 2022

WYOMING, SMITH’S FULL LENGTH DEBUT ALBUM PRODUCED BY BRANDON HOOD, SLATED FOR RELEASE ON 10/21

Nashville, TN (August 8, 2022) – Singer/songwriter and traditionalist Jo Smith has always created incredible art and her new project is no exception. The main difference this time around is the additions to Smith’s resume; working on the front lines in Somalia for a year, joining the Navy as an Intelligence Officer, getting married and having a baby boy. A haunting sashay delivered with silver tinted vocals and a hint of Santa Fe flavor, “Ammunition” is decidedly pointed in its message: talk is cheap and potential is nothing if it goes unrealized. With just enough tinge of Miranda Lambert in her vocals to bring in the comparison, Smith stays firmly in her own lane and owns it in a way only a superstar can. “Ammunition,” written by Smith and Josh O’Keefe and produced by Brandon Hood and from the highly anticipated forthcoming album Wyoming, is available on Friday, August 12.

“Ammunition is my favorite track on the record because the musicians captured the elusive combo of old and new, and created a perfect foundation for the song, which is a new take on a timeless sentiment,” explains Smith. “I believe country music fans, like myself, are increasingly progressive these days, but never forget their roots and their core values. Ammunition is all about that.”

Pre-save here.

Last year, Smith released “Wyoming” featuring the incomparable Vince Gill and “Poor Lil Heart,” to much media, DSP and industry support. These songs along with “Ammunition” are included on Smith’s highly-anticipated forthcoming full length album Wyoming. The nine-song collection displays the peaks and valleys of life, love, family all set to the beautiful backdrop of the Rocky Mountains. From the heartbreak melodies of No More Cowboys, to the freeing nature of I Like This Ring, this album is sure to connect. If the title track “Wyoming” ft. Vince Gill is any indication of the future, Smith will have us hanging on the line for what is next.

As the album Wyoming attests, Smith has been able to keep ahold of that traditional timeless thing that makes music last. Smith’s music possesses a timeless beauty that grows out of uncanny ability to tell stories that balance the emotional depths of traditional country and soul with a deep desire to deliver songs passionately to fans searching for songs that express universal feelings of longing, loss, hope, and love. As her first full length album, Jo Smith could not be more excited and grateful for this project to take on a life of its own.

About Jo Smith

Jo Smith’s songs grow out of her love for people and her love for the world around her. Smith left SMACKSongs and she began traveling around the country to play in listening rooms and small clubs. Smith also spent a year in Somalia, where she lived in a shipping container for a year in a compound in Mogadishu, the most dangerous city in the world. She wrote reports for the U.S. Department of State Counterterrorism Bureau about the progress of Somali police and army training programs. She says, “my time in Somalia was beautiful and sad and meaningful and inspiring.” Her work there enabled her to fund her forthcoming first independent album.

Named one of Rolling Stone’s 10 New Artists You Need To Know in and CMT’s Next Women of Country 2018—, Jo Smith is a soulful and gritty songwriter from south Georgia, and she makes music that is an extension of herself. A passionate storyteller, Jo remains inspired by the countless hours she spent spinning her dad’s vast collection of vinyl records as a child growing up on her family’s cattle farm. She started singing when she was 3, and by the time she was in high school Smith made a conscious decision to focus on music.

Smith has worked with RCA Records and Shane McAnnally’s SMACKSongs. Her music has been a Highway Find on Sirius XM’s The Highway and was named Nashville Lifestyles’ Ones to Watch and Rolling Stone Country’s “New Artists You Need to Know.” Smith was inducted into CMT’s Next Women of Country class of 2018.

For more info and tour dates, visit www.josmithmusic.com.

Posted in Press Release, Veterans | Comments Off on Country Traditionalist Jo Smith’s New Single “Ammunition” Available Now

You Never Know Where They’ll Show Up

August 14th, 2022

To be honest, I never expected one of our patches to end up as a chew toy. But why not? Especially when it’s a celebrity like Ellie.

You may recognize this Golden Retriever from some Chik-fil-a commercials. She’s a very good girl who is recovering from some pretty scary medical issues. We wish her all the best!

Posted in K9, KCRF | 4 Comments »

USSOCOM Science and Technology Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) 22.4 Round 2 & 3 Pre-Release

August 13th, 2022

The USSOCOM Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and the Small
Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs will soon be accepting submissions for the technology areas of interest below.

Special Areas of Interest

(Round 2) PHASE I:
SOCOM224-007 Topological Anomaly Detection

(Round 3) DIRECT TO PHASE II:
SOCOM224-D005: Artificial Intelligence-Driven Voice Control at the Edge
SOCOM224-D006: Canine In-Ear Hearing Protection

On 23 August, SOFWERX will host virtual Q&A sessions for each of the areas of interest. RSVP to the Q&A session(s) that interest you here.

Posted in Comms, ISR, K9, Research, SOF | Comments Off on USSOCOM Science and Technology Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) 22.4 Round 2 & 3 Pre-Release