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Close Combat Lethality Task Force Hosts Artificial Intelligence for Small Unit Maneuver Working Group

August 13th, 2022

FORT BENNING, Ga. — The Department of Defense Close Combat Lethality Task Force hosted the Artificial Intelligence for Small-Unit Maneuver working group July 27 – 28 at Fort Benning.

The purpose of the working group was to establish a joint artificial intelligence community of interest to identify capability gaps, review existing AI initiatives and synchronize AI focus areas to improve lethality across DOD, and specifically, U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps and special operations close combat small-unit formations.

Participants included academic experts, representatives from the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office and operational end-users from the U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Special Operations Command communities, each possessing a unique skill set on how to leverage AI for their specific missions.

“We are transforming the joint force by integrating next-generation technologies and war-fighting concepts,” said U.S. Army Col. Shannon Nielsen, director of the Close Combat Lethality Task Force. “[This] enhances our ability to compete globally, deter adversaries, and win on all-domain battlefields at the small-unit level.”

During the working group, participants discussed current and future AI initiatives and opportunities to synchronize Artificial Intelligence for Small-Unit Maneuver efforts to gain technological and resourcing efficiencies.

The Artificial Intelligence for Small-Unit Maneuver working group will continue to meet monthly with members of the joint AI community of interest to identify, prioritize, and advocate AI programs and DOD investment strategies to improve close-combat lethality.

By Alexander Gago

Posted in Army, Guest Post, Robotics | 1 Comment »

Zenith AeroTech Delivers Two Tethered Aerial Vehicles to Federal Law Enforcement Agency

August 12th, 2022

Quad 8 long-endurance unmanned platforms to provide video, communications, and illumination for enhanced emergency response capability

AFTON, Va.–Zenith AeroTech, a leader in heavy-lift tethered aerial vehicles (TAVs), announced today that the company has completed delivery of two Quad 8 TAVs to a Federal law enforcement agency for use as a command overwatch solution during emergency response missions.

Each Quad 8 was designed to meet the customer’s need for a long-endurance aerial platform that could carry electro-optical/infrared video (EO/IR) video cameras, a communications relay system, and overhead, high-intensity light panels—all at the same time.

“The client wanted an overwatch capability to help secure their area of operations during emergency response efforts,” said Kutlay Kaya, chairman of Zenith AeroTech. “And unlike regular, untethered drones, our TAVs can stay in the air for days at time while carrying a variety of payloads.”

The Quad 8 can lift up to 20 pounds of customer-defined payloads. That’s more than enough capacity to carry a long-range EO/IR camera, a communications relay, and two 17,000-lumen, weather-resistant LED panels.

“These high-powered lights are ground-controlled for intensity and on/off functions,” said Doganc Kucuk, lead designer for Zenith AeroTech. “And when they are activated, it becomes like daytime on the ground.”

Hovering at altitudes of 200 to 400 feet, the Quad 8 TAV draws its power from the Ground Power Unit (GPU), which converts AC voltage into high-voltage DC power for the TAV and its payloads. The GPU also runs an automated management system designed to operate even under inclement weather conditions.

“This smart tether system allows the operator to focus completely on the mission, which at the end of the day, is the most important thing,” Kaya said.

Zenith AeroTech has been engaged recently with universities, military organizations, and large communications providers. Company officials estimate the market for these systems will see rapid growth as more end-user applications are developed and successfully fielded.

zenithaerotech.com

Posted in Contracts, LE, Press Release, UAS | Comments Off on Zenith AeroTech Delivers Two Tethered Aerial Vehicles to Federal Law Enforcement Agency

Alien Gear Holsters Introduces Game-Changing Holsters

August 12th, 2022

The new Roswell appendix carry and OWB holster line from Alien Gear® is designed with a minimalist approach for peak performance.

Post Falls, Idaho (August 2022) – Alien Gear Holsters®, designers and manufacturers of American-made holsters and firearms accessories, officially launch a new holster collection, the Roswell, a revolutionary new appendix carry and OWB holster series. Designed with a minimalist approach for peak performance, the new Alien Gear Roswell line of appendix carry (AIWB) and outside the waistband carry (OWB) holsters are thinner, lighter, and stronger than the standard Kydex holsters currently available on the market today.

“We at Alien Gear are always innovating,” Shawn Hostetter, CEO of Alien Gear Holsters, commented. “And we listen to our customer base. With a growing number of citizens carrying all day, whether on the job or for personal protection, holsters need to become even more concealed without sacrificing comfort, access, safety, and affordability. Our new Roswell line incorporates all of that and more. These appendix-carry holsters are super light and thin, yet very strong. You get all the security, comfort, and performance you’ve come to know with Alien Gear Holsters in our new Roswell line, designed especially for those that like to carry appendix-style.”

The Roswell AIWB and OWB holsters are designed to be better than traditional Kydex “full-wrap” holsters in every way. Each Roswell holster is made from a proprietary injection-molded polymer that is 20 percent lighter, 40 percent tougher, and 80 percent more heat resistant than other molded holsters, and guaranteed to be the most concealable, better than Kydex holster you’ve ever worn. The included claw and wedge kit ensures the Roswell AIWB stays comfortable and close to the body, and the optional MRDS hood protects your optics.

Alien Gear Holsters’ new Roswell AIWB and OWB series are available for 20 manufacturer models, right or left-hand draw, for an MSRP under $40.

For more information on Alien Gear Holsters or the new Roswell OWB and Appendix Carry Holsters, visit www.aliengearholsters.com. Join the conversation on Alien Gear Holsters’ Facebook page, Instagram, and YouTube.

Alien Gear Holsters uses only the best materials for their holsters, including the new Roswell line of AIWB holsters. Each component is tested for durability and resilience. The Alien Gear Holsters Roswell series holsters included a Forever Warranty and a 30-Day Test Drive to ensure 100 percent satisfaction. Each product is made in the USA at our factory in Northern Idaho.

Alien Gear Holsters, a division of Tedder Industries, is based entirely in the United States and manufactures everything exclusively from their facility in Northern Idaho. Founded in 2013, Alien Gear Holsters are the most comfortable concealed carry holsters on the planet. Any planet. Alien Gear Holsters manufactures durable leather and lightweight neoprene composite holsters complete with fully swappable, plastic shells that are interchangeable with any inside and outside the waistband gun holster styles.

Using state-of-the-art 3D modeling, precision injection molding, and specially blended polymers, Alien Gear Holsters can repeatably produce top-quality holsters, made entirely in the USA, for much less than other tactical holster brands can produce. Alien Gear is proud to employ military and law enforcement veterans, competitive shooters, and firearms enthusiasts to ensure that our mindset matches yours.

Posted in Holsters, Press Release | 2 Comments »

TacJobs – Dealer Services Sales Manager

August 12th, 2022

Location: Seattle, Hybrid / 3 days in house, Full Time

About Outdoor Research

Since 1981, Outdoor Research has been building award-winning outdoor clothing and gear. We stand behind every product we make with the Outdoor Research Infinite Guarantee® warranty. Find out how we were born from our founder Ron Gregg’s research-led approach to problem solving, and discover the origins of our first products in Our Story. Discover our roots in U.S. manufacturing, our legacy in Made in the USA tactical gloves, and our response to the COVID-19 pandemic with the development of face masks and medical-grade personal protective equipment in Protection. Learn about our product processes using recycled materials, how we enforce the safety and wellbeing of our workplaces, and our commitment to all people and the planet in Responsibility. Meet some of our community members who work to create safe, accessible, and equitable outdoor spaces in our Community Partnerships and our Ambassadors. We’d be thrilled to have you join the team and find your Career at Outdoor Research.

Duties: OR Pro Sales Manager

• Create key account financial plans that align account KPIs with brand shipment.

• Establish new business and leverage existing contacts to meet sales goals that continue to build high volume accounts and raise brand awareness.

• Manages sales programs with existing partnerships.

• Provides Retail sales, Gross margin, Inventory and Turn forecasts against Plan and Last year for responsible Account(s).

• Drives collaboration and cross-functional alignment on plans with internal and external stakeholders.

• Develop tools and approach to continuously improve sell through performance; specifically drive application to top product concepts, roll out to team across business: forecasting, allocation planning, etc.

• Support process and tools to build a quantitative assortment and category plans that target accounts unique consumer bases and leverage incremental opportunities.

• Build Sales plan for inventory management specific to OR Pro sales needs for each season; create preseason bulk orders to ensure sufficient stock throughout season for sales

• Respond in a timely, professional, and positive manner to all forms of inquiries regarding orders for OR Pro sales and Outdoor Research products, including but not limited to product availability inquiries, product information, shipping status, etc. Manage all communications through the OR Pro email aliases.

Duties: Dealer Service/ Key Accounts

• Respond in a timely, professional, and positive manner to all e-mail, fax, phone, etc. inquiries regarding Outdoor Research orders and products. This will include but is not limited to new purchase orders, product availability inquiries, product information, shipping status, warranty/returns, etc.

• Ensure accuracy of orders, returns, customer accounts, and all other related transactions. Work with finance, planning, marketing, sales, and shipping/receiving departments to set up and manage accounts, provide necessary reporting, and communicate issues that affect shipment of orders, customer/dealer relationships and revenue.

• Manage all account details, assuring all information is up to date and accurate; this includes, but is not limited to, adding new store/ship to locations as needed, adding and/or removing contacts as notified and/or updating all affected departments of new Vendor Guide requirements.

• Support sales leaders through regular maintenance of accounts as well as proactive and regular review of open orders and exception reports. If applicable. Notify sales leaders, manager, Rep, and/or Buyer accordingly and resolve issues in a timely manner. Support sales leaders in execution of ad-hoc projects that aim to improve Key Account customer experience.

• Work cross-departmentally to ensure success of Key Account partnerships. Maintain a strong knowledge of supply chain and logistics as relates to Key Account shipments. Regularly review and seek out learning opportunities to better understand cross departmental processes and how the work of other departments interacts with the Key Accounts role.

• Process returns/warranties per department procedures, using proper cancellation codes to categorize reason for return correctly. Proactively communicate persistent quality control issues within the department and to other departments as necessary.

• Regularly review processes and procedures used for account maintenance and offer advice in development of new strategies where appropriate, keeping in mind customer experience and efficient operations as key priorities.

• Maintain, provide input, and work with Elastic (B2B) platform with all OR Pro dealers

What you should bring to the table

• Must be able to work in a fast paced – at times stressful – environment

• Excellent understanding of retail math and interpreting sell through data to recommend changes that positively impacts the business.

• Experience understanding and developing consumer, retail and competitor trends Proven ability to lead, effectively communicate and influence business partners.

• Ability to grow your book of business, develop executable pipeline, forecast and sales plans to close business per the expected sales cycle.

• Ability to think strategically, synthesize complex data and develop creative and innovative solutions within an entrepreneurial environment.

• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from senior executives, stakeholders, cross functional business leaders, peers, clients, and customers.

• Ability to gather data from multiple sources and manipulate the data to develop demand driven and action-based reporting and analysis.

• Ability to be detail oriented and manage multiple priorities to accomplish assignments simultaneously under tight timelines.

What do we bring to the table?

• 11 paid holidays each year and 3 floating holidays

• Transportation benefits

• PTO

• Paid volunteer time

• Comprehensive medical, dental and vision plans

• 401k with company match

• Bouldering wall

• Product discounts

• Employee interest groups including various sports activities and our one and only Fun Force club

Outdoor Research is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, gender identity or expression, or any other basis protected by local, state or federal law. Our company’s Core Mission is to provide innovation and inspiration for the relentless adventurer. Please visit us at www.outdoorresearch.com for more information.

Link to the position is here.

Posted in TacJobs | Comments Off on TacJobs – Dealer Services Sales Manager

Lindnerhof-Taktik Rolls Out New Split-Front Chest Rig, Rifle Magazine Pouches; All Available for Purchase Starting 12 August

August 12th, 2022

LENGGRIES, GERMANY (11 August 2022)—Lindnerhof-Taktik, GmbH, will tomorrow [12 August] begin making available for purchase three new items to help tactical operators achieve greater mission success. The debuting products are the MX266 Splint Front Chest Rig, the MX002 MX Rifle Magazine Pouch Single, and the MX098 MX Rifle Magazine Panel Triple.

The MX266 Split Front Chest Rig is a lightweight two-piece unit that includes its own padded carrying system.

The MX 002 Rifle Magazine Pouch Single and MX098 Magazine Panel Triple are low-profile, easy access receptacles made to hold magazines for the Heckler & Koch G36 assault rifle and those for most other carbines using 5.56x45mm NATO rounds.

According to company officials, the MX266 Split Front Chest Rig builds on the proven design elements of previous Lindnerhof chest rigs but with several important enhancements, the company said.

First, the MX266 is constructed from Lindnerhof’s innovative new multiaxial laminate. This durable yet featherlight material reduces the weight of the chest rig, making it easier to carry.

Second, the fully MOLLE/PALS-compatible MX266 features a midsection split-option zipper that allows users to keep their gear within easy reach when they take up a prone position, thereby eliminating the need to remove the rig in order to access stowed ammo, radio equipment, and other mission essentials.

Third, the MX266 includes its own padded, slotted, and loop-fitted carrying system that allows the piece to be used as an add-on to any other Lindnerhof chest rig model.

“I’m a former sniper, and to me the MX266 Split Front Chest Rig represents a well-conceived expansion of our existing Lindnerhof MX product range—one that’s right in step with these times of super-durable, ultralight plate carriers,” said Jakob Kolbeck, CEO of Lindnerhof- Taktik.

“The MX266 is the latest innovation spun from the relentless efforts of our R&D department,” he continued. “It brilliantly addresses a challenge every sniper, every rifle operator, faces in the field—the challenge of being able to quickly retrieve gear from the front of the rig when you’re belly down in the dirt. Before the MX266, you’d have to completely remove the rig to fish out what you needed. But with the MX266, all you have to do is unzip it and you’ve got direct access from the side. Very cool.”

Kolbeck added that the MX266 comes with a cleverly engineered securing buckle for fast closing of the chest rig when the mission ends or at any point prior. “You don’t even need to close the zipper first—just clip the buckle and go,” he said.

Kolbeck also noted that the MX266 Split Front Chest Rig features Velcro® adaption points that permit affixing it to a plate carrier. “The plate carrier has to have its own Velcro® strips to permit this, but if it doesn’t we offer a separately sold adaption kit [RMPL144] to solve that problem,” he said.

Boasting compatibility with all Lindnerhof rigs, the MX266 is expected to swiftly emerge as a favourite among tactical operators, Kolbeck predicted. “It’ll come to be seen as an easy option to set up one ?s super-individualised and modular micro-rig,” he said. “And the fact that it can be attached to our MX234 Multi-Caliber Triple Front Panel and MX231 Panel Front means users can kill two birds with one stone.”

Meanwhile, the MX002 Rifle Magazine Pouch Single and MX098 Rifle Magazine Panel Triple are—like the MX266 Split Front Chest Rig—made from the company’s super-lightweight MX multiaxial laminate. They are nearly identical in design and features, except the MX002 holds only a single magazine whereas the MX098 holds three and is in a panel format (which makes it well-suited to fully equip the front of a plate carrier).

Both models allow users to swap out a mag faster thanks to their clean, low-profile contours—this attribute helps minimise potential interference with the user’s hand as it grabs for a fresh magazine. Also abetting quick, easy access to magazines is a special built-in tab (Alpha Tab 4.0). Additionally, the MX002 and MX098 mount via standard MOLLE/PALS fixation and come with extra front laser-cut slots for attaching additional gear.

“It’s imperative that the pouches you bring along on your mission make it easier to take hold of your magazines regardless of whether you’re operating in conditions that are dark or cold or wet or some combination of the three, but what ?s also lifesaving while you’re in action is always having best-possible access to your ammunition and weapon system,” Kolbeck offered. “And our new MX Rifle Magazine Pouches deliver on all counts. This is why I feel very confident in asserting that what we’ve created is a genuine instant classic in the category of rifle magazine pouches.”

For more information about the MX266 Split Front Chest Rig, MX 002 Rifle Magazine Pouch Single, MX098 Rifle Magazine Panel Triple, and other Lindnerhof-Taktik products, please visit the company’s web shop at www.hqg.de.

Posted in International, Load Carrying, Press Release | 2 Comments »

FirstSpear Friday Focus: Squadron Smock in Multicam Arid

August 12th, 2022

Old World Design Meets Modern Performance

The FirstSpear Squadron Smock is a modern take on a classic design. This smock is American Sourced and American Built. Performance materials and expert craftsmanship are the benchmark of this design and build.

Built with brushed Nylon and ACM™ MID 400 American Merino Wool, the Squadron Smock is durable, warm and moisture wicking. The fit is loose to accommodate additional layers.

Boasting 18 various sized pockets and large buttons, this top provides utility and noise reduction for those venturing behind enemy lines.

The oversized hood will fit over helmets with most night vision attached and the easily adjustable stiffener in the bill helps to maintain its shape.

The Squadron Smock can be used as a uniform top, a weather barrier or even as a hasty load carriage system. The Multicam Arid pattern aids concealment and disruption of observation. Check out the Squadron Smock to learn more.

Visit FirstSpear to find all the gear and apparel for America’s Warfighter.

Posted in Advertiser, Clothing, FS Friday Focus, Guest Post | 3 Comments »

82nd Airborne Troops Test Army’s Next-Generation Combat Goggle

August 12th, 2022

FORT BRAGG, North Carolina — 82nd Airborne Division Paratroopers helping the Army make decisions on its newest program to provide Infantry Soldiers with a mixed reality headset.

Working toward a future when cloud services, squad radios, and necessary combat information can be combined and visualized on a set of futuristic goggles, Soldiers with the 2nd Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment (PIR), 1st Infantry Brigade Combat Team are rehearsing combat missions under sweltering 100 degree-plus heat, high humidity, and even a few thunderstorms.

According to Program Executive Office Soldier, the Integrated Visual Augmentation System (IVAS) may one day integrate next generation 24/7 situational awareness tools and high-resolution digital sensors to deliver a single platform that improves Soldier sensing, decision making, target acquisition, and target engagement.

Army Secretary Christine Wormuth said during first looks at IVAS, “Remember early satellite phones from the 1980s that wealthy people had in their cars? They were big and clunky and now we have iPhones. It took us some time to get there.”

Capt. Roberto Huie, commander of Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment (PIR), 1st Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT), 82nd Airborne Division, said seeing the location of all his Soldiers wearing the system is a huge benefit.

“Such a system will significantly improve reaction time for unit leaders who make decisions under the stress of battle,” he said.

The Opposing Force Commander, Capt. Phillip Johnston of Alpha Company, 2nd Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment (PIR), 1st Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT), 82nd Airborne Division, said the test gave him an opportunity to train his company, with nine separate missions to plan, rehearse and execute.

“We trained at a level of we have not seen previously in the Army,” he said. “It was invaluable to have an outside look into the Company from the Operational Test Command without having the pressure of graded evaluations that normally come with training events.”

Story by LTC Jerry L. Jones Jr., Test Officer, Maneuver Test Directorate, U.S. Operational Test Command

Photos by Mr. Nicholas Robertson, Visual Information Specialist, U.S. Army Operational Test Command

Posted in Army, Guest Post, Optics, PEO-Soldier | 11 Comments »

Milrem Robotics Delivers the First THeMIS Unmanned Ground Vehicle to the Spanish Army

August 11th, 2022

The European leading robotics and autonomous systems developer Milrem Robotics has delivered the first THeMIS Unmanned Ground Vehicle to the Spanish Ministry of Defence.

The Ministry, through the Directorate of Armament and Material, awarded the contract for one THeMIS UGV to A.Paukner, S.A., Milrem Robotics’ representative in Spain.

The THeMIS was acquired in the framework of the Scorpion program that was launched in early 2021 to evaluate the capabilities of existing unmanned ground vehicles. During the first phase of the program a list of missions will be defined that can benefit from the usage of unmanned ground systems.

“The THeMIS has already proven itself to 12 countries, seven of which are members of NATO, as a capable, robust and versatile system. We are glad that Spain has joined as the 13th user of THEMIS and chosen Milrem Robotics as a partner to build their robotic and autonomous systems capabilities,” said Kuldar Väärsi, CEO of Milrem Robotics.

“A.Paukner, S.A is proud to become the first supplier of a UGV platform to the Spanish MoD within the framework of the ambitious “Escorpion program” devoted to testing and evaluating these unmanned ground systems,” said G. Ingo Paukner, CEO of A.Paukner, S.A.

“The THeMIS UGV is a very powerful, flexible, and easy to deploy multirole platform (also quickly configurable for disaster relief and firefighting missions, if needed) to be incorporated with leading edge Spanish Industry solutions. The combination of technologies provides a solid product and new capabilities to the Spanish Army which could potentially also generate joint business opportunities with other allied Armed Forces. The support and commitment of Milrem Robotics for this project have been outstanding. We are grateful for this support as well for the MoD’s trust in our company and its unmanned systems portfolio,” G. Ingo Paukner added.

“THeMIS provides a robust robotic platform ready to be equipped with several payloads in order to boost experimentation and other R&D activities with a reliable and well-known solution,” said a representative of the Spanish MoD’s program.

The THeMIS UGV is a multi-mission capable system intended to support dismounted troops that can serve as a mule for transporting a squad’s gear or be rapidly converted into a weaponized remotely operated unit to offer force protection.

It is the first system in its size class deployed to a conflict area during the anti-insurgency operation Barkhane in Mali. During the deployment, the THeMIS traversed 1200 km in one of the world’s harshest terrains of lava rock soil and climates climbing to 50 degrees Celsius in the shade. The UGV was operational for over 330 hours.

Milrem Robotics is the leading European robotics and autonomous systems developer and system integrator. The company is known for its THeMIS and Multiscope Unmanned Ground Vehicles and the Type-X Robotic Combat Vehicle. The THeMIS supports dismounted troops while the Multiscope is intended for civilian use such as forestry and firefighting. The Type-X Robotic Combat Vehicle is a wingman for mechanized units.

Milrem Robotics is the leader of a consortium awarded 30.6M (EUR) from the European Commission’s European Defence Industrial Development Program (EDIDP) to develop a European standardized unmanned ground system (UGS). During the project, titled iMUGS, modular and scalable architecture for hybrid manned-unmanned systems will be developed to standardize a European wide ecosystem.

Posted in Contracts, Press Release, Robotics | Comments Off on Milrem Robotics Delivers the First THeMIS Unmanned Ground Vehicle to the Spanish Army