About two weeks ago we published a story on Beyond’s new A9 Shorty Mission Shirt. Beyond read your comments and modified the shirt with slightly longer sleeves, bringing them to the elbow.
About two weeks ago we published a story on Beyond’s new A9 Shorty Mission Shirt. Beyond read your comments and modified the shirt with slightly longer sleeves, bringing them to the elbow.
This seventh annual Warrior Expo – East kicked off today with a keynote speech by United States Navy SEAL Rear Admiral (ret) and Deputy Commander, Naval Special Warfare Command, Scott P Moore. His service in NSW spans a wide variety of assignments including time as the commander of NSW Development Group.
The main thrust of his address was maintaining readiness in the current budgetary environment. But, as he pointed out, things aren’t slowing down. Instability abounds, in the Middle East, Eastern Europe and even the Americas. He sees a future of Brush Fire Wars and a move back to training surrogates and allied partners. Conversely, he understands the requirement of a constant forward presence of our maritime forces, particularly off the coasts of North Africa and the Horn of Africa.
He is also concerned about the increasing threats to US citizens and interests, particularly the number of hostage situations. RADM Moore related that he has tracked or been party to a hostage rescue mission every six months for the past six years. In the 20 years prior to that, he said that he dreamed of being allowed to participate in a rescue. The world has changed and he feels the world is in a less stable place than it was before 9/11. This is the new normal. It’s constant conflict and sustained training is critical. It might be boring to some but you never know when or where you’ll be called upon to act. Adaptability will be key due to the short notice of deployments. This means training will be key.
Consequently, RADM Moore discussed selection and training, particularly in regard to the SEAL community. He discussed identifying men who have a “healthy distrust for authority” because the drive the leadership to step up and excel. He also discussed finding the men with the will to go on individually and yet serve as a member of a team. That is the point of BUDS and the ongoing training process in NSW.
The point is put together a great team. RADM Moore points to three factors that are critical to making this happen:
1. Leadership – Institutional leadership doesn’t have to be great, it just has to be good enough. Natural leaders will rise to the top and experience creates leadership. Ultimately, leadership is a commitment to the role. Also, a successful leader is respected but not necessarily liked.
2. Cohesiveness – You’re either on the team bus or you’re not. You must spend time together to develop trust. Additionally, honest After Action Reviews are critical. They also develop trust and that trust increases speed.
3. Empowerment – The most critical factor to creating great teams is allowing your subordinates to thrive. Develop younger leaders and prepare them to take your job when it’s time. When you empower your subordinates and let them take responsibility in your team, as the overall leader you can concentrate on strategic level issues.
As for the budget, RADM Moore suggests we “DWI” or “deal with it.” But, he challenges industry to help us maintain our technological advantage over adversaries who are increasingly using advanced capabilities. We have to stack the deck in favor our troops every time and he urges companies to raise the bar. To do this, he pointed back to those three factors to developing great teams.
Additionally, ADS founder Luke Hillier presented the Warrior for Warrior awards from his organization Hillier Ignite.
This year there were two. First up, was Wounded Wea. Also honored was the Boulder Crest Retreat Foundation. Both organizations do amazing things for wounded Veterans. In addition to the recognition, the Warrior for Warriors award includes $25,000.
If you are attending Warrior East today or tomorrow be sure to stop by the CeJay Engineering booth to pick up your SSD logo reflective patch and sticker pack. These reflective items are made by Warrior GloTape and are not ITAR controlled. They are available on a first come, first served basis and once they are gone, that’s it.
Earlier today, during the Warrior Expo setup day, Chief Steve Bronson and Axl Rose, his Dutch Shepard Pitbull presented Wounded Warrior Brad Lang with his new service animal, Diego, on behalf of the EOD Warrior Foundation.
A Wounded Warrior, Brad Lang retired from the Marine Corps as an EOD SSgt after receiving graves wounds on July 24th, 2011 in the Sangin River Valley in Helmland Province. He recovered and nowadays, Brad keeps his head in the game by running Stumpy’s Custom Guns, Inc. in Swansboro, NC along with Johnny Morris who also lost a leg as a Marine EOD NCO. They named the shop “Stumpies” because they’ve got one good leg between the two of them. They also employ other Wounded Warriors.
Diego is a two year old Belgian Malanois. He’s undergone seven months of training for his new assignment as Brad’s service dog. Steve Bronson has really brought Diego a long way over that time.
This is a reunion for Brad and Diego. They last saw each other during SHOT Show in January. Brad had Diego initially for about four months and then he turned him over to BMC Bronson (USN, Ret) to train him as a service dog. Diego has been learning how to recover Brad’s chair, assist with handicapped doors and crosswalks as well as regular doors. Most of all, Diego will be someone to, in Brad’s own words, “watch my Six.”
EOD Warrior Foundation has paid for the entire training process. Everything from food to vet bills to training. They even purchased a Jog-a-Dog treadmill for Diego so that he can work off his excess energy. I spoke with EOD Warrior Foundation Founder and Chairman of the Board BMCM Ken Falke (EOD) (USN, Ret). He said, “We’re honored to be able to sponsor Diego’s training in order to make a difference in Brad’s life. We’re also grateful to Chief Bronson for his time and patience training Diego.”
Diego and Brad have one more challenge to surmount. Diego will be taking a public access test to assess his abilities to work with Brad in a public setting. Based on what I saw today, they’ll do just fine.
We first showed you the Mission Configurable Helmet Cover during AUSA 2012. Since then, it’s seen some limited use and a bit of development. During a recent visit to Op-Core’s Boston Factory, they showed me an enhanced model that will join the original version we’ve shown you in the past.
I’ve got to say that I still love the thing. It’s a great way to enhance the capability of your ACH-style helmet with the addition of not only a cover, but also VAS Shroud and ARC Rails. And all this with the addition of a cover and the pulling of a drawstring.
We originally mentioned the Dual Powered Aviation Mount during Warrior West. It will be on display at this week’s Warrior East so be sure to check it out.
Newington, NH-Wilcox has designed a Dual Powered Aviation Mount (DPAM) for use by Aviators, crewman and on-the-ground operators that offers an overall improvement to the current existing systems. The DPAM mount works with the ANVS-6/9, F4949, F5050 and GPNVG night vision goggles.
This mount fully integrates into the currently used external batteries utilizing a standard 4-pin Lemo connector or can run off an internal 123A lithium battery for up to eight hours. The internal backup battery provides power to the NVG even when removed from the mount. This completely eliminates the need for the snap on battery pack and the additional weight.
Unique features of the DPAM include a low-battery indicator light and a Power Mode selection that allows the operator to choose between the external and internal power supply without having to remove the helmet. The system has a switch guard that protects against accidental snags.
An NVG flip button allows the goggle to “flip up” into a stowed position when not in use. This enables the auto-off capabilities of the goggle helping to save battery life. The system has several adjustment points for a precise fit. An interface plate provides a stable mounting platform and helps with the fit. It also allows the DPAM to easily be removed from the shroud.
The mount is manufactured from lightweight aerospace grade metal and high strength polymer. A field replaceable ball detent insert provides the ability to set tolerances over the life of the mount. The mount fist into ballistic and non-ballistic helmets drilled with the standard one or three-hole pattern and when used with Wilcox’s line of NVG shrouds. The mount and shroud weigh a minimal 5.92 ounces. For ordering and pricing information contact Wilcox Industries at www.wilcoxind.com.
ADS is hosting some special events during this week’s Warrior Expo in Virginia Beach. They include a Morning Workout on the 10th and
Get an energized jump-start on your day before the kickoff of Warrior Expo East! Combat Fitness Specialists and Human Performance gurus will lead the ADS family in a functional workout for all fitness levels. The group will gather at the Oceanfront Boardwalk at 31st Street and get started bright and early at 0630. ALL are invited to participate.
Coaches from the US Marine Corps, the US Army, the US Navy2XU, BeaverFit USA, Mobile Fitness Equipment, PLAE, PowerMax Equipment, SORINEX Exercise Equipment, and TriggerPoint Performance will all be joining in on the fun! Get to know the team a little bit before you come see them in the Human Performance booth at Warrior Expo East!
warrior-expo.com/warrior-expo-east