Nellis AFB to Gain Electronic Warfare Squadron
ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) — The Department of the Air Force has selected Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, as the preferred and final location for the 562nd Electronic Warfare Squadron. The 562nd EWS, assigned to the 350th Spectrum Warfare Wing, will be co-located with the United States Air Force Warfare Center to streamline electromagnetic spectrum […]
Huckberry – ShadowFleece Hoodie
Made by Proof, this hoodie caught my eye the other day as I perused my internet feed. What I like about it is that it is made from Polartec Alpha, a highly breathable insulation. I own a couple of garments that use this material and I really like it. Like I said, it’s breathable and […]
Breaking Barriers: Jeremy Chambers Becomes First NCO to Commission as Captain in Foreign Affairs
FORT SHAFTER, Hawaii – In a milestone moment for the United States Army and U.S. Army Pacific, U.S. Army Master Sgt. Jeremy Chambers, of the Security Cooperation Division at the U.S. Army Pacific (USARPAC), Fort Shafter, Hawaii, has shattered expectations and set a new precedent by becoming the first noncommissioned officer in Army history to […]
Rapidly Developed Counter-Drone Prototype Succeeds at NATO’s Bold Machina
A new, innovative detection system for countering uncrewed aerial systems (c-UAS) conducted its first field tests at sea during the Bold Machina (BOMA) exercise in the Netherlands this September. Rapidly developed by a small team led by officer-scholars from the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS), the c-UAS system deployed aboard a Dutch Navy fast raiding, interception, […]
Autonomy in Action: Advancing CBRN Defense Capabilities with Unmanned Systems
Our Nation’s warfighters encounter many known and unknown hazards on the modern battlefield including chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) threats. Hand-held detection and identification capabilities enhance situational awareness and enable early warning and mitigation, but they can also be time intensive and physiologically burdensome. Additionally, some environments pose too great a risk or are […]
Army Seeks Novel Autonomous Ground and Launched Effects Solutions Through New xTech|Edge Strike: Ground Competition
WASINGTON ? The Army FUZE xTech Program, in partnership with U.S. Army Europe and Africa (USAREUF-AF) and the Global Tactical Edge Directorate (G-TEAD), launched the xTech|Edge Strike: Ground competition to identify and accelerate mature, ready-to-deploy autonomous ground-system and launched-effects technologies. Offering a total cash prize pool of $2 million , the competition provides potential follow-on […]
It’s All in the Packaging: The Engineering Behind MRE Freshness
WASHINGTON — Hungry individuals don’t put much thought into the packaging of their food. When people grab a snack, they generally rip into it and toss it aside to get to the good stuff. But at the Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Soldier Center’s Combat Feeding Division in Natick, Massachusetts, about a half-dozen engineers spend […]
TacJobs – Product Development Lead – Technical Apparel at Tomahawk Performance
Product Development Lead – Technical Apparel Location: Lower Mainland, BC, Canada Position Type: Full-Time Reports to: Design and Development Manager About Tomahawk Performance Tomahawk Performance provides a technical advantage for those who value hard work, pushing beyond limits, and the unwavering pursuit of freedom. Rooted in a deep heritage of military special operations and technical […]
TacJobs – Tomahawk Performance Seeks Garment Engineer / Sample Maker – Technical Apparel
Garment Engineer / Sample Maker – Technical Apparel Location: Lower Mainland, BC, Canada Position Type: Full-Time Reports To: Design and Development Manager About Tomahawk Performance Tomahawk Performance provides a technical advantage for those who value hard work, pushing beyond limits, and the unwavering pursuit of freedom. Rooted in a deep heritage of military special operations and technical […]
10th Mountain Division Activates Cutting Edge UAS and Launched Effects Company
FORT DRUM, N.Y. — Fox Company, 1-10 Attack Battalion, a new company dedicated to achieving “drone dominance” on the modern battlefield, was formally established Dec. 16, 2025 under the 10th Combat Aviation Brigade, 10th Mountain Division (LI). The activation of the unit, a first-of-its-kind tactical unmanned aircraft systems and launched effects company, marks a significant […]
Guardians Wear New Space Force Dress Uniforms for First-Time at Basic Training Graduation Ceremony
PHILADELPHIA – The U.S. Space Force’s newest Guardians were the first trainees to wear the new service dress uniform for a basic military training graduation ceremony at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, Dec. 18, thanks to the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support Clothing and Textiles supply chain. “I feel an incredible sense of pride in our […]
Xenith Solutions Secures Position on Missile Defense Agency SHIELD Contract, Advancing Role in National Missile Defense Modernization
LEESBURG, Va., Dec. 22, 2025 — Xenith Solutions, a mission-driven government contractor supporting national defense and homeland security priorities, today announced it has been selected as an awardee under the Missile Defense Agency’s (MDA) Scalable Homeland Innovative Enterprise Layered Defense (SHIELD) multiple-award contract vehicle. The SHIELD contract establishes a long-term acquisition framework to accelerate the development, integration, […]
Marines Visualize Electronic Signature with Electromagnetic Spectrum Signature (EMSS) called the All-domain Electromagnetic Radio Operator Trainer (AERO-T)
MCTSSA, MCSWF, NPS Join Forces for AERO-T CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. – The Marine Corps Software Factory (MCSWF) is creating a training tool to provide Marines the ability to visualize their Electromagnetic Spectrum Signature (EMSS) called the All-domain Electromagnetic Radio Operator Trainer (AERO-T) and are collaborating with Marine Corps Tactical Systems Support Activity (MCTSSA) to bring […]
Blast from the Past – First Earth Battalion Manual
This article hails from November of 2009 and references a topic which was still poignant at the time. I’ve been fascinated by Jim Channon since I first learned about him decades ago and occasionally I reference the document mentioned below. I hope you go down the rabbit hole that is the human potential movement and […]
Peace On Earth
Merry Christmas to all, especially those who keep us safe at night.
Next-Generation Drone Pilots Face Off at Comp
Army’s newest drone and robotics talent went head-to-head at Victoria Barracks last month in the finals of Rise of the Drones and War of the Machines. The culmination of months of training, designing and testing at Battle Lab’s MakerSpace sites across the country had finals competitors assembling, configuring, flying and repairing first-person-view (FPV) drones and […]
Sustaining Expeditions: New Tech Keeps Warfighters Fed in Arctic Conditions
WASHINGTON — Batteries for cellphones and other small devices deplete quickly outside in the winter, and that’s no different for warfighters in the field. To make sure they’re focused on the mission — and not the temperature or malfunctioning equipment — War Department experts are creating specialized technology and adapting current equipment to survive in […]
US Marine Corps Fields MADIS to 1st LAAD
MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII – The U.S. Marine Corps took a major step forward with a state-of-the-art system designed for short-range detection, tracking and engagement of aerial threats. On Dec. 12, 2025, Program Executive Office Land Systems fielded two Marine Air Defense Integrated Systems (MADIS) to 1st Low Altitude Air Defense (LAAD) Battalion, Marine Air Control […]
18X Hits Major Milestone: Command Pilot Rating
CREECH AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. — In 1913, the first two military aviation badges, silver wings, were issued to members of the U.S. Army Air Corps. As time went on, pilots of all airframes have been awarded their silver wings and given the rating of pilot, senior pilot and command pilot. Since then, the […]
Quantum Systems Acquires FERNRIDE
As part of its expansion into a multi-domain provider, Quantum Systems acquires FERNRIDE and integrates solutions for ground autonomy. Gilching, 17 December 2025: Quantum Systems, Europe’s market leader in AI-powered unmanned systems, today announced the acquisition of FERNRIDE. With the acquisition of FERNRIDE, Quantum Systems is expanding its leadership position from air and software intelligence […]
NIOA, Defence Sign Long-Term SMALL Arms Support Deal
NIOA has signed a new long-term small arms support contract with the Australian Department of Defence. The new support contract engages Australian-owned NIOA for the through-life support of select ADF in-service weapons as well as the next generation LAND300 Lethality Program systems until 2032. NIOA was appointed by Defence in September 2022 as the prime […]
AUSA 25 – Modular Handgun eXchange, Optional Components for MHS from SIG
Although the US military selected and fielded its first truly modular pistol, so far they haven’t taken advantage of the possibilities associated with the SIG P320 platform. All that is about to change. Not long after the contract win SIG put together a custom version of the M18 which I called a SOPMOD pistol at […]
Lethality, Innovation, and Transformation Through AI Education at the U.S. Army School of Advanced Military Studies
THE ARMY UNIVERSITY, FORT LEAVENWORTH, Kansas – In late July 2025, the Advanced Military Studies Program at the School of Advanced Military Studies, known as SAMS, launched its first-ever experimental, three-day, Practical Application of Artificial Intelligence module. The mission was simple: transform the program with an innovative, hands-on AI learning experience for students and faculty. […]
9/11 Memorial – As It Happened – 1720
Later that day, at 1720 – 7 World Trade Center, a 47-story building, collapses.
BLADE Cuts Down Drones at Project Flytrap 4.0
BEMOWO PISKIE TRAINING AREA, Poland — Soldiers from the Army’s 2nd Cavalry Regiment detected, tracked, engaged and defeated multiple drones at ranges between 500 and 800 meters using the Ballistic Low Altitude Drone Engagement, or BLADE, system from a Stryker vehicle at the Bemowo Piskie Training Area in northeast Poland during a live fire event […]
SOFWERX – SBIR 25.4 Release 12
USSOCOM has announced Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) 25.4 Release 12 ans will soon be accepting proposals. SOCOM254-007: Acoustic-based UAS Rainbow Oscillation Refraction Architecture (AURORA) SOCOM254-008: Silencing with Acoustic Rainbow Emitters (SWARE) SOFWERX will host a virtual Q&A session for the areas of interest on 16 September at 12:00 PM ET. Submissions Open 24 September […]
EW 25.2: AFSOC Heightens Warfighting Readiness During Landmark DLE Series
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. — Air Force Special Operations Command tested its warfighting readiness during Emerald Warrior 25.2, the command’s premier operational exercise held across Arizona and California from July 21 – Aug. 11, 2025. EW 25.2 was part of the first-in-a-generation Department Level Exercise series, incorporating more than 12,000 personnel and integrating various forces […]
Saab Reveals New Counter-UAS Missile Nimbrix
Saab has revealed Nimbrix, its first ever dedicated Counter-Unmanned Aerial System (C-UAS) missile. The missile is developed to counter the increasing threat from small drones on the battlefield. The fire-and-forget missile is being rapidly developed at Saab with the aim to deliver a system featuring a target seeker, a hard-kill warhead, and a small footprint […]
Wilder Tactical Expands Tactical Gear Line with Women’s Tactical Belts and Med Pouch 3.0
Gastonia, NC – August 25th, 2025 — Wilder Tactical, a leader in tactical and outdoor gear, announced the launch of two major innovations: the Women’s Hitman Gear™ TruForm Tactical Belt Line, the company’s first gear collection built exclusively for women, and the Med Pouch 3.0, the latest evolution of its industry-leading medical pouch series. “These products […]
Transformation in Contact Units Test Spectrum Situational Awareness System
1 Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, NJ — Soldiers with the 25th Infantry Division, 101st Airborne Division, 11th Airborne Division and Special Operations Command received first touch and training on the Army’s newest addition to its Electromagnetic Warfare toolkit, Spectrum Situational Awareness System (S2AS). The three-week User Assessment consisted of a week’s worth of training on S2AS […]
Colt Canada Awarded Major Danish Contract
Colt Canada has been awarded a major IDIQ type contract by the Forsvarsministeriets Materiel- og Indkøbsstyrelse (FMI) / Danish Ministry of Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organisation to supply 26,000 (plus an undisclosed number of future options) of the new GV M/25 variants of their C8 MRR rifle to the Danish Armed Forces and Home Guard. […]
60 Day Notice for MAG Exchange
The premier Manufacturers Advisory Group (MAG) Exchange will be held this Oct 20-21 in Tucson at the Four Points Sheraton, 5 to 10 pm. Dates coincide with the ARC WEPTAC. Target audience is the ground combatant elements of Air Force as well as federal, state and local law enforcement. Vendors can contact MAG Exchange via […]
FirstSpear Friday Focus: Contractor Bag w/ Frame
This week’s focus is a piece of equipment that embodies versatility, durability, and adaptability: the Contractor Bag. Whether you’re on a mission in rugged terrain, working in demanding environments, or simply need a reliable way to transport gear, this bag has you covered. • Lightweight • Durable • Removable metal frame • Oversized zippered opening […]
ASA and Leading 2A Groups File Lawsuit Challenging the Constitutionality of the NFA
WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Friday, August 1st, the American Suppressor Association (ASA), National Rifle Association (NRA), Second Amendment Foundation (SAF), Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC), Prime Protection STL Tactical Boutique, and two members of the organizations filed a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the National Firearms Act of 1934 (NFA). The complaint, Brown v. Bondi, was filed in […]
Quantum Systems’ Vector UAS Added to US DoD’s Blue UAS List
Combat-proven, AI-powered eVTOL UAS joins select list of drones approved for U.S. government procurement and deployment MOORPARK, Calif., Aug. 5, 2025 — Quantum Systems, a leader in electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aerial intelligence solutions, today announced that its mid-range eVTOL small uncrewed aerial system (sUAS), Vector, has been added to the U.S. Department of […]
KONGSBERG Awarded Full Rate Production Contract for ACV-30 Turrets
KONGSBERG, NORWAY & JOHNSTOWN, PENN.– Aug. 5, 2025 – The United States Marine Corps has awarded a full-rate production contract to Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (‘KONGSBERG’) valued at up to $330 million for the 30mm remote turret for the Amphibious Combat Vehicle 30mm program (ACV-30). The first order on the contract from PEO Land Systems […]
V Corps Leaders Share Lessons Learned on Counter-UAS Training from Project Flytrap
WASHINGTON — Army leaders from V Corps, headquartered in Fort Knox, Kentucky, spoke of lessons learned and the importance of Project Flytrap as part of the Army’s Transformation Initiative July 30, 2025. “[Counter-unmanned aerial systems] are essential to success on the modern battlefield,” said Lt. Gen. Charles Costanza, commanding general of V Corps. “U.S. and […]
VLTOR Weapon Systems Brings Industry Veteran Ash Hess Onboard
Tucson, AZ — VLTOR Weapon Systems is proud to announce the addition of Ash Hess to its leadership team, where he will play a key role in business development and military sales. Hess brings nearly 30 years of combined military and industry expertise. A retired U.S. Army Cavalryman and respected marksmanship instructor, he was instrumental […]
Dead Air Silencers Names Jared Rehm as Director of Marketing
Heber City, UT – Dead Air Silencers, a leader in innovative and high-quality firearm suppressors, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Jared Rehm as the new Director of Marketing. Jared will spearhead Dead Air’s strategic brand marketing and communications initiatives, ensuring the brand’s continued leadership in both existing and emerging markets. With over 22 years […]
Havok Antenna Sleeve
The Antenna Sleeve from Havok is a pretty straight forward. This PALS compatible sleeve secures an L-band Tactical Satellite (L-TAC) antenna to a platform such as an armor vest, load carriage harness, or pack. Materials are Made in USA but assembled in a TAA country. Available in Coyote, Ranger Green, and MultiCam. havoksolutions.com/product/havok-antenna-sleeve
Australian and Japanese Soldiers Showcase Their Capabilities
One of the most crucial aspects of multi-national interoperability is a common understanding of the weapons, equipment and techniques of partner nations. While the headquarters elements of the Amphibious Task Group 1 (ATG1) coordinated the upcoming activities during the transit from Cowley Beach to Bowen, the embarked Australian Army and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Forces […]
Fort Lee Renamed for Buffalo Soldier, Medal of Honor Recipient
FORT LEE, Va. — Medal of Honor recipient Pvt. Fitz Lee was honored today during a ceremony renaming the installation after him. The ceremony, which took place at the U.S. Army Ordnance Training Support Facility, featured the unveiling of new signage displaying “Fort Lee,” which will be installed at all garrison access control points. Additionally, […]
UF PRO Introduces “Not On My Watch” Tee
UF PRO announces the launch of the “Not On MyWatch” Tee, a new addition to its everyday clothing range. The shirt is designed to offer comfort and flexibility while also serving as a quiet nod of support to those involved in anti-poaching efforts. This release builds on the February initiative, Pro’s Guide to Tracking with […]
Army Accelerates Fielding of Advanced SUAS, Enhancing Combat Capabilities
REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. — The Army is rapidly advancing capabilities in the Short-Range Reconnaissance, SRR, program by deploying cutting-edge small uncrewed aircraft systems, SUAS, to Transformation in Contact brigades. These modernized systems amplify combat power and lethality, improve troop survivability and give commanders real-time intelligence on the modern battlefield. Col. Danielle Medaglia, UAS Project Manager, […]
Hy-Conn – Hose Shark
During a recent visit to Arkansas I met a small business named Hy-Conn. Founded by a Firefighter, Hy-Conn manufactures quick fittings for fire hoses which allows firefighters to connect to fire hydrants, no matter the type of fitting, in a matter of seconds. Using similar technology, they created the Hose Shark for use with garden […]
Armageddon Gear – Waterfowler’s Hat
Blending rugged waxed canvas with timeless grit, the Waterfowler’s Hat is built for long days, rough weather, and a touch of tradition. armageddongear.com/product/waterfowlers-hat
Academic Partnership Advances Quality Assurance for the Army Personnel Parachute System
NATICK, MASSACHUSETTS, UNITED STATES NATICK, Mass. – In a strategic collaboration with the Army’s Personnel Airdrop Systems (PADS) team, a group of Northeastern University industrial engineering students culminated their senior capstone competition, delivering more than first prize. The Parachute Quality Assurance Modernization Team, mentored by U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) aerospace engineer Tashfiq […]
Advising the Other Side of the COIN II
INTRODUCTION In war, whether its counterinsurgency (COIN) operations or large-scale combat operations (LSCO), “the side that is best prepared, best understands an operational environment, adapts more rapidly, and acts more quickly in conditions of uncertainty is the one most likely to win.”[1] This is a lesson best observed in urban environments, such as in the […]
“BOOTS” by Rudyard Kipling
The poem “BOOTS” by Rudyard Kipling was published in 1903 and imagines the repetitive thoughts of a British Army infantryman marching in South Africa during the Second Boer War. It has been suggested for the first four words of each line to be read slowly, at a rate of two words per second, to match […]
Scouting America Takes to the Skies with Launch of New Aviation Merit Badge
IRVING, TX (May 15, 2025) – Scouting America is thrilled to announce the launch of its updated Aviation Merit Badge. The revised program aims to inspire young people to explore the fascinating world of flight, from the principles of aerodynamics to the diverse careers within the aviation industry. The Aviation Merit Badge will provide Scouts […]
Unique Army Unit Shares Lessons Learned on How Army Can Become More Mobile, Lethal
WASHINGTON — The Army’s 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, shared insights gained from its nine-month European rotational deployment as the Army’s only Transformation in Contact 1.0 unit in an active theater during a media roundtable May 5, 2025, at the Pentagon. The brigade is one of three brigades with an initiative to integrate […]
Dropkick Murphys to Headline D-Day Rally in Support of Veterans
Unite for Veterans Welcomes Legendary Punk Band to June 6 Event on the National Mall in Washington, DC WASHINGTON, DC — Organizers of the upcoming Unite for Veterans, Unite for America rally are proud to announce that acclaimed Celtic punk band Dropkick Murphys will join forces with veterans and their allies on the anniversary of […]
2 Weeks Until Rampart Range Day & Expo 2025
RAMPART Corp. Canada’s leading supplier of operational equipment is once again preparing to host Rampart Range Day & Expo—taking place May 27 in Ottawa, Ontario. As the largest event of its kind in Canada, Rampart Range Day & Expobrings together industry leading global brands to connect directly with Canadian military and Law Enforcement end users. […]
INVISIO Further Expands Capability of Market-Leading Wireless Intercom System
Tactical communications expert INVISIO is expanding the capability of its market-leading intercom system made for tailored user and radio communication. The expansion will deliver enhanced mobility, flexibility, interoperability and functionality for mission-critical users. INVISIO Link™, due to ship in the next few months, provides wireless access to the INVISIO Intercom system by adding a body […]
PropertyRoom.com Awarded Contract with Sourcewell to Provide Online Auction Services for Government Agencies Nationwide
PropertyRoom.com, the nation’s leading online auction site for seized, stolen, abandoned, and surplus goods from police departments and government agencies, is proud to announce it has been reawarded a competitively solicited contract with Sourcewell, one of the largest cooperative purchasing organizations in North America. This continuation of partnership ensures that Sourcewell’s more than 50,000 government, […]
SOF Select 25 – OTB Boots
OTB Boots gave us a preview of the upcoming expansion of their line to include civilian colors. While the Abyss is currently available in Black and the initial run of Pirate are on the way, these off-duty colors are coming late this year.
Letter to the Force: Army Transformation Initiative
Army Leaders, Battlefields across the world are changing at a rapid pace. Autonomous systems are becoming more lethal and less expensive. Sensors and decoys are everywhere. Dual-use technologies are continuously evolving and outpacing our processes to defeat them. To maintain our edge on the battlefield, our Army will transform to a leaner, more lethal force […]
Marine Corps to Deploy Counter-Drone Systems Across Units in 2025
MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. — The proliferation of small Unmanned Aircraft Systems presents a significant tactical challenge for modern military forces. As adversaries across the globe increasingly mature and employ low-cost sUAS for reconnaissance, surveillance, and attack missions, it is imperative for the Marine Corps to enhance its capability to counter these threats in a […]