Author: Jack Bogart

I can’t tell you how many times I have heard people say this about a stranger, “they looked so nice” or “I bet they don’t have a mean bone in their body.” When I hear things like that, I ask them, “how can you tell?” They usually answer with “they are handsome, nice smile, dressed to the “T”, have a child with them, well groomed” and the like. I simply nod and ask the same question again “but, how can you say that they mean you no harm just by looking at them (but with a bit more umph on…

GoTAK is proud to highlight a recent operational deployment delivered in partnership with Solace Communications, bringing a full TAK OS enabled C4ISR capability and mission-focused training to an allied partner force in Central Africa. This deployment demonstrates how TAK OS, when paired with resilient communications, integrated sensors, and operator-led training, transitions from a platform into a field-proven operational capability—supporting situational awareness and mission execution under real-world conditions. Fielding TAK OS in Operational Environments Over the course of recent deployments, Solace Communications successfully fielded an integrated C4ISR stack built around TAK OS, delivering a common operating picture directly to operators and commanders…

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 Group 18, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW). The fielding of these systems marks a pivotal step in enhancing expeditionary defense capabilities within the Indo-Pacific region. The MADIS consists of two Joint Light Tactical Vehicles (JLTVs), one focused on detection and the other oriented toward offensive…

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 Air Force has grown rapidly by constantly adapting to new playing fields and integrating technology into everyday operations while preparing for the future fight.  This innovation led to a new class of airframe, remotely piloted aircraft. They perform a multitude of missions including intelligence, surveillance,…

By Michael Mills Posted in #Skills You can pick out the right gun. You can select the best holster in the world. You can practice your draw thousands of times and be able to put hits on target consistently. But, what can you do to take your self-defense skills to the next level? The question is, can you teach an old or young dog new tricks? The simple answer is “yes.” After thousands of draws and rounds with iron sights, is moving to a target/threat focus on a pistol natural? For most people I talk to, the…

I am not sure who came up with the idea of the multiverse, but it was probably one of those smart guys like Albert Einstein or perhaps Sheldon Cooper. The idea is that there are parallel universes, and we exist in each one in a slightly different form. As an example, next door I’ll bet I am good looking and rich while George Clooney is ugly and broke. Its existence has been debated in smoky, late-night college dorm rooms for a long time without conclusion. Except now—I have proof. Guns often have spring-loaded parts, pawls, detent balls, pins and multiple…

Textron Systems’ Tsunami Autonomous Maritime Surface Vessel Sold To NIWC PAC TSUNAMI™ Vessel Provides Capability for Scale, Maturity and Capacity HUNT VALLEY, Md., Dec. 17, 2025 – Textron Systems Corporation, a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, announced today that it has sold a 21-ft. TSUNAMI™ USV to the Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC) Pacific (PAC) to support the testing of the Maritime Digital Experimentation Federation (MDEF) – an Australia, United Kingdom, and United States (AUKUS) testing initiative to distribute testing of interoperability standards with uncrewed vehicles. The order includes the state-of-the-art TSUNAMI craft and engineering and training support. The TSUNAMI family…

FORT BRAGG, N.C. — On a cold, December day deep in Fort Bragg’s training area, Soldiers, Airmen, Marines and civilian industry partners came together to test the latest drone and counter unmanned aircraft systems technology, while rapidly sharing targeting data through the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency’s Maven Smart System. Scarlet Dragon is the XVIII Airborne Corps’ premier innovation exercise, where new ideas and technologies are tested to solve current issues on the battlefield. “We’re focused on bringing new technologies and approaches to solve operational capability gaps and requirements that we identify from operational plans around the globe,” said Rob Braun, XVIII Airborne…

JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash — In a significant advancement of its military capabilities today, the U.S. Army activated the Bravo Battery, 1st Battalion, 17th Field Artillery Regiment, 3d Multi-Domain Task Force, a unit fully designated to operate the Dark Eagle, the services Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW) system. Soldiers and Families gathered in the overcast (location/1-17 FA motor pool) for a ceremony to stand up the battery that will utilize the Dark Eagle system. The ceremony represents a pivotal moment in the Army’s ability to deliver decisive effects in support of the Joint Force across the Indo-Pacific. “The environment we face is…

2026 Retired Soldier Handbook Knowing all the benefits and entitlements you’ve earned as a Retired Soldier is important not only for you, but for your family. The Retired Soldier Handbook is your guide to keeping updated on new or changing laws, regulations, and more from many government agencies specifically impacting Retired Soldiers, their families, and surviving spouses. Get your copy of the 2026 Retired Soldier Handbook online at soldierforlife.army.mil/Army-Retirement/Post-Retirement. This entry was posted on Saturday, December 20th, 2025 at 18:00 and is filed under Army, Veterans. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You…