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2nd Brigade, Texas State Guard Hosts the Norwegian Foot March for the Third Year

March 9th, 2026

This year, members of 2nd Brigade, Texas State Guard, were joined by U.S. Coast Guardsmen from Sector Houston and the Houston Recruiting Office as they marched and jogged the Norwegian Foot March, a military endurance test organized by the Norwegian Defense University College of the Norwegian Armed Forces, which is comprised of a 30 kilometer (18.6-mile) long route, carrying a rucksack of at least 25 lbs while in uniform within a certain time frame, at Long Acres Ranch, Richmond, Texas, February 28, 2026.

The annual event was hosted by 3rd Battalion, 2nd Brigade, and supported by 1st Battalion medical staff at first aid stations as well as general support and logistics personnel from each battalion and headquarters. A timed event, qualifiers performed within limits according to age and gender, from 4 hours and 30 minutes to 6 hours. The march prepares troops physically and mentally to handle challenges in the field as a team, supporting each other to reach a common goal. 2nd Brigade Command Sgt. Maj. Alan Jones explained, “Events like this reinforce that success is built on shared effort, disciplined leadership, and a team committed to taking care of one another. I saw leadership and teamwork on full display throughout the Norwegian Foot March: service members and leaders from all the battalions and HHC worked together, supported by the outstanding team at Long Acres Ranch.”

Three participants earned the Norwegian Foot March Badge: Graham Fuller, U.S. Coast Guard, Yeoman 1st Class Joanna Parsons, U.S. Coast Guard, both with bronze for their first event and Chief Warrant Officer 2 Gregory Illich with silver for a second successful completion.

Coast Guardsmen Matthew Jackett and John Griffin and Spc. Wyman Mizell, TXSG, also completed the 30K, earning the Texas State Guard Exemplary Service Medal.

Completing 20K (12.4 miles) to earn the Texas State Guard Commendation Medal: Command Sgt. Maj. Alan Smith, Cpl, Gevorg Sargsyan, Pvts Christopher Barry and Jacob Malnar, 1st Lts. Dustin Appel Omoefe Onoriobe, 1st Sgt. Philip Harralson and 1st Lt. Christian Constanzo.

All who attempted 10K (6.2 miles) completed the course in less than 2 hours, earning the Texas State Guard Achievement Medal. Congratulations to Pfc. Ian Hernandez, Sgt. Steven Garza, Sgt. 1st Class Jose Alfaro and Sgt. Paul Bostik.

3rd Battalion commander, Maj. Robert Connell remarked, “as the hosting commander, I really appreciate the effort put in by all the battalions of 2nd Brigade to pull this off. After our original event date was rescheduled due to the winter storm on Jan 28th, everyone compressed months of planning into only 3 weeks and made it happen. Special thanks to Long Acres Ranch, ATX Timing (for the tracking and timing system) and HEB. It just shows how well we can work with our communities and as a team to accomplish a goal.”

Col. Arthur Levesque, 2nd Brigade Commander, on hand to tour the grounds and congratulate all the participants, summarized, “The Norwegian Foot march was an opportunity for all participants to accept the challenge and test their mettle. Despite the delay of nearly four weeks due to freezing weather, the event was smooth and enjoyable for all.” He added, “This year we had participants from the U.S. Coast Guard for the first time with two of their personnel successfully earning the badge.”

Congratulations and well done all! 2nd Brigade is “Ad Omnia Parati” (Ready for Anything)

By Gregory Illich, Chief Warrant Officer 2, Texas State Guard

(Texas State Guard photos by Chief Warrant Officer 2 Gregory Illich and Warrant Officer 1 Willie Grimes)

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LifeCampUSA Opens Enrollment For Summer Camp Serving Children Of Fallen Heroes

March 8th, 2026

LifeCampUSA Provides Free Summer Camp, Mentorship, and Long-Term Support for Youth Ages 11-14 Who Have Lost a Father in Service
DELAFIELD, WISCONSIN / MARCH 5, 2026 – Enrollment is now open for LifeCampUSA, a faith-based children’s summer camp designed specifically for young men and women ages 11-14 who have lost a father due to their U.S. Military, Law Enforcement, or First Responder service. Each year, more than 1,000 children join the heartbreaking reality of growing up without their dad due to line-of-duty deaths, creating an urgent need for faith-centered mentorship and support that LifeCampUSA provides. 

TAKE A LOOK INSIDE LIFECAMPUSA

Founded by Mark and Jane Neumann, LifeCampUSA provides a multi-day camp experience that combines outdoor adventure, Christian mentorship, grief support, and daily spiritual encouragement, all at no cost to families. LifeCampUSA covers all lodging, meals, activities, and programming, ensuring that financial barriers never prevent a child from attending.

“Children who lose a father in service to our nation or community carry a unique weight,” said co-founder Mark Neumann. “LifeCampUSA exists to surround them with mentors, faith, and brotherhood and sisterhood that remind them they are not alone and give them lasting tools to honor their fathers.” 

LifeCampUSA Colorado Camp Group
LifeCampUSA was created to provide purposeful direction, inner strength, and lasting support to children navigating grief. The program fills a critical gap for families seeking faith-centered healing resources after the loss of a father. LifeCampUSA is one of the only programs in the nation dedicated exclusively to serving children who have lost a father in military, law enforcement, or first responder service.

APPLY HERE TO BE A CAMPER OR MENTOR

Enrollment for the upcoming camp season is open now. Each year, LifeCampUSA partners with top-tier family camps and guest ranches across the United States, including locations in Colorado, Montana, Wyoming, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and South Dakota. Sites are selected for the quality of their lodging, food, natural beauty, and available outdoor activities. From archery and swimming to team games and nightly worship, LifeCampUSA creates a safe, adventure-filled environment where grief meets community and children rediscover joy.

For more information or to apply, visit LifeCampUSA.org.

Posted in Nonprofit, Press Release | No Comments »

Armed Forces Bank Earns Top Honors for Advancing Veteran Financial Well-Being

March 8th, 2026

Bank Receives Sole Veteran Saves Week “Community Impact Award” and Prestigious “Designation of Savings Excellence” from Consumer Federation of America

Award-Winning Banking Leadership Delivers Meaningful Financial Progress for Service Members and Veterans

LEAVENWORTH, Kan., March 4, 2026 — Armed Forces Bank – a full-service military bank committed to serving those who serve since 1907 – was selected as a Veteran Saves Week “Community Impact Award” recipient and a “Designation of Savings Excellence” Award winner by the nonprofit Consumer Federation of America (CFA). The awards recognize Armed Forces Bank’s exceptional leadership in improving the financial well-being of veterans, service members, and military families through measurable outcomes, sustained engagement and community-focused financial education.

Veteran Saves Week is a program under the America Saves umbrella, coordinated by the CFA. The campaign encourages veterans to take the Veteran Saves Pledge while empowering organizations to promote savings year-round.

Out of more than 900 participating organizations nationwide, Armed Forces Bank received the sole 2025 Veteran Saves Week “Community Impact Award” and was named one of only two banks to earn the “Designation of Savings Excellence” Award.

Community Impact Award
The Veteran Saves Week “Community Impact Award” recognizes the organization that most effectively leveraged the Veteran Saves Pledge to encourage savings behavior and goal setting within its community during the annual campaign.

According to CFA, Armed Forces Bank’s approach helped translate participation into action by providing veterans with clear, accessible savings pathways – an important factor given that individuals with a defined savings plan are twice as likely to successfully reach their goals.

“We’re honored to recognize Armed Forces Bank with the Community Impact Award for the second year in a row,” said Krystel Spell, program manager at Veteran Saves. “During Veteran Saves Week, Armed Forces Bank demonstrated a thoughtful approach to supporting the Veteran Saves Pledge by ensuring the message reached veterans in ways that felt clear and actionable. That level of care and consistency helped translate participation into real progress toward savings goals.”

Designation of Savings Excellence Award
The CFA also awards the Veteran Saves Week “Designation of Savings Excellence Award” to financial institutions that demonstrate outstanding performance and measurable impact during the Veteran Saves Week. Armed Forces Bank was one of only seven financial institutions nationally – and just two banks – to receive this distinction for the campaign, which took place in November 2025, as part of National Military Family Month and Warrior Care Month.

Measurable Impact During Veteran Saves Week 2025
During Veteran Saves Week 2025, Armed Forces Bank executed a comprehensive, multi-channel outreach campaign that delivered meaningful and measurable results, including:

  • 50,642 individuals reached through email, social media, branch communications, website promotion, flyers and community events
  • 100% retail branch participation nationwide, reinforcing a unified, organization-wide commitment
  • $1.9 million+ in savings account growth, driven by deposits from 6,776 individuals
  • 85 new savings-type products opened, contributing more than $1.75 million in new deposits
  • 55 Veteran Saves Pledges completed
  • 44,792 emails sent and nearly 4,000 social media engagement views

Collectively, the work of all Veteran Saves Week award winners and participating organizations contributed to significant financial progress for service members and veterans. During the four-day period leading up to Veterans Day (November 4 to 7, 2025), these institutions reached more than 1.5 million individuals nationwide, encouraged nearly $1.9 million in deposits into new and existing accounts, and inspired veterans to pledge $370,000 toward future savings goals.

Leadership Perspective
“These recognitions reflect our long-standing commitment to helping military families build financial confidence and resilience,” said Tom McLean, senior vice president and regional military executive for Armed Forces Bank. “We understand the unique financial realities that come with military life, and we work every day to meet service members and veterans where they are – providing practical tools, trusted guidance and consistent support no matter where duty takes them.”

“It is truly a privilege to serve the military community,” said Paul Holewinski,  CEO of Armed Forces Bank. “Every product, service and education effort we offer is designed with their unique needs in mind. We appreciate the recognition from the Consumer Federation of America, but the greatest reward is seeing our clients strengthen their financial footing and achieve the goals that matter most to them.”

Posted in Industry, Press Release, Veterans | No Comments »

Air Force Modernizes Physical Fitness Program to Bolster Readiness, Long-Term Health

March 8th, 2026

ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) —  

The Air Force announced an update to its Physical Fitness Readiness Program (PFRP) in a Directive Type Memorandum introducing new standards and scoring models designed to better align with the demands of modern warfare and promote the long-term health of every Airman.

The modernized program is anchored in scientifically grounded health measures and a more rigorous assessment model. The goal is to enhance warfighter readiness by encouraging Airmen to build durable fitness habits that support sustained, career-long performance.

“Our new standards are designed to help Airmen build fitness habits that will serve them throughout their careers and hopefully a long life,” said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach. “This update is not just about increasing the physical fitness test standards; it’s about ensuring our warfighters are fit, ready, and prioritizing their long-term health.”

In conjunction with the updated program, score charts have been updated with increased minimums for each scored component, as well as separate charts now available for Occupationally Specific Physical Fitness Assessments. These adjustments are intentional and directly align with the program’s renewed emphasis on long-term health, readiness, and overall warfighter effectiveness.

To ensure a smooth transition, the Air Force will implement a baseline window for Airmen to take diagnostic tests starting March 1, 2026. This period is designed to give Airmen time to understand the new standards, assess their current performance against the updated charts, and adjust their training focus before scoring becomes official on July 1, 2026. The baseline period will also provide the data required to assess and refine score charts in advance of full implementation of the new standards. Airmen who complete the Physical Fitness Readiness Assessment (PFRA) during the baseline period may elect to record their diagnostic test score as an official fitness test score. This may be especially beneficial for Airmen in cold-weather locations who wish to align their next due-date to a time when weather is more conducive to outdoor testing in their region.

Airmen may reference the PFRA Due Date Matrix on MyFSS in the Knowledge Base application to learn more about testing timelines.

Body composition will return as a scored component assessed in the PFRA. Airmen may elect to take this component of the test up to five duty days before assessing the remaining PFRA components.

Airmen and commanders are encouraged to make full use of diagnostic testing during this baseline period. This phase will provide valuable data to ensure the updated PFRP is implemented in a manner that is fair, accurate, and effective across the force. To support the force through this transition, a robust set of resources will be available:

  • Master Fitness Leaders: These trained experts will be available at installations to guide unit-level Peer Fitness Leaders and Airmen through safe and effective conditioning, reconditioning, and adaptive fitness programs.
  • The Warfighter Fitness Playbook: This guide offers detailed guidance on workouts, recovery strategies, sleep optimization, and nutrition—all interconnected elements essential for sustained performance.

The certification of the 2-mile run tracks to ensure all Air Force tracks meet official standards is in progress. Final guidance on measurement specifications (e.g. meters, feet, yards, etc.) will be published in AFMAN 36-2905.

“Airmen are the heart of the Air Force, and their readiness is essential to mission success,” said Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force David R. Wolfe. “Our new standards are designed to prepare them for the demands of today and the future fight. They give every one of our Airmen an opportunity to grow in an important part of their lives.”

Additionally, as previously announced, PFRA scores will become part of an Airman’s annual evaluation to incorporate a full picture of an individual’s performance and contributions. Official guidance in AFI 36-2406 released this week for implementation.

This evolution of the fitness program represents a deliberate investment in the force, ensuring that Airmen are not only prepared for the challenges of today, but are also physically sustained for a long and healthy career.

Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

Posted in Air Force, Press Release, Profession of Arms | No Comments »

Chemring plc Appoints Baroness Kate Rock as an Independent Non-Executive Director

March 7th, 2026

Chemring today announces the appointment of Baroness Kate Rock as an independent non-executive director. Upon joining the Board, Kate will become the Senior Independent Director and a member of the Audit, Nomination and Remuneration Committees. She will join the Board with effect from 1 April 2026.

Kate is an experienced non?executive director with a board portfolio covering technology, engineering, construction and infrastructure. Underpinned by a strong background in corporate communications and strategy, she combines deep engineering sector knowledge with a strategic understanding of how innovation and technology enhance productivity, together with wide-ranging experience working across government.

On 1 December 2022 Kate was appointed Non-Executive Chair of the UK infrastructure solutions company Costain Group PLC. Since that time Costain has seen a near five-fold increase in its share price and has re-entered the FTSE 250 index. In September 2018 she joined the Board of FTSE 250 Keller Group plc (the world’s largest geotechnical specialist contractor) and is now the Senior Independent Director, serving on the Audit & Risk, Nomination & Governance, Remuneration and Sustainability Committees.

Having been appointed a Life Peer in 2015, she sat on the House of Lords Science and Technology Select Committee until January 2023. She was also a member of the House of Lords Select Committee on Artificial Intelligence from 2017 to 2018 and was Chair of the House of Lords Select Committee on Autism between January and November 2025.

Until January 2023, Kate was a Board member of the world’s first Centre for Data Ethics and Innovation and was, until November 2017, a non-executive director of Imagination Technologies plc, the former global FTSE 250 high technology company.

Tony Wood, Chairman of Chemring, commented:

“Following an extensive selection process, I am delighted to welcome Baroness Rock to Chemring. Kate brings considerable experience within the fields of technology, infrastructure and innovation, as well as government and strategic communications. Her strong understanding of the construction and infrastructure sector will also be of value to the Group as we further progress our organic growth strategy and investment in increased capacity. I am certain that she will make a strong contribution to the continued development and performance of the Group.”

There are no further disclosures required to be made in accordance with UKLR 6.4.8 of the FCA’s UK Listing Rules sourcebook.

Posted in Industry, International, Press Release | No Comments »

Tiberius Aerospace Welcomes Professor Dame Fiona Murray to Advisory Board

March 7th, 2026

Tiberius Aerospace, a modern defence technology company built to empower the UK, US and their global allies with next-generation weapon systems and AI-powered solutions, today announced the appointment of Professor Dame Fiona Murray DCMG CBE to its Advisory Board.

Professor Dame Fiona Murray DCMG CBE is Chair of the NATO Innovation Fund and has previously served on the British Prime Minister’s Council on Science and Technology. She was awarded a CBE (Commander of the British Empire) for her services to innovation and entrepreneurship in the United Kingdom and appointed Dame Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George (DCMG). She served on the Ministry of Defence Strategic Advisory Review and is a member of the MOD Defence Industrial Joint Council. Murray is also the William Porter (1967) Professor of Entrepreneurship.

A globally recognised expert on science, technology and innovation policy, Murray advises governments, industry and research institutions on building innovation ecosystems that drive economic competitiveness, national security and societal resilience. Her appointment comes as Tiberius Aerospace accelerates delivery of its Sceptre 155 mm extended-range ramjet precision-guided ballistic munition designed to reach ranges beyond 140–160 km with high accuracy for NATO-standard artillery and GRAIL, its AI-powered software platform that brings software-era transparency, competition and data-driven decision-making to weapons procurement and manufacturing across sovereign defence supply chains.

Commenting on the announcement, Andy Baynes, Co-Founder of Tiberius Aerospace, said: “To deliver capability at the speed and scale required by today’s security environment, we must pair advanced engineering with new approaches to acquisition and industrial expansion. Through Sceptre, we are pursuing extended-range, precision-guided artillery effects that transform deep fires capability. With GRAIL, we are applying AI-enabled analytical tools to bring greater transparency, innovation and competition to weapons procurement and sovereign manufacturing. We must mobilise and weaponise NATO’s supply chain so that thousands of suppliers are competing on price and performance in a secure, managed framework. Dame Fiona’s experience in shaping innovation ecosystems and aligning research, policy and industry will be invaluable as we continue to scale these offerings for allied partners.”

Professor Dame Fiona Murray added “The modern defence landscape demands not just technical innovation but a systems approach that links private sector ingenuity to production and impact at scale.

Tiberius Aerospace’s blend of advanced capabilities and AI-driven industrial modelling represents a compelling step towards closing that gap. I am honoured to join the Advisory Board and support the company as it works with governments and industry to strengthen innovation, resilience and performance across allied defence ecosystems.”

Posted in Industry, International, Press Release | No Comments »

British Paratroopers Fight on the electromagnetic Spectrum

March 7th, 2026

To survive on the modern battlefield, paratroopers are adapting to fight the unseen battle on the radio waves.

Phantom Platoon provides a unique Cyber and Electromagnetic Activities (CEMA) capability for 16 Air Assault Brigade, the British Army’s global response force.

CEMA brings together electronic warfare, cyber operations, and spectrum management. The goal is to gather information about the enemy, disrupt their plans, and keep friendly forces safe.

The platoon – part of 2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment (2 PARA) – took part in Exercise Orion in France, where British and French airborne soldiers trained side by side to prepare for real-world crises.

Building their own kit

A key task for the CEMA specialists was to find enemy positions by tracking their radio transmissions. The soldiers used Kraken, a software defined radio they have put together themselves.

“It’s an aerial to detect signals that links to a GPS, and is run through a single-board computer,” Private Kai said. “It takes five minutes to set up or take down, and we can position it on the battlefield and connect remotely from anywhere.

“When we track a signal and detect what and where it is, that goes towards building up a picture of the enemy and what they are doing.”

Other devices the paratroopers have produced are the Unagi, a transmitter that can jam radio signals or send out fake ones; and the Plankton, a Wi-Fi extender used to cut the signal between a drone and its controller.

Private George said: “One of our team has a degree in marine biology, so everything we do has some kind of fishy name! We make our kit with components bought at an electronics shop and, with a quick bit of coding, we can reprogramme a device to deliver a different effect. 

“We were using Unagi to jam radios, and then we reconfigured it to mimic a Wi-Fi hub. The enemy picked up that signal and thought they had located our headquarters, so they attacked that fake position. Deceiving the enemy meant one of our rifle companies seized their objective without any opposition.”

Why this matters

Private Kai said Phantom Platoon’s work was an example of “the airborne initiative”.

“As paratroopers we want to be the best and win every fight,” he said. “Looking at fighting around the world now, electronic warfare is playing a big part – we’ve seen that and created this capability for ourselves.”

For Private George, CEMA has brought a childhood interest in electronics into his military career.

“I grew up playing PlayStation and Xbox, and then started messing around with the hardware,” he said. “When I first heard about CEMA, I was really keen to get involved. I enjoy working on electronics out in the cold and wet, and I get a real sense of how my skills can make a difference.”

2 PARA’s commanding officer Lieutenant Colonel Craig Shephard said: “CEMA is about finding out what the enemy is doing and creating confusion about our actions and intentions. By doing that we aim to gain that small advantage in time or space needed to win the battle.

“The work of Phantom Platoon shows the real willingness among paratroopers to innovate and adapt to the modern battlefield. That enthusiasm, and the capability it has created, is a fantastic asset to have as a commander.” 

Exercise Orion brought together 2,000 soldiers from 16 Air Assault Brigade and France’s 11e Brigade Parachutiste to train to conduct defensive operations. As the Airborne Combined Joint Force, the two brigades have been trained and ready to deploy together in response to global crises since 2013.

Via UK MOD

MOD Crown Copyright

Posted in CEMA, Forces Focus, Guest Post | No Comments »

INKAS Expands Executive Fleet with the Addition of the Armored BMW 7 Series

March 6th, 2026

INKAS® proudly announces the addition of the all-new Armored BMW 760i to its growing global fleet of premium protected vehicles. As demand for discreet executive protection continues to rise, INKAS® is further strengthening its lineup with a distinctive luxury sedan platform engineered to deliver certified ballistic protection.

Based on BMW’s flagship executive sedan, the armored BMW 7 Series combines advanced technology with proven ballistic engineering. Powered by a 4.4L TwinPower Turbo V8 producing 536 horsepower and supported by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, the platform offers enhanced efficiency and performance capabilities while supporting the structural requirements of full armoring integration.

Engineered entirely in-house, the vehicle integrates advanced armored steel, multi-layer ballistic glass, and proprietary overlap protection systems, which provide full 360-degree perimeter protection against high-powered rifle threats and explosive risks, all while maintaining the original appearance and performance of the OEM BMW design. Structural reinforcements, upgraded suspension, and critical system upgrades ensure the vehicle maintains stability, handling, and ride quality under armored operating conditions.

The addition of the armored BMW 7 Series marks a notable development within the luxury armored vehicle segment, where armored BMW platforms remain limited in availability. Its distinctive design, advanced technology, and executive profile provide clients with a highly specialized alternative within the premium protection category.

“Clients today are looking for protection solutions that combine advanced engineering with refined executive presence,” said David Khazanski, CEO of INKAS®. “By integrating our proven armoring technology into the BMW 7 Series platform, we are expanding our ability to meet evolving security needs while maintaining the highest standards of quality and reliability.”

As INKAS® continues its global expansion, the introduction of the Armored BMW 7 Series further solidifies the company’s position as a leading manufacturer of high-quality, certified armored vehicles trusted by executives, government officials, and VIP clients worldwide.

Posted in Armoured Vehicles, Press Release | No Comments »

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