XC3 Weaponlight

What Happens At: SSC MindGym

April 4th, 2026

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. —  

In today’s contested and increasingly complex operational environment, the concept of “lethality” is expanding beyond the physical realm of weaponry and into the cognitive domain.  Space Systems Command (SSC) is investing in the mental readiness of its warfighters through MindGym, an innovative, science-backed training capability designed to sharpen focus, accelerate recovery, and strengthen the mental edge essential for lethality and dominance in space operations.

“MindGym was conceived to equip our Guardians and Airmen with neuroscience-backed tools to unlock peak mental performance,” said Mr. Colin Lim, the Licensed Mental Health Provider on the Guardian Resilience Team at Los Angeles Air Force Base.

According to Lim, just a few sessions on MindGym can reduce reaction times under stress by some 29% and boost mood by up to 46%. These results stem from MindGym’s powerful fusion of neuroscience, cutting-edge technology, and immersive art in a fully self-guided pod that lets users train their minds with the same deliberate intensity and rigor as physical conditioning.

At its core, MindGym harnesses neuroplasticity, the brain’s lifelong ability to reorganize neuronal pathways, strengthen connections, and adapt in response to targeted experiences and training. Through controlled sensory isolation, dynamic light patterns, reflection, and therapeutic sound, MindGym creates an optimal environment to regulate the nervous system, cultivate deep focus, reduce cognitive overload, and forge lasting mental muscle memory. This isn’t just optional wellness training: it’s the decisive edge that elevates capable operators into unstoppable forces.

“You can think of it as a flight simulator for the mind,” said Lim. Sessions orient users to the present moment, quiet mental noise, and reinforce a high-performance mindset, turning reactive stress into proactive resilience that transforms potential burnout into sustained mission dominance.

With a repeatable, measurable approach, users gain optimized mental performance, enhanced focus, superior stress recovery, and the ability to thrive under pressure. By proactively training resilience, not just reacting to fatigue, MindGym combats cognitive fatigue across demanding operational tempos, delivering fast stress recovery, sharper clarity—even under pressure—and enduring cognitive readiness.

Sessions are efficient (10-20 minutes), accessible, and seamlessly integrate into the duty day or workout at the gym. Guided audio cues pair with immersive light and sound to reset, recover, recharge, and elevate cognitive sharpness without disrupting missions.

MindGym is deployed across nearly 40 installations worldwide, supporting Air Force, Space Force, Army National Guard, and Joint Force units. Deployments span major commands including Air Force Global Strike Command, Air Education and Training Command, Air Combat Command, Pacific Air Forces, and Guard and Reserve units. Notable installations include Hill Air Force Base (Flightline), Barksdale Air Force Base, Joint Base San Antonio, and Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.

For SSC, MindGym is available to Active-Duty Service Members, civilians, contractors, family dependents, and others with base access to Los Angeles Air Force Base, Patrick Space Force Base, Cape Canaveral Space Force Base, and Vandenberg Space Force Base.

Getting started is intentionally effortless: Eligible participants can create an account directly at the MindGym kiosk in minutes, then access it as often as desired. Schedule at www.lumenalabs.com/booking.

New and returning users are invited to join the Mental Edge Challenge, a structured 30-day program with guided sessions to build habits and track real, measurable impact. lumenalabs.com/30daychallenge.

As SSC spearheads warfighting capabilities at speed and scale, elite mental training is as critical as physical readiness. MindGym delivers a proven, science-driven path to train focus, recovery, and resilience, ensuring Space Force and SSC personnel are mentally primed to operate, decide, and lead when it matters most.

By Linda Rivera, SSC Public Affairs

Posted in Guest Post, Medical, Space | No Comments »

Tasmanian Tiger Introduces the TT Base Pack 60 FO Long-Range Mission Backpack

April 4th, 2026

Modular 60L pack with front-opening access, expandable capacity, and V2 Plus Carrying System designed for extended operations.

Knoxville, Tenn. (April 2026) – Tasmanian Tiger®,a tactical nylon line of products distributed exclusively for the US market by Proforce Equipment, Inc.,announces the release of the TT Base Pack 60 FO, a long-range mission backpack engineered for extended field operations and modular load management. The pack expands the brand’s Base Pack family with a 60-liter platform featuring a large front-opening design (FO) that allows quick and efficient access to equipment in the field.

Designed for military, law enforcement, and professional users operating in demanding environments, the TT Base Pack 60 FO integrates Tasmanian Tiger’s V2 Plus Carrying System, delivering stability and load distribution when carrying heavy equipment over long distances. A defining feature of the pack is its full front-opening main compartment, which allows users to quickly organize and retrieve mission-critical gear without unloading the pack.

The TT Base Pack 60 FO offers extensive modularity and adaptability for changing mission requirements. The pack features a height-adjustable, detachable lid with gear loops and an easy-access pocket, and when the lid is removed, a roll-top snow guard allows the pack to be securely closed while expanding the total capacity from 60 liters to approximately 75 liters. The pack is divided into main and bottom compartments for organized storage and is hydration system compatible, with antenna ports routed into the main compartment for communications equipment.

Additional functionality includes extensive MOLLE webbing on the front, sides, and lid for attaching mission-specific pouches and accessories, side compression straps, and perimeter base compression for load management, and fixation points for hiking poles or ice axes. The removable padded hip belt, which utilizes a pull-forward adjustment system, can also be detached and used independently as a Warrior Belt, offering additional flexibility for modular loadouts. A height-adjustable chest strap, multiple gear loops, and a front carry handle further enhance usability during demanding operations.

Constructed from CORDURA® 700 den fabric (Multicam in 500 den) and T-Square Rip FD, the TT Base Pack 60 FO is designed to deliver durability and reliability in harsh operational environments. The TT Base Pack 60 FO has a 60-liter/3662 cubic inches capacity, weighs 7 lbs. / 3.08 kg, and measures 30 x 12 x 9 inches (77 x 31 x 23 cm). It is available in black, olive, and coyote for an MSRP of $499. Multicam is available at an MSRP of $699.

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Army Under Secretary Tours Scranton Army Ammunition Plant

April 4th, 2026

SCRANTON, Pa. — The Under Secretary of the Army, Honorable Michael Obadal, visited the Scranton Army Ammunition Plant on March 19.

SCAAP is a government-owned, contractor-operated facility, and is one of 17 arsenals, depots, and ammunition plants that are subordinate installations of the Joint Munitions Command.

JMC provides the conventional ammunition life?cycle functions of logistics sustainment, readiness and acquisition support for all U.S. military services, other government agencies, and allied nations, as directed. JMC is also the logistics integrator for life-cycle management of ammunition providing a global presence of technical support to frontline units.

SCAAP was established in 1953, and U.S. Hoffman Machinery was the contractor until 1963 when Chamberlain Manufacturing Corporation took over. General Dynamics-Ordnance and Tactical Systems assumed the operation of SCAAP in 2006 and is the current contractor.

SCAAP manufactures large-caliber metal projectiles to ensure warfighters have the ammunition they need to carry out missions around the globe. SCAAP has played a vital role in producing 155 mm artillery rounds, enabling allied nations to strengthen both their defensive and offensive capabilities.

SCAAP is in the middle of one of the most significant modernization efforts in its history, driven by the need to increase U.S. production of 155 mm artillery shells. Demand for these shells has surged, and the Army has responded by investing hundreds of millions to overhaul equipment, expand capacity, and update aging infrastructure. Much of the plant’s machinery had been in service for many decades, well beyond its intended lifespan.

Obadal was briefed on SCAAP’s production and modernization operations and saw the new 155 mm production lines while being briefed on the importance of SCAAP’s redundant production capabilities. The tour also included the legacy 155 mm rough turn and finish turn production lines, where Obadal witnessed numerous production processes from billet forge to heat treat.

“We welcome connecting face?to?face with senior leadership and providing them with a visual understanding of SCAAP’s production capability,” said Rich Hansen, SCAAP’s commander’s representative. “Their firsthand perspective drives home the importance of the work we carry out in Scranton, Pennsylvania, in support of those who defend our nation.”

While at SCAAP, Obadal underscored the need to maintain optimal production levels. He emphasized that future requirements must be factored into future planning.

“We value the opportunity to speak directly with senior leadership during their visits,” said Jason Shradnick, SCAAP’s deputy commander’s representative. “Hearing their concerns allows us to align our efforts more precisely and effectively to accomplish the Army’s production goals.”

By Matthew Wheaton, Joint Munitions Command, Public and Congressional Affairs

Posted in Ammo, Army, Guest Post, Manufacturing | No Comments »

NP Aerospace’s Production line Kicks into Gear to Deliver Remaining Light Tactical Transport Vehicles to BeMOD

April 3rd, 2026

NP Aerospace, the global vehicle integrator and armour manufacturer, has announced that the production line to deliver the remaining 87 Light Tactical Transport Vehicles (LTTV) to the Belgium MOD (BeMOD) is now fully operational and accelerating at pace. Following the pre-production proof of process and quality deliveries, the first significant full-production batch was accepted by the customer in February, which will now be followed by the delivery of all 87 vehicles by the end of 2026.

The original LTTV programme was to deliver 199 of the Mercedes-Benz UNIMOG based vehicles to the BeMOD. In September 2024 NP announced the receipt of a contract to deliver the remaining 87 vehicles, the contract having been novated, following NP Aerospace’s acquisition of certain assets of Jankel Armouring Limited, announced on 10 June 2024. As well as the production of new LTTV vehicles, contractual discussions also included lifetime in-service support to the LTTV vehicle fleet for which NP Aerospace will use its proven Vehicle Systems, Services and Spares business unit to deliver.

In establishing the full production capability, NP Aerospace has adopted a fresh approach, with operations being centered in their Coventry facilities. As was agreed with the customer, a particular emphasis has been placed upon working to the required quality standards and timescales. Using NP Aerospace’s fully established vehicle related, UK-based supply chain, the team has employed proven best practices to develop a production programme that meets and where possible, exceeds customer expectations. Having taken time to get this right, NP Aerospace is now confident that all inherited programme challenges have been addressed, and the pace of production can now be accelerated, to successfully deliver the remaining vehicles to BeMOD.

The LTTV vehicle was designed to provide a modular and configurable tactical support vehicle that benefits from unique, removable mission modules that enable the vehicle to be re-configured rapidly for operational platform versatility. With a payload of over 3 tonnes, dependent on the final vehicle specification, the LTTV has 3 core variants for Special Operations support, including an ambulance variant. Alongside a user-configurable, fully integrated suite of military sub-systems that includes a removable ballistic protection kit, a Roll-Over-Protection-System (ROPS), weapon mounts and communications fit.

David Petheram, NP Aerospace VSSS Managing Director commented: “Following on from the receipt of the LTTV contract from BeMOD in 2024, we’re pleased to be able to announce that we’ve successfully worked through all of the challenges of re-starting this disrupted programme, in close collaboration with our customer. Our production line is established and is now kicking into gear, upon strong foundations, to enable the rate to be accelerated from this point forward.” He added: “Now we’re fully up and running and delivering vehicles, this is great news for NP Aerospace and our customer, also for our UK supply chain and for Coventry as we continue to create and/or sustain high skilled jobs in the region and across our supplier partnerships.”

Posted in Contracts, International, Mobility, Press Release | Comments Off on NP Aerospace’s Production line Kicks into Gear to Deliver Remaining Light Tactical Transport Vehicles to BeMOD

US Government Awards Contract to Global Military Products to Manage the Army’s Quad Cities Cartridge Case Facility at Rock Island Arsenal

April 3rd, 2026

TAMPA, FL – (April 1, 2026) – The U.S. Government has awarded a four-year contract to Global Military Products to take over facility management and new product development of the Army’s Quad Cities Cartridge Case Facility (QCCCF) at Rock Island Arsenal, Ill. The change in operation management will help boost predictable and sustainable workload at the facility, while expanding on the skilled workforce, equipment and production capacity critical to the nation’s defense industrial base.

“The Army’s Rock Island Arsenal has been in operation for more than a century to keep our country lethal and ready, with the Quad Cities Cartridge Case Facility focused on production of brass and steel cartridges,” said Jeff Brunozzi, president, Global Ordnance Holdings, LLC. “Under this agreement, we will leverage the facility’s capacity and employees’ capabilities to better serve the U.S. and its allies by expanding current cartridge case production and establishing a Mortar Barrel Production Center of Excellence.”

The 180,000 square-foot QCCCF has deep-drawn forging technology that produces brass and steel cartridge cases, ranging from 40mm through 155mm. In addition to managing the current workload, Global Military Products will look to add production of additional cartridge cases in support of its contracts for both U.S. and non-NATO cartridge cases. This effort leverages the facility’s existing and underutilized manufacturing tooling assets, equipment and workforce while replenishing critical cartridge case inventories for the U.S. and partner-nation demand.

Global Military Products will also establish a domestic Mortar Barrel Production Center of Excellence within the QCCCF in partnership with Ellwood National Forge (ENF). Establishing a second source, solely U.S.-based production capability mitigates risk, improves readiness, strengthens supply chain resilience and aligns with government priorities for expanding critical munitions manufacturing under the U.S. Industrial Base Modernization Strategy. QCCCF will remain a government-owned facility, creating a reliable, scalable and domestic source for critical mortar components and reducing supply chain vulnerability for U.S. and allied forces.

“By integrating mortar barrel production into QCCCF’s expansive and well-structured manufacturing layout, we will create a second-source domestic capability for 81mm and 120mm mortar systems,” said James Knight, Director of Business Development, Global Military Products. “Our approach will both enhance the facility’s operational versatility and transform its unused capacity into a strategically relevant manufacturing node for critical mortar barrels.”

The teams at Global Military Products and ENF leading this effort have extensive experience with modernization efforts and plant management, including leading and supporting modernization efforts at Scranton Army Ammunition Plant (SCAAP), Holston Army Ammunition Plant (HSAAP) and Radford Army Ammunition Plant (RFAAP). These efforts were planned and sequenced to minimize production impact, reduce technical risk, and maintain compliance with Army safety and quality standards.

As part of the ELLWOOD Group, ENF has drawn on the vertically integrated capability to design, melt, remelt and forge steel ingots to ensure consistent supply of high-quality cannon and artillery barrels and component forgings ranging from 81–155mm for the past 40 years. This long production experience has enabled ENF to fully develop, mature, and continuously improve its manufacturing and quality processes. ENF’s technical expertise, customer service orientation and breadth of offerings is a demonstrated capability for achieving effective results at QCCCF.

The four-year Other Transaction Authority (OTA) contract is firm-fixed price. The contract value is not being disclosed.

Photos by Dori Whipple, Joint Munitions Command

Posted in Advertiser, Ammo, Press Release | No Comments »

2026 Freedom Atlantic Catalog

April 3rd, 2026

This isn’t a catalog full of options.

It’s a catalog of decisions already made.

Explore what made the cut.

freedom-atlantic.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/FA-Product-Catalog-2025

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Headborne Systems – Modular Accessory Retention System (M.A.R.S.)

April 3rd, 2026

Headborne Systems’ Modular Accessory Retention System (M.A.R.S.) is a lightweight, low-profile solution designed to secure helmet-mounted accessories such as battery packs and night vision devices.

Developed in the Netherlands in collaboration with Flimmuur and produced by British Tactical in the UK, M.A.R.S. has been on the market for several years and continues to evolve through incremental updates. The latest laminate baseplate weighs just 3 grams (approx. 0.11 oz), keeping the system’s footprint minimal, while maintaining durability. 

The system integrates with all ballistic and bump helmets and is available in MultiCam, Ranger Green, Wolf Grey, and Black. M.A.R.S. can be sourced via Geartown and Geardom, both shipping worldwide.

Posted in Guest Post, Helmets | No Comments »

FirstSpear Friday Focus – SOV Scalable Operator Vest

April 3rd, 2026

FirstSpear’s SOV SCALABLE OPERATOR VEST is built for high-threat environments where speed, protection, and adaptability aren’t optional—they’re expected. Designed to scale with the mission, it gives operators the flexibility to run slick or fully loaded without fighting their gear. Rapid-release Tubes make donning and doffing fast and painless—because nobody wants to wrestle their kit at the end of a long day.

The SOV supports soft armor for increased coverage without turning you into a statue. Its winged armor panel design ensures continuous side protection, closing critical gaps while still allowing you to move like you mean it. Reversible tube shoulders add comfort and adjustability, so you can set it up your way, not the vest’s.

Built on FirstSpear’s 6/12 laser-cut platform, the SOV cuts weight without cutting durability. Loop fields on the front, back, and 4” x 9” belly panel make it easy to mount mission-essential gear—ammo, comms, or whatever keeps the day going smoothly.

Bottom line: the SOV is scalable, reliable, and built to perform under pressure. It won’t make your job easy—but it won’t make it harder either, which is more than you can say for most gear.

To request an estimate click image above or visit First-Spear.com/Request-For-Estimate. FirstSpear is the premier source for cutting-edge tactical gear for military, law enforcement and those who train. For more information visit First-Spear.com.

Posted in Advertiser, Armor, FS Friday Focus, Guest Post | No Comments »

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