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DroneShield Establishes European Headquarters to Accelerate Regional Growth and Sovereign Counter-UAS Capability

March 30th, 2026

30 March 2026 – DroneShield (ASX:DRO), a global leader in counter-drone and electronic warfare (EW) solutions, is pleased to announce the official opening of its new European Headquarters in Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

The establishment of the European Headquarters marks a significant step in DroneShield’s long?term commitment to Europe, one of the Company’s fastest?growing regions, and provides a strengthened operational presence to support its expanding footprint across EU and NATO-aligned markets.

The new Headquarters will serve as an operational base for DroneShield’s EU Centre of Excellence and aligns with the EU’s ReArm Europe Plan / Readiness 2030 initiative, which seeks to boost military spending, strengthen industrial sovereignty, and accelerate support for Ukraine. It further builds on DroneShield’s newly established European manufacturing footprint to advance sovereign counter-UAS capability, which marks a major expansion of the Company’s European industrial footprint and manufacturing capacity.

The European Headquarters will be led by Louis Gamarra, who was promoted to the position of Chief Commercial Officer earlier this year, and builds on DroneShield’s existing regional presence. Mr Gamarra will oversee the continued growth of DroneShield’s commercial and operational functions across Europe, including the expansion of a dedicated in-region team. The Company’s European footprint now comprises of around a dozen staff, and benefits from a multilingual team proficient in English, German, French, Dutch, Spanish, and Scandinavian languages (Danish, Swedish, and Norwegian).

Image: DroneShield officially opens its European Headquarters.

The team will continue to work alongside DroneShield’s robust network of European resellers, while also growing internal operations functions to support delivery to customers. The newly established European headquarters will ensure that customers receive not just leading-edge capability, but also more efficient support and deployment.

Europe remains a priority region for DroneShield’s sales and business development strategy. In 2025, Europe was the Company’s best performing market, securing $98 million in revenue and accounting for 45 per cent of total Company revenue. As of February 2026, DroneShield has a regional pipeline valued at $1.2 billion. Geopolitical pressures, such as the Iranian conflict, ongoing war in Ukraine and repeated Russian drone incursions, continue to drive demand for deployed counter-UAS solutions across Europe and the Middle East.

The official opening event hosted VIP guests including the newly appointed Dutch State Secretary for Defence, Mr Derk Boswijk, and Australian Ambassador to the Netherlands, His Excellency Dr Greg French, reflecting the strong partnerships supporting DroneShield’s European growth.

Louis Gamarra, DroneShield European Headquarters Chief said, “DroneShield’s investment in Benelux marks a major milestone that strengthens our ability to support frontline users, procurement agencies and industry partners across Europe. With increasing demand for counter-drone solutions across the region, our new European headquarters will allow us to deliver faster, more localised support to our EU partners. We’re proud to be investing in local talent and infrastructure to meet the growing security needs across Europe.”

Posted in Drone, Industry, International, Press Release | Comments Off on DroneShield Establishes European Headquarters to Accelerate Regional Growth and Sovereign Counter-UAS Capability

Savotta – Lidded General Purpose Pouches

March 30th, 2026

Savotta has just released their new Lidded General Purpose Pouches.

The design is basic, it’s a lidded pouch (with snow collar) for your general carrying needs with a buckled flap at the top for easy access.

They come in two sizes:

3×4: 12 x 8 x 20 cm, with some tolerance for vertical overpacking. Three PALS channels wide and four PALS rows tall attachment. Great for water bottles and similar equipment.

4×5: 16 x 26 x 13 cm, with some tolerance for vertical overpacking. Four PALS channels wide and five PALS rows tall attachment. For bigger stuff, puffy jackets, tarps, gas masks etc.

Both sizes share the same features:

– Protective lid with buckle closure

– Snow collar for added protection

– PALS and belt attachment

– Made from 1000D Cordura

Pro-tip: if you want to add some compression, just run a length of elastic cord around the pouch, under the vertical front webbing loops, and finish it off with a cord lock for adjustment!

Available in green, brown, black, M05 woodland and Multicam. All colour options offer excellent NIR performance. Made in the EU, from EU and US made materials.

Incidentally, Savotta says the 4×5 is a perfect match with the front PALS webbing rows of their Kahakka 15L and Kahakka 25L packs!

www.savotta.fi

Posted in International, Load Carrying | No Comments »

How to Equip 100,000 Troops with the Right Uniform Size – First Time

March 30th, 2026

Equipping 100,000 troops across a war?torn territory is no longer just a supply chain challenge – it is a data challenge. Speed and accuracy in sizing and distributing uniforms and gear directly affect readiness, safety and cost. When thousands of military personnel are constantly moving between bases and front lines, every sizing mistake turns into wasted budget, delays and operational friction.

This is exactly the problem Bodi.Me’s Size?Me technology is built to solve: giving defence organisations and their partners a fast, accurate and scalable way to collect size data, predict demand and deliver the right uniform size first time – at scale.

Why speed and accuracy matter in large-scale uniform operations

When organisations need to distribute uniforms across large, decentralised workforces, speed and accuracy become critical. Delays in issue, incorrect sizing, excess stock, and avoidable returns all increase costs and reduce operational efficiency.

This is especially true in sectors such as healthcare, first response, military, corporatewear, utilities, transport, and large-scale public service operations, where thousands of wearers may need uniforms, protective garments, or workwear across multiple sites at the same time.

In these environments, traditional sizing methods are often too slow, too inaccurate, and too dependent on guesswork.

What causes waste in uniform distribution?

Uniform distribution becomes expensive when organisations rely on outdated assumptions instead of real wearer data.

Common problems include:

  • ordering the wrong quantity of each size
  • letting wearers guess their size
  • manually collecting inconsistent size information
  • overproducing unpopular sizes
  • underordering high-demand sizes
  • managing returns, exchanges, and redistributions after issue

These problems affect more than cost. Poor sizing can also reduce wearer comfort, limit mobility, create safety concerns, and undermine confidence in the uniform programme.

For large operations, even a small sizing error rate can create major financial and logistical consequences.

Why accurate sizing is now a business-critical issue

The cost of getting sizing wrong has increased. Tariffs, energy prices, supply chain disruption, shipping costs, and tighter operational budgets all mean that overproduction and incorrect fulfilment are more expensive than ever.

For uniform buyers and programme managers, this means one thing: sizing can no longer be treated as an estimate.

It must be treated as operational data.

Accurate size data helps organisations:

  • predict the correct quantity of each size before production
  • allocate the right garment to each wearer during distribution
  • reduce waste and avoid unnecessary replacement costs
  • improve stock planning and procurement decisions
  • increase wearer satisfaction from the start

What is digital sizing technology?

Digital sizing technology uses wearer data to generate accurate size recommendations quickly and at scale.

Instead of relying on self-selection or historical averages, digital sizing platforms gather a few simple inputs and use them to predict the best-fitting garment for each individual wearer.

This makes uniform allocation faster, more consistent, and more cost-effective.

How Bodi.Me solves the uniform sizing problem

Founded in 2013, Bodi.Me is a UK-based pioneer in digital sizing and fit technology. Since launching its first size and fit recommendation solution in 2014, Bodi.Me has specialised in helping organisations solve the garment industry’s fit problem through accurate, scalable, and user-friendly technology.

The company is widely recognised for its work in professional clothing and uniforms, where accurate sizing is essential for cost control, wearer safety, comfort, and sustainability.

What is Size-Me?

Size-Me is Bodi.Me’s award-winning digital sizing platform for uniforms, workwear, and professional clothing.

It helps businesses:

  • predict the right quantity of each size before production
  • allocate the correct size to each wearer during distribution
  • reduce overproduction
  • improve stock planning
  • lower return rates
  • avoid the cost of incorrect sizing

By replacing guesswork and historical size assumptions with real wearer data, Size-Me improves efficiency across the uniform supply chain.

How does Size-Me work?

Using just a few simple inputs, Size-Me extrapolates a detailed body profile and delivers instant, personalised size recommendations.

The platform is designed to be:

  • easy to use
  • mobile-accessible anytime, anywhere
  • private and non-intrusive
  • inclusive across different body types and genders
  • highly customisable for different sectors and garment categories

No body scans or photos are required unless requested by the client.

Size-Me also integrates with customer systems, making it suitable for large-scale rollouts where speed, accessibility, and consistency are essential.

Why Size-Me is effective for large-scale uniform distribution

Large uniform programmes need more than a sizing tool. They need a system that supports planning, procurement, allocation, and wearer satisfaction at scale.

Size-Me helps organisations improve both cost-effectiveness and operational performance because it brings together four essential capabilities:

Fast data capture

Wearers can access the platform instantly from their mobile device, allowing large groups to submit sizing data quickly across different locations.

Accurate size allocation

Each wearer receives a personalised size recommendation, reducing the risk of incorrect issue and follow-up exchanges.

Better production planning

Real sizing data helps buyers predict size ratios before production, reducing overstock and understock.

Lower return and redistribution costs

When more garments are right first time, organisations reduce return handling, replacement orders, and wasted inventory.

What results has Bodi.Me delivered?

Bodi.Me has demonstrated strong results across uniform, workwear, healthcare, corporatewear, first responder, and inclusive fashion projects.

Key results include:

  • more than 1.5 million size recommendations delivered
  • 500,000+ recommendations delivered in 2025 alone
  • 100,000+ wearers supported in 2025
  • over 95% wearer engagement
  • return rates reduced in some uniform applications from around 15% to 5%

These outcomes help organisations improve purchasing accuracy, reduce waste, and increase operational efficiency.

How does Size-Me support sustainability?

Uniform waste is not only a cost issue. It is also a sustainability issue.

When organisations produce the wrong size mix, they increase:

  • unnecessary manufacturing
  • excess shipping
  • packaging waste
  • reverse logistics
  • disposal and landfill risk

By helping organisations order and distribute the right garments first time, Size-Me supports a more efficient and sustainable supply chain.

This is particularly important for businesses and institutions under pressure to reduce waste, improve ESG performance, and operate more responsibly.

How has Bodi.Me continued to develop the platform?

In 2025, Bodi.Me further advanced its offering with Size-Me 5.0, a user-friendly, multilingual evolution of Size-Me 4.0.

This includes a dedicated try-on solution for the workwear sector featuring a dynamic 360-degree avatar, helping wearers visualise fit more accurately and make more confident choices.

For organisations running large and diverse uniform programmes, this adds another layer of confidence, accuracy, and user engagement.

Why digital sizing should now be standard in uniform programmes

Large-scale uniform operations cannot afford to rely on manual sizing, wearer guesswork, or historic averages alone.

Digital sizing technology is no longer a nice-to-have. It is becoming essential for any organisation that wants to improve:

  • cost control
  • fulfilment accuracy
  • wearer experience
  • sustainability
  • stock efficiency
  • rollout speed

The bigger the workforce, the greater the value of getting sizing right from the start.

Conclusion

Speed and accuracy are the foundation of effective uniform distribution. When organisations need to size and equip large numbers of people across multiple locations, the cost of error rises quickly. Better sizing data leads to better purchasing, better allocation, fewer returns, lower waste, and a better experience for the wearer.

Bodi.Me’s Size-Me platform is designed to deliver exactly that: fast, accurate, scalable digital sizing for modern uniform operations. By turning wearer data into actionable sizing intelligence, Size-Me helps organisations improve cost-effectiveness, increase efficiency, and distribute uniforms with greater confidence.

Bodi.Me’s mission is simple: to help businesses deliver the right fit first time, reduce waste, optimise production, and create a more sustainable future for the garment industry, while ensuring that wearers across sectors, including healthcare, emergency response, utilities, transport, and corporatewear, receive the right garment first time, without discomfort or safety concerns. In large-scale uniform programmes, this is not only a sustainability goal but a core part of operational efficiency, wearer readiness, and responsible resource management.

About Bodi.Me:

Bodi.Me is a UK-based SaaS company founded in 2013 by Lara Mazzoni and partners. In 2014 launched the first Size and Fit recommendation software, with the mission to help solve the garment industry’s fit problem and promote better sustainability within the industry. Helping wearers select the best fit through fast and accurate size recommendation tools can reduce returns, optimize stock levels, and help businesses focus production on the sizes that sell.

Bodi.Me has been a pioneer in clothing size and fit optimization since 2014 with a (but not exclusive) focus on workwear and uniforms.

Bodi.Me’s Size-Me tool integrates with customer systems and matches wearers to the right size garment from the customer’s range via Bodi.Me’s AI and proprietary technology. From just a handful of basic measurements, Size-Me extrapolates a complete body profile to provide instant size recommendations personalized to each wearer. Size-Me is uniquely customizable and adapts to each customer’s needs.

Posted in Clothing, Design, Industry, Press Release | No Comments »

BFG Monday – The Elastic Pouch You Forget Is There

March 30th, 2026

“Military-grade elastic” is a well-known concept in the world of load-carriage today; but 15 years ago, it was a revolutionary idea. One that no one thought would work.


Photo courtesy of U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Isaac Cantrell

The idea was born when the CEO of Blue Force Gear (“BFG”) was nearly side-swiped by a cyclist careening out of an alley. As the “10-speed” cyclist swerved to avoid a collision, the CEO noticed a pair of water bottles tucked into the spandex pockets on the back of his jersey and the idea materialized. The water bottle was heavy, but it stayed in place. Could elastic work for a fully loaded M4 mag as well? That question (and BFG’s answer) changed the way gear manufacturers and warfighters have approached load-carriage for the past decade.

Blue Force Gear has always been an innovator – never reproducing something that was already on the market but rather approaching problems with a fresh look. If you recall from last week’s article, BFG’s design philosophy addresses the old military axiom “ounces equal pounds, and pounds equal pain.” A Pub Med article stated that “many injuries experienced by soldiers can be attributed to the occupational loads they are required to carry.” (1) BFG recognized our warfighters’ lives, backs, and knees are worth protecting and that’s why the attention to detail – and obsession with shaving ounces – goes into every product they produce.

Ten-Speed was another innovation by BFG to drastically reduce weight for the warfighter. Ten-Speed became known as their line of pouches that uses a proprietary elastic to retain objects. The pouches were originally developed and marketed for M4 magazines, but a few unexpected benefits were swiftly realized when they were beta tested.


Photo courtesy of Department of War

Ten-Speed pouches will stretch to accommodate just about anything, as long as they’re sized to fit within that pouch. This allows the user to carry critical items without changing pouches or having specific loadouts for each mission. One pouch…nearly unlimited utility. Ten-Speed pouches range in size from pistol mag to 417 mag and come in single, double, or triple configurations. Depending on the size selected, they fit various items such as different types of magazines, medical gear, small handheld radios, GPS units, multi-tools, knives, flashlights, and yes, even dip cans.

Ten-Speed pouches lay flat when they’re not in use, adding no bulk and virtually no weight to the user. This is crucial because form-factor is a concern no matter what the mission. Another Pub Med article stated that “it is most efficient to carry load as close to the body’s centre of mass (CoM) as possible.” (2) In addition to reducing risk of injury, men and women with smaller profiles can fit more places and move faster than those with bulkier kit. When a Ten-Speed pouch is needed, it stretches to accommodate an item.

The operational feedback that shaped Ten-Speed came directly from elite units conducting linear assault missions — operations carried out in the confined quarters of aircraft, subways, trains, and buses. In those environments, every millimeter of unnecessary bulk is a liability. A pouch that snags on a doorframe or catches on a seat could mean the difference between a clean entry and a compromised mission. Ten-Speed was built specifically to eliminate that risk.


Photo courtesy of U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jessi Roth

The best pouch is the one you forget is there. Ten-Speed pouches don’t add bulk, don’t weigh you down, and retain items beautifully until you need them and then lay flat when you don’t. BFG solves problems for the warfighter by drastically reducing weight and at the same time providing even more options, Ten-Speed is just another example of their innovation.

Keep an eye out for next week’s article where we’ll cover the technology that literally changed MOLLE pouches – Helium Whisper.

(1) pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25178432

(2) pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20060096

About Blue Force Gear®

Widely known for supplying the world’s best weapon slings, Blue Force Gear also leads the lightweight load carriage equipment revolution with Ten-Speed multi-use pouches, MOLLEminus platforms, and their patented Helium Whisper attachment system. Their proprietary ULTRACOMP high-performance coated fabric laminate material, unrivaled innovation, attention to detail, and obsession with reducing weight sets Blue Force Gear apart from others in the tactical equipment industry. Blue Force Gear is a Great Place to Work Certified Company. For more information on products, proprietary technologies, or how BFG continues to reduce weight for the warfighter, visit their website: www.blueforcegear.com

Posted in Advertiser, Guest Post, Load Carrying, Materials | No Comments »

PMTEC Elevates Electronic Warfare Training at Exercise Cobra Gold 2026

March 30th, 2026

LOPBURI PROVINCE, Thailand — U.S. Army Electronic Warfare (EW) Soldiers participating in the U.S. Army Pacific (USARPAC) Exercise Cobra Gold 2026 conducted spectrum-focused training designed to improve detection, protection, and disruption capabilities in a realistic electromagnetic environment at Fort Bhumibol, Thailand, Feb. 25 to March 6, 2026.

U.S. Indo-Pacific Command’s J7 Pacific Multi-Domain Training and Experimentation Capability (PMTEC) provided emitter support that allowed electromagnetic warfare teams to train against real electromagnetic signatures, transforming what would have been a theoretical exercise into a hands-on, operationally relevant experience. By introducing active electromagnetic signatures into the training area, PMTEC enabled Soldiers to train against real signals rather than relying solely on simulated or classroom-based instruction.

According to U.S. Army Warrant Officer Shelby Honzell, assigned to 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, without active emitters, Soldiers cannot fully execute mission-essential tasks such as electromagnetic support. For U.S. and partner forces refining their electromagnetic warfare capabilities, that realism depends heavily on having a realistic training environment.

“I really appreciate the fact that they are putting in the effort to get us emitters,” Honzell said. “It makes the training value much higher when there’s targets out there for these Soldiers to target.”

Electromagnetic warfare is not a skill set that can be mastered in a classroom alone. Without signals to detect, track, and disrupt EW Soldiers cannot fully execute their mission-essential tasks.

“If there are no emitters out there, it makes it difficult for EW to get sets and reps on targeting, as far as their training objectives,” Honzell said. “It makes a difference when Soldiers can physically operate their equipment against live signals and see how their actions affect the environment.” PMTEC’s support ensured those “sets and reps” were possible — enabling Soldiers to conduct direction finding, sensing, and jamming in a realistic electromagnetic environment.

This year’s Cobra Gold iteration also incorporated experimentation with Multi-Functional Reconnaissance Company (MFRC) tactics, techniques and procedures. The integration placed reconnaissance elements alongside EW teams, allowing both formations to better understand how they operate together in a modern fight.

“We’re testing out the MFRCs’ TTPs ensuring reconnaissance scouts and EW teams work as a unified force,” said Honzell. “This integration gives scouts a front-row seat to EW operations, ensuring both elements of reconnaissance are fully synchronized on the battlefield.”

That integration reflects a broader shift toward multi-domain operations — a cornerstone of USARPAC’s approach to modern warfare. Success depends on the seamless coordination of ground maneuver forces, reconnaissance, and electromagnetic effects. This coordination improves understanding of how electromagnetic warfare contributes to information collection, targeting, and force protection within a multi-domain framework.

Modern warfare increasingly plays out across the electromagnetic spectrum. According to Honzell, EW encompasses three primary functions: electromagnetic attack, including jamming and denial of enemy communications; electromagnetic protection, safeguarding friendly forces and ensuring force protection; and electromagnetic support, including direction finding and sensing to provide commanders with actionable intelligence.

Each of those roles requires exposure to realistic signals. PMTEC’s emitter support created that contested environment, enabling troops to practice detecting, protecting, and attacking within the spectrum — rather than simply discussing it.

The training environment also provided opportunities for collaboration with Thai counterparts. While Thai EW personnel were not fully integrated on the ground, their presence observing operations fostered shared understanding and future interoperability.

“The Royal Thai Army has shown a high level of engagement with our current operations and a strong desire for collaboration,” said Honzell. “This partnership has fostered a highly productive and collaborative training environment.”

As military operations increasingly rely on communications networks, sensors, and electronic systems, the ability to operate effectively in the electromagnetic spectrum remains a critical competency. By incorporating emitter support into Cobra Gold 2026, PMTEC enabled electronic warfare Soldiers to conduct practical, field-based training aligned with their operational requirements.

“You can’t fully replicate this kind of training in a classroom,” Honzell said. “Operating in a live electromagnetic environment better prepares us to execute our mission.”

Established in 2022, PMTEC is a transformative enterprise funded and resourced by the United States Indo-Pacific Command to enhance joint, combined, and coalition warfighting readiness, posture, and lethality in the Indo-Pacific. It has created and is constantly enhancing the largest coalition range system in the world, linking geographically distributed ranges and training areas across the Indo-Pacific theater and beyond. PMTEC is a key component of the Pacific Deterrence Initiative, reinforcing the U.S. commitment to homeland defense and a free and open Indo-Pacific. PMTEC’s integration of advanced training technologies and its alignment with U.S. national security and defense strategies make it a cornerstone of U.S. efforts to maintain regional stability and counter adversarial aggression.

Story by Eleanor Prohaska 

U.S. Indo-Pacific Command

Posted in Army, EW, Guest Post | Comments Off on PMTEC Elevates Electronic Warfare Training at Exercise Cobra Gold 2026

The First Line of Defense is Language, Regional Expertise and Culture: How AFCLC Helps Secure the Homeland

March 29th, 2026

MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. —  

Defending the U.S. homeland is a cornerstone and the ultimate deliverable of the latest National Defense Strategy. It is also a task deeply intertwined with the specialized work of the AFCLC.

The AFCLC delivers a contribution to homeland defense by strengthening security cooperation with partner nations on U.S. borders, a mission directly supported by LEAP Scholars and tailored curriculum. This partnership helps contain threats before they reach the homeland.

“LEAP arms our Airmen with the linguistic and cultural tools that are essential for working hand in hand with Latin American mission partners,” said Capt. Konrad Bennett, Chief Security Forces 704thMunitions Support Squadron, Ghedi Air Base, Italy. “While many LEAP scholars are native speakers with cultural and family ties across the border, LITEs and e-Mentors provide professional vocabulary and sharpen language skills, giving Airmen confidence to interact fluidly with international partners.”

In his work as a LEAP Scholar, Bennett has seen firsthand how the AFCLC contributes to defending the homeland.

“As a Flight Commander at the Inter-American Air Forces Academy (IAAFA), I worked with a number of Spanish LEAP scholars,” he said. “They were frequently called upon to translate and serve as Subject Matter Experts with Mexico as well as multiple Central and South American mission partners. AFNORTH consulted my team for the development of a Security Forces career field for the Mexican Air Force, calling on us to showcase Security Forces techniques and training to a delegation from Mexico. By building partner capacity, the US enables Mexico to do its part to reduce threats on its side of the border. Additionally, one of my Airmen was tasked to translate for the ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives), CBP (Customs and Border Protection), DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration), ARNORTH (United States Army North) and Department of State for cross-border security discussions in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. Coordination between US and Mexican law enforcement agencies is crucial to a secure border and to reducing threats from transnational criminal and terrorist organizations.”

LEAP Scholar Tech Sgt. Edgar Bravo, Section Chief, Combat Arms/SFCA, 31st Security Forces Squadron with the 31st Security Forces Squadron, Aviano Air Base, Italy has also participated in activities that have strengthened security cooperation with partner nations and defended the homeland.

“The linguistic and cultural proficiency I gained through the Language Enabled Airman Program (LEAP) has been invaluable in strengthening security cooperation,” Bravo said. “I had the opportunity to put these skills to direct use during the ‘FUERZAS AMIGAS’ exercise preparation, a critical disaster-response drill in Juarez, Mexico. There, I served as the lead interpreter for the U.S. Army North (ARNORTH) Commander, facilitating vital communication with our Mexican counterparts. Separately, my expertise was tasked by Inter-American Air Forces Academy (IAAFA) and the Mexican Air Force (SEDENA), where I played a pivotal role in helping them pioneer a foundational plan to establish their own Security Forces career field. Both of these experiences underscore how LEAP equips us to build trust and interoperability with our partners, directly enhancing our collective ability to secure our shared borders and protect the homeland.”

Rather than a separate mission, the AFCLC’s mastery of language, regional expertise, and culture is the core of its contribution to defending the homeland.

“The NDS top priority is Defending the Homeland, which now includes the Western Hemisphere,” said Dr. Daniel Uribe, the Air Force Culture and Language Center’s U.S. Southern Command expert. “In addition to preparing to defend our region from kinetic attacks, the NDS recognizes that homeland defense also hinges on interagency coordination, allied integration and partnerships with Western Hemisphere nations. Our LEAP Scholars and the AFCLC are critical to these efforts. The LREC capabilities the AFCLC provides the Air Force and Space Force enable deeper connections with our friends and allies in the region through security cooperation efforts, multi-national exercises, and humanitarian relief efforts. These strong connections also serve to deter potential adversaries.   Our LEAP Airmen and Guardians are key enablers to the NDS LOE 1 Defending the Homeland.”

By James Brown, AFCLC Outreach Team

AFCLC

Posted in Air Force, Guest Post | Comments Off on The First Line of Defense is Language, Regional Expertise and Culture: How AFCLC Helps Secure the Homeland

NEMO Adds Comfort-Driven Updates Across Pack and Sleep Systems, Expands Endless Promise Fully Recyclable Collection

March 29th, 2026

New recyclable sleeping bags and liners, warmer pads, and expanded sizing, along with refined travel and technical packs for better time outdoors.

{Dover, NH—March X, 2026} — NEMO Equipment’s 2026 collection advances the brand’s commitment to better sleep, lighter loads, and gear designed to stay out of the landfill. The spring lineup brings three additions to NEMO’s Endless Promise® fully recyclable collection: the

Tempo™ Spoon® shape sleeping bag and both Tracer™ sleeping bag liners, alongside expanded sizing for the Tensor™ Elite sleeping pad and top-selling Disco™ and Forte™

Spoon® shape sleeping bags. Refined updates to the Vantage™ and Resolve™ pack collections, plus Flyer™ and Roamer™ sleeping pads, round out a lineup built on meaningful innovation and lasting performance. 

SLEEP SYSTEM UPDATES – Because Sleeping Outside Should Feel Good 

Tempo™ Endless Promise®  Sleeping Bag 

The Tempo synthetic sleeping bag joins the Endless Promise lineup with everything you want in a three-season bag. Updated to NEMO’s Classic Spoon shape, it provides ample room for side sleepers, while an insulated Blanket Fold™ collar mimics the comfort of home. High-loft recycled insulation delivers reliable warmth that packs down small, and thoughtful details elevate the experience, like a built-in pillow pocket lined with ultra-soft Fillo™ fabric. Tempo is the full package: comfort, packability, and sustainability. Available in 20F/35F. $149.95-199.95 

New Wide Sizing for Disco™ and Forte™ Spoon™ Shape Sleeping Bags 

Two of the industry’s top-selling sleeping bags, the RDS-certified down Disco™ and recycled synthetic Forte™, are now available in Wide sizes. Pair with a wide sleeping pad, spread out, and get your best night’s sleep outdoors. $169.95 – 359.95 

Tracer™ and Tracer™ Blaze Endless Promise® Sleeping Bag Liners  

Made from 100% recycled fabrics and treated with a FUZE antimicrobial finish for odor resistance while maintaining full recyclability. Add warmth to a summer quilt, keep your bag cleaner on a long thru-hike, or instantly extend your sleep system into shoulder season. Lightweight, packable warmth that lasts forever. $69.95 – 89.95 

Tensor™ Elite 

After Tensor™ Elite’s successful 2025 launch, the message from thru-hikers was clear: make it wider. The new Regular Wide Mummy joins existing Short and Regular Mummy sizes, delivering the same category-leading warmth-to-weight ratio with more room to move. For fast-and-light trips where every ounce counts, but comfort can’t be compromised. $259.95 

Flyer™ Self-inflating Sleeping Pad 

The bluesign® product Flyer™ hybrid pad gets warmer for 2026 with an R-value of 4.2 (up from 3.3) and features 2 inches of plush cushioning plus an included Vortex™ hybrid stuff sack that doubles as a pump for faster inflation. Dual-axis foam coring removes nearly 60% of the foam without sacrificing stability or comfort. $139.95 – 159.95 

Roamer™ Self-inflating Mattress  

With 4 inches of plush cushioning and an R-value of 7 (up from 6), Roamer™ rivals your bed at home. The updated Laylow™ valve speeds inflation and deflation, and the included Vortex™ stuff sack efficiently doubles as a pump. Expanded sizing: Single (76 x 25 in), Single Wide (80 x 30 in), Double (78 x 40 in), and Double Wide (78 x 52 in), ensures everyone sleeps well, whether solo or sharing. $259.95 – 449.95 

PACK SYSTEM UPDATES – Packs Get Smarter, More Intuitive, and Even More Durable 

The fully recyclable Vantage™ travel backpack and Resolve™ technical backpack  return with refined updates that enhance performance and usability. Both collections feature NEMO’s exclusive CERO™ recycled fabric, up to 2× the tear strength and 1.5× the water resistance of standard pack fabrics, and CCubed™ foam-free cushioning that’s up to 5× more breathable and 10× better at wicking moisture. The result: a drier back, a longer-lasting pack, and full recyclability at end of life. 

Vantage receives targeted improvements including a redesigned back panel for better moisture management, magnetic closures for effortless access, and new collapsible water bottle pockets that expand when needed and disappear when not. Color-accented zippers make it easy to identify the laptop compartment at a glance, while adjustable load lifter straps dial in a personalized fit. $179.95 – $249.95 

Resolve sheds weight through a more streamlined design while gaining durability with upgraded fabrics. New side water bottle pockets improve on-the-move access, and the refined suspension system moves naturally with your body on swift treks and fast approaches. $159.95 – $219.95 

These updates join NEMO’s full 2026 lineup, including warmer, lighter sleeping pads; a packable reclining chair; and major refinements to the top-selling Dragonfly OSMO™ tent series. Explore the complete collection at nemoequipment.com/collections/new-for-2026. 

Posted in Packs, Press Release, Shelter | No Comments »

National Service Animals Monument Receives $1 Million Donation, Marking Major Milestone Toward First Federally Authorized Monument Honoring Service Animals

March 29th, 2026

WASHINGTON, March 25, 2026 — The National Service Animals Monument (NSAM) today announced it has received an unrestricted $1 million donation, paid in full this month, accelerating efforts to build the nation’s first federally authorized monument honoring service animals and their handlers.

This landmark effort, led by NSAM—the nonprofit leading the initiative—and lead sponsor, the United States War Dogs Association , unites military, law enforcement, and assistance-animal communities in a historic national tribute in the Washington, DC region.

The announcement comes on the heels of a major legislative achievement. In 2023, bipartisan legislation signed by Joe Biden authorized the construction of the National Service Animals Monument on federal land in Washington, DC. Once completed, the monument will stand as a permanent tribute to the animals and handlers who have served—and sacrificed—throughout American history.

“This is a great kickoff to our capital campaign,” said Susan Bahary , founder and chair of NSAM and a renowned sculptor of national monuments honoring military and service animals. “We’re deeply grateful to the U.S. War Dogs Association for their leadership, vision, and support of this national monument that will be a tribute to those who served, both human and animal kind.”

NSAM has set an ambitious goal of raising $25 million and is inviting individuals, corporations, and foundations to support the creation of what leaders describe as a lasting national treasure.

“These animals are silent heroes of American service,” Bahary added. “They didn’t just assist—they protected, rescued, and saved lives. This monument will give them a permanent place in our nation’s heart.”

Chris Willingham , president of the United States War Dogs Association and a retired U.S. Marine Corps Master Sergeant who dedicated much of his 20-year career to the Military Working Dog Program, emphasized the importance of national recognition for both animals and handlers across all branches of service.

“For US War Dogs, a national monument that raises the status of our military K-9s is an essential education tool and a way to honor the legacies of MWDs past, present and future,” said Willingham. “We admire all that the board at NSAM is doing to bring this monument to life and feel privileged to play a small part in this significant project.”

The National Service Animals Monument will be the first of its kind to honor service animals and their human partners across the military, law enforcement, and assistance sectors—past, present, and future. It will highlight the extraordinary human-animal bond, including the life-changing impact of guide and assistance dogs that enable independence and transform the lives of veterans, first responders, and civilians.

Beyond recognition, the monument aims to serve as an enduring educational and cultural landmark—one that reflects core American values of service, sacrifice, duty, courage, and partnership. NSAM leaders believe its placement in a prominent, accessible location in the nation’s capital will create a powerful space for public reflection and national remembrance.

Through this initiative, NSAM seeks to elevate national awareness of the profound ways animals and humans serve one another under extraordinary circumstances, contributing meaningfully to the broader conversation about American values and the meaning of service.

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