Eric D.

Note: NGS - A Strategic Russian Asset in Central America The Nicaragua Ground Station, located near Managua, Nicaragua, is a key component of Russia's expanding network of satellite telemetry, tracking, and control (TT&C) facilities. Its strategic location in Central America allows Russia to extend its military and intelligence into the Western Hemisphere, far beyond its traditional sphere of influence. This ground station’s primary role is satellite telemetry, tracking, and control (TT&C). It monitors and communicates with satellites to ensure their proper functioning, transmitting data, monitoring satellite health, and making necessary adjustments to satellite trajectories. As Russia's reliance on satellites for military and intelligence purposes grows, the TT&C capabilities of this facility likely support a wide range of satellite activities, including those related to communications, surveillance, and reconnaissance. The Nicaragua Ground Station is believed to be a critical asset in Russia's military and intelligence operations in Central America. By establishing a presence in a region traditionally dominated by U.S. influence, Russia can monitor geopolitical activities in Central America and the Caribbean. This includes the ability to track military maneuvers, communications, and other activities of interest, especially given its proximity to the United States. The station’s strategic significance is heightened by its role in solidifying Russia's influence in a region close to the U.S. It potentially serves as a node for coordinating Russian activities in Latin America, contributing to Russia's broader geopolitical ambitions. This ground station also allows Russia to project power and influence in the Western Hemisphere, acting as a counterbalance to U.S. dominance in the area. The establishment and operation of this facility likely involve close cooperation with the Nicaraguan government, possibly extending to other areas of military and strategic partnership. Such collaboration enhances Russia's influence in Nicaragua and the broader region, reflecting a deepening relationship that has its roots in historical ties dating back to the Cold War. The presence of the Nicaragua Ground Station is part of a broader pattern of Russian engagement in Latin America. Together with other facilities in Brazil and Venezuela, the station forms a crucial part of Russia's strategy to expand its global reach. Its location in Nicaragua is particularly significant, considering the country's proximity to the United States and its long-standing ties with Russia. The Nicaragua Ground Station is a strategic asset for Russia, extending its military and intelligence capabilities into Central America. By enhancing its satellite operations and strategic influence in the region, Russia secures a significant geopolitical advantage.

24

2 Comments

Austin to Convene Ukraine Coalition Group to Map Country's Future Defense Needs, Objectives | Jan. 7, 2025 | By Matthew Olay, DOD News Two senior defense officials told the media this morning that Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III intends to gather the Ukraine Defense Contact Group's eight capabilities coalition leaders during the upcoming 25th meeting of the UDCG at Ramstein Air Base in Germany, in order to map out Ukraine's defense capabilities in support of building a credible deterrent force through 2027. The UDCG, which Austin founded in response to Russia's unprovoked Feb. 24, 2022, invasion of Ukraine, is a coalition of some 50 nations that meet regularly to discuss Ukraine's security needs. Within the overall UDCG, exists a coalition leadership group comprising eight capability coalitions. Each coalition represents one aspect of Ukraine's military capabilities and is co-led by at least two separate NATO nations. "The leaders of these coalitions will need to endorse roadmaps that articulate Ukraine's air force, armor, artillery, de-mining, drone, integrated air and missile defense, information technology and maritime security needs and objectives through 2027. These roadmaps are intended to enable donors to plan for and support Ukraine sustainably into the future," one of the defense officials explained. When asked whether there was concern about the path forward for the UDCG should American support for the group decrease once the new administration takes over Jan. 20, the officials stressed that the multilateral manner in which the UDCG and its coalitions have been constructed will help to bolster the group's future resiliency. "We are very confident that the [group's] multilateral nature, which was absolutely baked in from the start by Secretary Austin [because of] his absolute commitment to multilateral work [and] also his knowledge and respect for the capabilities of those European countries … meant that we were able to do more together with those aid capability coalitions than we could have alone," one of the officials said. "What the future is of those coalitions … is one of the reasons why the coalition leadership group will meet at the ministerial level to lay a sound foundation for the future of those coalitions," the official continued. "I can't speak for what the incoming administration will decide about its role [within the UDCG], but I'm very confident of European commitment … ability … experience and extraordinary belief in the mission, and [I'm] confident that those capability coalitions will continue one way or another," the official added. Read on the Department of Defense: https://lnkd.in/gaanGMmb

11

12/14/24 National Security News and Commentary https://conta.cc/49C1aKs 1. Delta Force article disappears - at SOCOM's request 2. Leaders of Rich Nations Are Deeply Unpopular. That Spells Trouble Ahead. 3. Russia Begins Packing Up Military Equipment in Syria, Satellite Images Show 4. U.S. Ally Halts Fight Against Islamic State in Syria as It Battles Rebel Group 5. Mike Pompeo: America Needs the Nippon Steel Deal 6. How Luigi Mangione Captivated the Internet 7. Americans Are Stockpiling to Get Ahead of Tariffs 8. Why Armies Crumble 9. NSA Director: Salt Typhoon ‘Not the Highest-end Operation That We’ve Seen’ 10. US military flies missing American out of Syria 11. What Hamas wrought 12. Russian Intelligence had to persuade Assad to leave Syria 13. The Big Five - 14 December edition by Mick Ryan 14. Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, December 13, 2024 15. Iran Update, December 13, 2024 16. Special Report: Russian Efforts to Centralize Drone Units May Degrade Russian Drone Operations 17. Navy dismisses cases against SEAL commanders in BUD/S death 18. More than Half of Senior Army Officers Are Turning Down Command Consideration 19. In Iraq and Afghanistan ‘our future was always written,’ but the next war is uncertain, says 101st commander 20. “A Lot of Eyerolls”: Tulsi Gabbard Face-Plants With Senate Republicans 21. West Point apologizes for sharing inaccurate information about Pete Hegseth

3

Sneak peek at the next Hatch Report: The Mississippi Army National Guard (MSARNG) has a requirement for six sUASs due to divestment of the RQ-7 Shadow. 7 Jan response deadline. ..................................... Description: Category: Group 1 (non-weaponized, multirotor, under 20 lbs) Capabilities: ISR support, IR/thermal imaging, encrypted communications Compliance: DIU Blue UAS List, NDAA & TAA compliant; Advanced Encryption; Standard Tactical Open Government Architecture (TOGA) compatible. Performance: At least 30 minutes endurance with payload Durability: IP53 certified (dust and rain resistant) ..................................... Thoughts / Questions: Broader Coordination: I suspect other ARNG units are also replacing their RQ-7 Shadows. If so, is there a unified approach to addressing these needs, or is each ARNG unit handling this individually? Additionally, how well-coordinated are these efforts between the Guard and the Active Component? NOTE: There’s an important balance to strike between enabling units to rapidly acquire the capabilities they need and leveraging aggregate demand to drive down costs and simplify logistics. ISR Implications: Are there separate plans to replace the RQ-7 Shadow with a comparable Group-3 UAS? If not, what are the ISR implications? While it’s possible this solicitation is intended for testing and evaluation purposes, the wording strongly suggests these Group 1 sUASs are being positioned as a direct replacement for the Group 3 RQ-7. It’s worth noting that the Army recently selected Red Cat’s small Teal drone for its SSR Tranche II requirement, which closely aligns with the MSARNG’s UAS product description. Additionally, the Army also selected the Ghost X from Anduril Industries Industries and the C-100 from PDW for its Company-Level UAS program, which gets you more range/payload but is still not comparable to the RQ-7. ..................................... Context/Background: In February 2024, the Army announced plans to divest the RQ-7 Shadows by September 2024. This purportedly created an ISR capability gap until 2027, when the Future Tactical Uncrewed Aircraft System (FTUAS) is scheduled to begin Brigade-level deployment. To address this, the Army turned to DIU’s Blue UAS list as a stopgap. However, as of October 2024, no Group-3 offerings appear on the Blue UAS list. Link to Solicitation: https://lnkd.in/ecX3imD2

27

6 Comments

Great article by COL Everett Spain who considers how to retain the best talent. I recently had a conversation with one of my team's highly talented officers where I realized that SELCON and other ways that we are breaking the up-or-out system can be demoralizing for those who are demonstrating talent within a merit-based system. Take care of the talent we have. Spain proposes, "Show poor performers the road or your boot. Minimize your high potentials’ dissatisfaction by holding low-performing officers accountable." I would love to hear your thoughts on retaining talent by eliminating low-performers.

5

6 Comments

Since Texas Machine-Gun & Ordnance is the country’s largest LMT Defense M203 40mm grenade-launcher distributor, we often get calls from #LawEnforcement & #Police departments about purchasing M203s for #LessLethal use. While an M203 can be pressed into a less-lethal role, it typically is a poor choice for such an application.   The M203 is designed to chamber & fire the 40x46mm cartridge. The grenade-launcher developed from the age-old problem of wanting to “blow thine enemies to tiny bits” when you are not close enough to “lobbest thou thy Holy Hand Grenade of Antioch towards thy foe”.   As a result, the M203 is an extraordinarily rugged & reliable weapon that you can issue to a knuckle-dragging infantryman who scored “potato” on the ASVAB, to use as a hammer for tent stakes & it will still function as a weapon. The ability to be mounted to an M16/M4 or other #Firearms, simplifies the issuing & employment of the launcher for #Military purposes.   But features which make it a great military weapon, also make it a poor LE weapon.   Firstly we have the “YouTube effect”, where trudging around with a “grenade-launcher” isn’t going to look very good on #SocialMedia. While a 40mm “less-lethal launcher”, such as the ALS launcher in the picture will chamber & fire any 40x46 munitions, it has a very different connotation than an M203. This is especially true if it is mounted to a rifle. Certain applications such as #SWAT where intimidation & ability to have both a lethal & less-lethal option on the same weapon is a desired effect, but that is an exception.   Next is the limited ability to accept certain type of less-lethal cartridges. Most all military 40mm rounds are 40x46mm. But civilian 40mm less-lethal rounds are often longer than 46mm. Due to the M203’s design, it is limited in how long of a 40mm round it can accept. So an M203 is often only able to fire baton & barricade penetrator rounds. For applications such as SWAT, this may not be a problem. But to really harness the capabilities of the 40mm, a break-action launcher has tangible advantages of not being limited by the length of rounds.   Finally we have cost. An M203 without a mounting system runs about 50% more than the ALS launcher which doesn’t need any mounting system & is ready to go out of the box. The LMT’s stand-alone M203 is a really slick system, but costs more than double what the ALS launcher costs.   Like the clerk at Ammu-Nation in Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, “ain't my business what you do with it”, when an LE agency wants to spend money on suboptimal less-lethal weapons such as an M203. But there certainly are better options for LE use than the M203.

33

6 Comments

Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) Clearance: What You Need to Know. Looking to create a secure and trustworthy environment? Discover the benefits of BPSS Clearance with us. Start exploring today! Click here https://lnkd.in/ep79rXya #bpssclearance #bpss #bpsschecks #bpsscheck # #baselinepersonnelsecuritystandard #preemploymentscreening #backgroundchecks

1

Opportunity! United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) small Uncrewed Multidomain Systems Micro Event 25-9 (sME 25-9) Request for Information (RFI) Points of Contact: Any questions under this RFI must be emailed to at [email protected]. US-FED-00000283456 - United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) small Uncrewed Multidomain Systems Micro Event 25-9 (sME 25-9) Request for In - Deadline December 13,2024 1. General: This Request for Information (RFI) is not a solicitation for proposals, proposal abstracts, quotations, or obligation on the part of the Government to acquire any products or services, but for planning purposes only. This RFI is to gain knowledge of potential qualified sources and to explore industry capabilities. Your response to this RFI will be treated as information only. No entitlement to payment of direct or indirect costs or charges by the Government will arise as a result of contractor submission to this announcement or the Government use of such information. The information provided may be used by the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) in development of its acquisition strategy, statement of work/statement of objectives, and performance specifications. Interested parties are responsible for adequately marked proprietary or competition sensitive information contained in their response. The Government does not intend to award a contract based on this request for information or to otherwise pay for the information submitted in response to this RFI. 2. Purpose: a. The USSOCOM, Special Operations Forces-Acquisition Technology and Logistics (SOF AT&L), Program Executive Office-Tactical Information Systems (PEO-TIS), Program Management Office-Remote Capabilities (PMO-RC), small Uncrewed Multidomain Systems-Air (sUMS-Air) seeks information on specific technology areas to gain knowledge of, explore, and identify potential methodologies and available capabilities in the examination of Micro Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS). Solicitation is posted at: https://lnkd.in/gk9vzPcM

1

RFI responses are due 14-Aug. The USAF's Counter small-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-sUAS) branch is seeking information on radar, EO/IR camera, and on-the-move (OTM) technologies to combat small UAS threats in Groups 1 & 2. Opportunities for CRG Clients w/ CRG’s SME Advice: 1. Advanced Radar Solutions:   - Advice: Develop radar systems with enhanced detection capabilities for low-altitude, slow-moving UAS in Group 1 and 2 categories.   - Key Differentiator: Providing advanced radar solutions ensures timely detection and response to potential threats, significantly improving airspace security and mission effectiveness. 2. EO/IR Camera Integration:   - Advice: Focus on creating EO/IR camera systems that offer high-resolution imagery and thermal detection to identify and track small UAS effectively.   - Key Differentiator: High-quality EO/IR cameras enable precise target identification and tracking, allowing for effective countermeasures and increasing overall situational awareness. 3. On-the-Move (OTM) Technologies:   - Advice: Design portable and easily deployable OTM systems that can be quickly integrated into existing platforms to counter UAS threats in dynamic environments.   - Key Differentiator: OTM technologies enhance operational flexibility and responsiveness, providing a tactical advantage in rapidly changing threat landscapes. CRG has a proven track record of facilitating client wins & helping manage billions in TCV on USMIL, NATO & federal agency contracts around the world. Leveraging our expertise can help you navigate the complexities of defense procurement, ensuring your innovative solutions meet stringent military requirements and maximize market opportunities. Visit crgroupinc.com or reach out at [email protected]. #IL - #VA - #DC - #Dubai, #UAE. #CRG #USAF #CsUAS #RadarTech #EOIR #OTMTech #SmallUAS #AirDefense #DefenseInnovation #MilitaryTech #DroneDetection #SituationalAwareness #TacticalAdvantage #DefenseContracts #GlobalSecurity #USMilitary #DoD #TechIntegration #RadarSystems #AdvancedImaging #AirForce

2

RFI responses are due 14-Aug. The USAF's Counter small-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-sUAS) branch is seeking information on radar, EO/IR camera, and on-the-move (OTM) technologies to combat small UAS threats in Groups 1 & 2. Opportunities for CRG Clients w/ CRG’s SME Advice: 1. Advanced Radar Solutions: - Advice: Develop radar systems with enhanced detection capabilities for low-altitude, slow-moving UAS in Group 1 and 2 categories. - Key Differentiator: Providing advanced radar solutions ensures timely detection and response to potential threats, significantly improving airspace security and mission effectiveness. 2. EO/IR Camera Integration: - Advice: Focus on creating EO/IR camera systems that offer high-resolution imagery and thermal detection to identify and track small UAS effectively. - Key Differentiator: High-quality EO/IR cameras enable precise target identification and tracking, allowing for effective countermeasures and increasing overall situational awareness. 3. On-the-Move (OTM) Technologies: - Advice: Design portable and easily deployable OTM systems that can be quickly integrated into existing platforms to counter UAS threats in dynamic environments. - Key Differentiator: OTM technologies enhance operational flexibility and responsiveness, providing a tactical advantage in rapidly changing threat landscapes. CRG has a proven track record of facilitating client wins & helping manage billions in TCV on USMIL, NATO & federal agency contracts around the world. Leveraging our expertise can help you navigate the complexities of defense procurement, ensuring your innovative solutions meet stringent military requirements and maximize market opportunities. Visit crgroupinc.com or reach out at [email protected]. #IL - #VA - #DC - #Dubai, #UAE. #CRG #USAF #CsUAS #RadarTech #EOIR #OTMTech #SmallUAS #AirDefense #DefenseInnovation #MilitaryTech #DroneDetection #SituationalAwareness #TacticalAdvantage #DefenseContracts #GlobalSecurity #USMilitary #DoD #TechIntegration #RadarSystems #AdvancedImaging #AirForce

2

6th Annual IDGA Counter-UAS Summit:  AUG 27-28, 2024 | Arlington, VA Strategic Insights, Tactical Solutions: Exchange Ideas and Expertise at the Forefront of Counter-UAS Efforts The sixth annual IDGA Counter-UAS Summit provides a forum comprised of key decision-makers and senior military leaders for discussions on ways to collaboratively combat the threat of UAS to the United States military and civilians. At this year's event we will be returning to Arlington, Virginia at the Marriott Crystal Gateway hotel, August 27th and 28th, 2024. Across two days of learning and collaboration we will engage our audience with high level discussions surrounding kinetic and non-kinetic approaches for countering drones, including exploring case studies on specific incidents, insights into the latest innovative CUAS technologies, the impact of shifting legal authorities, and much more. This event is for anyone who wants to gain an advanced understanding of the evolving UAS threat and C-UAS technologies and work towards appropriate solutions for their own unique issues. Covering both the civilian and military threat, this event is for individuals who are looking to build vital connections and work collaboratively with the wide range of senior and experienced personnel attending from government administrations, the military, and the industry. This summit strives to be beneficial for solution providers, as well as attendees from the military and federal administrations alike. IDGA’s Counter-UAS Summit will provide you the unique opportunity to network, connect, and learn from the most influential thought leaders and practitioners, all tirelessly dedicated to mitigating this multi-domain challenge. #IDGA #CUAS #UAS #natsec #defensetech #defenseinnovation

26

3 Comments

I've never liked the "B2G", "B2B", or "B2C" acronyms, especially in the federal contracting market. I'm going to tell you why... It's simple. We are all human. We are not an enterprise or a government body; we are all living, breathing human beings. When we categorize things as "B2(whatever)," we tend to forget that real people with emotions, needs, and desires are at the core of every transaction. Communication, relationship-building, and mutual understanding tend to go out the window and are replaced by #KPIs and sales funnels. Metrics will only take you so far in the federal marketplace, whereas rapport and trust will build a lasting foundation. Why? Because #GovCon is the quintessential human-to-human (H2H) selling process. Join Haley Boulanger and me for lunch this Wednesday to discuss the five keys to establishing a solid foundation with federal buyers and maintaining long-term, productive relationships.

13

1 Comment

An extremely important article by Jerry McGinn, Ph.D. recommending 2 key actions: (1) “(Authorizing) a broad-based independent analysis of the impact of international defense cooperation … to illuminate how US subsidiaries of allied-headquartered firms, foreign and direct commercial sales, international cooperative programs like the F-35 Lightning II, and other efforts contribute to the US and overall global industrial base … (and) that increasing international industrial collaboration and US domestic manufacturing are mutually reinforcing activities, (such) that additional Buy America provisions are unnecessary and counterproductive. and (2) Establishing an Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Cooperation much like the highly effective ASD of Industrial Policy to expedite Allied shared investment and interoperability. Both are critical to a Build Allied approach for a Coordinated Allied Industrial Base required to deter our adversaries and BRICS.

29

4 Comments

Marine Corps Concept for Logistics 📍 Marine Corps Base Quantico, VA (Dec. 10, 2024) #MarineCorps Combat Development & Integration has published a new Concept for Logistics. The publication outlines how the Marine Corps plans to address the challenge of supplying Marines in distributed operations throughout the globe. Read Here ⬇️: http://ms.spr.ly/6042okb1s 📷 Marine Cpl. Michael Bartman #USMC #Modernization

510

19 Comments

HD HHI And Palantir Reveal Tenebris Unmanned Surface Vessel  - Naval News Interviews HD HHI and Palantir on their new Tenebris USV concept at the AI Expo for National Competitiveness in Washington, D.C. - Coming in at a length of 17 meters and a weight of 14 tons, the Korean-American USV concept aims to operate in up to sea state six at a speed of 50 knots with an operational range of at least 1000 nautical miles. HD HHI also highlighted the “AI Bridge,” a dome that houses the sensors and software for the operation of Tenebris.  - When asked what makes their joint project different from other USV concepts coming into the market, Palantir highlighted that their software capabilities will give them an edge.  “I think our view is that software is going to be a key aspect of the Navy having an open, interoperable C2 [Command and Control] capability across Tenebris, as well as all the other capabilities that will be acquired through things like Replicator and PRIME. We’re very excited to work with DIU [Defense Innovation Unit] and others as they figure out what that will look like from a C2 perspective” - https://lnkd.in/etiVFwpc

9

In engaging our rapidly evolving global security landscape, collaboration and partnership are essential pillars in bolstering defense industry capabilities and meeting warfighting needs. As underscored by Bill LaPlante, the undersecretary of defense for acquisition and sustainment, in his recent testimony before the Senate Appropriations Committee's Defense Subcommittee, the war in Ukraine has brought to light the critical importance of countries coming together to produce key munitions. This initiative not only strengthens the defense industrial base but also enhances deterrence capabilities on a global scale. Moving forward, the DoD is prepared to embark on an innovative roadmap of co-production, co-development, and co-sustainment with allies and partners. Milestones on this roadmap include plans to co-produce Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System and Precision Strike Missile munitions with key allies, as well as partnering with Japan on the development and production of the next generation of missile defense interceptors. These strategic collaborations foster interoperability as well as ensure the rapid fielding of essential capabilities to the warfighter. Industry plays a pivotal role in this endeavor, with opportunities abound for collaboration and contribution. As the DoD shifts towards a more agile acquisition approach, industry partners are invited to leverage their expertise and capabilities to support the co-production and development efforts outlined by LaPlante. From manufacturing key munitions to providing innovative solutions for sustainment and logistics, industry stakeholders have a unique opportunity to contribute to the collective defense efforts of the United States and its allies. At CRG, we understand the importance of strategic partnerships and effective acquisition pathways in meeting the evolving needs of the warfighter. Our seasoned SMEs and dedicated teams stand ready to assist industry clients in navigating the complexities of defense acquisition, from capturing requirements to delivering cutting-edge solutions. Whether it's winning contracts, optimizing production capabilities, or ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, CRG is here to guide you every step of the way. Visit https://crgroupinc.com/ or reach out to us at [email protected] to learn more about how CRG can empower your organization. #DefensePartnerships #GlobalSecurity #DefenseIndustry #DIB #GovCons #DefenseAcquisition #MilitaryCollaboration #InternationalAllies #USMIL #GlobalDefense #GovernmentContractors #DefenseSolutions #DoD #DefenseTechnology #DefenseIntegration #MilitaryCapabilities #DSCA #NationalSecurity #DefenseCollaboration #StrategicPartnerships #InternationalDefense #MilitaryAlliances #DefenseCooperation #DefenseManufacturing #DefenseSupplyChain #GlobalManufacturing #DefenseProduction #DefenseValueChain #InternationalSupplyChain #GlobalIndustrialPartnerships #DefenseTechCollaboration

2