Small Arms Review
  • Home
  • Articles
    • Guns & Parts
    • Suppressors
    • Optics & Thermals
    • Ammunition
    • Gear
    • News & Opinion
    • Columns
    • Museums & Factory Tours
    • ID Guides
    • Interviews
    • Event Coverage
    • Articles by Issue
      • Volume 1
        • V1N1 (Oct 1997)
        • V1N2 (Nov 1997)
        • V1N3 (Dec 1997)
        • V1N4 (Jan 1998)
        • V1N5 (Feb 1998)
        • V1N6 (Mar 1998)
        • V1N7 (Apr 1998)
        • V1N8 (May 1998)
        • V1N9 (Jun 1998)
        • V1N10 (Jul 1998)
        • V1N11 (Aug 1998)
        • V1N12 (Sep 1998)
      • Volume 2
        • V2N1 (Oct 1998)
        • V2N2 (Nov 1998)
        • V2N3 (Dec 1998)
        • V2N4 (Jan 1999)
        • V2N5 (Feb 1999)
        • V2N6 (Mar 1999)
        • V2N7 (Apr 1999)
        • V2N8 (May 1999)
        • V2N9 (Jun 1999)
        • V2N10 (Jul 1999)
        • V2N11 (Aug 1999)
        • V2N12 (Sep 1999)
      • Volume 3
        • V3N1 (Oct 1999)
        • V3N2 (Nov 1999)
        • V3N3 (Dec 1999)
        • V3N4 (Jan 2000)
        • V3N5 (Feb 2000)
        • V3N6 (Mar 2000)
        • V3N7 (Apr 2000)
        • V3N8 (May 2000)
        • V3N9 (Jun 2000)
        • V3N10 (Jul 2000)
        • V3N11 (Aug 2000)
        • V3N12 (Sep 2000)
      • Volume 4
        • V4N1 (Oct 2000)
        • V4N2 (Nov 2000)
        • V4N3 (Dec 2000)
        • V4N4 (Jan 2001)
        • V4N5 (Feb 2001)
        • V4N6 (Mar 2001)
        • V4N7 (Apr 2001)
        • V4N8 (May 2001)
        • V4N9 (Jun 2001)
        • V4N10 (Jul 2001)
        • V4N11 (Aug 2001)
        • V4N12 (Sep 2001)
      • Volume 5
        • V5N1 (Oct 2001)
        • V5N2 (Nov 2001)
        • V5N3 (Dec 2001)
        • V5N4 (Jan 2002)
        • V5N5 (Feb 2002)
        • V5N6 (Mar 2002)
        • V5N7 (Apr 2002)
        • V5N8 (May 2002)
        • V5N9 (Jun 2002)
        • V5N10 (Jul 2002)
        • V5N11 (Aug 2002)
        • V5N12 (Sep 2002)
      • Volume 6
        • V6N1 (Oct 2002)
        • V6N2 (Nov 2002)
        • V6N3 (Dec 2002)
        • V6N4 (Jan 2003)
        • V6N5 (Feb 2003)
        • V6N6 (Mar 2003)
        • V6N7 (Apr 2003)
        • V6N8 (May 2003)
        • V6N9 (Jun 2003)
        • V6N10 (Jul 2003)
        • V6N11 (Aug 2003)
        • V6N12 (Sep 2003)
      • Volume 7
        • V7N1 (Oct 2003)
        • V7N2 (Nov 2003)
        • V7N3 (Dec 2003)
        • V7N4 (Jan 2004)
        • V7N5 (Feb 2004)
        • V7N6 (Mar 2004)
        • V7N7 (Apr 2004)
        • V7N8 (May 2004)
        • V7N9 (Jun 2004)
        • V7N10 (Jul 2004)
        • V7N11 (Aug 2004)
        • V7N12 (Sep 2004)
      • Volume 8
        • V8N1 (Oct 2004)
        • V8N2 (Nov 2004)
        • V8N3 (Dec 2004)
        • V8N4 (Jan 2005)
        • V8N5 (Feb 2005)
        • V8N6 (Mar 2005)
        • V8N7 (Apr 2005)
        • V8N8 (May 2005)
        • V8N9 (Jun 2005)
        • V8N10 (Jul 2005)
        • V8N11 (Aug 2005)
        • V8N12 (Sep 2005)
      • Volume 9
        • V9N1 (Oct 2005)
        • V9N2 (Nov 2005)
        • V9N3 (Dec 2005)
        • V9N4 (Jan 2006)
        • V9N5 (Feb 2006)
        • V9N6 (Mar 2006)
        • V9N7 (Apr 2006)
        • V9N8 (May 2006)
        • V9N9 (Jun 2006)
        • V9N10 (Jul 2006)
        • V9N11 (Aug 2006)
        • V9N12 (Sep 2006)
      • Volume 10
        • V10N1 (Oct 2006)
        • V10N2 (Nov 2006)
        • V10N3 (Dec 2006)
        • V10N4 (Jan 2007)
        • V10N5 (Feb 2007)
        • V10N6 (Mar 2007)
        • V10N7 (Apr 2007)
        • V10N8 (May 2007)
        • V10N9 (Jun 2007)
        • V10N10 (Jul 2007)
        • V10N11 (Aug 2007)
        • V10N12 (Sep 2007)
      • Volume 11
        • V11N1 (Oct 2007)
        • V11N2 (Nov 2007)
        • V11N3 (Dec 2007)
        • V11N4 (Jan 2008)
        • V11N5 (Feb 2008)
        • V11N6 (Mar 2008)
        • V11N7 (Apr 2008)
        • V11N8 (May 2008)
        • V11N9 (Jun 2008)
        • V11N10 (Jul 2008)
        • V11N11 (Aug 2008)
        • V11N12 (Sep 2008)
      • Volume 12
        • V12N1 (Oct 2008)
        • V12N2 (Nov 2008)
        • V12N3 (Dec 2008)
        • V12N4 (Jan 2009)
        • V12N5 (Feb 2009)
        • V12N6 (Mar 2009)
        • V12N7 (Apr 2009)
        • V12N8 (May 2009)
        • V12N9 (Jun 2009)
        • V12N10 (Jul 2009)
        • V12N11 (Aug 2009)
        • V12N12 (Sep 2009)
      • Volume 13
        • V13N1 (Oct 2009)
        • V13N2 (Nov 2009)
        • V13N3 (Dec 2009)
        • V13N4 (Jan 2010)
        • V13N5 (Feb 2010)
        • V13N6 (Mar 2010)
        • V13N7 (Apr 2010)
        • V13N8 (May 2010)
        • V13N9 (Jun 2010)
        • V13N10 (Jul 2010)
        • V13N11 (Aug 2010)
        • V13N12 (Sep 2010)
      • Volume 14
        • V14N1 (Oct 2010)
        • V14N2 (Nov 2010)
        • V14N3 (Dec 2010)
          • Ammunition
        • V14N4 (Jan 2011)
        • V14N5 (Feb 2011)
        • V14N6 (Mar 2011)
        • V14N7 (Apr 2011)
        • V14N8 (May 2011)
        • V14N9 (Jun 2011)
        • V14N10 (Jul 2011)
        • V14N11 (Aug 2011)
        • V14N12 (Sep 2011)
      • Volume 15
        • V15N1 (Oct 2011)
        • V15N2 (Nov 2011)
        • V15N4 (Jan 2012)
        • V15N5 (Feb 2012)
      • Volume 16
        • V16N1 (1st Quarter 2012)
        • V16N2 (2nd Quarter 2012)
        • V16N3 (3rd Quarter 2012)
        • V16N4 (4th Quarter 2012)
      • Volume 17
        • V17N1 (1st Quarter 2013)
        • V17N2 (2nd Quarter 2013)
        • V17N3 (3rd Quarter 2013)
        • V17N4 (4th Quarter 2013)
      • Volume 18
        • V18N1 (Jan Feb 2014)
        • V18N2 (Mar Apr 2014)
        • V18N3 (May Jun 2014)
        • V18N4 (Jul Aug 2014)
        • V18N5 (Sep Oct 2014)
        • V18N6 (Nov Dec 2014)
      • Volume 19
        • V19N1 (Jan 2015)
        • V19N2 (Feb Mar 2015)
        • V19N3 (Apr 2015)
        • V19N4 (May 2015)
        • V19N5 (Jun 2015)
        • V19N6 (Jul 2015)
        • V19N7 (Aug Sep 2015)
        • V19N8 (Oct 2015)
        • V19N9 (Nov 2015)
        • V19N10 (Dec 2015)
      • Volume 20
        • V20N1 (Jan 2016)
        • V20N2 (Feb Mar 2016)
        • V20N3 (Apr 2016)
        • V20N4 (May 2016)
        • V20N5 (Jun 2016)
        • V20N6 (Jul 2016)
        • V20N7 (Aug Sep 2016)
        • V20N8 (Oct 2016)
        • V20N9 (Nov 2016)
        • V20N10 (Dec 2016)
      • Volume 21
        • V21N1 (Jan 2017)
        • V21N2 (Feb Mar 2017)
        • V21N3 (Apr 2017)
        • V21N4 (May 2017)
        • V21N5 (Jun 2017)
        • V21N6 (Jul 2017)
        • V21N7 (Aug Sep 2017)
        • V21N8 (Oct 2017)
        • V21N9 (Nov 2017)
        • V21N10 (Dec 2017)
      • Volume 22
        • V22N1 (Jan 2018)
        • V22N2 (Feb 2018)
        • V22N3 (March 2018)
        • V22N4 (Apr 2018)
        • V22N5 (May 2018)
        • V22N6 (Jun Jul 2018)
        • V22N7 (Aug Sep 2018)
        • V22N8 (Oct 2018)
        • V22N9 (Nov 2018)
        • V22N10 (Dec 2018)
      • Volume 23
        • V23N1 (Jan 2019)
        • V23N2 (Feb 2019)
        • V23N3 (Mar 2019)
        • V23N4 (Apr 2019)
        • V23N5 (May 2019)
        • V23N6 (Jun Jul 2019)
        • V23N7 (Aug Sep 2019)
        • V23N8 (Oct 2019)
        • V23N9 (Nov 2019)
        • V23N10 (Dec 2019)
      • Volume 24
        • V24N1 (Jan 2020)
        • V24N2 (Feb 2020)
        • V24N3 (Mar 2020)
        • V24N4 (Apr 2020)
        • V24N5 (May 2020)
        • V24N6 (Jun Jul 2020)
        • V24N7 (Aug Sep 2020)
        • V24N8 (Oct 2020)
        • V24N9 (Nov 2020)
        • V24N10 (Dec 2020)
  • The Archive
    • Search The Archive
  • Store
    • Books
    • Back Issues
    • Merchandise
  • Events
  • About
    • About Small Arms Review
    • About Chipotle Publishing
    • Contact Us
    • Other Publications
      • Small Arms Defense Journal
  • Home
  • Articles
    • Guns & Parts
    • Suppressors
    • Optics & Thermals
    • Ammunition
    • Gear
    • News & Opinion
    • Columns
    • Museums & Factory Tours
    • ID Guides
    • Interviews
    • Event Coverage
    • Articles by Issue
      • Volume 1
        • V1N1 (Oct 1997)
        • V1N2 (Nov 1997)
        • V1N3 (Dec 1997)
        • V1N4 (Jan 1998)
        • V1N5 (Feb 1998)
        • V1N6 (Mar 1998)
        • V1N7 (Apr 1998)
        • V1N8 (May 1998)
        • V1N9 (Jun 1998)
        • V1N10 (Jul 1998)
        • V1N11 (Aug 1998)
        • V1N12 (Sep 1998)
      • Volume 2
        • V2N1 (Oct 1998)
        • V2N2 (Nov 1998)
        • V2N3 (Dec 1998)
        • V2N4 (Jan 1999)
        • V2N5 (Feb 1999)
        • V2N6 (Mar 1999)
        • V2N7 (Apr 1999)
        • V2N8 (May 1999)
        • V2N9 (Jun 1999)
        • V2N10 (Jul 1999)
        • V2N11 (Aug 1999)
        • V2N12 (Sep 1999)
      • Volume 3
        • V3N1 (Oct 1999)
        • V3N2 (Nov 1999)
        • V3N3 (Dec 1999)
        • V3N4 (Jan 2000)
        • V3N5 (Feb 2000)
        • V3N6 (Mar 2000)
        • V3N7 (Apr 2000)
        • V3N8 (May 2000)
        • V3N9 (Jun 2000)
        • V3N10 (Jul 2000)
        • V3N11 (Aug 2000)
        • V3N12 (Sep 2000)
      • Volume 4
        • V4N1 (Oct 2000)
        • V4N2 (Nov 2000)
        • V4N3 (Dec 2000)
        • V4N4 (Jan 2001)
        • V4N5 (Feb 2001)
        • V4N6 (Mar 2001)
        • V4N7 (Apr 2001)
        • V4N8 (May 2001)
        • V4N9 (Jun 2001)
        • V4N10 (Jul 2001)
        • V4N11 (Aug 2001)
        • V4N12 (Sep 2001)
      • Volume 5
        • V5N1 (Oct 2001)
        • V5N2 (Nov 2001)
        • V5N3 (Dec 2001)
        • V5N4 (Jan 2002)
        • V5N5 (Feb 2002)
        • V5N6 (Mar 2002)
        • V5N7 (Apr 2002)
        • V5N8 (May 2002)
        • V5N9 (Jun 2002)
        • V5N10 (Jul 2002)
        • V5N11 (Aug 2002)
        • V5N12 (Sep 2002)
      • Volume 6
        • V6N1 (Oct 2002)
        • V6N2 (Nov 2002)
        • V6N3 (Dec 2002)
        • V6N4 (Jan 2003)
        • V6N5 (Feb 2003)
        • V6N6 (Mar 2003)
        • V6N7 (Apr 2003)
        • V6N8 (May 2003)
        • V6N9 (Jun 2003)
        • V6N10 (Jul 2003)
        • V6N11 (Aug 2003)
        • V6N12 (Sep 2003)
      • Volume 7
        • V7N1 (Oct 2003)
        • V7N2 (Nov 2003)
        • V7N3 (Dec 2003)
        • V7N4 (Jan 2004)
        • V7N5 (Feb 2004)
        • V7N6 (Mar 2004)
        • V7N7 (Apr 2004)
        • V7N8 (May 2004)
        • V7N9 (Jun 2004)
        • V7N10 (Jul 2004)
        • V7N11 (Aug 2004)
        • V7N12 (Sep 2004)
      • Volume 8
        • V8N1 (Oct 2004)
        • V8N2 (Nov 2004)
        • V8N3 (Dec 2004)
        • V8N4 (Jan 2005)
        • V8N5 (Feb 2005)
        • V8N6 (Mar 2005)
        • V8N7 (Apr 2005)
        • V8N8 (May 2005)
        • V8N9 (Jun 2005)
        • V8N10 (Jul 2005)
        • V8N11 (Aug 2005)
        • V8N12 (Sep 2005)
      • Volume 9
        • V9N1 (Oct 2005)
        • V9N2 (Nov 2005)
        • V9N3 (Dec 2005)
        • V9N4 (Jan 2006)
        • V9N5 (Feb 2006)
        • V9N6 (Mar 2006)
        • V9N7 (Apr 2006)
        • V9N8 (May 2006)
        • V9N9 (Jun 2006)
        • V9N10 (Jul 2006)
        • V9N11 (Aug 2006)
        • V9N12 (Sep 2006)
      • Volume 10
        • V10N1 (Oct 2006)
        • V10N2 (Nov 2006)
        • V10N3 (Dec 2006)
        • V10N4 (Jan 2007)
        • V10N5 (Feb 2007)
        • V10N6 (Mar 2007)
        • V10N7 (Apr 2007)
        • V10N8 (May 2007)
        • V10N9 (Jun 2007)
        • V10N10 (Jul 2007)
        • V10N11 (Aug 2007)
        • V10N12 (Sep 2007)
      • Volume 11
        • V11N1 (Oct 2007)
        • V11N2 (Nov 2007)
        • V11N3 (Dec 2007)
        • V11N4 (Jan 2008)
        • V11N5 (Feb 2008)
        • V11N6 (Mar 2008)
        • V11N7 (Apr 2008)
        • V11N8 (May 2008)
        • V11N9 (Jun 2008)
        • V11N10 (Jul 2008)
        • V11N11 (Aug 2008)
        • V11N12 (Sep 2008)
      • Volume 12
        • V12N1 (Oct 2008)
        • V12N2 (Nov 2008)
        • V12N3 (Dec 2008)
        • V12N4 (Jan 2009)
        • V12N5 (Feb 2009)
        • V12N6 (Mar 2009)
        • V12N7 (Apr 2009)
        • V12N8 (May 2009)
        • V12N9 (Jun 2009)
        • V12N10 (Jul 2009)
        • V12N11 (Aug 2009)
        • V12N12 (Sep 2009)
      • Volume 13
        • V13N1 (Oct 2009)
        • V13N2 (Nov 2009)
        • V13N3 (Dec 2009)
        • V13N4 (Jan 2010)
        • V13N5 (Feb 2010)
        • V13N6 (Mar 2010)
        • V13N7 (Apr 2010)
        • V13N8 (May 2010)
        • V13N9 (Jun 2010)
        • V13N10 (Jul 2010)
        • V13N11 (Aug 2010)
        • V13N12 (Sep 2010)
      • Volume 14
        • V14N1 (Oct 2010)
        • V14N2 (Nov 2010)
        • V14N3 (Dec 2010)
          • Ammunition
        • V14N4 (Jan 2011)
        • V14N5 (Feb 2011)
        • V14N6 (Mar 2011)
        • V14N7 (Apr 2011)
        • V14N8 (May 2011)
        • V14N9 (Jun 2011)
        • V14N10 (Jul 2011)
        • V14N11 (Aug 2011)
        • V14N12 (Sep 2011)
      • Volume 15
        • V15N1 (Oct 2011)
        • V15N2 (Nov 2011)
        • V15N4 (Jan 2012)
        • V15N5 (Feb 2012)
      • Volume 16
        • V16N1 (1st Quarter 2012)
        • V16N2 (2nd Quarter 2012)
        • V16N3 (3rd Quarter 2012)
        • V16N4 (4th Quarter 2012)
      • Volume 17
        • V17N1 (1st Quarter 2013)
        • V17N2 (2nd Quarter 2013)
        • V17N3 (3rd Quarter 2013)
        • V17N4 (4th Quarter 2013)
      • Volume 18
        • V18N1 (Jan Feb 2014)
        • V18N2 (Mar Apr 2014)
        • V18N3 (May Jun 2014)
        • V18N4 (Jul Aug 2014)
        • V18N5 (Sep Oct 2014)
        • V18N6 (Nov Dec 2014)
      • Volume 19
        • V19N1 (Jan 2015)
        • V19N2 (Feb Mar 2015)
        • V19N3 (Apr 2015)
        • V19N4 (May 2015)
        • V19N5 (Jun 2015)
        • V19N6 (Jul 2015)
        • V19N7 (Aug Sep 2015)
        • V19N8 (Oct 2015)
        • V19N9 (Nov 2015)
        • V19N10 (Dec 2015)
      • Volume 20
        • V20N1 (Jan 2016)
        • V20N2 (Feb Mar 2016)
        • V20N3 (Apr 2016)
        • V20N4 (May 2016)
        • V20N5 (Jun 2016)
        • V20N6 (Jul 2016)
        • V20N7 (Aug Sep 2016)
        • V20N8 (Oct 2016)
        • V20N9 (Nov 2016)
        • V20N10 (Dec 2016)
      • Volume 21
        • V21N1 (Jan 2017)
        • V21N2 (Feb Mar 2017)
        • V21N3 (Apr 2017)
        • V21N4 (May 2017)
        • V21N5 (Jun 2017)
        • V21N6 (Jul 2017)
        • V21N7 (Aug Sep 2017)
        • V21N8 (Oct 2017)
        • V21N9 (Nov 2017)
        • V21N10 (Dec 2017)
      • Volume 22
        • V22N1 (Jan 2018)
        • V22N2 (Feb 2018)
        • V22N3 (March 2018)
        • V22N4 (Apr 2018)
        • V22N5 (May 2018)
        • V22N6 (Jun Jul 2018)
        • V22N7 (Aug Sep 2018)
        • V22N8 (Oct 2018)
        • V22N9 (Nov 2018)
        • V22N10 (Dec 2018)
      • Volume 23
        • V23N1 (Jan 2019)
        • V23N2 (Feb 2019)
        • V23N3 (Mar 2019)
        • V23N4 (Apr 2019)
        • V23N5 (May 2019)
        • V23N6 (Jun Jul 2019)
        • V23N7 (Aug Sep 2019)
        • V23N8 (Oct 2019)
        • V23N9 (Nov 2019)
        • V23N10 (Dec 2019)
      • Volume 24
        • V24N1 (Jan 2020)
        • V24N2 (Feb 2020)
        • V24N3 (Mar 2020)
        • V24N4 (Apr 2020)
        • V24N5 (May 2020)
        • V24N6 (Jun Jul 2020)
        • V24N7 (Aug Sep 2020)
        • V24N8 (Oct 2020)
        • V24N9 (Nov 2020)
        • V24N10 (Dec 2020)
  • The Archive
    • Search The Archive
  • Store
    • Books
    • Back Issues
    • Merchandise
  • Events
  • About
    • About Small Arms Review
    • About Chipotle Publishing
    • Contact Us
    • Other Publications
      • Small Arms Defense Journal
No Result
View All Result
Small Arms Review
No Result
View All Result
Home Articles

NDIA’S 2006 SPECIAL OPERATIONS/LOW INTENSITY CONFLICT SYMPOSIUM & EXHIBITION

by SAR Staff
December 1, 2006
in Articles, V10N3 (Dec 2006)
NDIA’S 2006 SPECIAL OPERATIONS/LOW INTENSITY CONFLICT SYMPOSIUM & EXHIBITION

FILE PHOTO -- The MH-53J Pave Low III heavy-lift helicopter is the largest, most powerful and technologically advanced helicopter in the Air Force inventory. The terrain-following and terrain-avoidance radar, forward-looking infrared sensor, inertial navigation system with global positioning system, along with a projected map display enable the crew to follow terrain contours and avoid obstacles, making low-level penetration possible. (U.S. Air Force photo)

Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

By Robert Bruce

“Today’s war is against a global web of terrorist extremist networks and their state and non-state sponsors. This asymmetric challenge to the United States has sparked new interest in irregular warfare, which lies ill-defined at the nexus of insurgency, counterinsurgency, special operations, clandestine human intelligence collection, paramilitary operations, and strategic communication. In this form of warfare, the Department of Defense cannot and does not fight alone, but rather in partnership with other government agencies and nongovernmental organizations – including commercial enterprises – in a global battlespace that extends far beyond the traditional combat zones in Afghanistan and Iraq.” Thomas E. “Tim” Davidson, Colonel, USAF (Ret), Chairman NDIA SO/LIC Division

Long time readers know that Small Arms Review is committed to presenting not only the latest in military weaponry but also information on related developments that maximize combat effectiveness. This is why, year after year, we make the arduous trek inside the beltway of our Nation’s Capitol to cover the thoughtful presentations and diverse exhibits hosted by the Special Operations/Low Intensity Conflict (SO/LIC) Division of the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA).

The theme of the 17th annual gathering, “An Interagency View of the Global War on Terrorism,” was supported by a distinguished lineup of top level speakers from the US and allied nations representing government, military and industry. The site was well chosen in Crystal City, just minutes by car from the Pentagon, Capitol Hill, Embassy Row, and the notorious K Street coven of lobbyists. Thus, the posh Hyatt Regency’s efficient and capacious exposition center enjoyed attendance and participation by a remarkable number of real stars, supporting players, and essential backstage technicians in the deadly drama that plays out daily in GWOT, the Global War on Terror.

Two of the most prominent were Thomas W. O’Connell, Assistant Secretary of Defense for SO/LIC, and General Bryan D. Brown, top man at US Special Operations Command.

O’Connell, in his sobering and thoughtful presentation “A War Unlike Any Other,” put GWOT into perspective by citing the many interlocking elements that must be factored. While conducting two simultaneous counterinsurgency campaigns halfway around the world, he noted that the US and our Allies must contend with hostile media, limited funding, political infighting, vulnerabilities in oil supplies, and the myriad opportunities for terrorists to acquire and use WMDs (Weapons of Mass Destruction).

During a riveting address headlined “No Borders, No Boundaries,” General Brown surprised many among the capacity crowd in the hotel’s enormous auditorium by publicly acknowledging a major shift at USSOCOM from Direct Action (traditional smash and grab operations) to Unconventional Warfare. UW is an umbrella term covering broad spectrum military and paramilitary operations in partnership with local or surrogate forces.

Fueled by a reported $9 billion budget increase over the next five years and strong endorsement in the newest Quadrennial Defense Review, Brown’s 52,000 person command is slated to grow by 13,000. Lobbyists and other industry reps leaned forward intently to note items on his wish list including dramatic modernization of aging aviation assets like C-130s and CH-47s, old warhorses that need to be put out pasture. He welcomed the exciting new CV-22 Osprey tilt-rotors but wryly noted that full delivery on present contracts won’t be complete for another ten years.

Anti-Terror Technology

Big picture and big policy presentations provide the framework for all those bits and pieces that are needed to actually get things done. Generals give the orders, it is said, but soldiers have to carry them out. Fortunately, soldiers – in this case special operations professionals – of the world’s most technologically advanced nation can look forward to some remarkable developments entering the supply pipeline or under development for the near future.

This year’s techno-guru was Ms. Sue Peyton, Deputy Under Secretary of Defense, Advanced Systems and Concepts, who outlined efforts underway to put the best new COTS (commercial off the shelf) gear into the hands of SOFs. This includes the FCT (Foreign Comparative Testing) Program and among several examples she cited we found the HK-Benelli M1014 Joint Service Combat Shotgun most compelling. Marines took the lead in fielding this semiautomatic shotgun and it quickly found favor in USSOCOM, particularly with Army Rangers and the new Marine Corps Special Operations Command.

But the spookiest hardware is stealthily moving along under the ACTD (Advanced Concept Technology Demonstrations) banner, “Bridging the gap between scientist and warfighter.” Some interesting items from the long list of initiatives that Peyton described:

  • The Biometrics tool using retina scanning to instantly identify known insurgents.
  • Expendable and Micro UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) that are manportable, easily launched and maneuvered, providing real-time situational awareness.
  • Global Reach PSYOPS (Psychological Operations) to expand the range of current activities.
  • Directed energy platforms, now including an amazing rifle-like manportable system. Also, work is ongoing toward the goal of replacing traditional gun systems on the AC-130 “Spooky” gunships with laser weaponry.
  • Thermobaric munitions for a wider variety of weapons – down to 40mm grenade launchers – giving warfighters dramatically increased lethality.

Readers are urged to access briefing slides from many of the symposium’s presentations at www.dtic.mil/ndia/2006solic/2006solic.html. Of particular interest should be a video clip on a hot link right below the title to Ms. Peyton’s “Advanced Systems and Concepts for the Global War on Terrorism.” Watch how the new AT4CS (Confined Space) literally “lights up” a hideout for some now-ex Iraqi insurgents.

Exhibits

Running concurrently with high-level presentations in the auditorium, exhibits showcasing the latest developments by industry and government in support of USSOCOM’s worldwide missions were shoehorned in somewhat smaller space this year at the event’s new location.

SOPMOD Central The highest priority on SAR’s to-do list at SO/LIC is always a visit to the exhibit booth of the Crane Division of Naval Surface Warfare Center. These are the fine folks who make sure all of Uncle Sam’s most elite warriors – Navy SEALs and Special Warfare Combatant Craft units, Army Rangers and Green Berets, Air Force and Marine Corps Special Operations – are armed with the best weaponry available for high-stakes missions under the worst conditions encountered worldwide.

There, we were fortunate to find the affable and thoroughly knowledgeable Mike Jones, an acquaintance of several years by virtue of his senior position in Crane’s Research, Development and Acquisition office for the SOPMOD (Special Operations Peculiar Modification) Program. Drawn by the rack of exotic long guns at Jones’ elbow, we pulled alongside as he talked with a lean young officer in a dress uniform that was most notably adorned with a gold Trident.

Both men acknowledged our presence with a friendly nod while warily noting the conspicuous PRESS badge. SAR could listen in, it was tacitly understood, but such conversation that followed would be carefully phrased. It was later emphasized by Jones and others at the Crane booth that everything said was strictly off the record and the courtesy of an official review of this portion of SAR’s report was requested. Oh, and absolutely no pictures at the booth.

We are pleased to write that little of substance was subsequently deleted by USSOCOM from what follows. But less so to note that a formal request for photos common to several “Cleared for Public Release” SOPMOD and SCAR Program briefings, widely disseminated on publicly accessible websites, was not supported. It needs to be said in fairness to the very practical folks at Crane that this puzzling decision was apparently made at levels substantially above theirs.

Accordingly, graphics that accompany this portion of the narrative have been supplied by industry sources as well as some official military imagery that has been separately cleared for press release. Anyone who might be tempted to accuse SAR of aiding our nation’s many enemies by publishing these photos is likely far less computer-savvy than your average American teenager or al Qaida operative ….

Returning back to the conversation between the SEAL lieutenant and Jones, who was explaining how some urgent requests from operators were being addressed by the Crane team. The rack of rifles served as a hardware show ‘n tell for current solutions as well as some competition-sensitive items under evaluation for near-future fielding under the MDNS (Miniature Day/Night Sight) program.

Occupying top position on the rifle display at the Crane booth was a flat-top M4A1 Carbine with much of the standard SOPMOD items like Knight’s suppressor, rail accessory system and flip-up rear sight, a SureFire white light, Tango Down foregrip, and Lewis sliding stock. But two other accessories on the weapon were getting closer attention, the Insight Technology LA-5/PEQ ATPIAL (Advanced Targeting Pointer Illuminating Aiming Laser) and EOTech SU-231/PEQ Reflex Sight.

Smaller and lighter than current models, the ATPIAL boasts enhanced performance with combined visible and IR pointers and illuminators, as well as half MOA adjustments.

The SU-231, ruggedized and improved over EOTech’s very successful 500 series holographic day sights, is night vision compatible with an increased optical field of view and powered by standard GI issue DL 123 batteries.

Just below the Carbine was a flat-top M16 with a heavy, rifle-length barrel, free-floated inside a quad rail accessory system. Known in Navy circles as the MK12 Special Purpose Rifle, it is usually topped with a Leupold day scope but this one was carrying an unusual piggyback day sight combo.

It seems that operators like reflex type sights a lot for CQB (close quarter battle) but don’t want to sacrifice the target identification and precision engagement capabilities of the tough and bright Trijicon ACOG (Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight). So, Crane is evaluating the SU-237, an eminently practical solution consisting of a tiny Docter red dot reflex that is hard mounted atop the 4 power ACOG.

Jones showed another contender along the same lines, an ELCAN Specter DR that also mounts a Docter topside. Designated the SU-230, this clever day scope is uniquely switchable from 1 to 4 power with the throw of a lever, going from wide field red-dot aiming in CQB to precision shooting out to 600 meters. This also works particularly well in both magnifications when used in-line with night vision devices.

By the way, ELCAN’s website allows us to test drive this remarkable switch-sight on a virtual target detection range found at http://elcan.phpinternet.com/specter_DR.

Another notable item on hand was Insight Technology’s SU-234 PAS Thermal Sight, a strong presence in Crane’s CNVD (Clip-On Night Vision Device) program. With 1 to 2 power zoom and VGA or RS 170 output, it takes uncooled thermal imaging to new standards of miniaturization and reduced weight without sacrificing target identification and engagement capabilities.

Conspicuously absent at the Crane booth was any manifestation of the high-speed new SCAR (Special Operations Forces Combat Assault Rifle) Light, Heavy and Enhanced Grenade Launcher Module family of weapons that is rapidly clearing all hurdles on the way to production and fielding. Jones prudently declined to offer any explanation and, knowing FNH USA would show the entire line in a few months at NDIA Small Arms, SAR decided not to send the question up the chain of command.

A Few Good Guns

Kudos to Beretta Law Enforcement and Defense Group as the lone gun manufacturer with an exhibit booth; particularly interesting given the character of the event and its attendees who run the full spectrum from operators to general officers. There, Pat Gallagher and Jay Connors took full advantage of their place in the spotlight to show off several weapons including the impressive PX4 Storm carbine and pistol. They told us that the handgun component, a thoroughly modern polymer frame design that is currently available in classic 9mm and newer .40 S&W, is undergoing conversion to .45 ACP in anticipation of USSOCOM’s Joint Combat Pistol trials. www.BerettaLE.com.

We usually walk right past any display that doesn’t have an actual weapon prominently on display but the opportunity to talk with EWA’s Jason Pizzillo at the UCT Defense booth proved the exception. SAR had noted reports that their proprietary ULTRACHEM Nickel Boron coating process has been applied to a variety of small arms that have undergone exhaustive testing and field evaluations for USSOCOM and other Defense Department entities.

Published results show ULTRACHEM has successfully demonstrated superior performance in lubrication-free operation as well as dramatic extension in barrel life. Pizzillo says it’s already making a difference in the real world of special operators, understandably intolerant of the limitations of conventional lubrication and well known for pushing their firearms beyond design limits. www.uctdefense.com.

The veteran M72 LAW (Light Antitank Weapon) has been overshadowed in recent times by the AT-4, but complaints from the field about the newer weapon’s size, weight and firing signature vs. warhead performance have turned the tables. Larry Sanks of Talley Defense Systems was proudly showing the new FFE (Fire From Enclosure) LAW that Uncle Sam is buying for a variety of urban combat applications. Its novel Confined Space Propulsion System, initiated in 2003 for the Crane folks, boasts firing noise below 150 dB with no smoke or flash. www.talleyds.com.

Ring Airfoil Projectiles, irreverently called ballistic Frisbees by some, have been around for quite awhile but as not much more than novelties. Now, this concept is being developed by Aegis Industries in collaboration with the National Nuclear Security Administration as a way to send “less lethal” payloads to greater range with better accuracy. John Hicks, Defense Systems Program Office Manager at Department of Energy’s Kansas City Plant, says these capabilities may prove valuable in certain situations where a perceived threat needs to be stopped at a safe distance without having to resort to deadly force. www.aegispds.com.

Gear Up and Go

The biggest displays of real gear for real operators were put on once again by rivals Diamondback Tactical and Tactical & Survival Specialties, both jam-packed with everything from boots to brain buckets.

Plenty of examples from the no-nonsense products found in Diamondback’s impressive 350 page catalog were on display but we went right to a bullet-scarred “chicken plate” and picked it up for a closer look. David Ledbetter came over to explain that the surprisingly thin (5mm) DBT Ultra Concealable Level 3+ Stand Alone Ballistic Rifle Plate defeated two hits from 5.56mm green tip then two 7.62 x 39mm mild steel core AK rounds. Seems a good choice where light weight (4.5 pounds) and thin profile are priorities. www.diamondbacktactical.com.

TSSI (Tactical & Survival Specialties Inc.), teamed with SPSA (Special Projects Special Applications), offers both a staggering array of combat components as well as expertise in working with the government’s various procurement bureaucracies. Tom Little showed us uniformed mannequins sporting a wide variety of accessories for operators and their weaponry, explaining that this unique partnership of companies gets gear from the shelf to the field in record time. www.tacsurv.com and www.spsa.biz.

Wide Ranging Discussions

Training special operators takes a lot of expense and range time so several firms were on site to show how their products and services can maximize the investment. Range Systems builds sophisticated custom shoothouses for USSOCOM and other demanding users and offers a full line of targets and accessories. Additionally, their OUTPOST Mobile Shooting Range was a standout, rolling right up to your specified location all ready to go inside a 53 foot tractor-trailer rig. www.range-systems.com.

Leslie Duke of Ballistics Research Inc. showed us what looked like a giant black LEGO block that can be configured in any number of ways for force protection against projectiles or energetic fragments. The 3-Dimensional Interlocking Protection System is made from an advanced plastic-like compound with the astonishing ability to actually gain density, becoming stronger as multiple projectiles are absorbed, reportedly including .50 caliber armor piercing. Molded into a super dense cube with locking slots and tabs, it can be assembled in unlimited configurations. www.ballisticsresearch.com.

Five paramilitary companies under the banner of Blackwater USA at its 7,000 acre headquarters and training facility give the North Carolina based firm worldwide capabilities and a reputation for taking on the toughest assignments. While Blackwater’s VP for Strategic Initiatives was giving his “Contractors on the Battlefield” perspective to symposium attendees, the inimitable Hershel Davis, Blackwater’s “Corporate Master Chief,” was holding down the fort in the exhibit hall. Davis, sporting a handlebar moustache that’s a weapon in its own right, pointed with pride to the BEAR, a modular, mobile, multi-target steel range system that can be customized to meet user preferences. www.blackwatertargets.com.

This article first appeared in Small Arms Review V10N3 (December 2006)

Author

  • SAR Staff
    SAR Staff

    View all posts
Tags: 2006
Previous Post

DPMS PANTHER ARMS AP4 PANTHER CARBINE

Next Post

NFATCA

Next Post

NFATCA

TRENDING STORIES

  • VALKYRIE ARMAMENT BELT-FED CONVERSION

    VALKYRIE ARMAMENT BELT-FED CONVERSION

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • EAST GERMAN WIEGER STG RIFLE

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • The Complete Guide To Colt M-16 Models: Part I

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • The Second Generation AR57: Drop-in 5.7 Upper For Your AR

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Forgotten M16A1 Rifle Manufacturers: GM/Hydra-Matic and Harrington & Richardson – Part I

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0

RECENT POSTS

SIG Sauer’s Full-Size Compact P365 “Fuse”

SIG Sauer’s Full-Size Compact P365 “Fuse”

June 27, 2024
The Importance of Offhand Shooting

The Importance of Offhand Shooting

June 25, 2024
BOOK REVIEW – The Collector’s Guide to the SKS

BOOK REVIEW – The Collector’s Guide to the SKS

June 20, 2024
True to Form: The Tisas 1911A1 ASF

True to Form: The Tisas 1911A1 ASF

June 18, 2024
Setting the Record Straight on the Fedorov Avtomat

Setting the Record Straight on the Fedorov Avtomat

June 6, 2024

QUICK LINKS

  • About Chipotle Publishing
  • About Small Arms Review
  • Advertise with Us
  • Write for Us

CONTACT DETAILS

  • Phone: +1 (702) 565-0746
  • E-mail: office@smallarmsreview.com
  • Web: www.chipotlepublishing.com
  • Chipotle Publishing, LLC 631 N. Stephanie St., No. 282, Henderson, NV 89014
Small Arms Review

FOLLOW US

  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclaimer

© 2022 Chipotle Publishing | All Rights Reserved

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In

Add New Playlist

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Articles
    • Guns & Parts
    • Suppressors
    • Optics & Thermals
    • Ammunition
    • Gear
    • News & Opinion
    • Columns
    • Museums & Factory Tours
    • ID Guides
    • Interviews
    • Event Coverage
    • Articles by Issue
      • Volume 1
      • Volume 2
      • Volume 3
      • Volume 4
      • Volume 5
      • Volume 6
      • Volume 7
      • Volume 8
      • Volume 9
      • Volume 10
      • Volume 11
      • Volume 12
      • Volume 13
      • Volume 14
      • Volume 15
      • Volume 16
      • Volume 17
      • Volume 18
      • Volume 19
      • Volume 20
      • Volume 21
      • Volume 22
      • Volume 23
      • Volume 24
  • The Archive
    • Search The Archive
  • Store
    • Books
    • Back Issues
    • Merchandise
  • Events
  • About
    • About Small Arms Review
    • About Chipotle Publishing
    • Contact Us
    • Other Publications
      • Small Arms Defense Journal

© 2022 Chipotle Publishing | All Rights Reserved

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Visit our Privacy and Cookie Policy.

Redirecting to External Website

You are leaving the Small Arms Review website and will be redirected to an external link in a 5 Seconds.
VISIT NOW!