#Dod

The US military is constantly seeking to develop the next best thing in warfighting technology. Some of the most important pieces of this technology are our weapons systems. TFB has recently reported on some of these initiatives, like the new M110A1 Squad Designated Marksman Rifle, the Next Generation Squad Weapon program, and a potential heavy barrel upgrade for the M4. Of course, any kind of firearm, new or old, is going to have to have ammunition. In this realm, it is well-known that Federal is one of the best in the business. In addition to products like their renowned hunting rounds, every day carry, and target loads, they are also a major supplier of bulk military ammo. This does not appear to be changing anytime soon, as an August 4th press release details a new contract for them to continue supplying the US DoD for the Next Generation Carbine Technologies program.

To most shooters, Aimpoint is best known for optics like their rifle-mounted red dots such as the PRO (Patrol Rifle Optic) or the Micro series, and their increasingly popular ACRO P-1 pistol sight. In March 2019, TFB reported that the US Department of Defense would be purchasing $24 million worth of Aimpoint FCS13RE sights for the 84mm “Carl Gustaf” recoilless rifle system. According to the Aimpoint product page, these Dynamic Universal Reflex Sights can also be used on additional heavy weapons like the Mk19 40mm grenade launcher. Now with a June 22, 2020 press release, Aimpoint has announced the award of an additional DoD contract for even more of their FCS13RE sights. The release reads:

The Fiscal Year 2019 Department of Defense Budget Proposal has been submitted to Congress and will take some time before we find out if it is approved or denied. But within it there is a specific budget document titled “Counter-Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) Train and Equip Fund (CTEF)”. This proposal covers the Pentagon’s plans to purchase equipment and arms that will be provided to forces that the United States (i.e- SOCOM) supports in Syria and Iraqi government security forces. At the low end of the supply chain are items such as magazine pouches and canteens, while at the high end are HUMVEEs and bulldozers. We are going to narrow down our focus to the small arms segment for TFB’s interests. A key element to keep in mind here is that this proposal hasn’t been approved yet and thus we are simply looking at what the Pentagon wants, instead of what they are going to get in terms of funding for all this equipment. The final result could be less, or it could even be more depending on the politics that go into the decision making process.

As part of a formal agreement between the National Parks Service and the U.S. Army, ownership of the Benton Small Arms Collection at the armory was officially transferred on Monday from the Army’s Center of Museum History to National Parks Service.

In March of 1963, a man named Lee Harvey Oswald purchased an M38 Carcano rifle and some quantity of ammunition from Klein’s Sporting Goods in Chicago. Oswald would later use this rifle and ammunition (or so the official narrative goes) to assassinate the then- President of the United States John F. Kennedy on November 22nd, 1963, in Dallas, Texas.

Forget about modularity and the other Army requirements for the newly announced M17 sidearm for a moment.  Do you mean to tell me that the DOD just spent $580M on a pistol that has barely been on the market for three years? A gun that will be carried by US soldiers for at least a decade, more likely two or three, that has only been issued to a handful of law enforcement agencies in the United States? (Love ya Hooksett, NH Police!)

After the push for the M855A1, an environmentally friendly round, it comes as no surprise at the US Department of Defense is continuing the theme with one of their latest Request for Proposals from the SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) agency. In short, the DoD is looking for ways to reduce its impact on the environment through its training munitions, of which it uses millions every year.

Military procurement is a very precise business, in which the costs, drawbacks, and benefits of different ideas and proposals are weighed in the balance, and those that don’t make the grade are relegated to research status or cancelled outright. It’s also a very messy business, rife with opportunities for graft and corruption, and one that by its nature is prone to wasting money. It’s certainly true that our current system of military procurement badly needs reform to prevent waste of taxpayer dollars and to ensure the best equipment is purchased at the right price.

Looks like Colt has a guardian angel in Washington. From today’s DOD contract announcements:

Mr. Curtis over at Gear Scout broke the news that Remington will be manufacturing M4 Carbines for the US Army.

The Defense Logistics Agency, the DOD logistics support agency, has decreed that all fired brass sold off by US Military will need to be mutilated (ie. turned in scrap brass). thanegrooms @ ar15.com has been keeping a forum thread updated with news about this unfortunate development. From an email he received: