DefenceTalkSoldiers training as small arms/artillery repairers will soon get the opportunity to earn a certification upon graduation from advanced individual training. The free-of-charge certification program could be implemented by the end of the year, said Damon Dean, chief of the Ordnance School’s Conventional Weapons Division, Armament Electronics- Maintenance Training Department. “I’m hoping for the first […]https://www.defencetalk.com/ordnance-school-small-arms-course-on-schedule-to-offer-gunsmith-certification-59630/

DefenceTalkThe U.S. Army announced plans today to develop three 30 megawatt, alternating current, solar photovoltaic arrays — one each on Fort Stewart, Ga.; Fort Gordon, Ga.; and Fort Benning, Ga. The projects are expected to bring the U.S. Army nine percent closer to its commitment to the President of deploying one gigawatt of renewable energy, […]https://www.defencetalk.com/us-army-announces-plans-to-develop-three-30-megawatt-solar-arrays-59602/

DefenceTalkThe U.S. Special Operations Command is using unprecedented outreach and collaboration to develop something special with revolutionary capabilities. The Tactical Assault Light Operator Suit, or TALOS, is the vision of Navy Adm. William H. McRaven, SOCOM’s commander. He challenged industry and defense representatives at a SOCOM conference in May 2013 to come up with the […]https://www.defencetalk.com/special-operations-command-leads-development-of-iron-man-suit-59577/

DefenceTalkIt’s hot. Humidity is near 100 percent, and you’re in full combat gear — including chemical-biological protection. Between your helmet and mask, your entire head is covered, leaving a sensation of suffocating heat. Sweat pours as you run, climb and crawl through enemy territory. How can you get through it? A fan blows soothing air […]https://www.defencetalk.com/us-army-designing-next-generation-protective-mask-59560/

DefenceTalkDefence Secretary Philip Hammond has visited Afghanistan to mark the latest milestone in the drawdown of UK forces. Mr Hammond was in the country to witness the closure of Observation Post Sterga, the last remaining forward base to be used by UK troops. The closure of Sterga means that the only UK troops remaining in […]https://www.defencetalk.com/britain-closes-final-forward-base-in-afghanistan-59553/

DefenceTalkApache helicopters, teamed with Gray Eagle and Shadow unmanned aerial vehicles, are a winning combo, according to Col. Thomas von Eschenbach. Apache AH-64E models, teamed with unmanned aerial vehicles, known as UAVs, are now increasingly performing the armed aerial scout missions, once performed by Kiowa helicopters, and, Eschenbach said, they’re doing a fantastic job. Eschenbach, […]https://www.defencetalk.com/us-army-sees-uavs-as-kiowa-replacement-59547/

DefenceTalkA Japanese man suspected of possessing guns made with a 3-D printer has been arrested, reports said Thursday, in what was said to be the country’s first such detention. Officers who raided the home of Yoshitomo Imura, a 27-year-old college employee, confiscated five weapons, two of which had the potential to fire lethal bullets, broadcaster […]https://www.defencetalk.com/japan-makes-first-arrest-over-3d-printer-guns-reports-59540/

DefenceTalkBlood flowing from a bullet wound, the grey-haired man lies in the middle of the roadblock waving weakly for help as shots ring out nearby and thick black smoke from burning tires curls into the sky. “I’ve called an ambulance. They have to come, they have to come,” a man screams, ducking for cover behind […]https://www.defencetalk.com/blood-and-gunfire-in-ukraine-army-attack-on-rebel-checkpoint-59497/

DefenceTalkAir worthiness release certification moves program toward operational employment Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) and the U.S. Army have completed the certification process for air worthiness release (AWR) of the TALON Laser-Guided Rocket (LGR) on the Apache AH-64D/E Attack helicopter. The AWR certification provides for potential operational employment of the TALON weapon system on U.S. Army […]https://www.defencetalk.com/raytheon-us-army-certify-talon-laser-guided-rocket-on-apache-helicopter-59490/

DefenceTalkUkraine’s armed forces are on “full combat alert” against a possible Russian invasion, Kiev said Wednesday, as authorities admitted they were “helpless” to prevent pro-Kremlin insurgents tightening their grip on the increasingly chaotic east of the country. Rebels stormed the regional police building and town hall in the eastern Ukrainian city of Gorlivka, local officials […]https://www.defencetalk.com/ukraine-on-combat-alert-as-rebels-gain-ground-59470/