DefenceTalkNewly-fielded in Afghanistan, the XM1156 “Precision Guidance Kit” provides add-on precision guidance capability to the projectiles used in the M109A6 Paladin and M777A2 Lightweight 155mm Howitzer weapons systems. Artillerymen with Battery’s A and B, 2nd Battalion, 15th Field Artillery Regiment recently became the first unit in Regional Command East to use the Precision Guidance Kit, […]https://www.defencetalk.com/new-gear-brings-enhanced-precision-to-field-artillery-in-afghanistan-47686/

DefenceTalkThe loud booms from the fields of Fort Sill will sound the same, but for the first time women may be responsible for launching the artillery. The first class of female Soldiers joined A Battery, 1st Battalion, 78th Field Artillery, to learn the 13M, Multiple Launch Rocket System Crewmember military occupational specialty — an MOS […]https://www.defencetalk.com/field-artillery-training-integrates-women-into-combat-specialties-47683/

DefenceTalkAgustaWestland is pleased to announce that the first NH90 TTH in FOC (Final Operational Capability) configuration for the Italian Army has been delivered today during an official ceremony held at AgustaWestland’s Venice Tessera plant in the presence of Gen. Giangiacomo Calligaris, Commander of Italian Army Aviation, and Gen. Francesco Langella, ARMAEREO. This delivery brings to […]https://www.defencetalk.com/italian-army-takes-delivery-of-its-first-nh90-tth-helicopter-47676/

DefenceTalkWith sequestration firmly in place, the Army will be buying a lot less stuff, and leaders are concerned about ensuring the businesses they buy things from don’t whither. Lawmakers with the House Armed Services Committee, subcommittee on tactical air and land forces, met April 26, with Lt. Gen. James O. Barclay III, deputy chief of […]https://www.defencetalk.com/budget-cuts-mean-army-must-consider-where-it-will-buy-weapons-47648/

DefenceTalkThe fiscal year 2014 budget “meets future challenges, strengthens global engagements, provides for resets, sustains the industrial base and fulfills commitments to Soldiers, civilians and families,” the Army’s top civilian leader told lawmakers. Secretary of the Army John M. McHugh and Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. Ray Odierno testified April 25 before the […]https://www.defencetalk.com/army-says-fiscal-year-2014-budget-request-meets-future-challenges-47641/

DefenceTalkThe fate of a new Kalashnikov AK-12 assault rifle developed for the Russian army will be decided during the state acceptance trials due to begin in June 2013, Russia’s largest firearms manufacturer, Izhmash, said. “In the interests of the Defense Ministry, Izhmash is working on the modernization of the AK-74 and AK-100 assault rifles in […]https://www.defencetalk.com/russian-military-may-soon-adopt-new-kalashikov-assault-rifle-47643/

DefenceTalkRheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles (RMMV) is supplying the Danish armed forces with 14 heavyweight protected recovery vehicles. Weighing some 36 tons, the Heavy Tactical Recovery Vehicle (HTRV) is based on the tried-and-tested RMMV SX45 8×8 chassis, combining extreme stability, safety and crew comfort with outstanding manoeuvrability, whether on the road or in the toughest terrain. […]https://www.defencetalk.com/denmark-orders-heavy-tactical-recovery-vehicles-from-rmmv-47612/

DefenceTalkThe Army says a round of base realignment and closure for fiscal year 2015 is necessary to save tax dollars, consolidate resources and adapt to force reductions. With a smaller total force over the next years — from a high of 570,000 in 2010 to 490,000 in 2017 — the Army’s need for facilities will […]https://www.defencetalk.com/army-seeks-round-of-base-closure-realignment-for-2015-47588/

DefenceTalkLast month, the Army’s senior-most officer told lawmakers budget cuts could result in a decrease in training readiness for follow- on forces to Afghanistan that could result in extended tours for Soldiers already there. That is no longer the case. During testimony on Capitol Hill April 23, Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. Ray […]https://www.defencetalk.com/army-says-no-go-on-extended-tours-for-soldiers-in-afghanistan-47586/

DefenceTalkFor Staff Sgt. Stephen Kovac, getting important information and instructions to the rest of his platoon was a struggle. He could radio back to higher headquarters and wait for the calls to filter back down, losing precious seconds during an operation. Or, he said, he could “yell and scream back to the rear, use hand […]https://www.defencetalk.com/smartphones-to-satellites-soldiers-use-new-network-to-prepare-for-advise-assist-mission-47583/