NDIA started out in 1919 as the Army Ordnance Association and through various mergers over the last century, in 1997 was finalized as the NDIA. There are a variety of divisions, and the Small Arms Group has several Executive Board/Steering Committee meetings per year, and an annual meeting that rotates around the United States. The Small Arms Committee of the Armaments Division is dedicated to insuring that the U.S. Military men and women have the weapons they need for direct use on the battlefield. The small arms family of weapons extends from self-defense handguns to offensive, longer-ranged, crew-served systems. Through continuous interchange of information in regularly scheduled conferences and direct assistance to users and suppliers alike, the Committee insures the continued improvement of the weapons themselves along with their associated ammunition and support devices. The Committee’s primary concentrations are individual and crew-served weapons, ammunition, ancillary support equipment, training devices, and new technology. www.ndia.org

NDIA Small Arms Group’s Col. George M. Chinn Award:

“The George M. Chinn Award is presented annually to honor a government or industry individual who, in the opinion of the Small Arms Division Executive Board, has made significant contributions to the field of small arms and/or infantry weapons systems. A significant contribution is considered to be a creative invention, new design or innovative concept in small arms weapons, ammunition or ancillary equipment that provides an advancement in the state-of-the-art or capability enhancement that clearly benefits the warfighting or general military capability of the United States. The Chinn Award may also be conferred as recognition to an individual who has performed sustained superior service in a career field of science, engineering, test & evaluation, manufacturing, program management, academic study & research, publishing or maintenance relating to military small arms or infantry weapons. The Chinn Award is named in honor of Lt. Colonel George M. Chinn, a career Marine Corps officer who dedicated his life to the study, development and refinement of machine gun mechanisms. Lt. Colonel Chinn is remembered for his work as a gun designer and for having compiled a five volume reference work entitled, The Machine Gun.”

Past Recipients of the Chinn Award:

1988: Thomas E. Cosgrove
1989: James Ackley
1990: John S. Wood, Jr.
1991: Roderic A. Spies
1992: not awarded
1993: Edward C. Ezell
1994: Richard E. Brown
1995: Joseph Unterkofler
1996: C. Reed Knight, Jr.
1997: Robert A. Trifiletti
1998: George E. Kontis
1999: Vernon E. Shisler
2000: Salvatore A. Fanelli
2001: L. James Sullivan
2002: Ernst Mauch
2003: Phil Baker & Georges Chauveheid
2004: Ronnie Barrett
2005: Rich Audette
2006: Richard Swan
2007: Bill Dittrich
2008: Troy Smith
2009: Joel M. Goldman
2010: Frank Puzycki
2011: Chuck Buxton
2012: Dan Haywood
2013: Rudy Nedelka
2014: George Niewenhous
2015: Jim Schatz

2016 Chinn Award goes to Dr. Philip H. Dater:

Dr. Philip H. “Doc” Dater started his military service as a physician in the early 1960s, but began his career in suppressor/weapon design much earlier than that. His first designs in the 1950s were rudimentary in nature, related more to suppressing his collection of machine guns than industry oriented work. In the mid-1970s, Doc started in seriously on improving the performance of suppressed 22 caliber pistols and rifles, and formed AWC- Automatic Weapons Company- in 1976. His intention was to improve performance in the suppressors, and he succeeded in that- rebuilding countless 1960-70 era suppressors that were in existing inventories with his newer, innovative designs. By the mid-1980s, AWC had expanded, and formed up into AWC Systems Technology, with the late Lynn McWilliams. He later formed up Gemtech with Greg Latka, and continues Antares Technologies, his R&D company. “Doc” was always a presence at military and civilian shows worldwide, wherever suppressors were being tested or sold.

Dr. Philip H. “Doc” Dater

Some Highlights of “Doc” Dater’s career regarding the small arms community:

Redesigned the Vietnam use, disposable MAC integrally suppressed .22 Ruger pistol for improved sound signature, significantly enhanced accuracy, made a more compact design, and added the ability for the end user to easily rebuild to new performance standards with simple tools and readily available materials. (1976-1977). Although archaic technology today, it remains one of the most compact and quiet integral .22 auto pistols. This was produced from 1977 through 1993.

Designed and built several prototype disposable (and flame consumable) suppressors in both .22LR and 9mm. The project never moved forward due to lack of demand in the civilian market with the $200 tax and the small military use possibility. All were destroyed by incineration after prototype testing and information gathering.

Pioneered the inclusion of a detailed use and maintenance manual for suppressor users, increasing awareness of how to extend the life and use of the suppressor.

Pioneered the use of high speed video cameras (capable of 150,000 frame/sec but usually shot at 5-10,000 frame/second with microsecond shutter speeds for best resolution) for analysis of the effect of suppressors on their host weapon and documentation of the effect of the suppressor on bullet flight. It was through the use of this camera that Doc verified how the recoil booster (Neilsen Device or Linear Inertial Decoupler) actually works, and analyzed the split chamber functioning of the Russian PSS captive piston assassination pistol.

”Doc” Dater has traveled extensively throughout the world and had access to numerous non-public collections to examine, study, and test silencers and silenced weapons. Many of these weapons had never been seen in the Western world and very few had been subjected to accurate sound testing utilizing equipment specified in MIL-STD-1474D.

He produced numerous papers describing the testing results of some of these weapons as well as basic silencer principles. Doc shared his knowledge and experience with many in the community, on the quality and effectiveness of foreign suppressed weapons our troops are facing, as well as using.

Dr. Philip H. “Doc” Dater

For the past nine years, Doc has conducted 2-day seminars several times per year, discussing the history and identification of various silencers. The seminars also include the principles of operation, testing protocols, material analysis, and issues involving the design process. The seminars target primarily forensic scientists, armorers (military and law enforcement), and procurement personnel, and numerous of Gemtech’s competitors have attended. In a true spirit of being an elder statesman, “Doc” taught all who came to the courses in the hope of serving the end users better, and shared the knowledge with all. The seminars do not instruct how to build, but rather emphasize the thought processes necessary for design, along with history, technology, and testing protocols. There is live testing involved.

In 1996 for a solicitation, Doc took a basic design with Gemtech partner Greg Latka and tweaked the design to significantly improve the sound signature and life expectancy on a major government competition, creating the M4-96D suppressor, one of the most popular M16 suppressors in use by police and foreign military groups. Although Gemtech did not receive the award on the US contract, this was their most popular 5.56x45mm quick-detach suppressor until it was replaced with a slightly lighter and more compact version in 2006.
Pioneered the concept of actual port peak pressure measurements in suppressor entrance chambers to determine suppressor safety factors when using various weapon/ammunition combinations and duty cycles. Gemtech will not release for production a suppressor that does not have a safety factor of at least 2 on what is determined to be the minimum barrel length of a host weapon, and “Doc” has championed the safety aspects for all manufacturers and end users.

Using his experience with port pressure measurements in suppressor entrance chambers, Doc undertook a study to determine the peak pressures of the 5.56 M855 round.   The studies determined that M855 performs best in a 20” barrel, and has less than ideal performance within a 14.5” barrel, confirming the results of a USMC study on the same issue.  Within the same study, the effects of port pressure, perceived muzzle blast (when measured in decibels) and the effects of a short barreled weapon was examined.  The outcome showed that short barreled rifle coupled with a suppressor require different physical requirements (of the suppressor) than a longer barreled weapon, thereby empirically confirming industry opinions on the issue.
“Doc” has also helped publicize and explain the debilitating effects on our veterans and police officers of firing weapons unsuppressed. It has been his mantra for many years now, to publicize the Veterans Administration’s issues with veteran’s hearing loss. Preventing loss through proper use of firearms sound suppressors is one excellent alternative, and “Doc” has been tireless in promoting this information to the benefit of our veterans.

“Doc” Dater has mentored many in the small arms community over the last three decades, and today is a senior partner of Gemtech working in Research & Development, and testing. He is the owner of Antares Technologies Inc. which consults in small arms and suppressor design, and is a writer for Small Arms Review and Small Arms Defense Journal. In the spirit of the Chinn Award’s namesake, Dr. Philip H. Dater has been a designer, innovator, teacher, writer, mentor, and explorer in the world of small arms. “Doc’s” willingness to share with others the knowledge he’s distilled of principles, history, and technology (including some of his competitors) over the last half century, and his ability to explain principles in a simplistic manner, is proof of this gentleman’s fitness for inclusion as NDIA’s 2016 Colonel George M. Chinn Awardee.

If you enjoy a good read, then go online to www.smallarmsreview.com and search for The Interview: Dr. Philip H. Dater. It’s in four parts and includes a rollicking, rambling world traveling adventure with Doc.

NDIA Small Arms Group’s Gunnery Sgt Carlos N. Hathcock Award:

“The Hathcock Award is presented to recognize an individual who, in the opinion of the Small Arms Division Executive Board, has made significant contributions in operational employment and tactics of small arms weapons systems which have impacted the readiness and capabilities of the U.S. military or law enforcement. A significant contribution is considered to be a superior performance of duties in an operational environment or the development of tactics or training. The Hathcock Award is named in honor of Gunnery Sergeant Carlos N. Hathcock, II, USMC, a career Marine who dedicated his life to the service of this country in both the military and law enforcement communities. He was honest, tactful, considerate, courageous, quietly proud and determined in all things and all places from the range to the battlefield. “The Gunny” not only distinguished himself in combat as a scout-sniper, but also as a competitive marksman and trainer. In his capacity as a trainer, he not only significantly impacted the current United States Marine Corps Scout-Sniper Program, but also influenced the sniper programs of the other military services and similar law enforcement programs nationwide.”

PAST RECIPIENTS OF THE HATHCOCK AWARD

1999: Carlos Hathcock
2000: Charles B. Mawhinney
2001: Bart Bartholomew
2002: Jim Owens
2003: Larry Vickers
2004: Steve Holland
2005: Pat Mitternight
2006: Allen Boothby
2007: American Snipers.org
2008: J. Buford Boone
2009: Lt. Commander Robert J. Thomas
2010: Jeff Hoffman
2011: SGM Jason Beighley
2012: MSgt Craig R. LaMudge, USAF (Ret)
2013: MSG Jim Smith
2014: not awarded
2015: SGM Pete Gould, USA (Ret)
2016 Hathcock Award goes to W. Hays Parks:

W. Hays Parks entered federal service as a commissioned officer in the Marine Corps. His initial service was as a reconnaissance officer. He served in the Republic of Viet Nam (1968-1969) as an infantry officer and senior prosecuting attorney for the First Marine Division. Subsequent assignments included service as a congressional liaison officer for the Secretary of the Navy, and as Chief, Law of War Branch, Office of the Judge Advocate General of the Navy.

W. Hays Parks

Mr. Parks became the Special Assistant to The Judge Advocate General of the Army for Law of War Matters in July 1979. He has served as a legal adviser to U.S. Special Operations Forces since 1979. He was a legal adviser for the 1986 airstrike against terrorist-related targets in Libya. From 1978 to 2006, he was a United States representative for law of war negotiations in New York, Geneva, The Hague and Vienna, during which time he was the senior U.S. representative in international experts’ meetings and diplomatic conferences for military small arms ammunition issues, defeating every proposal by other governments or non-governmental organizations for new treaties to regulate or ban military small arms ammunition projectile design based upon ill-conceived or economically-driven arguments of proponents. He joined the International Affairs Division, Office of General Counsel, Department of Defense, in August 2003 as the senior DOD law of war subject-matter expert.  He chaired the DOD Law of War Working Group until his retirement in 2010.

Mr. Parks occupied the Charles H. Stockton Chair of International Law at the Naval War College for the1984-1985 academic year.  In 1987 he served as a staff member on the Presidential Commission established to examine security breaches in the U.S. Embassy in Moscow.  In 1989 he prepared the U.S. Government’s legal opinion defining assassination.  He has testified as an expert witness in cases against terrorists in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, including members of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, Provisional Irish Republican Army and, in 2015, former Russian Army Major Irek Ilgiz Hamidullin, captured in Afghanistan in 2009 while commanding Taliban forces. Tried and convicted in federal district court in Richmond, U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson sentenced Hamidullin to life imprisonment plus thirty years.  A retired colonel in the Marine Corps Reserve, he earned Navy-Marine Corps, Canadian and British Parachutist wings, U.S. Army Master Parachutist wings, and 82nd Airborne Centurion wings during his military career.

Mr. Parks has lectured on the law affecting military operations at the National, Army, Air Force and Naval War Colleges; the service staff colleges; and other U.S. and foreign military schools. In 2001 he became the sixth person in the history of the United States Special Operations Command to receive that command’s top civilian award, the U.S. Special Operations Command Outstanding Civilian Service Medal. In 2006 he was awarded the USSOCOM Major General William F. Garrison Award for a career of service to Special Operations Forces.

Notwithstanding the above resume, Hays has been a well-known figure in the small arms community, championing the cause of the warriors. His support and work behind the scenes has been a part of every major small arms ammunition improvement in recent history. But for Hays Parks’ efforts, there is a strong possibility our military and law enforcement snipers in harms’ way would not have gained access to “Open Tip Match” (OTM) ammunition.

Interestingly enough, the first military inquiry Hays answered regarding use of this type of projectile was for competition only. Hays’ approval included a strong indication that OTM would receive a favorable review for combat use, if requested. Once the DOD got around to asking for approval of the OTM projectile for combat use (a decade later), Hays wrote the legal opinion approving it. This was initially in 7.62×51 but has also spread to other cartridges. This review set the precedent that the American warfighter is legally entitled to use the most precise ammunition available in the military system, previously prohibited solely because of its appearance.

The projectile has an opening at the tip. This opening is a byproduct of manufacture. It had never been requested for combat because no one in the military (much less the JAG Corps) prior to Hays Parks had the combination of current and historical legal knowledge, extensive ballistic experience, bulldog tenacity and articulate grasp of the English language to “fix” a misapplied treaty standard not binding on the United States.

W. Hays Parks

His fundamental philosophy: “To provide maximum support for the first Marine across the beach, the first assaulter through the door, the sniper taking the cold bore shot, and other US military and law enforcement personnel operating in or likely to operate in harm’s way.”

Colonel Parks set the groundwork for his later opinions regarding OTM versions MK248 Mod 0 and Mod 1, M118LR, AB39, MK262 Mod 0 and Mod 1, SOST, MK255 Mod 1 and many more, including several that some of our readers may have used but discussing in this arena is not appropriate. His work to make these rounds available to our troops has resulted in more effective fire on our enemies and fewer chances for those enemies to fire back or ever again pose a threat to US forces. These actions saved American lives. Hays did more than just answer paper requests. He encouraged innovation, provided careful guidance to those responsible for development, and used articulate, masterful analysis to meet our treaty and policy obligations, successfully defeating challenges to existing military small arms ammunition, such as the 1999-2000 challenge of legality by the International Committee of the Red Cross of the Raufoss 12.7mm Multipurpose Projectile, while at the same time giving the most effective, lawful ammunition to our troops, and confidence as to its legality.

He always sought personal challenges, such as infantry and recon command, airborne and similar schools. Serving as an infantry company commander at Camp LeJeune, he volunteered for Viet Nam and combat assignment when he could have avoided it. He volunteered for every school he could attend, and the tougher the school, the better. This philosophy continued even after his assignment to the Judge Advocate General’s Office, when rank and position might have made such schools seem superfluous. To Hays, it was important to know the job intimately. To do his job at the level his pride demanded, he needed the perspective of the guy on the ground, pulling the trigger. In summary, Hays Parks’ efforts have had a positive influence on
the success of every U.S Military sniper in recent history.

He has had similar influence on the success of most of those of our closest Allies. For the above reasons, Hays Parks was chosen as deserving of the 2016 Hathcock Award and the eternal gratitude of all of us, especially those whose lives he saved. There are countless US servicemen alive right now because Hays Parks put more accurate, reliable
and effective ammunition into their hands and the hands of their fellow warfighters.

W. Hays Parks is also one hell of a shot, and spends a lot of trigger time working out with like-minded shooters.

– – –

“Right now we’re at a greater risk of being a nation with our capability eroding out from underneath us.”  – Brigadier General John Jansen, Assistant Deputy Commandant for Programs and Resources, Headquarters Marine Corps

Speaking at the invitation-only Report to Industry at MDM Expo 2013, Jansen‘s bleak assessment of the harsh realities facing the Marine Corps in light of draconian budget cuts and resulting necessity for sharply cutting manpower, went right to the heart of the matter.  “Our Commandant’s priorities are to maintain our forward presence and current readiness,” he said.  “To do that, we will have to accept risk in major combat operations.”

Long-ongoing combat operations, notably in the Middle East, will certainly be followed by others that are very different due to the shift in emphasis to seaborne deployment in the Asian Pacific Rim.  Mitigating these current and emerging risks is top priority for the Corps’ leadership.  Lieutenant General Kenneth Glueck, Jr., Deputy Commandant for Combat, Development and Integration, provided his perspective.  “We’ve gone from being expeditionary to ground combat in Iraq and Afghanistan.  Now we’re going back to expeditionary,” he said.  “We really are going ‘back to the future.’”

Manta’s Kate Michal explains the virtues of the barrel sleeve component of the M2-OPS Operator Protection System that shields .50 caliber BMG gunners from barrel burns. Other versions of this no-melt marvel slip over suppressors and barrel hand guards. www.manta.us

Brigadier General Frank Kelly, head of Marine Corps Systems Command, assured industry representatives that the door was wide open for partnership in meeting the challenges. “We’re looking for your feedback and questions,” he said, “we have highly dedicated people with one thing on their minds: serving our Marines.  These are the kind of folks you want to do business with.”  Then, Kelly was brutally frank in responding to an attendee’s question, “How does this end?”  “It doesn’t end,” he cautioned.  “If you look at our ups and downs since the 1940s, you’ll see we were due for a turndown.”

The “Semper Fidelis” Corps is badly bruised from the one-two punch of hardware worn out from more than a dozen years of war and short-rationed by congress, and was sending a clear message to current and aspiring suppliers:  Warfighting has always been a dirty job.  And getting worse.  What can YOU do to help us?

Marine Corporal Joseph A. Wirtz, 2013 recipient of the Marine Corps League’s prestigious Carlos Hathcock Award, stopped by Small Arms Defense Journal’s booth to talk with Editor-in-Chief Dan Shea (left) and Matt Babb, Chief Armorer/Weapons Instructor for Long Mountain Outfitters. www.longmountain.com

One-on-One
The Report to Industry followed a long previous day of targeted appointments with specific Program Managers from Marine Corps Systems Command.  Each lasting about a half hour, these one-on-one meetings allow industry representatives to pitch their goods, gripes and whatever else, directly to the heads of each of SYSCOM”s compartmented operations.  Of particular interest to our readers, Infantry Weapons Systems’ Program Managers were scheduled to meet in turn with more than 30 reps ranging from the small business firm of Geissele Automatics to defense giant Boeing.

We had the opportunity for informal, back-channel discussions with some well-placed industry and military/government participants.  While discretion necessarily prohibits identifying them, it was encouraging to receive their assurances that critical combat requirements for deployed Marines were at the top of the funding list.

Trijicon’s new Continuously Computed Aiming Solution (CCAS) calculates for atmospheric pressure, angle, range and movement of the target, giving the gunner a precise, real-time updated aiming point. Seen here aboard an M2 HB machine gun, it is capable of supporting multiple weapon types and their various projectiles. www.trijicon.com

Doing “more with less” was a common theme, exemplified by a renewed effort at enhancing capabilities of the Corps’ venerable M40 series sniper rifles.  While the most obvious manifestation of this is the imminent award of a contract for a state-of-the-art chassis stock system for a new A6 version, we hold out hope that recognized limitations from existing 7.62mm loads and their launch tubes will soon be overcome.  And, we’re assured, new contracts will certainly yield significant economies due to both fierce competition and a “support the troops” attitude.

Under the Big Top
Billed as “the world’s largest military exposition focusing on enhanced capabilities for expeditionary forces,” this year’s Modern Day Marine Expo was held from September 24-26, aboard Marine Corps Base, Quantico, Virginia.  Co-sponsored by the base, the Marine Corps League, and Marine Corps Systems Command, the 33rd MDM showcased the products and services of more than 400 companies that support military land, air and sea operations.

Dave Jones, military and federal sales rep for SIG Sauer, explains features and benefits of SIG’s short stroke pushrod gas system MPX-K ‘Next generation submachine-gun’ to Sergeant Russell Injerd, an instructor at Quantico’s Office Basic School. Easily convertible to 9mm NATO, .357SIG or .40S&W, the SIG MPX is said to be the only submachine gun that allows the operator to change barrel length, caliber and stock configuration in the field to meet mission requirements. www.sigsauer.com

Once again, exhibits at this year’s exposition filled three enormous, modern, climate-controlled tents, as well as the spacious outdoor display area, presenting the latest operational equipment and technology, along with videos, models and prototypes of items soon to enter service.  Defense contractors from throughout the U.S. and some allied nations signed on to show their products and services, get feedback from the warfighters, and respond to questions.  Much of the equipment now used by Marines and other U.S. and allied forces confronting enemies in Iraq, Afghanistan, and around the world was first presented to military leaders, operations planners and acquisition managers at previous editions of the expo.

“Crossroads of the Marine Corps”
Strategically located about 30 minutes drive south of Washington DC, America’s capitol city with powerful lawmakers, the Pentagon, numerous defense contractors, and foreign embassies, MCB Quantico is an ideal Expo location.  It is home of the Marine Corps Combat Development Command, charged with developing Marine warfighting concepts and determines the Corps’ capability requirements for doctrine, equipment, organization, training, education and support.

ONR (Office of Naval Research) showed the Multiple Weapon Control Sight (MWCS), a joint development with L3 Insight in response to the Marine Corps’ request for an improved sighting system for the M203 grenade launcher. Reprogramming its on-board ‘brain’ adapts the MWCS to a variety of current infantry weapons. www.onr.navy.mil

The Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory at Quantico is part of the Development Command and responsible for improving current and future naval expeditionary warfare capabilities for the Marines and their amphibious roles and missions.  Also at Quantico is Marine Corps Systems Command, principal agency for acquisition and sustainment of systems and equipment for the Marines’ warfighting mission.  Many of the personnel who staff those organizations took advantage of continuously-running shuttle buses to visit the exhibit halls and discuss missions, capabilities and requirements with defense industry professionals.

Guns and Ammo, Sights and Accessories
While this latest MDM Expo was understandably a bit lighter on exhibitors, it was still jam-packed as usual with thousands of items needed for expeditionary warfare.  SADJ’s mission is always to find the best guns and related gear on display that maximize lethality in the infantry grunt’s dirty and dangerous world.

John Chapman of Beretta Defense Technology answers questions from Marine Sergeant John Gaglione, an instructor at Quantico’s Weapons Training Battalion, as he checks out the new ARX 100 carbine. This is a new, U.S.-made, semi-auto only version of Beretta’s ARX 160 military series rifles for law enforcement and civilian sales. www.berettausa.com

There was plenty to catch our attention at dozens of elaborate display booths manned by representatives of the world’s foremost arms merchants.  This year’s roster included offerings from prominent names like Barrett, Beretta, Colt, FN, General Dynamics, Glock, HK, Knight’s, Remington, Rheinmetall, Ruger, and SIG Sauer.  Other worthies, including Geissele, Long Mountain, LWRC, Magpul, and more are at no disadvantage because of the seemingly continuous flow of combat hardened Marines who eagerly zero in on “the good stuff.”

While an array of combat-support offerings were prominent at this year’s show, there was no shortage of new and improved hole-punching hardware.  Hard and often bitter lessons learned from the last decade of unforgiving urban and open terrain combat have given rise to plenty that’s “new and improved.”

This regulation U.S. military-issue 9mm M9 pistol, generously donated by Beretta USA, is a particularly distinctive award for Marine Corps Corporal Joseph A. Wirtz, 2013 recipient of the Marine Corps League’s prestigious Carlos Hathcock Award for exemplary contributions to marksmanship.

What follows here is a photo essay zeroing in on some notable examples of weapons, ammo, sighting devices and mounting systems.  Although space requirements necessarily limit the number of examples shown, a full listing of exhibitors and other information may be found at marinemilitaryexpos.com.

Honors and Awards
With so many high-level Marine leaders converging on the Expo, it works well to put several ceremonial events on the schedule. At Wednesday morning’s colorful Enlisted Awards Parade, featuring the world-renowned USMC Drill Team and Drum and Bugle Corps, eleven outstanding Marines and one Navy Corpsman were honored.

Perhaps most notable for our readers, Marine Corporal Joseph A. Wirtz, Delta Co., 4th Law Enforcement Battalion, Force Headquarters Group, Marine Forces Reserve, received the Gunnery Sergeant Carlos Hathcock Award for outstanding professional achievement in the superior performance of his duties while serving as infantryman.

Gary Gregory of Ashbury Precision Ordnance was on hand to show the features and benefits of their offering to the Marine Corps solicitation for the M40 Modular Stock Program. We’re told it is an evolution of Ashbury’s Saber-Forest Modular Rifle Chassis System in collaboration with TSSI. www.ashburyprecisionordnance.com

Modern Day Marine 2014
Next year’s Modern Day Marine Expo is scheduled for September 23-25, once again at MCB Quantico, Virginia. This is the largest of three related shows where exhibitors meet the Marines on their own turf.

Marine Corps Base, Quantico, VA, is headquarters for the Corps’ combat development center and home to Marine Corps Systems Command, where warfighting requirements are defined and determinations made on equipment and systems to be used by Marines in worldwide operations for years to come.

Marine West Expo, slated for January 29-30 at Camp Pendleton, CA, and Marine South Expo, April 9-10 at Camp Lejeune, NC, are held at home installations for two of the Marine Corps’ expeditionary forces, which are continually training and dispatching fighting elements to a broad spectrum of missions around the world “in the air, on land, and at sea.”

The FRAK – Forward Rail Assembly Kit – is Knight’s Armaments latest M4 Product Improvement Program advancement for the U.S. military. The bottom half of Knight’s proprietary URX rail system’s free-floating handguard (pen points to its integral barrel nut) is specially configured to allow quick and solid mounting and dismounting of the 40mm M203 grenade launcher seen here, as well as the 12 gauge M26 Modular Accessory Shotgun System. www.knightarmco.com

Exhibitors at the Marine Military Expos meet and exchange information, face-to-face, with not only the users of their equipment but also the men and women responsible for equipping the Corps, tasked with a broad range of existing and emerging demands.

In addition to displaying products before thousands of users, Marine Military Expo exhibitors also exchange information with their target audience, listen to their needs and gain valuable insight into what works best in a wide array of combat, combat support and combat service support situations. Marines who have recently returned from wartime missions not only provide feedback but also convey suggestions and ideas that are often considered and adopted in designing or improving equipment and systems.

The decision-makers and procurement experts want and need to meet and attend the expos for up-close and personal exposure to the leading-edge equipment, systems and services – and solutions – their Marines need for the years ahead. At the Marine Military Expos, networking opportunities among the buyers, the users and defense industry professionals are unlimited. Take advantage of those opportunities for your company by exhibiting at the Marine Military Expos: www.marinemilitaryexpos.com

The Chinn Award is named in honor of Lt. Col. George M. Chinn, a career Marine Corps officer who dedicated his life to the study, development and refinement of machine gun mechanisms.  Lt. Col. Chinn is remembered for his work as a gun designer and for having compiled a five volume reference work entitled The Machine Gun.

PAST CHINN AWARDEES:
1988: Thomas E. Cosgrove
1989: James Ackley
1990: John S. Wood, Jr.
1991: Roderic A. Spies
1992: not awarded
1993: Edward C. Ezell
1994: Richard E. Brown
1995: Joseph Unterkofler
1996: C. Reed Knight, Jr.
1997: Robert A. Trifiletti
1998: George E. Kontis
1999: Vernon E. Shisler
2000: Salvatore A. Fanelli
2001: L. James Sullivan
2002: Ernst Mauch
2003: Phil Baker + Georges Chauveheid
2004: Ronnie Barrett
2005: Rich Audette
2006: Richard Swan
2007: Bill Dittrich
2008: Troy Smith
2009: Joel M. Goldman
2010: Frank Puzycki
2011: Chuck Buxton
2012: Dan Haywood

2013 Chinn Award: Mr. Rudy Nedelka
The recipient of the 2013 Chinn Award is Mr. Rudy Nedelka.  Mr. Nedelka has spent over forty years working on small and medium caliber ammunition/weapons testing and evaluation.  During his career as a U.S. Government employee, he was involved in numerous programs and served in several key positions, which allowed him to develop a tremendously broad knowledge of many aspects of small and medium caliber ammunition/weapons testing.

After receiving a Bachelors of Science Degree in Mathematics in 1968 from St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Mr. Nedelka began his career with the Department of the Army at Frankford Arsenal in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  For the period from 1968 – 1977, he was responsible for the automation of twenty-five indoor test ranges, including the computer management for the data acquisition and the analysis of ballistic information.  In addition, he assisted in writing the small caliber ammunition pressure specifications and evaluating the electronic pressure transducers used by all NATO countries for small arms ammunition testing.  He became the NATO Proof Officer responsible for the testing of United States and Canadian ammunition to ensure that they met the NATO battlefield interchangeability requirements.

After Frankford Arsenal was closed in 1977, Rudy transitioned to the Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center (ARDEC) Test Site at Fort Dix, New Jersey.  During Rudy’s seventeen years at Fort Dix, he served in various positions working on small and medium caliber systems.  From 1977 – 1989, Rudy served as a Test and Evaluation Engineer and as Deputy Director of the Small Caliber Testing Branch at the ARDEC Test Site.  His work involved the development of test procedures used in the evaluation of small caliber weapons and ammunition from 5.56mm through 40mm.  From 1989 – 1994 he served as the Chief of the Small Caliber Testing Branch at Fort Dix and was responsible for the management of the small arms weapons and ammunition test facility, overseeing the testing of several weapon systems fielded by the U.S. Army including the 5.56mm M16A2 Rifle and M249 Machine Gun and the 7.62mm M24 Sniper Rifle and M240B Machine Gun.

In addition, for over a ten year period from 1981 – 1991, Rudy also served as the Superintendent of the NATO North American Regional Test Center (NARTC) for Ammunition Interoperability which reports to the NATO Army Armaments Group (NAAG).  As the NARTC Superintendent, he was responsible for the quality certification of all NATO small caliber ammunition produced in the United States and Canada.  He represented the United States at NATO Headquarters, Brussels, Belgium at regularly scheduled meetings of several NATO groups.

Rudy’s testing experience ultimately lead to his involvement as part of the U.S. Delegation in developing and drafting several NATO STANAGs and their accompanying test procedures for small and medium caliber ammunition.  These included the STANAG on 25mm ammunition and the STANAG on 5.56mm ammunition.  In addition to these NATO Standardization Agreements, Rudy also was an integral part of creating a standard for the establishment of new methods of ammunition and weapons testing as a principal member of the NATO Working Group on Ammunition Testing Technology.

Upon the closure of the ARDEC Test Site in 1994, Rudy continued his government service as a Senior Test Director in the Combat Systems Test Activity at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland.

Following his retirement in 1996, Rudy stayed involved in the small caliber area and continued to serve as a member of the National Defense Industrial Association Small Arms Systems Division Executive Committee, having previously served as its Secretary for many years.

In 2003 Rudy was hired as a consultant, to assist ARDEC with the multitude of ongoing efforts concerning NATO standardization.  One of the largest of these was the creation of the Multi-Caliber Manual of Proof & Inspection, designed to consolidate all testing methods of small caliber ammunition (5.56mm through 12.7mm) into a single document.  Rudy also began to re-attend meetings at NATO Headquarters where his knowledge and experience were welcomed back with great enthusiasm.  He soon became known as the NARTC Information Officer.  Rudy was also asked to update the 25mm MOPI to bring it in line with current test methods and equipment.  Rudy performed this task almost single handedly and this 492 page document consisted of twenty-five different test procedures and sixteen other sections associated with qualifying ammunition to meet NATO interchangeability requirements.

Recently, Mr. Nedelka has assisted the U.S, U.K., France and Belgium by creating new drafts of the 5.56mm, 7.62mm, 9mm and 12.7mm NATO STANAGs with updates due to the completion of the Multi-Caliber MOPI.  In addition, his experience was invaluable during the NATO Certification of the European Regional Test Center in the UK for 12.7mm and the NATO Certification of the Netherlands National Test Center for 5.56mm and 7.62mm.

Rudy has continued to provide his support to ARDEC for both the LCAAP and Olin-Winchester small caliber ammunition contracts during 2012.  His support includes assisting on failure investigations, EPVAT equipment and procedure audits at U.S. test locations, providing on-site assessment of test set-ups/ranges, review of data and test procedures and equipment.  His depth of knowledge and experience is truly an asset to the International Small Caliber Community, ARDEC and the U.S Army.

Throughout his long and distinguished career, Rudy Nedelka has been instrumental in helping to formulate, maintain and improve the test procedures and equipment that are used today for small and medium caliber ammunition testing.

In recognition of his many accomplishments and tireless efforts for the good of not only the U.S. forces but also the forces of our NATO partners and all those who have benefited from his tireless work, Rudy Nedelka has been selected as the recipient of the 2013 Chinn Award.  (Submitted by Angelo Mancini) 

Carlos N. Hathcock II Award
The Carlos N. Hathcock II Award is presented to recognize an individual, who, in the opinion of the Small Arms Section Steering Committee, Armaments Division, National Defense Industrial Association, has made significant contributions in operational employment and tactics of small arms weapons systems which have impacted on the readiness and capabilities of the United States military or law enforcement.  A significant contribution is considered to be: superior performance of duties in an operational environment or the development of tactics or training.

The Hathcock Award is named in honor of Gunnery Sergeant Carlos N. Hathcock II, a career Marine who dedicated his life to the service of this country in both the military and law enforcement communities.  He was honest, tactful, considerate, courageous, quietly proud and determined in all things and all places from the range to the battlefield.  “The Gunny” not only distinguished himself in combat as a scout-sniper but also as a competitive marksman and trainer.  In his capacity as a trainer he not only significantly impacted the current United States Marine Corps Scout-Sniper program but also influenced the sniper programs of the other military services and similar law enforcement programs nationwide.

PAST RECIPIENTS OF THE HATHCOCK AWARD
1999: Carlos Hathcock
2000: Charles B. Mawhinney
2001: Bart Bartholomew
2002: Jim Owens
2003: Larry Vickers
2004: Steve Holland
2005: Pat Mitternight
2006: Allen Boothby
2007: American Snipers.org
2008: J. Buford Boone
2009: Robert J. Thomas
2010: Jeff Hoffman
2011: SGM Jason Beighley
2012 Craig R. LaMudge, MSgt, USAF (Ret)

Presentation of 2013 Hathcock Award to: MSG Jim Smith.
Jim Smith began his military career in the US Army 2ND Ranger Battalion, and served both stateside and abroad in challenging NATO assignments.  He served as a Long Range Reconnaissance Soldier, a mountaineering instructor, and instructed at the NATO International Long Range Patrol School.  He later earned a spot in Army Special Operations and served as an assaulter and sniper for several years.

Early in his special operations career, Jim was selected to attend the special operations sniper course, and this turned out to be a watershed event in his career and life.  Jim trained as a sniper and worked to perfect his skills, which would later become one of the deciding factors in the outcome of a significant battle and the lives of the men involved.  During his career, Jim was involved in many combat operations, most notably the Battle of the Black Sea; known to many as “Blackhawk Down.”

During this incident while serving as primary aerial sniper on board Super Six One, his job was to provide over watch and lethal fires interdiction in support of the Task Force Ranger Mission on October 3rd, 199s in Mogadishu, Somalia.  Well into the battle, Super Six One was shot down by an RPG and crashed into a hostile section of the city.  Jim was wounded, but still secured and defended the crash site until it could be reinforced.  He was awarded the Purple Heart and Silver Star for his actions in this incident.

After his Special Operations career, Jim served in many challenging assignments including the Asymmetric Warfare Group where he was instrumental in developing a training plan that revolved around a combat carbine course, which actually had the effect of changing the way the Army trains its soldiers.  The instant effect was training that made the soldiers more creative while arriving at the correct solutions during stress based training that inoculates them for combat.  The true impact of this efficient, reality based combat training is now being felt at all training levels throughout the Army, and will continue to produce the most survivable, effective soldiers possible for many years to come.

After retiring, Jim started Spartan Tactical, and dedicated his efforts to training the military and law enforcement in both the United States and select foreign countries.  He is heavily involved in training counter-terror operators, law enforcement, and military forces in other countries as well as the United States, passing on the hard learned lessons of his career as a counter-terror operator in U.S. Army Special Operations.  A partial list of these countries includes Israel, Jordan, Greece, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic.

Jim was also called upon to create a firearms training program for the Air Marshall’s Service subsequent to 9/11 and went on to supervise that program afterwards… he was also instrumental in creating a firearms program for Immigration Customs Enforcement, which is still in use today.  Jim has trained SWAT teams from some of the larger municipalities in Texas and is heavily involved with the Texas Tactical Peace Officers Association.  A short list of the agencies Jim has trained includes SWAT officers from Irvine, CA, San Diego, CA, Los Angeles, CA, FBI SWAT Teams from NJ and NY, SWAT officers from NYC, Austin and Dallas PD, and several agencies in Oregon and Washington.  His contribution to American Law Enforcement is daunting, and the legacy effects of his efforts will be seen for years to come.

Jim regularly trains Special Operations forces from both the Army and Marine Corps, both in sniping skills and combat marksmanship; to include MARSOC, 5th and 19th Special Forces Groups, although most of his focus is the conventional force.  Jim has previously trained battalion sized units from the 75th Ranger Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, 101st Airborne Division, and others.  His program was so well received by the 82nd he ended up spending a year at Fort Bragg training all the battalions in the Division, at the request of General Petraeus, the Division Commander at the time.

He is currently heavily involved in pre-deployment sniper and combat marksmanship training for the 36th Infantry Division of the Texas Army National Guard.  In fact, the pre-deployment training he has done for the 36th Division since 2009 has been so successful, the program is now poised to go statewide, with every deploying Texas Unit receiving Spartan Tactical training before going to theater.  This will ultimately affect 20,000 soldiers in the state of Texas alone.

Jim Smith has also significantly impacted the industry through his work with Leupold and Stevens.  As a consultant Jim took full advantage of the opportunity to contribute to the design of cutting edge optics and reticles that are currently being used out on the sharp edge of U.S. military operations in both theatres, as well as domestic law enforcement tactical operations in the United States.  Jim has been involved from the conceptual phase of a project to test and evaluation and placement of these optics for our military and enforcement.  Jim leverages his extensive background and experiences as a Special Operations combat sniper to provide relevant input into the research, design, and manufacturing process, resulting in the most efficient, intuitive optics ever made available to the modern warrior.  Several current Leupold tactical offerings benefit from his knowledge and experience.

MSG Jim Smith’s past service, willingness and to continue significantly contribute to the success of our warriors worldwide, both in training and combat, qualify him to be this year’s Awardee of the Carlos Hathcock Award.  (Submitted by MSG Russ Clagett)