Special Ops: Vehicle-based Night Vision, IR Devices Provide Stealth

Humvee with IR sensor
(click to view larger)

A key to US special ops forces is stealth. Night vision and thermal imaging (IR) devices are among the best tools to provide that stealth.

One way to provide those capabilities is through goggles worn by the special ops forces. Another way is to have those capabilities built into their vehicles.

The US Special Operations Command (US SOCOM) has two primary vehicle-based systems: the short-range and the long-range ground mobility visual augmentation systems. The systems are installed in the Ground Mobility Vehicle (GMV), which is a modified Humvee designed for special ops, and the Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle.

FLIR Systems in Wilsonville, OR provides the short-range system under a $49.8 million contract awarded in 2008. Recently, that same company won a $35.2 million contract to supply the long-range system.

$14.8M to Build Camp Lejeune Machine Gun Firing Range

Bristol Design Build Services, a small business qualifier based in Anchorage, AK received a $14.8 million firm-fixed-price contract for construction of a multi-purpose machine gun (MPMG) range at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune.

Camp Lejeune is the home of the Expeditionary Forces in Readiness, including the II Marine Expeditionary Force, 2nd Marine Division, 2nd Marine Logistics Group. The base is home to more than 47,000 Marines and sailors from around the world.

Work on the range will include relocation of an engineering training area (ETC) and explosive ordinance disposal site…