“We are incredibly excited to see the MPF platform entering into this phase,” Brig. The soldiers were identified as Staff Sgt. 9 Jan 2020. FORT BRAGG, N.C. (WNCN/AP) — Two paratroopers with the 82nd Airborne Division in Fort Bragg were killed in Afghanistan during a roadside attack Saturday, officials said. The soldiers were identified as Staff Sgt. Based at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, the 82nd Airborne Division is the primary fighting arm of the XVIII Airborne Corps. The 82nd Airborne Division is an active airborne infantry division of the United States Army specializing in joint forcible entry operations. 2020 has been an unprecedented year for the 82nd Airborne Division. Ian P. McLaughlin and Pfc. The soldiers will put the MPF prototypes through a variety of operational paces and is not considered a formal test. Officials identified the casualties as a 29-year-old from Newport News and a 21-year-old from Joliet. — The 82nd Airborne shared a story involving two Arkansas soldiers in Afghanistan. Villalon joined the Army in 2018. The two solutions are very different from one another. Currently, roughly 13,000 U.S. troops are deployed to Afghanistan. Staff Sgt. January 6, 2020 Paratroopers and equipment assigned to 82nd Airborne Division load aircraft bound for the U.S. Central Command area of operations from Fort Bragg, N.C., on Jan. 4. They will be honored, mourned, but never forgotten, and we are committed to taking care of their families for life.”. Staff Sgt. She was previously a reporter at Politico and Inside Defense. The Army plans to initially build 26 vehicles, with an option to build 28 more and retrofit eight prototypes. Ian Paul McLaughlin and Pfc. The soldier vehicle assessment of two different Mobile Protected Firepower, or MPF, prototypes for infantry brigade combat teams will start Jan. 4, 2021, and run through June 2021. We remain committed to ensuring the IBCT gets this advanced capability that meets their deployability, survivability, lethality and logistical needs.”. Deployed 82nd Airborne unit told to use these encrypted messaging apps on government cell phones. Ian Paul McLaughlin of Newport News, Va., and Pfc. ... 82nd Airborne Division in Fort Bragg, North Carolina. U.S. ARMY article continues below She won the National Press Club's best analytical reporting award in 2014 and was named the Defense Media Awards' best young defense journalist in 2018. “Wow! “Soldiers of the 82nd Airborne will soon get the chance to do something no U.S. infantry soldier has done in 26 years — employ a dedicated mobile, direct fire vehicle platform against hardened positions, dismounted personnel and light armored vehicles,” the statement read. Sen. Jon Tester, the new chairman of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, talks about one his lead priorities for legislation in the coming session. As a Paratrooper of the 505th this book is everything to me. Two 82nd Airborne Division paratroopers, both on their first combat deployments, have been identified as the soldiers killed by an improvised explosive device in the Kandahar province of Afghanistan on Saturday, a military spokesman said Sunday. Military.com | By ... commander of the 82nd Airborne Division, ... Gutierrez, the bill's namesake, was a Green Beret killed in an insider attack in Afghanistan's Nangarhar province. GDLS is building a vehicle that takes a new light-weight chassis driven by a high performance power pack and an advanced suspension and combines it with a turret featuring the same fire control system found in the Abrams main battle tank. GDLS’ vehicle is roughly half the weight of an Abrams tank. McLaughlin and Pfc. DoD confirms two members of 82nd Airborne killed in Afghanistan. A day in the life for about fifty 82nd Airborne troops who are using an abandoned high school as a headquarters in Afghanistan. Watch the video below to learn more about their story. Bryan "Cooper" Mount was on his "second combat deployment" at the time killed in a car crash in Syria. The Army is expected to choose a winner and transition to production “near the end of” fiscal 2022, the statement added. The beginning of our SVA in January illustrates how hard the teams are working to keep the major events of this program on schedule.”, The MPF will be “an integration of existing mature technologies and components that avoids development which would lengthen the program schedule,” the statement noted. Army's 'Captain America' dies by suicide after nearly a dozen combat tours Master Sgt. Ian Paul McLaughlin, of Newport News, Va., … Mobile Protected Firepower prototypes will be put through the paces with the 82nd Airborne at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, at the start of the new year. Infantry brigade combat teams don’t have a combat vehicle that provides “mobile, protected, direct, offensive fire capability,” organic to those units and that is capable against near-peer and peer threats, according to the statement. Miguel Angel Villalon of Joliet, Illinois. Miguel Angel Villalon of Joliet, Ill., were both assigned to Company B, 307th Airborne Engineer Battalion, 3rd Brigade […] “We will deliver a test platform within the week,” Amanda Niswonger, BAE spokesperson, said in a statement to Defense News. (U.S. Army/Released) The Army is requiring the vehicle be C-17 transportable. Two 82nd Airborne Division paratroopers, both on their first combat deployments, have been identified as the soldiers killed by an improvised explosive device in the Kandahar province of Afghanistan on Saturday, a military spokesman said Sunday. McLaughlin’s awards and decorations include the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star Medal, the Army Commendation Medal with “C” Device, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, the Army Good Conduct Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, the Combat Action Badge and the Basic Parachutist Badge, according to the 82nd Airborne Division. In June 1957, the regiment was reorganized and re-designated as the 505th Infantry and relieved from assignment to the 82nd Airborne Division. A Defense Department news release said the two 82nd Airborne Division Paratroopers were killed when their vehicle was hit by an improvised explosive device in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan. BAE Systems and General Dynamics Land Systems were chosen in December 2018 to each build 12 prototypes of the Army’s future MPF vehicle identified in the service’s ground combat vehicle strategy published in 2015. David Scudder was wounded in action while serving with 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division in Afghanistan and his fellow # Paratroopers immediately came to his aid. January 23, 2020 . Why would Russia’s Kalashnikov make a NATO-friendly assault rifle? WASHINGTON — Prototype candidates competing to be the new light tank for the U.S. infantry are being delivered to the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, where soldiers will help decide which vehicle will prevail, the Army announced in a Dec. 11 statement. Both soldiers were on their first combat deployment to Afghanistan. BAE’s MPF prototype can be transported via a C-130 aircraft. McLaughlin is survived by his wife and four children. Field dressings for burn injuries and the JEDI contract | Defense News Weekly Full Episode, 2.20.21, Field dressing for burns coated with silver shows more promise | Military Times Reports, https://www.defensenews.com © 2021 Sightline Media Group, Mobile Protected Firepower, or MPF, prototypes, Benefits for hypertension a top priority in vets committee. “Their loved ones are now surrounded by a caring community offering comfort and assistance through this difficult time.”. Ian Paul McLaughlin of Newport News, Virginia; and Pfc. Sgt. … Staff Sgt. Two 82nd Airborne Division paratroopers were killed in action while in combat in Afghanistan on Saturday, according to Fort Bragg.Staff Sgt. 82nd Airborne Division Conducts First Ever Osprey Air Assault November 23, 2020 Providers participate in Warfighter 21 October 21, 2020 All American Paratroopers exemplify excellence in … (U.S. Army/Released), Rodger Mullen - The Fayetteville Observer, Experts: Attempts of terrorist sympathizers to join ISIS show threat persists, Ukraine wants compensation after Iran admits downing passenger jet, Army offering $25,000 for information on shooting death of Staff Sgt. “Three-time volunteers, they went when our nation called and paid the ultimate sacrifice. According to the 82nd Airborne Division's Public Affairs Officer, an IED killed both Staff Sgt. British government may drop upgrade plans for the Warrior fighting vehicle. They are the first U.S. service members to be killed in Afghanistan in 2020. On May 25, 1964, the 505th Infantry was reassigned and re-designated as the 3rd Brigade of the 82nd Airborne Division. Villalon’s awards and decorations include the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal with “C” Device, the Army Achievement Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal and the Combat Action Badge. “In coordination with the Army we have aligned our delivery schedule to support SVA and get this vehicle into soldiers’ hands for evaluation. Sign up for the Early Bird Brief, the defense industry's most comprehensive news and information, straight to your inbox. “When our nation called for its best Airborne combat engineers to deploy into harm’s way, Staff Sgt. Sgt. Jen Judson is the land warfare reporter for Defense News. The company will complete all 12 MPF preproduction vehicles by the end of December, according to GLDS. Pentagon identifies 82nd Airborne paratroopers killed in Afghanistan Staff Sgt. Paratroopers of the 82nd Airborne Division, 505th Combat Team in World War II. The 82nd Division was constituted in the National Army on August 5, 1917, and was organized on August 25, 1917, at … He was a 2018 graduate of the U.S. Army Advanced Airborne School Jumpmaster Course. After completing basic combat training and advanced individual training in 2019 at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, he was assigned to the 307th Airborne Engineer Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, where he served as a combat engineer. “MPF represents an innovative and aggressive approach to system acquisition. After World War II, the 505th PIR returned to Fort Bragg, N.C. She has covered defense in the Washington area for nearly a decade. Jessica Mitchell, Pics: Flags honoring first responders vandalized for 5th time in Massachusetts town, Russia says nuclear missile it claims can destroy Texas ‘almost ready’ for service, Fort Bliss investigates soldier’s death at home on Army post. David Scudder, a paratrooper with the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, was wounded Sept. 12, 2019, in Afghanistan. Ian P. McLaughlin, 29, died on Jan. 11, 2020, when his vehicle hit a roadside bomb in Afghanistan's Kandahar province. Other than the bible, this is the greatest book I have ever read.” – Ed Walters – 2nd 505 82nd Airborne Division (1985) “I have started to read the book for the fifth time. In 2016, McLaughlin was assigned to the 307th Airborne Engineer Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, where he served as a horizontal construction engineer and later as a squad leader. “Once they are able to begin interacting with these prototypes, I know that our soldiers are going to come up with the best ways to utilize MPF in our light formations,” Brig. Miguel Angel Villalon, two paratroopers killed in Afghanistan on Jan. 11, 2020. In January, for the first time in three decades, the Division's Immediate Response Force was activated amid rising tensions with Iran. “A bullet hit me in my leg,” Scudder said. It was confirmed in July 2020 that the 82nd Airborne Division did in fact have combat deployments in Syria. McLaughlin joined the Army in 2012. [110] [111] Paratrooper Sgt. BAE’s offering is smaller — fitting in between the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle and a Stryker in terms of size. FORT BRAGG, NC. ... Jen Judson December 11, 2020 . Gen. Glenn Dean, the new program executive officer for Ground Combat Systems, said in the statement. They lived their motto, ‘Essayons,’ and embodied the values of the All American Engineer,” Col. Art Sellers, Commander of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, said in a press release. However, the figures note that three troops have already been wounded in the country in 2020. Ten of the vehicles have already been delivered to the Army. Way to go. Both soldiers had been assigned to Company B, 307th Airborne Engineer Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division. Friday, August 9 was Purple Heart Day, which is a day to commemorate the soliders who were wounded or who made the ultimate sacrifice. Ian Paul McLaughlin and Pfc. Villalon is survived by his mother of Chicago and father of Brownsville, Texas. The two paratroopers were assigned to Company B, 307th Airborne Engineer Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg in North Carolina, ... 2020, in Kandahar, Afghanistan. Shawn Snow, Kyle Rempfer, and Meghann Myers. Villalon answered without hesitation. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Miguel Angel … Miguel Angel Villalon, two paratroopers killed in Afghanistan on Jan. 11, 2020. “The priority has always been to field this new critical capability soonest, but the MPF will also be capable of accommodating additional weight and spare electrical power to support future growth.”. After completing basic combat training and advanced individual training, he was assigned to the 68th Engineer Company, 62nd Engineer Battalion at Fort Hood, Texas, as a Horizontal Construction Engineer, according to the 82nd Airborne Division public affairs office. UPDATE — This story has been updated to more accurately reflect the nature of the MPF turret and chassis on the GDLS offering and to include more details on both companies’ prototype delivery progress. BAE Systems’ design is an updated M8 Buford armored gun system with new capabilities and components. Hudson Statement on 82nd Airborne Paratroopers Killed in Afghanistan FORT BRAGG, N.C. - Today, U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (NC-08), Fort Bragg’s Congressman, released the following statement on the deaths of Staff Sgt. The first units will get MPF in FY25. We are excited about demonstrating a vehicle that is purpose designed for the IBCT and its unique needs. Army’s Infantry Squad Vehicle undergoes tests at Arizona’s Yuma Proving Ground, Hyten wants a greater ‘focus’ with cruise missile defense, Germany orders Israel’s Trophy active protection system for its Leopard 2 tanks. Today is # PurpleHeartDay, a day to commemorate the brave men and women who are wounded or make the ultimate sacrifice on the battlefield.Sgt. Three can fit on a C-17 aircraft. “These paratroopers represent the very best of our nation and our Army,” 82nd Airborne Division Commander Maj. Gen. James Mingus said in a press release. US service members killed in inside attack in Afghanistan as Pompeo vows a reduction in troops by 2020. By giving us your email, you are opting in to the Early Bird Brief. Military career. Christopher T. Donahue is a United States Army two-star general who currently serves as commanding general of the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.Throughout his career, Donahue served in staff and command positions for both Army and Special Operations Units. The evaluation will “directly” inform tactics, techniques and procedures for MPF, according to the Army statement. David Scudder from Hot Springs was wounded in action while serving with 3rd Brigade […] He is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, … Ian Paul McLaughlin of Newport News, Virginia; and Pfc. Roughly 750 soldiers with the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division are slated to be wheels up soon headed for Kuwait with an additional 4,000 … Gen. Ross Coffman, who is in charge of Next-Generation Combat Vehicle modernization effort, said in the statement.