a marking system to be effective, it must be easy to carry and use, and universally recognizable to Soldiers across the entire unit. With Galloway’s help, the Soldiers explored ways to develop a standardized marking system.
THE LINKS THAT BIND Marking systems are more complex than a single VS-17 panel, a cloth marker commonly used to allow pilots to identify friendly units from the air during the day, or a single luminous chemi- cal light during the night. During a recent .50-caliber machine gun training, Sgt. 1st Class Jesse Frederick, a platoon sergeant in the company, was inspired by the links that hold the .50-cali- ber ammunition in place. He had seen these links used to hold chemical lights together, but realized that they could be welded together to hold multiple chemical lights (of different colors) in a standardized system. Frederick created a prototype of the mark- ing tool he envisioned.
Initially, he molded a rudimentary holder in the shape of two links to house two chemical lights and a grommet to hold a strip of VS-17 panel. Tere were some initial design flaws in the proto- type; the holes were too small and did not push to the middle of the chemical light, and the material was flimsy and would likely break if carried over long distances in a pocket or a backpack.
However, with Galloway’s help and a little bit of computer-aided design work, a 3D printer was producing a more precise and dura- ble marking system within 30 minutes.
Once the initial product was complete, Breacher Company progressed to the casting and molding room. Tere they learned how to create silicone molds that could be filled with resin to batch- fabricate holders without the use of a 3D printer. After all, there may not be a 3D printer and a dedicated laboratory in the remote and austere environments where the company may have to operate.
Now, several weeks after that initial visit, Breacher Company has produced hundreds of these systems and can offer the Rakkasan Brigade a standardized and effective marking system for both day and night operations.
CONCLUSION Te marking system is just one of the latest collaborations between the Rakkasans and Vanderbilt University, and more projects are ongoing. “Tis partnership from the beginning has been very rewarding,” Galloway said. “Soldiers have lots of ideas and challenges to share. Creating this opportunity for them to see how the latest technology could be used to advance their
BATCH PRODUCTION
This silicone mold was cast from a 3D printed positive mold for batch fabrication of hold- ers. These molds can be used in place of a 3D printer in the austere environments where the Rakkasans may have to operate.
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