Do you enjoy action pistol shooting? How would you like to practice your skills with one of the greatest handgun aces on the planet — Max Michel. This guy has won world championships, and, as the multi-time winner of the world Speed-Shooting Championship, Max can rightfully claim to be the fastest semi-auto pistol shooter on the planet.
Speed Shooting Class with Max Michel SIG Sauer Academy in New Hampshire recently announced that a Speed Shooting with Max Michel class has been added to the 2021 course schedule. Tom Taylor, SIG Sauer’s Chief Marketing Officer posted: “This summer, we are excited to announce that Max is coming to SIG SAUER Academy for an exclusive speed shooting course. [That course] will cover everything from recoil management to the dynamic drills that Max utilizes in his own training routines.”
Watch Max Michel Demo Drill (This Guy is Blazing Fast!)
In this video, Max drills 18 rounds (6×3) in just over five seconds with two mag changes. We timed that unofficially at 5.21 seconds.
The two-day Speed Shooting with Max Michel training classes will cover: recoil management, power stance, grip, sight picture, draw, reloads, transitions, movements, and more. Two June 2021 session dates are now available at the SIG Sauer Academy in Epping, New Hampshire. To register and/or review the course outline (or to see other Academy training classes) visit SigSauerAcademy.com. 2021 Dates for the Max Michel Speed Shooting classes are:
Session 1: June 9-10
Session 2: June 14-15
Here is another amazing speed run by Max Michel. Max draws from holster and drills 18 hits on three targets (with two mag changes). This was officially timed in just 4.79 seconds!
At age 39, Max Michel is a legend within the world of competitive shooting. A seven-time Steel Challenge World Speed Shooting Champion, eight-time USPSA National Champion, and four-time U.S. Steel National Champion, Max is a dominant force in pistol shooting sports. Born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, Max began shooting when he was just 5 years old. In 1999 Max joined the USAMU’s Action Pistol Team and served in the U.S. Army for 10 years as an Army shooter and trainer. Today, Max is recognized worldwide as a top-tier athlete and instructor.
Here’s a great Do-It-Yourself project for tactical shooters. Ed and Steve of the 65Guys.com have created a versatile wooden barricade designed for easy transport. The goal with this design was to create a stable barricade that offers a variety of shooting positions, but can also fit in the bed of a pick-up or the back of an SUV. The 69″ tall barricade is hinged in the middle, so it’s just 27″ wide. To deploy the Barricade you simply fold it open and then nest the lower wings in ground-level stands.
We call this the BYOB Project — Build Your Own Barricade. Anyone with basic wood-working skills should find the Barricade prettyeasy to make. The only tricky part is cutting the side Dado joints for the left and right lower wings. But when you’ve got it completed, you have a low-cost unit that is versatile and sturdy yet easy to pack in a truck and carry out on the range. In the video below the 6.5 Guys showcase their Gen 2 barricade and explain how to build one just like it.
Looking at the 6.5 Guys Modular Barricade
The Modular Barricade was drawn up by Steve in PowerPoint and then dimensions added. Once the entire plan was created, Steve cut components to size and then used ordinary wood screws and wood glue to assemble the barricade frame. This was done to ensure maximum rigidity due to the light weight construction using 2″ x 2″ frame members. A long piano hinge was used to allow the Barricade to fold in half, while still having high torsional rigidity. Each of the Barricade openings are 12″ x 12″ square. This consistent ‘window’ spacing allows interchangeable panels with different cut-out shapes to be placed at varies heights/locations in the Barricade.
Modular Barricade Key Features
— Lightweight construction using low-cost 2×2 wood beams.
— Collapsible frame with center hinges for easy transport and deployment.
— Multiple Support levels at 6″ vertical intervals (6″ variance R to L).
— Modular port design allows ports to be changed and moved as desired.
6.5 Guys’ Modular Barricade — Construction Tips
The Modular Barricade can be constructed over a weekend with the proper materials and basic shop tools such as a power saw and electric screwdriver. Steve used a router for the side panel dado joints but a table saw could also be used for that task. Steve’s only real issue with the build involved the port panels — getting them to fit right. The 2″ x 2″ frame wood wasn’t always straight; even a small variation in the wood could cause a port panel to be too tight or too loose. Steve had to do a lot of extra sanding and planing to get the port panels to fit just right.
Where and How to Use the Barricade for Training
Because the 6.5 Guys’ Modular Barricade is so easy to move, you can simply pack it up and deploy it at your local range for practice. (Do ensure club/range rules allow shooting from barricades.) While the Barricade is designed to sit on the natural ground, the base stands can also be placed on concrete if your range does not allow deployment forward of the normal firing line. While you can use the Barricade for training on your own, Ed and Steve say novice shooters can benefit from a formal clinic.
In the video below, the 6.5 Guys discuss precision rifle training with Scott Satterlee, an instructor with Core Shooting Solutions. This video explains why new shooters should consider enrolling in a formal training clinic. Topics covered are: typical course format and “curriculum”, the gear needed to participate in a precision rifle clinic, and skills shooters should practice before attending the clinic.
A while back, Cal Zant at PrecisionRifleBlog.com did a big muzzle brake comparison test. Along with measuring recoil reduction, Cal’s team recorded sound levels in PRB’s exhaustive muzzle brake field test. In the PRB archives you’ll find comprehensive muzzle brake sound test results, with hard data on 20 different muzzle brakes.
Sound can be a tricky subject, but Cal Zant, the editor of PrecisionRifleBlog.com, presents everything an informed shooter should know about muzzle brake noise in a straightforward and practical way. Most sound tests are measured from the side of the muzzle, in accordance with mil-spec standards, and Cal did that. But he also measured the sound level of each brake from behind the rifle, closer to the shooter’s position. This provides a more accurate indicator of the actual sound levels firearms operators will encounter while shooting.
Muzzle brakes ARE really loud — that’s something most active shooters have observed. But this study finally gives us some hard data and makes objective comparisons. The difference between brakes was quite significant. Some brakes were ear-splitting — more than twice as loud as other brakes tested.
As a bonus, Cal also provides data on how the new Ultra series suppressors from Thunder Beast Arms Corp (TBAC) compare in terms of sound level behind the rifle.
Can a $1300 Ruger compete with a $7000 high-end sniper rifle from the UK? That was the question posed a few years back by Frank Galli, Head Honcho of Sniper’s Hide. Galli, aka “Lowlight”, conducted an interesting comparison test, running the $1300 Ruger Precision Rifle (RPR) vs. a $7000 Accuracy International AX in a 450-yard “mad minute” drill. The goal was to see how many shots could be put on a 12″ steel target in one minute. Both rifles were chambered for the 6.5 Creedmoor and were fed with Hornady 140gr Amax ammo. The much cheaper Ruger did surprisingly well, though the AI AX did come out on top. Galli got 19 rounds on target in one minute with the AI AX compared to 14 rounds with the Ruger.
Watch the “Mad Minute” face-off in this video:
Galli notes: “The target is 450 yards away, and, as noted in the video, we have winds gusting anywhere from 10 to 18 mph out on the Front Range of Colorado today. So my job is to not only hit the target as fast as possible, but to also manage the conditions.”
In Summary
Frank Galli says the Ruger offers a lot of bang for the buck:
“For those looking to get into competitive tactical shooting, like a PRS Event, there is absolutely no excuse. This rifle will allow you to be competitive, the only thing that would hold a person back is themselves. The more this rifle is shot, the more impressive it is. Would I trade my Accuracy International for one? Well, odd question, but no. However for those on a budget I would recommend the Ruger in a heartbeat.”
Upgrades for Ruger Precision Rifle — RPR Enhancements
After conducting this test, Galli added some upgrades to his first-generation RPR, with bolt-on parts. Improvements included new barrel, stock, grip, and handguards. The first video below runs through the selection and installation of parts, while the second video shows the upgraded RPR being tested in the field. These two videos have been watched over half-a-million times combined. Note, the current-generation RPR has different handguards than shown in the photos.
Magpul MOE Grip
Magpul PRS Stock
Seekins Precision “Triangle” Handguards
LongRifles Inc. (LRI) Aluminum Bolt Shroud
Custom K&P “Pre-Fit” Barrel from LRI (chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor)
At the request of our readers, we provide select “Deals of the Week”. Every Sunday afternoon or Monday morning we offer our Best Bargain selections. Here are some of the best deals on firearms, hardware, reloading components, optics, and shooting accessories. Be aware that sale prices are subject to change, and once clearance inventory is sold, it’s gone for good. You snooze you lose.
1. Sportsman’s WHSE — C. Daly 12ga Pump Shotgun, $199.99
⏺ No frills, reliable Self-Defense 12ga Shotgun under $200
If you’ve been searching for a no-nonsense defense shotgun at a bargain price, then check out the Charles Daly 301 Tactical 12 Gauge 3in Black Pump Action Shotgun. It has an aluminum action with a steel barrel and comes with a Beretta/Benelli Modified Choke. It is chambered for 3″ (max) 12 gauge shells. Actual buyers were impressed with this shotgun: “Purchased for value. First day at range fired multiple types of 2 3/4 bird and buck shot with no issues to report.” and “Looks and functions great. Short and handy also.”
⏺ Sophisticated, sturdy, versatile gun vise great for many tasks
Having a stable rifle vise is critical for doing any kind of work, especially mounting optics. One of our favorites is the Tipton Ultra Vise . It features different modules that can be quickly moved, rearranged or removed anywhere along the rail. Leveling feet are situated on all corners making leveling easier, and dual clamp technology rigidly holds any gun shape into place. The best part of this package is that it comes with a FREE Wheeler Scope Leveling System to help mount your scope properly.
The Tipton Ultra Gun Vise’s modular, interchangeable design can hold nearly any type of long gun. Ball and socket articulating clamp pads adapt to any surface. The front and rear clamps are both height and length adjustable with fast-turn knobs for quick clamping.
3. EuroOptic — Trijicon Tenmile Scope Sale — Huge Savings
⏺ These Trijicon optics compare well with NF for much less
Trijicon Tenmile scopes have quickly become popular with F-Class, PRS, and ELR competitors. Check out the Trijicon Tenmile scope sale where you can pick up any of these innovative scopes that feature lit reticles, large 34mm diameter tubes, and many other good features. These are really good scopes for the money. And now’s the time to buy with massive discounts during this sale. For example the Tenmile 3-18x44mm FFP with MRAD ranging is marked down from $2199.99 to $1475.99 (Save $724). And the Tenmile 5-50x56mm Extreme LR SFP scope is marked down from $2700.99 MSRP to $1810.99 — Save $890!
⏺ Strong, well-designed AR 30rd Mags at good price
You can’t watch the news without wondering how long it’ll be before high-capacity magazines are banned nationwide. Avoid price gouging and regret by picking up an AR-15 30-Round Steel 5.56 Magazine 10-Pack. For $139.99 you’ll get TEN 30-round steel 30-Rd magazines with a well-designed anti-tilt follower. The follower is also self-leveling to ensure proper feeding of ammo in your AR15-type firearm.
5. Natchez — 400 Rds Federal XM193 5.56x45mm Ammo, $399.99
⏺ Quality Federal NATO-spec ammo for your AR-15 Platform rifles
Good factory loaded ammo remains hard to find, particularly for popular calibers such .223 Rem (5.56×45). Ammo prices seem to be on a constant rise. One of the best deals we’ve see on in-stock ammo is this Federal XM193 NATO Rifle Ammunition 5.56mm 55gr FMJ, 400/ct. While it’s not the cheapest we’ve seen, it’s good ammo and comes in a military-style ammo box. Nobody has a crystal ball but we may look back and wonder why we didn’t grab more ammo like this before prices rose even higher.
6. Brownells Armory — Everything AR at good prices
⏺ AR-focused product center: Uppers/Lowers/Mags/Triggers and more
More people than ever are looking to pick up some form of an AR-15 and for good reason. If you’re one of those people and don’t know where to look or how to get all the parts you need, check out the Brownells Armory. They’ve made it easy to build one by putting all the categories in an easy-to-navigate menu taking nearly all the guess work out of the process making for a one stop shop.
⏺ Quality Cannon safe at huge discount right now — Save $200
Cannon makes good safes for the money — and this big 27.8 cubic-foot safe is on sale this week. Save $200 on the Cannon Landmark 27.8 Cubic-Foot Executive Safe with Electronic Lock and 60-minute fire rating. This safe is big, measuring 64.33″ Tall x 35.5″ Wide x 25.33″ Deep. The safe is rated to hold 47 guns (NOTE: This capacity figure is based on thin, unscoped rifles, such as lever guns. Nonetheless this is a very capacious safe.) NOTE: The $799.99 SALE price includes curbside delivery to your location.
⏺ Precision-molded ammo blocks are stackable, versatile, affordable
We’re all probably spending a little more time loading these days, but sometimes prep work can be slowed down when you don’t have anywhere to put your brass. Save money and increase your capacity to load by picking up a Universal Reloading Ammo Tray Loading Blocks 10-Pack for just $11.99. These are universally sized, allowing for just about any type brass. NOTE These blocks are designed to stack securely, so you can use them for both short pistol cases (using one block) and taller rifle cartridges (using two or three blocks). These are cheap enough that you can also use them for general storage in crates or ammo boxes.
9. Amazon — EZ-Aim Bullseye Paper Target, 13-pack $3.90
⏺ Great, high-contrast Bullseye Targets just 30 cents each
Why spend a ton of money on targets that just get shot up and thrown away? Check out these EZ-Aim Paper Shooting Range and Archery Targets. They’re bright white with easy to see aiming points, and numbered Ring values. We like these because they resemble match targets. At $3.90 for 13 targets, your per target cost is just $0.30 (thirty cents)! NOTE: Allen also sells many other paper and reactive shooting targets — everything from sight-in sheets to prairie dog targets and spinners.
Since its launch two years ago, The Armory Life website has offered a wide variety of well-illustrated, firearms-centric content. The website features categories ranging from firearms, CCW, survival, tactics, training and much more, delivering in-depth daily content. All the stories feature plenty of photos and many daily features also include informative videos. And now, Springfield Armory will be offering a quarterly PRINT Magazine to complement the digital content — so you get the best of both worlds.
Springfield Armory offers plenty of content online you can read for FREE. Here are six recent Armory Life digital stories we recommend. Click the image to launch each article. CLICK HERE to read hundreds of other articles on TheArmoryLife.com.
Click Each Frame Below to Load Story from TheArmoryLife.com
Springfield Now Offers Quarterly Print Magazine
The Armory Life has launched a new quarterly print publication to complement the daily digital content on TheArmoryLife.com. See Cover at top of this article. This new quarterly magazine provides a new way to consume content. This full-color, 96-page quarterly magazine features in-depth gun and gear reviews, interviews with luminaries in the firearms community, tips and tactics, and much more. These new quarterly magazines complement Springfield Armory’s current Digital Magazines (example at right).
Mike Humphries, editor-in-chief of the new quarterly print magazine states: “With four 96-page issues a year packed with content and closely integrated with the website, this magazine will provide our readers with yet another means of living The Armory Life.”
Print Magazine Features Scannable QR codes Linked to Web Content
The new print magazine integrates closely with its digital sibling, TheArmoryLife.com, via easy-to-use QR codes. Simply open up your camera app on your smartphone and scan the QR code, and you’ll be taken online to expanded content, video segments, and much more. Currently, recipients of The Armory Life print magazine are selected from Springfield Armory warranty registrants. Each will receive a full year’s worth (four issues) of the magazine.
“The Armory Life print magazine represents a bold new means for learning about not only the latest Springfield Armory products, but also what’s going on in the entire shooting community,” says Steve Kramer, Vice President of Marketing for Springfield Armory. “This new publication will be a terrific resource for fans of The Armory Life.”
The Canadian Precision Rimfire Series (CRPS) is a non-profit organization founded in 2018 to promote competitive shooting sports for Canadians coast-to-coast. The CRPS now hosts 100+ events with over 1500 competitors annually. The CRPS was created to provide shooters across Canada with a challenging environment to test their precision shooting skills using .22 LR rimfire rifles. Matches are held throughout Canada to allow all Canadians a chance to see how they “stack up” against the rest of the country. The CRPS has three divisions: Open Class; Production Class (Rifle $500 USD MSRP max, Optics $700 USD MSRP max); and Youth Class. These events give shooters of all budgets an opportunity to test their skills and equipment under demanding conditions.
Using a PRS-style match format, with timed stages, competitors engage 1-5 steel targets per stage. Targets are placed from 50 to 300 meters. Target sizes range from 1/2″ to 9″. The steel targets are shot from a variety of positions. Many stages involve a challenging set of platforms or barricade rests.
CRPS Match Video — Watch the Action
This video is well worth watching. It shows actual CRPS rimfire tactical matches, showing stages and discussing match strategies. The video also shows a wide collection of rimfire tactical rifles and accessories.
What Gear You Need for CRPS Matches
How to Get Started
Are you just starting out? Wondering what you should bring to a rimfire tactical match? CRPS Staffer Matt explains the essential match gear you will need, including rifle, support bags, mags, and chamber flags. Check out his “Womfat” YouTube Channel for more helpful videos.
Savage Sponsorship of CRPS
Savage Arms is a 2021 Gold Sponsor of the Canadian Rimfire Precision Series. Rick Katigbak, CRPS Founder and President, observed: “The partnership with Savage Arms will allow the CRPS to host more events in 2021 and provide competitors with the opportunity to see, first-hand, Savage’s line of precision rimfire rifles including the new competition-oriented B22 Precision models“.
Today, Wednesday April 7, 2021, Shooting USA TV features the Hornady Precision Hunter Steel Challenge. This is a unique, one-of-a-kind match set in 2000 acres of natural terrain at the Cameo Shooting Complex in Colorado. The match replicates long-range hunting challenges, with steel targets sized to simulate the vitals of western game animals. Some 135 competitors engaged steel targets in 20 challenging stages.
Match Director Scott Satterlee says, “This is as close as it can get to mountain hunting. We have vital-sized targets out there. They are 12-inch squares turned to diamonds which are really difficult to hit”.
SHOOTING USA TV Air Times
View Shooting USA on the Outdoor Channel: Wednesdays 9:00 PM (Eastern and Pacific); 8:00 PM Central.
NOTE: If you miss the 1/13/2021 broadcast, you can still view the show on Vimeo for a small 99-cent fee, or just $1.99 per month unlimited. LINK HERE: Shooting USA on Vimeo.
The inaugural Hornady Precision Hunter Steel Challenge took place in Colorado August 8 and 9. This unique competition involved lots of hiking with various shooting positions in challenging natural terrain. The unique match was hosted at the Cameo Shooting Complex near Grand Junction, CO.
There were 135 registered competitors — quite a turn-out for a physically demanding match in a fairly remote location. Congrats to Heavy Class and Overall Winner Brian Black who topped the field with 140 Match points (100% of possible). Brian shot a 6.5×47 Lapua with Berger 6.5mm 140gr Hybrids. Brian’s winning rig featured a Lone Peak Arms Fuzion action, Benchmark barrel, and XLR Element chassis.
The Hornady Precision Hunter Steel Challenge tests a rifleman’s fitness and skills as marksman and hunter. The stages were blind with a 4-minute time limit to move to the shooting area, locate, range, and engage targets. Shooters could choose between two rifle weight classes (light or heavy) and had to meet a minimum power factor cartridge requirement that helped even the playing field. The match featured a diverse course of fire with a good mix of prone and natural terrain shooting positions.
Hunting Ammo Tested by Shooting USA
In this same episode, Shooting USA tests a variety of Hornady hunting ammo offerings on the G.A. Precision private gun range in Missouri. (We’d love to have our own private range like that!) Jason Hornady says his company starts the design of all hunting ammunition with bullet selection: “For us it started with the bullet … for us the bullet still makes the cartridge.”.
Barrett Firearms Manufacturing has been awarded a five-year $49.9 million contract under the U.S. Army Precision Sniper Rifle program with its MRAD (Multi-Role Adaptive Design) MK22 MOD 0 rifle, paired with a Leupold Mark 5 HD scope. The MK22 system will replace several current U.S. Army sniper rifles.
Designed for precision and modularity, the MK22 provides cartridge-choice flexibility within the highly successful MRAD rifle platform. By switching barrels, this multi-caliber bolt action rifle can be used with 7.62x51mm, .300 Norma Magnum (NM) and .338 Norma Magnum (NM) cartridge types, based on the mission. The Army stated that the new MRAD MK22 rifle “increases stand-off distances ensuring overmatch against enemy counter sniper engagements and increases sniper capability.” More Details HERE.
The Mark 22 comes standard with a folding stock and an action/chassis system that easily allows changeable barrels. Barrels can be quickly swapped by loosening two Torx-30 screws. The MK22 spec sheets list a 2.5-lb trigger pull. The complete field package weigh 24 pounds, including rifle, Leupold Mark 5 HD scope, two magazines, and disassembly tool.
Civilian Version of Mark 22 Will Be Available
For a limited time, Barrett will offer Mark 22 rifles with the serious price of $16,770. Yes you can buy a pretty nice used car for that. But military-grade quality doesn’t come cheap. The Leupold Mark 5 HD optic adds $2,300 to the price.
According to SofRep.com : “The MRAD … has been primarily designed for the U.S. Special Operations Command’s (SOCOM) Advanced Sniper Rifle (ASR) program that seeks to replace the current sniper rifles with new, more effective ones. The ASR program was stipulated for a bolt-action rifle that could use three different calibers (the .300 Norma Magnum, .338 Norma Magnum, and 7.62 NATO). Further, it requires the sniper rifle to be able to hit with accuracy targets at a minimum of 1,500 meters. The rationale behind the multiple calibers is to give shooters the ability to tailor their shots according to the situation they face on the battlefield.”
By means of an Executive Order signed yesterday, U.S. President Joe Biden has ordered a ban on ALL military words/terms considered sexist or culturally insensitive. The President has ordered the Pentagon to immediately determine replacement nomenclature for offensive words such as “cockpit” and “chief”. Starting today, all military communications must be “gender-neutral” and not male-centric. To address the issue, the Pentagon is now forming a “Rapid Gender Neutralization Force” with top generals and admirals from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. Phase One funding of $126.9 million has been allocated from the 2021 U.S. Special Operations budget to handle the Gender Neutralization project.
Among the military nouns, verbs, adjectives and acronyms that will be banned are the terms listed below, with the reason for the ban, and proposed replacements.
Cockpit — Not Gender Neutral (New: Pilot Enclosure) Airman/Airmen — Not Gender Neutral (New: Aviator/Aviators) Broadside — Offensive to Female Navy Personnel (New: Full Fire Sequence) Chief and Chief of Staff — Native American Cultural Appropriation (New: Leader, Leader of Group) Foxhole — Offensive to Female Infantry Personnel (New: Person Pit) ASDIC — Offensive to Female Navy Personnel (New: Anti-Submarine Sonar ASS)
Military Phonetic Alphabet Changes (Mandatory Immediately)
In addition to the ordered changes in specific military terminology (as listed above), all U.S. Armed Services will immediately start using new Radio Phonetic Call-outs for particular letters of the alphabet. Here are the new Mandatory Radio/Telephone Comms Alphabet terms (with others pending):
“G Golf” (Issue — Golf, favored by white elites, perpetuates systemic racism) Replaced with “G Grim”. “P Papa” (Issue — Not LGBTQ tolerant) Replaced with gender-neutral “P Parent”. “K Kilo” (Issue — Promotes drug trafficking) Replaced with “K Kamala”. “R Romeo” (Issue — Promotes male patriarchy) Replaced with “R Reset”. “W Whisky” (Issue — Promotes alcohol abuse) Replaced with “W Woke”. “Z Zulu” (Issue — Racism, Cultural Appropriation) — Replaced with “Z Zealot”
The phonetic alphabet is a list of words used to identify letters in a message transmitted by radio and/or telephone. The phonetic alphabet can also be signaled with flags, lights, and Morse Code.
Is it Time for Major Changes in Our Military Language?
For many years, U.S. and NATO military leaders have called for progressive, inclusive terminology changes. Here are three recent articles in highly-respected military journals discussing the issue:
We need gender-neutral words to attract female service personnel:
“Why is adopting gender-neutral language so difficult for the Armed Forces? In 2017, a training establishment was widely ridiculed in the press for having suggested a fairly mild list of gender-neutral terms to replace words such as ‘chaps’ and ‘manpower’. Gendered language does more than just give offence[.] The real effects are … insidious, perpetuating stereotypes, damaging recruitment and retention and undermining the ability of the Armed Forces to harness the talents of its people. At the most severe, it affects mental health, damages unit cohesion and undermines operational effectiveness.”
The horrible effects of military-forged toxic masculinity spills over into the business world:
“Military language infused in business systematically elevates traditionally ‘masculine’ qualities and traits as most … valued and important for moving up into the ranks of leadership. Those who don’t fit the mold struggle to rise. The cycle of ‘institutionalized masculinity’ represents a textbook example of how any ‘ism’ becomes institutionalized — racism, sexism, ageism, and anything else that gets ingrained and perpetuated into culture, ultimately reinforcing the status quo and keeping others on the fringe.”
U.S. Male and Female Soldiers Show New Gender-Neutral Combat Uniforms
Along with gender-neutral words, many military leaders now favor gender-neutral uniforms for all personnel. Shown above are U.S. soldiers field-testing a new gender-neutral combat uniform. It is believed that the U.S. Army is seriously considering issuing this type of combat clothing for the U.S. Army Rangers, which will be renamed the “Rangerettes” in accord with President Biden’s Executive Order.
_______________
UK Military leaders agree we must rid the English language of oppressive gendered language:
“Gendered language permeates the very fabric of the UK’s Armed Forces, from personnel answering the phone with ‘Sir’ to the widespread use of terms such as ‘unmanned’ and ‘airman’. The use of language that is male-centric only serves to create an image that the armed forces are made up only of men, when increasingly they are not.
It’s not about being ‘woke’ — Defense consultant Dr. Alex Walmsley said the debate around the use of gendered language is ‘evolving in a good way’ adding that the push to change the language used in defense was not just about ‘being woke’.
The idea of a woman performing a job whose title implies she is a man, even though women are able to serve in every role in the UK’s Armed Forces, means that change is a ‘no-brainer’. It is not a big deal; we’re not asking for HMS Prince of Wales to be called ‘Princess of Wales’, Walmsley pointed out.”
Gendered language is not only damaging to women, but also non-binary or transgender service members and defense industry professionals. Changing the words you use is such a minor thing[.] Retiring the term ‘manpower’ in favor of ‘personnel’ does not suddenly mean the UK can no longer conduct a freedom of navigation exercise in the South China Sea. — Emma Salisbury Ph.D.