Latest news with #Konicki
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Marines have air defense, but need a way to defeat drone swarms
Marines are fielding a host of options for knocking down airborne threats, from small drones to cruise missiles. Still, what they need is a way to handle potential drone swarms, service officials said. 'The big thing that really keeps me up at night is swarms,' Col. Andrew Konicki, head of ground-based air defense for Marine Corps Systems Command, said at the Modern Day Marine military exposition in Washington on Wednesday. Konicki set the scene with two anecdotes, one from the Ohio State University football game against the University of Maryland in 2023, which was delayed due to a drone over the field. The other was the 2020 Beijing Olympics drone demonstration in which a coordinated drone swarm presented a light show to millions of spectators. This Marine unit now has its own tool to blast drones out of the sky Both presented frightening prospects. The football game could have been a single drone dropping baby powder, which some might worry could be a biological threat, and the Olympics scenario raised questions about how a small Marine unit, or even a lone Marine, would counter hundreds or potentially thousands of drones targeting their position. On the small-drone level, the Marines have deployed 13 of 21 Light Marine Air Defense Integrated Systems, or L-MADIS, over the past three years. That tailored system was fielded to the 3rd Littoral Anti-Air Battalion with the 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment in 2024. It handles group I and II drone threats. Recent fielding of the L-MADIS system with the Marine Expeditionary Units proved effective in maritime environment despite the system being built mainly as a ground-based air defense system, Konicki said. For larger threats, the MADIS, a more powerful version of its light brother, will see seven more systems deployed by September in addition to the 13 already in the inventory, Konicki said. 'The rapid rise of [unmanned aerial systems], used for surveillance, targeting and attacks, has made advanced air defense systems like MADIS critical to protecting our Marines and preserving our combat effectiveness,' Lt. Col. Craig Warner, future weapons systems product manager, said in December 2024. 'MADIS not only detects, tracks and defeats aerial threats but also serves as a powerful deterrent, signaling to adversaries that their aerial assets will not succeed against U.S. forces.' On the even larger end of the spectrum, the Corps expects to field its first platoon with the Medium Range Intercept Capability, or MRIC, an anti-cruise missile system that's proven 'highly effective' in operational testing, the colonel said. Over recent experimentation and operational testing, the Marines have identified key areas to improve. A top priority is defeating swarms, Konicki said. Quickly following are munition-agnostic launch systems, enhanced passive sensing, a dismounted sensing and defeat capability and training support both in virtual and live spaces, he said. The colonel would especially like to see passive sensing capability for the MRIC, he said.
Associated Press
02-04-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Jeremy Witte Appointed CEO of Fast Track IT (BIDFTA.COM) as Former CEO Transitions to Board Role
CINCINNATI, April 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- a leading provider of reverse logistics services as a comprehensive, data-driven, and technology-enabled recommerce platform, is pleased to announce the appointment of Jeremy Witte as Chief Executive Officer, effective April 1, 2025. Mr. Witte is a seasoned professional in the reverse supply chain industry, and military veteran, with more than 15 years of leadership experience. He has led the multi-billion dollar recommerce and reverse logistics businesses of Amazon, Best Buy, and GENCO/FedEx. Additionally, he has had entrepreneurial experience and success co-founding a cross-border trade company that was previously acquired by Pitney Bowes. Mr. Witte's appointment follows the announcement that Greg Konicki, the company's former President, will transition to a new role as a member of the Board of Directors. Mr. Konicki has guided the company through a period of remarkable transformation, and the Board is eager to continue benefiting from his expertise and leadership in this new capacity. The reverse logistics industry is experiencing significant growth and transformation, and unique advantage as a comprehensive, scalable solution is invaluable to both its customers and suppliers. It simultaneously promotes sustainability and reduces landfill waste. Melissa Truong, a member of Board of Directors and Principal at ACON Investments, emphasized this value, commenting, 'Jeremy has a proven track record of success in the reverse logistics industry. His extensive and multifaceted experience in strategic partnerships and operational excellence will be a significant asset as we continue to build on the momentum established under Greg's leadership.' Mr. Konicki expressed his confidence in the transition and Mr. Witte's ability to guide the company into its next phase, remarking, 'I am immensely proud of accomplishments and am confident that the company will continue to thrive under Jeremy's strategic leadership. As I transition to the Board, I look forward to continuing to support the team and contribute to the company's future success.' 'I am honored and excited to assume the role of CEO at a company I have long admired as a pioneer of sustainable inventory recovery and a more circular economy,' said Mr. Witte. 'I eagerly anticipate collaborating with the team, the Board, and our valued partners to continue creating long-term value for our customers and stakeholders in the years to come.' About Founded in 2006, is a leader in reverse logistics offering full-service liquidation, tech-driven tools, and custom partnerships as well as the BidFTA online auctions. The company is dedicated to providing leading retailers with a complete solution for maximizing recovery of excess inventory and returned goods through a secure marketplace while promoting sustainability. The company's efficient, scalable, data-driven and customized client-first solutions simplifies the liquidation process, maximizes recovery and keeps products in circulation rather than in landfills. About ACON Investments, LLC ACON Investments, L.L.C. is a Washington, D.C.-based international private equity investment firm that manages private equity funds and special purpose partnerships that make investments in the United States, Latin America and Europe. With professionals in Washington, D.C., Dallas, Los Angeles, New York, Bogotá, Madrid, Mexico City and São Paulo, ACON has managed $7.2 billion in assets since inception and has a 29-year track record. For more information, visit
