Special Tactical Services

What Special Tactical Services does

Special Tactical Services, LLC ("STS") is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business founded in 2000 in Virginia Beach/Chesapeake, Virginia that designs, manufactures, and supplies weapons mounting systems, ballistic protection products, and related tactical services primarily to U.S. Government agencies and defense contractors. The company's engineered product lines include MIL-SPEC weapon mounts (MK93, MK97, M157 bufferless, MK82), foreign weapon mounts (DShK, PKM, NSV), custom mounts (SIG LMG 6.8/7.62/.338 cradles, HILUX/LC79 mounts), tripods and stands (MK16, MK38, MK123, M3 series), swing arms, and patented ballistic protection systems (Ballistic Weapon Stand and Modular Armored Security Shield System, the latter certified NIJ Level 4 / UL Level 8). Manufacturing is performed in an ISO 9001:2015-certified facility using CAD design, CNC laser cutting, and a NAVSEA-approved Fluidized Bed powder coat process, with materials spanning AR500 armor plate, 7075 aerospace aluminum, 4130 alloy, 17-4 stainless, and 1020 alloy series steels.

The company operates three revenue streams: hardware product sales, professional training services, and professional services including armed security teams and ballistics testing. Hardware is procured by U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, USSOCOM, and U.S. Coast Guard customers via the SeaPort-e IDIQ contract (N00178-19-D-8551) and direct quote requests, with order types spanning CPFF, CPIF, CPAF, FFP, and FPIF. Training programs cover firearms, foreign weapons, crew served weapons, and instructor development, delivered to military, law enforcement, and private security personnel. Armed Security Team services have supported hundreds of high-risk commercial vessel transits through pirate-infested waters since 2009. Ballistics testing, ammunition testing, and firearms testing are conducted through subsidiary STS Armaments, LLC for R&D, certification, and quality control applications.

The leadership team is combat-arms heavy: President & CEO Dale McClellan is a former Navy SEAL (BUD/S Class 1991, SEAL Team Eight with Mogadishu deployment), EVP Mark Pierson brings prior tenures at M2 Corporation, Bigelow Aerospace, and Garrett AiResearch, and VP Dustin Stodolak is a 14-year Navy Riverine veteran and former Norfolk Naval Brig corrections officer. The company holds three patents and has received third-party ballistic certification from HP White Laboratories. STS has executed over 25 years of operations with reported sustained growth, though headcount remains in the 1-10 employee range.

Name

Special Tactical Services

Legal name

Special Tactical Services, LLC

Website

https://spectacserv.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2000

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business founded in 2000 that designs, manufactures, and supplies MIL-SPEC weapons mounts, ballistic armor systems, and tactical training and armed security services primarily to U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, USSOCOM, and U.S. Coast Guard.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Defense Weapon Systems and Ballistic Protection

NAICS

Military Armored Vehicle, Tank, and Tank Component Manufacturing (336992)

SIC

Ordnance & Accessories, (No Vehicles/Guided Missiles) (3480)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYIMABAJAI

Turrets, Remote Weapon Stations (RWS) & Armament Integration

Industrials, Manufacturing & Construction/Aerospace & Defense Manufacturing/Ground Defense Vehicles & Armored Systems

Keywords

• Military weapon mounts
• Ballistic shield systems
• Firearms tactical training
• Armed security teams
• Armaments research testing

Headquarters

HQ city

Virginia Beach

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Government Product Contracts: STS provides weapons mounts, ballistic protection systems, and associated equipment to U.S. Government agencies and defense contractors through IDIQ contracts such as SeaPort-e (N00178-19-D-8551). Order types include CPFF, CPIF, CPAF, FFP, and FPIF. Products are manufactured to mil-spec and NATO standards.
2. Training Services: Firearms, tactical, foreign weapons, crew served weapons, and instructor development courses provided to military, law enforcement, and private security personnel. Custom-designed programs for individual and unit requirements.
3. Armed Security Teams: STS provides armed security teams aboard U.S. and non-U.S. flagged vessels transiting High Risk Waters to counter piracy threats, protecting commercial shipping interests. Services have supported hundreds of high-risk transits through pirate-infested waters.
4. Armament Research & Ballistics Testing: Ballistics testing and specialized testing services for research and development, engineering validation, certification, and quality control of electro-optical sensor systems, targeting systems, personal protective and vehicle armor systems, remote weapons stations, and engineered materials. Includes long range ballistics, ammunition, and firearms testing.
5. Product Sales (Gun Mounts & Shields): Sale of manufactured gun mounts, pedestals, tripods, stands, swing arms, ballistic shields, and modular armor systems. Products are sold as one-time purchases to government and defense contractor customers, with some items carrying NSNs for military procurement.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Special Tactical Services designs, manufactures, and supplies mil-spec weapon mounts (MK93, MK97, M157, MK82, foreign weapon mounts for DShK/PKM/NSV, custom SIG LMG cradles), tripods/pedestals/swing arms including the patented 360 Degree Pintle Mount, and patented ballistic protection systems (BWS, MASS). The company also delivers firearms/tactical training, crew-served weapons training, instructor development, armaments research and ballistics testing, and armed security teams for high-risk vessel transits, primarily to U.S. Government and defense contractor customers via the SeaPort-e IDIQ contract vehicle.

Product overview

Special Tactical Services is a veteran-owned small business providing a comprehensive portfolio of weapons systems, ballistic protection, training, and testing services primarily to U.S. Government agencies, defense contractors, and select private entities. The product portfolio centers on military-specification gun mounts (MK93, MK97, M157, MK82) and foreign weapon mounts (DShK, PKM, NSV) for land and maritime applications, complemented by custom weapon mount solutions (SIG LMG cradles, Hilux mounts), tripods and stands (MK16, MK38, MK123, M3), and swing arm systems including the patented 360-degree pintle mount. Ballistic protection includes the patented Ballistic Weapon Stand (BWS) and Modular Armored Security Shield System (MASS) offering NIJ Level 4 / UL Level 8 protection. Services include firearms and tactical training programs, foreign weapons training, crew served weapons training, instructor development courses, armament research and ballistics testing, and armed security team services for maritime high-risk transit protection. All manufacturing is conducted in an ISO 9001:2015-certified facility.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• STS Armaments, LLC: Ballistics testing and specialized testing services for research and development, engineering validation, certification and quality control of electro-optical sensor systems, targeting systems, personal protective and vehicle armor systems, and weapons.

Products and services

• MK93 MOD 2 & 4 Machine Gun Mount Battle-tested buffered gun mount accepting the M2 series .50 caliber machine gun and MK19 MOD3 40mm grenade launcher. Commonly used with the Universal Pintle Adapter (UPA) and Traverse and Elevation Mechanism (T&E). Adapters available for M240/M249 and M60 series weapons.
• MK97 Mod 0 Gun Mount Assembly Machine gun mount for M240 or M249 series machine guns with integrated ammunition can holder for NATO standard 200-round 7.62mm ammunition cans. Compatible with MK16 MOD8/MOD9 stands, MK38 mounts, and various vehicle and boat mounting sockets.
• M157 Bufferless Gun Mount Bufferless gun mount for M2HB/M2A1/M2A2 series .50 caliber machine guns and MK19 40mm grenade launcher. Reduces weight and increases weapon reliability through bufferless design that mitigates mount-induced harmonic interference. Optional adapters enable use with M60, M240, and M249 variants.
• MK82 Weapon Mount Weapon mount for M60 machine gun, available in stainless steel or 4130 with powdercoat or CARC finish. Features interchangeable pintles, 200-round ammo can holder, stow pin, and travel lock.
• Universal Pintle Adapter (UPA) Adapter for use with MK93 Mod 2 weapon mount in vehicle/turret configurations. Features friction lock collar for lateral movement control and elevation friction knob for elevation adjustments.
• Traverse & Elevation Mechanism (T&E) Device enabling small accurate one mil adjustment to elevation and azimuth of MK93 Mod 2 Machine Gun Mount. Connects Universal Pintle Adapter and MK93 Mod 2 mount.
• DShK Mount High strength, corrosion resistant 17-4 Stainless Steel mount for DShK machinegun. Compatible with ground tripods, gun pedestals, swing arms, or turret configurations with standard US Government naval pintle.
• PKM Mount High strength, corrosion resistant 17-4 Stainless Steel mount for Russian PKM machinegun. Compatible with ground tripods, gun pedestals, swing arms, or turret configurations with standard US Government size small pintle.
• NSV Mount High strength, corrosion resistant 17-4 Stainless Steel mount for Russian NSV machinegun. Compatible with ground tripods, gun pedestals, swing arms, or turret configurations with standard US Government size small pintle.
• Hilux Weapon Mount Designed for HILUX and LC79 Land Cruiser, attaches to headache rack and accepts US Government large pintle.
• SIG LMG 6.8 Cradle Assembly Designed for SIG LMG 6.8 featuring weapon cradle, adapter bracket, and ammo can holder. Constructed of high strength aluminum and stainless steel.
• SIG MG .338 Cradle Assembly Designed for SIG MG .338 featuring weapon cradle, adapter bracket, and ammo can holder. Constructed of high strength aluminum and stainless steel.
• WM10100 Swing Arm Built from aerospace grade 7075 aluminum with dual adjustable friction locks, travel lock, and tether-less pins with direct retention. Mounts on standard straight bore small pintle for vehicles, pedestals, guard booths, guard towers, and defensive fighting positions. Compatible with MK97, WM10029, and WM10051 Cradle Assemblies supporting M249, M240, SIG LMG 6.8, and SIG LMG 7.62.
• 360 Degree Universal Pintle Mount Toolless universal mounting solution designed by former Tier 1 Special Operations personnel for ground mobility vehicles with tubular chassis. Fielded to USSOCOM under LTATV program, compatible with Polaris MRZR, MRZR-D, MRZR-ALPHA and DAGOR platforms with 1.50–2.00 tubular roll cage. Rotates 360 degrees and can be mounted on vertical or horizontal tube. Patent: US 10,794,654 B2.
• MK38 Pedestal Mount Pedestal system designed for MK93 mount accepting all weapon mounts with standard Navy or Army pintle. Ideal for ECP, vehicle and maritime applications. Available in 316 stainless steel or 1020 alloy series steel with 8-position height-adjustable pedestal option.
• MK16 MOD 8 Stand Manufactured using corrosive resistant materials with powdercoat finish. Accepts standard Naval pintle (medium) with pintle lock and safety cut-away train stop limiting weapon arc of fire.
• MK16 MOD 0 Tripod

Quantifiable outcome

• Hundreds of high-risk vessel transits completed through pirate-infested waters without injury, loss, or unfavorable publicity
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature7 records

Partnerships

Four partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSTS 360 Degree Universal Pintle Mount was designed in consultation with former Tier 1 Special Operations personnel and has been fielded to USSOCOM under the LTATV (Light Tactical All-Terrain Vehicle) program. The mount is compatible with Polaris MRZR, MRZR-D, MRZR-ALPHA and DAGOR platforms. This partnership validates STS's capability to design and manufacture mission-critical equipment for elite special operations forces.
• U.S. Coast Guard (USCG)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSpecial Tactical Services is proud to supply the U.S. Coast Guard with advanced armor systems for their unique maritime applications. The USCG relies on STS for modular ballistic protection systems rated at NIJ Level 4 and UL Level 8, as well as gun mount systems for maritime and vessel operations.
• U.S. Navy (NAVSEA / NAVAIR / SPAWAR / NAVSUP / NAVFAC / ONR)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSTS holds SeaPort-e IDIQ contract N00178-19-D-8551 with authorized users across multiple Navy and Marine Corps commands including Naval Sea Systems Command, Naval Air Systems Command, Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command, Naval Supply Systems Command, Military Sealift Command, Strategic Systems Programs, Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Office of Naval Research, and US Marine Corps. STS experience spans Naval Expeditionary Combat Command, Defense Criminal Investigative Services, Department of State Worldwide Protective Service, Marine Corps Training and Advisory Group, Naval Mobile Dive and Salvage, Naval Mobile Security Group, Navy Maritime Civil Affairs Security Teams, Navy Riverine Group, Special Warfare Combatant-Craft Crewman, US Navy Center for Security Forces, and USMC Forces Special Operations Command.
• Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA)coreTechnology or IntegrationNAVSEA approved Fluidized Bed powder coat process is used for finishing STS products. STS products reference NAVSEA-approved specifications, and NSWC Dahlgren serves as the SeaPort-e Contracting Office.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Broad incumbents

• Aimpoint Inc. Aimpoint is a global incumbent in weapon-mounted optics and accessories for military, law enforcement, and sport shooting. While primarily known for red-dot sights, Aimpoint's mount ecosystem overlaps with STS's pintle- and weapon-mount integration capabilities.
• SureFire, LLC: SureFire is a larger established tactical manufacturer whose product portfolio of weapon lights, sound suppressors, and weapon accessories overlaps STS's MIL-SPEC mount and accessory business for U.S. military and law enforcement, although SureFire operates at substantially broader scale and scope.
• Daniel Defense: Daniel Defense is a larger manufacturer of complete rifles and weapon accessories for the U.S. military and law enforcement. While broader than STS in finished weapon offerings, Daniel Defense competes for the same government procurement dollars in tactical weapons and accessories categories.

Direct peers

• Dryad Global: Dryad Global (formerly Dryad Maritime) provides maritime security risk management and armed security services for commercial shipping in high-risk regions, directly comparable to STS Armed Security Teams' piracy-counter-transit offering.
• GG&G Inc. GG&G manufactures weapon accessories and tactical equipment for military and law enforcement, including mounts, rails, sling attachments, and accessories for crew-served weapons—the same category of products STS supplies to Navy and Marine Corps users.
• Wilcox Industries: Wilcox Industries designs and manufactures ruggedized weapon mounts, night-vision mounting solutions, and tactical accessories for U.S. Special Operations Forces and broader DoD, overlapping STS's weapon mount and integration offerings, particularly for the USSOCOM-aligned pintle mount line.
• Knight's Armament Company: Knight's Armament is a major supplier of weapons, suppressors, and accessories to U.S. Special Operations Forces and other DoD customers. KAC's product line overlaps STS in weapon accessories, lightweight mounts, and integration hardware for elite military units.
• ProTech Tactical: ProTech manufactures MIL-SPEC weapon mounts including the MK93 Mod 2, M2/MK19 buffered mounts, and pedestals for U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard use, directly overlapping STS's mil-spec weapon mount product line. Image assets on the STS website reference Protech product codes, suggesting close distribution or co-manufacturing alignment.
• Protection Group International: Protection Group International provides armed maritime security services for commercial vessels transiting high-risk waters, directly overlapping STS's Armed Security Teams business line for anti-piracy vessel protection.
• KNS Precision, Inc. KNS Precision manufactures precision accessories for military and civilian weapon platforms, including rails, mounts, and recoil systems. KNS is comparable in scale and customer base to STS's mount and accessory product line for small arms and crew-served weapons.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

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Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Special Tactical Services