Beretta U.S.A. has hired David L. Grange (BG USA Ret.) to serve as its Senior Military Advisor. Grange served 30 years in the U.S. Army, with his final position being Commanding General of the 1st Infantry Division.
“General Grange's remarkable career and breadth of experience provide a level of expertise and understanding of military operations that is very difficult to match,” commented Franco Gussalli Beretta, Executive Vice President of Beretta U.S.A. Corp. “In his capacity at Beretta U.S.A. and through discussions with the Beretta Group of companies worldwide, General Grange will be able to provide us with keen insights into the best way for Beretta to serve as a resource for and solutions provider to the U.S. Armed Forces, both in terms of products, research and development and know-how.”
General Grange's career involved extensive use of various types of firearms. During his military career, General Grange served in the 82nd Airborne Division, the 101st Airborne Division, L Company's 75th Rangers, the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Infantry Divisions, the 5th Special Forces Group, the 158th Aviation Battalion, 1st SFOD-D and the Ranger Regiment. He served as advisor to the 81st Recon Battalion of the Vietnamese Airborne Division and was awarded 3 Silver Stars and 2 Purple Hearts.
“The Beretta Group has invested heavily in this development of state-of-the-art tactical products during the past 30 years, culminating in the new Soldier of the Future ARX160 assault rifle, the detachable and light-weight GLX 160 grenade launcher, Special Forces versions of the Model Px4 pistol (available in 9mm, .40 and .45), the Sako TRG 42 in .338 Lapua Magnum and the Benelli M1014 Joint Services Combat shotgun, as well as the continued development of the famous Beretta M9 9mm pistol,” noted Jeff Reh, Vice-General Manager for Beretta U.S.A. “About 20 years ago we also began an extensive investment in sophisticated research and development capabilities and we have been informed by experts that our abilities now are at the level equal to the most advanced major defense companies in the United States. Our objective is to far exceed the capabilities of small arms competitors and evidence of our success in that regard can be seen in the ARX-160 rifle, but our key aim, of course, is to advance in the most capable manner possible the needs of our U.S. and foreign military customers.”
In his position with Beretta U.S.A., General Grange will directly advise a select committee of top Company executives and other military leaders from around the world, all of whom are assisting the Beretta Group in setting its strategic course in the military arena.
“Beretta is currently celebrating 25 years as the supplier of the M9 pistol as the standard U.S. military sidearm. However, Beretta is not resting on those laurels and is introducing a number of new and innovative products that are geared toward both the military and commercial markets,” noted Reh. “For the Beretta companies to be entering into new efforts of achievement in the military market during a time that would be considered the pinnacle of success for any other company is a sign of how seriously Beretta takes its mission of truly advancing the interests of our military customers. Hiring General Grange to our team not only reflects that commitment but advances our resources significantly.”
