N.R. Jenzen-Jones is the Director of Armament Research Services (ARES), the Editor of Armax: The Journal of Contemporary Arms, and  has held visiting fellowships at Staffordshire University, the University of Northampton, and the Buffalo Bill Center of the West. He maintains a broad focus on how weapons are selected, manufactured, acquired, and employed. Dr Jenzen-Jones is a fellow of the Royal Asiatic Society, a life member of the Ordnance Society, and a member of the International Ammunition Association (IAA), the Society for Libyan Studies (SLS), and the Arms & Armour Society.

Vernon Easley is a retired military analyst and Lead Systems Engineer for government programs. His interest in 19th century Victorian arms and, by extension, indigenous Afghan production of Martini rifles and other firearms of the period, was sparked during the two years he spent in Afghanistan. With access to one of the largest Martini-type rifle collections in the world, Mr. Easley has generated new insights into the identification and interpretation of Martini rifles from around the world.

Photo: James Rupley

Charles Randall is an Associate Researcher with Armament Research Services (ARES) and an Editorial Assistant with Helios House Press. Mr. Randall’s primary research interests are weapons diffusion and circulation, the history and technology of small arms, and militant organisations in the Middle East and Latin America. He also has a keen interest in American foreign policy. He continues to produce original research with ARES.

Jack Shanley is an arms and munitions analyst with a background in security studies. He graduated from the University of St Andrews before joining Armament Research Services (ARES) as an Associate Researcher. Mr Shanley's research fields include military technology and innovation, emergent firearms manufacturing technology, and the proliferation of arms and munitions. He continues to conduct original research into the history of arms production in Afghanistan.

Omer Sayadi is a researcher who studies the weapon markings, symbols, and vexillology of the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia. He holds a Master’s degree in Arabic Language & Islamic Studies from the KU Leuven and writes on historical and contemporary issues such as Islam in Europe and migration. Mr. Sayadi started the MENA Symbolism blog to examine history, politics, symbolism, and society, and continues to produce original research on these and related issues. 

Miles Vining is an Associate Researcher with Armament Research Services (ARES) and the founder of Silah Report. His focus is on historical and contemporary small arms production and use within the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia. After serving in the United States Marine Corps, Mr. Vining graduated from Indiana University with a degree in Central Eurasian Studies. He has conducted substantial fieldwork around the world in support of his research, including living in Kabul.