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Archive for July, 2008

Wilcox Industries Modular Fire Control System

Thursday, July 31st, 2008

With this sight, Wilcox has combined the simplicity of the leaf sight with a laser range finder and anti-cant device. Due to the flight characteristics of currently fielded 40MM rounds even small aiming errors are amplified into big misses. Additionally, environmental conditions such as barometric pressure and temperature as well as the inclination of the weapon system can have a significant impact on the range to target, and ultimately accuracy.

The Wilcox Modular Fire Control System (FCS) is designed for use with the HK GLM (M320) as well as both the Colt M203 9” QD and 12” Barrels. The FCS Laser Gimbal automatically articulates the aiming laser to indicate the proper weapon elevation necessary to match the trajectory of 40mm grenade in flight to hit its intended target when the operator lases the target. After establishing the actual range to target, the ballistic computer takes real time data from built-in sensors and gives the shooter the additional capability of establishing a more accurately compensated range to target, designated as “Ballistic Range”, for a first round hit capability. The Ballistic Range Indicator blinks, indicating a good fix of the target. The grenadier can then verify by touching the remote pressure pad. Pressing a second time rotates the Laser Gimbal and articulates the Aiming Laser to the proper angle to engage the target. The grenadier then simply aligns the laser to the target and fires. A double tap cancels the process to start over. This complete operation can be accomplished in a couple of seconds.

Note the integral leaf sight designed by H&K with 50m graduated increments.

A mode selection knob found at the bottom right of the control panel allows the operator to select from eight possible modes of operation:
- IR Laser High with Range Finder
- IR Laser Low with Range Finder
- IR Laser Low Only
- IR Laser High Only
- Visible Laser and Range Finder
- Visible Laser Only
- Range Finder Only
- Off

The details are awesome. Even the objective lens of the FCS features an anti-reflective coating shrouded with Tenebraex honey comb for off angle flash protection. Naturally it mounts to any Mil-Std-1913 rails and is fastened via two thumb nuts. It weighs in under 20 oz and is waterproof to 1.5m. It is powered by a single CR123 but we do not have any date on battery life yet. The Modular Fire Control System comes standard in Black but may be special ordered in Tan.

For more information and a list of retailers contact Wilcox Industries.

All photos courtesy Wilcox Industries.

Tags: M203, M320, Wilcox Industries
Posted in weapons | No Comments »

Any Situation Always Prepared High Protein Meal Replacement by Never Quit Industries

Wednesday, July 30th, 2008

NQI recently sent us some samples of their Any Situation Always Prepared High Protein Meal Replacement. Tasty, mmmm…chocolate, how can you go wrong with chocolate? They have also developed a mocha flavored mix and it should be available soon.

The well designed packet is its own drink pouch. You simply tear off the top, open the resealable strip and pour in 10-12 oz of water. Then you shake vigorously holding both the top and bottom of the pouch and voila; a tasty beverage. No mess, no fuss and you can drink on the go.

ASAP provides 325 calories per serving. The chart below covers nutritional information.

ASAP is not only fantastic as a meal supplement when all you are eating is MREs but it is perfect for an E&E kit. In fact, most of the users we spoke with are purchasing them for go bags. One issue such potential users need to keep in mind is shelf life and NQI publishes some very specific guidance.

Deg In Fahrenheit Shelf Life In Months

120………………………………………1
110………………………………………5
100………………………………………22
90 ………………………………………55
80 ………………………………………76
70 ………………………………………100
60 ………………………………………130

Price is reasonable. A case of 20 packets goes for 59.95.

To order contact Never Quite Industries.

Posted in Sustainment | No Comments »

Advance Tactical Camera Available Now from US Cav

Tuesday, July 29th, 2008

Seeing is Believing with the Advanced Tactical Camera
New rugged and lightweight device aids training and provides accountability

Radcliff, KY (March 7, 2008) – U.S. Cavalry, the world’s leading multi-channel distributor for Military,
Law Enforcement and Homeland Security communities, now carries the lightweight and ultra-portable, Advanced Tactical Camera from Pacific Concepts.

The crucial record of events in any use of force scenario can prove disastrous if you aren’t armed with the unbiased eye of a video camera. Now video capability is portable! Weighing only 7 ozs., including batteries, SD card and mounting, the Advanced Tactical Camera (ATC) is ready to attach to your weapon or helmet.

Anyone who has used a digital camera will be instantly familiar with the operation of the ATC. Using a 2Gb SD media card, the ATC can record an hour of VHS quality video (640 x 480 resolution) at 30 frames per second. Included cables allow you to download video straight to your computer or simply connect to a television and use the camera for playback. Two AA batteries provide up to 2 hours of capture time.

Although consumer video cameras of this type do exist, the ATC was engineered specifically for military
and law customers to withstand the harsh recoil of a weapon. Totally self-contained, the device is also waterproof up to 10 feet and offers protection against sand and other debris from internal O-rings.

The Advanced Tactical Camera is a perfect and inexpensive tool for training and accountability in real mission deployments. The ATC has already been put to use in a number of exciting ways, such as: cell extractions, high-risk warrants and less-lethal encounters. Additionally, it has been used by the military on the southern U.S border as well as in Afghanistan.

The Advanced Tactical Camera is in stock and ready for order. To see video demos of the product and for additional technical details, visit: US Cav or call 1.800.200.9455.

Tags: US Cav
Posted in Gadgets | No Comments »

Reed Knight Presented Top 10 Army Inventions of 2007 Award

Tuesday, July 29th, 2008

Titusville, Florida: On Thursday June 12, 2008 the Commanding General of the U.S. Army Material Command and the U.S. Army Vice Chief of Staff awarded C. Reed Knight Jr., owner of Knight’s Armament Company of Titusville, Florida one of the Army’s “Top Ten Greatest Inventions of 2007″ award in a ceremony held in Arlington, Virginia.

The award was presented to Mr. Knight for the M110 7.62mm Semi-Automatic Sniper System (SASS) that was Type Classified by the Army in 2007.

Knight Armament Company initially won the Army program to develop and field a new sniper rifle system during 2005 in a hotly contested competition against some of the bigger and well known names in the gun industry. However, Knight’s ability to beat all others during months of rigorous army testing was partly due to the maturity of their existing design- the Mk 11 Mod 0 Sniper Rifle System officially adopted by the U.S. Navy for the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) in 2000. That was when Knight’s had less than 100 employees and was located in Vero Beach, Florida. But since the Gulf War has ended, they have moved to Titusville Florida, creating 350 new job opportunities; while greatly expanding their production capability by about 10 times.

“When we read the Army’s SASS requirement prior to the 2005 competitive selection, we knew that we were already close to achieving what the Army wanted by modifying the rifle we were currently building for USSOCOM,” so said Mr. C. Reed Knight Jr., “so we designed and incorporated some new features that the Army advertised they needed.” But what is really neat about this award is that it’s the result of thousands of soldiers voting for our rifle. Nine other items also received enough votes to make this top ten ranking, but Knight’s was totally privately developed and funded whereas many others were government funded-and Knight’s was the only rifle selected.

The completeness of this “kit” was another advantage Knight’s was able to gain through its many years of supporting this type mission with specialized sniper rifles for other elite services, accessories designed for tactical dominance, state-of-the-art night vision solutions, and sound suppressors to name a few.

The M110 SASS delivers precision, rapid fire on targets,and enables execution of operational missions not possible using the current weapon system.High capacity, ammo configurable, quick change magazines enable suppressed, increased rate of fire precision lethality against personal targets and light material targets. This capability allows for more rapid and focused engagements on several targets with multiple follow-on shots. The SASS is the first U.S. Army weapon system that integrates a quick attach/detach sound suppressor to aid with Warfighter survivability.

More information on the entire line of Knights products can be found here.

Tags: KAC, M110, PEO-Soldier
Posted in PEO-Soldier, weapons | 1 Comment »

Norotos Releases New Mount

Monday, July 28th, 2008

Norotos just released the new AKA2 HMA mount, their latest in an evolutionary family of helmet mounts for Night Vision Goggles. The AKA2 was developed by Norotos using Internal R&D Dollars and not to satisfy a Government solicitation. Their goal was reduce NVG “wobble” to almost zero. The second goal was to develop a “universal” mount. As most of our readers know there are currently three types of mounts to attach NVGs to helmets: 1-hole, 3-Hole and Ratchet Strap. This will help control manufacturing costs and assist the end-user who may change Night Vision Systems during a rotation to theater.

Using two different sockets the AKA2 HMA mount is compatible with PVS-7 and PVS-14 as well as the PVS-15, PVS-18, and PVS-21. The sockets can be swapped out at the touch of a button. In addition to its versatility, the mount also features vertical adjustment, tilt adjustment, and eye relief.

The Universal Shroud can be fitted to a MICH/ACH, LWH, or CVC in three different ways:
1. Navy-style 3-hole
2. Army-style 1 hole
3. Optional ratchet strap

For more information contact Norotos.

Tags: Norotos
Posted in Gadgets, Helmets | No Comments »

Name That Jacket Contest Details

Monday, July 28th, 2008

See the entire article here.

The owner of Wild Things Marie, is looking for your help in naming both of these jackets. The winning entry will receive a jacket as prize.

Contest Rules:

- One entry per contestant

- Name BOTH jackets

- Marie decides the winner

- Winner will be announced here

- In the event more than one contestant submits the same winning entry date of email will decide the winner

- Winner receives a jacket as prize

- Only one winner for the contest

- Contest ends 31 July, 2008 at 11:59 PM

- Send all entries to: Marie Meunier-Bouchard.

For more information on their entire line go to Wild Things.

Tags: Wild Things
Posted in Clothing | No Comments »

Off-Duty Part IV – Arborwear

Sunday, July 27th, 2008

We have been wearing Arborwear for years and we aren’t alone. Although designed for the arborist, their hard wearing clothes have had a cult following in the contractor community for quite some time. Additionally, they have been a favorite of military personnel who do not wear uniforms due to mission requirements. Some brands stand out in a crowd, Arborwear doesn’t.

The one place Arborwear does stand out, is in the fit department. The entire Arborwear line has a very distinctive fit and nothing else we have ever tried has been as comfortable. While other brands offer freedom of movement with stretch fabrics, Arborwear does it with design. Their trousers all have a large gusset which was designed to ensure freedom of movement for lumberjacks who spent a great deal of time climbing trees. Additionally, unlike some brands, Arborwear takes great pains to ensure a consistent fit between styles as well as production runs.

Arborwear Tech Pants

In particular, we prefer the Tech Pant, a cargo style work trouser. They are offered in three colors: Forest Green, Driftwood, and Dark Grey. Although many would feel the Forest Green color is a bit deep for most applications, the Driftwood resembles Flat Dark Earth and blends in well with many other earth tones. Unfortunately, the Dark Grey is almost Black and picks up a great deal of lint due to the soft fabric so they may not be the best color for tactical applications. The Tech Pants have a soft hand and are very comfortable. You wouldn’t know that they were made from Nylon. The Tech Pant is the trouser of choice for range work around Soldier Systems Blog. However, the entire line is made up of the most comfortable and durable work clothing we have found.

For more information contact Arborwear. Additionally, AFMO has Arborwear on GSA.

Tags: Arborwear
Posted in Clothing, Off-Duty | No Comments »

Darn Tough Vermont Socks

Saturday, July 26th, 2008

A relative newcomer to “tactical” hosiery, Darn Tough Vermont makes one heck of a sock. For over 30 years the Cabot Hosiery Mill in Northfield, Vermont has made socks, but for everybody else. Five years ago they decided to launch their own brand and within a year the “Darn Tough Vermont” brand hit the market. They immediately began to work with members of the military to develop socks that meet the unique demands that service members face each day.

They have a sock for everything from PT to mountainous cold weather environments. They have filled both individual as well as unit orders for both conventional as well as special operations forces of all services in addition to Federal law enforcement agencies.

Three components make Darn Tough Vermont socks stand out: premium quality yarns, exacting manufacturing standards, and unique knitting techniques. Merino wool is their material of choice. They can be worn in almost any climate and will keep the end user comfortable no matter how hard he sweats. Additionally, Merino is naturally anti-microbial, suppressing the growth of foot fungus, is warm even when wet, and naturally Flame Resistant. The consumer line is knit with 100% 21.5 fine gauge Merino wool from New Zealand but any of the socks can be manufactured to Berry compliance. For example, their Army Aviator sock on the RFI program is Berry Compliant as well as the Marine Corps sock.

When we spoke with Darn Tough Vermont they made an excellent point. The modern Soldier wears and carries over $11,000 worth of equipment. So why would you provide low-quality footwear? The foot is the foundation of the Warrior and our Warriors deserve the best.

Merino Wool Micro Crew Cushion

For more information contact Darn Tough Vermont. Additionally, the entire Darn Tough Vermont line is available on GSA.

Tags: Darn Tough Vermont
Posted in Boots, Clothing | 3 Comments »

Equipped.com

Saturday, July 26th, 2008

Check ‘em out – equipped.com. ‘Nuff said.

Tags: SERE
Posted in Gadgets | No Comments »

NIJ Releases New Body Armor Standard

Friday, July 25th, 2008

http://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/223054.pdf

One important statement was placed in the Forward.

“Publication of this revision of the standard does not invalidate or render unsuitable any body armor models previously determined by NIJ to be compliant to either the NIJ 2005 Interim Requirements or the NIJ Standard–0101.04 Rev. A Requirements. While it may not necessary to remove these existing armors from service, agencies are advised to always require their procurements to meet or exceed the most recent and up-to-date version of this standard.”

One reader’s initial perusal identified the following changes:

1. Removal of Type I standard
2. New as well as conditioned armor shall be tested
3. Type IIA projectile velocities higher
4. Ranges for all velocities (acceptable velocity error levels), new velocities for most levels is “(old value+error) +/- error” …so the mins are the same as the old values
5. New level added – Type IIIA for high powered handguns (.357 SIG and .44 mag)
6. Added diagram for helping determine penetration depth – just a format change to the document
7. Requirements added for testing systems with and w/o plates “in conjunction armor” when the inserts are removable
8. Changed the terms used for designating penetration
9. Multiple sizes of armor vests shall be tested
10. Conditioning requires tumbling vest and humidity/water exposure

Tags: NIJ
Posted in Armor | No Comments »

McNett Z-Mask

Friday, July 25th, 2008

Soldiers face difficulty in getting sound sleep. They are often required to sleep while in transit of during odd hours due to shift work. A good eye shade can help but so many of them look like they belong in the boudoir and not the barracks.

The folks at McNett recently released their newest product, the Z-Mask. It is designed to block out light yet give your eyes some room to roam while in REM sleep the Z-Mask to help ensure a good rest.

The Z-Mask is available in Black as well as UCP.

Available from McNett.

Photos courtesy McNett

Tags: McNett, Zmask
Posted in Sustainment | 3 Comments »

Eagle Industries Launches New Law Enforcement “LE” Product Line

Friday, July 25th, 2008

St. Louis, MO – Eagle Industries today announces the launch of its new, Eagle-branded “LE” product line specifically designed to meet the needs of the law enforcement community.

Eagle Industries has a long history of success providing high quality, trusted gear to law enforcement officials. The new “LE” product line marks the first time that the company has offered a comprehensive catalogue of Eagle-branded nylon gear uniquely designed to meet the needs of the law enforcement community.

“Eagle has for thirty years operated with ‘Quality by Design’ as our guiding principle,” said Eagle Industries Vice President Scott Carver. “By creating the new LE Division, we are able to better focus our development and design resources on understanding and responding to the needs of our loyal customers from the law enforcement community.”

The LE Division of Eagle Industries offers police tactical nylon products ranging from ballistic vests to equipment bags and pouches to holsters and other accessories. LE Division products are made of U.S. materials and assembled at an Eagle Industries-owned facility in the Dominican Republic.

“By establishing an assembly operation in the Dominican Republic, Eagle is certain to remain competitive in the law enforcement, homeland security, private label and international markets,” said Eagle Industries Director of Law Enforcement Programs Ben Lenett. “Owning and operating the facility allows us to maintain control over the quality of our products and our production schedule to best serve the needs of our law enforcement customers.”

Eagle Industries’ LE Division products are made from U.S.-produced materials, in line with the company’s commitment to domestic sourcing.

About Eagle Industries
Eagle Industries is a world leader in tactical nylon gear for the military and law enforcement community. Headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, Eagle Industries began its business in 1974 in the owner’s basement and was incorporated in 1982. Today, Eagle Industries employs more than 2,300 people worldwide and manufactures and distributes more than 5,000 products. Eagle Industries continues to abide by its “Quality By Design” guiding principle and remains a family-owned and managed company. For more information, visit www.eagleindustries.com.

Posted in Armor, PALS | No Comments »

PCU Alternate Source of Supply

Thursday, July 24th, 2008

ADS and Beyond Tactical are proud to announce that they are beginning to offer the complete Protective Combat Uniform in the issue Ranger Green as well as Coyote. Available as an entire kit or as individual components, this is an excellent opportunity for units requiring PCU out of the procurement cycle as well as for units or individuals that wish to upgrade their current environmental clothing system. In addition to standard sizes, customers will be able to take advantage of Beyond’s custom sizing program. Originally conceived in the fall of 2001 by PM-SSS in order to satisfy an urgent need for operational clothing to combat the environment of Afghanistan, PCU is a clothing system consisting of seven levels used in concert with one another based on activity and environment.

ADS has gone one step further by developing an excellent DVD which provides an overview of PCU components and their use as well as some excellent background on the system’s design philosophy by the “Godfather” of PCU; Mark Twight. In concert with Kwikpoint, makers of the waterproof basic language guides currently in use in theater, ADS is offering a pocket users guide describing PCU components, environmental conditions and a wheel to help the user correlate components with conditions. This has been needed for a long time and is a must for even current users of multi-component environmental clothing systems.

The user guide is available from Kwikpoint.

Look for a future article with more details on PCU.

Contact ADS or Beyond Tactical for more information.

User guide graphics property of Kwikpoint.

Tags: ADS, Beyond Tactical, Mark Twight, PCU
Posted in ADS, Clothing, PM-SSS, Training | No Comments »

Contacting Soldier Systems Blog

Thursday, July 24th, 2008

We often get queries from aspiring writers wondering if we accept guest authors. We do. Contact the Editor with your article idea. However, as this is a non-wealth generating pursuit there will be no payment.

Interested parties can contact Soldier Systems Blog at admin@soldiersystems.net.

The admin stuff:

Inclusion of products or information on Soldier Systems Blog is for informational purposes only and in no way construed as an endorsement unless otherwise stated.

All content is copyright 2008 Soldier Systems Blog unless otherwise credited. Further use of content is prohibited unless specific permission is provided by Soldier Systems Blog. Corporate logos for companies featured on Soldier Systems Blog are the property of their respective owners and are used solely for illustrative purposes.

Posted in Admin | No Comments »

Supply Captain IR ID Devices

Wednesday, July 23rd, 2008

Supply Captain is run by a Veteran US Army Quartermaster officer Mark Ciaglia. Frustration in finding Soldier Systems items inspired Mark to open his own business with his wife Melinda. They specialize in products such as 550 cord, custom pouches, as well IR Infrared patches and badges. They are manufacturers of an entire gamut of IR Combat ID devices including squares, flags, MP, unit patches, blood tapes, and unit ID’s. That’s right, unit patches, and what’s more, they will do custom items. All of their IR products have been tested and approved by Natick Labs for use by US Army, Marines, Air Force and Navy units. One important issue is that these devices are covered by ITAR and you must be a registered Military or LE user with Supply Captain in order to purchase their IR products.

For more information contact .

Tags: Combat ID
Posted in Gadgets | No Comments »

TAG Releasable Plate Carrier

Tuesday, July 22nd, 2008

Recently TAG introduced the Rampage, a split front plate carrier designed to accommodate any size trauma plate. The carrier has a removable cummerbund as well as removable side plate pouches. Designed to accept a soft armor package, the split front allows you to quickly don and doff the carrier via side entry.

Rampage Plate Carrier

TAG has also released the Rampage Armor Package, a Level IIIA soft armor made of 100% Twaron exclusively for TAG by International Armor. The Rampage Soft Armor includes the front panel, back panel, and cummerbund armor and weighs 2lbs 12oz.

New Releasable Plate Carrier

But TAG didn’t stop there. Almost immediately they began work on the next evolutionary step in Plate Carriers; Releasability. TAG combined their highly successful vest cut away system with the innovative design of the Rampage. Soldier Systems Daily had a chance to view the design last week and we are very excited about the potential. We have always been a fan of their cut away and appreciate the engineering that went into the design. You can see the cut away pillow at the neckline just above the flag. They have also integrated non-skid panels in order to provide a stable platform for small arms. This new carrier is poised to be released soon.

For more information contact Tactical Assault Gear.

Tags: Plate Carrier, TAG
Posted in Armor | No Comments »

Wild Things “Name That Jacket” Contest

Monday, July 21st, 2008

Last week we met with Wild Things owner Marie Meunier-Bouchard. Marie is a lifelong climber having begun mountaineering in her native French Alps at age 14. She combined her love of climbing with a desire to build better products and founded Wild Things, named after the book, “Where the Wild Things Are” with her ex-Husband, John Bouchard. Vermont-based Wild Things is a longtime supporter of the military. Their designs have been used for years in the SOF community. But recently they have gained prominence in the Soldier Systems industry by designing and manufacturing the Gen III ECWCS Level VII Loft layer for the US Army. A slightly modified variant of the Level VII garment has been dubbed the “Happy Suit” by the Marines and included in a developmental Cold Weather Clothing System. Both of these garments are also available from ADS.

Some of the most exciting things that Marie showed us were two recently released new jackets designed for the Soldier Systems market. Essentially they are different versions of the same jacket with the exception of materials. One is FR and the other is not. The price on the Basic jacket is phenomenal, just under $100 direct. The FR version is 100% FR, shell, lining, insulation, and zipper so naturally the price is going to be a bit higher but wasn’t available yet at press time. Intended to replace levels 3 and 4 in Gen III ECWCS, these jackets are simple yet elegant. A lot of thought was put into the design by a house that always been at the forefront of new, promising fabrics. There aren’t extraneous bells and whistles on either of these jackets and the casual observer wouldn’t appreciate the design features incorporated into these garments until he wore it. Every design element makes sense from a functional point of view. These jackets a practical application of the Ultra-LightWeight movement in combat clothing. They combine the practicality of more than one other garment and each feature is there solely for function.

Manufactured with a face fabric of Polyester microfiber, the Basic jacket features a quilted Primaloft insulation, the same material found in both PCU and Gen III ECWCS. The rear hem is elastic in order to keep it taught and prevent cold air or snow from entering the jacket. There are two slash handwarmer pockets on the front of the jacket and a single interior pocket on the left chest. The hand warmer pockets are lined with a comfortable knit material. The jacket also comes standard with pile tape for Name, Service, and Rank insignia.

Both jackets are currently available in Black, Coyote, Foliage, and UCP. Plans are underway to also offer the basic jacket in Multicam.

Marie is looking for your help in naming both of these jackets. The winning entry will receive a jacket as prize.

Contest Rules:

- One entry per contestant

- Name BOTH jackets

- Marie decides the winner

- Winner will be announced here

- In the event more than one contestant submits the same winning entry date of email will decide the winner

- Winner receives a jacket as prize

- Only one winner for the contest

- Contest ends 31 July, 2008 at 11:59 PM

- Send all entries to: Marie Meunier-Bouchard.

For more information on their entire line go to Wild Things.

Tags: ECWCS, Multicam, Wild Things
Posted in Clothing, MARCORSYSCOM, Multicam, PEO-Soldier | No Comments »

Solio Chargers

Sunday, July 20th, 2008

Keeping your electronic gadgets charged, especially when deployed can be a serious challenge. While you can be out of practically everything else, one thing is in abundance; sunlight. Consequently, solar chargers are a great option but many require large, unwieldy, and expensive panels. Then came Solio chargers and in particular the Magnesium Edition.

New this season, the Magnesium Edition is lightweight, durable and takes up little space. Capable of accepting a charge from its internal solar panels or from shore power via a standard plug (international adapters available), the rechargeable ME stores its internal charge up to one year (80% of charge at one year). When used as a solar collector the device stores the power and when in use as a battery regulates its output as though coming from shore power. A full Solio ME will charge a typical mobile phone more than twice or give over 20 hours of MP3 music – just 1 hour of sunshine = 20 minutes talk time or 50 minutes of MP3 music.

Technical Specs:

* Nominal DC Output: 3V 3A
* Maximum Wattage: 9 Watts
* Battery: Rechargeable Lithium Ion 3.7V 1.8A cell
* DC Input: 5-6V 0.4Ah
* Dimensions (LxHxW): 4.72 x 1.34 x 2.56 in (120 x 34 x 63.5 mm)
* Weight: 6.38 oz. (179g)
* Temperature Range: -4F to 131F (-20C to 55C)

What’s more, the ME charger now comes with iGo adapters. Anyone familiar with the iGo system knows that they have an adapter for virtually anything. Solio offers a wide range of iGo adapters but click here if you need more information on iGo.

Included in each charger:

o Charging Cable for iGo® tip system
o Female USB Cable (powers iPhone, iPod, MP3s)
o iGo Motorola Razor tip
o iGo LG Chocolate tip
o iGo Nokia tip
o iGo Samsung tip
o iGo Blackberry tip
o Pencil
o Solio Draw String Hemp Pouch*
o Universal Wall Adapter

* We recommend DoD users dump the Hemp Pouch.

The Magnesium edition is the top of the Solio range, so be sure to check out all of their offerings. While Solio is a UK-based company, we have found the best place to get them Stateside is TAD Gear. TADGear really supports the troops and often has products on special discounts.

Photos property of Solio.

Tags: Solio, TAD Gear
Posted in Gadgets | No Comments »

Ghetto FastMag

Saturday, July 19th, 2008

The guys at ITW Nexus told me about this…

Posted in Gadgets | No Comments »

MARS is Alive and Well

Saturday, July 19th, 2008

In 2004 Patagonia developed a turnkey environmental clothing system called the Military All-weather Regulator System or MARS. Based on their commercial Regulator line, slight modifications were made to designs and the color was changed to Ranger Green. Since its initial inception Patagonia has also added base layers in coyote.

Patagonia has recently changed distributors so many have sent us questions as to the availability of MARS. Rest assured, it is available in all sizes through their new distributor ADS as well as direct from Patagonia.

Look for a full article on MARS soon.

Tags: MARS, Patagonia
Posted in Clothing | No Comments »

Strider Knives Exclusive

Friday, July 18th, 2008

The special operations medical community recently approached Strider Knives to produce an edged tool to perform cricothyrotomies. Apparently, the current issue item just doesn’t stand up to the rigors of field use. In true Strider fashion they came up with something that doesn’t just accomplish the mission, it does it with style. To give you an idea of scale, the scalpel is just over three inches long.

Available soon from Strider Knives.

Tags: Strider
Posted in Gadgets, Knives | No Comments »

Navy Adopts Blackhawk Uniforms

Friday, July 18th, 2008

Blackhawk Products Group unveiled a new family of high concept uniforms at SHOT Show 08 in Vegas. Less than six months later one of the variants has been adopted and the Navy will begin deliveries today.

The desert digital uniforms will be issued to a small user community and feature Blackhawk’s patented Integrated Tourniquet System at key areas on the arms and legs of the four component uniform system. Dubbed the High Performance Fighting Uniform, the system consists of an FR athletic cut combat shirt, a lightweight zippered vest for wear over the combat shirt in garrison, a BDU style blouse and combat trousers.

Commercial variants may be available in as soon as 60 days.

Look for a more comprehensive article soon.

Tags: Blackhawk, ITS
Posted in Clothing | 3 Comments »

McNett Gruntline

Thursday, July 17th, 2008

Sometimes the simplest things make life better. For guys who can’t rely on KBR laundry, washing your clothes on a washboard and hanging them out to dry is a reality of life. Manufactured from braided rubber tubing the Gruntline stretches up to 7′ and has clips on each end to attach it for use as a clothes line or as a tie down strap. Although its been around for awhile, its a classic. I carried one with me for years and it got lots of use as intended as well as to suspend ponchos in a large tent so I could stake out some “me” space.

Available from McNett.

Photos courtesy McNett

Tags: McNett
Posted in Sustainment | No Comments »

Becoming Batman

Thursday, July 17th, 2008

Batman is the ultimate Badass. A science hero, Batman is the product of dumb luck and a very strong will. He has tapped the very pinnacle of human potential and has access to Gucciest of kit. He is so popular because of all super heroes, he is the most plausible. Its easy to consider yourself in his situation. A new book entitled, “Becoming Batman: The Possibility of a Superhero” from The Johns Hopkins University Press by E. Paul Zehr is poised to be released in October. Zehr is an associate professor of kinesiology and neuroscience at the University of Victoria in British Columbia and long time practitioner of Chito-Ryu karate-do. In his book Zehr examines what it would take to become the “Bat”.

Scientific American has a great interview with Zehr on the subject.

Available from The Johns Hopkins University Press.

Tags: Batman
Posted in Training | No Comments »

Contacting Soldier Systems Blog

Thursday, July 17th, 2008

Interested parties can contact Soldier Systems Blog at admin@soldiersystems.net.

The admin stuff:

Inclusion of products or information on Soldier Systems Blog is for informational purposes only and in no way construed as an endorsement unless otherwise stated.

Posted in Admin | No Comments »