In a recent article we discussed FiveTen’s new tactical footwear models unveiled at the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market. The four new models can be seen in the graphic below.
The Impact – Urban Enforcer (High and Low) come in Matte Black and the Impact – Desert Enforcer (High and Low) come in Sand.
For more information contact FiveTen.
By now you should be familiar with Magpul’s excellent PMAG (Polymer MAGazine). There are several models already available and more improvements on the way. The 30 round configuration has been around for awhile as a standard magazine (if you could call anything built by Magpul as standard) and a new variant called the Mag-Level version with a small window to verify the number of rounds in the magazine was recently released. There is a new translucent training mag. The training mag is designed to quickly verify whether or not a magazine is loaded. The followers, floor plates and snap covers are in a safety orange color. The PMAG is now also available in 20 round.
Additionally, Magpul’s ever popular Ranger Plates have now been engineered specifically for the PMAG and are now available to easily retrofit your PMAGs. Magpul is also poised to release a maritime floor plate for the PMAG with drainage holes. These are color matched to the PMAGs and available in tactical colors.
Magpul is selling PMAGs to AAFES but unfortunately, none have been seen for sale in theater. This may be due to ITAR restrictions. Whenever they are in stock at CONUS PXs they quickly sell out.
They are available in a wide range of colors to satisfy everyone from the deployed military member to the recreational shooter. Colors include Black, Olive Drab, Flat Dark Earth, Foliage Green, Olive Drab, Orange, Bright Green, and Pink.
PMAGs are available from a wide variety of sources including Magpul, Grey Group Training, and Advanced Outfitters.
All photos property of Magpul, LLC except for the picture of the Orange PMAGs which is used with the permission of Advanced Outfitters. Caution: PMAGs are controlled by US State Department ITAR and cannot be exported from the US without proper authorization. Check local laws before purchasing/possessing PMAGs. Certain magazine sizes are restricted in some areas.
At SHOT 08 in Las Vegas Eagle had an interesting softshell jacket hanging in their booth. It was a prototype of the new J200 series jackets. At the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market they had it on full display in a multitude of colors. The design is licensed from Beyond Tactical but they are manufacturing the jackets in house.
It features right and left pockets on both upper and lower chest. The large lower chest pockets are readily accessible while wearing a pack. The jacket also incorporates Beyond’s signature half moon zippered shoulder pockets. Pit zips come standard. Manufactured from Schoeller WB-400, the J200 series jackets are available in Black, Khaki, Navy, and Red.
Available soon from Eagle Industries.
SUBJECT: WEAR POLICY FOR THE ARMY COMBAT SHIRT (ACS)
1. THIS MESSAGE SERVES AS IMPLEMENTING INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE ARMY COMBAT SHIRT.
2. ON 1 APR 08, THE ACS WAS APPROVED FOR FIELDING TO DEPLOYED SOLDIERS IN IRAQI, AFGHANISTAN, AND KUWAIT. CURRENTLY THE ACS HAS THE “ARMY STRONG” LOGO STENCILED ON THE FRONT OF THE SHIRT. IN THE NEAR FUTURE, THE “ARMY STRONG” LOGO WILL BE REMOVED, AS OTHER BRANCHES OF SERVICE WILL ALSO BE PURCHASING THE ACS FOR WEAR WITH BODY ARMOR. THE “TEAM SOLDIER CERTIFIED GEAR” LOGO WILL BE HEAT TRANSFERRED IN TO THE LABEL INSIDE OF THE SHIRT TO DEMONSTRATE AUTHENTICITY ONCE THE “ARMY STRONG” LOGO IS REMOVED.
3. THE ACS IS A UNIFORM ENHANCEMENT DESIGNED TO PROVIDE FLAME PROTECTION FOR INDIVIDUAL SOLDIERS, WHILE MAXIMIZING BREATHABILITY, MOISTURE MANAGEMENT AND COMFORT WHEN WORN AS A SYSTEM INCLUDING INTERCEPTOR BODY ARMOR (IBA) AND FIRE RESISTANT UNIFORM TROUSERS SUCH AS THE FIRE RESISTANT ARMY COMBAT UNIFORM (FRACU) OR ARMY AIRCREW COMBAT UNIFORM (A2CU) TROUSERS.
4. THE ACS IS CONSTRUCTED WITH FLAME RESISTANT FABRICS. THE MORE SUBSTANTIAL SLEEVE AND SHOULDER FABRIC PROVIDES GREATER PROTECTION OF EXPOSED AREAS. THE LIGHER MOISTURE MANAGEMENT “TRUNK” PROVIDES FLAME PROTECTION, WHILE MAXIMIZING BREATHABILITY UNDER THE INDIVIDUAL IBA.
5. THE ACS IS DESIGNED TO BE WORN WITH THE IBA AND IS CLASSIFIED AS A COMBAT SHIRT. THE RIGHT SHOULDER SLEVE OF THE ACS IS EQUIPPED WITH HOOK AND LOOP FOR THE WEARING OF THE SOLDIERS LAST NAMETAPE AND RANK INSIGNIA.
6. THE SHOULDER SLEEVE INSIGNIA AND THE INFRARED SUBDUED FLAG WILL BE WORN ON THE LEFT SHOULDER SLEEVE.
7. THE ACS WILL BE WORN TUCKED INTO THE TROUSERS.
8. THE ACS CAN BE WORN AS A STAND ALONE ITEM AND IS DESIGNED TO BE WORN NEXT-TO-SKIN, WITHOUT A T-SHIRT, IN HOT WEATHER. HOWEVER, THIS DOES NOT PRECLUDE WEAR OF FEMALE UNDERGARMENTS OR T-SHIRTS CURRENTLY APPROVED FOR WEAR.
9. THE ACS CAN BE LAUNDERED NORMALLY AND DOES NOT REQUIRE ANY SPECIAL TREATMENT.
10. THE ACS WILL ONLY BE WORN IN A DEPLOYED OR FIELD ENVIRONMENT.
11. POC FOR UNIFORM POLICY IS SGM K. EASLEY, DSN 225-5406, COMM (703) 695-5406. E-MAIL IS KATRINA.EASLEY@HQDA.ARMY.MIL.
12. THIS MESSAGE HAS BEEN APPROVED BY THE DCS, G-1.
13. EXPIRATION DATE CANNOT BE DETERMINED.
I don’t know how I would have made it through my tour in Germany without my trusty Esbit Cooker. Issued as part of the German Ration Pack (EPA), Esbit fuel was readily available all over Germany. The tablets burn for between 7 and 12 minutes depending on the size and should boil half a liter in about 7 minutes. What I really liked about them was lack of smell or smoke.
The cooker itself is a simple design. Its stamped galvanized steel with riveted folding legs that once folded flat, carried its own solid fuel bars. They come in three sizes: small, medium, and large. The legs are adjustable by detents stamped into the legs. The larger the cooker, the more settings. For example, the small cooker’s legs can be set at 90 degrees, 45 degrees, or closed. You can see in the picture the indentations in the legs for the settings. I tossed mine years ago but the only place it ever showed the slightest sign of rust was at the rivets. I never thought I would be able to find another one, until now.
And now they have mugs!
Esbit products can be found here on the web but I purchased mine at Eddie Bauer.
Photos from Esbit GMbH.
Brunton always seems to come up with the coolest gadgets.
The BrewFire is the first coffee maker to be fueled by either propane or butane fuel. This is fantastic for occasions when electricity isn’t available.
It brews 8 cups of coffee in 10-12 minutes and comes with a stainless steel carafe. It’s compact size (10″x14″x10″) makes it perfect for the deployment box. It won’t be available until February of 2009 but this is a great time to start saving up for the perfect Valentine’s Day present for the First Sergeant.
You can pre-order here.
MilSpecMonkey has recently gone full time. And with this change they have begun to add new products beyond patches. One of our new favorites is the MSM T-shirt. The front features the MSM name and the back is emblazoned with everyone’s favorite monkey. Made from 100% Cotton, the shirt is avaible in a full range of sizes and colors. Check it out.
Sizes Small – XXL, in Greenish Brown with Black Ink, OD Green with Black Ink, and Light Tan with Brown Ink.
They are available here.
Mike Pannone’s excellent handbook, “M16/M4 Handbook–an Operational Guide to the Standard U.S. Military Assault Rifle” has been on the market for several months now but we don’t feel it has been given all of the exposure it deserves. In our opinion, it should be issued to every member of the military the day they arrive at Basic Training, regardless of branch of service. In fact, to echo one reviewer’s comments, issue of the handbook shouldn’t be limited to military members but to law enforcement as well as anyone who employs the M16 or M4. It is filled with the pertinent facts required to properly operate and maintain the M16 family of weapons. Notice it is a handbook. It’s compact size means that you can keep it handy when training.
Mike Pannone began his service in the Marines serving in Recon. Later he transferred to the Army and served in it’s Special Operations Forces. He has also served as a defense contractor and currently serves as an instructor. To put it lightly, Mike Pannone knows his way around a carbine.
At $19.95 look at it as an investment. The handbook is available from Blackheart International.
As many of you know, longtime friend and all around good guy Logan Coffey was killed on April 20th, 2008. He started by sewing in his barracks room and went on to found Tactical Tailor. Among his many achievements was the invention of MALICE clip.
Tactical Tailor has revamped their website and added a small section Logan. You can see it here.
Support Tactical Tailor.
Designed to haul extreme loads up to 200 lbs, the Overkill frame from Mystery Ranch was the next logical step in development of their NICE technology which was designed to carry loads of up to 120 lbs. Unfortunately, some career fields regularly find themselves carrying packs weighing in excess of 100 lbs and this is exactly the application that the Overkill frame was designed for; sustained heavy loads. So what makes the Overkill different than the standard NICE frame? It features the new Overkill Futura yoke that is two inches wider than the yoke on the NICE frame and it is also reinforced by an additional (two total) full-length aluminum stays for stability. Additionally, the Overkill incorporates MR’s 5 Segmented Lumbar Wrap which has a hard shell.
Naturally, adaptability is the key and the the Overkill frame can be used either in conjunction with a multitude of specialized pack bags (Mystery Ranch has five) or alone as a pack frame to move irregular loads.
A great accessory for any NICE frame is the Straps ‘N’ Flaps which is designed to mate an ALICE pack to the NICE frame.
The NICE and Overkill NICE frames are available in Coyote and Foliage.
For more information contact Mystery Ranch.
All photos property of Mystery Ranch.
When I was still served in the military I joined an interesting organization named LeoAdventures. They are a service organization designed to honor and serve those in Government, they are essentially a buying club but with a very exclusive membership. Membership is reserved for Government employees. They collect an annual membership fee of $19.99. This and LeoAdventures negotiating discounts for their members allows Public Servants to avoid receiving special gifts or gratuities which would violate ethics regulations.
Although I was familiar with the program I spoke with President Leslie Mellott at the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market. She is there every show looking for new vendors to add the the program. A wife of a long-serving Government employee, Leslie knows not only the risks her husband takes but also the sacrifices the entire family makes for their life of service. I really appreciate what she does.
One important point about this program is that it is for serving Public Safety and Military members. I feel that it is important to recognize these individuals whenever we can and I can remember how hard it was to raise a family and give them those extras on a military salary. The discounts provided through LeoAdventures membership do both. They honor our heroes and help them provide a better quality of life for themselves and their families. If you serve your community or nation I recommend you join. If you are like me and are a retiree or a supporter of our Nation’s finest then I urge to contact LeoAdventures and purchase a gift membership for someone you know.
The Brands LeoAdventures has agreements with:
Arc’teryx
Blue Seventy
Brooks Running
Carey & Company
Dell Computer
ExOfficio
Flyfishing Benefactors
GU
Highgear
Horny Toad
IBEX
ISIS for Women
Jetboil
Kelty
Larabar
MH Bertucci
Mountainsmith
MSR
Nuun Hydration
Otterbox
Platypus
Probar
Purefit
Rudy Project
Railriders
Ruffwear
SealLine
Sherpani alpina
SOG Specialty Knives
Suunto
Therm-A-Rest
Tracks
Working Advantage
Zamberlan
Zeal Optics
They can be reached at LeoAdventures.
If you want to write for Soldier Systems Blog its pretty simple. Contact the Editor with your article idea. Generally, we want an article that is a couple of paragraphs long and answers the basic who, what, where, when, and why. Pictures are also helpful but make sure you have permission of the owners. We are happy to give you a by-line but since this is a non-wealth generating pursuit there will be no payment. However, so far everyone has wanted to keep it anonymous.
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.
The editor has been messing around with an Otte Alpine jacket for about 2 weeks now. Impressions? Comfy…Snug but not tight. Well designed; accommodates full range of motion. Its very well done and as we stated before, the fit is right on with military sizing. So what makes the Otte Gear Alpine jacket so special? Design and materials. They use a treated softshell fabric that sheds wind and rain as well as stains and abrasion and it breathes; breathes very well.
This technical stretch woven jacket is a great choice for movements in cool conditions. Its alpine cut fits well with climbing harnesses, packs, as well as armor and the hood is designed to be worn with a helmet. The chest pockets are well placed and the sleeve pockets are very generous but did not get in the way even when fully stuffed. Plus the jacket is made in the USA.
Colors include Black, Foliage, Coyote and Multicam. Available in Small – 2 XL.
The Alpine Jacket can be purchased from OTTE.
All photos used with permission of OTTE Gear LLC.
Kifaru, makers of some of the finest military packs on the face of the earth have hit another home run. Last year they tackled sleep systems with the Regulator Sleeping Bag System. Their Woobie is the best thing to happen to the Soldier since well, the poncho liner. Kifaru took teh Regulator technology one step further and created a 24/7 climate control system of clothing. Mel at Kifaru has been keeping us updated on the progress of this project and we have been anxiously awaiting its release after trying on some of the samples at SHOT 08 in Las Vegas.
They developed a system to literally lock the back of your garments into the packs suspension. It isn’t going to creep no matter how long you carry your pack.
I absolutely recommend that you check it out for yourself. For more info contact Kifaru.
I’ve been using Fisher Space pens for quite some time but one of its major shortcomings is that everyone who sees me using it wants one too. Obviously, this means I’ve “given” lots of them away over the years. At the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market, I stopped by the Fisher booth to ask about the cool camo finish I had seen on some space pens. Unfortunately, they told me that the multi-layered finishes were difficult to deal with and the thickness kept the caps from being placed on the end when writing. However, there was some good news. They plan on a tan variant of the bullet pen soon. I related my tail of woe over constantly losing my pens and they showed me the Trekker. It has a ring for a lanyard so you can tie it down. I am currently on the lookout for a Trekker.
For more information contact Fisher Space Pens.
Proforce gear introduced a new line of sleeping pads at the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market in Salt Lake City earlier this month. Multimat’s Trekker line is well suited to military use. It is made from a lightweight, 150D Polyester shell over a PU foam core. The pad also comes with both a patch kit and stuff sack, both accessories that other manufacturers make you pay for separately. The one inch thick Trekker 25 will fit most Soldiers as it is 72.5” x 20” but packs down to 10.75” x 6”. One of the things that is so cool about this pad is that it is reversible. One side is Olive Drab and the other Coyote Brown.
Proforce Gear imports the entire line of Snugpak equipment from the UK.
You can contact Proforce Gear here.
Yes, the Editor owns one and No, he won’t share. Yes, it puts out one hell of a flame, but No, it won’t light above 14,000′. But what the hell, we’ve never been that high. Its ultralightweight and can withstand winds of up to 80 mph. It is guaranteed for one year and utilizes butane fuel.
If James bond ever needed a lighter, it would be the Firestorm. It’s sleek lines conceal its true identity, that of flamethrower. The flame generates in excess of 2000 deg F. Let’s face it, black is beautiful.
For more information check out Brunton’s website. But if you want to buy one (and you know you do) get it from the same place as the Editor; TAD Gear. Tad Gear is the Editor’s source of choice for tacti-cool accessories.
Its been in the works for quite some time but according to a story by The Army Times released today on their website, the Army issued a message today announcing wear policy for the new blue Army Service Uniform. As we reported back in May, the shirt is white. Other additions include bloused jump boots, berets with the blue uniform, and a combat service identification badge. The combat service identification badge is a metal version of the former wartime shoulder sleeve insignia but worn on the right pocket.
Finally, a bladder that is a realistic replacement for the canteen. Its really one of the coolest things we have seen in awhile. Due to its compact size, its more flexible than larger bladders. The 26 ounce bladder fits a 1 quart canteen cover or a utility pouch and you can use it alone as a canteen or connect the hydration tube. The bladder’s glass-like lining is designed to preserve the water’s plastic-free taste as well as prevent bacteria.
The 37″ hydration tube comes with a woven camo cover as well as a bite valve cover. Source already has nylon manufacturers lining up to integrate the Kangaroo into their designs.
For more information contact Source.
Last month we posted an article on Never Quit Industries. Unfortunately, it looks like they are ceasing production of their Meal Replacement.
Important Announcement from Nathan K. Merithew, NQI
Level: High Importance
To: All NQI Customers and Patrons
From: Nathan K. Merithew, Owner NQI
Dear customers and patrons of NQI products, workouts and services,
I am writing this letter because I learned a long time ago that leadership has the fiduciary responsibility of keeping its people informed. Some of my colleagues in the MIL/LE industry disagree with my decision to practice this philosophy of giving the customers so much information, but I do not. Our customers look to our product line to help them on real world missions and use our workouts to help better their physical conditioning, sometimes to help to complete those missions. What this means is that “you”, our customers, look to us for dependability, which means you put your trust in us to deliver.
Since the beginning of 2008 NQI has had many obstacles which have been extremely costly. We had a manufacturing issue in JAN, which delayed our additional flavors from being packaged. We also partnered with a product rep group/sales force that had its own internal problems unknown to us. The aforementioned items eventually slowed our ability to deliver and to date has eroded investor confidence in the ability to return a profit on the time table originally anticipated.
These items coupled with the other ups and downs of a small start-up company in a less than stellar economy has had a devastating impact on our business model. Over the past few months I have personally been working contracts to keep NQI going but this takes time away from NQI itself. Truth be known, 90% of this company apart from the investment dollars and trade show help has been shouldered by one person. This would include all the content you see, product development, workouts, daily logistics, sales, etc… It has come to be too much to be profitable on this end, and thats what businesses are about, turning a profit.
With this being said NQI will be discontinuing its ASAP Any Situation Always Prepared High Protein Meal Replacement product line effective immediately. It will be available however over the course of the next 3 months on our website at $19.95 a box from the Reg. $49.95-59.95 depending on the specials we were running.
Myself and Dave Wilson created ASAP for one reason, to help feed warriors. This inherently may have been another problem with our business itself, we are more concerned about troop welfare than profit.
NQI will continue to deliver you free workouts and offer training courses in regards to specific areas of study along with our strategic relationships with other much larger companies that offer goods and services in the industry.
As for myself I have recently been cleared to return to active duty by the end of the year, this time with the US Navy to be a corpsman to help to take care of our Marines.
NQI will be in good hands upon my departure and I will still play a role in its future guidance.
I am very thankful for all of the relationships I have made along the way, some of which have had the beginning of life long friendships.
Thank you all for your business over the past year.
Semper Fi
Very respectfully,
Nathan K. Merithew, NQI
Insect Shield is now available for clothing and gear you already own. It’s invisible, odorless, EPA registered and lasts for 70 launderings, (the expected lifetime of a garment). There are no minimums, and they offer volume discounts. The process takes about a week through UPS shipping.
Pricing:
* 1 Article of Clothing – $9.95 ($9.00 shipping/handling)
* 3 Piece Bundle – $24.95 ($12.00 s/h)
* 20 or More Piece Bundle – $7.95/per piece ($20.00 s/h)
Large bundles are great for units.
Order Form:
To place an order please download and complete the Insect Shield Your Own Clothes Order Form. Garments must be clean when received for processing. Send your items, along with the completed order form to:
Jones Fabricare
Authorized Insect Shield Dealer
1427 Westover Terrace
Greensboro, NC 27408-7908
Some exclusion may apply. For more information or questions, please call 866-574-1557 or mailto:sales@jonesf.com.
Radcliff, KY (Aug 13, 2008) – U.S. Cavalry, the world’s leading multi-channel distributor for Military, Law Enforcement and Homeland Security communities, is pleased to partner with BLACKHAWK!® for an exclusive desert tan version of the Warrior Wear™ ZW5 & ZW7 Waterproof, Side-Zip Boots.
Perfect for those who require lightening fast response, the ZW series utilize a molded, zipper opening with durable hardware so you don’t have to tie and retie the laces. Tie the boots once and use the side-zip to quickly don in seconds!
Warrior Wear™ boots are constructed of the finest components to achieve a balance of durability, low weight, comfort and protection. Internally, a waterproof Sympatex® liner surrounds the boot and even runs the length of the zipper gusset. A Dri-Lex® lining aids in wicking moisture away from the foot and quickly dries for maximum comfort. Rounding out the features on the inside, the ZW series has a removable, anti-microbial Ortholite® footbed that is washable to prevent odor causing bacteria.
In addition to the internal waterproof barrier, the outer Cordura® and high abrasion suede leather is also water resistant. The outsole includes an oil-resistant Vibram® TC4+ material with large open lugs for traversing debris and providing excellent traction on irregular or wet surfaces. Other features include a padded collar for comfort and ankle support, convenient nylon pull-on loop and rubber kicker material for increased toe protection.
These exciting new lightweight boots are available in two heights: 5-inch (ZW5) or 7-inch (ZW7) to suit any mission. The ZW series is offered in two colors: black or desert tan, available only through U.S. Cavalry. In addition, purchase any ZW series boot through U.S. Cavalry and get a FREE pair of Warrior Wear™ socks using code: BHSOCK.
The ZW5 & ZW7 Boots are in stock and ready for order. To see video demos of the product and for additional technical details, visit: http://www.uscav.com/zwboots or call 1.800.200.9455.
For Publishers – High-resolution images and logos are available online at: http://www.uscav.com/PressRelease.aspx?id=50
About U.S. Cavalry: Headquartered in Radcliff, Kentucky, U.S. Cavalry has served professionals for 35 years by delivering the world’s finest equipment, services and training. The company serves its customers through managed accounts, retail stores, mail order catalogs and web site. For more information, log-on to our web site at www.uscav.com or call 800.777.7172 today.
The much anticipated Saint head lamp served as the crown jewel in Surefire’s booth at the Outdoor Retailer summer market. Early models were available at SHOT 08 but were only shown behind closed doors. OR will serve as the Saint’s coming out party.
Naturally, the Saint features all the attention to detail you would normally see in a Surefire product. First off, its an LED. Surefire promises 100 lumens for 6 hours. The low setting will run at 1 lumen for a whopping 144 hours.
The lens is a coated refractive optic engineered to work specifically with this LED. This means there are no rings and you get a uniform beam. The light source is also adjustable 90 degrees up or down and features a built in SOS beacon.
Of particular interest is the battery box. Not only can you use AAs but also CR123s depending on the orientation in the battery box.
The head harness was designed for long term use. Surefire representatives said that during testing they had worn the harness in excess of five hours with no discomfort. I found the harness comfortable when I tried it on. The lamp and battery harness are well balanced. The harness features Breathe-O-Prene (R) pads designed to allow sweat to escape instead of building up. They can also be removed for washing. I have included the following graphic from Surefire’s Saint brochure. It goes into great detail about the Saint’s construction.
The Saint is designed to be waterproof for 30 minutes in up to 1 meter of water.
Surefire plans to eventually release a full line of head lamps and the Saint will be the middle of the pack.
With the exception of the first photo all other photos are courtesy of Surefire.
Today’s article is interesting in that it is an indicator on how the war has influenced American culture. We began to see it a few years ago in fashion. The pallets changed to more earthy tones and the designs took on a militaristic feel. here is just another example of how the war has influenced American society.
Dog Tag Condoms. Yes, they are exactly what they sound like. The manufacturer, named oddly enough Dog Tag Condoms has come up with the spiffy idea of packaging condoms in a silenced pair of ID tags. They come in a variety of colors (sorry no Multicam) including the ever popular pink…don’t ask, well you know the rest.
For more info contact Dog Tag Condoms direct.
