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Archive for September, 2008

Energizer Unveils Helmet Light

Tuesday, September 30th, 2008

How serendipitous. Just as we publish our review of the Hard Case Tactical light Energizer releases two new lights. This is just a peek. We will have more details after our visit to Modern Day Marine.

Energizer Helmet Light

We took a look at this new light today and we are very excited. There will be a much more in depth article very soon but here are a few facts to whet your appetite.

Four light modes:
- High-intensity White LED (35 lumens)
– Dedicated on/off switch
– High/Medium/Low settings
- Blue LED for light-discipline and medical applications
– Dedicated on/off switch
– High/Medium/Low settings
- Infrared (IR) light for use with night-vision devices
– 880 nanometer rating
- IR strobe flashes for Identify Friend or Foe (IFF) capability
– Blink rate is two per second

Helmet mount does not protrude below rim of helmet; allowing helmet to lay flat when not being worn

The Science of Nothing – The Story of WL Gore’s New Camo Pattern

Tuesday, September 30th, 2008

Gore Optifade Concealment Technology – remember that name. It will probably be one of the biggest things at SHOT show this year but you can find out all about it now. Optifade has been developed specifically for the hunting and outdoor market but the information on the website is fantastic. It is presented in a Discovery Channel-style documentary format and I suggest everyone check it out for themselves. Of particular interest is the interview with Tim ONeil.

For more information check out Optifade. Not only do they discuss the science behind the camo, they also show behind the scenes at WL Gore.

Energizer Hard Case Tactical Light

Monday, September 29th, 2008

Energizer Hard Case Tactical Light
Its been almost two months since I attended the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market. One of the many companies I met with was Energizer. And so I am sure the first thing out of your mouth is, “Energizer?”. And well, quite frankly, my answer is, “of course”. Not only have they been in the battery business for over a century, they have been making flashlights as well. They sent me a Hard Case Tactical light right after the show and I have been using it in a variety of environments. Initially, I was a bit concerned over the light’s size. However, my assessment is that it is beefy but not heavy and in my opinion the perfect replacement for the old GI Anglehead Flashlight (MX-993/U).
Energizer Hard Case Tactical LightUS GI Anglehead Flashlight
Sure, they resemble each other; somewhat. They both have an angle head, the capacity for color filtered light, and both have a clip to attach the light to equipment but that is pretty much where the similarities end. In fact, you can’t even truly say that the Hard Case Tactical has an angled head since it swivels a good 125 degrees up and down. This comes in handy since the base of the light is flat and you can swivel the head down to illuminate a work space (or card game).

Energizer Hard Case Tactical LightEnergizer Hard Case Tactical Light

Whereas, the old Anglehead light used two D-cells, the new Hard Case Tactical uses two AA batteries and throws more light. The Hard Case utilizes four LEDs; the main white light lamp, a red LED, blue LED and IR (strobe) LED.

Hard Case Battery Compartment

Due to the use of AA batteries and LED lamps the light only weighs 8 ounces and that’s with the batteries.

Hard Case IR Light Control

I only have one real complaint with the light and that would be the switches. You have to rotate the base to control the IR light. Now rotating the base for the IR light isn’t necessarily a bad thing as it mitigates NDs for the IR light which can be at the best of times embarrassing and the worst of times deadly if a foe is equipped with NODs. My other gripe is that the main switch is on the bottom, but does at least feature a momentary switch. Unfortunately, due to its location, it isn’t exactly handy if you need momentary control of the light. I really like the momentary switches for the blue and red ancillary lights located right at your trigger finger. Additionally, they are all silent switches, designed to last the lifetime of the light.

Hard Case MOLLE Clip
The light is molded in Black and OD ABS plastic with rubberized panels to protect the light and ensure a positive grip in wet conditions. The MOLLE clip and side panels are manufactured from Black-coated stainless steel. The MOLLE clip will attach to most anything but was designed dimensionally for use with PALS webbing.

Overall, it’s a great light.

BattleLab Optics Bags with or without Laptop Insert

Sunday, September 28th, 2008

Over the past few months we have published articles on equipment designed for reconnaissance and surveillance operations. This type of work generally requires quite a bit of communications and electronics that can be vulnerable to environmental conditions if not stored properly. Diamondback Tactical’s BattleLab division has a couple of pack inserts designed specifically for this mission set called the Optics Bag and it comes with or without a laptop insert. One is for optics only, the second for optics with the addition of a padded computer sleeve.

DBT BattleLab Optics Bag

The Optics Bags are padded bags and constructed of 1000D nylon with YKK brand zippers. Modular in design, the user can configure the bag to fit his specific equipment such as laptops, night vision systems, telephoto lenses and cameras or optical recording devices. The lid features four zippered pockets including a utility pocket, a large mesh pocket for storing small objects and two clear plastic pouches for storing items that need extra protection. The Optics Bag is also available with an external padded computer sleeve on the lid.

Each insert is specifically designed to fit into a BattleLab SOF Assault Pack or the BattleLab Jumpable Backpack but can also be used as a stand alone bag. The insert features a grab handle to facilitate movement.

To order go to Diamondback Tactical.

Photo courtesy of Diamondback Tactical.

Trekker Tactical Pen from Fisher Space Pen

Saturday, September 27th, 2008

Trekker

About a month ago we wrote about Fisher Space Pens. The new Tactical Black version of the Trekker is now available and comes with a D Ring and Neck Cord. I really like the way Space Pens write and I am looking forward to getting one. But the feature that I find most handy is the ability to tie it down. There is nothing worse than losing your writing utensil when you have to constantly take notes.

Trekker Tactical Pen

For more information contact Fisher Space Pens.

Bates Wins Special Operations Forces Contract to Manufacture High Performance Tactical Combat Boot

Friday, September 26th, 2008

SOF Lightweight Combat Boot

Bates developed the Tactical Combat Boot specifically to provide enhanced durability, stability, and traction in urban and field operations. The Vibram® Mutant outsole creates superior traction on wet and dry surfaces, while the direct-attach construction provides superior cushioning and durability. The anti-bacterial, abrasion-resistant Dri-Lex® Camo lining delivers enhanced moisture management and ensures soldiers’ feet remain cool, dry and comfortable.

“Bates is committed to being the leader in providing footwear solutions for all branches of the US Military – We intend to achieve this goal by leveraging a wide range of technologies and development expertise throughout Wolverine World Wide’s array of footwear brands such as Merrell and Wolverine Brand,” said Ron Woznick, Vice President and General Manager of Bates Footwear. “We feel privileged to provide yet another new footwear solution for our nation’s elite combat forces needs.”

The Special Forces Tactical Combat Boot joins the Chem Bio Protective Overboot and the Tora Bora(TM) Alpine Combat Boot as the mission footwear of choice for the Special Forces. All three products are manufactured with 100% domestic materials at Bates facilities in Big Rapids, Michigan and Jonesboro, Arkansas, maintaining the company’s commitment to manufacturing in the United States.

Bates is a leading supplier of uniform footwear to all branches of the U.S. military and has been building a reputation for uncompromising performance in uniform footwear for more than 120 years. Engineered advancements such as Bates DuraShocks® comfort system, Ultra-Lites® technology and Bates Individual Comfort System combine to set the brand apart and cement its status as the gold standard in uniform footwear. For more information and to view product lines, visit www.batesfootwear.com.

With a commitment to service and product excellence, Wolverine World Wide, Inc. is one of the world’s leading marketers of branded casual, active lifestyle, work, outdoor sport, uniform footwear and apparel. Wolverine’s portfolio of highly recognized brands includes: Bates®, Hush Puppies®, HYTEST®, Merrell®, Sebago® and Wolverine®. The Company is also the exclusive footwear licensee of popular brands including CAT®, Harley- Davidson® and Patagonia®. The Company’s products are carried by leading retailers in the U.S. and globally in nearly 200 countries.

Klymit Insulation

Friday, September 26th, 2008

Klymit is an Ogden Utah based small business dedicated to revolutionary insulation technologies for the outdoor industry. Most recently, they have developed a Noble gas based insulation. Adapting air-based insulation systems, they developed a valve and storage system for noble-gases which are far more stable than the standard air that we breathe. This means no frozen condensation or leaks. The system is lighter, loftier, and more compactable than fabric insulation. What’s more, the wearer can control the amount of insulation utilizing the valve. The Noble gasses used in the Klymit system are eco-friendly as well as non-toxic, colorless, orderless, and 100% safe. The gas required for the system comes in small cartridges similar to those used for a CO2 airgun.

Klymit has several prototype garments including jackets, pants, ski boots, and gloves. Companies interested in licensing the technology should contact Klymit here.

How Klymit Insulation is Made

For more information check out their website.

All graphics courtesy of Klymit.

Off-Duty: Oakley 10th Mountain Line

Friday, September 26th, 2008

Oakley has recently unveiled a new line of products that pay homage to the 10th Mountain Division. Continuing their trend for military inspired clothing and eye wear, this new line of products includes a watch, pants, as well as several shirts and jackets.

Check out the entire line here.

Lowa Black Elite

Thursday, September 25th, 2008

Lowa Black Elite

A new version of the Lowa Desert Elite which is a heavy duty desert boot based on the famous Lowe “Berg Schuhe” or Mountain Boot, called the Black Elite is now available but only in the UK. The boot does not feature a Gore-tex lining due to its intended purpose but does offer Cambrelle lining in the heel cup paired with a Vita-tex lining throughout the entire boot. Unlike new Lowa boots being released for use in the US, the Black Elite has open top hooks.

Available in the UK from RV Ops.

XGO Shemagh

Wednesday, September 24th, 2008

XGO Shemagh

Manufactured from lightweight Acclimate® FR 100% Flame Resistant no melt cotton, the new XGO is the first FR Shemagh ever. The material passed the American Society for Testing and Materials vertical flame resistance test (ASTM 6413-99). What is just as fantastic is that the Shemagh is treated with Ag47 Silver Antimicrobial treatment to fight odor that builds up from using the Shemagh day after day in a hot dusty environment. It exceeds the standard for antimicrobial resistance in accordance with American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists test for determination of antimicrobial effect (AATCC 100).

This isn’t some cheapo shemagh you buy down the souk, these are 100% American made. They have barely hit the market and have already been adopted as part of the BAMS kit.

Currently available in Tan and Coyote versions, XGO is capable of doing custom runs of colors and patterns. For more info, contact XGO on the web.

Soldier Systems Blog Unveils Logo

Tuesday, September 23rd, 2008

We have been around for several months now and got off to a rip roaring start. Content was more important than fluff and oddly enough, our spartan style has garnered a lot more praise than we had expected. However, its hard to have proper business cards (or T-shirts for that matter) without a logo so we went to one of our favorite artists, Mil Spec Monkey and he put together several concepts. We liked this one. You will begin to see it more often.

Soldier Systems Blog Logo

Check out Mil Spec Monkey on the web.

Flame, Flash & Cut Protection Gloves from Uniforce®

Tuesday, September 23rd, 2008

New Spec Ops series offers four styles that meet any mission!

US Cavalry

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 four new gloves from Uniforce® that feature both Nomex® and Kevlar® fabric for the ultimate in flame, flash and cut protection.

There are ten reasons to wear hand protection and you can count them on both hands! Protect your digits with the new Uniforce® Spec Ops series of gloves featuring several advances to combat cuts and burns:

* Specially engineered Pittards® leather called FIREBLOC™ with flame retardant properties and resistance to oil and water based stains
* Nomex® inner lining for flash resistance
* Kevlar® outer shell for added strength and cut and tear resistance

US Cavalry Uniforce Gloves

In addition, the Spec Ops series of gloves use DIGITAL® laser etched palm pads for a superior ergonomic grip than traditional gloves plus more substantial padding for increased shock absorption. TRI-CURVE® construction creates a seamless palm for a better fit and reduced chafing.

Spec Ops gloves are available in two lengths to suit any mission parameter. Choose either the short cuff or the long cuff version (with an additional 4-inch gauntlet) for increased wrist protection. For those needing extra impact resistance, select a hard knuckle version with ABS SHOK SORB nylon protectors.

US Cavalry Uniforce Gloves

For those that go into harm’s way, the threat from fire and lacerations is common yet preventable. Protect your hands with the new Uniforce® Spec Ops glove series; in stock and ready for order. To see video demos of the product and for additional technical details, visit: www.uscav.com/uniforce or call 1.800.200.9455.

About U.S. Cavalry: U.S. Cavalry, headquartered in Radcliff, Kentucky, 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.

London Bridge Trading Company Boonie

Monday, September 22nd, 2008

We mentioned this new hat in our first week of publishing. We have finally been able to get our hands on a couple of prototypes and they are even more impressive in person than on a mannequin. The London Bridge boonie is a simple affair, designed to keep weight and cost low, take up little space, and provide both cooling shade as well as camouflage to the Operator’s head. They succeed on all of these points.

London Bridge Trading Company Boonie - Tan
The Tan boonie. Notice how well it blends in with 3-color Desert pattern. The boonies are manufactured from a lightweight ripstop nylon shell, cut to imitate foliage and allow ample air circulation. The nylon shell is sewn to a foundation of camouflage mesh. This gives the boonie shape and facilitates cooling. The material is also very soft and compressible.

London Bridge Trading Company Boonie - Inside
In this picture you can clearly see the mesh that makes up the interior of the hat. Also visible is the elastic band used to keep the cap on the head during high winds. This is backed up by a nylon band that runs around the circumference of the head and is adjustable in the rear via hook and pile tape. It is clearly visible on the Foliage boonie below.
London Bridge Trading Company Boonie - Rear

The brim provides ample shade yet is not so wide that it impedes vision. Additionally, the mesh foundation is stiff enough that the brim can be formed even after being stowed in a pack for hours.
London Bridge Trading Company Boonie - Foliage

As you can see in the following picture, the boonie is highly compressible and will take up little space in your kit. If you constantly wear a helmet in the field and want something to throw on in the rare moments you are without a helmet, the LBT Boonie is the hat I would recommend.
London Bridge Trading Company Boonie - Compressed

The samples we received are in Tan and Foliage but additional colors are planned. While several camo patterns will eventually be offered I prefer the solid color models as they are more adaptable. As this is obviously a field cover, the monotone versions will blend in with a wider variety of patterns and applications and can be easily modified for specialty use such as with a ghillie cape. Additionally, the samples were slick in that they didn’t have IR markers nor pile tape to attach them but you should see something on production variants.

Available soon from London Bridge Trading Company.

Army Combat Shirt Update

Sunday, September 21st, 2008

Without explanation, Army G-1 has withdrawn the ACS ALARACT we reported on here. The ACS continues to be worn but apparently without wear guidance.

Blauer Tactical Systems End of Fiscal Year Sale

Sunday, September 21st, 2008

You are going to see a lot here on Soldier Systems Blog about Tony Blauer and his pursuits but since its so close to the end of the fiscal year and they are running such a great special, we wanted to get this out to you immediately and verbatim. If you do anything today, check out Blauer’s website.

Blauer Tactical

END OF YEAR HIGH GEAR SPECIAL + TRAINING BONUS

BONUS TRAINING WORTH OVER $750
FREE SHIPPING
Any customer who purchases 2 state-of-the-art HIGH GEAR suits will receive free shipping and a complimentary slot in one of our combatives or scenario instructor courses ALL FOR ONLY $2350 (regular H2H suit) or just $2499 (for the Marking Cartridge version).

That’s two HIGH GEAR suits, CONUS shipping & 1 bonus training slot in one of our certification courses for $2350 or $2499

This special will end October 1, 2008.

CALL NOW – JUST 10 DAYS LEFT TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE BONUS TRAINING SPECIAL

YOU MAY SELECT FROM THE FOLLOWING COURSES:

S.P.E.A.R. SYSTEM CERTIFICATION
*October 27th-31st: S.P.E.A.R. System: Instructor Certification Course, BTS HQ, Virginia Beach, VA.
*November 10th-14th: S.P.E.A.R. System: Instructor Certification Course, Saratoga, NY.

SCENARIO INSTRUCTOR CERTIFICATION & HIGH GEAR BMF COACH
* November 3rd-5th, 2008 High Gear Scenario Instructor Course, BTS HQ, Virginia Beach, VA.
* February 2nd-4th, 2009,High Gear Advanced Scenario Instructor Course, Virginia Beach, VA
* March 23rd-27th,2009, High Gear Advanced Scenario Instructor Course, Virginia Beach, VA
* May 11th-13th, 2009, High Gear Advanced Scenario Instructor Course, Virginia Beach, VA

As a reminder our 28,000 ft world headquarters, complete with FIGHT HOUSE, Octagon, CrossFit is now operational,

IMPORTANT:

If you are already an ADS customer please contact your ADS rep. www.adstactical.com

If you are federal and military, contact ADS and get your order in ASAP.
If you need any assistance related to Blauer products or services, call immediately, this promotion ends October 1.

Call 757-617-5923 or email rocco@blauertactical.com

For more on our S.P.E.A.R. System courses please visit www.blauertactical.com

*This special will end October 1, 2008.

Writing for Soldier Systems Blog

Sunday, September 21st, 2008

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, thus far 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.

PECOC in the British Press

Saturday, September 20th, 2008

PECOC

We have previously discussed the British Army’s new PECOC program here and here. Finally, the BBC has shown an interview showcasing the recent evolution of the British Soldier. Although the BBC interviewer never comes out and calls it PECOC, take a keen look at the three Tommies being interviewed. Not only will you see a slightly modified DPM, but a new armor vest, helmet, and eye protection. The hybrid camo we talked about in previous articles can be seen in the pic below. Please note that the pattern will be confined to armor and belt kit as the UK uses different uniform fabrics for temperate and desert environments. Following this reasoning, if you are going to use different fabrics, why not use different patterns. You can also see the Crye-style Combat Shirt in the PECOC camo. The MoD has determined that this will be the colorway for the new camo pattern but that they may come up with an entirely new pattern.

PECOC

PECOC

Watch the BBC Video Here.

Read the Daily Mail article here.

The British Army Defence News article is here.

Photo from Daily Mail.

SOG Fusion Salute

Saturday, September 20th, 2008

SOG Fusion

SOG Knives have been around for years and have long been some of my favorites. They are high quality tools and knives that won’t break the bank. They have been producing knives in their Fusion line that showcase custom features at production prices. The Salute is their first Fusion tactical folder. It comes standard with SOG’s reversible pocket clip attached to machined G10 handles combined with scalloped full-length steel liners. The lockback knife is topped off with a 3.625″ Bowie-style blade made from 8Cr13MoV and features SOG’s newest invention; a movable thumb stud.

SOG Fusion Salute

Available in Bead Blast and Black Oxide finishes, with an MSRP of $50.00 or less, the Salute is both affordable and good looking.

Blackheart International Weapons Manuals

Friday, September 19th, 2008

Blackheart International

Previously, we’ve covered Blackheart’s excellent M16/M4 Handbook by Mike Pannone. Blackheart has been in the business of training people and developing outstanding training materials for years. One of their flagship products is their line of weapons manuals. Individual volumes in this ever expanding series cover US, Allied and Threat small arms (with the Mk 19 and RPG-7 thrown in for good measure). Authored by Blackheart’s staff of former Special Forces personnel, all of the manuals feature step by step instruction, clearly written with numerous illustrations. Each manual consists of Operations, Maintenance, Immediate Action, Use of Accessories, Manufacturer Markings as well as Ammunition information. We keep an entire set of these manuals in our reference library. Considering the amount of Soviet Bloc weapons we all are running across these days, you should seriously consider getting a set as well.

Blackheart International Foreign Weapons Manuals

Currently available are: Makarov Pistol, PPSH-41 Submachine Gun, AK-47/74, PKM Machine Gun, DShk 12.7mm Heavy Machine Gun, RPG-7, HK-69A1 Grenade Launcher, M2 Browning .50 Caliber Machine Gun, M203 Grenade Launcher, M79 Grenade Launcher, MK19 MOD3, 40mm Grenade Machine Gun, and MAG58/M240 Machine Gun.

All of the training manuals can be found on this page. Many of them are also on GSA.

Also, to celebrate the end of the fiscal year in style, Blackheart will be open from 8 AM to Midnight the 27th, 29th, and 30th of September. When you order, don’t forget to pick up a calendar.

Photos courtesy of Blackheart International, LLC.

Remington Announces EOTAC Joint Venture – New Entrant into Tactical Clothing Market

Friday, September 19th, 2008

EOTAC

Madison, NC – Remington Arms Company, Inc. announced today that it has teamed with Fernando Coelho, long involved in the firearms, ammunition, and tactical clothing communities, to enter the rapidly growing market for tactical apparel.

The new company – EOTAC, will be tapping into decades of experience in the military, law enforcement, and private security sector by both Mr. Coelho and Remington’s family of companies, to design and produce, the finest line of tactical and discreet clothing.

“EOTAC’s approach to apparel design is to offer a balance between innovation and price point. By merging outdoor industry techniques with tactical user based input and world class materials, EOTAC will offer both traditional tactical clothing and the next generation in tactical clothing” said Fernando Coelho, President of EOTAC.

Based in West Columbia, South Carolina, EOTAC has entered the market with its Operator Grade™ line of apparel. The line focuses on providing purpose-designed solutions to law enforcement, military, private security, and Fire/EMT, looking for purpose-built clothing that covers both tactical and discreet wear.

“On a daily basis, Remington, and our sister companies- Bushmaster and DPMS, interact with operators all over the world when seeking to address their needs with our firearms and ammunition solutions. This constant interaction with the global tactical community, puts us in a position to provide a constant stream of feedback and ideas to EOTAC’s design team, leverage our industry expertise and relationships, and support EOTAC in developing and supplying, the finest tactical and discreet clothing available” – said E. Scott Blackwell, President of Global Sales and Marketing for Remington and Vice President of EOTAC.

About Remington Arms Company, Inc.
Remington Arms Company, Inc., headquartered in Madison, NC, designs, produces and sells sporting goods products for the hunting and shooting sports markets, under a family of famous brands including Remington, Marlin, Harrington & Richardson (H&R), New England Firearms, L. C. Smith and Parker, as well as solutions to the military, government and law enforcement markets. Founded in 1816 in upstate New York, the Company is one of the nation’s oldest continuously operating manufacturers. Remington is the only U.S. manufacturer of both firearms and ammunition products and is the largest domestic producer of shotguns and rifles. The Company distributes its products throughout the U.S. and in over 55 foreign countries. More information about the Company can be found at www.remington.com.

About Bushmaster
Bushmaster Firearms International, LLC (BFI) is the leading supplier of AR15/M16 type rifles in the United States for Law Enforcement, Public and Private Security and Safety applications, as well as consumer use. Headquartered in Windham, Maine – with additional facilities in Dallas, Georgia and Lake Havasu, Arizona, BFI supplies both Aluminum and advanced Carbon Fiber based rifle platforms in calibers ranging from 5.56mm/.223 to .50BMG, as well as associated accessories, to it’s US customer base, in addition to Law Enforcement, Security and Military customers in over 50 countries around the world.

About DPMS
DPMS Firearms, LLC is an industry leader in providing quality AR-style rifles, components and accessories. Headquartered in St. Cloud, Minnesota – No other company offers more styles or configurations of AR rifles. DPMS also provides choices for high-power and small-bore shooters by offering several rifles chambered in .204 Ruger, .223 Remington, 5.56×45 NATO, .243 Winchester, .260 Remington, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.8×43 SPC, 7.62×39, .308 Winchester, .300 Remington SAUM and .338 Federal.

Diamondback Tactical Year End Sale

Thursday, September 18th, 2008

Diamondback Tactical has just released a sale catalog. There is also a “Lucky 21″ sale featured on the back cover of the catalog. When you purchase any combination of three pouches from the list of 21 different pouches shown, you get them for $21.00 while they last (buy as many as you like but hurry, they’re limited to stock on hand).

Sale prices in this catalog are good through December 31, 2008. Certain restrictions apply.

The sale catalog is available here.

More on PenCott Camo from Strike Hold

Thursday, September 18th, 2008

See it here.

Off Duty – Blackwater Bear Cub Swing Target

Thursday, September 18th, 2008

Bear Cub Assembled

Blackwater Manufacturing has released a new swinging target set designed for small caliber weapons. It’s great for plinking with a .22.

Bear Cub Parts

Each kit contains:
1) TARGET
2) TARGET ARM
3) TARGET PIN
4) LEG
5) LEG MOUNT

Three additional target sets are available. One example is below.

Bear Optional Target Set

Blackwater offers an excellent warranty. Should a part break under normal use within the first year after purchase simply ship the defective part back and they will send a replacement part.

For more info contact: BLACKWATER TARGET SYSTEMS

Eagle Industries Introduces Two Types of New Flightsuits

Wednesday, September 17th, 2008

Eagle Industries

From Eagle Industries – Pics have been added, but the flightsuits aren’t on their website yet…

Eagle Flight Clothing

Eagle’s 2P/TAF (Two Piece Tactical Aircrew Flightsuit) is designed around the popular two piece Shirt and Pants, Flyers, Hot weather made for use during the Vietnam War with some modern upgrades to meet our customers needs.
Some companies sell cheaper non FR or piece-dyed flight suits, Eagle Industries requires military-specification, producer-dyed fabric and zippers made from NOMEX® fiber.

Aircrewmembers tell us our flight suits are much more functional than the traditional flightsuit. And what a relief to be able to take off the top. We make the 2P-TAF in standard BDU sizes and one design so we can keep the cost down.
2P-TAF flight suits are available in four colors. Khaki, Sage green, Black, Navy Blue

Eagle Industries Nam Flightsuit CoatEagle Industries Nam Flightsuit Coat - SideEagle Industries Nam Flightsuit TrousersEagle Industries Nam Flightsuit Trousers - Side
Features:
• Zipper chest pockets face outward for use with body armor
• Zipper thigh pockets
• Round collar
• Button fly and zipper with belt loops and waist tabs
• Zipper sleeve pocket with cover
• Knife pocket
• Nametag hook-and-loop fastener
• Cargo pocket on left sleeve
• Hook-and-loop fastener sleeve tabs
• covered front zipper
• Zipper leg closures
• Lengthened back to allow tucking into pants
• Zipper leg pockets

Do you require the USAF 27/P flight suit but don’t like the pains associated with a one piece suit? Our 2P-27/P is identical to the CWU-27/P, but is available in a functional two piece design. Some companies sell cheaper non FR or piece-dyed flight suits, Eagle Industries requires military-specification, producer-dyed fabric and zippers made from NOMEX® fiber.
Aircrewmembers tell us our flight suits are much more functional than the traditional flightsuit. And what a relief to be able to take off the top. We make the 2P-27/P in standard BDU sizes and one design so we can keep the cost down.
2P-27/P flight suits are available in four colors. Khaki, Sage green, Black, Navy Blue

Eagle Industries 27/P FlightsuitEagle Industries 27/P Flightsuit CoatEagle Industries 27/P Flightsuit Coat - SideEagle Industries 27/P Flightsuit TrouserEagle Industries 27/P Flightsuit Trouser - Side

Features:
• Zipper chest pockets
• Zipper thigh pockets
• Round collar
• Button pants with belt loops and waist tabs
• Zipper sleeve pocket with cover
• Knife pocket
• Nametag hook-and-loop fastener
• One-inch hook-and-loop fastener waist tabs
• Hook-and-loop fastener sleeve tabs
• Two-way front zipper
• Zipper leg closures
• Pleated action back
• Zipper leg pockets

Coming soon: A British/Canadian design with built in kneeboards and the 27/P with epaulets and sewn in trouser seam.

All photos courtesy of Eagle Industries.

PEO Soldier Launches New Equipment Surveys

Wednesday, September 17th, 2008

This is an official Press Release…

Fort Belvoir, VA—The U.S. Army’s Program Executive Office (PEO) Soldier has launched an Internet-based survey system to support its mission to aggressively incorporate Soldier feedback into everything it does.

More than 30 surveys, announced on AKO and available to Soldiers through a link on the PEO Soldier Web site peosoldier.army.mil, are designed to give Soldiers a forum to communicate their thoughts and suggestions up the chain of command. The surveys cover everything from clothing and individual equipment—gloves, goggles, and battering rams—to individual and crew served weapons such as the M4 carbine and the M110 sniper system.

As The Army continues its efforts to employ the Soldier-as-a-System concept, Soldier feedback is critical. Soldier-as-a-System calls for everything a Soldier wears and carries to be streamlined, integrated and effective. While the Army’s skilled laboratories, research centers, and contractors develop and modernize the next generation of equipment for the battlefield, everything comes down to what the men and women on the ground actually need, use, and accept as beneficial. Web-based surveys have already proven to be a direct and effective way to shine a spotlight on that essential point of view.

An earlier version of the online survey system was used to gather comments regarding the new Army Service Uniform. PEO Soldier received more than 80,000 responses to this survey alone. Converting such extensive feedback into actionable changes is no simple task. As Brig. Gen. Mark Brown, PEO Soldier, noted, “We had experts from Operational Forces Interface Group (OFIG) do the mathematical and statistical analyses of the responses so that we could categorize the feedback that we received to support good decisions.”

“In meeting battlefield requirements, we find that there is rarely a silver bullet that will take care of all existing uniform or equipment requirements,” said Brown. “It is an integrated process, and we manage the Soldier as a system to get there.” As long as technology improves to create more lightweight, efficient, unobtrusive solutions to the challenges every Soldier faces, PEO Soldier will find ways to integrate these products to improve Soldier capabilities, save Soldiers’ lives, and improve Soldiers’ quality of life.

Soldier surveys are just one of many methods PEO Soldier employs to consistently and innovatively provide the best for the best.

The surveys can be found here: PEO Soldier
A CAC card is required to fill out a survey.