In an update to the NY Times story of Finnish concerns over Russia’s purloining of their Army’s camo pattern, Strike Hold has published a photo of Russian troops in Georgia wearing the Finnish m05 camo as well as a copy of Brit DPM.
Archive for November, 2008
Russo-Finnish Camo Debacle – Strike Hold Has the Goods
Sunday, November 30th, 2008PECOC Update
Sunday, November 30th, 2008Recently some photos of PECOC trials webbing appeared on the net. MOD still has not settled on a camo scheme but the Hybrid Cam for load carriage seems to be catching on. In fact, as you will see in the photos, the actual nylon webbing is in the pattern and there are plans to offer camo buckles and Hypalon as well.
On the load carriage side, there are currently 14 MOLLE-style (yes, we said MOLLE) pouches associated with the PECOC program in addition to a new set of webbing, assault vest, patrol sack, rucksack (bergan), plate carrier, and armor vest. The armor vest has been slimmed down a bit from the current Osprey design in order to improve the agility of the wearer. However, an improved Osprey is in the works for use when there is a need to go in heavy.
One of the most interesting features on the assault vest is the use of Hypalon. This can be seen in the photo as Black surfaces. Non-skid has been in use for some time on the shoulders of vest in order to “lock” the buttstock in place. However, the concept’s application in PECOC goes one step further. Hypalon is also sewn to the underside of straps in order to provide improved purchase. Additionally, a large MOLLE grid is supplied in order to customize the vest.
Similar to the current Soldier 95 webbing, the new PECOC variant relies on a “Hippo” padded belt as a foundation. Added to this is a yoke with Hypalon patches on the shoulders and a family of pockets. One item still requires some additional development and that is the closure system for the pouches. Apparently, they are having difficulty establishing a consensus on which style is preferable.
Vulcan Camo
Saturday, November 29th, 2008It seems several years ago a paintball team in the UK commissioned a custom camo pattern to commemorate their name; the Vulcans. We will let the pics speak for themselves.
Yes, that’s Spock’s face on that smock. Thanks to a reader for the pics!
Bushnell Backtrack GPS Receiver
Friday, November 28th, 2008New from Bushnell Outdoors comes the Backtrack, a new take on GPS receivers. Intended as a low cost alternative to more complicated GPS systems, simplicity was key in it’s design. The Backtrack stores up to three locations and uses an onboard digital compass to guide you back to one of the stored points. The device has only two buttons. Simply turn it on and then mark a point such as your truck on a hunting trip. In the event you need to return to a stored point, the Backtrack will give you a direction and distance to the waypoint. Our only concern for military use with this device is that there is no simple way to zeroize it on the event of capture. However, it is a simple and inexpensive GPS receiver for many applications and would not only be a good choice for personnel who would not normally have access to a GPS receiver but also for use off-duty or for family members when away from home.
The Backtrack uses two AAA batteries and contains a SiRF Star III GPS receiver chip. It can be dummy corded utilizing the integral lanyard loop and comes in Yellow, Green, Woodland, Grey, and Pink.
To order visit Bushnell.
Photo from Bushnell.
Thanksgiving in Space
Thursday, November 27th, 2008As you enjoy your Thanksgiving meal take a moment to consider what our Astronauts on the International Space Station are eating. Its a turkey dinner with the trimmings but conventional, it ain’t. But fortunately for NASA crew, rations have come a long way since the tubes used on the Apollo program.
A reporter from Discovery News got a chance to sample some of the cuisine last week. His opinion? Bland. io9, a science fiction blog also has a few photos.
100% Cotton ABU Now Available From Propper
Thursday, November 27th, 2008
Propper has struck a major coup for Airmen everywhere by offering a 100% version of the ABU. This is an excellent alternative to the current issue garment which has drawn a lot of heat from the field due to its heavy fabric.
Men’s 100% Cotton ABUs are already available and women’s sizes will also be available in the next 2-3 weeks.
The men’s coat comes in sizes 36-48 in short, regular and long lengths and the men’s trousers are available in sizes 30-42 in short, regular and long lengths. Women’s sizes for both the coat and trousers are size 4 in short and regular lengths and sizes 6-16 in extra short, short, regular and long lengths.
The 100% Cotton ABU does not have a permanent press finish but is NIR-compliant.
Propper’s Part numbers are:
F542555 – Men’s coat
F542655 – Women’s coat
F521555 – Men’s trouser
F521655 – Women’s trouser
Contact Propper for more information.
Photos from Propper.
Tactical Gear Digest
Wednesday, November 26th, 2008Think Digg for the Gear Junkie or Small Arms Enthusiast and that would adequately describe Tactical Gear Digest. If you don’t have any experience with Digg it is a place for readers to aggregate and comment on web based articles on a particular topic.
Check it out.
Low-Profile Assault Armor from Mayflower Research and Consulting
Wednesday, November 26th, 2008Here is a teaser of just one of the new products coming from Mayflower and just in time for Thanksgiving. In addition to the armor there are several pouches including Admin, 5.56 Shingle, MBITR Pouch, and Tourniquet Holder.
Mayflower’s website will be up soon and the line will be released around SHOT show.
Photo courtesy of Mayflower Research and Consulting, LLC.
New Russian Camo Causes Finnish Angst
Tuesday, November 25th, 2008Not very often that you run across articles in the NY Times on Soldier System topics, but the Russian Interior Ministry’s latest camo pattern is allegedly a dead ringer for the Finnish Army’s pattern. The pattern was reportedly worn by Russian Special Operations troops during the recent hostilities in Georgia. While the Russian Government has flatly denied copying the pattern, they have been known in the past to copy US Woodland pattern as well as German Flecktarn. Additionally, tipsters have alerted us to Russian versions of the Finnish m/05 pattern for sale on ebay within the last year. Obviously, considering a sizable common border and a past history of conflict with Russia, the Finns are a bit concerned.
Xtreme-Comfort™ ACH Combat Helmet Browband from BQM
Monday, November 24th, 2008Many Soldiers complained about the issue pad system for the ACH being non-absorbent and in some cases painful. BQM listened and came up with a one piece brow pad to combat sweat and provide even pressure around the forehead. Backed with velcro, the Browband locks into place.
Lined with Coolmax® Dacron® the pad is comfortable and sweat is transferred into the Microbisoft™ hydrophilic foam core, a “breathable” 3/8” thick antimicrobial foam with an embedded polymer that features high moisture vapor transmission and absorption. Additionally, a Silver-ion treatment provides anti-bacterial and anti-fungal protection to reduce odors.
To order go to www.brigadeqm.com.
Photos from BQM. Please note that the Browpad has not been approved for airborne operations.
Special Air Sea Services
Sunday, November 23rd, 2008When we in the US were still thinking what a great idea it would be to offer quality commercial alternatives to issue Soldier Systems items, Special Air Seas Services was manufacturing and producing clothing, webbing, and packs. I have been using SASS products for 20 years and I recommend you take a look yourself.
One of SASS’ flagship products has long been the Kit Karry Smock. SASS constantly updates their designs and as a testament to this, the Kit Karry Smock is in the Mark V configuration. It features a whopping 17 pockets and is available in DPM Gabardine, Black, Olive or German Flecktarn. They are extremely accommodating and will manufacture smocks or other items from any camo pattern so long as you can provide the material.
To view Special Air Sea Services full line of kit, go to www.SASSKIT.co.uk.
Photo from SASS.
TOPS Knives Survival Neck Wallet
Sunday, November 23rd, 2008We live in an increasingly dangerous world. Travelers face the danger of detainment or isolation from safety. Even at home, it’s wise to have a handy survival kit for the unforeseen. TOPS Knives has developed an new line of survival products and assembled them in a survival kit based on the popular neck wallet.
The Survival Neck Wallet has a see through ID window, two interior pouches, one zippered money/credit card pouch and rear slot.
It contains a variety of tools including:
1. TOPS Survival Whistle independently tested at 126 decibels.
2. TOPS Pocket size Survival Saw.
3. A liquid filled compass.
4. The TOPS Firestarter with Ferrocium Rod and magnesium. Will start fires even when wet.
5. Traditional P-38 military can opener/Firestarter striker.
6. Offset Phillips/flat head screwdriver.
7. TOPS Dog Tag Signal Mirror.
8. LED Flashlight.
9. Lansky Quick Fix Sharpener.
Several of the items are exclusive TOPS products including the Survival Mirror which is designed to be worn on a neck chain. It is hard chrome and includes a sighting hole.
What really differentiates TOPS’ pouch from others is that the back features a 3M highly reflective backing which is ideal for signalling.
To order visit www.TOPSKnives.com.
Photos from TOPS Knives.
The Art of the Tactical Carbine DVD
Friday, November 21st, 2008
Hosted by Magpul Dynamics’ Travis Haley and Chris Costa the “Art of the Tactical Carbine” is an excellent training resource. Obviously, a video is no substitution for hands on training but it is a great refresher and may introduce you to some new techniques. The pace is brisk but they take the time to demonstrate, explain what is going on and why and often provide further instruction with a student. The three disc set covers respectively; Fundamentals, Advanced Skills, and Drills.
The video is a great example of the quality of the DVDs and the production value is fantastic. The method of filming makes you feel as if you are a member of the class. I have only have one slight complaint overall and that is with the sound. At times the voices are booming and at other times I had to increase the volume but this by no means distracted from the content. I highly recommend it as an addition to any tactical library.
The DVD is available for order from Magpul.com.
WARNING: This item cannot be exported from the United States of America without a valid permit due to U.S. State Dept. ITAR restrictions. Unfortunately this also includes military APO addresses.
Video courtesy of Magpul Dynamics.
James Bond’s Weird World of Inventions (Jan, 1966)
Friday, November 21st, 2008From the January 1966 issue of Popular Science via the blog Modern Mechanix comes a fantastic look at 1960s next tech.
My favorite has always been the jet pack.
To read the entire article go to blog.modernmechanix.com.
EOTAC Seeking National Sales Director
Friday, November 21st, 2008As a service to our readers we provide this announcement:
EOTAC – A supplier of Military, Law Enforcement, and Private Sector Tactical and Discreet clothing, announced today that it has begun a search for National Sales Director (NSD). The NSD’s responsibilities will include strategic and sales planning and implementation, coordination of Manufacturers Rep. groups, Management of large retail and catalog house accounts as well as, Representing EOTAC at trade shows, shoots and events.
The NSD will also participate in the development of competitive analysis and marketing strategies. The position is preferred will report to EOTAC’s President and will be located in West Columbia, SC – This may be subject to negotiation for the right person, so relocation may not be required.
Minimum qualifications include a college degree, experience in a sales management role, preferably in the tactical market place. A self starter and the ability to work effectively in a dynamic, team-oriented environment are critical. Prior experience in the law enforcement / security industry is desirable, but not required. Tactical clothing / soft goods market experience a plus. Travel would be required approximately 30-40% of the time.
Compensation includes an attractive base salary, generous bonus incentives. Benefits are excellent.
Qualified candidates should submit their resumes to EOTAC care of Fernando Coelho at Fernando@eotac.com
Tru-Spec Combat Shirt
Thursday, November 20th, 2008
Thanks to US Cav, we can now take the question mark (?) off of our previous article on a possible combat shirt from Tru-Spec. US Cavalry has just announced pre-orders for the Tru-Spec combat shirt with deliveries commencing mid-December.
The prices are phenomenal for a combat shirt with an FR body. As we reported before the body is made from Cordura® Baselayer fabric which won’t drip or melt.
Available in sizes from Small – 2XL in a veritable plethora of color schemes including (arms/body) UCP/Foliage, Black/Black, Khaki/Khaki, MULTICAM®/Sand and Olive Drab/Olive Drab.
To pre-order visit WWW.USCAV.COM.
Photos from US Cav.
MSM Loop Panels
Wednesday, November 19th, 2008
A myriad of low-profile tactical clothing and packs are currently on the market that rely on a velcro-based attachment system consisting of a grid of pile to secure holsters, pouches, and other accessories. Unfortunately, many of the pouches intended for these systems are very specialized and do not support a wide enough variety of equipment. Other models don’t offer internal organizers at all. Quite frankly, since the advent of PALS, velcro based systems have taken a back seat.
With this in mind, MilSpecMonkey developed the new Loop Panel as a low-cost alternative to what’s currently on the market.
The Loop Panels accommodate a wide variety of items from pistol and rifle magazines to flashlights due to the ingenious, yet simple design that utilizes two rows of different widths of elastic. There are two, 2″ slots on the inner elastic and a 4″ slot on the outer elastic. The loops are sewn down about .5″ from the ends to help prevent the panel from curling and the ends of the elastic are great for holding pens and markers.
They are sold in pairs and measure about 5″ x 2″.
To order go to Mil Spec Monkey.
Photos courtesy of MilSpecMonkey.
New Boots for French Army
Tuesday, November 18th, 2008
The French Army has placed an order for 100 000 pairs of Meindl boots with deliveries commencing Second Quarter of 2009. The new boots will replace the long-issued “Rangers” or Brodequins de Marche à Jambière Attenante (BMJA), French for High Laced Boots, with a commercial boot more suited to arduous terrain. BMJAs have not been procured since 2007. The new boot is intended specifically for combat arms Soldiers and an additional new model of boots for general issue will begin development in 2009.
Meindl can be found on the web at www.meindl.de
PECOC Update
Monday, November 17th, 2008The British military continues development of its Personal Equipment and Common Operational Clothing (PECOC) program to serve as a bridge between Soldier 95 kit and the planned Future Integrated Soldier Technology (FIST). Press reporting continues and in addition to the previous piece on the BBC, on 3 November 2008, The Times published an article on PECOC.
In the photo you can see an example of the new Hybrid Cam Day Sack.
Examples of trials clothing that have been seen feature Napoleon pockets to maintain a low profile under armor, stand up collars and full bicep pockets with velcro. The Smock is expected to under go some changes from the current SF smock and a second insulated, waterproof jacket is planned. Interestingly, every time the UK issues a new Smock it is based on the current issue SF Smock, which naturally changes as well. Additionally, it looks as though Britain will adopt the MOLLE standard for attachment systems as they move closer and closer to purchasing new equipment.
Finally, amid concerns of third party kit of dubious quality, there are indications that the UK military may follow a plan similar to the “Certified Team Soldier Gear” initiative proposed by the US Army’s PEO-Soldier for distinctive markings or tags on issue equipment. This will be to educate Soldiers and leaders on whether equipment has been vetted for issue by MOD.
Photo from UK MOD via The Times.
Nano Material Hazards
Sunday, November 16th, 2008Recently, health hazards in Outdoor industry products have surfaced. Perhaps the most famous is the BPA threat publicized by the Canada’s Health Ministry. BPA is used in plastic baby bottles but also many popular polycarbonate water bottles utilize the material to increase impact resistance. This has led at least one manufacturer to produce BPA-free bottles.
Additionally, carbon nanotubes have been finding their way into a variety of Soldier Systems items. They are used for such applications as body armor and the installation of serial buses in load carrying harnesses. For some time now there has been concern that nano tubes when broken, work much like asbestos as a threat to healthy lungs. This is particularly disconcerting as the applications that make nanotubes most desirable are exactly the ones that will result in their breakdown and release of potentially dangerous materials.
The most recent alarm on potential health threats has been by the UK’s Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution (RCEP). While they don’t go so far as to say that wearing fabrics with silver nanofibers is hazardous to your health, they do caution that further research is needed and that as their use increases, they may have an aggregate effect on the environment as those garments are laundered. The major concern is that the silver will leach into the water table and scientists are unsure about its effect on the environment.
The US military has not traditionally been known to rush to reaction at environmental threats but as the US government overall becomes more green it will be interesting to see how they react to this information. Many recently issued garments feature silver nanofabrics in order to control the growth of bacteria and associated odor.
Off-Duty: Morning Wood Camo
Saturday, November 15th, 2008We love camo at Soldier Systems Daily and we recently found out about a new pattern called Morning Wood, you read that right…Morning Wood. The thumbnail is small and we have to warn you that the women’s outlines are pretty curvaceous, so think before you open the link.
For more information go to Morning Wood.
TAG’s Advanced Loadout Bag
Friday, November 14th, 2008
Made from 1000D Cordura and lined with 400 weight pack cloth the TAG Advanced Rolling Loadout Bag features four exterior pouches. Additionally, there are four removable pouches inside of the bag. The frame is made with 6061 aircraft grade aluminum and powdered coated with a black “crinkle” finish in order to resist wear.
One of the problems with other bags is that items in the bag push against the wheel. This not only makes it difficult to pull the bag, eventually, holes are worn in the bag’s fabric and your kit gets wet and dirty. This design features wheel wells to prevent this from happening. Additionally, the axle is one solid piece and runs through the frame in order to prevent the wheels from breaking off. The large ball bearing wheels give a smooth ride over uneven surfaces. Finally, the bag can be easily removed from the frame if needed for cleaning, modification, or repair.
TAG has already sold about 1000 of them and can’t keep them in stock. For this reason, none of TAG’s retailers have them yet. I was lucky enough to get one and it has served me well on several trips. The Advanced Loadout Bag isn’t cheap, but like I always say, “Buy Quality, Cry Once”. TAG regularly runs discount specials and that is a great time to invest in one of these bags.
The Advanced Loadout Bag is a roomy 39″L x 17″H x 12″D for a total of 7,956 cubic inches. Berry compliant with a 100% lifetime warranty, the Loadout Bag is available in a multitude of colors including Coyote, Ranger Green, Black, UCP, and Multicam. The interior is solid colored.
To order visit the Operator’s Choice.
Pictures from TAG.
Army Combat Shirt v5.3
Thursday, November 13th, 2008The Army Combat Shirt has only been an issue item for about a year but much of its success can be attributed to PEO-Soldier’s decision to field the garment immediately and improve it over time. In fact, although the basic concept has stayed constant, the design has been in a perpetual state of change. At the recent SOFEX at Ft Bragg, NC we got a chance to take a look at the latest version (v5.3) of the ACS at Massif’s booth. While this version has not yet been approved for procurement, it features design refinements specified by PEO-Soldier. Many Soldiers will be happy to hear that noticeably absent was the “Army of One” logo.
Manufactured from Massif’s proprietary Blaze, Breeze, and Helium fabrics, the ACS is completely FR, even incorporating new flame resistant resin zippers. The Blaze fabric is a four way stretch and used for the sleeves and under arm panels. Designed with comfort under body armor in mind, the ACS is constructed with flat seams and features raglan sleeves. The body is formed from Breeze fabric and the modesty panel designed to cover the breast area is made from Helium fabric. A high mock-T collar prevents chaffing caused by the IOTV’s high collar.
While garments in other color schemes (including Multicam) are currently on the drawing board, development of military variants including the Airman Battle Shirt and a khaki version for the Navy has priority.
Currently, the ACS can only be ordered by members of the United States Army. To order contact Massif Mountain Gear Company.
Soldier of Tomorrow
Wednesday, November 12th, 2008From the October 1959 issue of “Army Reservist” comes these photos of the “Soldier of Tomorrow” which recently surfaced on the web. Amazing what the Pentomic Army hatched. My favorite is the jump belt. Too bad the uniform wasn’t FR. That would have been one hot ride.
Navy to Test Digital Field Uniforms
Wednesday, November 12th, 2008The Navy is fully aware that their new Navy Working Uniform (NWU) isn’t suited for every environment and have from the beginning of the program promised to field a combat uniform for their ground forces who find themselves primarily in the Naval Special Warfare Command and the Naval Expeditionary Combat Command. On November 5th Navy BUPERS officials announced that they would test a minimum of two variants of woodland and desert camouflage patterned NWUs.
Rumor has long been that one variant would be based on the Marine Pattern (MARPAT) without the Eagle Globe and Anchor and that a second possible pattern for test is a pattern developed for use by SOF.
Although the Navy intends to procure both woodland and desert variants of the new pattern, they have expressed an interest in uniforms already in use by the other services in order to speed up fielding. For example, many Individual Augmentees have been using Army ACUs in the CENTCOM AOR. If this course of action were selected, the Navy would field a different style of field uniform than the Marine Combat Utility Uniform-based NWU. However, it is important to note that no matter what pattern or uniform style is selected it will not preclude Sailors from having to possess NWUs.
