During SHOT Show 2020, Crye Precision told me they would be adding female sizing to their G4 line. I didn’t expect it to be before the end of the year.
With females the fastest growing demographic in the military, LE and first responder communities, the move makes sense.
The Royal Marines REORG Jiu Jitsu Foundation and ThruDark clothing have collaborated to provide a distinctive Gi from Tatami Fightwear.
Description
The Gi itself features a 350GSM pearl weave jacket with curved side vents for a better fit and extra comfort. As a favoured modern style, this is a standard fitting Gi with a slightly shorter jacket that helps not only with comfort but with range of movement. The pants are made from a 9oz will cotton, making them durable for training and competition. The pants slightly taper to the ankle for better functionality. This make up of the Gi allows for a lightweight but strong option while rolling.
us.tatamifightwear.com/collections/reorg/products/reorg-thrudark-gi-black
The Varusteleka Jämä Blanket shirt is back. They are no longer made from surplus Finnish Army wool frieze, but they found some surplus wool.
This bushcraft shirt in offered in charcoal black and forest green. They also modified the hood so this looks a bit less like an evil cultist robe and tweaked the shape of the pocket.
More green ones are on the way, but made from a bit thicker wool. They will also be making brown, grey, and burgundy blanket shirts next year.
www.varusteleka.com/en/product/jama-blanket-shirt
The official Army-designed, -tested, and -refined face mask – the Combat Cloth Face Covering (CCFC) – will be provided to new Soldiers during the second quarter of FY2021. This was one of the updates provided to the Army Uniform Board (AUB) during its 152nd meeting, which occurred on Nov. 18.
In response to the current pandemic, the Army has largely provided disposable or reusable, solid color masks to Soldiers who have also been permitted to use neck gaiters and other cloth items, such as bandanas and scarves, as face coverings. This past summer, the Army Uniform Board recommended and General James C. McConville, the U.S. Army Chief of Staff, approved issuing CCFCs to Soldiers at Initial Entry Training (IET) as part of their clothing bag. At the 152nd AUB, Army officials said that the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) will begin issuing two CCFCs to each new Soldier during the second quarter of FY2021. The CCFCs will likely be available for purchase at the Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) uniform stores later in FY2021. (Note: Existing guidance on face coverings for current Soldiers remains unchanged and can be found at the end of this article.)
The CCFC was designed, developed, and produced along an expedited timeline. It normally takes 18–24 months for DLA to have the item available for order once the technical description, design, and components are approved and submitted. The CCFC, from inception to issuance, is slated to take less than one year.
The AUB also received updates on the implementation status of four other uniform changes from the 151st AUB, which took place in June 2020. A summary of these follow:
Improved Hot Weather Combat Uniform-Female (IHWCU-F): Expected to be added to the clothing bag in the fourth quarter of FY2021 and available for purchase in the second quarter of FY2022.
Hot Weather Army Combat Boot-Improved (HW ACB-I): Expected to transition to DLA Troop Support for new contracting action in the second quarter of FY2021 and be available for purchase by FY2024.
Black Athletic Socks: DLA estimates the sock will be available in the clothing bag in second quarter of FY2022.
Army Physical Fitness Uniform-Maternity (APFU-M): Prototypes are in development. The Army is working with the Air Force and Marines on their past maternity uniform efforts in order to expedite pattern development. Form, fit, and function evaluations are expected to occur in the third quarter of FY2021.
The AUB also discussed additional clothing articles, including items for new and expecting mothers. More information will be provided about these discussions in 2021 after Senior Leader decisions are made.
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EXISTING FACE COVERING GUIDANCE:
SOLDIERS ARE AUTHORIZED TO WEAR THE NECK GAITER AND OTHER CLOTH ITEMS, SUCH AS BANDANAS AND SCARVES, AS FACE MASKS. TO PROTECT THE FACIAL AREA, THE CLOTH ITEM MUST COVER THE MOUTH AND NOSE AND EXTEND TO THE CHIN OR BELOW AS WELL AS TO THE SIDES OF THE FACE. THE ITEM MUST ALSO BE SECURED OR FASTENED TO THE FACE IN A MANNER THAT ALLOWS THE SOLDIER TO BREATHE WHILE ALSO PREVENTING DISEASE EXPOSURE OR CONTAMINATION.
SOLDIERS WILL NOT WEAR MASKS THAT HAVE PRINTED WORDING, PROFANITY, RACIST, DEMEANING OR DEROGATORY LOGOS, SCRIPT OR IMAGERY. SOLDIERS MUST NOT ATTEMPT TO CUT UP CLOTHING MATERIALS SUCH AS ARMY COMBAT UNIFORMS TO USE FOR FACE MASKS AS THESE MAY HAVE BEEN TREATED WITH CHEMICALS. IF AVAILABLE, CLOTH COLORS SHOULD BE SUBDUED AND CONFORM TO THE UNIFORM. LEADERS SHOULD APPROACH THIS AS A FORCE PROTECTION ISSUE; THEY ARE ASKED TO USE THEIR BEST JUDGMENT REGARDING THE CLOTH COLOR AND DESIGN OF FACE MASKS AND MUST ALSO CHECK FOR THE SERVICEABILITY OF FACE-SHIELDING MATERIALS. SOLDIERS SHOULD REPLACE ITEMS THAT BECOME SOILED, DAMAGED, OR DIFFICULT TO BREATHE THROUGH.
By Kinsey Kiriakos
Arc’teryx LEAF spoke with Keith Walawender, a former US Navy NSWDG Operator who is now CEO of Tomahawk Strategic Solutions about the importance of getting the right gear for the mission when failure isn’t an option.
Montane, one of the UK’s leading outdoor clothing brands, launched the Montane Tactical Website.
The Montane Tactical Range has been developed using the latest advances in technology and textiles. The high-quality clothing offers maximum mobility, breathability, and durability.
Whether the operator is wading through swamps and marshland, scaling mountain ranges or working in desert conditions, Montane Tactical apparel will keep the wearer operationally ready and comfortable.
With continuous R&D this initial range has been focused for use on long range light role operations. The range is also available in “Dark Shadow” for Police/Security/CP personnel.
Brigantes have worked closely with military specialists to produce advanced operational clothing underpinned with the technical European outdoor fit, award-winning design features and prestige of Montane’s products.
The close working relationship these two companies have shared over the years, has greatly benefitted those units who have adopted Montane Tactical as their issue kit already.
The dedication of Brigantes to bring Montane Tactical to the military user has resulted in Brigantes becoming the Global Licensee of Montane Tactical, providing further opportunities for the growth and development of the Montane Tactical brand. An exciting time for Montane Tactical and for Brigantes.
For the website tactical.montane.com
For more information on procurement contact:
During a recent visit to Phoenix I stopped by a local outdoor store, which I generally do while on the road. Invariably, I run across a hidden gem and this trip was no different.
Just Roughin’ It is located in Scottsdale and caters to the local outdoor enthusiast. Being a small outdoor shop is tough these days and no one who stays in business can afford to stock their store with stuff people aren’t going to buy. They know their customer and they know the local environment. They also host seminars. If you’re in the area, stop by and check them out.
Quite a few things caught my eye as I browsed the aisles, but then I saw something that looked like a combat shirt with lizard pattern sleeves and a grey body.
Appropriately enough, the manufacturer Anetik promises, “comfort in chaos.” Meet the REMIX Tech L/S.
There’s lots to love. The knit fabric offers UPF30+ protection and incorporates what Anetik refers to as VINT Cooling Technology for airflow. It also features Raglan sleeves so there are no seams on top of your shoulders when wearing a pack. Yeah, it’s a lot like a combat shirt and it’s very comfortable. However, it’s nylon so don’t think it’s FR. Great for summers out in the sun. You won’t overheat and it will protect you from UV.
There’s an extra in the layout as well, a quick stash back zipper pocket at the right hem which can be used to stow items when running.
I haven’t had it pill or pull yet, but if there’s a weak link so far in the design, it’s the collar which is narrow and made from the same fabric as the rest of the shirt.
Offered in XS – 3XL. The fabric has some mechanical stretch but get your normal size, unless you want it to fit loose.
anetik.com/collections/mens-collection-2019/products/mens-remix-raglan-tech-l-s-master-style
Commonly referred to as the “banana suit,” this 70-era track suit saw service well into the late 80s when it was replaced by a Grey ensemble that absorbed stains.
Prior to its adoption as a measure to help professionalize the post-draft VOLAR, or volunteer Army, a soldiers wore fatigues for physical fitness trining. Initially with boots, and eventually with running shoes.
The banana suit consisted of yellow top and bottom along with yellow shorts with black piping and a reversible yellow to black t-shirt. That last item was so that units could conduct sports, with one team yellow and the other black.
