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Agilite Tactical Gear Goes International

Sunday, August 15th, 2010

Agilite, an Israeli-American producer of tactical gear, has launched their new website and formally entered the international. Sales of their products began in Israel in early 2010 and many Israel Defense Forces troopers have already proven Agilite vests in real-world conflict scenarios. Now those same vests are available in American camouflage patterns, including MultiCam pattern from Crye Precision which was recently adopted as the US Army’s OEF Camouflage Pattern.

“The last few years combat in both Iraq and Afghanistan has bred an unprecedented need for tactical gear designed specifically for Middle Eastern combat. Having decades of experience in counter-terrorism ops and tactical design teams inside each of its elite units, Israel has become a world leader in tactical gear design,” says Agilite Founder Elie Isaacson, a former IDF Paratrooper and English-language spokesman for the Israeli Army.

Prior to Agilite’s launch, however, such Israeli-designed vests had never been adapted for a global market nor produced in American patterns. “It’s a great feeling to be able to offer our products internationally. Seeing Israeli vests in US Camo patterns sums up what we are all about” says Steve Hoodjer, Agilite’s co-founder and a former sergeant in the US Army National Guard with two Middle Eastern deployments to his credit. The two founders met in 2005 at Israel’s prestigious Institute for Counter-Terrorism.

Agilite’s product range includes their signature product, The Tactical Hi-Vest, an all-in-one tactical load bearing system that incorporates a detachable modular assault pack. The modular assault pack eliminates the need for soldiers to procure an extra assault pack or butt pack for mission essential items, yet allows for removal when operating from a vehicle or when carrying a rucksack on longer missions. The Tactical Hi-Vest fits “high and tight” on the body allowing for a more comfortable weight distribution than standard issue vests. All products are made in Israel from a combination of American and Israeli materials.

www.AgiliteGear.com

Israeli Soldiers in a Different Light

Sunday, July 11th, 2010

We’ve shown you Israeli troops dancing a jig, but now we have something altogether different. Israeli Air Force Veteran Rachel Papo presents a web based version of her portfolio titled under her Serial No. 3817131. Her photos have a personal quality, giving the viewer a glimpse of life in the IDF through the eyes of a female Soldier.

www.serialno3817131.com

Soldier Portable Charger

Saturday, July 10th, 2010

According to a news release from the British Ministry of Defence, a team of energy experts at Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) and the Integrated Soldier Systems Executive (ISSE) at Abbey Wood have developed a portable energy solution dubbed the Solider Portable Charger. Based on a Urgent Operational Requirement from field commanders in Afghanistan, the system consists of lithium ion power source (LIPS) 11 & 12 batteries, a solar charging mat, and a plug n play battery charger that can be carried by a quad.

The requirement was based on weight. Currently, an eight-man section taking part in a 40-hour patrol currently has to contend with a hefty 60kg burden in batteries alone:

“A major factor in developing this UOR was the weight in batteries required during that 40-hour mission,” explained project manager Peter Flowers. “That’s a ridiculous amount to be added just for power supplies, so we sat down last autumn and worked out how we could do something about it.

“One of the things we discovered was that [the batteries] were saying they were empty even though they may have had between ten and 20 per cent power remaining.

“The SPC takes that energy out and transfers it to another type of battery. That means that if you take rechargeable batteries, you only need one on the radio and one on charge and you can then take four of each type off the patrol.”

Additionally, the new LIPS 11 & 12 batteries were developed based on the 3.75kg LIPS 10. They weigh 1.5kg and 2.25kg and provide enough power for two and four hours respectively:

“We have effectively taken the LIPS 10 and chopped it into thirds,” explained Mr Flowers.

“You can now take the lower-power battery if you need it. We’re not dictating to commanders on the ground what they should use, we’re just putting the right clubs in their bag.”

A total of 4,556 units are being deployed to Op HERRICK, with the first 1,000 arriving in theater this month and the remainder being delivered in batches in August and September 2010.

Can’t Win for Losing

Thursday, July 8th, 2010

First the Israelis are criticized for being too heavy handed in their enforcement of the embargo on the Gaza Strip. Now, a squad of Israeli Soldiers on patrol in Hebron decided to cut loose and entertain the locals. Unfortunately for them, the stunt raised the ire of their superiors. With the recent rash of military prank videos one thing is for sure, they aren’t going away.

Brits Reveal FIST

Friday, July 2nd, 2010

In a recent article in the Daily Mail, the British Army revealed details of the latest iteration of their Future Integrated Soldier Technology (FIST) Program.

The photo shows (in reverse order) three British Soldiers outfitted in legacy Desert DPM, the new Multi Terrain Pattern and helmet and armor ensemble entering service and, also the latest iteration of the FIST equipment with L129 sharpshooter rifle. Interestingly, the FIST helmet closely resembles work being done by Revision Eyewear who recently acquired the Headborne Systems Division of Pacific Safety Products.

Camouflage Takes Centre Stage in Brussels

Thursday, June 24th, 2010

If you find yourself in Brussels, Belguim between 13 and 15 October, 2010 then you might consider attending the “Camouflage Takes Centre Stage” symposium sponsored by the International Council of Museums (ICOM) and the Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and of Military History (RMM).

For more info visit the symposium’s website.

CON-SPACE Communication’s C50/M50/M53 Gas Mask E-Mic Communication System

Monday, June 21st, 2010

Lots of units are beginning to the M50/53 Joint Services Protective Mask. Canadian firm CON-SPACE has developed a new and alternative communication system for the M50 as well as the AVON C50. This new electret mic and quick disconnect have been developed to be used with virtually any handheld two-way portable radio and CON-SPACE Radio Gear. The E-Mic plugs into the masks built-in pass through connector and mates with their A5 connector on the exterior of the mask. Once connected to the mask, the CON-SPACE quick disconnect interfaces to three CON-SPACE Radio Gear products:

1. SRVA Voice Amplification Radio Accessory PTT – Allows user to amplify voice and the ability to communicate through a portable radio
2. CSVA Voice Amplifier – Allows user to amplify voice only
3. SR65M Radio Accessory PTT – Allows user to communicate via portable radio

All three devices can be easily interchanged when used with the E-Mic system which can also be connected to any MSA Sordin Supreme Mil and Supreme Pro Active Noise/Noise Canceling Headsets as well as Peltor ComTac products.

There are currently two mounted voice projection units available and the E-Mic and CON-SPACE Radio Gear combination gives the user yet another alternative choice.

Please contact Matt Fiddes, Sales Manager at mfiddes@con-space.com.

Brits to Field Osprey Mark 4 Body Armor

Monday, June 14th, 2010

The new Mk 4 Osprey body armor is a huge evolutionary step for the British Soldier and will make its combat debut this Fall in Afghanistan on the backs of the 16th Air Assault Brigade.

In addition to better protection, some of the improvements over the current version include non-skid shoulders, the plate is now carried in a pocket inside the vest making it less bulky, and has a new ribbed material lining to improve breathability.

The Osprey Mk 4 also integrates even more PALS webbing than its predecessor and will be issued with 23 pouches which include:
* 3 x SA80 single magazine
* 4 x SA80 double magazine
* 3 x single SA80 magazine with elastic pull-cord
* 2 x smoke grenade
* 2 x anti-personnel grenade
* sharpshooter magazine
* utility
* water bottle
* light machine gun magazine – 100 round
* first aid kit
* 2 x 9mm pistol magazine
* underslung grenade launcher – 8 round
* commander’s pouch

The photo is a great comparison shot from the Osprey Mk 3 and desert DPM to the new Mk 4 and Crye Precision developed Multi Terrain Pattern combat uniform. Armor that is actually fielded will also be in MTP.

Stuff We Didn’t Write About

Saturday, June 12th, 2010

Global Supply Solutions, LLC and Falcon Marine, LLC Form Strategic Alliance
M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle
iPhone 4 revealed
Swedish Manufacturer Snigel Design
Magpul’s Quad Stack Magazine

Canadian Army Prohibits Purchase of Commercial Kit

Wednesday, June 9th, 2010

On Monday, LGEN A.B. LESLIE, Chief of the Land Staff for Canada, released a message entitled, “Prohibition on Acquisition of Soldier Personal Equipment, Clothing and Camp Stores.” The point of the message was to remind units that they cannot use Operations and Maintenance monies to procure Soldier Systems items. Specifically, guidance was issued that, “THE LF CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT REMAIN WORLD CLASS. AS SUCH LOCAL PURCHASE OF CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT WITH O AND M FUNDS BY LF UNITS IS PROHIBITED.” The list of equipment units CANNOT use O&M to purchase is pretty extensive and includes basically everything that is covered on SSD. What killjoys. From the message:

A. PERSONAL CLOTHING. OCULAR PROTECTION, HELMETS, HELMET SUSPENSION AND RETENTION SYSTEMS, HEADWEAR, FOOTWEAR, GLOVES, JACKETS, NEXT TO SKIN CLOTHING TO INCLUDE SHIRTS, PANTS, SOCKS AND UNDERGARMENTS

B. PERSONAL EQUIPMENT. LOAD CARRIAGE SYSTEMS, HYDRATION OR WATER PURIFICATION SYSTEMS, AMMUNITION OR WEAPON SLINGS / BANDOLIERS, KNIVES, MULTITOOLS, FLASHLIGHTS, HEADLAMPS, ANCILLARY EQUIPMENT FOR PERSONAL WEAPONS AND PISTOL HOLSTERS

C. CAMP STORES. TENTAGE, COTS, SLEEPING SYSTEMS, AIR MATRESSES OR SLEEPING PADS, GENERATORS / HEATERS OR THEIR ANCILLARY EQUIPMENT, STOVES, POWER DISTIRBUTION, LIGHTING KITS AND VCP KITS

Truthfully, our favorite quote from the entire message is, “THE LF CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT REMAIN WORLD CLASS.” Really, you can’t make this stuff up. Despite the assertion of world class kit, a previously released message from LGEN Leslie authorizes Canadian Soldiers to privately purchase and use equipment from the following sources:

A. ARKTIS
B. BLACKHAWK
C. EAGLE
D. FELLFAB
E. HIGHSPEED GEAR
F. PACIFIC SAFETY PRODUCTS
G. TACTICAL TAILOR
H. SORD
I. COTMS

It must be noted that products from the manufacturers on this list include makers of trials kit from the Modular Fighting Rig program which should finally see theater this August. So I guess that the current “world class” kit will be replaced by even more world class once they make a decision on MFR. Until then, if you are a Canadian Soldier, if you want equipment that outclasses world class, you are going to have to buy it yourself.

The Chinese Entrenching Tool

Wednesday, June 9th, 2010

This may prove to be the most entertaining 8:46 of your life, or the most terrifying if you consider the Chinese hoard all armed to the teeth with these shovels. It slices, it dices, it juliennes. Truth be told, a couple of the features such as the “scissor” and nail puller are pretty cool, but music and effects make this one worth the price of admission. Make sure you stay long enough to see the entrenching tool museum.

Hyde Definition Announces New PenCott Multi-Terrain Camouflage Patterns

Tuesday, June 8th, 2010

Two new patterns have been specifically optimized for arid “PenCott-Sandstorm” and semi-arid terrain “PenCott-Badlands” joining the original PenCott-GreenZone pattern. These areas are the most common and most likely operational environments for military assistance and special operations forces.

PenCott’s unique digital fractal design dithers four terrain-optimized contrasting colors to create a combination of soft, blended and hard edges for a more natural-looking texture, and the illusion of a wider spectrum of color tones. This makes it harder for the human eye to process, and recognizable shapes become more difficult to detect and recognize.

Additionally, Hyde Definition has revised their licensing rates to make it even easier for companies to produce their own clothing and equipment designs in the PenCott camouflage pattern. Contact Dome Hyde for further details.

Visit the website www.hydedefinition.com

Canadian Sniper Helmet Issues

Monday, June 7th, 2010

As many of you know, there is no specific helmet for Canadian Snipers. Instead, many units or individual Snipers themselves have been procuring American Advanced Combat Helmets.

Now is the interesting part. Both the Canadian CG 634 and the American ACH were designed by and are produced by Gallet. However, there is concern on the part of the Canadian Army staff that the ACH will provide lower ballistic protection even though it has been used successfully by US forces since before 2000 and is a newer design than the Canadian helmet. So instead, their plan is to investigate the new Canadian Combat Vehicle Crewman helmet to see if it will be more appropriate for the Sniper role. And this is where it gets even better. The producer of the CVC helmet is Louis Garneau. Louis Garneau makes competitive bicycle racing clothing and helmets. They are not an armor company. But even this course of action will take some time as these helmets haven’t been issued yet to Vehicle Crews let alone Snipers.

In the interim, Snipers are to cease the use of non-issue helmets but Commanders have been authorized by Land Forces Staff to allow Snipers to remove helmets when firing. How magnanimous of them.

EAW Scarves from Tac-Up Gear

Sunday, June 6th, 2010

Swedish brand Tac-Up Gear has just introduced their Expeditionary Air Wing Scarf in both M-90 and M-90 K Desert. Sized at 1 meter x 1 meter, the EAW Scarf is so sheer you can see right through it if you use it as a base for a scrim net.

Admin Pouch from CombatKit

Thursday, May 27th, 2010

Norwegian manufacturers CombatKit have introduced their new Admin Pouch. Designed to fit behind magazine pouches, this MOLLE compatible pouch features a two way zip closure with shock cord. An inner pocket holds pens and other admin supplies and when opened can be used as a writing surface thanks to the 2mm hard plastic in the front of the pouch which is covered with clear plastic in order to read maps or checklists.

www.combatkit.net

Brits Recommended MultiCam to US Army? Excuse Me While I Guffaw

Friday, May 21st, 2010

This is just precious. In a recent press release from the MoD, Colonel Stephen James, Project Team Leader for the Defence Equipment and Support Clothing Team, who was responsible for delivering the new British Multi Terrain Pattern to British forces had this to say, “We have presented the new designs to the US Department of Defense and, following our recommendations, the US Army are about to adopt the same technology for their uniform in Afghanistan.

Ok, so there you have it. The recommendation of the British Army, after their experience in adopting MTP a MultiCam-like pattern developed by Crye Precision, is what is responsible for the US Army’s recent decision to field MultiCam to units operating in Afghanistan. I guess it has nothing to do with the results of an arduous selection process carried out by PEO-Soldier and their partners at Natick, AWG, ATEC, and the Infantry Center in which MultiCam was deemed superior to the other candidates.

Polish by the Numbers?

Tuesday, May 18th, 2010

Remember the old paint by the numbers sets you used to get from your Great Aunt for Christmas? Looking at the condition of these CADPAT-TW Temperate Combat Boots currently undergoing trials, you would need the boot polish equivalent to get them back in shape. This photo of a pair of the trials boots was sent to us and identified as having reached this condition after three weeks of field use. Granted, boots usually get scraped up in the field. The difference here is that with so many colors going on, there is no way to use polish to restore the leather. That is unless there was a polish by the numbers kit.

MultiCam-tinged Flecktarn Abounds

Tuesday, May 11th, 2010

In addition to TacGear’s MultiCam-esque Flecktarn offering, a new pattern has emerged in Germany called Arid-Flecktarn that is definitely inspired by MultiCam but features Black rather than the Dark Brown shade found in the real thing. It is purely a commercial pattern and has not been adopted for use by anyone. The garments are sewn in the same style as US-issue ACUs.

Stuff We Didn’t Write About

Saturday, May 8th, 2010

Here is this week’s batch of interesting stories…

Call of Duty: Black Ops announced for November
Bushmaster A-TACS M4-Type Carbine Now Available
New Vector Mountain Boot from Pro Force
“Slim” Compact Bluetooth Keyboard From Brando May Be the Perfect iPad Accessory
How Much Would It Cost to Make a Real Iron man Suit?

These Boots Weren’t Made for Walking

Thursday, May 6th, 2010

According to an article in the Townsville Bulletin Soldiers marching in this year’s annual ANZAC Day parade suffered numerous blow outs. It seems that the spec was changed on the black dress boots to a glued rather than stitched soles. During the march in the pavement several Diggers lost their soles. Townsville is like Australia’s Fort Benning and the celebration is big, so something like this garners national attention. Granted, the issue has only affected black boots which are only worn with dress uniforms and the issue was rectified, but Soldiers still had not received the proper footwear prior to the event.

Some of the damage

We contacted readers in Australia who confirmed that they also saw this at other ANZAC Day parades but the men soldiered on without missing a beat. We don’t have anything quite like ANZAC Day here in the US. It’s what Veteran’s Day probably was like after the War to End All Wars and ANZAC does have it’s roots in the memory of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps troops who served the empire in World War One. One of the most reverent experiences I ever had in the military was honoring ANZAC Day at a sunrise memorial service at Ali al Saalem airbase in Kuwait in 1998. It’s unfortunate that the Digger’s boots fell apart during such an important event, but what is even more unfortunate is that they fell apart at all.

Volk Tactical

Wednesday, May 5th, 2010

Innovative Japanese firm Volk Tactical finally has an English website. They have been producing products in Japan for many years and are well known in the mil sim market. What brings them to our attention are their interpretations of common styles of clothing and load carrying products as well as several innovative products including their wallets. They have also mastered the art of branding, applying logos to their products as well as developing lifestyle products.

Volk Tactical's Low Profile Chest rig

www.combat-vtg.com

Cool stuff!

One of These Things Is Not Like the Others

Thursday, April 29th, 2010

No, it's not the BAMs
MTP has been showing up in the craziest places.

Thanks Matt for the heads up and the USMC for the photo!

Pimps n Mercs

Thursday, April 29th, 2010

Pimps n Mercs is helmed by two ex-Australian Soldiers who pulled some PSD duty in Afghanistan where they ran afoul of a US officer who was a might bit critical of their style of dress. I think you can figure out the rest of the story. Take a look at their wares. They have some interesting offerings, even for us Yanks and offer custom services as well.

Pimps n Mercs

www.pimpsnmercs.com

Thanks Damien for the heads up!

Ultra Light Bipod

Thursday, April 29th, 2010

At SSD we are huge fans of those things ultralightweight and the new Ultra Light Swiveling Bipod from Demon Tactical certainly fits the bill. Norfolk, Virginia based Demon Tactical is an up and coming manufacturer of accessories for the AR-15 family of weapons as well as being a distributor for FailZero. Right up front we will tall you that the bipod probably isn’t for you if you are constantly using one, as the legs are not adjustable. However, it does swivel side to side and it is great if you only need a bipod once in awhile and want something that is lightweight and stays out of the way. It is compatible with mil std 1913 rail and takes up little room. In fact, you can still mount a vertical foregrip with it in the stowed position. At 4.5 ounces you barely know it’s there. The carbon fiber legs are very strong but the bipod is not meant to stand on. But then again, do you really need to stand on your carbine? While the legs come out of the box with a fixed length of 7″, they can be cut to suit particular needs. A word of caution, since they are crafted of carbon fiber it is best to take particular care when cutting due to the hazards involved in carbon fiber dust.

Overall, we like it and think you will as well so long as you understand that there is a trade off for the low weight; you can’t stand on it and the legs are not adjustable for length. However, if you find yourself setting your weapon down all of the time then this is a great solution.

Ultra Light Swiveling Bipod from Demon Tactical

With a name like Demon Tactical you gotta love them. For agency and contract sales contact www.tidewatertactical.com.

Combat and Survival

Monday, April 26th, 2010

Combat and Survival April 2010We have been Combat and Survival readers since the late 80s. While it has gone through a change or two over the years it remains the best source of information on UK ground force developments and tactical products. The April 2010 issue on US news stands now, has some great coverage including exclusive photos of UCP-D taken by correspondent Carl Schulze in Afghanistan. I recommend you check it out.

www.combatandsurvival.com