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Drift Innovation Cameras

August 24th, 2010

During Outdoor Retailer we were introduced to Drift Innovation, a company which specializes in wearable Point of View cameras. They have already established quite a following in the action sports community but told us that they are beginning to see sales to military customers.

Drift Innovation HD170, Skydiving from Drift Innovation on Vimeo.

Their flagship Drift HD170 offers quality 1080p and 720p HD as well as standard definition (WVGA) video for $329.99. It relies on a rechargeable internal battery. There is also a standard version of the 170 that uses AA batteries and retails for $199.99. Drift has developed a Tactical model, seen below.

The unit relies a fish eye lens so it takes in a wide field of view and is a compact 133 (L) x 50 (D) x 33 (W) mm. As you can see from the button layout it is simple to use which is important for such a device when mounted to a helmet or weapon. There is also a remote switch that can easily be attached to a weapon’s forearm. Additionally, it features an integrated screen for instantaneous feedback in the field. Finally, video is saved in .MOV format with no obscure codecs so it can easily be shared and stored.

www.driftinnovation.com

This is Just Sad

August 23rd, 2010

It seems that the SCAR WARS have entered their cartoon phase. The Firearm Blog picked up a story from the Belgian news website Leosir.be ” that, “le (FN) SCAR is destined to replace the M14 and M16 and that up to 10,000 could be ordered by the American Army.”

Wonder who was behind this one. The very short article reads like an FN press release; a couple of facts sprinkled with a whole lot of wishful thinking.

DuPont Hosts SSD

August 23rd, 2010

DuPont’s Spruance facility in Richmond, Virginia recently hosted SSD for an in depth look at Fire Resistance and Ballistic Protection.

Back in the 60s a new class of fabrics was developed, called Aramids with DuPont at the forefront of their creation. Two fabrics in this class have become the cornerstones of modern Soldier Survivability; Kevlar and Nomex. They provide Ballistic and Fire protection respectively. Kevlar was initially developed by DuPont for tire belts but not put to its current use until the early 70s. Nomex on the other hand was quickly integrated into flying and space suits not long after its creation.

The most compelling portion of the visit was the ThermoMan lab. Composed of 122 sensors, ThermoMan was designed with the assistance of NC State. In addition to the mannequin, there is also a skin burn injury model that takes data collected at the sensors and displays how a thermal threat would equate to an injury to the human body. One interesting aspect of the ThermoMan over other testing methods such as the commonly used vertical flame test is that the ThermoMan tests not only the material’s performance but also the garment’s overall design and construction. This is a critical factor in protecting a wearer from thermal threats. If a flame can get inside a garment then the wearer might as well not be wearing FR at all. Interestingly, the pocket configuration of the issue flight suit is designed to provide additional protection for the wearer by doubling the layers of Nomex in certain key areas. Testing has revealed that most injuries actually occur after the flame threat is removed and the wearer is subjected to residual heat retained by the garment.

We witnessed two burns consisting of a 3 second burn delivering 6 calories. It is intended to replicate a JP4 fire. In the first burn, an issue CWU-27/P US issue flight suit manufactured from Nomex III.

As you can see, minimal damage was sustained by the ThermoMan due to the material and design of the flight suit. it is important to note that while the ThermoMan does a great job predicting injuries, actual injuries may vary due to a wearers body and the fit of the garment. Experience has shown that 1% injury equates to 1 day in the hospital. In this case, the ThermoMan indicated 7% injuries.

In the second, a similar looking flight suit manufactured from 65/35 PolyCotton was subjected to the same threat. PolyCotton, a mixture of 65% Polyester and 35% Cotton is commonly found in Chinese made garments. There IS a place for this fabric, but as you will see in the video, it isn’t in a flame threat environment. Rather, PolyCotton is a cool fabric and very good for use in warm climates. The choice of materials goes back to our recent article concerning knowing your equipment, the threat, and environmental conditions and making an informed choice about which equipment to choose. As you can see the PolyCotton not only caught on fire but it continued to burn even after a direct flame was removed. In this case, the ThermoMan sustained 75% injuries.

During our visit to the ballistics lab we witnessed a demonstration of testing of an armor vest and were introduced to the various apparatus used during testing. Additionally, we were given the opportunity to try out first hand correctional armor which is designed to stop stab and puncture threats. We were amazed at how much differently ballistic and correctional armor reacted to the icepick type of shiv commonly found in correctional facilities. The bottom line is that correctional armor works.

We were fortunate enough to be able to discuss a variety of current Soldier Systems issues with the DuPont team but probably the most important message we got was that DuPont is constantly looking at new ways to use their flagship products. Adaptability is the key as they not work to improve the performance of their materials but also as they seek new ways to use their products as well as combine them with other fibers.

While in years past many vendors would have pushed monolithic solutions to threats, it makes more sense now to develop hybrid solutions that combine multiple fibers into a more robust material. This way, the best characteristics of different materials can be combined into a common solution.

Overall, the meeting was excellent and we left with a greater appreciation of the level of commitment DuPont has to protecting our troops and public safety professionals.

USAF Uniform Website

August 23rd, 2010

The Air Force Personnel Center has launched a new website dedicated to uniforms. While it highlights all of the Air Force’s Garrison uniforms, the most appropriate ensemble in the inventory looks to be the Informal Uniform. Seemingly designed for their endless Casual Friday, it consists of a blue polo shirt and khaki slacks (yes, we said slacks). In reality it is intended for select Air Force organizations while traveling or under conditions where the other uniform combinations would not be appropriate. No mention is made of any of the service’s combat uniforms unless you count the poorly monikered Airman Battle Uniform.

www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/dress/uniforms.asp

Mobile Video Surveillance System

August 22nd, 2010

At the recent TREXPO, we ran across a new technology that makes mobile video surveillance affordable to most any department of military organization. The one thing that struck as the adaptability of the system. It can be fitted to any vehicle with a standard trailer hitch and is powered through a simple cigarette lighter adapter. This means you don’t have to purchase an entirely new vehicle, but rather can adapt different vehicles for use as a surveillance system. For example, a van could be used during urban ops or a 4-wheel drive vehicle for use in rural areas and these same vehicles can be used for other purposes when the system is not in use. Additionally, it doesn’t require any long-term institutional training but can rather be learned on the job.

Both Luke and Holloman AFB have recently obtained a Mobile Video Surveillance (MVS) systems from Venture Tec LLC. The system is unique in that it incorporates an adjustable, telescopic mast hitch, which allows users to position the mast vertically at any location, including uneven or sloping terrain. The unit weighs approximately 85 pounds and unlike a trailer-mounted system, this surveillance system can be used anywhere the vehicle can go

The MVS system attaches to any vehicle with a standard 2” x 2” Class III receiver, requiring no vehicle modification and it pneumatically telescopes to elevations up to 32 feet. It’s simple to use, takes only a minute to raise or lower, and can operate day or night in all weather conditions. The MVS system can be equipped with a long range visible light camera and a thermal camera for complete darkness. All surveillance is done from inside the safety and comfort of the vehicle or command center, and all video is recorded with a date/time stamp. To operate the system, users simply tilt the mast to find vertical, lock it in place, and raise the mast to the desired height. The PTZ controller and video display provide an unparalleled view from above in all directions. When ready to relocate, users simply open the air release valve to lower the mast.
For more information, please visit www.mobilevideosurveillance.com.

LBE for the Tactical Professional’s Adult Beverages

August 22nd, 2010

It may not be the latest and greatest from Blue Force Gear, S.O. Tech, Blackheart, Mayflower, Agilite, Tyr or any of the other high speed, low drag manufacturers, but this new piece of kit may be good to go anyway. It certainly meets a need otherwise largely unmet in the tactical equipment industry—you can go to any one of a hundred different sites if you want a modular M4/AR15 magazine pouch, or visit your choice of at least as many places to pick up a 3-day assault pack or modular ruck.

That’s fine if you need kitted out to go kinetic. Where do you go to get jocked up for a dining out, team/platoon bbq or bachelor party?

After 5, apparently, or Urban Outfitters, or possibly Anvil Custom Leather, that’s where.

After 5 offers what thy call the Take-a-Shot Booze Belt—two holsters (sorry, neither SERPA nor Safariland SLS compatible) for bottles and six molded slots for your ammunition (shot-shell shotglasses included with the belt). It is made in the USA with 600 denier fabric, nylon webbing and molded foam. Apparently the holster and ammo can be adjusted as desired. Unknown whether it can be custom ordered with MOLLE attachments or not. The base price for this adult beverage LBE is $89.99…a little pricey for someone in the lower E-numbers, but not too much if you’re coming back from a tax exclusion zone in the AOR (or looking to get a present to welcome someone back from there).

This Next has one similar, but in bandoleer mode:

Other options, which we find far superior to the classic beer-can holding ball cap, include the 6-beer beer bottle belt from Urban Outfitters:

Or, for occasions that call for a dressier look (though not mess dress) the black leather whiske
y bottle holster from Anvil (also available in brown and “dirty leather”, which is perhaps more suitable for some civilian LE uniforms).

To date none of the above have been offered in Multi-Cam, A-TAC or any of the other progressive camouflage designs (we were really hoping for SURPAT) but don’t let that stop you from picking one up. Black goes with just about any camo there is and there’s always the patrol-ready beer can belt from DrinkingStuff.com, which can be rigged up with some modifications below your IBA or other armor (and is available in standard woodland camo). We don’t advise using the ones that carry glass containers if you’re in the field. Those should be reserved strictly for garrison use.

If you have any ideas for us to review, drop us a line at BreachBangClear.com or FaceBook.com/MadDuo; unless you’re going to complain about our opinions, writing style or philosophy in which case don’t bother. We just got in a brand new Rifleman’s Tool (very nice) and are still hoping to get a look at the Umbrella Corporation’s NFDD but as yet no firm word on the latter. MAD DUO OUT!

This May Take You Back

August 21st, 2010

Stuff We Didn’t Write About

August 21st, 2010

Emdom-MM Immediate Access Pouch (IAP)

Kit Up! Puts SCAR Controversy to Bed

Equipster

New Stuff from Sierra Designs for Spring 2011

Beyond Survival: Around the World Eight Times With Les Stroud

Classic Adidas Hiking Boots Get the Wookie Treatment

Arc’teryx Fall 10 Glove Line

August 20th, 2010

The Alpha Project – Fall 10 Gloves from ARC'TERYX on Vimeo.

Arc’teryx took two years to develop their new patented glove technology pushing not only design but also materials into new areas. They are quite simply, amazing and Dan Green is a genius.

They have been adapted for the LEAF line. Check them out at LEAF.Arcteryx.com.

SwiftClip from Velocity Systems

August 20th, 2010

Velocity Systems was well represented at the recent TREXPO in Chantilly, Virginia. One of their most interesting new innovations is the SwiftClip attachment system which eliminates the need to wear yet another harness over your armor. Working with Mayflower to develop a way to more rapidly integrate chest rigs as well as other specialty items on to an armor vest or plate carrier, they wanted something system and adaptable to a wide variety of gear and was simple to use. They found it with the SwiftClip which is not only simple, but also provides a stable mounting solution.

The SwiftClip is designed to accept any chest rig or other item with an ITW 1″ male side release buckle. Both Velocity Systems and Mayflower products are Berry Compliant and available in a variety of colors and patterns including the US Army’s new OCP (MultiCam).

Disruptive Technologies

August 20th, 2010

You may have heard the term but what it is it? And what does it mean to me? If you are reading SSD then you are most likely a member or student of the profession of arms. Pay attention here dear reader because pretty soon we are going to introduce you to what we consider a disruptive technology that may very well challenge our primacy in a particular facet of warfighting.

Disruptive innovation is a term used in business and technology literature to describe innovations that improve a product or service in ways that the market does not expect, typically by lowering price or designing for a different set of consumers.”
-Wikipedia

The concept of Disruptive Technologies was coined by Clayton M. Christensen in his 1995 article Disruptive Technologies: Catching the Wave where he defines a disruptive innovation as a product or service designed for a new a set of customers.

“Generally, disruptive innovations were technologically straightforward, consisting of off-the-shelf components put together in a product architecture that was often simpler than prior approaches. They offered less of what customers in established markets wanted and so could rarely be initially employed there. They offered a different package of attributes valued only in emerging markets remote from, and unimportant to, the mainstream.”

While the idea was applied to how technology affects markets, it can just as easily be applied to warfighting. Wired’s “Danger Room” blog wrote a piece awhile back talking about how enemy belligerents can outsource or improvise their way into being a niche competitor with the US. Check out this PowerPoint briefing by Booz Allen Hamilton that illustrates this point. Commercial access to satellite imagery could be considered disruptive simply because an entirely new set of players have access to what was once the sole purview of the most advanced nation states.

As Moore’s Law makes high power computing more accessible to the masses, it becomes more difficult to maintain a technological edge. As commercial technologies are adapted for military and intelligence purposes, it becomes even more troublesome for the United States who has long maintained a distinct advantage.

Wanted – Native American Medicine Man

August 19th, 2010

We spend more time than we would probably like on FedBizOpps, but we didn’t catch this one ourselves. One of our readers with lots of time on his hands sent us this one. While to many, it will be a simple curiosity, ultimately, it goes to show the lengths that the US Government will go to to do the right thing and provide religious accommodation.

Federal Bureau of Prisons, FPC Duluth, Duluth, MN, is seeking a Native American Medicine Man to visit the facility four times a year and “conduct Native American ceremonies and provide instruction to inmates in the Native American Faith.

General Topics for Contractors – Native American
1. Red Road
2. All My Relation
3. Medicine Wheel
4. The Sacred Pipe
5. Sweat Lodge
6. Elders
7. Circle of Life
8. Traditions/Rituals
9. Prayers
10. Ceremonies
11. Fasting
12. Smudging
13. The Drum
14. Grandfather/Grandmother
15. Dances
16. The Medicine Pouch
17. Offerings
18. Decision-making
19. Ritual Objects
20. Eagle
21. Eagle Feathers
22. Nature Lessons
23. Family Relations
24. Parenting
25. Learning
26. Healthy Relationships
27. Culture
28. Healing Traditions
29. Herbal Medicines
30. Understanding Self
31. Respect
32. Traditional Games
33. Traditional Foods
34. Seasons
35. Healing Self
36. A Grateful Heart
37. Cleansing Ceremonies
38. What is the role of faith and Community Re-entry?

The contractor will provide 4 sessions per year. The sessions will either be on Thursdays from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (Pipe ceremony) or on Sundays from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (sweat ceremony).”

Industry Loses an Innovator

August 19th, 2010

Richard John McCann A Patriot and True American Richard J. McCann unexpectedly died on Friday the 13th of August, 2010. Richard was born on December 16, 1957 in Kaiserslautern, Germany to Joseph & Evelyn McCann. They returned to settle in Spanaway, Washington in 1959, where he graduated from Bethel High School in 1976. Richard is survived by his wife Debbie; daughters Shelby McCann; Ashley & Josh Strauss; and his mother Evelyn. He was affectionately known as “Papa” to granddaughters Hailey and Rieley. Also surviving are his brother Michael (Jann), his sister Marguerite (Mike), and nephew Christopher. In addition Richard is survived by stepson Chesley III (Webber) and family. Richard is survived by many close friends who are like family, too numerous to count (you know who you are.) Richard was preceded in death by his father Joseph. Richard was a consummate second generation gunsmith and machinist, widely respected in his field. He was well known throughout the world for his expertise, knowledge, skill and abilities. Richard was an innovative rifle and knife designer. His MIRS rails system is widely used by American war fighters as well as assorted government agencies, NATO forces and law enforcement agencies throughout the free world. Richard was a life member of the NRA and Washington Arms Collectors (WAC). At Richard’s request there will not be a funeral service. A celebration of his life will be Sunday, August 22 at 11:00. It is being held at 320 – 127th St. East, Tacoma. Pot luck of your choice. Formal/business attire not allowed, casual attire by Richards’ request (wear what Richard would wear,) We will all miss his unique sense of humor; style; devotion and dedication. RICHARD HAS LEFT THE RANGE!

Richard’s wife Debbie will be assuming the helm of the business.

Published in News Tribune (Tacoma) on August 18, 2010

E&E Bags

August 19th, 2010

Call them what you will, E&E bags, bug out bags, or satchels, they are a long way from the salvaged Claymore bag you used back in the 80s. In fact, the modern E&E Bag was first developed for Diamondback Tactical by the founder of Mayflower Research & Consulting in 2003 based on his military experience. Over the past few years, the original design has been copied and modified by a slew of manufacturers, even morphing into the Courier Bag requirement for USSOCOM. The item is far from static and even Mayflower has improved on that first design.

The latest bag to hit the market is the Terrorist Interdiction Bag (TIB) from One Source Tactical’s Technical Services Division. It is the first bag of its kind designed to accommodate AK magazines. As you can see in the photo below, the retention tabs have been specially designed to secure the AK30 magazine from US PALM. Naturally, it will also carry other similar sized including M4 magazines.

Available in Black, Coyote, and MultiCam.

Beating a Dead Horse to Death

August 18th, 2010

FNH USA does it yet again. They issued a press release on August 16th that says essentially…SOCOM informed FNH that the Milestone Decision Authority (MDA) made a Full-Rate Production Decision Review which occurred on July 30, 2010. Well, duh. The MDA made a Milestone C decision back in April and FNH USA made sure we all knew about it. This latest press release really means nothing without the revised Basis of Issue Plan (BOIP) which dictates how many and of which type of SCAR, SOCOM will purchase. To take it at face value, a reader would assume that SOCOM is going to buy oodles of Mk 16 and Mk 17 rifles along with Mk 13 grenade launchers. But the truth is, we don’t know how many they will purchase if any at all since SOCOM has said that they are going to purchase different numbers than originally planned.

The other issue with this press release is the following paragraph…

FN Herstal, a worldwide recognized firearms supplier to generations of soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines since 1897, has ramped up production and assembly at its manufacturing facilities to meet the delivery orders placed by USSOCOM.

Does this mean that the SCAR will finally be manufactured in the US? We don’t think so, but based on the context of the overall subject matter, it would leave the casual reader to make that assumption.

None of this would really be that big of a deal if FNH hadn’t run out and posted it on every military and firearms message board they could find. FNH continues to try and twist this thing and every time they publish another one of these ill conceived press releases they hurt their credibility and beg more scrutiny. Actually, it would explain a lot if the same folks who are writing their press releases were working on the SCAR program. If this is the case; stop.

We miss the FNH that was on top of their game building great machine guns. Please come back.

Feel free to read the entire thing here.

M150 Rifle Combat Optic

August 18th, 2010

Much ado has been made about the lack of lethality of the M16 and M4 at the increased ranges encountered in Afghanistan but you can’t hit what you can’t see. One of the Army’s answers to this quandary is the M150 Rifle Combat Optic (RCO) which is is designed to increase the probability of a first-round hit at distances up to 600 meters.

Adopted in 2007 for use on the M4, M16A2, M16A4, and M249 weapons in addition to increased range, it also allows the use of reflexive fire techniques. When a target is acquired, the ranging reticle can be used to get an accurate range to the target. Then, the range aiming point on the bullet drop compensator can be used to engage the target.

Manufactured by Trijicon, the RCO features a 4 x optic illuminated by fiber optics and tritium. The reticle is of a chevron pattern and is red in color both day and night. Naturally, the issue item also incorporates a laser and anti-reflection filters as well as an integral Mil Spec 1913 attachment.

www.trijicon.com

QuiqLite

August 18th, 2010

Designed by Santa Barbara Harbor Patrol veteran officer, Brian Quittner, the QuiqLite pocket light allows hands free illumination. Attached to your pocket or equipment, the QuiqLite puts illumination where you need it. The aluminum bodied Stealth model features dual LEDs and options include White, UV, Red, Green, and Blue lights.

Other features include a 10 minute battery saving Auto-Off timer feature, independent L.E.D. activation, 180° rotating light arm, 120° adjustable blacked-out LED bezel with visor, 360° rotating removable QuiqClip, and Safety Strobe. QuiqLite features a lifetime warranty.

www.quiqlite.com

Afghanistan Cuts Off Its Nose to Spite Its Face

August 17th, 2010

According to an AP report By HEIDI VOGT filed this morning, Afghanistan’s president issued a decree today giving a four-month deadline for private security companies to register and join the Afghan Police Force or disband.

According to the article:

“It does provide an exception for private security firms working inside of compounds used by international groups, including embassies, businesses and non-governmental organizations.

“They will have to stay inside of the organization’s compound and will have to be registered with the Interior Ministry,” the decree states.

All security outside of these compounds will be provided by Afghan security forces, as will all security for supply convoys for international troops, the decree says.”

This move will result in either the Afghani Police actually becoming an effective force, or more likely, in speeding up the withdrawal timetable of US and NATO forces. There is little chance that commercial businesses who provide security services will allow themselves to effectively be nationalized. This move will also most likely trepidation on the part of those interested in investing in Afghanistan as they concern themselves over security of their investments as well as the threat of further nationalization.

Afghanistan is assuming a serious risk with this move as they have proven unable to secure their own objectives, let alone guard coalition partners. In order to make up the shortfall of over 30,000 security contractors who currently protect convoys and installations, coalition forces will need to substantially increase the number of troops on the ground or develop alternative and more costly logistic strategies. Either alternative will surely cause countries already strapped for cash to question their commitment to Afghanistan’s security.

Ironically, the Karzai regime may become victim to its own decision to take on too much, too soon.

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Update

August 17th, 2010

We received some photos of the HMG ECHO II shelter in Digital Camouflage. This is the best of the bunch, showing the pattern and features of the shelter. Manufactured from Cuben fibers, HMG products are Berry Compliant.

www.hyperlitemountaingear.com

Gerber’s Bear Grylls Survival Series Ultimate Knife Big Hit at OR

August 17th, 2010

Without a doubt the best giveaway at this Summer’s Outdoor Retailer was the Bear Grylls fire starter from Gerber. Additionally, they unveiled the the first of the new Bear Grylls Survival Series; the Ultimate Knife. Available beginning October, the Ultimate Knife features a full tang, partially-serrated, stainless steel blade combined with a textured TacHide handle, pommel strike, and utility saw. Additionally, the Ultimate Knife’s sheath features a number of integrated tools including a sharpening stone, magnesium fire starter, and weatherproof survival guide.

Bear Grylls is the star of the hit TV show, “Man vs Wild”.

www.gerbergear.com and www.beargrylls.com.

GSS Gear Announces New Breed Of Warrior

August 16th, 2010

Global Supply Solutions, LLC announces its “Show of Pride Celebrating a New Breed of Warrior” to be held September 10-11, 2010 at the Virginia Beach Convention Center.

New Breed of Warrior will provide access to the latest in operational equipment from industry leading vendors. Attendees from the military and federal, state and local agencies will be able to review the latest equipment and identify “must haves” for operational success, directly with the manufacturers. In addition to presentations on the show floor, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in breakout sessions on a variety of topics ranging from equipment solutions to operational preparedness.

New Breed of Warrior is being held in partnership with the Navy League of Hampton Road’s Show of Pride and News Channel 3 (WGNT CW27). The Show of Pride honors and celebrates the military in Hampton Roads. Open to the public, this event will bring the public and military together to have fun and pay homage to our service members both here and abroad. All area commands in Hampton Roads are invited to participate. The event will feature a career fair for transitioning military and a special military marketplace featuring businesses with special offers and programs specifically for the military.

Emily Whittaker, CEO of GSS Gear says, “This is a unique event. Not only are we able to provide our customers with an educational venue where they can become familiar with the most innovative mission-critical equipment, but we have the opportunity to support the larger military community and their families. This is truly more than just a trade show.”

Highlights of both the New Breed of Warrior and Show of Pride include keynote addresses from prominent, high-ranking military officials. Also joining the show is Hampton Roads native and MMA star Brandon “The Truth” Vera. Vera is a former Air Force wrestler, two- time Pan-American Champion, eight time Grapplers Quest Champion, W.K.A. Muay Thai National Champion and Abu-Dhabi veteran.

So you are asking yourself, what makes this show different? Well, the biggest issue is that this will not be a completely closed event. Unlike most other trade shows, the New Breed of Warrior Expo will have an open day when the public can attend. Additionally, the show runs into the weekend. So, this may be a great reason for you to take a mini vacation to the Hampton Roads area.

www.newbreedofwarrior.com

gssgear.com

Foreign Weapons Training

August 15th, 2010

Blackheart International is well known for their foreign weapons manuals, but their sister company Mid-Atlantic Training Resources, LLC also offers a comprehensive curriculum of basic and advanced foreign weapons training.

General Foreign Weapons Familiarization – based around the most prolific firearms encountered in the various theaters of conflict. This includes but is not limited to PKM machine guns, AK variants of all flavors, common pistols encountered, scoped rifles and submachine guns.

Additionally, M-ATR offers Weapon Specific Courses
PKM marksmanship and gun team drills
AK Rifle marksmanship and general usage
Scoped Rifle marksmanship and general usage (SVD and FRK/PSL)
Pistol marksmanship and general usage
They also are preparing to offer a DShKM course

Finally, they also have Train-the-Trainer Courses for all of these weapons.

For additional information as well as a complete list of the choices of firearms please visit www.ma-tr.com.

Be sure to stop by booth #821 at this week’s TREXPO East at the Dulles Expo and Convention Center in Chantilly, VA to see all of BHI’s offerings.

Agilite Tactical Gear Goes International

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

Stuff We Didn’t Write About

August 15th, 2010

Arms Merchants of South Central

Pentax K-x now available in Tan and OD

Why is there a hole in the center of a parachute?

Nano ‘tea bag’ purifies water

New gel could speed wound healing

S.O.D. Shorts Review by MM

S.O.Tech Gear on Entourage

August 14th, 2010

This is the latest installment in what has become an ongoing series showcasing tactical products in the movies. This week we see S.O.Tech’s Callahan plate carrier worn on the HBO hit series “Entourage”. S.O.Tech’s products are no strangers to Hollywood and have been spied in countless films.

This is the lead character “Vince,” played by Adrian Grenier, wearing a black S.O.TECH Callahan convertible plate carrier with hydration pocket on the rear. The scene involves Vince playing an actor in an action movie in the season opener of Entourage, as well as the following episodes. In this scene, Vince survives an accident on set that changes his character’s attitude toward Hollywood.

www.specopstech.com