November 2008 | Soldier Systems Daily Soldier Systems Daily

Archive for November, 2008

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.

Tags: MilSpecMonkey
Posted in Gadgets, Packs | Comments Off on MSM Loop Panels

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 Ã JambiÃ¨re 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

Tags: France
Posted in Boots, Foreign | Comments Off on New Boots for French Army

PECOC Update

Monday, November 17th, 2008

The 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.

Tags: PECOC
Posted in Camo, Clothing, Foreign | Comments Off on PECOC Update

Nano Material Hazards

Sunday, November 16th, 2008

Recently, 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.

Posted in Admin, Materials | Comments Off on Nano Material Hazards

Off-Duty: Morning Wood Camo

Saturday, November 15th, 2008

We 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.

Tags: Morning Wood Camo
Posted in Camo, Off-Duty | Comments Off on Off-Duty: Morning Wood Camo

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 â€œcrinkleâ€ 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.

Tags: TAG
Posted in Multicam, Sustainment | Comments Off on TAG’s Advanced Loadout Bag

Army Combat Shirt v5.3

Thursday, November 13th, 2008

The 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.

Tags: Army Combat Shirt
Posted in Clothing, FR, Materials, Multicam, PEO-Soldier | Comments Off on Army Combat Shirt v5.3

Soldier of Tomorrow

Wednesday, November 12th, 2008

From 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.

Posted in Admin | Comments Off on Soldier of Tomorrow