Those zany Germans. You never know what they will come up with next. True, camouflage is the art of blending in with your surroundings, but this is a bit much.
To see the whole thing visit www.urbancamouflage.de
Archive for March, 2009
Urban Camo
Friday, March 6th, 2009DHS Advanced Personal Protection System
Friday, March 6th, 2009The National Protection Center (NPC), NSRDEC, is creating an Advanced Personal Protection System (APPS) for Department of Homeland Security (DHS) users and first responders by using PPE components already developed, approved and/or authorized for use by DOD. User groups for APPS include U. S. Coast Guard Level One Ports, Waterways and Coastal Security units and law enforcement Special Weapons and Tactics teams.
The program has been around for about a year and is led by Fred Chan who is the former PM-SSS. He brings a wealth of experience fielding state of the art PPE systems including PCU and newer iterations of BALCS.
While there is no solicitation for procurement yet, NPC is conducting a market survey to determine what is actually available. In fact the notice makes several references to the fact that there is no planned procurement action associated with this program. Conversely, the Sources Sought Notice makes reference to an “aggressive program schedule”. This combined with the market survey makes me believe they are getting ready to move out swiftly with this “research and development program”.
From the solicitation:
The APPS program is seeking the following DOD personal protection items:
1. Hot weather garments, to include headwear, handwear and footwear
2. Cold weather garments, to include headwear, handwear and footwear
3. Wet weather garments, to include headwear, handwear and footwear
4. Garments with flame resistance characteristics
5. Ballistic protection for the torso and extremities
6. Ballistic helmets
7. Ballistic protective eyewear
8. Communications headsets that can be integrated within a helmet system
9. Chemical-biological respirator masks and self contained breathing apparatus
10. Chemical-biological protective garments, to include headwear, handwear and footwear
11. Individual equipment, such as hydration systems, life jackets, etc.
The PPE must have any one of the following designations for consideration of inclusion into APPS:
-Service level approval, such as Type Classification, Fielding Deployment Release, Material Release, etc.
-Approval for fielding under a DOD program such as the Rapid Fielding Initiative, Rapid Equipping Force, etc.
-Authorization for use under a DOD program such as the Military Combat Eyewear Program (MCEP) Authorized Protective Eyewear List (APEL), Soldier Enhancement Program (SEP), etc.
Makes total sense, down select based on products already in the system. That’s why I don’t understand this statement:
PPE items that have the following designations or characteristics are not considered valid DOD authorization or approval for use or fielding and will not be considered for inclusion into APPS:
-NSN, NIIN, LIN or IDN designation
-Listed on GSA schedule
-Prior purchase and/or use by a DOD organization
Why wouldn’t you include items that have already been type-classified and have NSNs?
For those interested, the entire notice can be viewed at FedBizOpps.gov.
C.A.T. M4 Tool
Thursday, March 5th, 2009The M16 family of weapons has been the standard rifle of the Arsenal of Democracy for over 40 years and yet, there have been few attempts at producing proper cleaning tools. To be sure, there are lots of expedient devices such as dental pics, but nothing has ever been specifically tailored for the role. Two Special Forces veterans were sitting around a table discussing just this dilemma. Their concern was that they were employed as small arms marksmanship and tactics trainers and their students couldn’t adequately maintain their weapons. As they began to go back and forth on desirable features for such a tool, a sketch began to form. That drawing became the M4 Tool and those two veteran gunfighters formed Combat Application Tools, Inc.
As you can see in the diagram, the patented M4 Tool features five specific capabilities to clean the M16 family of weapons. It is is American Made and cast from 400 series stainless steel while the bolt cleaning chamber is CNC machined to precisely fit a mil-spec bolt. During a demonstration of the tool on a recent trip to Fayetteville, it made quick work of an outrageously dirty carbine bolt and carrier group. It is also lightweight, compact, and designed to work with the small tool heads supplied as part of SOPMOD.
To order visit www.catm4.com. Combat Application Tools, Inc. is looking for retailers for the M4 Tool.
Additionally, the CAT M4 Tool is available from Blackheart International.
Eagle Industries Photography Contest
Wednesday, March 4th, 2009Eagle Industries has launched a year long contest to identify high quality photographs of Eagle equipment in action. Each month, from now until February 2010, a “First Prize Monthly Winner†and a “Second Prize Monthly Winner†will be selected from all eligible entries. First Prize Winners will be awarded an Eagle gift certificate in the amount of $200. Each Monthly Second Prize Winner will receive an Eagle gift certificate in the amount of $100
Be sure to read the rules before entering. To enter visit eagletaketheshot.com. Good Luck!
Ops-Core Releases New Products
Wednesday, March 4th, 2009Ops-Core debuted their new Ballistic and Bump Future Assault Shell Technology (FAST) Helmets at SHOT show and just released them for sale to the general public. There are full articles coming soon on Ops-Core products so the intent today is to get the word out on availability. Both of the FAST variants share every detail except shells. The Ballistic Helmet protects from both impact as well as ballistic threats and the Bump Helmet is designed for activities such as parachuting. Both helmets are available in Black, Foliage, Tan, Multicam, and MARPAT.
FAST Ballistic Helmet
The Ballistic Helmet offers the same amount of coverage as a TC-2002 (Gunfighter) but in a different cut. Manufactured from a combination of carbon and UHMWPE, the helmet offers a 20% weight reduction over the ACH and meets NIJ Level III.
FAST Bump Helmet
The carbon fiber shelled helmet meets CE EN 1385 (Water Sports) and ASTM F1492 (Skate Board) impact standards.
Occ-Dial Liner Kit
In the event you just want to modify the suspension of your MICH-style helmet, Ops-Core has released an ACH liner to retrofit your existing dome. Combined with the Ops-Core Head-Loc Retention System, the new Occ-Dial Liner provides you with the same stable fit found on the new FAST helmets. The kit consists of pads designed to ergonomically cradle the head as well as an adjustable fitband with an adjustable dial to control tension. The fitband is easily removable in order to accommodate COMs headsets with internal top headbands.
To order visit www.ops-core.com. Additionally, on a recent visit to Fort Bragg we noticed that Grey Group had Bump Helmets in stock.
Note: The Ballistic Helmet is only available for purchase in the US by US customers.
Chocolate Glock for Easter
Tuesday, March 3rd, 2009Midwest Hunters Outlet has an interesting offer for Easter; a solid chocolate replica of a Glock. Billed as a Weapon of Mass Delight, weighs in at at 13 oz.
Purchase the Choco Glock from www.MidwestHuntersOutlet.com.
Available only for a limited time and the offer expires 03/05/09.
Contacting Soldier Systems Daily
Tuesday, March 3rd, 2009
HULC at AUSA
Tuesday, March 3rd, 2009Defense News put out a great article on the new Human Universal Load Carrier (HULC) exoskeleton from Berkely Bionics and Lockheed Martin. The HULC is designed to carry up to 200 lbs and assist the wearer with sprints of up to 10 miles an hour. Currently designed to accommodate Soldiers from 5’4″ to 6’2″ the HULC can be removed in 30 seconds and on a single charge its batteries run for 6 miles at a continuous rate of 3 miles per hour.
