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Archive for May, 2009

Army Tests Releasable Plate Carriers

Friday, May 8th, 2009

In February PEO-Soldier officials down selected four companies from a field of sixteen to provide candidates for a releasable plate carrier demonstration. At the time Army officials made it clear that there was no formal program to procure Releasable Plate Carriers. However, over the last two months, it looks like things have changed.

From the four companies (Eagle Industries, KDH Defense Systems Inc, MSA Paraclete, and Tactical Assault Gear), the Army is currently evaluating five carriers at Yuma Proving Ground. Eagle has two carriers under evaluation; the Scalable Plate Carrier, currently issued to select USMC units as well as a variant issued to USSOCOM.

Soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division and the 173rd Airborne Brigade will wear each of the companyâ€™s plate carrier designs while road marching, running through obstacle courses and shooting on live-fire ranges. Army test and evaluation personnel will compare the candidates’ performance against the IOTV without neck and groin protection.

Earlier this month the Army approved a plan to conduct a combat evaluation in Afghanistan of a kit of candidate lightweight combat equipment developed by the Asymmetric Warfare Group in conjunction with industry utilizing a combination of Commercial and Government Off The Shelf products. The approval came weeks after the demonstration was put on hold over questions surrounding safety releases for the Eagle Releasable Carrier and associated armor systems currently used by USSOCOM. Reports indicate that the matter received SECDEF attention. This may explain why Army PM Soldier Survivability is now characterizing the current “Soldier Protection Demonstration” as a more formal procurement activity.

Last Summer, the Marine Corps fielded limited numbers of a Scalable Plate Carrier manufactured by Eagle Industries. Currently, they are testing an “Improved Scalable Plate Carrier”. Based on lessons learned from the initial fielding, the Marine Corps is working to improve the range of motion and mobility in the shoulder area, donning and doffing, and enhanced integration with the cummerbund and side plates.

Posted in Armor, MARCORSYSCOM, PEO-Soldier | 1 Comment »

Magpul Dynamics Patch Panel Ballcap

Friday, May 8th, 2009

Magpul Dynamics has introduced a new ‘One size fits all’ adjustable cap that integrates new concepts we have never seen before. It is very well thought out and has four velcro panels to accommodate patches: a large 2.75 x 5″ patch up front, a small 1 x 1.5″ on top, a 1.5 x 5″ on the rear, and a smaller .75 x 2.25″ on the adjustment strap.

The velcro patches breathe and the interior is smooth and free of anything that might irritate the scalp, particularly while wearing ear pro.

The cap is currently available in Flat Dark Earth and Black but the FDE is lighter than that found on most weapons accessories.

There is a Magpul Dynamics logo embroidered tone on tone on the right rear of the cap.

Rumor has it that this isn’t the last specialized product to be introduced by Magpul. This limited run is available now from MAGPUL.

Tags: Magpul
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“Out of Captivity – Surviving 1,967 Days in the Columbian Jungle” a Book Review

Thursday, May 7th, 2009

This is the amazing true story of 3 U S Government Contractorâ€™s experiences, and ultimately their survival as hostages of the FARC â€“ Marc Gonsalves, Tom Howes & Keith Stansell share this rare in depth look at what it was like to be held captiveâ€™s of the FARC. (FARC is Recognized as a Columbian Terrorist organization, and a long standing Marxist Rebel Group, the FARC are known to have more than 200 hostages held throughout the jungles of Columbia).

Their journey began when the surveillance aircraft they were flying in crash landed in the mountains of Columbia. Surviving an airplane crash would be considered by most to be an extraordinary feat. However what happened immediately after this crash, followed by their 5 years in captivity, would take years before the details would be revealed.

This book provides those details in depth. From the murder of two other personnel who survived the initial crash, the thousands of miles they would march from camp to camp, surviving military attacks, to meeting dozens of other FARC hostages and prisoners, as well as meeting FARC loyalists. They would see first hand the aftermath of changes in FARC leadership, FARC suicides, and how they survived day to day. Thru lack of food, the bugs and infections they combated, their extremely sparse living conditions, ragged clothing, the bonds they developed amongst each other, their shared experiences are a wealth of knowledge of for us all. Most importantly how they worked everyday to not only stay alive, but outwit the FARC every chance they could. Finally, the most daring and successful rescue attempt ever performed by a military organization, and ultimately their Freedom. 1,967 days in captivity.

If you work in the Intelligence field, are either an active military member or a DOD/Govt. contractor or someone who could find themselves in a SERE/SAR situation; this is one book you need to read!

A William Morrow Book, an Imprint of Harper Collins Publisher
ISBN 978-0-06-1769-52-8

Available from Amazon.

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Daniel Defense Rail Interface System

Wednesday, May 6th, 2009

Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division has released a pre-solicitation notice to enter into a Firm Fixed-Price, Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract with Daniel Defense for the acquisition of a Monolithic MIL-STD-1913 Rail Interface System on behalf of the Special Operations Peculiar Modification (SOPMOD) program for a five (5) year ordering period for the sustainment of a RIS for the SOPMOD program. The contract minimum quantities are 50 ea. with an estimated maximum amount of 27,000 ea. over a five year period. This action will also include a line item for repairs.

Daniel Defense is the sole source provider of the RIS II (NSN 1005âˆ’01-547âˆ’2624) to USSOCOM. It’s considered a commercial item and has been fielded to Special Operations Forces since May 2006. The Daniel Defense Rail Interface System is a monolithic MIL-STD-1913 rail interface system. The RIS II allows the barrel of the M4A1 Carbine to free-float as well as supporting an M203. The RIS II is precision CNC machined from Aircraft Grade Aluminum then Mil-Spec Type II Hard Coat Anodized in SOCOM approved Flat Dark Earth. Made in the USA.

See the entire solicitation at www.fbo.gov. For more information on the RIS II visit Daniel Defense.

Tags: Daniel Defense, RIS II, SOPMOD
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EOTAC’s Lizard Pattern Field Jacket

Wednesday, May 6th, 2009

We told you that EOTAC has a couple of tricks up their sleeve. One of them is a new colorway. Last fall we dropped the news that EOTAC was working on French Lizard pattern. Initially, they developed the material to give their Field Jacket, based on the French Algerian combat suit, a proper tribute by reproducing the camo pattern made famous by the French Foreign Legion. However, as you will see soon, it will also be applied to other newly developed products.

For more information on the EOTAC Operator Grade Field Jacket visit them on the web at www.eotac.com.

Tags: EOTAC
Posted in Camo, Clothing, Foreign | Comments Off on EOTAC’s Lizard Pattern Field Jacket

Propper Lightweight Tactical Trousers

Tuesday, May 5th, 2009

Propper has just released a Light Tactical Pant made from fade resistant 65% polyester/35% cotton ripstop fabric with a DuPontÂ® Teflon coating to repel liquids and stains. The Light Tactical Pant comes with a free black nylon duty belt, a secure wallet pocket-in-a-pocket and a double coin/utility pocket. All for $34.99 MSRP.

The new trousers feature an Action Stretch Waistband and heavy-duty reinforced seat and knee areas as well as internal knee pad openings and extra large belt loops. A total of 11 pockets provide plenty of secure space and the front pockets are reinforced to prevent fraying with constant use. The pants are secured with a sturdy snap closure with a French Fly and the design is topped off with a D-Ring on the front belt loop to secure keys or tools.

Available in Men’s sizes in Black, Olive, LAPD Navy, Khaki, Coyote and Grey from www.propper.com.

Tags: Propper
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Rainier MFG Enhanced Magazine Grip

Tuesday, May 5th, 2009

Rainier Arms teamed up with Gaylean Tactical to offer the Enhanced Magazine Grip (EMG) which is designed to fit into the channels of the Magpul PMAG to improve the grip on the magazine. Utilizing an industrial strength adhesive, the texturized rubber panel adheres better the harder you press. Although designed specifically for the PMAG, the EMG can also be used on USGI mags as well as other items.

To order visit Rainier Arms.

Tags: PMAG, Rainier Arms
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UCP Operator Pants from EOTAC

Tuesday, May 5th, 2009

There are lots of new surprises in store from EOTAC including these Operator Pants in UCP. Looking for comfort, durability and features not found in your issue trousers? Then these are just the ticket. They feature all of the extras of the Operator Pant with the addition of the Army’s Universal Camouflage Pattern. From the cargo pant down they look outwardly like issue ACUs so you will be able to avoid the uniform nazis.

Rumors abound of a possible FR variant. Available soon from EOTAC. While you are there be sure to join the forum for the latest news on EOTAC products.

Tags: EOTAC, UCP
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