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Archive for June, 2009

OK, Who Sold the Undercover GAO Agent IR Flags?

Friday, June 5th, 2009

It seems that just today the GAO was testifying before Congress about the ease at which it was able to purchase IR flags. Granted, there are no restrictions on the sale of the technology within the US to US citizens but of course they can be easily rerouted overseas. Apparently, the company in question has an “Internet storefront that states it specializing in designing modified battle dress uniforms and other uniform accessories used by modern-day warriors.” The undercover agents succeeded in purchasing $78 worth of IR flags without being required to produce a valid Military ID card despite the company’s claims it requires purchasers to do so. In the end, GAO contacted the firm’s vendor and they will no longer authorize them to sell IR flags.

Read the entire report here.

Remember IR identifiers cannot be exported due to ITAR restrictions.

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SOCOM Develops Combat Uniform

Thursday, June 4th, 2009

Scott Jones, owner of Beyond Tactical recently posted an interesting story about his role in the development of the new PCU Level 9 Tactical Uniform. According to his account posted here they assembled a team of 20 “true” Medium sized Special Operators at Ready One, a NISH soft goods manufacturer who has previously produced other levels of PCU as well as “Bruce from Anthrotech, Cyndi Davis from Patagonia”, and Scott Jones. They put the team through an entire series of scenarios including range work and physical tasks to check the function of the uniform prototypes.

The uniforms will be produced commercially by Beyond Tactical and for contract by Source One.

Posted in Clothing, PM-SOF | 1 Comment »

MAD Rucksack from RFI Gear

Thursday, June 4th, 2009

Over the last year or so there has been an increased interest for a large pack with fixed pockets similar to the venerable ALICE pack. Naturally, most users want an improved pack frame and suspension and several options have begun to be offered on the market. The modified ALICE Rucksack or MAD is the latest design from RFI Gear and utilized the Down East Airborne 1606Â frame. The pack body is crafted from Burly 500D Cordura and critical wear points have been reinforced. The pack features eight zippered pockets, two slot pockets as well as a flat pocket.

An internal hydration pocket holds a 100 oz reservoir. The lid is elasticized to provide a weatherproof closure and a storm skirt enhances weatherproofing and provides increased capacity for large loads. There are slot pockets for skis or mortar tube The pack features attachment points for ALICE clips and pockets and there is a velcro strip for name tag and cat eyes. There are also three grab handles as well as compression straps.

Dual density foam (1 ” thick) is used to pad the frame, shoulder, and waist. The shoulder pads integrate overload stabilizers and both the shoulder and sternum straps feature the Snap Dragon quick release buckle.

The MAD features a 3500 cu in body augmented by 2000 cu in of pocket space all packed in an 8 lbs 6 oz package.

It is made in the USA and currently available in UCP as well as Air Force Digital Tiger Stripe(shown) but other colors can be accommodated on special request. To order contact RFI Gear.

Tags: RFI Gear
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Netcessity

Wednesday, June 3rd, 2009

The Netcessity allows you to carry odd loads in a number of configurations. To load the bag just lay your gear in the center of the open bag. Then you gather the four sewn straps and secure them at the base using the bungee closures.

Once adjusted, the bag can be carried as a shoulder bag or backpack. Additionally, you can tie the straps together and carry it as a handbag or duffle bag style. Finally, two people can carry it between them hammock style.

The Netcessity is available in a variety of colors and sizes including 3’x3′, 4’x4′, and 6’x6′. Be sure to check them out on the web.

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SOD’s CEO and COO Named to Operation Homefront Board

Wednesday, June 3rd, 2009

Source One’s President & CEO, Mark Llano and COO, Randy Webb were recently named to the Board of Directors for Operation Homefront. Mr. Webb and Mr. Llano decided to expand Source Oneâ€™s support of our troops to their families by joining the Board of Directors of the non-profit organization.

(left to right) Mark Llano and Randy Webb are the newest members of the Operation Homefront Board

Operation Homefront provides emergency assistance and morale to our troops, the families they leave behind and to wounded warriors once they return home. A nonprofit 501(c)(3), Operation Homefront leads more than 4,500 volunteers in 30 chapters nationwide and has provided critical assistance to more than 45,000 military families in need. Operation Homefront also operates an online magazine for military wives and women in uniform. Through this community, they reach the newest and youngest military families, instantly alerting them about their programs and other information to help them succeed in military life.

More information on Operation Homefront can be found here and Source One maintains a web presence at www.buysourceone.com.

Tags: Source One
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Remington ACR

Tuesday, June 2nd, 2009

So you’re scratching your head saying, “Remington ACR?” Like everyone else you thought that Bushmaster had licensed the Masada design from Magpul in January of 2008 and was dragging their feet bringing it to market. This was hardly the case and Bushmaster in conjunction with Magpul has been hard at work to perfect the rifle and improve manufacturability. Along the way, the decision was made to transition the weapon system to Remington for military orders. This decision also provides access to their capacity and experience for design, production and marketing.

The weapon is aptly named as the Adaptive Combat Rifle (ACR). First demonstrated at SHOT 2007 by Magpul Industries as the Masada, the design showcased several innovative features. It can be rapidly changed from 5.56 to 6.5 to 6.8 with the change of barrel, bolt, and magazine. Additionally, the rifle’s configuration can be altered for use as a close quarters weapon, carbine, and use in the designated marksman role.

Both Remington and Bushmaster are but two gun companies owned by Cerberus. Together with Marlin, Harrington & Richardson, New England Firearms, L.C. Smith, Parker, DPMS/Panther Arms, EOTAC, and INTC they form the Freedom Group Family of Companies.

For more information visit www.remingtonmilitary.com.

Tags: Bushmaster, Magpul, Remington ACR
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Kifaru Military West Coast Demo

Tuesday, June 2nd, 2009

Kifaru will be holding their annual Military West Coast Demo on 27 June, 2009 from 0900 – 1800 at the Corralitos Women’s Club in Watsonville, California. As Kifaru did not attend SHOT Show this year, this will be the first public unveiling of many of their new products. Owner Patrick Smith and military programs front man Mel Terkla will be on hand to demosntrate the products as well as answer questions.

Kifaru has a full announcement in the Military section of their message board and is in the process of collecting RSVPs.

Tags: Kifaru
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Another Stab at Stealth

Monday, June 1st, 2009

It seems like once a week we receive a report of a new stealth technology. This time, we are dealing with sound instead of light. According to the MIT Technology Review scientists has used the first acoustic metamaterial ever produced to focus ultrasound waves. Metamaterials are used to bend light in ways that appear to violate the laws of physics, creating so-called superlenses, for ultra-high-resolution optical imaging, as well as invisibility cloaks. They have a negative index of refraction allowing them to bend light backward. now it seems they can do the same thing with sound waves. Going beyond theory, Nicholas fang, an assistant professor of mechanical science and engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, has demonstrated significant refraction of light. While his team still hasn’t exceeded the diffraction limit, their device, an aluminum array of narrow-necked cavities whose dimensions are tuned to interact with ultrasound waves, when filled with water, resonates the sound waves hitting it.

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When filled with water, the holes in this aluminum plate act as resonant cavities that can focus ultrasound waves.