Beyond Clothing has released the first substantive photo of their elusive PCU level 9 uniform.
The latest version of the Advantage Tactical Pant is available now in Black, Khaki, Multicam, or UCP.
Archive for September, 2009
Beyond Tactical Level 9 Uniform
Thursday, September 3rd, 20093.8 Million
Thursday, September 3rd, 20093,841,127 to be exact. That would be the number of hits Soldier Systems Daily received in the month of August. Not too shabby considering we have more than doubled our numbers from May. We would like to extend a huge thanks to our readers and remind everyone to support our sponsors who make all of this possible.
Army Combat Pants Update
Wednesday, September 2nd, 2009
We recently mentioned that the Army is working to pair the Army Combat Shirt with a Pant. A successful Limited User Evaluation earlier this year is going to be followed up with a rather extensive Field Trial in Afghanistan early next year.
Yes, they look mysteriously like Crye knee pads.
While there is still no formal requirement for the ACP, newly revealed plans include integrating the trouser’s special features into the ACU. Naturally, by extension, any changes made to the ACU will also be made to the FR-ACU. So, perhaps by 2011 we could begin to see the ACU transform once again into an even more combat focused uniform. What will be interesting to see is if it can survive peacetime.
The EMAG
Wednesday, September 2nd, 2009Magpul introduces its new EMAG (Export Magazine). Inspired by the popular PMAG, the EMAG is optimized for foreign-made weapons such as the HK 416, FN SCAR, British SA-80, Beretta ARX-160, IMI Tavor, and others while retaining compatibility with the AR15/M16 platform. The front-to-back and side-to-side dimensions have been adjusted to ensure compatibility with as many STANAG 4179 weapons as possible, including most non-TDP spec AR15 rifles and there are a ton of those out there.
Photo by Stickman
In addition to the cosmetic changes, Magpul also integrated the large, single-side MagLevel window found on the PMAG. This is the latest version of the MagLevel so the stainless steel magazine spring is now coated with mil-spec black oxide (MIL-DTL-13924D) and the indicator coil painted with a high visibility orange color. Additionally, numerical indicators have been added to the body to identify 5, 15, and 25 loaded rounds.
For more information visit www.magpul.com.
Note: This item or some of its components cannot be exported from the United States of America without a valid export permit from the U.S. State Dept. due to ITAR restrictions. (Oh the irony!) Additionally, the EMAG is restricted in California, Hawaii, New Jersey, New York, Maryland and Massachusetts.
EOTAC Operator Pant – in UCP!
Tuesday, September 1st, 2009It seems that EOTAC has been listening to their customer base and has finally released their Operator Pants (Style 201) in the Army’s Universal Camouflage Pattern.
Manufactured from a fade resistant 7 ounce all-cotton ripstop, end users affectionately call this pant the “pajama pant” due to its comfort. I can attest to this claim, they are very comfortable and have a soft hand. Additionally, EOTAC applies DuPont Teflon® fabric protector to repel both water and oil based spills.
All critical seams are double-needle stitched and bar-tacked at stress points. The Action Waist has side elastic panels for freedom of movement. The 1 inch wide reinforced belt loops are strategically placed and accommodate belts up to 1 3/4 inches wide and the gusseted crotch allows for a greater range of mobility while reducing the stress around the crotch area of the pant.
There are multiple pockets to cover a wide range of uses. Two secured back pockets accommodate a wallet or ID while two larger easy access rear pockets accommodate larger gear. Like the ACU pant, there are two slant top bellows cargo pockets. They feature hook & loop closure flaps and elastic drawstring with cord lock for additional security. Inside the cargo pockets are elastic webbing loops that secure up to two 30-round magazines per pocket. The reinforced knees feature external openings with hook & loop closures for inserting foam knee pads (included). Two lower leg bellows pockets each feature a hook & loop closure flap and two chem stick holders.
“This was a natural progression for us. Our Operator Pant is based very closely on the US Army’s ACU pant. Because of that similarity in look, soldiers had asked us to offer it in the UCP. That was an easy decision to make. If it helps our soldiers, then it was worth doing,” said Fernando Coelho , president of EOTAC.
Sizes are available in 28″to 48″ waist and inseam lengths of 30″to 36″ (even sizes). In addition to UCP, the pants are also available in Khaki, Black, Navy, and OD Green. To order visit www.EOTAC.com.
Camo Concepts
Tuesday, September 1st, 2009Looking back in the Soldier Systems archives, I ran across this photo of a prototype for a Reversible Camo BDU.
This program took place during the late 90s in an effort to reduce the number of uniforms a Soldier would be issued. At the time, it made a big splash and everyone went on and on about how ground breaking the technology was but ultimately, the technology has been around for ages. In fact, US as well as German forces in WW II had reversible clothing and equipment. What is probably more of a challenge than printing on both sides of the fabric is the design of the uniform that retains functionality and camouflage properties no matter which side is worn against the body. All that being said, perhaps some pieces of equipment such as combat smocks and lightweight jackets could be produced in a reversible scheme. These may well come in very handy for troops who traverse desert as well as areas with dense vegetation regularly. Dark camo jackets have long been used in conjunction with light trousers. Arctic Warfare training often insists on the use of white over trousers and OD parkas while operating below the tree line. What’s more, British forces have been combining patterns both early in the Afghanistan intervention as well as of late.
Photo Michael Yon
Mayflower E&R Bag
Tuesday, September 1st, 2009
If this bag looks familiar to you it should. Consider it a much needed update to the groundbreaking Diamondback Tactical E&R Bag which itself inspired a whole slew of clones. What makes the Mayflower E&R Bag so special is that both it and the DBT Bag were designed by the same person; Mayflower’s owner. Based on real world experience, the E&R Bag was designed to be used as a grab and go bag in emergency situations or as an everyday tote bag for essential patrol items.
The E&R Bag features a removable shoulder strap, fixed carrying handle, two external general purpose pouches and two external flat pouches designed to discretely carry six M4 or similar sized magazines. The top flap is designed to carry maps or other 8 ½†x 11†documents in a clear, zippered enclosure. Internally the E&R Bag is divided into one large and two small compartments with elastic provided to secure chemlites, pens, or other similar size/shaped items.
Berry Compliant and offered in Black, Coyote, UCP, and Multicam, the E&R Bag is available from Mayflower online or other purveyors of fine tactical products.
