Tibuk2 has long been renown for their excellent laptop and messenger bags. They have just updated their very user friendly “Build Your Own Bag” site with Camo goodness. While the depiction on the website sure looks like Multicam, we have been told that it is “inspired” by Multicam and not the genuine article.
To order visit www.timbuk2.com.
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One of the things that makes the new line from Belleville offshoot Tactical Research so fantastic is the new TR-1 High Performance Insole. After the actual boot purchase, the second most expensive footwear related expense is for a quality insole. Unfortunately many companies skimp on a decent insole in order to save a few bucks but not Tactical Research.
In addition to Agion anti-bacterial lining, the insole features an extended arch support built upon a foundation of EVA. With most boots, you’ll probably get an EVA molded insole and it will somewhat resemble the shape of your foot. Tactical Research on the other hand goes one step further. They combine rubber and EVA to provide a combination of comfort and impact protection on the honeycombed forefoot. This design also permits are circulation around the foot. Additionally, there is a deep, contoured heel cup to help with stability.
The TR-1 Insole comes standard with all Tactical Research footwear.
Coming soon to a Military Freefall Parachutist near you, the POM is designed to replace the MBU-12/P aviator oxygen mask with a safer, more dependable method of receiving supplemental oxygen up to 35,000 feet. The new POM is a Carleton PHANTOM Mask and Regulator Assembly (part number B47300-1). It is a low profile mask with replaceable regulator and side-mounted hose with quick disconnect fittings and is compatible with ASFS and PHAOS legacy bailout bottles & consoles.
The program is being managed by PEO-Soldier’s PM for Soldier Equipment. A decision for full rate production is expected this month with the first unit equipped in 1QFY10 and a total of 1559 masks fielded through FY13. Additionally each unit will also receive a test stand to support routine maintenance.
Yes, the Army IS working on a new pair of pants to complement the Army Combat Shirt. The idea was to develop a pair of trousers that were designed specifically for combat. In addition to protection from flash and flame another major requirement was built in knee protection.
Produced by Massif, manufacturers of the ACS, the Government design features hard knee pads developed by Crye Precision. They are made from 7.3-ounce, fire-resistant twill and offer a reinforced, stretchable seat. This last feature was added since so many Soldiers have to slide down steep slopes in mountainous regions. Limited User Evaluations (LUE) were completed earlier this year in Georgia and West Virginia. Further tests are scheduled for FY10 in Afghanistan but who knows what will happen now due to the Congressional monkey wrench.
It is very important to note that at this point there is no validated requirement nor a formal program to procure the ACP. The development and evaluations are another case of the folks at PEO-Soldier leaning forward in the foxhole.
Ever since Congress told the Army that the Universal Camouflage Pattern (UCP) used on the Army Combat Uniform (ACU) wasn’t cutting it in Afghanistan, rumors and just plain old bad info has been swirling about the internet so I thought I’d share a few thoughts on the subject.
Urban Legend 1 -Multicam Uber Alles. Despite internet hype and the military version of an urban legend, Multicam is not replacing UCP in 2011 or 2012. As best I can tell this rumor came about because the Future Force Warrior program was supposed to be fielded in, you guessed it, 2011. It so happens that all of the photos of guys suited up in the FFW garb were swathed in Multicam goodness. For some odd reason, folks couldn’t divorce the concept of FFW from Multicam. Hence the urban legend. Naturally, this new round of Congressionally driven controversy has only fanned the flames of this untruth. Think about it. The Army just spent a gazillion dollars changing everything to UCP. In fact, fielding isn’t even complete. So ask yourself this question. Why would the Army spend a “gazillion” dollars on a new camo pattern and turn right around a field a new one mid-stream? The answer? It wouldn’t. They want to buy FCS not new uniforms.
Urban Legend 2 – UCP is going away completely. It isn’t. The Congressional “suggestion” is only for forces in Afghanistan not the whole shebang.
Urban Legend 3 – The Marine Corps offered MARPAT to the Army and they turned it down. Total Fantasy. Here is a truth. These patterns are about branding. When you see MARPAT, you think “Marine”. When you see UCP you think “Soldier”. MARPAT was developed for the Marine Corps. General Jones, former Commandant of the Marine Corps wanted a uniform that would let his enemies know when Marines were in town. He got one.
Urban Legend 4 – The Army didn’t adopt Multicam because they would have to pay a license for Multicam / it was too expensive. Once again; False. The Army helped pay for the development of Multicam. There is no “license”. Also, the more Multicam printed, the cheaper it gets. The more you buy, the less you pay.
I feel for the Army. What a big poop sandwich. “Hey Army, UCP stinks, issue something else. But use the money we already gave you for OTHER stuff.” You can’t just change out uniforms. You have to replace all of the Soldier’s other kit as well or the contrast will just highlight the guy. So the Army is going to have to compute this huge cost for one theater. That was the point of UCP in the first place. One camo…universal. No more issuing two different patterns to guys…economize.
I feel even worse for the poor action officer at PEO-Soldier who has to develop the decision brief on this one. For example:
COA 1 – Do nothing…Tell Congress “Nuts”, I mean after all, UCP does work in some parts of Afghanistan.
COA 2 – Do Nothing…Beg Congress for cash
COA 3 – Stall…conduct study (Attn PEO-Soldier, I am available for contract to conduct said study)
COA 4 – Issue Woodland or Three-Color Desert
COA 5 – Adopt all new pattern – See pic above
Option 5? That is the fantasy option. Or is it? There are select US forces rocking Multicam all over the place. Oddly enough, so are Snipers. Aside from that, the Army spent a great deal of time and effort developing and testing several patterns any of which could be dusted off including the one in the photo.
However, I am voting for some combo of one or more of the first three with COA 4 as the ultimate outcome. There is already precedence with the Army’s G1 permitting USASOC forces to wear Woodland camo. Plus, there are stock of the older patterns that can be drawn from to get this thing rolling.
Do we love Multicam at Soldier Systems Daily? You’re damned right we do. Will it be adopted for use in Afghanistan? Who knows at this point, but it sure will be interesting watching whatever ultimately happens.
My friend Hans Halberstadt recently launched his own blog to discuss his calling, Military Photography. He has begun to detail the trials and tribulations of getting the perfect photo. It is quite entertaining and great background info for those who wonder what it takes to produce a quality tactical photograph.
Visit Tactical Photo Operations.
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