Thank you to all of our readers who answered the armor survey. We ave received feedback that the information was quite helpful for the project. An additional round of questions is now available. The new survey can be found here.
Archive for 2009
Armor Survey Followup
Wednesday, March 18th, 2009Tactical Visors from 215 Gear
Wednesday, March 18th, 2009215 Gear has just released the first color in their new line of visors. I use the term “tactical” visor pretty loosely but these are the first visors on the market in modern camouflage patterns. In addition to the Desert Digital pattern already for sale, they also plan on releasing Multicam, UCP as well as Coyote. Great for off duty wear, I would expect to see a lot of these in team houses and other deployed locations.
In addition to the unique color scheme, each visor also features a velcro patch on the front to affix your favorite morale patch. 100% Berry Compliant and backed by a lifetime guarantee. Currently available from 215 Gear and Grey Group Training.
Future Soldier 2030 Initiative
Wednesday, March 18th, 2009“Own the Fight” – This is the aim of the Army’s latest Soldier modernization S&T program. Despite the reference to 2030 in the program name, many of the program’s components are slated for the 2015 to 2020 time frame (2014 POM cycle). It’s the usual cast of characters; smaller, faster, leaner, meaner. Other than a move to monochromes, it pretty much looks like a repackaging of FFW.
The programs vision:
Every Future Soldier will be equipped physically, cognitively, socially and with the appropriate materiel to conduct Full Spectrum Operations.
This will require agility, adaptability, mobility and the ability to act efficiently and effectively to simultaneously perform operations in many traditional and non-traditional roles including but not limited to Warfighting in complex, rapidly changing environments around the world.
Natick has established a website which includes documents.
Simianus En Obscurus
Tuesday, March 17th, 2009Will Ferrell meets MilSpecMonkey
As odd of a mash up as that may sound that is exactly what happened on HBO’s “You’re Welcome America” starring Will Ferrell. As I watched him lampoon President Bush, the MilSpecMonkey symbol appeared during a hilarious skit about a brigade of attack monkeys training in secret at Fort Bragg. Sure, some of the show was over the top, but it was a good laugh all around.
Duro Multicam Fabrics
Tuesday, March 17th, 2009
Last Fall Duro took over distribution of Multicam fabrics under license from Crye Precision. Already they have introduced several new fabrics and are constantly developing new products.
Current offerings include:
330 Denier Cordura
500 Denier Cordura
725 Denier Cordura
1000 Denier Cordura
NYCO Ripstop
40D Nylon 2-Way
70D Nylon FR Coated
70D Nylon FR Finish
To order Multicam fabrics from Duro visit their web-store.
Woobie Doobie
Tuesday, March 17th, 2009Bet that got your attention. As part of their new 2009 lineup, Kifaru has introduced the Doobie version of the Woobie poncho liner. Whereas the standard Woobie uses 2oz sq yd insulation, the new Doobie will boast 4oz Climashield Combat insulation making it 2lbs 2oz in overall weight. Like all of Kifaru’s 24/7 Climate Control System components the new Doobie features a RhinoSkin shell.
At 93″ long both versions will be 9″ longer than the previous incarnation of the Woobie. Kifaru products are Berry Compliant.
They are not yet available for web orders but Kifaru will process phone purchases. Visit www.kifaru.net for contact info.
Stay Alert Gum
Tuesday, March 17th, 2009This cinnamon flavored chewing gum packs 100mg of caffeine in each piece. First Alert Gum is found in First Strike Rations and has been issued NSN 8925-01-530-1219. Granted, they taste slightly bitter but the cinnamon masks most of it. Within a minute you can feel the active ingredient kicking in. The website cites several studies confirming the advantages of caffeine for sustained combat operations and I can speak from personal experience that when your eyelids get droopy, this stuff works.
Sold by MMI Federal Marketing Corp, Stay Alert Gum is available at AAFES or on the web from www.stayalertgum.com.
Armor Survey – Reader Assistance Requested
Monday, March 16th, 2009A reader has asked for assistance with a college project. He is looking for (ex)military personnel to answer a few multiple choice questions. We have taken a look at some of his design work and it has merit. For those with PERSEC concerns, the survey does not ask any questions pertaining to the background of the respondent.
