I ran across this last night on the internet. Pure comedy gold.
Archive for February, 2010
A Blast from the Past
Friday, February 19th, 2010So How Does 500D Really Fare in Combat?
Friday, February 19th, 2010There has been a lot of conjecture as to whether or not 500D Cordura is up to the task for use on individual equipment, particularly armor carriers. When I spoke with Mayflower Research and Consulting about this issue, they were able to provide me with these images of an Low-Profile Assault Armor Carrier, an early modded UW GEN I Chest Rig, and Assaulter Back Panel worn in Iraq for the past six months by an Assaulter. If that isn’t a rough environment, I don’t know what is. As you can see, the kit is stained with weapon oil but overall is none the worse for wear. The vest only came back for the addition of the new ITW Quick Attach Surface Mount buckles as well as new custom shoulder pads.
My opinion? You are going to get a you money’s worth out of kit manufactured from 500D. It might just be a bit less expensive than 1000D and will certainly be lighterweight. The purveyor of Mayflower once asked me if I had ever had any kit wear out before you replaced it for a newer design. I answered that since we switched to Cordura from the old ALICE days I have not. And I think that answer says volumes on the subject.
Arc’teryx Introduces the Beta LT Pant
Thursday, February 18th, 2010
Seen here with the Atom LT jacket and Alpha LT shell, the new Beta LT pant is manufactured from Gore-tex Pro-Shell. It features an integrated belt as well as 3/4 length zippers to assist with donning and doffing. At 10.6 ounces when combined with the other two items, you get a cold weather package that weighs in at a scant 32 ounces total! Due to this lightweight construction, the entire set up packs down to a size smaller than a basketball. But don’t let the term lightweight fool you. I must admit I was skeptical when I first got my Alpha LT jacket. It felt so light I was worried it wouldn’t stand up to hard use but nothing could be farther from the truth. It is not only extremely well made and very strong, it also moves well with the body. Available in Crocodile sized Small – XX-Large from www.arcteryx.com/leaf.
New Prosthesis Recycles Energy
Thursday, February 18th, 2010According to an article posted on Plos One, researchers Steven H. Collins (Department of Biomechanical Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands) and Arthur D. Kuo (Departments of Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America) have developed a new prosthetic ankle that recycles energy through the natural gait of walking. They have mimicked the natural push-off of a human ankle and using a microprocessor to control the device, capture the energy normally dissipated by the leg. This new technology requires less than one watt. Perhaps this same technology can be used by developers of Human Exoskeletons.
DRIFIRE Donates FR Shirts and Blankets to Haiti
Thursday, February 18th, 2010Responding to a call for aid to earthquake damaged Haiti from the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA), DRIFIRE has assisted the Kids in Distressed Situations (K.I.D.S.) organization by shipping approximately 1,650 comfortable FR shirts to be distributed to two orphanages.
“We’ve worked with the AAFA and K.I.D.S. in the past, donating more than 500 garments during the relief effort after Hurricane Katrina. We’re happy to join them in supporting orphans in Haiti with our products. Our donations may be a tiny piece of the overall relief effort, but we wanted to be involved and we’re excited for our chance to directly impact these orphanages,” says Kim Scarbrough, Executive Assistant at DRIFIRE, who is leading the company’s efforts in Haiti.
The flame retardant shirts sent in DRIFIRE’s first shipment feature moisture wicking and antimicrobial technology that is crucial for staying dry and comfortable in humid, warm climates. The second shipment will include rolls of raw fabric made of soft, comfortable material in response to the strong need for blankets. The fabric also features antimicrobial technology, cutting down on germs and odor. In addition to blankets, the fabric can be used to make clothes, tents and other garments to help keep the children protected and comfortable.
DRIFIRE isn’t stopping there. They plan to continue helping the orphanages on a long-term basis as more products become available for shipment in the coming weeks. Additional aid will be spread among the communities in Haiti as needed.
“Everyone at DRIFIRE is eager to contribute to helping the people in Haiti. From warehouse employees working overtime to get products shipped, to the executive team coordinating with AAFA and K.I.D.S. to make this all happen, we’re thankful and proud to be part of such a generous, hard-working company. Working together is crucial in these times of need, and we hope that our efforts will encourage and inspire others in the FR apparel and safety industry to donate high quality, life-saving products to those who need them,” says Scarbrough.
Army to Field MultiCam in Afghanistan
Wednesday, February 17th, 2010Apparently, the endgame is in sight for an issue that began last June when the now deceased Rep John Murtha called for the Army to investigate alternative camouflage patterns for use in Afghanistan.
According to numerous sources the Chief of Staff of the Army approved a plan today to field MultiCam to all Army forces in Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan) beginning as soon as possible. This is implementation of the decision brief’s Course of Action 1 which called for the fielding of MultiCam to all Army personnel engaged in OEF-A. Other options offered to GEN Casey included fielding a less robust MultiCam package focused on phased implementation with ground maneuver elements as well as a plan to maintain the status quo which is the use of the Universal Camouflage Pattern. It is important to note that the decision to field MultiCam uniforms and equipment currently only affects forces operating in OEF-A. Contracts could begin to be modified as early as this week and OEF-A bound Soldiers should begin to see clothing and equipment as early as July with in-theater fielding starting in August.
Congratulations to the US Army, the American Soldier, and Crye Precision.
UPDATE: Apparently, congratulations are a bit premature. According to multiple sources, the information above is still valid but due to the level of visibility on this issue, the Secretary of the Army, the Honorable John McHugh still needs to consider the issue and make a final decision on the CSA’s recommendation. Although GEN Casey has approved the plan, this is not yet a done deal. Word is that the Secretary has already been briefed and we are just waiting on a formal announcement. Army PAO has failed to return phone calls or e-mails despite contacting other news outlets. Hopefully, we will hear something soon. We will keep you posted.
Tactical Gear Digest Sports a New Look
Wednesday, February 17th, 2010If you are looking for one stop shopping to quench your thirst for nylon gear news from a variety of sources, then head over to Tactical Gear Digest where the reader drives content. Readers post stories and content from different source sites and are encouraged to vote and comment on the content.
They have been around for some time but recently updated their site to make it more user friendly. Additionally, they are running a new member drive and are giving away a Blackwater Gear Rifle Case.
The C-More M26 May Become Available to Civilians
Wednesday, February 17th, 2010In 2005 the Army, answering a Operational Needs Statement generated in Afghanistan, fielded the M-26 Modular Accessory Shotgun System from C-more Systems for use in breeching. Manufactured by Vertu Corporation, the single shot M-26 features a detachable 5 round box magazine, a collapsible charging handle, and a unique muzzle device designed to be placed directly against a lock for proper standoff. The Firearm Blog scored a coup at SHOT Show, learning that C-more Systems may offer the MASS for commercial sales. While it is designed to be mounted to a primary weapon in a manner similar to an M-203, The Firearm Blog snapped a great photo of a couple of other variants.
I’ve fired the M-26 and I can say that swoopie it ain’t. I could see an airsoft version selling like hotcakes to the MilSim crowd but other than as a conversation piece, I don’t see this really taking off. You’d really be better served with an actual, separate shotgun. Not to mention the NFA implications. Maybe LE will be thrilled with it? On the other hand, ABC will probably call it a grenade launcher.
