Norwegian manufacturers CombatKit have introduced their new Admin Pouch. Designed to fit behind magazine pouches, this MOLLE compatible pouch features a two way zip closure with shock cord. An inner pocket holds pens and other admin supplies and when opened can be used as a writing surface thanks to the 2mm hard plastic in the front of the pouch which is covered with clear plastic in order to read maps or checklists.
About two years ago, Leatherman was approached by two SFCs from the Army Marksmanship Unit at Ft Benning about creating a tool for everyday utility use in addition to weapons maintenance. During the two-year development period, they tested (in Iraq and Afghanistan and bases here in the US) and refined the tool with the official unveiling of the resulting Military Utility Tool at this year’s SHOT show. The product that Leatherman developed is available in both Utility and EOD models. Other than intended use, the major differences between the two are inclusion of a blasting cap crimper and C4 punch (replaces weapons punch) on the EOD model. Obviously, the Utility MUT will suffice for the vast majority of users and that is one of the things that really attracts me to the MUT. It is designed for use by Military, LE, as well as civilian shooters. As you can see from the brochure from Leatherman, a lot of thought went into the development of the MUT.
I had a chance to handle a MUT last week and some of the features that really stick out for me are the bolt override tool, the inclusion of a wrench that ingeniously stores in the sheath’s MOLLE webbing, the replaceable bronze scraping tool for removing carbon buildup from the weapon, and compatibility with OTIS cleaning kit tool heads. This video gives you a great idea of how the MUT works. This is the EOD variant so the remember that the EOD-specific tools will not be on the Utility model.
The MUT is made in the USA and comes with a MOLLE compatible sheath in Coyote. If there is any drawback to the MUT it is that it is not available in FDE. Black is just so passe. I am really looking forward to this hitting the street later this summer as it offers a couple of features not found anywhere else.
PEO-Soldier is seeking a Flame Resistant Uniform Unit level Repair Patch Kit that has the capability to provide Infra Red (IR)/Flame Resistance (FR) protection in a self contained kit. According to the requirement, the “IR/FR Uniform Repair Kit must contain 8 patches (2 3×3,2 4×4, 2 5×5, and 2 5×7 inch kits) made of self adhesive Fire Resistant material that are intended to be used to repair Flame Resistant MultiCam & UCP uniform items.” The patch also needs to “adhere to the FR Army Combat Uniform (FR-ACU), the Improved Combat Vehicle Crewman Coverall (ICVC) and the Aviation Aircrew Combat Uniform (A2CU) or other flame resistant clothing items, covering any holes, rips or tears.”
They have already completed a sources sought notice and should begin to consider technologies soon in order to begin fielding this summer.
We have covered Drifire‘s flight suits in the past but we just received some updated marketing data on their latest incarnation after taking a look at it at the recent ADS Warrior Expo. Available in both Khaki and MultiCam, the Phenix II exceeds Air Force safe to flight characteristics and provides not only FR protection but also moisture wicking and antimicrobial properties. The Khaki variant would be well suited for PMCs operating in IED environments. There are a few other new products coming down the pike from Drifire in the near future so keep your eyes peeled.
Weaponeer.net is an online resource for the DIYer of a different ilk; the home gunsmith. Sure they have a few parts kits for sale but these are limited and mainly consist of some rather obscure products. The real bread and butter are the forums where members can help each other out with various aspects of a project. Unlike many other sites, Weaponeer.net provides more in-depth information on such advanced skills as welding, casting, and refinishing. It was well worth a look.
Every military leader carries a notebook and of late, many prefer the Rite in the Rain brand which now carry NSNs. CP Gear has recently introduced two new Tactical Field Notebook Covers to accommodate the two most popular Rite in the Rain pads.
The smaller of the two is 3″ x 5″ and will fit in the breast or shoulder pocket of the Army Combat Uniform (ACU) coat or Marine Corps Combat Utility Uniform (MCCUU) blouse. It is designed specifically for the Rite in the Rain 3 x 5 spiral bound tactical pocket notebook and features slots for 3 pens. The interior has two 3†wide x 4†tall vinyl windows to retain the notebook and also double as viewing windows for checklists, SOPs, and other aide memoire type documents.
The 4 x 6 Tactical Notebook Cover was designed specifically for the Rite in the Rain 4 x 6 spiral bound tactical pocket notebook. This larger version is designed to fit in the trouser cargo pocket of your uniform. Since it’s bigger, it accommodates 5 pens as well as a larger interior window. It also features velcro to attach a nametape and rank.
Available in Coyote Brown, MultiCam, UCP, and CADPAT TW and AR, you can order the Tactical Field Notebook Covers directly from CP Gear. Both are made in Canada from Cordura nylon, mil-spec webbing and zippers and backed by a 5 year warranty.
NAVAIR has issued a Sources Sought Notice for Survival Items and Clothing for use by both Navy and marine Corps personnel. Survival items include equipment to assist isolated personnel in their recovery such as NVD compatible lights, signaling devices, hand held global positioning systems, knives, fire starters, multi purpose tools, water purification devices, hydration carriers and concentrated nutrition. All items should be efficient, compact, lightweight, water resistant, affordable and use common, commercially available batteries as a power source if needed.
The FR clothing side of the house includes items for both air and ground crews like flight suits and gloves, deck jerseys, and anti-exposure suits. They are seeking performance products whether fire resistance, environmental protection, or moisture management. This is an open ended RFI so as vendors come up with applicable items they can submit them.
Visit www.fbo.gov for the full details.
We ran across this awhile back and it looks pretty cool. Manufactured by watch maker Nooka, the Strip Belt offers an interesting closure system. The end of the belt is notched and feeds into the buckle. It is held in place by a ratchet system that can be released by simultaneously pushing both buttons on the buckle. This give a much more precise fit than standard notched belts and one size adjusts over 6 inches. Two sized belts are available to accommodate waists from 30 to 41.5 inches. Not only is the design innovative, but the belt itself is made from BASF’s Ellastolan thermoplastic polyurethane material. The Strip Belt is currently available from Nooka in several colors including Grey, Black, and Beige.
