We broke the story on the new COMPOUND armor compatible clothing system from Arc’teryx LEAF a couple of weeks ago. Grey Group is an Arc’teryx dealer and has had samples of a couple of the pieces on display in their shop near Fort Bragg for awhile now. Fortunately, they posted some video on Youtube.
Tactical Pants Blog has produced a great one-stop resource for information on the major tactical pant brands. There are still a few smaller, boutique brands out there floating around as well as some surprises in store for the market this year. But overall, they have covered the mainstream with information on over 30 different models. Additionally, the handy comparison chart provides details to assist with making decisions on which style to choose. While not all encompassing, it is certainly comprehensive and we are sure they will continue to update it as new products are released or changed. It is definitely worth checking out.
tacticalpants.com/tactical-pants-guide
As most of you know by now, the MultiCam version of the Fire Resistant Army Combat Uniform slated to be issued to troops in Afghanistan has been officially dubbed the OEF FR ACU. This is because it is supposed to only be used in Afghanistan (Operation ENDURING FREEDOM). I guess someone forgot that operations in the Philippines are also part of OEF. But then again, I don’t share PEO-Soldier’s wishful optimism that commanders in other areas won’t want their troops to be outfitted in MultiCam as well. I mean after all, testing has demonstrated it is a very effective pattern in a variety of environments. Why wouldn’t a commander want his troops outfitted in the best equipment available.
At any rate, where are those new OEF FR ACUs anyway? Well, the Army is on its way to fielding, working its way through the procurement process, but meeting the goal of July is going to be difficult if not impossible. The recently released pre-solicitation doesn’t close until 1 June. Then, the Army still has to release an actual solicitation which is usually open for about 30 days, make an award, deal with any protests that might arise, wait for uniforms to roll off the line, and finally distribute them. While mills are chugging away manufacturing FR Defender-M from Tencate, none of the manufacturers of uniforms will place orders for fabric until they receive a contract so there is only so much leaning forward in the fox hole that can be done.
One of the reasons that PEO-Soldier isn’t jumping into MultiCam with both feet is that the Army hasn’t made a long-term decision about camouflage yet. PEO-Soldier says that the Army is moving toward a decision on Phase IV of the camo project but thus far, almost nothing has been released on what exactly this phase entails. Hopefully, we will begin to see some transparency considering the brouhaha raised over the selection of the Universal Camouflage Pattern.
This is another one of the gems I saw at the recent ADS Warrior Expo. Currently used in conjunction with London Bridge Trading’s High Gear brand, the Decon Zone Sanitizing System has also been adopted by military units as well as numerous professional and collegiate sports teams.
Developed by a former Navy diver, the system was initially envisioned to clean his son’s football equipment. It is a completely sealed, green system that produces no waste by-products but rather relies on ozone produced by a lightning-like spark. The ozone kills odor causing bacteria and it is converted back to oxygen at the end of the cycle. Ozone is more effective at killing bacteria than hydrogen peroxide, bleach, and iodine. Not only does bacteria make your equipment stink, it can make you ill. Staph infections and MRSA are becoming more common threats to health. For full details on all of the heebie jeebies that can kill you visit their blog; killbacterianow.com.
The Decon Zone Sanitizing System has already been purchased by a couple of Air Force squadrons and they continue to go strong. They aren’t just using it for armor. It is also being used for mess kits and canteen cups, search and rescue equipment, blankets, clothing, and medical products. The machine’s cycle is 12 minutes of exposure to ozone in addition to the time it takes to reduce the ozone at the end of the cycle meaning equipment isn’t down for maintenance for long. There is nothing to dry and no residual chemical hazards once the items are removed from the machine. An added benefit is that quality of life is improved. Personnel are more comfortable wearing armor and other equipment when it doesn’t smell, not to mention that there is less risk to their health.
So to sum all of the pluses up: Green technology, Developed by a Veteran, Keeps troops healthy, Improves morale. Not bad.
Several firms have come together to offer a unique set of products and services. Tdi Arms America offers original Tdi Products in partnership with Covert Coatings for the “Ultimate in Weapons Accessories Technology”. Mil Spec camouflage is now available as an option on all Tdi Arms products with either a Water Transfer or a Vinyl Wrap Cover.
Both Tdi Arms America and Covert Coatings products are distributed by Tdi Lakota Holdings. There is also another element to this business that may interest many SSD readers. Lakota Archery offers original bows handcrafted on the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation in Timber Lake, SD, by gifted individuals who have a proud tradition of their craftsmanship and expertise.
Tdi Arms was established in 2002 in Israel to manufacture weapon accessories. Lakota is well known to many SSD readers as the first company to be licensed by Crye Precision to offer MultiCam water transfer services.
In order to increase responsiveness to this fast paced market, Propper has expanded their Military Division with some promotions as well as new hires in business development, research and development, and uniform technologies. Propper has assembled some of the top subject matter experts in the industry to focus specifically on the military market. While there are some new members of the team, not all of the faces in this expanded division are unfamiliar.
Stu Muladore was promoted last year to Vice President of Military Sales. Stu came to Propper after retiring from the Marines in 2007 and put his experience to work as Military Business Manager.
Greg Graves serves as Sales Manager for Federal agencies and brings a wealth of experience to the team. Greg, an Army veteran has been with Propper for 11 years and has developed an excellent relationship with his customer base whether military or federal agency.
Timothy Booth, an Experimental and Research Chemist brings over 22 years of experience in fabric treatment and finishing and will work with the military to improve FR and other protection properties such as insect repellancy.
Jonathon Long recently retired from the Army as a Lieutenant Colonel in charge of procurement at the contracting command in Kuwait. He brings his experience as an acquisitions professional to bear in his new position as Program Manager, Military Systems.
Joining the team as Design Director is Dan Bergeron who cut his teeth in the outdoor industry with Arc’teryx where he produced several iconic designs. Dan went on to work with both BAE and Eagle Industries before joining Propper.
Lonnie Braxton comes on as Director of Fabric/Business Development after many years with Milliken & Company and will focus on new applications for textile technologies.
As you can see, Propper has assembled an excellent team and I am excited about the possibilities in the coming year.
Practical Applied Stress Training (PAST) is a tailored physical fitness program for Tactical Law Enforcement teams by Optimal SWAT. Designed to help the LEO deal with the physical side of stress and keep rounds on target, PAST prepares students to be on the “wrong end of statistics” meaning training for worst case scenarios. The result is that situations LEOs regularly encounter will be that much easier to master. Author Will Brink feels that traditional methods of short sprints or push ups before a shooting drill employed during many training courses don’t go far enough to recreate the real world. Instead, he has designed a program that incorporates functional strength, dealing with unbalanced loads, and overall strength and fitness combined with shooting scenarios.
PAST does not rely on expensive equipment but rather focuses on functional strength using ropes climbs, vehicles pulls, sand bag and telephone pole carries as well as other activities. Additionally, traditional firearms training tools such as shot timers are used in that portion of the program. This keeps the program within reach of even the most resource constrained department.
The PAST program covers training the individual as well as the team. To this end, the manual offers sample training plans and drills but also focuses on the program at a conceptual level to help teams develop their own tailored program. The author also addresses different forms of measuring progress to allow different users to get the most from the experience. Overall, it looks to be an excellent training tool for the LEO and should be considered for certain military formations as well.
Quite frankly, we just didn’t have time.
Gun Disassembly 3D for the iPhone
How Inmates Smuggle Cellphones into Prison
LWRC to License Production to Jordan
The $750 Travel Belt Yes, $750
Holster Mounting Bracket for Wheelchair Frames – Thanks to Tactical Wire for putting the word out on this.
