TOPS Knives recently introduced the their take on the tactical writing instrument, the Spec Ops Pen (SOP). Not only is it a unique design it is also uses the commonly available fisher Space pen refill, which writes anywhere; literally. There are two versions, the standard model (shown) and the elite model. Both are available in Black or Coyote Tan.
In addition to a great introductory price of $19.95, 10% of sales proceeds will go to the WOUNDED WARRIOR
PROJECT.ORG. Check it out at www.TOPSknives.com.
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“In connection with Snugpak Limited Company’s defamation lawsuit against Wiggy’s Inc. and Jerry Wigutow, in Broward County Circuit Court, we are informing you that the matter has been amicably settled and we have withdrawn all references to Snugpak. Wiggy’s apologizes to Snugpak for any inaccurate information which appeared on the website or for any harm any such inaccurate information may have caused.” Wiggy’s Newsletter Nov 2009
Program Manager, Special Operations Forces Survival, Support and Equipment Systems (PM SOF-SSES) has released a pre-solicitation for a “non-commercial, non-developmental Modular Integrated Communication Helmet (MICH) Product Improved Helmet, Type I Ballistic System”.
Requirements include “The Type I MICH-BALLISTIC meets or exceeds all of the current MICH helmet requirements with the added benefit of lighter weight and flexible configuration.” Please note the term “flexible”. This is a level of modularity not available on the legacy MICH and screams FAST helmet from Ops-Core or AIRFRAME helmet from Crye Precision although I am sure BAE will have something to throw at this based on their recent work on the Enhanced Combat Helmet combined with Corona.
The pre-solicitation closes 16 March, 2010 with a full and open solicitation to follow later this year.
Recently, my friends at Protect The Force told me that they wanted to show me an extraordinary technology that was initially designed to protect women from sexual assaults but that could be used for a variety of personal protection tasks. I must admit that in my mind’s eye I formed a picture of some sort of chastity belt-like contraption. Fortunately, my imagination run wild was nowhere near the truth of the matter. Instead, I was shown the video below and it brought everything into focus.
I immediately “got it” and began running scenarios in my head where I could apply the technology. I mean who couldn’t see the potential here? It’s phenomenal. No-Contact’s technology was developed by Adam Whiton, a researcher at Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Yolita Nugent, an apparel designer. Named Conducted Energy Clothing, the concept is simple; bad guy grabs you, much to his chagrin he gets shocked, he unhands you, you fight or flight.
Now I can imagine that some of you are skeptical but they’ve been working on this for awhile. No, it won’t shock you. The wearer is insulated from the effects of the charged outer layer. Additionally, the garment features a Teflon coated waterproof layer to protect the wearer in the rain. Concerned about power requirements? Currently, the system is powered by a single 9v battery.
Remember, the system was initially designed to protect women from sexual assault. It had to be simple to use, so you wear it. Unlike firearms or blade weapons, it requires no training. Once armed, the system is passive. In fact, they are working on a variant that will allow security personnel to remotely activate someone’s CEC in the event they are unable to themselves. This would be great for VIPs and others who risk kidnapping or assault. Even in its current configuration the CEC technology is well suited for Law Enforcement, Corrections, and Security officers.
Some statistics to consider:
“Close-quarters assault from aggressors using fists and hands account for more than 80% of all total assaults faced by law enforcement officers.” Federal Bureau of Investigation 2008 Uniform Crime Report
“No Weapons were used in 74% of all violent crime incidents on civilian victims, just fists and hands. In addition offenders used a weapon in only 1% of all rapes/sexual assaults. Most often fists and hands are used to overpower and restrain the victim.” U.S. Department of Justice – Bureau of Justice Statistics, 2008
“Get in on this.” If I could only say one thing about this material that would be it. The so-called gecko tape is amazing. Made from hard microfibers, and act similar to the hairs on tips of a Gecko’s toes called satae. In fact, they act on weak forces of attraction called van der Waals forces. While the electric charges are minuscule when joined in the millions the two items stay attached, even when wet.
I saw some gloves with the fingers and palm covered in this material at the 2008 SHOT Show. The manufacturer had placed corresponding tape on a knife handle and a pistol grip. When I picked the items up they stayed fast yet I could handle items without tape normally. He wouldn’t tell me what it was and I didn’t figure out until I started researching this article but in my limited interaction, it works.
Much of the work is pie-in-the-sky work hoping to create a real-life Spider Man. But I see more practical things on the horizon. While still in the developmental stage, this technology may one day lead to such items as the pouchless magazine pouch or those gloves I tried out.
Every time I think about this issue I keep hearing a little ditty in my head, “Fly boys, fly boys, what ya gonna do? What ya gonna do when they come for you?” The Army was specifically called out by Congress to look at alternative camo patterns for use in Afghanistan. They have dealt with the issue by approving Crye Precision’s MultiCam pattern. In a similar vein, The Navy has responded to their need for camouflage for their ground combatants by adopting slightly modified versions of the SOCOM-developed AOR patterns.
It is about the Air Force deals with their camo issue and follows a similar course to their sister services. It was easy to blend in with an Army clad in UCP but I can’t imagine it will be very long before someone realizes that Airmen are now sticking out like sore thumbs. Due to the relatively small number of Battlefield Airmen and associated Expeditionary forces requiring proper camouflage, it would be best to just adopt MultiCam. Most of the Air Force’s ground forces are embedded with the Army at some level anyway. In fact, we already regularly see Air Force personnel wearing MultiCam in a variety of environments including recent operations in Haiti.
Granted, the Air Force’s current Desert Tiger Stripe pattern does a great job of branding. The pattern was developed specifically to give the Air Force a distinctive look. In fact, former Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen Jumper, began seeking a new uniform after being referred to as a Soldier at a ceremony at DC’s Bolling Air Force Base. Unfortunately, it shares a similar color palette with the Army’s universal Camouflage pattern although it adds Slate Blue as a fourth color. It does darken the pattern up a bit but it still really isn’t up to the task of concealing an Airman in the field. And that’s not to mention the cut of the uniform. Every single one of the other services has fielded a modern combat uniform. The Airman Battle Uniform on the other hand, seemed to keep all of the bad features of the BDU with none of the advantages of the lessons learned by the other services.
So come on Air Force, do your Airmen right and issue a decent uniform in an effective camouflage pattern to everyone deployed to combat zones.
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Planning for SOFEX is in full swing. In its eighth year, SOFEX will be held at the King Abdullah I Airbase in Amman in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. SOFEX is held biennially under the Royal Patronage of His Majesty King Abdullah II, the Chairmanship of HRH Prince Feisal Bin Al Hussein and with the full support of the Jordan Armed Forces (JAF).
SOFEX 2010 is a four-day event that kicks off with a one day conference that includes a series of comprehensive and topical seminars delivered by top military officials from around the world, tackling a wide range of issues pertinent to current counter terrorism and homeland security issues. It also features a great trade show. For more information visit www.sofexjordan.com
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CP Gear has introduced the Split Front FASTRIG 10-4. It is the first piece of load bearing equipment designed around the Gen III FASTMag from ITW Military Products.
The FASTRIG 10-4 accommodates up to 8 FASTMAGs internally (4 on each side), however the rig can be setup with as little as 2 FASTMAGs (1 per side and included). As you can see from the photo, these two are needed to suspend the weight of the rig. This leaves the exterior clean for modular pouches(3 rows of 10 channel PALS/MOLLE compatible webbing per side). There is also an interior pocket on each side for stowing maps, documents, chem lights, etc.
Available in a variety of color schemes. To order visit www.CPgear.com.
