March 2011 | Soldier Systems Daily Soldier Systems Daily

Archive for March, 2011

Army Selects New PEO Soldier

Thursday, March 17th, 2011

The Army announced that they have chosen BG Camille M. Nichols to serve as PEO Soldier. BG Nicholls is a former enlisted West Point graduate and will be the first female to serve in that post and will be replacing BG Peter Fuller later this year. Congratulations to BG Nichols who brings over 20 years of acquisition experience to the position including service as the first Commanding General of Expeditionary Contracting Command and later as Commanding General of Joint Contracting Command, U.S. Forces-Iraq.

We also wish well to BG Fuller who has been selected to head up Foreign Military Sales (FMS) to the Government of Afghanistan.

Tags: BG Camille M. Nichols, BG Peter Fuller
Posted in PEO-Soldier | Comments Off on Army Selects New PEO Soldier

Safariland Introduces A-TACS to Their PROTECH Tactical Line

Thursday, March 17th, 2011

Safariland, a BAE Systems line of business, has announced a partnership with Digital Concealment Systems, LLC to exclusively offer the A-TACSÂ® (Advanced Tactical Concealment System) camouflage pattern within the body armor category.

â€œWe are excited to add the A-TACS line of camouflage offerings to our PROTECH brand,â€ said Dan McNeil, Category Director for Armor Tactical products. â€œOur partnership with A-TACS is another step in the right direction of providing products that meet and exceed the requirements of law enforcement officers and agencies serving our communities every day.â€

A-TACS will be available as a color option for all of PROTECHâ€™s tactical carriers and soft tactical armor accessories such as yokes, throats, collars, biceps, groin protectors and pouches.

For more information on PROTECHâ€™s offerings visit www.safariland.com/bodyarmor.

Tags: A-TACS, PROTECH, Safariland
Posted in Armor, Camo | Comments Off on Safariland Introduces A-TACS to Their PROTECH Tactical Line

Vertx Smock

Thursday, March 17th, 2011

This is the first public photo of the Vertx smock unveiled on their Facebook page. The photo was taken at IWA in Germany.

We aren’t allowed to release any details yet but we can say that it is unlike any smock you’ve ever seen and will be available initially in MultiCam with other colors to follow.

www.wearvertx.com

Tags: VertX
Posted in Clothing, Multicam | 2 Comments »

Gemtech’s New Suppressor Pouches

Thursday, March 17th, 2011

Gemtech has two new Berry compliant suppressor pouches that are available in Black, Tan, and Multicam. The Short MOLLE Pouch fits 5.56mm, Handgun, HVT-THD, and SANDSTORM suppressors (and other brand suppressors that are under 8″ long, and not more than 1.5″ diameter). The cobra-hood design snugs down with color-matching side-release buckles to adjust to fit shorter and longer suppressors firmly.

Gemtech also has a Long MOLLE Pouch that fits longer suppressors such as the HVT-QD, QUICKSAND, UMP, as well as other suppressors between 8″-10″ long, and not more than 1.5″ diameter.

Visit www.gemtech.com for more information.

Tags: Gemtech
Posted in PALS, weapons | 1 Comment »

Daniel Defense is Hiring

Wednesday, March 16th, 2011

We get a lot of queries from folks looking for work in the tactical industry and try to pass on good opportunities when we find out about them. Daniel Defense is on the lookout for some experienced candidates to fill a variety of roles in the company. Located in Black Creek, Georgia, they are just west of Savannah. It is a great area and they boast a new facility that is just a few years old. Benefits look good.

For those who are interested, visit danieldefense.com/careers.

Tags: Daniel Defense
Posted in Industry | 1 Comment »

Corps Strength – Weight Lifting or Lifting Weight?

Wednesday, March 16th, 2011

One of the most common questions I get about working out is about lifting weights. “Do you lift weights”? Or just do calisthenics? The answer is yes and yes. I do lift weights and highly recommend them for those looking to get into top condition. However, my views on the best way to train with weights has changed a lot over the years. When I was younger I had dreams being a huge body builder like Arnold. I saw Pumping Iron at least 10 x and read and tried every conceivable lifting routine and diet for many years (with mixed results). I also competed in both Olympic and Power lifting competitions. My parents still have the tiny trophy I won in my first lifting competition over 30 years ago. However, after many years of lifting heavy weights (and observing many others) I have come to the conclusion that you don’t need to lift heavy weights (more than your body weight) to get into top condition. In fact, I think that doing so is not worth the risk of the injury that will surely come from doing so over the long term. So unless you are training for a power sport like football or an actual weight lifting contest, I ‘m convinced that using around 1/2 your body weight is the right amount. In my book Corps Strength I outline a way to effectively train with moderate weights. Trust me when I tell you that you can become very strong by using just 1/2 your body weight. I haven’t lifted heavy weights in years but if you note the recent photo (age 50, body weight 170lbs) I’m carrying two men, a flak jacket and two ammo cans full of sand, all with a combined weight of over 400 lbs with no problem. There is a different between gym strength and the strength you need to function in the real world.

PJ Rourke
MGySgt
USMC (Ret)

Corps Strength is our monthly fitness feature by Retired Marine Master Gunnery Sergeant Paul Rourke. He is the author of “Corps Strength” a book based on his lifelong fitness experience.

Tags: Corps Strength
Posted in Corps Strength, Training | Comments Off on Corps Strength – Weight Lifting or Lifting Weight?

Jonesing for the Arc’teryx Talos Combat Uniform?

Wednesday, March 16th, 2011

If you just can’t wait to get your hands on the Talos Combat Uniform from Arc’teryx we have some good news for you. The pants have been released and are currently in stock at Tactical Distributors as well as OP Tactical. So far these are the only two retail outlets we know of.

Currently available in any color you want as long as it’s MultiCam, additional color options are still about a year out. They are manufactured from 50/50 NYCO and come in sizes small – XX large. These are right on size with other Arc’teryx products. They are amazing pants and packed with features such as the webbing reinforced kneepad pockets with slits for the straps to be used on the outside of the pants. The pants also feature an articulated fit, tool loops, and an integrated gaiter designed to keep debris out of your boots without resorting to traditional blousing. We bought ours from Tactical Distributors and can’t say enough good things about them.

No solid word yet on when the tops will be available.

Tags: Arc'teryx LEAF, OP Tactical, Tactical Distributors
Posted in Arc'teryx, Clothing, Multicam | Comments Off on Jonesing for the Arc’teryx Talos Combat Uniform?

Joint Forces Extrication Kit

Wednesday, March 16th, 2011

ADS developed the Joint Forces Extrication Kit at the request of the military in order more widely proliferate the tools needed to extract personnel from disabled armored vehicles. When an up-armored HMMWV or MRAP rolls, it can be very difficult to gain access especially as the door are so heavy. After a quick market survey ADS was able to assemble this kit.

It consists of the Power Hawk Rescue Tool which is an electric system. I was there when this video was shot and it is lightweight but has the torque (72,000 inch pounds) to get the job done. The cross over jaws can be used to cut, pry, or peel open vehicle or aircraft skins in order to gain access. It can also be used on structures or debris. The JFEK also includes the Husqvarna K760 Rescue Saw with three diamond tip blades that can be used to but through locks, into wood and metal walls as well as transparent armor. The 30″ Halligan tool is used for prying and a 4 lbs sledge and 2000 lbs come along round out the kit’s contents. ADS can also customize the kit with additional items as needed.