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Archive for August, 2011

New Holster Option for MRD Equipped Glocks

Wednesday, August 24th, 2011

Grey Group Training just added a new holster from Safariland (ALS 6354 OPTIC QLS FORK) designed specifically for Glocks with a slide mounted mini red dot optic or tall target style adjustable sights. It is available in two versions, one is for a pistol with a mounted X300 and the other without, for both the Glock 17/22 and the 34/35 in right or left hand options. The version for the SureFire X300 is specifically designed to interface smoothly with the DG switch. As you can see, the holster is offered in MultiCam and covered in a suede/330D Cordura laminate for sound and visible signature reduction. The Cordura covering and all visible hardware is treated to minimize Near Infrared (NIR) and visible signatures.

The holsters come mounted with a Quick Locking System (QLS) 19 fork and have no other mounting provisions included. However, this will attach directly to a similarly equipped belt mount or leg shroud. The new fork is much stronger than the original model but won’t slide right into PALS webbing. To mount to MOLLE/PALS you will need a MOLLE fork with a QLS receiver. It’s 360 degree adjustable.

stores.greygrouptraining.com

Power IT Down and Help WWP

Wednesday, August 24th, 2011

Interested in saving energy AND helping the Wounded Warrior Project? If your answer is yes, then you can do both on August 26th (this Friday) by turning off your computer, monitor and printer, and any other peripherals, when you leave work for the day.

True savings is the sum of everyone’s efforts. To demonstrate the benefits of Power IT Down Day and how energy savings can be put to good use,they will make a donation to Wounded Warrior Project. Last year, they donated $60,000!

For full details visit poweritdown.org.

Black Powder Red Earth V1 Now Available

Wednesday, August 24th, 2011

Echelon Software’s Black Powder Red Earth V1, which Tactical Fanboy wrote a review for back in late June, is now available for purchase. Authored by Jon Chang and Kane Smith and illustrated by Josh Taylor, Black Powder Red Earth V1 takes place in near future Basran, a post-Iraq state. It follows the actions of a PMC against, primarily, Iranian-backed groups and agents.

You can buy your copy here.

Private Bloggins

Wednesday, August 24th, 2011

Canadian tactical medicine experts CTOMS has just launched an excellent blog. It’s quite refreshing to see a company blog that actually accomplishes something. While the CTOMS website does a great job os showing you their products, the new Private Bloggins site shows you HOW to use their products. Think of it as a TTP site for how to employ CTOMS gear. There’s only a few articles up so far but check back often as they continue to populate it.

Those of you unfamiliar with the term “Pte Bloggins”, it’s kind of the Canadian equivalent of the generic “Joe” serving in the American forces.

privatebloggins.ca

GMV 1.1 Requirement Update

Wednesday, August 24th, 2011

We told you it was coming, and here it is. USASOC has released a combined sources sought announcement and industry day announcement for the Ground Mobility Vehicle (GMV) 1.1 requirement. To refresh your memory a little, check out the PEO SOF Warrior Briefing on Ground Mobility Systems. Basically, it’s a replacement for the current HMMWV-based GMV which finds its roots in the Desert Vehicle Mobility System (DMVS) developed by modifying HMMWVs and trailers by 5th Group’s B500 at Fort Bliss in the mid-1980s.

Offerors have been working on their vehicles for some time, with many saying that the long-time contender, the Flyer, remaining a favorite. We have already written about several vehicles and there are many more out there vying for a spot. Specifically, they are looking for:

a Modified-Government off-the shelf (M-GOTS) vehicle with Special Operations Forces (SOF) peculiar modifications. This vehicle will be a highly mobile, CH-47 transportable platform with associated manuals, life cycle spare parts, mechanical/operator training, and a Government furnished C4ISR suite.

Notice what is missing in that requirement; V22 compatibility.

Furthermore, the public notice explains USASOC’s proposed acquisition strategy and invites industry comment.

a two phase approach wherein Phase I would include written proposal and certified test data provided at contractor’s expense, with an award of up to two contracts for further Test and Evaluation (T&E). Phase II would include Government purchases of approximately two prototypes for Engineering/Developmental Testing (DT)/Operational Testing (OT) from each vendor, with down select to single vendor and exercise of the production option.

In order to gain access to specific info on the sources sought and industry day, potential offerors will be required to be registered with Central Contractor Registration (CCR) under NAICS code 336992. The sources sought closes at Sep 13, 2011 11:59 pm Eastern.

TEA INVISIO X50 MultiCom Headset

Wednesday, August 24th, 2011

The Soldier Equipment & Technology Expo & Conference is next week. Make sure you stop by TEA to check out the INVISIO X50 MultiCom headset.

The Digital Ears X50 is a digital in-ear bone conduction headset system with built-in active hearing protection. It uses bone conduction which captures vibrations caused by speech which travel up the jaw bone to the ear. This helps eliminate ambient noise and produce clearer voice signals. Additionally, the system features electronic hear-thru and impulse noise protection (Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) of 23db) with volume control for enhanced hearing. Finally, the X50 is designed for dual communication with radio autosensing and full-duplex/VOX capability. Consequently, unlike other Invisio products, the X50 is designed to worn in both ears.

The ear piece features the Soft SpringTM which adapts to the contours of the ear to provide a secure fit and enhance comfort as well as compatibility with helmets, eyewear, and protective masks. In fact, the X50′s fit is secure enough that it is well-suited for Military Free Fall operations. Additionally, the interface box seen above features switches for On-Off Open Mic Selector, PTT Button, Volume Up and Down as well as Hear-Thru and Mic Volume Selector.

www.swatheadsets.com

The TACLETE

Wednesday, August 24th, 2011

The TACLETE sets the example. Although the TACLETE takes many forms he is first and foremost a public servant. Some will call him Sheep Dog, guarding his flock, protecting them from harm. Many will be relieved when he arrives, knowing the day has been saved. Ever the consummate professional, he trains his mind and body and knows his equipment inside and out. While he may not always be world class, he strives to be the best he can be; always surpassing his adversary. He incessantly seeks out any edge that could possibly save his life and ensure success. He pushes himself constantly, mastering a multitude of skills. Don’t let the name Athlete fool you, this guy’s playing field is deadly serious.

The TACLETE is adaptable. No matter his core specialty, he seeks to cross train and apply lessons learned from other fields into his day to day routine. He is prepared to operate as part of a team or alone for extended periods of time relying solely on his wits and equipment for success.

The TACLETE is dedicated. He eats, sleeps, and breathes his chosen path. He trains regularly, in all conditions. He seeks knowledge. While some will consider him a master of his craft he knows he is a life-long student.

The TACLETE is a craftsman. He uses his equipment like an artist wields a brush. He seeks out the best the market has to offer and often modifies it for his own use. He knows what works and avoids fads and gimmicks. He always has a backup. In a pinch, he can improvise or even do without.

The TACLETE is omniscient. He is the master of his domain and knows his environment. Ever vigilant, he observes, collects information, make preparations. No detail escapes his gaze no matter how small or seemingly irrelevant. He is the man on the scene before it is a scene.

The TACLETE is a chameleon. He wants to be underestimated by those around him. He has mastered the craft of camouflage and knows that it takes many forms, from selecting the right clothing and equipment in order to blend in, to how he presents himself to others. He can change his appearance in an instant by taking off his jacket, removing a ball cap and changing his gait. The quintessential Grey Man, everything he does is for effect.

The TACLETE is a Winner.

TACLETE is a portmanteau word combining Tactical and Athlete. The attributes in this depiction define the traits of a TACLETE. Natural progressions include Tacletics to describe the training of TACLETEs.

OR – eno Twilights

Wednesday, August 24th, 2011

We’ve got a few items left from our OR coverage we want to wrap up this week. One of them is Twilights from Eagles Nest Outfitters. No matter where you deploy to, chances are good your tent, hootch, or whatever you call home is as dark as a crack den in the middle of the day due to folks sleeping off the night shift. Twilights consists of a string of 23 LED bulbs powered by 2 x AA batteries. It’s a very simple, effective, lightweight and low volume answer to the problem of lighting your rack so you can find stuff or lay there and read before you fall asleep.

eaglesnestoutfittersinc.com/twilight