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Archive for September, 2011
OP Tactical EOY Sale
Sunday, September 25th, 2011Tactical Fanboy at the Oceana Airshow
Sunday, September 25th, 2011Tactical Fanboy went to the NAS Oceana Airshow yesterday. The weather conditions were less than ideal with low ceilings and rain all day. What was planned to be an all day outing was cut short due to even more severe weather rolling in in the early afternoon. There were no flight operations during his time there but he was able to check out a few interesting items.
Below is a teaser. For the full story visit www.TacticalFanboy.com.
In addition to a wide variety of aircraft on display, Navy Reserve SEAL Team 18 and active-duty Special Boat Team 20 as well as Navy Riverine Squadron 3 were on hand.
FILBE on MR NICE Frame
Sunday, September 25th, 2011Unfortunately, the Marines haven’t released any photos of their new issue pack called FILBE. Yes, it’s odd, but so is the whole tale of its adoption. However, what we do have is a photo of the pack on a Mystery Ranch NICE frame rather than the issue Down East 1606 frame. You can clearly see MR’s new Removable Bolster System on the frame and word has it that they had a hand in development of FILBE. Interestingly, the 1606 fame was actually developed for use by the Army’s airborne forces who needed a shorter frame to accommodate the seating on cargo aircraft. The pack sits atop the thighs when rigged paratroopers are seated.
Hopefully, the Marines will display an issue version of the FILBE at this week’s Modern Day Marine.
Triangle Capital Corporation Invests $14.8M in Magpul
Sunday, September 25th, 2011According to a press release, Triangle Capital Corporation (TCAP) announced that it closed a $14.8 million investment in Magpul Industries Corporation consisting of subordinated debt and equity.
This is interesting considering Magpul has had a fair number of suitors over the years, although generally, they have been interested in outright purchasing them rather than investing capital. Rumors have swirled about Magpul’s desire to make another foray into firearms design and perhaps this capital is going to be used to help them do just that.
Leaders Outline USSOCOM Budget Concerns
Sunday, September 25th, 2011Michael D. Lumpkin, acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict (ASD SOLIC), and Navy Adm William H McRaven, commander of US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), recently discussed future SOF budget issues in testimony before the House Armed Services Committee (HASC).
The thrust was that SOCOM is worried it will fall in the level of disrepair of the 1970s. Truth be told, ALL of the services need to worry about this. The Honorable Mr Lumpkin reiterated the five SOF truths that have been around since SOCOM’s inception over 20 years ago.
-Humans are more important than hardware
-Quality is better than quantity
-Special Operations Forces cannot be mass produced
-Competent Special Operations Forces cannot be created after emergencies occur
-Special Operations require non-SOF assistance
One of the major points of contention is that, even if the SOF budget is not affected, that SOF enablers will be cut which will in turn, adversely affect the Nation’s ability to conduct SOF missions. While the idea of SOF enablers isn’t new, the concept has become more prominent since the beginning of the war. In particular, SOF relies heavily on non-SOF expertise in three areas; Intelligence, Communications, and Logistics. The first two areas are basically self-explanatory but the last area would include transportation, material support, and base support.
Hopefully the testimony will have an impact during future budget discussions and impress the impact of non-SOF organizations on SOF missions.
If you too are concerned about the SOF budget go take a look at the Armed Forces Press Service article.
Whiskey 5 – 215 Gear
Sunday, September 25th, 2011Who
At 215 Gear, we take great pride in catering to the top tier Military and Federal Law Enforcement Units. Since 2007, we have the honor to design and purpose built equipment, as tough as the men wearing it.
What
215 Gear produces high quality kit, specifically designed for Special Operations use.
Where
The 215 Gear manufacturing and distribution headquarters are located in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
When
215 Gear was formed in the beginning of 2007. Our first legacy products hit stores in October 2007. Since then we have focused on providing our gear to America’s elite.
Why
215 Gear was founded by a Special Operations member, with numerous tours to multiple AO’s. Tired of poorly designed kit failing when it was needed most, 215 Gear was born. At 215 Gear, you will see products and ideas with innovation and design unparalleled in the industry. Most, if not all, of our products have been fielded by Special Operations personnel before you see it on the shelves. Our products are designed around current mission requirements, using firsthand knowledge of the task that gear was designed for. Many of our competitors use designers that have never served, let alone done the kind of jobs expected by today’s Operator. This gives our products a unique design perspective, because they are truly
For the Operator, by the Operator
215 Gear searches out the latest hardware and finest materials, combined with out of the box thinking, providing products that are lighter, stronger and faster than anything currently on the market.
By purchasing a product from 215 Gear, you can rest assured that product has passed the ultimate test, combat. If a product is on our shelves, we are saying it has been tested and is good to go. Item for item, we cannot price compete with companies who outsource everything overseas from their product packaging, to the gear in the bag. What we can do is source the best materials made, combine that with real world experience and produce a superior product. Made in America, for the Americans defending our way of life.
DMR Boo-Boo Bag
Saturday, September 24th, 2011
Designed to augment a larger kit, the DMR Boo-Boo Bag contains all of those consumable first-aid items that you actually use on a regular basis such as band-aids, meds, and insect repellant.
Package includes:
36″ Duct Tape
3 – Pks Cotton Tip Applicators
1 – Tweezers
2 – Safety Pins
1 – Finger Scalpel
3 – Floss Picks
5 – 1 X 3 Adhesive Bandage
2 – Large Adhesive Bandage (oval)
3 – Knuckle Bandage
5 – Steri-Strips
1 – 4X4 Gauze Pad
2 – 2X2 Gauze Pads
1 – 3X5 non-adherent dressing
1 – Mole Skin Pad
1 – Pkt (2) Aspirin
2 – Pkt (2) Acetaminophen
2 – Pkt (2) Ibuprophen
1 – Pkt (2) Diphenhydramine
1 – Pkt (2) Bismuth Subsalicylate
1 – Pkt CeraSport
1 – SunX Lip Balm
2 – Triple Antibiotic
1 – BurnX Burn Ointment
1 – BugX W/DEET
1 – SunX Sunblock
2 – Iodine Wipe
2 – Alcohol Wipe
2 – Sting Eze
2 – Hand Wipes
To get yours, visit www.bestsurvivalshop.com.
Ever Wanted to Work for the Pope?
Saturday, September 24th, 2011No, not the guy in Vatican City…THE Pope, GEN Stan McChrystal (USA, Ret). DC-based McChrystal Group is seeking an Executive Assistant.
Role:
The Executive Assistant (EA) will be responsible for handling a wide area of executive driven tasks. They must be able to operate with limited or no supervision, be well organized, possess strong computer skills and remain flexible at all times. This individual must be able to communicate directly with clients and senior executives, prioritize tasks and be comfortable in a dynamic and high-energy work environment.
Responsibilities:
– Executive time management to include managing the CEO’s calendar, meetings and outside contacts
– Coordinate travel for the executive team
– Welcome guests to the office and manage phones
– Entry level public relations assistance to include the management of social media and press inquiries
– Note taking
– Prepare and edit outgoing correspondence
– Maintain flexibility and perform other assigned tasks
Requirements:
– Work primarily in the corporate office
– Work closely with the CEO
– Be prepared to travel as required
– Maintain professionalism at all times
– Flexible work hours to include weekends
– Skilled in Microsoft Office applications to include Word and Excel
– Comfortable with Apple products
– Excellent organizational management and writing skills
– Client relations
One interesting facet of McChrystal Group is that they have leveraged their combined experience assembling and leading ad-hoc multi-agency organizations to develop what they refer to as, “a transformational leadership system called CrossLead.” One of teh most difficult things is “leading” by email. Here, GEN McChrystal gives us a few thoughts.
