SIG MMG 338 Program Series

Archive for 2011

Quebec Trade Mission to Brazil Focusing on Security

Thursday, July 28th, 2011

Quebec’s Ministry of Economic Development, Innovation and Export Trade selected Canadian Tactical Training Academy (CTTA) to be part of a trade mission to Brazil, August 29 through September 2, 2011. The Ministry will underwrite some of CTTA’s expenses and arrange meetings while in Brazil.

According to CTTA, they provide:

CTTA offers specialized programs such as: Executive Protection, Investigation and Surveillance, Rapid Integrated Survival Kombat (RISK) System, Tactical Firearms, Handcuffing, Airport and Airline Security (IATA and ICAO standards), Ports Facilities and Maritime Security (ISPS Code), Basic SWAT Techniques, Corporate Safety Awareness, and much more.

These look to be exactly the sort of training needed to deal with Brazil’s internal security challenges.

In a press release, Mr Angelo Marino, Vice President of Operations of CTTA, commented, “We are very pleased to have been selected by the Ministry to be part of this important Trade Mission. This recognition is a confirmation that CTTA is on the right track. Brazil is the place to be for our industry because of the World Cup and Olympics which will be hosted during the next few years. Also, we already have a partnership in Brazil with MAF Protection Control Risks Group, headquartered in Sao Paulo. “

What Mr Marino is talking about is that over the next five years, Brazil is host to several international events.

– Annual Brazilian Grand Prix, is part of the Formula One world Championship
– FIFA World Cup (of Soccer) in 12 Brazilian cities
– 2016 Summer Olympics Rio de Janeiro

Brazil is one of the so-called “BRICs” (Brazil, Russia, India, China) which are experiencing advanced economic development. It is an emerging market (7th largest economy by GDP) with notable security challenges. For example, Brazil is in the top 20 countries of intentional homicide rates and has continued problems with organized gang violence directed at security services. Based on the number of upcoming opportunities and the Brazilian desire to deal with security issues, it is surprising that more American firms are not reaching out to Brazil.

Knee Caps Now in Crocodile and Coyote

Thursday, July 28th, 2011

We mentioned they were coming a year ago and then showed a sneak peek right after SHOT Show. Now, the new colored Knee Caps from Arc’teryx LEAF have hit the market.

They are now available in Black, Foliage, Crocodile, and Coyote and feature the T-lock quick release tri-glide buckle. Now in stock at Tactical Distributors (minus Foliage).

Diggerworks – Cracking the ‘Nut’

Thursday, July 28th, 2011

This is officially my favorite Soldier Modernization briefing of ALL time. From the organization named Diggerworks, to the title of the briefing, this is just great. It also gives us some great glimpses into the Australian Defence Force’s fielding of the Enhanced Soldier Combat Ensemble in MultiCam.

Diggerworks is a “virtual organisation comprising agencies involved in soldier combat systems (SCS).” And, it is important to note that, “Diggerworks is not Land 125 rebadged.” This means they aren’t giving the program a spiffy new name but rather adding value by including more stake holders in the discussion.

Their mission is simple –

Diggerworks is to identify options and deliver integrated soldier combat systems solutions in order to enhance the capability of the warfighter

Moreover, they are working on Adaptive Acquisition which is something we’d like to see more of here in the US.

Adaptive Acquisition

– “Buy less more often”
– Enable change to happen quicker
– No longer is everyone to be equipped the same
– The close combatant is to be treated differently

Be sure to check out the entire briefing:

Cracking the Nut

New Images of Propper’s in TAC.U Combat Shirt A-TACS

Thursday, July 28th, 2011

The new A-TACS TAC.U Combat Shirt by Propper will be available beginning September.

The design features pocketed shoulders that allow for the addition of extra padding, Velcro on the rear of the collar for nametape, zippered pockets on the sleeves, thumb holes and loop fasteners on the cuffs, pouches on the outside of the elbows for padding, and gusseted underarms. The sleeves are manufactured from a 65/35 poly/cotton “battlerip” ripstop weave, and the body of the shirt has a 60/40 knitted cotton/poly mix. It is currently available for pre-order through several A-TACS retailers and is expected to begin shipping in September.

For more information, visit www.a-tacs.com.

LTC Lucas Assumes Charter for PM Individual Weapons

Wednesday, July 27th, 2011

Yesterday, LTC Shawn Lucas (right in the photo above) assumed the charter for Program Manager Individual Weapons from LTC Chris Lehner who had held the position since September, 2008. LTC Lucas comes to his new position with a wealth of small arms experience having served as a Systems Coordinator for Small Arms and most recently as a Program Analyst for Soldier/Maneuver Systems in the Army G-8, Program Analysis and Evaluation Directorate.

A change of charter is akin to a change of command in a troop unit. The ceremony was officiated by COL Scott Armstrong, Project Manager Soldier Weapons, (left in the photo above). Earlier this month, COL Armstrong assumed the charter of PM Soldier Weapons from COL Douglas Tamilio. This is an exciting time to be working in Army small arms with dual pathed strategies for improvements to the existing M4 carbine as well as the search for an entirely new Individual Carbine.

Congratulations!

ADS Withdraws IPO

Wednesday, July 27th, 2011

ADS Inc announced earlier today that it has withdrawn its Initial Public Offering of common stock due to “adverse market conditions.”

For the Ladies – Sniper Girl

Wednesday, July 27th, 2011

The Women’s Tactical Association has introduced a line of Shirts, Hats, and Accessories featuring Sniper Girl. They are now available at their Cafe Press store.

The primary mission of the WTA is to promote and encourage training and education among female Law Enforcement in an effort to enhance and refine skills in the areas of firearms, combat mindset, tactics and fitness.

www.cafepress.com/WomensTactical

Just a Reminder

Wednesday, July 27th, 2011

Here, we see Soldiers from the US Army’s 1/158th Long Range Surveillance and Australian 51st Far Queensland Regiment, Norforce and the Pilbara Regiment as a joint Australian/U.S. surveillance unit at Shoalwater Bay Training Area, Queensland, Australia, during Exercise Talisman Sabre 2011.


Australian Defence Force photo by ADF Lance Corporal Mark Doran/Released

Since it looks like PEO Soldier programs are on the chopping block, we thought this photo would be a great reminder to all as to why there is a Army Camouflage Improvement Effort. All we see these days are photos out of Afghanistan with Soldiers sporting the effective OCP. Don’t forget, it’s a big world out there and in most of it, UCP is still the uniform of the day.

Stay the course. Select and field effective camouflage for our troops.