Tactical Assault Systems has just released their PT Mat. Available in 2 sizes (LARGE- 72″ X 24″, SMALL- 48″ X 24″), it comes in Black or Coyote. This 100% PVC mat is 1/4″ thick and has loads of uses in addition to its intended use for physical fitness training. It also includes elastic bands to keep the mat rolled.
Today, FirstSpear, a warfighter tactical equipment designer and manufacturer, has announced its line of 60 Enhanced Load Carriage Solutions and Personal Protective Equipment products. This debut line is the first complete portfolio of the company’s spectrum of Warfighter equipment, and is expected to be received with great customer interest.
FirstSpear designs are produced with direct input from the end user and by developers who take into account specific mission needs, resulting in innovative, capability-driven products. The FirstSpear production facility is located in Fenton, MO, and this new venture has lead to the creation of 50 local skilled manufacturing jobs with plans to continue this growth in the near term.
FirstSpear’s commitment to delivering solutions based on the user’s needs is demonstrated by the careful selection of materials and a deep understanding of the unique mission needs of American Warfighters. Like all items in the line, plate carrier platforms such as the Beat Up are lightweight and functional, reflecting input from professional users. Each technology is the result of over 30 years of product development experience by the FirstSpear Design Team and represents the next generation in mission-ready gear.
“By considering the entire system as a whole, we have designed a suite of products that work great alone, but together allow the user to achieve remarkable scalability, modularity and weight reduction,†said Jonathan Laplume, FirstSpear Vice President of Strategy. “With each new product release, FirstSpear will seek the input of the professional user to continue raising the bar in equipment comfort, accessibility and durability.â€
“When we started this organization, we made a commitment to deliver the next generation in Personal Protective Equipment,†said Scott Carver, Founder and President of FirstSpear. “This launch is only the beginning. FirstSpear directly supports those who defend this country and we will continue on this path of innovation for years to come.â€
We don’t publish press releases word-for-word often, but this one did a great job of telling the story. What follows are a few of our comments.
Be sure to visit FirstSpear at Warrior Expo July 14th and 15th in Virgina Beach, Virginia. ADS, Inc. is the exclusive distributor of FirstSpear products to the US Military. Visit www.adsinc.com/first-spear for more information about FirstSpear products available through ADS, Inc.
Don’t forget, both the Exigent Circumstances Pack at Triad Tactical as well as the Short Incursion Chest Rig at SKD Tactical are already available at a healthy discount until the 15th of July.
Separate softcopy catalogs for Government and consumers will be released very soon. We have seen both and there is some exciting stuff coming your way.
Late last month, the US Army officially banned the wearing of Vibram’s Five Fingers and other similar barefoot running brands that feature, “five separate, individual compartments for the toes,” as they, “detract from a professional military image.”
This edict was passed down from on high through an ALARACT (241/2011) message.
SUBJECT: MODIFYING WEAR OF IMPROVED PHYSICAL FITNESS UNIFORM (IPFU)
1. THE PURPOSE OF THIS MESSAGE IS TO MODIFY THE EXISTING WEAR POLICY FOR THE IPFU.
2. THERE ARE A VARIETY OF MINIMALIST RUNNING SHOES AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE AND WEAR. EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY, ONLY THOSE SHOES THAT ACCOMMODATE ALL FIVE TOES IN ONE COMPARTMENT ARE AUTHORIZED FOR WEAR. THOSE SHOES THAT FEATURE FIVE SEPARATE, INDIVIDUAL COMPARTMENTS FOR THE TOES, DETRACT FROM A PROFESSIONAL MILITARY IMAGE AND ARE PROHIBITED FOR WEAR WITH THE IPFU OR WHEN CONDUCTING PHYSICAL TRAINING IN MILITARY FORMATION. THIS CHANGE WILL BE REFLECTED IN THE NEXT UPDATE OF AR 670-1.
For uniformed Five Fingers fans this must come as quite a blow. Fortunately, Vibram, makers of the famed Five Fingers foresaw issues with their unconventional footwear and developed specialized soles that mimic the benefits of their compartmented models. Currently, both New Balance and Merrell have released numerous barefoot running models. For instance, the Minimus from New Balance comes in a very Army-esque Black and Yellow. What’s more, they have a reflective logo. How could a 1SG say ‘No” to that?
In spite of the Army’s decision, you can still wear Five Fingers while training out of uniform. Additionally, you can always explore alternatives.
Finally, while I support the Army’s decision for the sake of uniformity, once again, it’s yet another case of the Army’s leadership ignoring their institutional process of change (the Army Uniform Board) and making unilateral decisions about the uniform. From a leadership standpoint, this just doesn’t cut it. You don’t put a process in place and then ignore it when the mood suits you. How can you discipline Soldiers for doing the same thing? The new CSA and SMA both need to both conduct an azimuth check and take a look at the message they send when they ignore the “rules.”
Also known as the Romeo, the Energizer® Hard Case® Tactical® Military Compact Vest Light is PALS compatible and relies on a single cell AA battery to produce 47 Lumens for up to 8 hours. As you can see from the photo below, the light comes with 2 removable filters (Red and Blue) that screw on in front of the lamp. Additionally, the clip will accommodate PALS webbing or similar and features magnets so that it can easily be attached to a steel pole or structural member. These lights are manufactured at Energizer’s plant in St Albans, Vermont. Additionally, Energizer guarantees that your light will be free from defects in materials and workmanship for the entire life of the light.
email: hardcasetactical@energizer.com
phone- 877-654-2303
website: www.hardcasetactical.com
buy now: www.EnergizerMilstore.com
The Energizer Mil Store is a new feature set up specifically for individual sales to Mil/LE. Registration is required.
Revision Military has just released their second new sunglasses. The Alphawing features aviator styling with stainless steel metal frames finished in “Steel” or “Grey” tones. The frame also incorporates no-slip overmolded temples for comfort and retention. Distortion free lenses meets ANSI Z80 and filter 100% or UV (a,b,c). A hard case is included with each pair.
To order, visit www.revisioneyewear.com/alphawing.
September 9-10 GSS Gear, along with the Navy League will sponsor New Breed of Warrior 2011. All proceeds from the 2nd annual New Breed Of Warrior “Honoring Those Who Serve and Defend”, will be donated directly to the Navy League of Hampton Roads. The website has already launched and they have lined up a slew of top notch exhibitors.
For more information visit www.newbreedofwarriorvb.com.
SSD readers should not need an introduction to Eagle’s CIRAS and Plate Carriers. The point is that Triad Tactical is holding a great sale on both.
Combat Integrated Releasable Armor System
