Tactical Assault Gear and Shellback Tactical have commenced a President’s Day sale running now through the 21st of February. It features 30% off all Shellback Tactical and TAG gear as well as 15 % off all Camelbak products.
Archive for 2011
TAG / Shellback President’s Day Sale
Monday, February 14th, 2011The Army’s Weapons Signature Management Efforts
Monday, February 14th, 2011KitUp! and their parent, Military.com ran a good report last week on the Army’s fielding of enhanced flash hiders as the first step of a weapons signature management strategy. We only have a couple of things to add to their story. As we understand it, the Army also purchased flash hiders from BE Meyers as well as AAC and SureFire. Additionally, the current M16 Birdcage-style flash hider dates back to the M16A1. The M16 originally had a 3-prong flash hider that was more effective but was prone to breakage. The design was altered in order to close the pointy end of the thing so that it would not get caught in vines. Reportedly, troops also used the flash hider as a lever to open C-ration crates until it was changed. It will interesting to see how these new flash hiders fair under field conditions although some of these early concerns have been taken into account.
Finally a quick plug for KitUp! If you are not checking it regularly, you should be. KitUp! along with Military Morons are two sites that we feel are complimentary to Soldier Systems Daily.
Corps Strength – Bare Foot Running???
Sunday, February 13th, 2011
In his monthly fitness training feature, Retired Marine PJ Roarke, discusses his concerns about protecting your feet during training. Interestingly, we were first introduced to MGunz, as he is known, by Bates Footwear and he is a steadfast supporter of their boots not only for duty wear but for physical fitness training as well. He doesn’t work for Bates, he wears them.
When it comes to information about health, diet and fitness the only thing that you can truly count on is that it will change. Guidance seems to travel in a big circle every few years. High carb, low fat, no carb, heavy weights, light weights, no weights, running, no running, etc, etc. One day this is the best way to train, tomorrow it’s no good. You have to use this new method, new supplement, new gear, or eat this and don’t eat this. For some reason people always think that they have to try something new to get results and they mistrust the basics? Now 99% of this stuff is just a fad that will quickly pass as some new nonsense comes along to take its place. However once in a while something comes along that (IMO) is not only silly but dangerous. What I’m speaking of here is the new fad of “Barefoot” running. Not just in truly barefoot, but the new “Barefoot” running shoes. Now if you are a person whose occupation has you shining chair with your ass for most of your time than this may not be a big deal. However if you are in the military, firefighting, law enforcement, construction work or any field that operates on your feet, than this barefoot training can put your livelihood in jeopardy. Your feet need to be protected, not only when your at work but when your training. In my book Corps Strength I wear and recommend boots for training. I don’t even think running shoes are sturdy enough for what you need, but they are 100x better than these new barefoot “slippers”. IMO they will surely lead to injury. Now don’t send me any scientific studies that were done by the barefoot shoe companies on college students and pro athletes. I live and work in the real world not in a lab. Just the thought of carrying a combat load, or even just running in those things makes my feet hurt. Not to mention what it would do to your knees and back. If you’re a working person do yourself (and your feet) a favor and get some Bates boots to train and work in (I use Dura-Shocks) and leave the “Barefoot Training” to the Cavemen. Did I mention that the average lifespan of a Caveman was about 40?
Good luck and Semper Fi
MGunz
2011 Ops-Core Catalog
Sunday, February 13th, 2011Check out the entire 2011 lineup from Ops-Core. The only thing is, they are always busy developing new products so this is really more of a snapshot in time than a definitive look at their products.
Field Gourmet – An Army Moves On Its Stomach
Saturday, February 12th, 2011SSD friend Sal Palma has posted a cool field expedient recipe on his Blog.
Air Force Seeking MultiCam Flight Suits – NOT
Saturday, February 12th, 2011
CANCELLED! Looks like Airmen will NOT be getting MultiCam flightsuits anytime soon. Quite specifically, a recent RFQ from the 45th Space Wing’s Contracting Squadron calls for some 200 DRIFIRE brand two piece flight suits, t-shirts, and combat shirts. In MultiCam no less. We’ve written about Drifire’s two piece flight suit. To summarize, the benefits of Drifire are myriad:
-Permanent Flame Resistance
-Moisture Wicking
-Fast Drying
-Superior Comfort
-Anti-Microbial
-Anti-Odor
Based on these stats, it’s now wonder that they asked for Drifire.
It is important to note that the procurement originates at Patrick AFB on Florida’s Space Coast (hence the 45th Space Wing). Patrick is home to the USAF Reserve’s 920th Rescue Wing. Think PJs and Rescue Helos. So this isn’t the start of some big Air Force procurement for MultiCam flight suits. However, it is a great opportunity for Dri Fire.
All of this may sound confusing. But you have to understand how the Air Force conducts business. The 45th Space Wing is the host base and the 920th is a tenant. Consequently, they will rely on the host Wing for things like contracting. While the 45 Wing might be buying these garments, they are probably not the folks paying for them, or using them.
While the Air Force recently announced that it will be fielding Army OCP clothing and equipment to deploying Airmen, flyer’s clothing was not discussed. The Army does in fact have a certified two piece flight suit in MultiCam in the form of the OCP A2CU. What’s more, they just equipped the first unit a few weeks ago. But, the Air Force often wants to go its own way when it comes to flight suits. In fact, two piece flight suits have been a bit of a touchy subject in the Air Force for quite some time, whether they have been certified by another service or not. However, the two piece ensembles are much better for helo crews including PJs and flight medics. It’s good to see the troops getting the kit they need.
ADS Releases MRO Catalog 
Saturday, February 12th, 2011
ADS has just released their first catalog dedicated specifically to Maintenance Repair and Operations. It’s pretty comprehensive and includes a vast array of MRO capabilities including power tools, mobility storage systems, rescue tools, weapon racks, vehicle replacement parts, hydraulic & pneumatic lifts, and generators. Also, look for an upcoming article dedicated specifically to MRO to be featured on the ADS GearedUp blog.
Tags: ADS Inc
Posted in ADS, Catalog | Comments Off on ADS Releases MRO Catalog
Tyr Tactical Unveils a Deluge of New Products
Friday, February 11th, 2011Like a flood gate opening Tyr Tactical released images of not less than 20 new products on their Facebook page yesterday. And these weren’t a bunch of little pouches. For example, they’ve included a 5-Day Lightweight Assault BackPack in the release. Although, I have to admit I am a bit skeptical on this one. That is a lot to ask of a frameless pack. I’m looking forward to seeing one to take a look at how they are reducing weight and handling that type of load.
As far as innovation goes, my vote is in for the Assaulter Sustainment Pack. Apparently, you can remove the padding in order to attach it directly to a vest. It also has a generous beavertail that will make it easy to access kit.
I’m not sure how they are doing it, or keeping up. They’ve already sprinkled some of the the new products throughout the website in their respective categories so you will have to head over and root around a little to get an idea of what I am talking about.
