He’s been a drill instructor, an animated character and even an analyst, but today, find out if the Gunny is truly a cut above.
Join SOG Specialty Knives and Tools today at 7 pm EST for the premiere of a dramatic new web video starring the Gunny himself, R. Lee Ermey. “Like†the SOG Facebook page (www.facebook.com/SOGKnivesAndTools) and answer two questions about the video, and you could end up with the Gunny’s favorite SOG knife right in your hand.
Naturally there are a couple of stipulations. This contest is open to deployed military so if you fit the profile you could win a UCP Combat Jacket by Arc’teryx LEAF. The next step is to prove how cold it is in your AO by providing 27 8 x 10s with circles and arrows and a paragraph on the back of each one (actually, they only need one photo accompanied by an explanation). They are giving out more than one but haven’t disclosed exactly how many so be sure to enter.
For full details visit www.greygrouptraining.com
Ares Armor presents the R.A.D. (Rapid Armor Deployment) Pack. Designed to do exactly what the name implies, the wearer can deploy armor from a storage slot in the pack and deploy a sidearm in less than two seconds. Once we get to the features you will see that one of their main concerns was to keep the features of this pack from betraying its intended purpose. It is important to note that this pack was designed more for civilian concealed carry than for military or LE use although it looks like it will do a great job there as well.
One of the first things you are going to ask is, what armor plates will it accept? According to ARES Armor, it is designed primarily for SAPI cut plates but is fully adjustable to accommodate different sized plates and individuals. However, we have not had our hands on one yet so we are looking forward to feedback from users on how well it handles various plate setups.
Additionally, this isn’t a one trick pony. While it does offer armor protection, it can still be used as a normal pack. Featuring a rear compartment that is fully separated from the plate panel and that is designed for the storage of everyday items, it’s storage capacity is comparable to a normal bookbag-sized pack. There is also PALS webbing on the inside of the storage compartment that allows users to set it up however they choose. The RAD Pack can carry both front and back plates with backers or just soft armor panels.
As you can see in the video, a cable system keeps the front plate panel in place inside the pack. Once the cable is pulled, the plate can be pulled up over the head. not only does this provide immediate protection it also allows access to a chest mounted sidearm.
It comes with a simple universal pistol holster that is attached via PALS webbing into the front plate panel. This is what you pull over your head. There is also PALS webbing covering the entire front of the carrier to allow whatever setup you want or to change out holsters.
In order to maintain the low profile image, there is no PALS webbing or other military/LE/tacticool giveaways on the outside of the pack. Additionally, the colors are very civilian friendly: Black, Black and Grey, Black and Blue, in addition to Black and Red.
Ares Armor left us with this statement about the RAD Pack.
Its not made to turn people into super heroes just to give them an advantage in an unexpected gun fight. (imagine if one of the innocent people at Columbine, Virginia Tech, Arizona the other week etc. were wearing a system like this. Having armor as well as a handgun might have very well given them the bravado to save some lives)
Overall, it looks like a promising design. According to Ares Armor, they are manufacturing the packs themselves and are applying for patents that cover how the pack works. Naturally, this makes them Made in USA. While we aren’t going to delve very deep into this, Ares Armor is collectively owned by several veteran and active duty military members. A big part of their business model is giving back and we will write more on this soon.
To order, visit www.aresarmor.com.
Once again, yet another TV newscast leads viewers to incorrect conclusions by innuendo and outright incorrect information. In the past we have written about ABC News’ assertion that you can purchase an M203 over the internet as well as Seattle’s KING-5 misleading piece on the tactical nylon industry but this time the problem is closer to home. Norfolk-based WAVY ran a story last night on “Online Gun Training” as part of their “On Your Side” series. As always, we want you to take a look at the report in question before reading our response.
Over the days leading up to the report, WAVY teasers led viewers to believe that something illegal might be going on. Having just seen the teaser, you might believe that just anyone can get a Concealed Carry Weapon (CCW) permit by taking a class on the internet. For example, one of the teasers had a voice over with a very ominous, “”Packing a Piece: Just a Mouse Click Away”. Of course this isn’t true at all. To be issued a CCW permit in Virginia, an applicant must 21 years of age, pass a background investigation completed after an application is filed, and show proof of training. Simply taking an online firearm safety class does not guarantee the issuance of a CCW permit.
To WAVY’s credit, once they presented the actual segment, some of those pesky details that get in the way of a good story called “facts” were presented. For example, they are correct that according to current Virginia statute, qualified applicants may be issued a CCW permit without ever having fired a weapon. However, they failed to mention that there is no requirement to have ever fired a weapon in order to even purchase one, let alone carry it concealed, or in the open for that matter. Additionally, on the plus side WAVY did state that a potential CCW holder would have to file an application. However, the report declared that a clerk would not know how an applicant had been trained. Aside from the fact that this is irrelevant, it is untrue as an applicant must provide proof of training in order to receive a permit. Based on the proof presented, a clerk could determine the source of training. While it is perfectly legal under Virginia law to get your safety training online, there are numerous other options available. Additionally, online trainers must be certified by the NRA or the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services.
Concealed carry hasn’t been much of a problem around these parts since permit holders have to pass background investigations. By their very nature, having a CCW permit they are law abiding citizens. Oddly enough, one of the main weapons related problems Hampton Roads residents have run into is that many local law enforcement officers are unfamiliar with firearms laws. There have been numerous incidences of police detaining and even arresting individuals who were legally open carrying firearms. In fact, the WAVY news report demonstrated this issue by mentioning that the “local” office of the Virginia State Police did not know that you could receive your CCW safety training online. Amazing, considering the Virginia State Police have a website that lays out the requirements for a CCW.
http://www.vsp.state.va.us/Firearms_ResidentConcealed.shtm
Please review this page as it delineates what is acceptable training and the requirements for a permit.
They also mentioned that the Portsmouth Sheriff’s Department was going to meet with lawmakers to do something about this. Overall, the best quote from the piece had to be Portsmouth Sheriff’s Department LT Lee Cherry’s warning that the situation was a “Recipe for Disaster”. Classic! Nothing like learning about an existing law from reporters and then coming out after the fact against CCW in a “shall issue” state.
WAVY presented this as a new law but in fact it has been on the books for some time. Then, they likened getting a concealed carry permit to recieving a driver’s license, outright misleading viewers to believe it was actually easier to get a CCW than a DL. As we have already stated, an applicant has to pass a background check for the CCW. On the other hand, they pass DLs out like candy. You could be a convicted mass murderer and still get one.
What’s more, we see no need to get into the nitty gritty of presenting a shooter who claims it took him 5 years to learn to shoot. That is quite frankly, self critiquing.
And as a final kick in the johnson, the report implies that those from states with reciprocal CCW permits might all be dangerous as well as they could get their training online.
Overall, it was a well balanced report; half of it was true, and half wasn’t.
Named for Phobos (Fo-Boz), the offspring of Ares and Aphrodite, he was known to accompany Ares into battle. Like the legendary figure who inspired its name, this is a companion knife that can be worn inside the waist band (IWB), around the neck or in a pocket. Phobos’ design makes it a comfortable everyday carry fixed blade with great ergonomics. The 2-13/16″ Wharnecliffe / Sheepfoot blade is well suited for daily cutting tasks, and excels at cutting tape, cardboard, straps and clothing. The blade is available in two SpartaCoat-PVD shades, Tungsten DLC (Black) or ZrN (Flat Dark Earth). Additionally, In order to accommodate a variety of carry options, the form fitted Kydex sheath (Black or Coyote) comes with a stainless steel neck chain, IWB loop and para-cord (2′) for convenient carry options. Finally, Phobos’ lanyard includes a plated pewter Spartan helmet bead.
The United States Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC) has awarded a 5-year Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract to Garrett Containers Systems (GCS) for mobility A & B bags. This contract has a ceiling of $5 million. GCS will provide AFRC forces deployment bags kitted with over 84 different individual equipment items customized by size for each Airman. For more on GCS capabilities, visit their website www.garrettcontainer.com
Check out this new video featuring Kitanica’s PNT X.A, MARK I and MARK IV. During the transition you will also notice scenes featuring the Noveske Shooting Team from their new DVD “3 Gun Outlaw” available at www.noveske.com.
Not long ago we mentioned HyperStealth’s SMARTCAMO unveiled at the international camo symposium in Brussels, Belgium last fall. In our article we referenced a mysterious video that the US military had asked creator HyperStealth to restrict from general viewing. During SHOT Show we were allowed to see the video which demonstrates HyperStealth’s technology. While we are not going to get into the ins and outs of exactly what we saw or its strengths and weaknesses, we will say that HyperStealth successfully demonstrated a fabric technology that had been made into a uniform component and could adjust coloration and intensity based on ambient conditions. While the video did not demonstrate the capability, inventor Guy Cramer stated that the technology would also work in the IR spectrum.
SMARTCAMO is not truly adaptive in that it does not mimic the scene around it ala the camo seen in the “Predator” films. However, it is definitely a step in the right direction although it still needs some further refinement. At this point one of the biggest hurdles is cost. According to Cramer, a uniform with this technology is going to run about $1,000 each. Not good for general purpose forces but right in there for certain specialized applications. Another issue is that it is powered technology so they still need to pair it with a robust battery system that will last an entire mission. And lastly, the system needs a sensor system to detect the background in order to alter the fabric’s shade. While Cramer assured me that they have already worked on these issues, SMARTCAMO does lend itself perfectly to vehicular use due to their onboard power and ability to integrate sensor systems.
One final note. When asked if uniforms manufactured with SMARTCAMO could be laundered without damage, Guy Cramer informed us that not only could they be laundered but that they could also be used for maritime operations.
HyperStealth has informed us that the US Army, US Navy, USSOCOM, the UK MoD and the Canadian DND have asked to participate in a Multinational Effort to develop the SMARTCAMO technology. Additionally, ADS Inc. is partnering with HyperStealth to eventually offer the finalized SMARTCAMO technology to authorized military, governmental, and law enforcement organizations.
