Beyond Clothing launched their new, updated website today. I like the look and feel and it seems a bit more streamlined than the previous incarnation. Additionally, they have released a new catalog featuring products that they debuted at OR. In particular, look for a woman’s line as well as their new hardshell bibs.
For some K&R (Kidnap and Ransom) is just another insurance you purchase before you head overseas. For others, the K&R business is their way of life, working for companies that negotiate for, and secure the release of the those unfortunate enough to become victims.
Discovery Channel is launching a new 10 episode series on 29 January entitled, “Kidnap & Rescue” that serves as case studies of several incidents and their aftermath. They have enlisted the technical advice of Dan O’Shea. His credentials are impressive; CDR US Navy, former Team Three SEAL, and service as Coordinator, Hostage Working Group – US Embassy, Iraq). Due to his extensive experience in this world, the shows should be very good. The first episode of Kidnap & Rescue features HALO Corporation, a San Diego-based security firm founded by Brad Barker and his team of former SOF and Intelligence personnel. Together they work to provide security and humanitarian aid along the U.S./Mexico border. This episode tells the story of two kidnappings to which HALO responds.
Thanks to our industry friend who sent us the heads up. We’ll be watching.
To learn more visit www.discovery.com.
Revision, has been awarded a $2.7 million contract with the Canadian DND to supply Air Force members with Ballistic Eyewear (BEW), also known as the Sawfly Spectacle System. The initial contract is to supply 33,000 kits and 40,000 additional lenses in 2011 with a 5 year option period. Revision first won the BEW contract for Canadian land forces in 2003.
“Revision is proud to provide the Canadian Air Force with their protective eyewear needs,†said Jonathan Blanshay, CEO of Revision. “Today’s battlefield requires protection from a growing list of threats, from IED shrapnel and flying debris to harmful laser wavelengths. Revision’s Sawfly Ballistic Eyewear is a single system that provides powerful ballistic protection and, at the customer’s request, the ability to protect against laser threats with high-performance, specialty lenses.â€
The Clothe The Soldier (CTS) did some great stuff, ten years ago it seems. Lately, Canadians have been referring to the program as Clown The Soldier which has concentrated on such epic improvements as camouflage boots. We have heard through the proverbial grapevine that almost all funding for Army upgrades via CTS have been pulled and that the Air Force and Navy are getting their turn. Since the Army fielded Sawflys several years ago, we think that this is a minor indicator that this may actually be the case.
At any rate, Sawflys rock. They are well made, meeting or exceeding ANSI Z87.1-2010 and U.S. military ballistic impact requirements (MIL-PRF-31013, clause 3.5.1.1 and MIL-DTL-43511D, clause 3.5.10). Additionally, Revision just released their small sizes. Not to be confused with Asian sizing,
Stay tuned, we have been chasing a new product from Revision for some time and finally have a sample to unveil.
One of our favorite blogs is The Firearm Blog. We received news that they have been purchased by GunsForSale.com. Former owner Steve has been retained by the new owners and been given the role of Editor-in-Chief while he attends college so we expect to see the same level of quality maintained that we are used to. Congrats to all involved!
Jeremy Scahill, long obsessed with all things Blackwater, recently made a point about Mossberg selling shotguns emblazoned with the Blackwater logo. Sometimes, I forget that this stuff isn’t common knowledge and don’t realize I should write about it.
You see, there is more to this story that Jeremy apparently didn’t know. He just saw the Bear Paw and lost it. When Erik Prince recently sold Blackwater aka Blackwater USA aka Blackwater Worldwide aka Xe aka US Training Center to his friends (USTC), he kept all of the rights to the Blackwater logo and name. In addition to Mossberg’s guns, Sig also has produces Blackwater branded pistols and has for some time. These licensing agreements predate the sale of the company so are still in effect. No word on how long they are good for, or if Erik Prince is looking to expand his licensing options.
But alas, due to the trademark issue, the BW-15s previously assembled by the armorers at US Training Center may no longer be produced. At some point, they may go back into production building AR-style rifles but the market is already pretty well saturated and they were already over priced. The only reason anyone would have paid their prices was for the Bear Paw logo etched into the receiver. Now that it is no longer an option, USTC may go in another direction producing accurized precision rifles. Time will tell.
So, at this point, Blackwater only exists as a brand and Erik Prince, shrewd business man that he is, kept it for himself. This explains why the Pro shop near Fort Bragg closed so quickly. It was run by Xe and they were losing the right to the Blackwater branding. All of the operations and real estate associated with the former Blackwater now belong to a group of investors collectively referred to as USTC.
Of course, the real takeaway is that Mossberg has retained a license for the Blackwater logo despite the amount of negative press that organization has received over the years. It is a testament to the brand’s popularity, at least among the gun toting public.
The Army has released their 2011 guidance for Soldiers interested in participating in social media. In this day and age most military personnel know that they need to watch what they say around unauthorized personnel as well as the press. One of the biggest dangers of social media is that it draws the participant in and eventually he feels a sense of intimacy with fellow members, who often share a common background or bond. Unfortunately, not everyone in the social media world is a good guy. Whether actively pretending to be someone they are not or just sitting back and taking it all in, some of the folks online are bad guys and I was glad to see the reminder early on in the document that the enemy is listening.
And oh yeah, all of that stuff about “you are representing the Army” is pretty good advice too. I have seen some guys lose their minds online. For those of you who are curious, check it out here. You might want to take a look at the “Army Twitter Strategy” as well.
With no fanfare and on the heels of SHOT Show, Magpul Dynamics released the teaser for their upcoming video “Art of the Precision Rifle”. It features the Magpul Dynamics crew along with Todd Hodnett of Accuracy 1st. Travis Haley is in the video and according to Magpul will probably continue to appear in future video productions.
Check out Tactical Fanboy’s article on Zippo’s new products unveiled at SHOT SHow. Zippo lighters have been accompanying GIs into battle since WW II and their new items will be even more useful for military customers.
