Echelon Software’s Black Powder Red Earth V1, which Tactical Fanboy wrote a review for back in late June, is now available for purchase. Authored by Jon Chang and Kane Smith and illustrated by Josh Taylor, Black Powder Red Earth V1 takes place in near future Basran, a post-Iraq state. It follows the actions of a PMC against, primarily, Iranian-backed groups and agents.
You can buy your copy here.
Canadian tactical medicine experts CTOMS has just launched an excellent blog. It’s quite refreshing to see a company blog that actually accomplishes something. While the CTOMS website does a great job os showing you their products, the new Private Bloggins site shows you HOW to use their products. Think of it as a TTP site for how to employ CTOMS gear. There’s only a few articles up so far but check back often as they continue to populate it.
Those of you unfamiliar with the term “Pte Bloggins”, it’s kind of the Canadian equivalent of the generic “Joe” serving in the American forces.
We told you it was coming, and here it is. USASOC has released a combined sources sought announcement and industry day announcement for the Ground Mobility Vehicle (GMV) 1.1 requirement. To refresh your memory a little, check out the PEO SOF Warrior Briefing on Ground Mobility Systems. Basically, it’s a replacement for the current HMMWV-based GMV which finds its roots in the Desert Vehicle Mobility System (DMVS) developed by modifying HMMWVs and trailers by 5th Group’s B500 at Fort Bliss in the mid-1980s.
Offerors have been working on their vehicles for some time, with many saying that the long-time contender, the Flyer, remaining a favorite. We have already written about several vehicles and there are many more out there vying for a spot. Specifically, they are looking for:
“a Modified-Government off-the shelf (M-GOTS) vehicle with Special Operations Forces (SOF) peculiar modifications. This vehicle will be a highly mobile, CH-47 transportable platform with associated manuals, life cycle spare parts, mechanical/operator training, and a Government furnished C4ISR suite.”
Notice what is missing in that requirement; V22 compatibility.
Furthermore, the public notice explains USASOC’s proposed acquisition strategy and invites industry comment.
“a two phase approach wherein Phase I would include written proposal and certified test data provided at contractor’s expense, with an award of up to two contracts for further Test and Evaluation (T&E). Phase II would include Government purchases of approximately two prototypes for Engineering/Developmental Testing (DT)/Operational Testing (OT) from each vendor, with down select to single vendor and exercise of the production option.”
In order to gain access to specific info on the sources sought and industry day, potential offerors will be required to be registered with Central Contractor Registration (CCR) under NAICS code 336992. The sources sought closes at Sep 13, 2011 11:59 pm Eastern.
The Soldier Equipment & Technology Expo & Conference is next week. Make sure you stop by TEA to check out the INVISIO X50 MultiCom headset.
The Digital Ears X50 is a digital in-ear bone conduction headset system with built-in active hearing protection. It uses bone conduction which captures vibrations caused by speech which travel up the jaw bone to the ear. This helps eliminate ambient noise and produce clearer voice signals. Additionally, the system features electronic hear-thru and impulse noise protection (Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) of 23db) with volume control for enhanced hearing. Finally, the X50 is designed for dual communication with radio autosensing and full-duplex/VOX capability. Consequently, unlike other Invisio products, the X50 is designed to worn in both ears.
The ear piece features the Soft SpringTM which adapts to the contours of the ear to provide a secure fit and enhance comfort as well as compatibility with helmets, eyewear, and protective masks. In fact, the X50′s fit is secure enough that it is well-suited for Military Free Fall operations. Additionally, the interface box seen above features switches for On-Off Open Mic Selector, PTT Button, Volume Up and Down as well as Hear-Thru and Mic Volume Selector.
The TACLETE sets the example. Although the TACLETE takes many forms he is first and foremost a public servant. Some will call him Sheep Dog, guarding his flock, protecting them from harm. Many will be relieved when he arrives, knowing the day has been saved. Ever the consummate professional, he trains his mind and body and knows his equipment inside and out. While he may not always be world class, he strives to be the best he can be; always surpassing his adversary. He incessantly seeks out any edge that could possibly save his life and ensure success. He pushes himself constantly, mastering a multitude of skills. Don’t let the name Athlete fool you, this guy’s playing field is deadly serious.
The TACLETE is adaptable. No matter his core specialty, he seeks to cross train and apply lessons learned from other fields into his day to day routine. He is prepared to operate as part of a team or alone for extended periods of time relying solely on his wits and equipment for success.
The TACLETE is dedicated. He eats, sleeps, and breathes his chosen path. He trains regularly, in all conditions. He seeks knowledge. While some will consider him a master of his craft he knows he is a life-long student.
The TACLETE is a craftsman. He uses his equipment like an artist wields a brush. He seeks out the best the market has to offer and often modifies it for his own use. He knows what works and avoids fads and gimmicks. He always has a backup. In a pinch, he can improvise or even do without.
The TACLETE is omniscient. He is the master of his domain and knows his environment. Ever vigilant, he observes, collects information, make preparations. No detail escapes his gaze no matter how small or seemingly irrelevant. He is the man on the scene before it is a scene.
The TACLETE is a chameleon. He wants to be underestimated by those around him. He has mastered the craft of camouflage and knows that it takes many forms, from selecting the right clothing and equipment in order to blend in, to how he presents himself to others. He can change his appearance in an instant by taking off his jacket, removing a ball cap and changing his gait. The quintessential Grey Man, everything he does is for effect.
The TACLETE is a Winner.
TACLETE is a portmanteau word combining Tactical and Athlete. The attributes in this depiction define the traits of a TACLETE. Natural progressions include Tacletics to describe the training of TACLETEs.
We’ve got a few items left from our OR coverage we want to wrap up this week. One of them is Twilights from Eagles Nest Outfitters. No matter where you deploy to, chances are good your tent, hootch, or whatever you call home is as dark as a crack den in the middle of the day due to folks sleeping off the night shift. Twilights consists of a string of 23 LED bulbs powered by 2 x AA batteries. It’s a very simple, effective, lightweight and low volume answer to the problem of lighting your rack so you can find stuff or lay there and read before you fall asleep.
eaglesnestoutfittersinc.com/twilight
Who
Hyde Definition Ltd
What
Our team has a combination of over 60 years of camouflage expertise and we develop innovative, leading-edge camouflage solutions. We are particularly known for the PenCottâ„¢ Multi-Environment Camouflage Pattern Family. PenCott is the first commercially developed, advanced, hybrid camouflage pattern family to be available on multiple fabrics – including 50/50 NyCo ripstop, 35/65 Poly-Cotton ripstop, 500D Cordura and 1000D Cordura (coming in September).
In addition to the PenCott family, we develop bespoke camouflage patterns for clothing on behalf of clients. We also develop concealment solutions for land vehicles, watercraft, and structures.
Where
Founded and Headquartered in the UK, Hyde Definition established a US base on the 1st of August with the relocation of Lawrence Holsworth, Hyde’s Director of Marketing and Business Development, to Westport, Massachusetts.
When
A good camouflage pattern is not a fashion statement nor a popularity contest. It’s about reducing the risk of being detected, which can mean the difference between mission success or mission failure – and even between life or death That’s why we call the PenCott family of patterns Mission-Critical Camouflageâ„¢.
PenCott is the culmination of more than 5 years of pattern research, analysis, testing and development and is superior to other patterns because it features:
• a hybrid, naturalistic, omni-directional, multi-scalar, fractal-based pattern geometry
• an optimized color palette synthesized from real-world shades and tones
• high-difference boundaries and hypoacuitive color dithering that creates false edges and the illusion of 3D
• a micro-pattern for close quarter concealment, a midi-pattern to foil detection at mid-range and a high contrast macro-pattern for long distance disruption
The result is a truly unique pattern that effectively enables you to literally disappear into the background “noise” of the terrain and avoid detection for longer.
What Else
Our Director of Marketing and Business Development, Lawrence Holsworth, will be in attendance at the Soldier Equipment and Technology Exhibition at Fort Bragg, 30/31 August. Contact Lawrence at Hydedefinition.com for further info.
Approximately 25% of potentially survivable deaths are due to uncontrolled bleeding at the joints, most of which is attributed to pelvic hemorrhage. The Combat Ready Clamp (CRoC) is a slip-proof expandable aluminum clamp tourniquet that works like a vise to maintain pressure on difficult bleeds when hemorrhage control in tactical environments is not possible with traditional methods and standard tourniquets.
The CRoC already has 510k clearance by the US FDA, and received a recommendation by the Committee on Tactical Combat Casualty Care (CoTCCC).
The full line of Combat Medical Systems gear is available for agency purchase from ADS.
