Few people know that SSD actually has its roots in a website called ‘The Gear Guru’ started in the Fall of 1997 on Geocities of all places. The Way Back Machine has some archived versions of the site. Check them out if you want to know the secret origins of SSD, back when you had to create pages via HTML.
http://wayback.archive.org/web/20030213173111*/http://www.gear-guru.net/
Definitely worth a look. I too have been more than a little unimpressed when I see information i still treat as classified show up on the lips of Joe Sixpack. Unfortunately, while OPSEC violations (and the far more dangerous disclosure of classified info) are inexcusable at all levels, if only it were as easy as just pointing the finger at politicians. Sometimes we are our own worst enemies. I’ve gotta say that I’m a follower of the old adage, “People who live in glass houses…” A swift kick in the ass to some of our own who have talked out of school would be appropriate as well. If these guys had done that rather than making a half hour political ad I might have been more impressed.
www.dishonorabledisclosure.com
The new Element Case Vapor Pro Elite Black Ops II is a collaboration between Element Case and firearms grip maker VZ Grips featuring a limited edition 1911 back plate that comes with the new Element Case Vapor Pro Elite Black Ops II case for iPhone4/4S.
As a special thanks, Element Case is offering free laser engraving of your service or badge number to personalize your case (limited to the first 200 cases). Just add your personalized ID in “comments” upon check out.
www.elementcase.com/Vapor-Pro-Elite-Black-Ops-II-p
Hill People Gear has announced that they are bringing Mountain Serapes back regularly and these latest deliveries are made in USA! The Mountain Serape is a fantastic 3-season multi-purpose garment/sleep system.
Hill People Gear told us how these are different from previous models:
-Made in the US out of US materials (which required the price increase)
-Based on feedback from Joe when he was using one on a helicopter in Afghanistan, we added a hook on the drawcord so you can go into greatcoat mode without using the zipper if you want to
-The material is a little beefier, resulting in a finished weight of 2.5 lbs
-The zipper pull on the main zipper is an “over the top” so it can be manipulated from either inside or outside of the Serape
-Insulated with Primaloft insulation quilted to the inner shell only. This makes the piece a little bit warmer and more weather resistant
They are available in Ranger Green and MultiCam with a Ranger Green liner.
Just thought all of the legs should know.
That is all…
It seems like just the other day that Rick Elder had left Government service supporting USSOCOM at Natick and had accepted a position as Executive Director Smith Optics Elite Division. He’s done one hell of a job during his time at Smith. Maybe that’s why the past two years seems like just yesterday. Time sure flies when you’re having fun. But, today is a new day, and Smith Optics announces that Rick is leaving and 5.11 Tactical announces that in October, he will join them as Vice President of Special Operations Forces Products.
The move is extremely amicable and Rick won’t be leaving Smith immediately. He’s going to stick around for two months to help in finding his replacement, as well as spending additional time in ensuring a smooth transition.
Rick Elder provided SSD with the following statement, “I have greatly enjoyed my time at Smith Optics, working with a fantastic team that over the last two years helped propel this division into one of the top tier ballistic eyewear providers in the world. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity that Smith provided me and proud of all that we have accomplished.”
Regarding the new opportunity with 5.11 Tactical, “I am excited to join the 5.11 Tactical leadership team in October. While I cannot yet share the specifics of 5.11’s plans to serve the Special Operations communities, I look forward to telling you more about the company’s plan for 2013 before the end of this year.”
First off, congrats to Rick, who I’ve known for many years, on his new position. Second, congrats to 5.11 Tactical for landing Rick. He’s a very talented guy. Finally, think about 5.11 starting a division to concentrate on SOF Products. This announcement has so many implications and we can’t wait to see where this will take them.
