Last April, ODG announced Orion Applications. We hear a big announcement is forthcoming from them. We can’t wait to hear what it is.
Archive for February, 2013
Something’s Happening at ODG
Thursday, February 14th, 2013SSD Exclusive Savings at GSS Gear
Thursday, February 14th, 2013SSD Readers save 15% off the entire GSS Gear site by using code SSDSALE13 at checkout. Sale ends 21 February, 2013.
Army Camo Improvement – What’s Up?
Thursday, February 14th, 2013Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you know that the US Army is currently looking for a replacement for the so-called Universal Camouflage Pattern (UCP) currently worn by Soldiers in virtually all environments except Afghanistan. Now, after months and months of silence, PEO Soldier has provided an update to the US Army Camouflage Improvement Effort. I know, this thing seems to be going on forever, but there is light at the end of the tunnel. The results of the most exhaustive camouflage testing in history will be briefed to the Army Uniform Board on 28 February.
If you’re familiar with how the Army Uniform Board works, they don’t announce their findings directly from the board but rather later, an announcement will be made once the Chief of Staff of the Army gives his approval. Considering the gravity of this decision, the Secretary of the Army will most likely also give his approval. There is precedent for this. When the Army officially announced the adoption of MultiCam for use in Afghanistan as Operation Enduring Freedom Camouflage Pattern (OCP).
We said that this is the most exhaustive camouflage testing in history and since last Summer the Army has been running the four families of patterns along with baseline patterns through the paces in locations that replicate the nine Military Operating Environments. Over the past couple of months sources have told us that testing was curtailed in two locations due to fires and that the Army had to go back and reaccomplish data collection. The Army wants to make sure that the record is complete and that their decision is based on the data. Consequently, we are told that an independent auditor has been used to verify the integrity of the data. No matter the decision, it will be based on facts so there won’t be any second guessing the choice a year or two down the road.
So when will we see a final Army announcement? Sequestration and continuing resolution notwithstanding, the switch for ACUs, the day-to-day uniform of the Army is essentially cost neutral. It’s a matter of altering contracts to procure the new pattern(s) rather than UCP. The real, long-term sunk cost is in the Organizational Clothing and Individual Equipment such as the IOTV and MOLLE. It costs more and lasts longer than a uniform. However, we understand the Army has a few concepts up their sleeve to ease the transition. When UCP was fielded it was all in. The Army essentially transitioned everything to UCP in about five years and issued ACUs to each Soldier gratis. I don’t think recapitalization will go so smoothly this time. The US Army officially adopted the woodland camouflage pattern in 1981. The old OD green fatigues could still be worn until September 30 1987. OD field equipment was still being used up until the advent of UCP. Based on budget shortfalls I would expect serving Soldiers will have to purchase new uniforms with their annual clothing allowance and expect a longer transition period than with UCP. Also, don’t expect any changes to the actual cut of the ACU along with the camouflage change. It will be the same uniform but with an entirely new paint job.
In conclusion, I would say that no matter which family of pattern they select; ADS/Cramer, Brookwood, Crye or Kryptek, the Army will announce its decision when it’s good and ready and not a day sooner.
20% Off Arc’teryx at Tactical Distributors Through 18 Feb
Thursday, February 14th, 2013
Mobile GPS Retransmission “Snake” Kits
Thursday, February 14th, 2013I recently found out about these Mobile GPS Retransmission “Snake” Kits. This thing is awesome. Essentially, it receives a GPS signal and then retransmits it inside a vehicle or aircraft. Unless your device is connected to an external antenna it won’t update reliably inside the platform because oftentimes the GPS signal will not penetrate the skin. In fact, the GPS Live Inside technology was developed for use with the C17. By keeping your GPS devices up-to-date during a transit, you can continue mission planning and increase situational awareness both enroute to and on an objective.
The GLI-ECHO II is the brains of these “snake” kits, offering 4 key safety features:
-Power Control
-Jam Detection
-Built-In-Test (BIT
-Fault Isolation
The kit already has Safety of Flight Approval from the USAF Mobility Command Systems Group on several aircraft platforms. Additionally, it can be installed by the user and additional configurations are available. ADS Inc offers these kits and they can assemble a set up to accommodate your mission equipment and air or ground vehicle.
To learn more visit www.adsinc.com/blog/products/gps-source-retransmission-snake-kits.
The 2013 Hot Shots Calendar Benefits SOWF
Thursday, February 14th, 2013Smith Optics Elite Division is excited to present the 2013 “Hot Shots” Calendar. Inspired by vintage pin–ups and WWII bomber art, this beautiful calendar will both decorate your walls and benefit the families of those that serve our country. Proceeds from this project will be donated to the Special Operations Warrior Foundation.
This years calendar features force favorites Rosie Jones, Hollie Peers, India Reynolds, Kelly Hall, Sam Cooke, and Emily O’Hara. This 12×18″ calendar is available now for only $12.00. Buy a few and share them with your friends!
Save on Some Kill Cliff and Support the Armed Forces Foundation
Thursday, February 14th, 2013Kill Cliff is an orange flavored carbonated recovery drink. This isn’t some energy drink that will get you going like a freight train but then drop you like a cheating girlfriend a few hours later. Kill Cliff tastes great and each 12-ounce can contains only 25mg of caffeine, 15 calories and no sugar. What sets this drink apart from other products is the combination of electrolytes and a proprietary mix of recovery supporting ingredients including an enzyme blend, green tea extract, ginger root, and milk thistle among other functional nutrients.
Want to get 10% off your next order of tasty Kill Cliff as well as FREE shipping? Better yet, how would you like to support the Armed Forces Foundation with 10% of proceeds of your purchase? The Armed Forces Foundation is certainly worthy of your support. They have a history for supporting the families of America’s fallen warrior regardless of branch of service, specialty, or unit with 94% of donations going to support their programs.
To order visit www.killcliff.com and enter SSD in the coupon code line. This offer is good through Friday, 15 Feb at 5:00 PM EST.
The Distinguished Warfare Medal – The Times They Are a Changin’
Wednesday, February 13th, 2013Earlier today, the Department of Defense announced a new medal. It recognizes “extraordinary achievement, not involving acts of valor in combat, directly impacting combat operations of other military operations.” Think drones. The DWM ranks below the Distinguished Flying Cross, but above the Bronze Star and the award’s Blue, Red and White ribbon will suspend a laurel wreath encircling a domed and grid-lined globe. There is no geographic limitation on the medal, and the domain for the award includes air, land, maritime, space and cyberspace. The DWM cannot be given for action prior to Sept. 22, 2001.
