February 2014 | Soldier Systems Daily Soldier Systems Daily

Archive for February, 2014

Massif Fire & Ice Layering System Authorized Safe-to-Fly For The US Air Force

Thursday, February 27th, 2014

This news from Massif is huge for aircrews.

Innovative FR nylon-face fabric provides all the benefits of the best water-resistant outdoor fabrics while meeting stringent requirements for flame resistance.

ASHLAND, OR, FEBRUARY X, 2014 – Massif® Fire and Ice Layering System including Air Force Elements Jacket and Pant made with Battleshield X fabric has been authorized Safe-to-Fly.

Massif Battleshield X fabric is a flame-resistant, water-resistant laminate, and features GORE® FR stretch technology. It was developed specifically for the military and tactical markets, with a US patent-pending nylon face fabric. While nylon garments have a long history of performance in the outdoor market, it has never before provided adequate FR protection. Massif Battleshield X fabric offers a shift in flame resistance by combining filament nylon-faced laminates with exceptional FR protection. The result is an extremely durable, highly breathable fabric with a superior warmth-to-weight ratio that is highly water resistant and flame resistant.

“We’ve been working with the Air Force for a decade and are thrilled to have our FR Layering System approved as Safe-to-Fly. The new fabric used in the Elements line of softshell garments is a revolutionary innovation, with amazing breathability and durability, coupled with FR protection” said Dave Bywater, VP of Government Sales at Massif.

Massif Battleshield X has been rigorously field-tested in some of the world’s harshest conditions, and has proved itself over and over. In high-activity situations, Massif’s unique fabrics with Gore’s breathable stretch membrane reduce overheating and chilling from moisture retention and reduce user fatigue, keeping soldiers dryer, safer, and more effective in a wider range of situations and temperatures. What’s more, Massif Battleshield X fabric meets the stringent requirements of ASTM D6413/F2302 and shows extremely low Burn Injury Prediction when tested on a manikin per ASTM F1930.

The authorized Massif® Air Force Elements™ Jacket and Pant with Battleshield X™ fabric are available as commercial off-the-shelf products. The Air Force has rigorously tested and authorized all products in Massif’s Fire & Ice Layering system, ensuring that pilots and aircrew have access to the world’s most technologically advanced FR equipment. Fire & Ice includes Cool Knit, HotJohns, and Flamestretch base layers covering the silk weight, mid weight, and expedition weight needs of varying environments in the air and on the ground.

www.massif.com

Tags: Air Force, Massif
Posted in Air Force, Clothing, FR | Comments Off on Massif Fire & Ice Layering System Authorized Safe-to-Fly For The US Air Force

Wilcox Industries Welcomes Former NASA Astronaut William Shepherd To Team

Thursday, February 27th, 2014

Newington, NH — Wilcox Industries Corp., manufacturer of specialty defense material, is proud to announce that William “Shep” Shepherd has joined the “Wilcox Team” as Vice President of Advanced Development and Restricted Programs. Shep’s distinguished career includes service as a Navy SEAL and a NASA astronaut.

“Shep’s experience and knowledge of special operations, aerospace, and defense activities will add unique depth to Wilcox’s development team. We are continuing to grow into new technology areas and we know that Shep will be instrumental in this process,” said Jim Teetzel, Wilcox CEO.

Capt. Shepherd’s career began as a Navy SEAL Officer with both East and West coast SEAL teams. In 1984, he was selected by NASA for the Astronaut program. He flew three Space Shuttle missions and was Program Manager for the International Space Station. In 2000 he commanded the First Expedition to the new Station. He later served as US Special Operations Command’s Science Advisor, where he managed the Forces’ science and technology portfolio.

Shep holds degrees in Aerospace, Mechanical, and Ocean Engineering from the Naval Academy and MIT. He has received many military and civilian awards including the Goddard and Collier trophies, and the Congressional Space Medal of Honor.

www.wilcoxind.com

Tags: Wilcox Industries
Posted in Media | 8 Comments »

Tactical-Life.com – Kimber Advanced Tactical SOC Rifle

Thursday, February 27th, 2014

Tactical-Life.com got some excellent video coverage during SHOT Show and we thought it would be great to share some select stories with our readers here at SSD. This week, it’s the Kimber Advanced Tactical SOC Rifle, a bolt-action rifle chambered for .308 Win or .300 Win Mag with an aluminum, side-folding buttstock.

The Kimber Advanced Tactical SOC Rifle features a stainless steel, 4 groove match grade barrel with a 1:12 twist rate, and is capable of Sub .5 MOA accuracy. Additionally, it accepts all Accuracy International pattern detachable magazines.

For the full story, visit www.tactical-life.com/firearms/kimber-advanced-tactical-soc-rifle

Tags: Kimber, Tactical-Life.com
Posted in weapons | 4 Comments »

Intelligent Armour’s Range Of Belts

Thursday, February 27th, 2014

In this video, Alex from Intelligent Armour goes over their range of belts. IA belts are made in the UK to full military specification and many models incorporate AustriAlpin Cobra Buckles.

www.body-armour-protection.co.uk

Tags: Intelligent Armour
Posted in Clothing, Load Carrying | 13 Comments »

Combat Flip Flops’ CEO Joins Coalition For Afghan Democracy

Wednesday, February 26th, 2014

In the spirit of the brands’ ‘Business, Not Bullets’ message, CEO and former Army Ranger Matthew Griffin supports free and fair elections in Afghanistan.

{Issaquah, WA} – Leading foreign policy experts, human and women’s rights advocates, voting rights watchdogs and prominent business leaders from Afghanistan and the United States have come together to launch the Coalition for Afghan Democracy, a not-for-profit organization committed to ensuring democratic governance in Afghanistan through free, fair and transparent elections this April. With Afghanistan’s presidential and provincial elections a little more than a month away, United States policymakers, the media and international human rights organizations will be watching closely. The Coalition is highlighting the need for April’s election to remain free from interference or tampering.

“If you ask me why I support Afghan democracy, it’s because I want my brothers and sisters in arms to know they made the world a better place,” said Matthew Griffin, “Griff”, CEO of Combat Flip Flops. “I hope our service men and women look at the brave Afghan men and women casting a vote to change their future—changing the world, and know they are able to do this because of their sacrifices. It’s my hope that this demonstration of independence provides a relief to our service members burdens. It does for me. I support free, fair, and transparent elections in Afghanistan.”
In addition to engaging the American public, foreign policy community and policymakers, the Coalition will actively work with civil society groups on the ground in Afghanistan who will have the most direct impact on the integrity of the election process.

“Conducting free and fair elections is a critical component of instilling a perception of confidence and legitimacy in the new Afghan government,” said Craig Smith, senior advisor to the Coalition with more than 25 years of experience developing and executing political strategies at all levels of government. “Having worked with numerous post-conflict elections, it is clear to me that the international community should work hard to ensure that the process is credible and fully supported. Policymakers should also make sure the current government prevents both domestic and international interference in the electoral result.”

“I can’t imagine what America would do if there was the threat of suicide bombers at polling stations,” said Griff. “What would happen if somebody left a note on your door saying they would cut off your finger if it was found covered in voting ink? Would we be brave enough to vote? Would we risk not coming home to our children because we decided to stand up for what we believe? Afghans will. They are willing and able to take that risk because of the blood, sweat, tears, and pain of U.S. service members, NGOs, and international diplomats. Many of us carry burdens delivered in Afghanistan and most days the weight never feels lighter. I ask myself if we carry these burdens in the way our grandparents did after World War II? Or were they able to let them go because they knew their sacrifice paid on multiple continents truly made the world a better place. They saved lives. They defeated evil. They changed the world.”

Through the Coalition for Afghan Democracy’s website (www.afghandemocracy.org), visitors are encouraged to take action and ask American policymakers to make every effort to ensure free, fair and transparent elections for the Afghan people.

www.combatflipflops.com

Tags: Combat FlipFlops
Posted in Media | 7 Comments »

THIS Is What Happens When You Hang Out With Marines

Wednesday, February 26th, 2014

Recently, some SSD readers were upset when I posted a photo of the POTUS wearing a rather misshapen helmet cover. Apparently, suggesting a Marine may have pulled a prank is un-PC.

Earlier today I received an “I Spy” photo of a Marine member of a Female Engagement Team taken from page 56 of JFQ Issue 70, 3rd Quarter 2013 article on “Insights From The Women In Combat Symposium” in my inbox. No sooner than I noticed she had an empty holster did the version I’ve shared above arrive. The extra artwork is the work of a Marine although I must say his mastery of graphics design singles him out as a guy who’s done a staff tour.

Yes, Marines have senses of humor and THIS is what happens when you hang out with Marines.

Posted in Media | 40 Comments »

New Nikki Turpeaux DVD From Panteao

Wednesday, February 26th, 2014

Columbia, SC, February 24, 2014 – Panteao Productions introduces the first in a series of DVDs with Nikki Turpeaux.

For women interested in concealed carry, this is one of the best videos to start with. Nikki Turpeaux is the Owner/CEO of Archangel Tactical, LLC and Founder of the Get A GRIP™ Ladies Personal Defense & Firearms Training Program. Her training curriculum serves women, men, youth and families in the disciplines of defensive pistol, shotgun, carbine, OC, edged/improvised weapons and unarmed defense training. In this video, Nikki starts you off with the key fundamentals. She walks you through handgun and ammo selection, methods of concealment, training equipment, targets and lethal zones on targets, stance, grip, sight alignment, and more. With this video, you will come away with a solid foundation to start building your skills upon.

The DVD is available for pre-order from the Panteao website. The video will be available streaming to Panteao subscribers shortly.

Direct link to product page: https://panteaoproductions.com/products/concealed-ladies

Tags: Nikki Turpeaux, Panteao Productions
Posted in Training | 1 Comment »

Marker Panel, Individual, LW Mk1 Now Available In MultiCam Alpine

Wednesday, February 26th, 2014

Battle System LLC’s Marker Panel, Individual, LW Mk1 is now available in MultiCam Alpine for winter and mountain use. I am a huge fan of the MPILW and I think it should be standard issue for everyone. It’s lightweight, durable and effective, transforming from a compact 2.5″ x 2.5″ x .75″ to a full 17″ x 17″ reversible to orange for signaling.

battlesystemsllc.com/Marker_Panel,_Individual,_LW

Tags: Battle Systems LLC
Posted in Camo, Comms, SERE | 4 Comments »