Archive for 2014
“Why Low-Viz?” You Ask? HTC Shows You Why
Friday, January 10th, 2014Tactical Chaplain Ain’t Got Time For That
Friday, January 10th, 2014We’ve recently posted a few articles about companies being approached by bloggers and service members alike for “test items.” Naturally, this opened up the flood gates of anecdotes from various friends detailing the different approaches they’ve received.
We’ve heard a lot of great ones but none so far beat the “Tactical Chaplain.” Since this guy is supposedly a Chaplain, we’ll leave his name out of it, but his story is something that must be shared.
Apparently, a rather prominent tactical manufacturer received a T&E request from an owner of an e-mail address that indicated he was assigned to the United States Army Special Operations Command. Naturally, this received a lot of attention and it was passed to the guy who handles SOF customers. He related that the email contained several of the right buzz words but that they weren’t quite used in the right context. And, he referred to himself as a “Tactical Chaplain.” On a hunch, and in order to make sure it was all cool with the government customer, the email was forwarded to the US Army Special Forces Command G8 which is in charge of Force Modernization. The compass check was a good call. It appears there are no Combat Chaplains assigned to G8. Instead, a senior SF NCO at G8 read the email and his BS meter pegged. The way it was written didn’t make sense and he couldn’t figure out what a “Tactical Chaplain” was. He called the Tactical Chaplain out and asked him to explain his request as well as the nature of the evaluations he was conducting. Tactical Chaplain apparently thought counseling the troops meant talking kit. As for the more traditional duties of a Man of God? Well, Tactical Chaplain ain’t got time for that.
This is the Tactical Chaplain’s response to an inquiry for explanation from G8:
“These reviews are informal in nature but often helpful to the individuals involved. No CDD work implied. I am actually in the process of moving from the military space to the federal space. As a tactical Chaplain, I am often asked for gear review and recommendation (at a team level). My prior service (USMC) included time as an engineer and armorer – so I enjoy the T&E process. I have no experience with Company X and it was recommended to me to investigate their products.“
Here is the Force Mod NCO’s response:
“Sir,
Your email to the Company X representative stated, “Annually, I am responsible to locate, evaluate and quantify items of tactical gear based on operation needs.”
This statement is misleading to industry. You also have a USASOC email address. Again, this is misleading to industry as it implies that your scope of duties include testing and evaluating kit for USASOC. You are not authorized to conduct T/E for USASOC. If you are a member of this command, then you are not allowed to conduct T/E period, unless selected to do so by a combat developer from this command.
Your actions could cause legal ramifications to yourself and this command. “
Turns out, Tactical Chaplain is in transition to the ‘government sector’ from his military duties. As for the follow up? Well, Tactical Chaplain ain’t got time for that. But, if you’re in industry and get a request to T&E a combat crucifix you might want to oblige. Otherwise, if it’s about anything else, you’ll probably say you ain’t got time for that.
CW2 Duskin Memorial 3 Gun
Friday, January 10th, 2014Video Compilation from the CW2 Duskin Memorial 3 Gun which was held to increase interest in competitive shooting within the SOF community, as well as honor Mike’s dedication to competitive shooting. Stages were designed to represent events from his illustrious career. Even with relatively short notice, this invite only match received a ton of support from the industry as well as attendance by industry sponsored teams.
Thanks to
Special Forces Association Chapter 100
Tarheel 3 Gun
3 Gun Nation
Thanks to the Sponsors:
Adam Arms
Bushmaster
Barnes Precision Machine
FIREclean
Lancer
Leupold
PACT / AR Gold
Remington
Shooter’s Supply
Smith & Wesson
Spartan Blades
Surefire
Tactical Suppressed Weapons
Viking Tactics
Kopis Mobile Updated NTtv Data Sheet
Friday, January 10th, 2014
Kopis Mobile has updated the data sheet for their Networked Tactical Television (NTtv) system. Click the above image to view the entire document.
Here’s the standard description of the system:
Operators noticed that many action cameras (e.g. GoPro or Contour) were being carried downrange, and the rapid adoption of smartphones meant that video screens were available as well. The NTtv system links these two sets of COTS products – or any standard camera and smart device – to allow squad members to easily share video among themselves. With a small, inexpensive, rugged camera and convenient smartphone on hand, the addition of a lightweight NTtv box ties all of the squad together via an industry standard RTSP stream. A specialized NTtv app lets squad members easily flip through the ‘channels’. The minimal system footprint enables multiple uses of the same kit, so that a squad can migrate the camera from dismounted, to mobile, to fixed site surveillance while keeping every member abreast of the overall situational awareness.
The Ways of Industrial Espionage
Thursday, January 9th, 2014I know there are many readers of SSD that are currently in route to Las Vegas Nevada to attend the annual SHOT Show . Some of them will be going for no other reason than to conduct industrial espionage. What better place to get an under the hood view of your competitors than a tradeshow?
While they aren’t a company we would normally mention on SSD, this video by Saddleback Leather entitled, “How to Knock Off a Bag” certainly caught our eye. In the spirit of sharing some training in the ways of industrial espionage we thought we’d share it with you. We know it will somebody out. But, if you prefer quality, you might enjoy the video as well.
I’ve Never Seen Anything Like It – Manly Innovations MBX – Magazine Base Interchange System
Thursday, January 9th, 2014
The Manly Innovations MBX (Magazine Base Interchange System) is a baseplate replacement for magazines that functions as a quick attach/detach for select attachments. Initial attachments will include the ‘Manly Bayonet’, Glass Breaker/Seatbelt Cutter, and a Picatinny rail.
The proprietary ‘Manly Bayonet’ allows the user to deploy a blade in a low or no-ammo scenario without holstering the sidearm and reaching for a fixed blade. The bayonet appears to come with a dedicated Kydex sheath that mounts to PALS webbing, which allows the user to mount and detach the blade during drawn and holster.
MBXs will be available for magazines of the following models of pistols:
Beretta M9/M9A1/92FS
Glock: .40 models – 22/23/35
All single stack 1911s
There’s also a video (embedding disabled by request) of the Manly Bayonet in action. Enjoy!
Be Sure to Visit S&S Precision at SHOT Show
Thursday, January 9th, 2014
Meet Royce Gracie at SHOT Show Courtesy of Rogue Gunfighter, High Threat Concealment and Valley Op Wear
Thursday, January 9th, 2014
MMA legend Royce Gracie will be in the booth (#8411) with Rogue Gunfighter, High Threat Concealment and Valley Op Wear on Wednesday (1/15) from 2-3PM to meet and sign autographs.
