Founded by Marine Veteran Travis Haley, HSP has introduced M81 Woodland camouflage versions of many of their products.
Appropriate enough on the USMC’s birthday, as Marine Special Operations Command still uses the pattern in their work advising the Afghan Army.
Get yours before they’re gone at haleystrategic.com/m81.
“The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive the Veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their nation.” — President George Washington
November 11th, 1919 was the first observance of Armistice Day, it was created to honor the fallen from WW1. In 1938 it was made a legal holiday. In 1945 it was changed to honor all military veterans.
I wanted to share some stories of POW through the history of the U.S. There have been over 500,000 Prisoners of War held thru out the history of the U.S. Many did not make it home. I wanted to share this on Veteran’s Day as I feel they gave a lot more than most ever will.
Prison ships of the Revolutionary war
During the Revolutionary, War prisoner were held on prison ships on New York harbor. They were held in some of the worst conditions, and at one point, 12 prisoners were dying a night, from diseases like smallpox, typhoid, and yellow fever. By the end of the war, 11,000 soldiers would die in British ships, more than were killed in all the battles combined (4,500). Many died a slow and painful death within the confines of the HMS Jersey and other prison ships. During the evacuation of New York, British forces abandoned and set fire to all the prison ships in the harbor. Eight thousand prisoners were still onboard when it was set on fire. For years after the war, bones continued to wash up on the Brooklyn shore. In 1902, while extending one of the docks, workers at the Brooklyn Navy Yard unknowingly pierced the hull of the ship. Her resting place was finally discovered.
www.history.com/topics/american-revolution/the-hms-jersey
U.S. Civil War- Andersonville
Andersonville Prison, formerly known as Camp Sumter, was a Confederate military prison that only existed for 14 months during the American Civil War. It opened in early 1864 near Andersonville, Georgia, and closed in April of 1965. The prisoner’s lack of food, poor sanitation, disease, and also praying on each other, made Andersonville the worst prison of the war. Of the 56,000 prisoner-of-war deaths that occurred during the war, 13,000 were at Andersonville Prison.
www.battlefields.org/learn/articles/civil-war-prison-camps
WW2 POW of the Japanese
There were more than 350,000 prisoners captured by the Japanese in the Philippines, more than half were native, the natives were dying at such a high rate, that the Japanese released them. They said they were releasing them for propaganda purposes. Over 140,000 allied prisoners (U.S., UK, Aussies, Dutch, Canada, and Kiwis) were held in the Japanese POW camps. Of these, one in three died from starvation, work, and punishments. The death rate was 27% compared to 4% of POW help by German and Italy. About 5 million Chines died in captivity; over 25 million died at the hands of the Japanese.
Korea and Vietnam
As we started to fight communism, a new type of prison of war camp was encounter. Now, prisoners began to be “reprogramed.” North Korean, the Chinese and North Vietnamese guards, used extreme torture to try and “reprogram” the prisons. The most notorious prison during the Vietnam war was the H?a Lò, a name loosely translated as “hell hole.” It was nicknamed the Hanoi Hilton by the POWs. It is infamous as one of if not the worst prisons in history. From the beginning, U.S. POWs endured miserable conditions, including inadequate food, unsanitary conditions, and torture. Although North Vietnam was a signatory of the Third Geneva Convention of 1949, which demanded “decent and humane treatment” of prisoners of war, severe torture methods were employed, such as rope bindings, irons, beatings, and prolonged solitary confinement. The North said that since the US never declared war, they didn’t have to follow the Geneva Convention. In 1972 jane fonda visited the Hanoi Hilton. While she was there, she called out some of the prisons as faking being mistreated and being hungry. She also posed on an NVA anti-aircraft gun. When she returned, she called out returning POWs “hypocrites and liars,” adding, “These were not men who had been tortured. These were not men who had been starved. These were not men who had been brainwashed”.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/500710.Two_Souls_Indivisible
mohmuseum.org/you-are-not-forgotten-national-pow-mia-recognition-day
AKRON, OH (Nov. 8, 2019) Metisentry, LLC, based in Akron, OH, has announced the acquisition of ScholarVets as of Nov. 1, 2019.
ScholarVets is based in Silver Spring, MD, and works to connect military veterans with academic partner schools more efficiently. Through the use of its patent-pending web platform and mobile application, ScholarVets is arming veterans with a powerful communication channel.
This, in turn, is increasing veteran graduation rates post-military service.
“Our vision has always been one where our platform would help 100% of military-connected students graduate and obtain meaningful employment post-military service,” stated John Lunardi, President of ScholarVets. “This acquisition will not only further our original vision but because of Metisentry’s strong ties to the military via MilitaryHire.com and Willco Technologies, will take ScholarVets to new heights.”
The acquisition of ScholarVets is happening on the heels of Metisentry’s recent acquisition of MilitaryHire, which works to connect veterans with employers seeking their unique skills.
According to Metisentry CEO, Marling Engle, “We see ScholarVets as a fantastic complement to our other military-related portfolio companies. These organizations are working to connect and help veterans realize their goals post-military service directly. We’re very proud and excited to be a part of that process for them.”
The acquisition was finalized on Nov. 1, 2019, and the ScholarVets staff will remain on— and grow. Metisentry will be acquiring the business through an investment from SaaS Factory, the related portfolio company.
Here’s the Commandant’s birthday message.
We appreciate everything you’ve done America. Keep it up!
Here’s to 244 more!
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. – The Special Tactics Airman who had an unplanned parachute departure from a C-130 aircraft, November 5, 2019, over the Gulf of Mexico, south of Hurlburt Field, has been identified.
U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Cole Condiff, 29, was a Special Tactics combat controller with the 23rd Special Tactics Squadron, 24th Special Operations Wing, Air Force Special Operations Command.
“Cole was a man with deep-rooted beliefs who dedicated himself to God, our freedoms, peace, and his family. He was a devoted family man within our squadron, focused on teaching his girls to be adventurous like he was,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Steven Cooper, commander of the 23rd STS. “This is a tragic loss to the squadron, the Special Tactics community and our nation. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and teammates at this time.”
The Dallas, Texas native was a graduate of Sachse High School. He attended Utah Valley University and later served a two-year mission with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Spokane, Washington. Condiff then enlisted in the United States Air Force in 2012 and immediately entered the two-year combat control training program. Upon completion of the pipeline, he was assigned to the 23rd STS at Hurlburt Field, Florida.
Condiff was a static-line jumpmaster, military free-fall jumper, combat scuba diver, air traffic controller, and a joint terminal attack controller. As a Special Tactics combat controller, Condiff was specially trained and equipped for immediate deployment into combat operations to conduct reconnaissance, global access, precision strike and personnel recovery operations.
Condiff completed deployments to Africa and Afghanistan in support of national security objectives. His awards and decorations include an Air Force Achievement Medal and an Air Force Commendation Medal with a combat device.
Recovery efforts by a combined U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy team are ongoing. The Air Force is actively investigating the incident. To preserve the integrity of the investigation, no additional details will be released until further notice.
Condiff is survived by his wife and their two daughters as well as by his parents, sister and two brothers. The 24th SOW would like to emphasize the family’s request for privacy.
Statement provided by the Condiff family:
“Cole loved his country and was honored to serve to protect the freedoms we enjoy.
Cole had a deep faith in God. Although we mourn, it is through our faith that we take comfort in knowing we will be with him again.
He loved his family. He was a devoted husband, father, son, brother and friend. He will be greatly missed by all.
We would like to express our deepest and unending gratitude to those that have searched so diligently.
We would also like to thank those who have been and continue to stand at the ready to help serve the family in this time of crisis.
We ask for continued prayers as his wife and daughters move forward without their beloved husband and daddy.
Please pray for all of our military men, women, and families.”
Chandler, AZ- XTech Tactical, makers of premium firearm magazines and accessories, announced today the release of their expanded capacity complete magazine line for the H&K VP9 & P30 9mm pistols. These are anything but industry standard aftermarket magazines. The re-development process took over one year, and when you handle the parts it shows.
XTech Tactical first brought their VP9 and P30 magazines to market as 15rd and 20rds two years ago. The company has been widely accepted as the go-to aftermarket option that is on par with factory H&K magazines. However, consumers continuously reached out to XTech Tactical requesting an increase in capacity to bring the VP9 and P30 on par with other popular pistols.
XTech Tactical’s approach, as it has become known for, compromised nothing. The company completely re-engineered and re-tooled each of the plastic components to the flush fit magazine. In addition, the company added a 17rd indicator hole, and re-engineered the mag catch feature on the magazine body to offer seamless release on the newer VP9-B pistol.
The magazine bodies are upgraded in steel over factory and come with a lifetime warranty. They are also available in 5 and 10 packs for both options. The 17rd magazines are only 1/10” longer than the company’s former 15rd magazines and H&K factory 15rd magazines.
The 21rd magazines feature the patent pending MTX design that offers industry leading reliability, ease of installation, and durability. The MTX line is also shipping for the Smith & Wesson M&P9 as a plus 5 9mm, and the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield 9mm as a plus 2 to both the factory 7rd and 8rd magazines.
The magazines are 17rd (MSRP $34.95) and 21rd ($59.95). They can be purchased at www.xtechtactical.com Dealer inquiries please contact dealers@xtechtactical.com Please also follow the company on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news and promotions.
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. – As of 6 p.m. Friday, the U.S. Air Force has taken the lead role as the search transitions to a recovery effort for the Special Tactics Airman who had an unplanned parachute departure from a C-130 aircraft November 5, 2019, over the Gulf of Mexico, south of Hurlburt Field.
The U.S. Coast Guard has suspended their search efforts at this time.
“We would like to extend our gratitude to all of the federal, state and local units that have aided in the search for our Airman, especially the U.S. Coast Guard,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Matt Allen, commander of the 24th Special Operations Wing. “We will continue our recovery effort as long as circumstances and resources allow to bring our Airman home.”
Recovery teams are currently refining and adjusting the search area as efforts continue.
To respect the privacy of the family and teammates of the individual, we will be releasing the name of the Airman following next of kin notification.
The Air Force is actively investigating the incident. To preserve the integrity of the investigation, no additional details will be released until further notice.
Elite Tactical Unit fields first completely new weapons and components upgrade in departments’ history.
Cambridge, MD (November 8, 2019) – LWRC International, the leader in piston driven carbines and rifles, is honored to have been chosen, and fielded as the duty carbine for the Dallas, Texas SWAT Team.
In an official statement released today- ” The Dallas Texas Police Department SWAT team has selected and fielded the LWRCI IC-A5 carbine. The entire carbine setup was the first time in the departments history to obtain factory new weapon and components, identified, tested and selected by its team members, and delivered as a complete kit.”
Dallas SWAT Team members conducted long and rigorous testing on each component from several companies over a nearly 2 year review process. At the end of that process they chose the LWRCI IC-A5 Individual Carbine in a 10.5″ barrel configuration as its issued carbine for their elite tactical unit.
The IC-A5 is built on the patented LWRCI short-stroke gas piston system that offers unparalleled reliability and easy maintenance. Dual Control fully ambidextrous lower receiver includes bolt catch and release, magazine release and fire control access from both sides of the IC-A5 make it a versatile option for any operator. A low profile 2 position adjustable gas block allows the operator to compensate for running a suppressor.
Key accessory components were also included in the testing process. Dallas SWAT chose the Aimpoint CompM5 red dot as their primary sighting system, a Surefire SOCOM Mini II suppressor, the Surefire M622 Ultra SCOUT Light and the MAWL-DA visible / IR laser aiming and illumination device from B.E. Meyers to complete the package.
The team members who tested and chose the system issued this statement to those who made this possible. “Thank you to the citizens of Dallas who donated the funds to the Team foundation that ultimately paid for the purchase. This outstanding rifle package was entirely privately-funded and donated to our Dallas SWAT officers. We cannot thank those outstanding civic leaders and their associations enough for their enthusiasm to support us and make this rifle a possibility.”
“At this time, we are going leave these special donors remain anonymous, but you know who you are.” They also wished to express their gratitude to the Fort Worth SWAT team who had suggested the LWRCI rifle and components that they had tested and selected two years prior. Thanks as well to DSG Arms, an Authorized LWRCI Law Enforcement Distributor who won the procurement contract and managed the logistics to assemble the kit as delivered.”
Upon receipt of the carbines, Dallas SWAT went through several weeks of new equipment familiarization and training, contracted and provided by Victory First and the manufacturers to increase proficiency with the new technology and benefits of the components. After several long training cycles and qualifications, Dallas SWAT began their operational deployments with new equipment.
For more information on the rifle and components chosen by Dallas, Texas SWAT click the links below:
LWRCI | IC A5 INDIVIDUAL CARBINE
SUREFIRE | M622 LIGHT / SOCOM MINI II SUPPRESSOR
AIMPOINT | COMP M5
B.E. MEYERS | MAWL-DA
