Every year OC Tactical makes Christmas stockings in a new camouflage pattern.
This year it’s Finnish M05 Frost Pattern Fabric, fully lined with Litelok Fabric. One person will receive their stocking fully loaded with survival gear in case 2021 sucks more than 2020. Stockings are $20, use code CAMOCHRISTMAS till Dec 20th for 10% off.
S&S Precision has introduced custom laser cut acrylic Holiday Ornaments. They are donating a portion of the proceeds to the Night Stalker Association.
Check them out at sandsprecision.com.
05 Dec 1944 is a somewhat sad day in SOF history. Known as Menton Day, December 5th marks the last formation of the 1st Special Service Force.
The 1st Special Service Force (also called The Devil’s Brigade, The Black Devils, The Black Devils’ Brigade, and Freddie’s Freighters), was a combined American-Canadian commando unit in World War II.
Organized and trained at Fort William Henry Harrison near Helena, Montana in 1942, the Forcemen fought in the Aleutian Islands, Italy, and southern France before being disbanded on this day in December 1944.
One of the Force’s most harrowing missions was the attack on Monte La Difensa in Italy during December, 1943, which required the men to climb the mountain and surprise the German defenders.
This painting by Peter Dennis comes from tge Osprey book, “RAID 48: Storming Monte La Difensa,” written by Bret Werner.
Despite being from two different countries, the members of the Force became a United team. The story goes that the FSSF soldiers assembled at 1400 hours for a somber farewell. The order announcing the Canadian’s departure was read, followed by remarks from the commander, Col. Edwin A. Walker, the roll of the fallen, prayers, and a playing of taps. After the FSSF colors were sheathed, the order was given: “All Canadians fall out!” The 620 Canadian soldiers paraded, and received a salute from the Americans.
A Canadian sergeant from the 2nd Regiment remarked years later, that “It was the saddest day of my life, I think…Canadians were falling out that I thought were Americans and Americans were standing still who I thought were Canadians…There was no nationality in that bloody unit.”
Thanks to Mud at SFA Chapter LX for some of the narrative.
Blackhawk builds holsters and has launched the Your Right 2 Protect (YR2P) initiative to provide education and guidance for new and experienced gun owners alike. Their goal is to help you and your family feel confident, prepared, and protected by sharing carry techniques and associated holster options.
Here’s an example of a carry technique that many use:
Jeans T-Shirt Casual Carry
Casual carry on the go. Whether you are going on a weekend road trip or just headed to the grocery store, often times you’re going to find yourself in just plain ole’ Jeans and a T-Shirt. To address the need to carry in this environment, Blackhawk has several options to meet your need; including, but not limited to: Blackhawk A.R.C., TecGrip and Junk Drawer holsters.
They’ve condensed the basics of each technique and holster options in this chart.
You can download a copy of this chart by clicking here.
Read the rest of the techniques by visiting blackhawk.com/your-right-2-protect.
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. —
As Air Force Special Operations Command drives towards transformation to the “AFSOC of Tomorrow” by developing its human capital, the Special Operations Forces Developmental Team instituted a more rigorous evaluation and scoring process to give SOF officers more specific feedback and purposeful career development. This enhanced process kicked off this year with the Apr. 20-24, 2020 SOF DT.
“Over the last five to seven years, development team scoring hasn’t changed,” said Maj. Brandon Webster, Chief, Command Force Development. “There was no clear path on how we wanted to develop an individual, and we wanted to give officers more options and transparency on the future of their career.”
Historically, the DT only scored records for officers who were being considered for promotion to Lieutenant Colonel. The new process now incorporates scoring to begin with Captains, allowing for feedback and mentorship at a much earlier point in an officer’s career.
“Looking at an officer earlier on allows us to be intentional,” said Webster. “We now have the ability to look at a Captain’s records and tell him or her where they stand against their peers, and what their career pathway could look like five to ten years down the road based on where they’re at right now.”
DT record scoring provides objective data for more informative assignment placement, hiring for special duty positions, flying assignments outside of an officer’s normal aircraft, and the addition of sub-developmental pathways.
“Overall, we’ve revamped the entire DT process. We’re focusing a lot more time on the individual to provide substantial feedback and mentor our officers at all levels, beginning at the rank of Captain,” said Webster. “It is the DT’s responsibility to ensure the right officer is placed in the right job at the right time, with the right training, education, and experiences.”
The fall DT, held Oct. 19-23, consisted of group scoring for Captains, Majors, and graduated squadron commanders. Each officer’s developmental vector will follow a percentile format, giving members direct feedback on where they fall among their peers.
“Synchronizing our efforts provides senior leadership the ability to manage officers and strengthen our future force,” said Webster. “The transformation of the SOF DT is one-step closer to building the SOF officers we need for tomorrow.”
Story by Capt Savannah Stephens, AFSOC Public Affairs
Photo by SSgt Rose Gudex
Designed for urban every day carry, SURREPT Carry System is a new line of packs designed for daily carry users who make preparedness a priority.
With clean, understated designs that conceal the depth of their functionality, these packs – available in six sizes – are created for those who rise to the challenge of daily life.
Comfortable and full of internal organization options, Surrept packs balance the needs of confident users with the demands of preparedness.
Highlights of SOG’s new Surrept Carry System:
• Six Sizes: From a small storage pouch to 36-liter travel pack.
• Low Visibility: Understated and discreet.
• Systemized: Designed to work in conjunction with each other.
• Quick Access: Easy to open and get to essentials.
• Logical Layout: Layered and considered inside each pack.
• Easy Carrying: Padded straps for extra comfort.
sogknives.com/surrept-cs-packs
TAMPA, FL, December 3, 2020 – Meopta is pleased to introduce MeoStar B1 Plus binoculars in 8×32 HD, 8×42 HD, 8×56 HD, 10×42 HD, 12×50 HD, and 15×56 HD models. The B1 Plus is the latest iteration of Meopta’s top binocular line and integrates numerous new features in one high-performance binocular. The innovative optical design, HD FL lenses with advanced coatings, central locking diopter, and upgraded rubber armoring for improved grip and ergonomics, deliver a truly superior user experience.
Razor-sharp images, improved resolution and contrast, color fidelity, and exceptional low-light performance are hallmarks of this line. The optical system with MeoBright lens coatings is optimized for twilight, giving hunters the advantage of seeing fine details more clearly at extended ranges in low light. The rugged B1 Plus also features an aluminum alloy body engineered to withstand the most extreme hunting conditions.
“Our MeoStar binoculars have long been a favorite of guides and serious hunters who demand premium performance and appreciate value,” said Pavel Stastny, Senior Director of Sales and Marketing at Meopta. “We continue to deliver European optical quality across all of our product lines and back this with our outstanding U.S. warranty policy.”
Multi-stop, twist-up eyecups accommodate all users, and the eyecups are removable for quick and easy cleaning. Meopta’s MeoShield anti-abrasion lens coating offers added protection in rough terrain, and the MeoDrop hydrophobic lens coating repels rain, dust, and grease from lens surfaces.
The MeoStar B1 Plus binoculars are nitrogen purged, waterproof, fogproof and, like all Meopta optics sold in the United States, are backed by Meopta’s Lifetime Transferrable Warranty.
Retail Pricing: From $1,079.99 – $1,599.99
For more information regarding Meopta, please visit www.meoptasportsoptics.com.
