August 2021 | Soldier Systems Daily Soldier Systems Daily

Archive for August, 2021

Big Agnes Introduces First-Ever Backpack Collection in Spring 2022

Monday, August 9th, 2021

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, Colo. – Big Agnes, the Steamboat Springs-based outdoor equipment brand, is pleased to introduce a line of technical backpacks for Spring 2022, a first for the 20-year-old brand. The collection of six backpacks ranges from 20-liters to 63-liters in capacity, made wtih GRS certified recycled nylon fabric nylon fabric. Core to the collection is the inclusion of a “Trash Can” accessory on most models and a campaign, in conjunction with Leave No Trace, aimed at reducing litter on public lands.

“Our new pack line leverages over two decades of product design and development experience,” said Bill Gamber, co-founder and president of Big Agnes. “The market is full of some impressive products but we’re bringing fresh new ideas and a commitment to recycled fabrics to the category. As a brand we’re excited to finally have backpacks to complement and carry all our award-winning gear.”

The Big Agnes pack collection will feature 45-liter to 63-liter backpacks designed to provide comfort for multiday excursions, along with two technical daypacks for hiking and travel. The 45-liter to 63-liter backpacks will also be offered in women’s specific fit models which have been optimized by Big Agnes’ female designers. The main packs fabric is GRS certified, recycled Mipan® regen robic high-tenacity nylon containing a solution-dyed ripstop grid.

Essential to the pack design is the proprietary Load Wrangler and Load Wrangler+ suspension systems that provide an easy to set, precise fit for a well-balanced load that remains comfortable throughout a full day on the trail. All of this is delivered through innovative design that has come to life through functional features like the HOIST COMPRESSION SYSTEM and OPEN RANGE hip belt systems. Hydration bladder sleeves, accessible pockets, daisy chain webbing and other core features are also included.

The Big Agnes packs collection includes:

• Prospector 50 liter and Women’s Sun Dog 45 liter – ultralight backpacking packs designed for shorter-duration overnight pursuits

• Parkview 63 liter and Women’s Garnet 60 liter – lightweight backpacking packs designed for extended backpacking excursions, featuring custom-injection molded frame sheets anatomically engineered to fit the body and maximize torsional stability

• Impassable 20 liter – A top-loading daypack with an internal laptop/hydration sleeve and compartmentalized storage, perfect for day hikes and everyday travel

• Ditch Rider 32 liter – A minimalist, roll-top daypack with an internal laptop/hydration sleeve, designed for versatility on and off the trail, streamlined for all-day comfort

A unique product launching alongside the packs is the 7-liter Big Agnes Trash Can, an easily attachable and packable accessory for collecting litter on the trail and in camp. The Trash Can is made from the same fabric as the packs and will be included with all 45-liter to 63-liter packs, but also sold separately as an accessory.

“Our Trash Can has one purpose – to clean up our public lands and give back to a global organization that’s working to help make it happen,” said Gamber. “We wanted to provide an easy way to collect the large and small garbage that’s littered along trails, rivers and in campgrounds. Through some post work product testing, our employees determined that the Trash Can holds at least 36 crushed aluminum cans.”

The Trash Can is the latest environmentally conscious offering from Big Agnes, joining the brand’s TwisterCane™ BioFoam Pad and Solution Dyed Fabric Tents that both launched earlier this year and provide a multitude of sustainable benefits. For the backpack launch, Big Agnes is partnering with Leave No Trace by donating a portion of sales from every pack and Trash Can to assist in its global efforts to sustain healthy public lands. All Trash Cans will include an informational card to help drive awareness of Leave No Trace’s mission and to help educate consumers on backcountry best practices.

“Big Agnes has been a longtime partner of Leave No Trace and we’re excited to collaborate with them on their upcoming pack launch,” said Dana Watts, Leave No Trace Executive Director. “We love the energy and commitment they have put into reducing trail and campground litter and we’re excited to be a partner in their education campaign.”

Posted in Outdoor Retailer, Packs, Press Release | Comments Off on Big Agnes Introduces First-Ever Backpack Collection in Spring 2022

Government of Canada Announces Contract for Combat Boots for Canadian Armed Forces

Monday, August 9th, 2021

Sherbrooke, Quebec – Public Services and Procurement Canada

Through Strong, Secure, Engaged, the Government of Canada is modernizing its military equipment to support the Canadian Armed Forces and keep Canadians safe.

On behalf of the Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Public Services and Procurement, and the Honourable Harjit Sajjan, Minister of National Defence, the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, today announced the awarding of a contract worth nearly $7 million to manufacturer Royer of Lac-Drolet, Quebec, to produce pairs of general-purpose combat boots and nylon laces for the Canadian Armed Forces.

“As a result of a competitive procurement process, we are proud to award this contract to Canadian supplier Royer and provide our troops with the best possible made-in-Canada equipment to carry out their work.”

The Honourable Anita Anand
Minister of Public Services and Procurement

The contract, awarded through an open, fair and transparent competitive process by Public Services and Procurement Canada, will see the delivery of an additional 40,000 pairs of boots and 100,000 pairs of laces to Canadian Armed Forces supply depots in Edmonton, Alberta, and Montréal, Quebec, by February 2023. The general?purpose boots are designed to provide enhanced foot protection and comfort for Canadian troops during operations conducted in ambient temperatures ranging from 0°C to 25°C.

“It is essential that the members of our Canadian Armed Forces have the equipment they need to fulfill their commitment to serving Canadians at home and abroad. By providing quality combat boots through this contract, we are ensuring that our members are well equipped to do the important work we ask of them.”

The Honourable Harjit Sajjan
Minister of National Defence

The contract for the general-purpose combat boots is expected to maintain 25 Canadian jobs and create 5 new jobs.

“Through this contract, we will not only provide superior quality boots to the members of our Armed Forces, but also create jobs and economic benefits directly in our community.”

The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau
Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

The boots will be made entirely in Canada at the factories of manufacturer Royer in Lac-Drolet and Sherbrooke, Quebec.

The contract includes an option to order, if needed, an additional 67,500 pairs of boots over the next 5 years, for a potential total of 107,500 pairs.

Posted in Boots, Contracts, Guest Post, International | 7 Comments »

AFSOC WEPTAC 2021: Staying Relevant for Future Fights

Monday, August 9th, 2021

Air Commandos from Air Force Special Operations Command hosted a weapons and tactics conference here, July 6 – 16, 2021.

This annual conference was a gathering of special operations forces and combat air force’s tactical experts to meet and identify and improve tactics, techniques and procedures with the purpose of conducting Mission Area Working Groups (MAWGs) and the annual Tactical Review Board (TRB) to bolster AFSOC’s Tactics Development and Improvement Program (TDIP).

The theme for the 2021 WEPTAC conference is “Competing Now and in the Next Conflict – SOF Operations in the Joint Fight.” Operators and tacticians identified potential deficiencies and worked to develop TTP’s for future fights while advancing AFSOC’s creativity and capability.

“This is a great opportunity for teammates to come together and discuss how we can and must help AFSOC change for any future challenges,” said Maj. Gen. Eric Hill, deputy commander of AFSOC. “Our command has faced various inflection points in its history, and WEPTAC is a forum where some of our best minds develop ways for us to stay relevant in the fight.”

Since 9/11, AFSOC has largely focused on a counter-violent extremist organizations fight, but this year’s WEPTAC shifted the conversation towards implementing new strategies in the peer and near-peer adversarial competition.

“If history has shown us anything, change is inevitable,” Hill said. “I know that each one of you here will do your part to help push the conversation and develop changes needed far into the future.”

After Hill’s opening remarks, conference attendees broke out into the MAWGs, which were built using a combination of subject matter experts from operations and intelligence, that had industry knowledge and air and ground tactical expertise, with the goal of working through potential future problem sets.

The TRB’s addressed specific tactical improvement ideas in both mobility and strike functional areas, and combined with the MAWG’s, worked towards helping push forward innovative thoughts.

The conference was an opportunity for Airmen to focus on joint MAWG’s that provide relevant near-peer planning in line with the NDS and AFSOC strategic guidance. WEPTAC is aligned with generating advantage in competition by enabling the joint force to respond to crisis and to win.

“Our human capital is our ultimate weapon,” Hill said. “The ideas and tactics we come up with during WEPTAC will make sure that our Airmen remain the competitive advantage.”

By Senior Airman Brandon Esau, AFSOC Public Affairs

Posted in Air Force, Guest Post, Profession of Arms, SOF | Comments Off on AFSOC WEPTAC 2021: Staying Relevant for Future Fights

Ghosthood Light-Belt

Sunday, August 8th, 2021

The Ghosthood Light-Belt is available from Germany’s Triple Action. Made from a Cordura laminate, the belt is 40mm wide around most of the circumference of your waist except where it narrows to narrower nylon webbing at the front for a lower profile and use of a 20mm SR buckle.

It’s offered in Stone Grey (above) or CONCAMO Green (below) in three sizes (see site for sizing). Both color options are IRR compliant. At 30 to 35 g depending on length, this is not a Battle Belt, but rather a simple trouser belt which can be worn under load carriage systems.?

www.tripleaction.de/ghosthood-light-belt-guertel

Posted in Clothing, International, Load Carrying | Comments Off on Ghosthood Light-Belt

SCUBAPRO Sunday – What to Wear Under Your Wetsuit

Sunday, August 8th, 2021

Most people wear something under their wetsuit to help with getting their wetsuit on and off easier. The other reason for wearing something under your wetsuits is that the extra layers can help keep your body warmer. Instead of wearing a thicker wetsuit that will restrict your movement, it allows you to wear a thinner suit that will give you more flexibility. You can wear a short sleeve top or bottom to help keep your core warmer. The other thing to think about is the air temperature/ wind on your way to the dive site. Suppose you are worried about the air temp/ wind when you are traveling to the dive site. In that case, you can wear heavyweight GoreTex or a linebacker jacket (the kind made for helo’s flights/ football players wear on the sidelines) is excellent to have as you can take it off before the dive and put it on when you are done.

SCUBAPRO 1.5mm Everflex SS top

For colder temperatures, adding layers underneath the suit is the way to go. You have several options to choose from. If you already have a thinner wetsuit that you usually use for warmer environments, a 1mm rash guard, or any other type of garment that’ll provide you with the added warmth around your chest will help. SCUBAPRO makes a great 1.5mm top and bottoms in short and long sleeves, shorts, and long pants. This 1.5mm is very warm, and to me, it feels like I am wearing a 2-3mm.

SCUBAPRO 1.5mm Everflex long pants

When you have to worry about the wind, most surf wetsuits or wetsuits glossy like surf suits are made to stop the wind. That all-suit surf suits are not great for diving as most are not made from a material (yes, surfing is different than diving) that is designed to be used underwater for long periods. Some people like to wear nothing between them and their wetsuits. This can be painful after wearing a wetsuit for a long time, especially on a long wet Zodiac ride. Due to the constant rubbing against their skin, it begins to chafe ( AKA Baboon a$$). Usually, the neck, armpits, behind the knees, and the crotch are the first to go. You can apply anti-chafing gel/ Vaseline to help with this on long dives and rides. There is also stuff like Butt Paste, Triple paste, or Anti monkey butt paste.

SCUBAPRO 1.5mm Everflex LS top

You can also wear dive skin or bike shorts; this will help with donning and doffing your suit on and off also. I have started to use Under Armor UA RUSH™ compression shorts. (They make tops also) They are made with a material called Celliant; it is a mineral-infused fabric to take the energy you give off when you work and reflect it into your muscles, increasing blood flow and helping them work harder. As your body emits energy, the mineral-infused fabric absorbs & reflects it, improving endurance. (I know this sounds crazy, but I am a big believer in Celliant)

Whatever you decide to wear, keep in mind the water/ air temperature, duration of the dive, and what you will be doing. Also, one reason you should make sure to keep a logbook of all your dives. That way, you can look up what you have used in the past for this situation. That should put you at a good starting point. Now that you’re aware of your options, it’s time to get to specifics. What type of undergarment is right for your needs, or do you even need to wear anything under your wetsuit at all?

SCUBAPRO 1.5mm Everflex

Well, that depends on you. In warmer waters, you can get away with wearing undergarments with minimal coverage (swimsuits, trunks, and other similar items)—or even nothing at all. Many people prefer to go commando under their wetsuits, but it’s all a matter of preference. If you plan to rent the suit, however, you’re probably going to want to wear something underneath.

SCUBAPRO 1mm Topical wetsuit

For colder temperatures, adding layers underneath the suit is the way to go. You have several options to choose from. Suppose you already have a thinner wetsuit that you usually use for warmer environments. In that case, you can opt to add a jumpsuit, rash guard, or any other type of garment that’ll provide you with the added insulation you need. This way, you won’t have to purchase another suit.

SCUBAPRO Hybrid Hood Vest

Or, if you’d instead go naked warrior underneath, you can get a thicker wetsuit. Deciding what to wear ultimately depends on the environment (and temperature) you plan to dive in, how sensitive your body is too cold, and many other variables. Make sure to consider all factors before you buy anything, and always try it in training before you use it for the first time when it matters the most.

Posted in Advertiser, Guest Post, Maritime | Comments Off on SCUBAPRO Sunday – What to Wear Under Your Wetsuit

Terrain Camouflage from Snugpak

Sunday, August 8th, 2021

Items in Terrain Camouflage by Snugpak is now available from Platatac. Designed for concealment, it utilises a pattern and color palette that compliments the Australian bush.

Starting with Snugpak’s Jungle Bag and Jungle Blanket, Terrain Camouflage will be released in some of Snugpak’s popular products like the Jungle Blanket which is also offered in Olive.

Made with Micro Diamond 100% Polyester outer teamed with Paratex Antibacterial 100% Polyester inner fabric and a polyester insulation, the Jungle Blanket is Antibacterial, anti-microbial, windproof and water resistant. Offered in Standard and Extra Large sizes.

Posted in Advertiser, Camo, Shelter | 2 Comments »

Soldiers Test New Army System to Increase Command Post Mobility

Sunday, August 8th, 2021

FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. — Soldiers from Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), conducted a Command Post Modernization Operational Assessment July 22-26, at the Kinnard Mission Training Complex on post.

Command Post Integrated Infrastructure, better known as CPI2, is a major modernization line of effort. It integrates emerging technologies and capabilities with mobile mission command platforms and command post support vehicles as a means of increasing agility and improving survivability on the battlefield.

“CIP2 will help units succeed in combat by providing mobility of the command post and getting after the signature aspects, like the electromagnetic and physical signature by reducing the number of vehicles and providing the workspace for units to be successful in their mission set,” said Lt. Col. Jeremy Rogers, product manager for CPI2.

The previous program that CPI2 is attempting to replace typically took between four and eight hours to set up and displace, says Rogers. The goal is to reduce this time down to approximately 30 minutes.

Utilizing this program has knocked placement and displacement times down to between an hour and an hour and a half, approximately 80% faster than before. This is done by reducing the footprint that the tactical command post, or TOC, normally creates.

“The TOC tents that we were used to in the past were a large footprint,” said Staff Sergeant Michael Prater, an operations and plans Noncommissioned officer for 3 BCT and battle NCO for the operation. “This is a more mobile, smaller, diverse footprint that creates a better way of getting into the fight and getting out of the fight.”

Prater’s focus, as the operational NCO, has been teaching the Soldiers, officers and other NCOs of his unit how to use, set up and tear down the equipment, focusing on increasing efficiency over time.

Being more mobile enables Soldiers to move, shoot and communicate with the efficiency they need to accomplish the mission. So far, other units that have tested this innovative system include, 2nd Stryker BCT, 2nd Infantry Division; and Headquarters, 4th Infantry Division, each with different command post configurations.

“As we take the unit feedback from both of our operational assessments, it will help inform not only our future requirements, but the baseline of the command post moving forward,” said Rogers.

Spc. Lance Lee, brigade air defense valve management systems operator for HHC, 3 BCT, says that CPI2 makes his life a lot easier because he is able to fall in on a pre-made shelter with network connectivity ports already allotted to him, eliminating time previously spent searching for a spot on the switch.

“CPI2 is a valuable asset for us because we’re able to fall in on an experimental software location where we can try new ideas, and essentially game plan to create new ways for us to affect the fight for the brigade commander,” said Lee. “I serve in the Army to make a difference, to innovate, and to get out there and try to find a new solution to currently existing problems. If I can be at the forefront of finding something that can affect the fight for the future, then I will be.”

By SPC Andrea Notter, 40th Public Affairs Detachment

Posted in Army, Comms, Guest Post | 10 Comments »

SOD – S.P.01 Shorts

Saturday, August 7th, 2021

I received a note from Max at SOD. It’s always great to hear from him, particularly considering how hard Italy was hit with COVID-19.

How are you? Here it’s HOT! We are melting down… this summer is very tropical… and what better way to deal with than by wearing shorts?

Here is what our SF troops are wearing around the world! We have added US WOODLAND CAMO… original from the US… like the MultiCam Crye Original of course!

Max, you had me at shorts. Woodland Camo is just the icing.

So here they are, the SOD S.P.01 shorts. They features classic SOD styling with dual slotted buttons at the top of the fly , wide belt loops, and angled pocket placement for ergonomics.

They are offered in several camouflage patterns and solid colors.

Get yours at www.sodgear.com/product/series/sp01

Posted in Advertiser, Clothing, International, SOD | 4 Comments »