SureFire

Archive for July, 2022

SureFire Field Notes Ep 72 – How to Cheat: Max Point Blank Theory with Alex Hartmann

Friday, July 29th, 2022

Alex Hartmann is a former Marine Corps Scout Sniper with multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. After leaving active service in 2016, his mission to serve the tactical population continued as a co-founder of Ridgeline Defense, a Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business whose mission is to defend America and her interests both at home and abroad, through the training and equipping of Military, Law Enforcement, and vetted Civilian clients. The Ridgeline Training Center is located in Dalton, NH, in strategic partnership with the Team O’Neil Rally School. Their facility is designed by Special Operators and purpose-built to support world-class training, as well as to provide a discrete location for Research, Development, Testing, and Evaluation.

www.ridgelineshooting.com

Special thanks to The Ranch TX and Shooter Symposium for making this episode possible.

www.theranchtxclub.com

For more on SureFire:

www.surefire.com

OTTE Gear – Covert Escape Evade Kit

Friday, July 29th, 2022

The C.E.E.K. (Covert Escape Evade Kit) is OTTE Gear’s solution for the everyday civilian who wants to have on his person or gear, certain tools that would be needed during an Escape and Evasion (E&E) Scenario. Designed to be small and discreet, this kit is not just for military operators or intelligence agents. Civilians can just as well utilize them for travel or EDC.

The kit includes:

MICROBAT MICRO CANDY: The Candy Micro is a Velcro-backed 4″x4″ pouch with a 4″x2″ Loop Velcro strip on the front side for identifier patches. The Candy Micro has nearly unlimited uses, Micro’s can fill roles of exterior organization of critical items on Chest Rigs and Plate Carriers, compartmentalization inside backpacks, or supplemental storage on the upper sleeves of combat shirts.

OSS LOCK PICK MICRO SET: 3 Inch tension bar, Short Hook (flat top), Snake (3/7 raker), Camel Back

MOON PHASE CARD: The Faze Card Allows the End User to Quickly Check the Natural Illume for one Calendar Year, Faze Cards are made of a Durable Light Weight Plastic Material, They Measure 3.5″x 3.5″ and fit Inside the Micro Candy Pouch for Storage and Reference.

GTFO WRIST STRAP: Lightweight, fully adjustable, and discreet; these straps are made of an elastic material and a tungsten carbide stryker bead. Designed by 4TAC5, this tool facilitates emergency vehicle egress via side or rear windows in confined spaces.

INFARED ID SQUARE: Infrared ID Squares and Circles Have Long Been Used to ID Friend/Foe on Friendly Kit and Uniforms, Made with Mil-Spec IR Material and Industrial Velcro.

NFC DISC: This small and discreet disk is easily concealed and allows the passage of information between devices by proximity versus sending over networks. 

FIELD SCRIBE: Quickly jot down notes, license plates, descriptions, etc.,

UNIVERSAL HANDCUFF KEY: Made from glass-filled nylon this Universal Handcuff Key is undetectable by metal detectors and durable.

MICRO GLOW STICKS: These micro light-sticks are a highly concealable light source.

6FT 100LBS KEVLAR CORD: Black Braided Kevlar Line is made of 100% Dupont Kevlar Fiber, multi-strands weaving process which means high strength, high anti-abrasive and excellent resistance to cut

MICRO COMPASS: This super compact button compass is balanced for the northern hemisphere.

MICRO LIGHT: This small nonblinking light is powered by three replaceable 1.5V LR41 button cells (strong light lasts for 4 – 5 hours)

STORM PROOF MATCHES: Stormproof matches that are easy to light, and will stay lit for up to 15 seconds, even after being submerged in water.

POP KNIFE WITH STRIKE PANEL: Safe, fully retractable blade with 3M Match Striker Sticker on the side.

RFID CARD SLEEVE: This sleeve is equipped with advanced RFID SECURE Technology, a unique metal composite, engineered specifically to block 13.56 MHz or higher RFID signals and protect the valuable information stored on RFID chips from unauthorized scans.

Note: This kit was not designed to thwart Law Enforcement or endanger those protecting our streets daily.

TacJobs – Multiple Positions With Nightforce Optics

Friday, July 29th, 2022

TITLE: Product Manager (Multiple Positions) and Brand Manager with Nightforce Optics

Nightforce’s Product Managers, minus the riflescopes, and the Brand Manager can be located either in Orofino, ID or Meridian, ID. The Product Manager – Riflescopes is located in Orofino, ID.

Product Manager (Multiple Positions)

Job Description:

Nightforce Optics Product Managers are strategic thinkers, have a passion for products, and are a collaborative leader. This role reports to the Director of Marketing and Product Management and is responsible for managing the direction, market presence, and lifecycle of Nightforce products including ensuring revenue and customer satisfaction goals are met. These positions are vital to the ongoing growth and operational success of Nightforce.

Essential Job Duties:

• Evaluate market conditions and current product performance to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats to their business area and adjust accordingly.

• Gather consumer need gaps and product lifecycle management needs and turn them into defined projects, with competitive features and pricing, within the New Product Development Process. This includes making day-to-day development decisions with the Engineering team.

• Listens objectively while gathering information to pinpoint consumer and market needs. Develops portfolio plans and product roadmaps accordingly.

• Works in conjunction with the other Product Managers and Executive Team in prioritizing product development projects to drive the most impact for the company

• Manages product development and launch timelines; develops launch plans; provides accurate information to Marketing and Sales for proper launch strategies

• Maintains a database of market research to include competitive analysis, market sizing estimates, and consumer preference trend data.

Minimum Qualifications

• All positions must require an earned bachelor’s degree in marketing, business, engineering, or related field.

• Candidates for the Associate Product Manager – Accessories and Apparel must demonstrate 2 years of experience in strategic marketing or product management role. Demonstrated experience analyzing product and portfolio level profitability, promotional profit/loss scenarios, and growth modeling (Location: Orofino, ID/Meridian, ID).

• Candidates for the Product Manager – Other Optics must demonstrate 5 years of experience in strategic marketing or product management role. Demonstrated experience analyzing product and portfolio level profitability for new product categories. Experience bringing novel or emerging technology from concept to product launch as well as the ability to articulate the Nightforce Brand and explain the structure and position of Nightforce products (Location: Orofino, ID/Meridian, ID).

• Candidates for Product Manager – Riflescopes must demonstrate 5 years of experience in strategic marketing or product management role. Demonstrated experience analyzing product and portfolio level profitability, promotional profit/loss scenarios, and growth modeling. The candidate must have experience in the hunting, shooting, and outdoor industry with the ability to articulate the Nightforce Brand and explain the structure and position of Nightforce products (Location: Orofino, ID).

Brand Manager

Job Description

The Brand Manager is responsible for defining the standards, tone, and personality of the Brand and ensuring the company is consistent in maintaining them. The Brand Manager thinks strategically, developing campaigns and underlying marketing activities that fulfill specific Brand objectives and measuring the effectiveness of all marketing. To grow and defend the Nightforce Brand within various market spaces, the Brand Manager leads the marketing team in periodically evaluating the Brand’s position competitively and trends within consumer perceptions.

Essential Job Duties

• This position will be assisting with marketing strategy including helping with the development of creative and Brand direction, including ongoing evaluation of strategy, purpose, vision, and values.

• Assists with developing and implementing new SOPs for marketing and brand processes

• Accountable and responsible for ensuring campaigns, projects, and marketing activities are aligned to Brand strategies and established goals.

• Evaluates all material for fit with brand standards, tone, and personality.

• Writes copy for all marketing activities, with the assistance from the Assistant Brand Manager and, when needed, the Product Managers.

• Responsible for developing and managing a team that understands, values, and is dedicated to the Nightforce Brand.

• Manages employees within the Nightforce Brand Management team and is responsible for hiring and performance management.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing or Business Required (or applicable experience may be substituted)

• 3 years of experience in brand management marketing

• Minimum of 1 year in personnel management

• Ability to travel up to 25% of the time

• Ability to embody and articulate the Nightforce Brand clearly

• Strong written, verbal, interpersonal, and presentation skills

• Must be proficient in the use of Microsoft Office products including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint (or Google suite)

• Meticulous time management and organizational skills and the ability to organize calendars and schedules

• Proven ability to take marketing goals and apply appropriate tactics to achieve results

• Must have a strong knack for building and uplifting team members

• In-depth understanding of brand building, positioning, and communication strategy

• Ability to stay abreast of current market trends, competitor marketing activity, and identify Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats for the Nightforce Brand

• Highly motivated in building and maintaining collaborative relationships

Note: All job offers are contingent on passing pre-employment requirements, including a drug screen and criminal background check. Applicants must also be a “US Person” as defined by the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).

Nightforce Optics is an Equal Opportunity Employer All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race/ethnicity, color, religion, gender, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, disability or any other category protected by law.

To apply, click here.

High Speed Gear Announces Special Missions Pouch

Friday, July 29th, 2022

SWANSBORO, N.C. – July 29, 2022 – High Speed Gear® has released the Special Missions Pouch.  The Special Missions Pouch is a highly versatile and adaptable pouch that allows the end-user the ability to wear or mount the pouch three different ways.

1. The Special Missions Pouch can be worn hanger style while attached to a plate carrier or placard.

2. The Special Missions Pouch can be belt mounted, two loops on the back of the Special Missions Pouch allow for most common belts to be threaded through the loops making it a perfect admin pouch for range days.

3. The Special Missions Pouch can be worn waist pack style, as it comes with a provided back strap that allows the user to wear around their waist making the pouch easy to attach and detach.

Additionally, the Special Missions Pouch was precisely designed for the ease of flex cuff storage. Elastic loops around the pouch allow for up to three flex cuffs to be stored on the outer edges of the pouch making it easy to deploy in one quick motion so that our users are not struggling with their gear while trying to detain an adversary.

“At HSGI, we understand that that missions will change, and our users will need to adapt to those missions,” said Allison Mitchum, director of sales and marketing at High Speed Gear. “We continue to produce versatile American-made equipment to solve the needs for those who rely on it most.”

The Special Missions Pouch is available for sale now on the High Speed Gear® website, Special Missions Pouch and throughout the HSGI Authorized Dealer network.

FirstSpear Friday Focus – OEM Spotlight – Catamount Outdoor Gear

Friday, July 29th, 2022

Gear For Life. No matter where it takes you.

In this weeks Friday Focus, we’re presenting another OEM Spotlight, Catamount Outdoor Gear. Owner, Mark Johnson, reimagines the average bino harness to create an extraordinary, American made product for the outdoor industry and beyond.

The Catamount Outdoor Gear (COG) Bino Harness is purpose built to provide the ultimate level of user comfort and optics protection. Before Mark created Catamount Outdoor Gear, his expectations of bino harness’ were never fully met. Dealing with issues such as loose hanging straps and improper pouch positioning was concerning for him. This sparked his creativity and bred the necessity to design his own system.

Unique COG features include the ability to MOLLE weave onto a pack or mount additional pouches through the laser cut cordura to create a larger kit suited to the individuals needs while hunting, scouting and traveling.

The 4-way stretch bino compartment flap provides notable protection against dirt, dust and debris. This flap can also be manipulated by one hand and is designed to be quiet while spot and stalking, bow hunter etiquette at its finest.

The COG Bino Harness is specifically designed to be as minimalistic as possible out of the box. Whether you’re loaded with pack and gear or drawing your bow on big game, your bino’s will be comfortably secured and out of the way.

The Learn more about Catamount Gear Outdoors, visit www.catamountog.com/home.

Visit FirstSpear to find all the gear and apparel for America’s Warfighter.

Combat Artist Illustrated Marine Raiders

Friday, July 29th, 2022

CAMP LEJEUNE, NC —

It was a hot day at Camp Lejeune while a Marine Special Operations Company conducted a portion of their pre-deployment readiness exercise. In the distance, Marine Raiders conduct a gear check as they prepare for the next segment of their training. In the foreground sat Capt. Charles J. Bauman and to his left, Capt. Michael Reynolds, as both expertly maneuver their choice of drawing tools across their sketch pads, illustrating the story unfolding right before them.

Capt. Charles Baumann, a designated combat artist and logistics officer with Marine Wing Support Squadron 271, and Capt. Michael Reynolds, ammunition officer with Marine Forces Special Operations Command, document a pre-deployment culminating exercise while attached to a Marine Special Operations Company, June 13-16, 2022.

“The purpose of the [Marine Corps Combat Art Program] is to document Marine Corps operations via illustration for historical documentation,” explained Baumann. “I hope to contribute to the collections of work archived in the [National Museum of the Marine Corps] and provide a slightly different perspective to viewing the recorded history of the Marine Corps. I hope that in 10, 20, 50 years my artwork can be used to help tell the story of the Corps while I was in service.”

“The purpose of the Marine Corps Combat Art Program is to document Marine Corps operations via illustration for historical documentation.”

Capt. Charles Baumann, Designated combat artist and logistics officer

Baumann, initially, was not aware of the Marine Corps Combat Art Program. Once he became aware of the program, he reached out to retired Chief Warrant Officer 2 Michael D. Fay who was the last activated reserve combat artist during the early Iraq War years who then introduced him to retired Col. Craig H. Streeter, also a combat artist. Streeter then introduced Baumann to the NMMC’s director, deputy director and art curator, who encouraged him to submit a portfolio of artwork. They deemed Baumann’s artwork skilled enough to bring him into the program and he attained the free military occupational specialty of combat artist.

Combat artist is a free military occupational specialty that can be filled by any Marine regardless of primary MOS in addition to their regular duties. They illustrate military operations on behalf the Marine Corps’ historical collection efforts as their schedule allows and is intended to capture military operations from an organic point of view.

“Once I realized I could combine my passion [and] skill for art and my calling to serve in the USMC, I was immediately inspired to see my military experience as medium to be illustrated,” said Baumann. “My initial body of work that was submitted as a portfolio was praised by people I respected and admired as veteran artists, which had a huge impact on my self-confidence and determination to develop my skill.”

Reynolds is currently applying to join Baumann as a combat artist for the Marine Corps Combat Art Program.

“I can directly attribute my desire to become a combat artist to the influence of Marine Corps Combat Artists like Capt. Baumann and former Staff Sgt. Elize Mcelvey,” said Reynolds. “Just as in marksmanship, if you have the foundational understanding of what is supposed to happen and have the ability to receive and grow from constructive criticism, you can consistently get better with more practical application.”

“Just as in marksmanship, if you have the foundational understanding of what is supposed to happen and have the ability to receive and grow from constructive criticism, you can consistently get better with more practical application.”

Capt. Michael Reynolds, Ammunition officer

Baumann was coached early on by Fay, Streeter and Richard Johnson, a civilian field illustrator, to draw from observation and life-to-life experiences. Once he grasped the concept of illustrating by direct observation, new opportunities came with the confidence to draw what he observed in person. He now keeps a sketch pad and camera on hand for any opportunities that may arise worth illustrating.

“I hope my art is able to connect with the viewer in an emotional and personal way,” expressed Baumann. “I want my civilian audience to gain an appreciation for the details of what it means to serve in the military. I feel like I can provide an insider perspective as both the illustrator and active-duty service member.”

Reynolds shares what he hopes to accomplish with his art.

“When observing artwork by former Marine Corps combat artists like retired Chief Warrant Officer Mike Fay, I’m brought back into the scene I’m looking at,” said Reynolds. “I recall the smell of JP8, the feel of moondust beneath my boots, and the sounds of the rumbling engine of the Humvee in the distance. It’s that level of connection that I am to achieve in hopes that someday, someone can recall and connect with what I’ve illustrated to tell a story using non-verbal communication.”

The NMMC is currently taking applications from artistically talented Marines to serve as combat artists. For more information on the program and how to apply, refer to MARADMIN 267/22.

Sgt Jesula Jeanlouis, Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command

American Rheinmetall Vehicles Opens New Facility in Sterling Heights, MI and Secures $1.5M Grant to Grow Workforce

Thursday, July 28th, 2022

American Rheinmetall Vehicles (Sterling Heights, MI), a leading developer of tactical wheeled and tracked combat vehicles and systems, is proud to announce the opening of a new 46,669 sq. ft. facility in Sterling Heights, MI. The new location is a demonstration of the business’ continued investment into the US, bringing new technologies and highly skilled jobs into the region in support of a number of the U.S. Army’s modernization programs. The new facility includes an extensive, state-of-the art digital engineering, prototyping and system integration lab to enable deep customer engagement into every stage of vehicle development.  Additionally it will bolster American Rheinmetall Vehicles ongoing design and development work including for its next-generation infantry fighting vehicle the Lynx OMFV, and other programs supporting the U.S. Army’s highest vehicle modernization priorities. 


American Rheinmetall Vehicles won support from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) – a company with more than 100 economic development partners that assists businesses in their growth strategies and fosters the development of vibrant communities across the state – that will assist with standing up the new facility. American Rheinmetall Vehicles leveraged the Michigan Business Development Program (MBDP), an incentive program available from the Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF) in cooperation with MEDC to assist in American Rheinmetall Vehicles‘ effort to grow its business and keep it local. The program is designed to provide grants, loans, and other economic assistance to businesses for highly competitive projects in Michigan that create jobs and/or provide investment that result in a net-positive return to Michigan. American Rheinmetall Vehicles was awarded a grant expected to total $1.5M in support of the creation of 125-150 quality jobs that the company plans to bring to the area in the next three years as it continues its commitment to providing next-generation solutions to the U.S. Army. These job opportunities include positions in Project Management, Engineering, Finance, Supply Chain, Quality, IT, Administration and Manufacturing. Apply today! 
 “We’re very grateful for all that MEDC has done to support our effort to grow our business here in Michigan. This new facility allows us a growth path that positions us to increase critical capacity and competition in the combat vehicle defense industrial base in Michigan and the U.S. as a whole,” stated Matt Warnick, Managing Director for American Rheinmetall Vehicles.
American Rheinmetall Vehicles is excited to grow in Michigan. The availability of engineering, program management, and professional talent, the proximity to the U.S. Army TACOM, and support from the MEDC made Michigan the ideal location for expansion.
“Congratulations to the team at American Rheinmetall Vehicles on your growth and success. We appreciate this continued vote of confidence in Michigan’s talented workforce and advanced manufacturing expertise,”?said?Quentin L. Messer, Jr., CEO of MEDC and President and Chair of the MSF Board.?“We are pleased to work with our local partners to bring these high-wage jobs to the area, and we look forward to working with American Rheinmetall Vehicles as it continues to grow?in Michigan.”
About American Rheinmetall Vehicles
American Rhienmetall Vehicles delivers next-generation, advanced tactical wheeled vehicles and innovative tracked and wheeled combat vehicles in support of today’s highest combat vehicle modernization priorities. The company offers forward thinking capabilities such as Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), Automated Load Handling Systems (ALHS), and supporting open system architectures that enable rapid insertion of new technologies. Rheinmetall’s collaborative global structure allows for the maturation and strengthening of the U.S. Industrial Base now and into the future. 
American Rheinmetall Vehicles is part of the American Rheinmetall family of U.S. companies including American Rheinmetall Munitions in Stafford, VA, American Rheinmetall Systems in Biddeford, ME, and U.S. corporate parent American Rheinmetall Defense in Reston, VA.

www.rheinmetall.com/arv

Meet The Maxim Defense MD9 PCC

Thursday, July 28th, 2022

Over the past few years, you’ve probably seen a massive resurgence of the pistol caliber carbine, most notably the 9mm carbine. Stability is the most significant advantage of the pistol caliber carbine over any sidearm.

You’ve probably also seen some crack shots at the local shooting range who can shoot the wings off a fly at 25 yards with their sidearm. However, for the majority of shooters, handgun accuracy tends to begin dropping off around 15 yards, especially in kinetic situations where the adrenaline is surging and stress levels are through the roof.

The pistol caliber carbine gives you added stability to hit your mid-range targets more accurately and consistently. Maxim Defense recognized this demand in the industry and answered with the MD9 9mm pistol caliber carbine. The Maxim Defense MD9 offers a PDX-like platform chambered in 9mm.

Maxim Defense MD9 Pistol Caliber Carbine

When you’re looking for Maxim Defense ingenuity in a new standard AR-9, the MD-9 is your answer. The MD-9 was engineered to fit the growing demand for cutting-edge AR9-style rifles for today’s Military and commercial market.

Every MD9 features Maxim’s free-floating barrel and custom handguard for increased comfort and versatility. These handguards provide a monolithic-like upper receiver platform and M-Slot compatibility.

Features

• Modified Maxim Defense HATEBRAKE
• M-Rax and M-Slot compatible handguard
• Military-grade materials
• 5.8″ barrel
• ALG Combat Trigger
• Radian charging handle and selector
• Maxim CQB stock
• Ambidextrous magazine release
• Fully floated barrel
• The last round holds open
• Compatible with Glock 9mm magazines (Glock 19 and larger)

Specifications

• Caliber: 9x19mm Parabellum
• Barrel Thread Pitch: ½-28
• Material Composition: 7075 Aluminum & tool steel
• Finish: Nitride / Type III Anodizing
• Barrel Length: 5.8″ [147.32mm]
• Overall Length: 20″ [508mm] (collapsed stock)
• Weight: 6lb 1oz [2.75kg]
• Barrel Material: 4150 CrMoV
• Muzzle Velocity: 1,150 FPS (Federal FMJ 124gr)

MAXIM DEFENSE MD9

$1,995.00 at Maxim Defense

What Sets the Maxim Defense MD9 Apart?

The package weighs in at just over six pounds unloaded, and 20 inches collapsed, adding to the small footprint. The MD9 also boasts an ambidextrous magazine release, Radian charging handle, and selector. It accepts all Glock 9mm pattern magazines, G19 or longer. Rounding out the set-up is a modified Maxim Defense HATEBRAKE muzzle booster and ALG Combat trigger.

An issue seen in previous pistol caliber carbine designs is that the shooter would use the magwell for their support grip, which would cause the magazine to move just enough to cause failure to feed malfunctions. Maxim Defense recognized this issue and mitigated it by extending the length of the magwell, giving the shooter a full support hand grip without interfering with the function of the magazine.

The Modified HATEBRAKE emulates the back pressure of a suppressor. So not only is it directing the blast forward and away from the shooter and those around the shooter, but it regulates the cyclic rate. The advantage of this is whether you’re running the included HATEBRAKE or a 9mm suppressor, the cyclic rate will be consistent and not over-gassed.

Maxim Defense went with a barrel length of 5.8″ to maximize the velocity and hence accuracy of this PCC. The optimal barrel length for the 9mm cartridge is roughly 6″, so with the MD9, you’re getting optimal performance out of the 5.8″ barrel. In addition, the MD9 was tested with 124gr FMJ, which resulted in a muzzle velocity of 1,150 feet per second.

When it comes down to defending your home and keeping your family safe, stack the odds in your favor with the Maxim Defense MD9 pistol caliber carbine.