5th Group entered two Polaris MRZR Alphas in the recent MINT 400 Offroad race in Primm, Nevada.
Special Forces Operational Detachments negotiated the long distance, off-road course to hone their skills and vehicle maneuver capabilities.
Archive for April, 2023
5th SFG(A) Runs Two MRZR in MINT 400 Race
Saturday, April 8th, 2023CORDURA NYCO Fabric, CORDURA TrueLock Fabric and CORDURA re/cor Fabric Uniform & Equipment Solutions Take Center Stage At LAAD ‘23
Friday, April 7th, 2023
Kennesaw, GA, USA – April 6, 2023 Kennesaw, GA, USA Set to propel and underscore its commitment to best-in-class solution-dyed nylon 6,6 fiber technology innovation as well as developing the durable, long-lasting fabric solutions of tomorrow; INVISTA’s CORDURA® Advanced Fabrics will focus on responsible uniform solutions, and military and tactical equipment, tailored to the South America market at this year’s LAAD Defence & Security show, April 11-14 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Join the CORDURA® team at booth #C20 Pavilion 2.
The CORDURA® Advanced Fabrics comprehensive, global, head-to-toe military, tactical and law enforcement portfolio will showcase:
• CORDURA® NYCO Fabric has a 3-5x slower flame spread versus polyester/cotton alternatives.* 50/50 CORDURA® NYCO Fabric outperformed heavier weight Poly/Cotton Military fabrics in Abrasion Resistance testing.**
• CORDURA TrueLock™ Fabric Solution Dyed Nylon 6,6 (SDN) provides unparalleled lot-to-lot color consistency plus long-lasting color durability and Stewardship benefits; now available in Navy Blue and a palate of 7 military colors.
• CORDURA re/cor™ RN66 The brand’s latest fabric made from 100 percent post-industrial nylon 6,6 fiber material that is Global Recycled Standard (GRS) certified.
Also on display will be a full collection of lightweight, breathable, quick dry, head-to-toe mission critical performance fabrics including CORDURA® Classic Fabric.
The CORDURA® Advanced Fabrics global military, law enforcement and tactical applications include: Combat Uniforms, Ballistic Vests, Packs, Load Carriage Equipment, Webbing and Trims, Footwear, Base Layer, Combat Shirts, Headwear, Seat Covers and many more.
Erik Walker CORDURA® Global Military Segment leader explains:
“Throughout our 55-year brand journey, we’ve worked to establish a foundation built on durable and long-lasting fiber technologies, including our legacy of solution dyed, high-performance nylon 6,6 offerings. As we advance on this journey, we continue to invest and expand our capabilities to include solutions that are not only durable but lead down the path to using fewer resources to make the products our customers value. We continue listening to the demands of the market; identifying unmet needs, solving problems, and utilizing innovation to create cutting-edge solutions to meet the ever changing needs of global militaries and law enforcement.“
Luciano Salazar CORDURA® South America Business Manager added:
“At CORDURA® brand we know life in law enforcement, military or with a tactical unit can be demanding. So, we develop fabrics specifically designed for combat uniforms. Engineered to be comfortable even in the most challenging conditions; fabrics that are tough, versatile and engineered to excel in the field. We continue to push the boundaries of durable fabric development to meet the physical and environmental demands of combat and tactical life.”
More about CORDURA® brand innovations in focus at LAAD:
CORDURA® NYCO Fabric – Comfort of cotton with enhanced durability
Originally designed as a rugged, lightweight comfort solution for military combat uniforms, durable CORDURA® NYCO Fabric is engineered with an intimate blend of INVISTA T420 nylon 6,6 staple fiber and cotton delivering enhanced abrasion and tear resistance, No Melt No Drip*** performance and 3-5x slower flame spread* versus internally tested equivalent weight polyester/cotton. CORDURA® NYCO Fabric Extreme based on INVISTA T420HT high tenacity fiber technology has a mission to create a new generation of durable, yet even lighter weight fabrics.
CORDURA TrueLock™ Fabric – Responsible fabrics with locked-in color
CORDURA TrueLock™ Fabric is engineered with high-tenacity nylon 6,6 multi-filament fiber that locks in the color at the molten polymer extrusion level to create deep, durable color throughout the entire fiber structure. CORDURA TrueLock™ Fabric has excellent color fastness, UV-fade and abrasion resistance, extended UV strength stability, and long-lasting color vibrancy. Color consistency is crucial when pairing fabric with other materials such as webbing and elastic to create military and law enforcement gear. Additionally, compared to conventional level acid piece dyeing, the process used to make CORDURA TrueLock™ Fabric uses less water, energy and emits fewer greenhouse gases****.
CORDURA® TrueLock™ Fabrics are already available in Navy Blue, Desert Sand, Tan-499, Coyote-498, Ranger Green, Camo Green-483, Wolf Gray and Black. End-uses include bags, load carriage, and reinforcements as well as use in responsible webbings and trims.
CORDURA re/cor™ Fabric RN66 – ‘Expect More, Waste Less’
The new recycled nylon 6,6 (RN66) collection is ‘durable, responsible and innovated to last.’ CORDURA® re/cor™ RN66 fabric is made from 100 percent post-industrial fiber material that is GRS (Global Recycled Standard) certified and can be produced in a full range of mil-spec colors.
CORDURA® Classic Fabric
The original CORDURA® fabric made with a cotton duck appearance optimized for abrasion resistance.
Designed for living and built to last, the original durable CORDURA® fabric has proven performance in many of the world’s toughest environments. Made with high tenacity air jet textured nylon 6,6 filament yarns in a range of sizes – 330, 500, 700, and 1000 denier.
*Flame Spread rate as measured according to ISO 6941.
**ISO 12947-2 (woollen abradant, 12 kPa) after 5 home laundering cycles at 60°C
***No Melt, No Drip Performance based on ASTM 6413.
****2013 LCA study based on the average comparison of conventional level acid piece Dyeing to SDN at 3 independent/3rd party dyeing and finishing mills.
Learn more at cordura.com/military
Warrior West 23 – Eagle Industries Rhodesian Recce Vest 2.0
Friday, April 7th, 2023
Eagle Industries had their new Rhodesian Recce Vest 2.0 on hand at Warrior West. Made from laser cut laminate and Dri-Lex it offers plenty of PALS slots as well as a universal plate pocket and works great with removable front placards and dangler pouches.
Units and agencies can procure products seen at Warrior West by contacting ADS, Inc.
Warrior West 23 – Watershed Weapon Bag, Mk18
Friday, April 7th, 2023Watershed has developed a new waterproof weapons bag specifically for the Mk18 carbine.
As you can see it incorporates a waterproof zipper as well as an oral inflation tube and laser cut PALS webbing along with a haul loop.
Internally to the this seam sealed bag, there is a tie down point for the weapon.
Units and agencies can procure products seen at Warrior West by contacting ADS, Inc.
Warrior West 23 – LBT Lightweight Chestrig
Friday, April 7th, 2023
Made from Squadron material, the upcoming LBT-1961A-LC is a Lightweight Chestrig.
Units and agencies can procure products seen at Warrior West by contacting ADS, Inc.
Sterling Promise Fundraiser – Sponsors & Silent Auction Items Needed
Friday, April 7th, 2023Industry Friends:
We are approaching the deadline to confirm sponsorship for the Sterling Promise Foundation fundraiser, taking place on Tuesday, May 9th during SOF Week 2023 at the Westin Channelside Terrace. We are still looking to secure more sponsors and silent auction items.
Sponsorship of this event has incredible benefits:
• Showcase brand to quality, tier 1 industry companies and customers
• Obtain a package of social content for posting
• Engage online with industry partners during a joint-force campaign leading up to and during SOF week
• Complimentary social feature from our media partners, announced below
Of greatest importance:
• Honor the life of Staff Sergeant Scott Sterling
• Provide funding to support the wellbeing of our nation’s veterans that include initiatives to provide early detection cancer screenings along with access and financial support for higher quality healthcare
We are proud to announce that TacGas and Soldier Systems Daily will once again be our official media partners for the 2023 fundraiser. We are honored to leverage their platforms to promote the event, feature our sponsors, build our silent auction offering, and promote the stars of the auction: Sig Sauer’s vaulted, highly collectible surplus M17 & M18 pistols.
Thank you to those companies who have committed to sponsorship and silent auction donations thus far. We are so grateful for your support and look forward to partnering with you over the next month, and to a memorable evening in Tampa.
Additional Information:
• Sponsorship agreement attached, to be completed and provided to Mary & Gabby, donation receipt provided
? Tier 1 Sponsorship: $2,000 minimum Donation + Silent Auction Item(s)
? Tier 2 Sponsorship: Silent Auction Item(s)
• We will be accepting silent auction items through May 5th
• The fundraiser is open to SOF week attendees, government customers and friends of Scott
• If you are unable to sponsor the event, we hope you will still join us for a special evening – Invitations to follow
FirstSpear Friday Focus: Wind Cheater
Friday, April 7th, 2023
The Wind Cheater utilizes a 100% Nylon Cordura variant known as Ambush. Unlike standard cordura, Ambush is brushed and allows for breathability. The material provides a soft and quiet experience. This jacket breathes like a T-shirt and sheds wind and light rain thanks to its DWR coating. The Wind Cheater dries quickly and compresses small when packed away. The large hood accommodates combat helmets and climbing helmets alike. These are offered in multiple colors and sizes. Due to the popularity of this incredibly versatile, year-round jacket, new shipments move quickly so don’t wait to pull the trigger.
Visit FirstSpear to find America’s premier tactical gear and equipment.
Infantry Squad Vehicle Program Approved for Full-Rate Production
Friday, April 7th, 2023
DETROIT ARSENAL, Mich. — The U.S. Army’s Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV) program was approved by the Program Executive Officer for Combat Support & Combat Service Support (PEO CS&CSS) on March 30 to transition to Full-Rate Production, or FRP. This green light represents a major Army acquisition programmatic milestone in “motorizing” Infantry Brigade Combat Teams, Security Force Assistance Brigades, as well as Army Ranger units. The Army Acquisition Objective currently stands at 2,593 ISVs.
The Army in June 2020 selected GM Defense LLC to produce the ISV. Based on the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 architecture, the ISV derives a high percentage of its parts from commercial-off-the-shelf components. The Army’s newest light tactical vehicle is dubbed a “better boot,” and its basic operational capabilities include:
Nine-Soldier squad carrying capability
3,200-lb. payload
External sling load/external lift by UH-60/CH-47 helicopters
Low-velocity air drop by fixed-wing C-130 and C-17 transport
Exceptional mobility over a wide variety of terrain.
John Hufstedler, product director, Ground Mobility Vehicles, PEO CS&CSS, said, “The comprehensive team responsible for bringing the ISV program to a full-rate production decision not only involves Army Acquisition professionals assigned to our PEO, but also relevant stakeholders and collaborative partners representing the Army’s funding community, Army Futures Command, Army Forces Command, Army Materiel Command and the testing community.
“Soldier touchpoints, developmental testing and operational testing have been key elements throughout the ISV program,” Hufstedler continued. “Leveraging a commercial vehicle and the world-class manufacturing capability of GM Defense has helped compress the time it takes to field a modernized capability meeting infantry Soldiers’ needs.”
The ISV has been rigorously tested, including production qualification testing and transportability certification, which included low-velocity air drops and helicopter sling loading. Developmental and operational testing enable units to train while offering feedback to the requirements and acquisition communities. This is aimed at improving a system’s utility and operational effectiveness in Soldier’s hands, as well as suitability for the environments in which Soldiers train and fight.
Reliability testing concluded earlier this year, which completed the ISV production qualification test.
To date, the Army has accepted more than 300 ISVs and has fielded three brigade sets of 59 vehicles, for a total of 177. The program is on track to continue to meet fielding plans, with two Brigade sets fielding this June.
By Rae Higgins, Program Executive Office Combat Support & Combat Service Support
