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“Out of Captivity – Surviving 1,967 Days in the Columbian Jungle” a Book Review

Thursday, May 7th, 2009

Out of Captivity

This is the amazing true story of 3 U S Government Contractor’s experiences, and ultimately their survival as hostages of the FARC – Marc Gonsalves, Tom Howes & Keith Stansell share this rare in depth look at what it was like to be held captive’s of the FARC. (FARC is Recognized as a Columbian Terrorist organization, and a long standing Marxist Rebel Group, the FARC are known to have more than 200 hostages held throughout the jungles of Columbia).

Their journey began when the surveillance aircraft they were flying in crash landed in the mountains of Columbia. Surviving an airplane crash would be considered by most to be an extraordinary feat. However what happened immediately after this crash, followed by their 5 years in captivity, would take years before the details would be revealed.

This book provides those details in depth. From the murder of two other personnel who survived the initial crash, the thousands of miles they would march from camp to camp, surviving military attacks, to meeting dozens of other FARC hostages and prisoners, as well as meeting FARC loyalists. They would see first hand the aftermath of changes in FARC leadership, FARC suicides, and how they survived day to day. Thru lack of food, the bugs and infections they combated, their extremely sparse living conditions, ragged clothing, the bonds they developed amongst each other, their shared experiences are a wealth of knowledge of for us all. Most importantly how they worked everyday to not only stay alive, but outwit the FARC every chance they could. Finally, the most daring and successful rescue attempt ever performed by a military organization, and ultimately their Freedom. 1,967 days in captivity.

If you work in the Intelligence field, are either an active military member or a DOD/Govt. contractor or someone who could find themselves in a SERE/SAR situation; this is one book you need to read!

A William Morrow Book, an Imprint of Harper Collins Publisher
ISBN 978-0-06-1769-52-8

Available from Amazon.

FiveTen Mid Desert Enforcer

Monday, April 27th, 2009

Grey Group Training has the exclusive for tactical versions of FiveTen footwear. They recently offered low and mid versions of the Desert Enforcer. Unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond Grey Group’s control, the mid variant was not produced. While the low top is currently in stock many have continued to ask for a mid top shoe. Grey Group is currently weighing their options for future offerings and has an excellent offer for those with existing pre-orders for the Mid Desert Enforcer.

FiveTen has issued the following statement in regard to production of the shoe.

“Five Ten is a family-owned company that is dedicated to making the best outdoor sports footwear available. The Redlands, California-based company makes shoes with their proprietary Stealth rubber soles for a variety of outdoor disciplines. The world’s top climbers depend upon Five Ten climbing shoes. Five Ten multi-sport shoes are now essential equipment for downhill mountain bikers, paddlers, hikers, trail runners and climbers. From elite, world-class athletes to all outdoor enthusiasts, people know that Five Ten is the most authentic footwear brand available.
Through the years, Five Ten has received requests to develop a military specific shoe. Five Ten has stepped up to the plate and developed the Desert Enforcer, built for military operations from urban climbing to combat hiking. Military and law enforcement markets will now be able to benefit from the comfort, stickiness and reliability of Five Ten.
Five Ten has teamed up with Grey Group Training to exclusively launch the Desert Enforcer. Grey Group Training is a wonderful partner for Five Ten and is unique in providing the gear, instructors and technical expertise needed for a particular requirement. Grey Group’s belief is that there is a synergistic effect between the tools of the trade, the skill sets to use them, and the ability to source them both from one place.
The Desert Enforcer (low-top) is NOW available, exclusively through Grey Group Training (www.greygrouptraining.com). Because of various manufacturing issues, the Desert Enforcer (high-top) has been delayed. Five Ten is currently reworking time lines and will launch a solid ETA, ASAP. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience due to this delay. Five Ten is committed to the military market and plans on launching additional shoes to help support the mission. Please stay tuned and we appreciate your continued support.

Sincerely,
Five Ten
www.fiveten.com

ADS Warrior Expo

Monday, April 27th, 2009

ADS is hosting their annual Warrior Days Expo July 15 & 16 at the Virginia Beach Convention Center. In addition to the opportunity to see the latest equipment from over 100 leading manufacturers, ADS also offers the chance to attend some great seminars. Last year, they hosted Mark Twight who spoke about environmental clothing systems. The Warrior expo is an excellent opportunity for end users, GCPC holders, and acquisition officials to learn about ADS and their various services.

For more info and to register visit www.adsinc.com/warriorexpo.

Support Our Advertisers

Friday, April 24th, 2009

As you have noticed, the look of Soldier Systems Daily has changed as well as the level of coverage. This is due to a large extent, to support from our advertisers. We feel it is important for us to explain to our advertising program to our readership. We publish news. Our coverage of new products, services, materials, government programs, and industry news takes us in a lot of directions and we spend a lot of time writing about the unknown. News coverage should not be considered an endorsement unless otherwise specified. Our new advertising program is however, something altogether different.

While many would understand that accepting advertising from a vendor of products or services is an endorsement of Soldier Systems Daily by the advertiser, we look at this as a two way street. We consider at each potential advertiser and the types of products and services they provide. We regard each ad we publish as an endorsement by Soldier Systems of the advertiser. Additionally, we consider our advertisers as partners and work hard to develop a relationship that we can leverage to benefit reader, advertiser and us. An example of this are special promotions and contests that we are developing in conjunction with our advertisers to benefit our dedicated readership.

Soldier Systems will continue to break the news and provide information on the latest products and services for the Soldier Systems industry but take a moment to check out our advertiser’s websites and consider one or more of them to satisfy your next requirement.

Strike Hold! Design Winner Chosen

Thursday, April 23rd, 2009

Thanks to all of our readers who supported Strike Hold!’s logo competition. And the winner is…

Strike Hold!

Strike-Hold! Logo Design Contest Finalists

Wednesday, April 22nd, 2009

They have condensed the field down to two great designs. Cast your vote to help our friends at Strike-Hold! choose a new logo.

Super SERVMART

Tuesday, April 21st, 2009

Super SERVMART is sponsored by the US Navy’s Fleet Industrial Support Command (FISC) as a means to provide Third Party Logistics support to the Fleet based in Norfolk, VA.

SERVMART exists on many Naval bases and provides Government organizations a convenient shopping method for such diverse products as office supplies to cleaning materials to tactical equipment with over 7,000 items in stock. It operates on a shopping mall concept as well as providing a mobile van to bring limited supplies directly to an activity’s doorstep. While the Super SERVMART on Norfolk Naval Base is operated by MANCON They are operated by different entities depending on the local contracting office.

Government Commercial Purchase Cards limits of $10,000 per day are raised to $100,000 per day but the GCPC is also the mandatory method of payment for all orders.
This is because the contracting side of the work has been accomplished by FISC. All products in SERVMART have been vetted and the vendors are under contract to provide them.

One local vendor is Tidewater Tactical who provides a wide variety of quality tactical products. Whether or not you are a SERVMART customer be sure to check them out.

Visiting commands as well as organizations on other facilities can also take advantage of Super SERVMART. More information can be found online.

British Spy Agency Searches for Real-Life `Q’

Monday, April 20th, 2009

AP reports that the MI-5, the British agency responsible for domestic espionage has posted an ad for a “Chief Scientific Advisor”. “Q” was James Bond’s go to guy for weapons, vehicles and other assorted gadgets designed to create mayhem.

Candidates for the MI5 job need to be at least 18, British or naturalized citizens who have “world-class scientific expertise and credibility in relevant scientific and technology disciplines, outstanding influencing and communication skills, experience of building an effective network and of creating a high quality team.”

While no salary was mentioned the hours are great, requiring only two or three days a week. So British Boffins get your CVs together. This could be your shot at the big time.