MagPul Dynamics produced this graphic to recognize their partners for 2013: Arc’teryx LEAF, Aimpoint, Inc., Thunder Beast Arms Corporation, Vortex Optics, Knight’s Armament Company, NIGHTHAWK CUSTOM FIREARMS, Dark Angel Medical, LLC, Trijicon, Inc., and Ares Gear, LLC.
McNett’s Outgo line is being rebranded at McNett Tactical. Personally, I like the change. Everyone already knows McNett and it lets them know that these are tactically focused products.
Right about the time USSOCOM stood up they came out with a list of SOF Truths which were there to remind everyone that SOF must remain a well trained and funded part of the force structure lest we become unable to deal with certain threats and challenges in the future. During the most recent conflict the list was amended to include a proviso that non-SOF support would be required for many operations. This is because it would be foolish to build a redundant non-specialized force structure such as strategic lift just to support their mission sets. It’s easier (and cheaper) to piggyback off of what is in already place for things like logistics, base level comms, and some intelligence information as well as the aforementioned transportation support. What’s more, those conventional force specialized capabilities are experts in what they do because its all that they do.
The funny thing is, once you read this list, you immediately realize that they apply to all defense capabilities. Look at how many times we have been caught with our pants down because our general purpose forces didn’t have a certain capability or even the most basic of training or equipment for a particular mission set. As we face the current drawdown and transition to what I refer to as “1975 Redux” I hope the leaders and planners in the Department of Defense take these truths to heart. Congress as well. They must continue to fund America’s forces so that we do not become a paper tiger.
January 7th marked our 7000th post and today it’s already 7500!
Speaking of milestones, SSD’s 5th anniversary is coming up in May. Any ideas on ways we could celebrate the occasion?
Commenting on SSD articles is a privilege and not a right. I know some folks just can’t control themselves and have a little voice in their head that tells them to create an anonymous log in and say crazy stuff. However, most of us are sane adults. I’d like to keep it that way. As of late posting has once again gotten way out of hand. My rule of thumb is to not say anything in the comments section of SSD that you wouldn’t be willing to say in person. And, I’m seeing comments made and when the poster is questioned they don’t come back and justify their position. We welcome spirited debate, so long as it’s backed up by reason. This isn’t a forum for drivebys.
Self police or we will end up revamping the comments section which means requiring everyone to register and use valid email addresses.
The SSD family is very happy for you and your significant other!
Dallas, Texas – Chief Chris Kyle (USN) and his trusted friend, Chad Littlefield, were tragically killed on Saturday, February 2, 2013, by a troubled veteran whom they were trying to help. Chief Kyle lived by a personal motto that “it is our duty to serve those,who serve us,” and he and Littlefield died honoring this creed. Above all else, Chief Kyle was a unique individual and an amazingly loving father, husband, son, brother, friend and devout Christian who had a profound effect on the lives of thosehe touched.
Chief Kyle was publicly known for being the President of Craft International LLC and the author of the best-selling book, American Sniper. Chief Kyle, a former Navy SEAL, served four Combat tours in Operation Iraqi Freedom and elsewhere. For his bravery in battle, he was awarded two Silver Stars, five Bronze Stars with Valor, two Navy and Marine Corp Achievement Medals, and one Navy and Marine Corps Commendation. After retiring from the Navy, Chief Kyle founded Craft International LLC, a military and law enforcement training company, and was involved in numerous charities, including co-founding FITCO Cares Foundation, and other charitable events benefiting wounded and disabled servicemen and women returning from combat.
“Chris was a true American hero having devoted his adult life to serving his country in combat as a member of the U.S. Navy SEALs and in training our military and law enforcement personnel after leaving the Navy. Chris was also an extremely devoted family man – a wonderful husband and loving father. He gave so much of his time to charitable causes that assisted military personnel and their families and died while trying to help a struggling service member. We are all saddened by his tragic death. America lost one of its finest sons and a true patriot. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Kyle family” said Steven Young, Craft’s CEO.
Mr. Young requests that the media respect the privacy of the Kyle family and friends while they grieve the loss of Chief Kyle. Details of the memorial service and funeral will be released at a later time.
Respectfully
Craft International
As if the news from last night wasn’t enough, this morning we rise to stories swirling the Internet about those with wild stories about why Chris Kyle was killed. Others have used his untimely passing to justify agendas that I am certain Chris would not have supported. So I ask you all to come here and talk about Chris in a positive light. Some knew him well. Some served with him. Some met him at various events. Others trained with him at Craft International. Most of us only know Chris from his book. No matter how Chris Kyle touched your life. Use this space to share your experience with others and let’s celebrate his life.
