Look for AUSA coverage live from the annual meeting. AUSA is generally a challenging cellular environment so this will be a good test to see how SHOT show will go.
Archive for the ‘Admin’ Category
AUSA – We’re Here
Monday, October 10th, 2011Look for Us at AUSA
Friday, October 7th, 2011SSD will be attending the AUSA (AUSA) 2011 Annual Meeting October 10-12 at the Walter E Washington Convention Center in beautiful downtown in Washington, DC. Drop us a line if you’ll be there or if you’re a company who’d like to chat.
10 Years at War
Friday, October 7th, 2011Ten years ago today marked the beginning of ground combat in Afghanistan, essentially launching the war on terror. This is the longest war our Nation has yet waged. It is a foundry that forged the most lethal and experienced military the world has ever seen.
As we enter our second decade of war, think of our troops, both serving and veteran, and do what you can to support them and their families. Whether it’s building protective products or weapon systems, caring for the wounded, donating to military and veteran charities, or just offering an ear to listen, these men and women need the support of the Nation.
Oct 3rd Raid
Monday, October 3rd, 2011Today is the 18th Anniversary of the Oct 3rd Raid during which elements of TF Ranger, deployed to Mogadishu, Somalia conducted an operation on that city’s Olympic Hotel in order to capture key leaders of the Aidid Militia.
Unfortunately, during the exfil portion of the raid a battle ensued that claimed the lives of 18 Americans and wounded another 73. Additionally, CW3 Michael Durant was captured by the militia.
For those of you unfamiliar, one of the best accounts is contained in the book, “Blackhawk Down” by author Mark Bowden. Much of the information was serialized prior to the book’s publication in the Philadelphia Enquirer. Later this was made into a movie bearing the same name.
Please take a moment to remember these men and their sacrifice.
SOG Knives & Tools – What are THEY Thinking
Sunday, October 2nd, 2011
We love SOG Specialty Knives & Tools. However, we don’t love questionable practices in light of military ethics codes. It seems Sergeant Joshua C. Holubz, US Army (Ret) was the winner of the SOG Knives “Friday Faceoff” making him last week’s Face of SOG. Truth be told, his story is harrowing. But that doesn’t justify using his image in uniform to sell knives.
DoD 5500.7R is the Joint Ethics Regulation. Para’s 2-304 and 3-209 cover this issue. Read it and make your own conclusion.
“2-304. Use of Military Title by Retirees or Reserves. Retired military members and members of Reserve Components, not on active duty, may use military titles in connection with commercial enterprises, provided they clearly indicate their retired or inactive Reserve status. However, any use of military titles is prohibited if it in any way casts discredit on DoD or gives the appearance of sponsorship, sanction, endorsement, or approval by DoD. In addition, in overseas areas, commanders may further restrict the use of titles by retired military members and members of Reserve Components.”
“3-209. Endorsement. Endorsement of a non Federal entity, event, product, service, or enterprise may be neither stated nor implied by DoD or DoD employees in their official capacities and titles, positions, or organization names may not be used to suggest official endorsement or preferential treatment of any non Federal entity except those listed in subsection 3 210., below.”
When we saw this photo posted on SOG’s Facebook page, we posted a comment that this looked like an ethics violation. SOG didn’t take the photo down. Instead, they deleted our comment.
So, what do you think? Was SOG right or wrong? Would it have been better to use a photo if he was out of uniform?
Unfortunately, SOG will probably never have anything to do with us again after bringing this to light. If so, we can live with that. If you are a servicemember (active or retired), make sure you know what you are doing when you involve yourself with commercial entities. If you are a company, please don’t put our servicemembers in this situation.
If you want to know more about ethics rules here are some resources:
Office of Government Ethics
U.S. Department of Defense Standards of Conduct Office
Office of General Counsel, Department of the Army
Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Judge Advocate General, Ethics and Fraud Remedies
Department of the Navy Ethics Program
TOMMY V Challenge III
Wednesday, September 28th, 2011The Thomas J. Valentine Memorial Fund, established in 2010, is a tribute to the memory of USN SOCS Tom Valentine who was a SEAL. Through CharitySmith The Thomas J. Valentine Memorial Fund is now an established non-profit memorial fund (EIN #87-0636433) and supports the Navy SEAL Foundation.
This year’s Golf & Skeet Tournament will be held October 21, 2011 at the NAS Oceana Skeet Range & Aeropines Golf Course.
I will be shooting skeet on a team at this year’s event. For those of you in the Tidewater of Virginia come out to support the foundation.
BHI Open Late to Support Your EOY Needs
Tuesday, September 27th, 2011Blackheart International is on call to help you with your last-minute purchasing needs before the fiscal year ends on Friday, 30 September. Their call-in and FAX ordering center will be open from 9 AM until midnight on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.
Call them at 304-457-1280.
