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Archive for the ‘Admin’ Category

Support a Worthy Cause and Get a Tshirt

Wednesday, March 2nd, 2011

Elite Defense is helping some friends raise money for the children of SSG Kevin Pape and SFC Lance Vogeler, from 1/75th Ranger Battalion. All proceeds from Tshirts sold will be given to the families. Shirts are $20 and come in sizes: small, medium, large, & x-large; shipping will be based on flat rate boxes from the post office, so a flat rate of $5 for 1-4 shirts and flat rate of $10 for 4 or more shirts. Make sure you get it in time for Saint Patrick’s Day so order now.

To order your shirt please contact: 31memorialfund@gmail.com

Like Crack for the Tactical Addict

Sunday, February 20th, 2011

Awhile back, one of our readers described SSD that way. Based on how often some of you visit us each day, it must be the truth. But even if we were to publish 10 times a day, some guys would be asking for more. More, we can offer, and in several flavors.

TacticalFanboy.com
Awhile back we realized that as our readership grew, so did their interests begin to vary and in response, our editorial content began to shift somewhat as well. Ever conscious of our core readership; Industry, Government, and Military, we became a bit concerned that we had lost some of our focus. And in that notion, the idea for Tactical Fanboy was born. Officially launched during SHOT Show, you can think of it as sort of an alter ego. Over the past few months TFB’s fan base has grown and grown. In fact, some of our most popular stories have been from TFB.

Now, we can have our cake and eat it too and so can you. SSD at work and TFB at home. SSD has moved back to its roots concentrating on hardcore Government and Industry news while TFB has picked up the more recreational and entertainment sides of this community, with a little bit of humor and risque content thrown in for good measure. While this may mean no more worries about running across content on SSD that may be questionable at work, don’t just write TFB off as some milsim wannabe site. The name might be lighthearted but the content will always be on point. Additionally, TFB is more of a traditional blog so feel free to comment and join in the discussion. But don’t worry, you’ll see us share content and collaborate regularly.
www.TacticalFanBoy.com

News
We put the “new” in news. If it’s worth knowing you are going to read it here first. And if you do happen to see it somewhere else first we will tell you to go see it there, unless we have the rest of the story. Which, all too often seems to be the case. There were over 2000 registered media at SHOT show but there sure as hell aren’t 2000 publications or websites worth reading. We will always endeavor to give you the best and most up-to-date coverage of the tactical industry, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. No one else provides this level of coverage.

Twitter
We have found Twitter to be the best means to reach out to our readers and our list of followers continues to grow. In addition to alerts of new stories we also release information through Twitter that might be of interest to our readers or is related to our core content but originates elsewhere.
twitter.com/soldiersystems

Facebook
We launched our Facebook page awhile back and to be honest, while it is all the rage, it is a pain in the ass for us. Telling you that we have posted articles on Facebook and Twitter seems kind of redundant so we will see about doing something more here. We just don’t see the business model for a news website to send our readers over there to put more money in Mark Zuckerberg’s pockets. It’s not like he is going to tell you anything about the tactical market. Having said that, Tactical Fanboy has got his up and running. Check him out as well. That is, everybody except for that weird cyberstalker dude, There’s always one in every crowd.

iPhone
Our iPhone app has been extremely popular and delivers the latest updates directly to your iPhone each time you open it. We want to do an Android app but we are not happy with the company we had chosen. Any suggestions?
iTunes

M4Carbine.net
M4Carbine.net has been most gracious in offering us a dedicated sub-forum to interact with our readers. Not only is it a great place to discuss our articles and current issues in the Soldier Systems industry but M4Carbine.net gives access to the best group of Subject Matter Experts we have run across. No over-inflated CVs, no BS, just good information. Military, Law Enforcement, or a fan of the Black Rifle? You should be a member of M4Carbine.net.
M4Carbine.net

Youtube
We post videos for our articles on our Youtube channel. Additionally, we make use of content posted by others. Always be on the look out for more content.
www.youtube.com

Kindle
Subscriptions to SSD’s content are available for the Kindle via Amazon. Don’t forget there is a Kindle reader for iPhone and iPad.
Scribd.com/solsys

Contests
We have been running some cool contests this year thanks to our sponsors. Our recent kit design contest was the first time we have seen industry reach out to partner with a user to develop new products.
Contest.SoldierSystems.net

Trade Shows
In the near-term look for us at ADS Warrior Expo West and NAVEXFOR.

On-line Gaming
If you have an Xbox Live account, you can friend request ‘Tactical Fanboy’.

The Future
Here at SSD we continuously look at ways to increase interaction with our readers. For example, some of our writers have begun to develop specialized content for other sites. In fact, you may have seen the article on Environmental Clothing Systems on ADS Inc’s web site. You will also begin to see some of our stuff in print. We have also posted content from the Mad Duo and others.

One final word. None of this would be possible without the support of our sponsors. We have affiliated ourselves with reputable companies who provide solid products and services and we would not hesitate to recommend any of them. At SSD we look at our sponsorship program as a two-way street. We are endorsing them as much as they are us and we urge you to support them. They offer some great products. Use them.

One of the first things I learned in the Army was to constantly improve my fighting position, so if you have any additional ideas on ways SSD can do more for you, please feel free to share them with us.

Packing a Piece: Just a Mouse Click Away – Way to Go WAVY

Friday, February 4th, 2011

Once again, yet another TV newscast leads viewers to incorrect conclusions by innuendo and outright incorrect information. In the past we have written about ABC News’ assertion that you can purchase an M203 over the internet as well as Seattle’s KING-5 misleading piece on the tactical nylon industry but this time the problem is closer to home. Norfolk-based WAVY ran a story last night on “Online Gun Training” as part of their “On Your Side” series. As always, we want you to take a look at the report in question before reading our response.

www.wavy.com

Over the days leading up to the report, WAVY teasers led viewers to believe that something illegal might be going on. Having just seen the teaser, you might believe that just anyone can get a Concealed Carry Weapon (CCW) permit by taking a class on the internet. For example, one of the teasers had a voice over with a very ominous, “”Packing a Piece: Just a Mouse Click Away”. Of course this isn’t true at all. To be issued a CCW permit in Virginia, an applicant must 21 years of age, pass a background investigation completed after an application is filed, and show proof of training. Simply taking an online firearm safety class does not guarantee the issuance of a CCW permit.

To WAVY’s credit, once they presented the actual segment, some of those pesky details that get in the way of a good story called “facts” were presented. For example, they are correct that according to current Virginia statute, qualified applicants may be issued a CCW permit without ever having fired a weapon. However, they failed to mention that there is no requirement to have ever fired a weapon in order to even purchase one, let alone carry it concealed, or in the open for that matter. Additionally, on the plus side WAVY did state that a potential CCW holder would have to file an application. However, the report declared that a clerk would not know how an applicant had been trained. Aside from the fact that this is irrelevant, it is untrue as an applicant must provide proof of training in order to receive a permit. Based on the proof presented, a clerk could determine the source of training. While it is perfectly legal under Virginia law to get your safety training online, there are numerous other options available. Additionally, online trainers must be certified by the NRA or the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services.

Concealed carry hasn’t been much of a problem around these parts since permit holders have to pass background investigations. By their very nature, having a CCW permit they are law abiding citizens. Oddly enough, one of the main weapons related problems Hampton Roads residents have run into is that many local law enforcement officers are unfamiliar with firearms laws. There have been numerous incidences of police detaining and even arresting individuals who were legally open carrying firearms. In fact, the WAVY news report demonstrated this issue by mentioning that the “local” office of the Virginia State Police did not know that you could receive your CCW safety training online. Amazing, considering the Virginia State Police have a website that lays out the requirements for a CCW.

http://www.vsp.state.va.us/Firearms_ResidentConcealed.shtm
Please review this page as it delineates what is acceptable training and the requirements for a permit.

They also mentioned that the Portsmouth Sheriff’s Department was going to meet with lawmakers to do something about this. Overall, the best quote from the piece had to be Portsmouth Sheriff’s Department LT Lee Cherry’s warning that the situation was a “Recipe for Disaster”. Classic! Nothing like learning about an existing law from reporters and then coming out after the fact against CCW in a “shall issue” state.

WAVY presented this as a new law but in fact it has been on the books for some time. Then, they likened getting a concealed carry permit to recieving a driver’s license, outright misleading viewers to believe it was actually easier to get a CCW than a DL. As we have already stated, an applicant has to pass a background check for the CCW. On the other hand, they pass DLs out like candy. You could be a convicted mass murderer and still get one.

What’s more, we see no need to get into the nitty gritty of presenting a shooter who claims it took him 5 years to learn to shoot. That is quite frankly, self critiquing.

And as a final kick in the johnson, the report implies that those from states with reciprocal CCW permits might all be dangerous as well as they could get their training online.

Overall, it was a well balanced report; half of it was true, and half wasn’t.

Wings for Warriors – 2011

Monday, January 31st, 2011

Once again, the Wounded EOD Warrior Foundation is sponsoring all you can eat wings at Lendy’s in Virginia Beach on April 1st, 2001 from 1400-1830. In addition to the good eats, there will be a raffle with prizes awarded all through the afternoon. Additionally, the first 100 paying customers through the door get special prizes. See below for details.

Wings for Warriors – Front

Wings for Warriors – Back

Looking for Tactical Equipment in Hawaii?

Sunday, January 30th, 2011

Your search is finally over. Power Edge Tactical is celebrating their grand opening, Monday February 7th, 2011 at their new store on 510 Piikoi St W-120 in Honolulu, Hawaii. They are a full line dealer featuring major brands such as Aimpoint, Eotech, Surefire, Magpul, ARMS, PRI, and Blackhawk. There’s a lot of military on Oahu and plenty of folks visiting the island for business as well as pleasure so make sure you stop in.

GunsForSale.com Purchases The Firearm Blog

Thursday, January 27th, 2011

One of our favorite blogs is The Firearm Blog. We received news that they have been purchased by GunsForSale.com. Former owner Steve has been retained by the new owners and been given the role of Editor-in-Chief while he attends college so we expect to see the same level of quality maintained that we are used to. Congrats to all involved!

Army Blog Releases Army Social Media Guide

Wednesday, January 26th, 2011

The Army has released their 2011 guidance for Soldiers interested in participating in social media. In this day and age most military personnel know that they need to watch what they say around unauthorized personnel as well as the press. One of the biggest dangers of social media is that it draws the participant in and eventually he feels a sense of intimacy with fellow members, who often share a common background or bond. Unfortunately, not everyone in the social media world is a good guy. Whether actively pretending to be someone they are not or just sitting back and taking it all in, some of the folks online are bad guys and I was glad to see the reminder early on in the document that the enemy is listening.

And oh yeah, all of that stuff about “you are representing the Army” is pretty good advice too. I have seen some guys lose their minds online. For those of you who are curious, check it out here. You might want to take a look at the “Army Twitter Strategy” as well.

Announcing TacticalFanboy.com

Tuesday, January 18th, 2011

We’ve been working on this for awhile now; the launch of our new little brother site, TacticalFanboy.com. Awhile back we realized that as our readership grew, so did their interests begin to vary and in response, our editorial content began to shift somewhat as well. Ever conscious of our core readership, that is Industry, Government, and Military, we became a bit concerned that we had lost some of our focus on that group. And in that notion, the idea for Tactical Fanboy was born. Think of it as sort of an alter ego. Over the past few months TFB’s fan base has grown and grown. In fact, some of our most popular stories have been from TFB.

Now, we can have our cake and eat it too and so can you. SSD at work and TFB at home. SSD will go back to its roots and concentrate on hard core Government and Industry news while TFB will pick up the more recreational and entertainment sides of this community with a little bit of humor and risque content thrown in for good measure. While this may mean no more worries about running across content on SSD that may be questionable at work don’t just write TFB off as some milsim wannabe site. The name might be lighthearted but the content will always be on point. Additionally, TFB will be more of a traditional blog so feel free to comment and join in the discussion. But don’t worry, you’ll see us share content and collaborate regularly.

We hope you are as excited about this as we are. Please join TFB at www.TacticalFanBoy.com and look for TFB himself at SHOT Show.