Vertx has teamed up with the heavy hitters (Premier Body Armor, SureFire, Oakley, and Aero Precision) to bring you a tactical gear package that’ll make your buddies green with envy.
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JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas (AFNS) —
A four-year initiative to modernize the day-to-day equipment of active-duty Air Force security forces defenders reached its fifth and final phase recently with the award of a $39 million contract for state-of-the-art defender gear.
In addition to securing the contract award through the Air Force Installation Contracting Center’s 773rd Enterprise Sourcing Squadron, the Air Force Security Forces Center worked with Air Force Materiel Command logisticians to get the equipment into the Logistics Readiness Inventory Control System.
“Because of this effort, not only will it be easier to account for equipment, defenders will now be able to move from one installation to another with their Model Defender Individual Equipment Kit under the Gear for Life program,” said Master Sgt. Derek Walton, AFSFC Model Defender and Gear for Life program manager. “This means they will no longer need to have that equipment issued at each installation as they progress in their careers.”
At the direction of Air Force Security Forces, the Model Defender initiative began in June 2020 with a focus on standardizing must-have daily gear for every defender in the Department of the Air Force.
“The establishment of the Model Defender Individual Equipment Kit was crucial as it standardized gear across the Air Force security forces enterprise enhancing operational efficiency, ensuring the safety and professional appearance of personnel and fostering modernization within the Total Force,” said Dennis Rodriguez, AFSFC individual protective equipment branch chief.
AFSFC started the new initiative by developing a standardized equipment list of 23 items which was then coordinated, amended and approved through major commands and security forces headquarters. This resulted in a final Model Defender Individual Equipment Kit.
Working with industry and Air Force contracting partners, the center then conducted phase 1 testing of state-of-the-art equipment using active-duty, National Guard Bureau and Air Force Reserve Commanddefenders in the San Antonio area.
“This collaborative effort with industry partners for phase 1 testing also streamlined the acquisition process, ensuring that all security forces are well equipped and ready for their duties,” Rodriguez said.
Based on testing results, AFSFC continued to phase 2 for expanded day-to-day testing at eight installations across four major commands, and phase 3 where the center consolidated and scrutinized collected data before presenting their findings to the Air Force Equipment and Weapons Configuration Board for validation.
During both of these phases, AFSFC worked with AFICC’s contracting experts for an acquisition strategy that would move the purchase forward once decisions were made about what equipment was best for the defender force.
“By conducting ongoing testing with the consolidation and analysis of test results, we were able to swiftly transition through the phases,” Rodriguez said. “This parallel processing allowed for immediate adjustments and expedited the validation and acquisition processes.”
As a result, the equipment procurement plan was set to go immediately after the team confirmed the best equipment for the security forces enterprise, he added.
Phase 4, the first purchase of Model Defender kit equipment took place May 2023 with Blue Force Gear and marked a significant milestone in the timeline.
“Blue Force Gear developed a kit specifically to meet the needs of our security forces enterprise,” Walton said. “Their laser cut technology is cutting edge and integrates seamlessly with the body armor solution that was selected by the Air Force.”
Upon receiving the initial small equipment purchase, the AFSFC team shifted focus to begin collaboration with Headquarters Air Force.
“The goal was to integrate the Model Defender items into the supply system through the Gear for Life initiative,” Rodriguez said. “Which was crucial for us to ensure the newly acquired equipment would be seamlessly incorporated into the broader system, enhancing the overall readiness and capability of the SF enterprise.”
“Our collaboration with headquarters was pivotal,” he added. “Integrating the Model Defender equipment into the Gear for Life initiative is not just a step, it’s a leap toward equipping defenders with the tools they need to face the future head-on.”
The final phase award was the career field’s largest purchase ever when the full contract of $39 million was awarded to Blue Force Gear in April.
Equipment rollout to the field is expected to begin in December with full delivery to the field by early 2025.
The finalized Model Defender kit consists of:
– M-4 magazine pouches
– M-18 magazine pouches
– Dump pouches (for easily stowing a variety of items like empty magazines)
– Holster adapters
– Mollie belts (a webbed belt that allows gear to be attached in a variety of configurations)
– Utility and handcuff pouches
– Flashlight and baton pouches
By Debbie Aragon, Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center Public Affairs
Swansboro, NC – June 17th, 2024 – High Speed Gear®, theleading manufacturer of tactical gear and accessories, is proud to announce that their new GEN 2 TACO® product line has been tested and recommended by the National Tactical Officers Association (NTOA). This significant endorsement underscores the exceptional quality, durability, and functionality of High Speed Gear’s products, reinforcing their commitment to providing top-tier gear for law enforcement and tactical professionals.
The NTOA, known for its rigorous testing and evaluation process, awarded the entire GEN 2 TACO line high marks for its innovative design and reliable performance. The NTOA rating scale goes up to 5.00 and all of High Speed Gear’s GEN 2 TACOs received high ratings.
This latest iteration of the TACO, known as the GEN 2, features enhanced materials and construction techniques that ensure superior retention and ease of access for magazines and other tactical essentials. A fun-favorite feature called “Mini MOLLE”which offers half-inched spacing allows users to mount their GEN 2 TACOs to anything from belts to plate carriers with a more secure fit.
These products and their scores include:
• The GEN 2 Pistol TACO – 4.58
• The GEN 2 Rifle TACO – 4.43
• The GEN 2 X2R TACO – 4.38
• The GEN 2 Double Decker TACO – 4.48
• The GEN 2 Handcuff TACO – 4.28
• The GEN 2 Double Pistol TACO – 4.53
• The GEN 2 Extended Pistol TACO – 4.32
High Speed Gear has a longstanding reputation for producing high-quality tactical gear trusted by military professionals, law enforcement authorities, and responsibly armed citizens. The NTOA approval further solidifies the company’s position as an industry leader and affirms the GEN 2 TACO® line as an essential tool for tactical professionals.
For more information about High Speed Gear® and the GEN 2 TACO® line, please visit www.highspeedgear.com/tacos/gen-2-tacos or contact the HSG sales team at sales@highspeedgear.com.
NEWINGTON, N.H., (June 13, 2024) – SIG SAUER will be exhibiting at the upcoming Eurosatory Exhibition, scheduled for June 17, 2024 – June 21, 2024, at the Paris-Nord Villepinte Exhibition Centre in Paris, France. The SIG SAUER Stand is #E25 located in Hall 6.
SIG SAUER is proud to display and present its innovative defense and security products, including:
•Next Generation Squad Weapons, XM7 and XM250 (NGSW): The U.S. Army chose the SIG SAUER Next Generations Squad Weapons to replace the M4, M4A1 and M249 weapons. The NGSW systems will be on display and featured at the SIG SAUER Eurosatory Stand.
•SIG 6.8mm Hybrid Ammunition: The 6.8mm SIG Hybrid Ammunition, designed and engineered to fill a capability gap requiring increased energy on target at range. The 6.8mm SIG Hybrid Ammunition will be on display and featured at the SIG SAUER Eurosatory Stand.
•SIG SAUER MCX Rifles: The MCX platform has been developed as the best rifle system in the world. The latest evolution, the MCX LIGHTWEIGHT will be on display and featured at the SIG SAUER Eurosatory Stand.
•SIG SAUER MG 338: A belt-fed, lightweight, medium machine gun chambered in .338 Norma Mag, 7.62 NATO, and 6.8 mm NGSW Hybrid. The SIG MG 338 is a man-portable platoon level battlefield solution, with a similar effective-range to the 0.5 caliber M2. The SIG MG 338 will be on display and featured at the SIG SAUER Eurosatory Stand.
•Remote Control Weapons Station (RCWS): General Robotics, a SIG SAUER company, is a world leader and premier developer and manufacturer of lightweight remote weapon stations and tactical robotics for manned and unmanned platforms and anti-drone applications. The RCWS systems and system capabilities demonstrations will be featured at the SIG SAUER Eurosatory Stand.
To learn more about SIG military and defense products visit sigsauer.com/defense.
The FAST FTC OMNI, which flips the magnifier to center for stowage, has been updated to now also accommodate Holosun™ HM3X and HM3XT magnifiers. Originally launched in 2022, the FTC OMNI was previously compatible with various magnifiers from EOTECH®, Sig Sauer®, Trijicon® and Vortex®.
The FAST Modular Accessory Suite now also includes the FAST Pro Clamp, which replaces the two-bolt rail clampallowing a SureFire® Pro light body to attach directly to the side of the mount. The light body can rotate up or down on the clamp for preferred placement.
The Pro Clamp is primarily designed to replace the two-bolt rail clamp on RAXIS™, allowing the end user to mount their light up front next to the laser, which is positioned on top of the rifle. In this use case, the light can fold up into the open pocket directly between the B.E. Meyers® MAWL® and the handguard.
“We focus on even the smallest details so that UNITY products give you an edge,” said Mike Roth, VP of business development for UNITY Tactical. “The FAST Pro Clamp is a small piece that fills a need for a specific use, but as part of the larger FAST ecosystem it broadens the capability and versatility of our mounting solutions. Expanding the FTC OMNI to also include compatibility with Holosun magnifiers does the same.”
The Pro Clamp will also attach to any FAST mount using a two-hole clamp. It must replace the FAST QD Lever, making it incompatible. This is primarily helpful on shorter handguards, such as a PDW where rail space is at a premium. In such cases, users can also utilize the Pro Clamp to mount a KIJI™illuminator using a SureFire Pro body.
The FAST Pro Clamp is made of 7075-T6 aluminum that is type III hardcoat anodized. It is available only in black and includes a lifetime warranty. It retails for $59 and is available for purchase now through authorized UNITY dealers and on UNITYtactical.com.
B5 Systems, a leading manufacturer of professional grade firearms accessories, is proud to announce the release of our latest product, the M-LOK® Vertical Foregrip. Precision engineered and designed to enhance ergonomics and handling for tactical, sporting, and recreational shooters.
The new Vertical Foregrip offers several key features:
Ergonomic Design: Engineered to provide superior comfort and control, the foregrip features an ergonomic shape which fits naturally in the hand.
Enhanced Grip Texture: The surface texture on all four sides ensures a secure grip even in wet conditions, or while wearing gloves.
Durable Construction: Made from high-strength polymer, the foregrip is designed to withstand rigorous use while maintaining a short profile, without adding unnecessary weight.
Versatile Mounting Options: Compatible with M-LOK® rail systems and mountable forward or reverse. Includes M-LOK® attachment hardware.
Colorways: Available in Black, FDE, Coyote Brown, OD Green, Wolf Grey as well as Multicam®, Multicam® Black, and Woodland.
The B5 Systems M-LOK® Vertical Foregrip is available now for purchase through B5 Systems’ official website and authorized distributors and dealers.
For more information about these and other products visit us at www.B5Systems.com
• 100% Berry Compliant “Roper” Cow Leather
• Double Layered
• Firmer grain/external texture on the grain of the leather
• Softer texture on internal side
Looking for a minimalist glove that won’t burn through your hands during those intense fast rope insertions? Look no further than the Fast Rope Mitt (FRM). Not only does it fold flat for easy transport, but its advanced two finger pattern allows for quick access to your trigger finger as soon as you hit the ground. This fast rope glove puts all other gloves to shame.
For more information, check out: www.first-spear.com/fast-rope-mitt.
We are excited to announce our first-ever Family Reunion! This event is open to the public and a fantastic opportunity to meet and mingle with reps from some of your favorite brands. Whether you’re a long-time customer or a first-time visitor, we welcome you to join us for an afternoon of fun and conversation!
Join us at the Bold Mariner Brewing Company
Thursday, June 27th
3 PM to 6 PM
Meet with Reps – Have your questions answered, learn about new products, and get insider information from the experts.
First Round’s On Us – Pre-register for the event and get your first beer for free.
Giveaways & More – Get there early for freebies and door prizes!
Pre-register here.
We look forward to seeing you there!
