How do you protect yourself while traveling? Being on the road all of the time, this is an issue I struggle with and it’s only exacerbated while traveling overseas. Even some
of the most innocuous stuff like a first-aid kit and a pen knife can get you hemmed up.
Adam Holroyd of Spiritus Systems breaks down some options.
On December 24th, 1944, The Battle of the Bulge had started 8 days before with a massive push by the Germans to split the Allies in half and stop the use of the Belgium port of Antwerp. Many soldiers on both sides had become lost from their units and were looking for a place to stay. Three American Soldiers were lost around the area where the shack was. They saw the light from the small hunting cabin and the smoke from the chimney. They saw their chance to warm up. They knocked on the door and asked if they could come in. The German lady had a small chicken cooking for themselves but invited the Americans in to warm up and for the Christmas meal.
One of the American Soldiers was wounded, and the lady tried to make him comfortable. There was a language barrier for a time till one of the soldiers found out the lady could speak French as well as German. So, everything was going well, and the Americans were feeling right at home.
Then suddenly there was a knock at the door. The American’s went for their guns. The lady went to the door and answered it. There were four German soldiers who were also lost from their unit, and they asked the lady for shelter. The lady answered them with this, “Yes, you can come in for Christmas dinner, but I have other guests.” One German soldier remarked, “Americana.” She said, “yes, and that this was Christmas, and there would be no killing on this night.” She also told the Germans that they would have to lay down their weapons while they came in. She instructed the Americans to do the same.
There they were all in the room together, soldiers who a little while ago were bent on killing each other. Now, they were in a small room together with no weapons. Everyone could feel the tension in the air. It was very quiet for about ten minutes. Then one American soldier offered the Germans a cigarette. They obliged. One of the Germans who had medical training asked about the wounded American. He then began to help the wounded American and made him as comfortable as he could be.
By the time the meal was ready, the atmosphere was more relaxed. Two of the Germans were only sixteen, their corporal was 23. As Elisabeth said grace, Fritz noticed tears in the soldiers’ eyes, both German and American.
The truce lasted through the night and into the morning. Looking at the Americans’ map, the corporal told them the best way to get back to their lines and provided them with a compass. They asked if they should instead go to Monschau, the corporal shook his head and said it was now in German hands. Elisabeth returned all their weapons, and the enemies shook hands and left in opposite directions. Soon they were all out of sight, and the truce was over.
If you are in the Christmas spirit and want to watch a movie about the Battle of the Bugle, I would recommend Battleground. It was written by someone who was in the Battle of the Bugle. It is an all-time classic.
Sorry, I couldn’t find the whole movie. This is the preview.
If you’re a fan of Bravo Company, then you’ll want to pick up a copy of “Mod 1 The Bravo Company MFG Collection”. This monograph by Jon Chang and Stephen Ciuccoli captures images taken from 2012-2021.
More than a look book, the work encompasses dozens of product photos, the complete American Gunfighter History series, and dozens of photos of the BCM Gunfighters on the range training the next generation of responsible American citizens.
bravocompanyusa.com/mod-1-the-bravo-company-mfg-collection-hardcover
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you and your’s. FirstSpear is proud to support those at the Tip of The Spear with 100% American Made gear.
Checkout FirstSpear to learn more about our American Made products, Built For The X.
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Massif’s Elements line of FR clothing was some of the first gear on the market for military use which combined performance with protection from flame threats. In fact, this COTS solution was in use by select military aircrews before operations in the Middle East drove widespread adoption of the technology. Massif has launched a military version of the bib with new features.
Designed to keep you safe and warm, the Elements Bib incorporates a triple-layer, 4-way stretch Softshell flame-resistant fabric which sheds wind and rain. It features a fleece interior and an abrasion resistant exterior. The Battleshield XO FR fabric features Gore® (FR) stretch technology.
The bib design is cut high to eliminate skin exposure when worn with a jacket. In addition to above-the-knee-length zips to facilitate donning and doffing, there are two side entry pockets at the chest. There is a two-way zipper down the front and take up tabs at the waist ensure a snug fit to protect from flame threats. In addition to the two zippered handwarmer pockets at the waist, there are also cargo pockets on either thigh. Finally, both the knee and hem are reinforced with 330D Cordura.
Offered in OCP in sizes XS-3XL.
www.massif.com/elements-bib-military
Multi-Year Contract to Supply Helmets and Headborne Systems Accessories to NATO and Partner Nations
CARBONDALE, PA, DECEMBER 19, 2022 – Gentex Corporation, a global leader in personal protection and situational awareness solutions for defense forces, emergency responders and industrial personnel, announced today an agreement to supply helmets and a catalogue of accessory products to NATO and Partner nations through a multi-year outline agreement contract with the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA).
Gentex will supply variants of its industry-leading Ops-Core® FAST® RF1 and XP ballistic helmet systems to NATO members through the administration of the NSPA. Along with helmet systems, the contract also includes many Ops-Core market-leading headborne accessories including the AMP® Communication Headset and PTTs, ballistic and non-ballistic mandibles, STEP-IN® Visors, and Special Operations Tactical Respirator (SOTR) respiratory products.
“Being able to supply the Ops-Core FAST RF1 and XP helmet systems and accessories through NSPA means that NATO member countries can offer their soldiers and operators the best possible protection through a streamlined process,” said Jim Clarke, Gentex Sales Director for EMEA.
