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US Army Files Trademark Application for M8 Carbine

Tuesday, March 17th, 2026

In late January the US Army filed a trademark application with the US Patent and Trademark Office for the term “M8” for all categories of firearms. As SSD revealed yesterday, the US Army issued an experimental type classification of XM8 to the Carbine version of the M7 Rifle.

The XM8 Carbine has been making the rounds. Above you can see a member of the Army Marksmanship Unit coaching a VIP on the range. In case you were wondering, this one is outfitted with the Vortex “Eleanor” AMG 1-10x optic and the B.E. Meyers’ MAWL-X1 aiming laser. In the background you can see an M7 equipped with the XM157 Next Generation Squad Weapons – Fire Control.

Posted in Advertiser, Army, weapons | 2 Comments »

SureFires Appoints Andrew Wright as Director of Marketing

Tuesday, March 17th, 2026

I’m very pleased to congratulate Andrew Wright on his recent appointment as Director of Marketing by SureFire Founder Dr John Matthews.

Andrew has been with the company since 2011, stating out as a Technical Support Representative and has risen through the ranks, attaining progressively more responsible positions over the years.

Many of us have worked with him as he spearheaded numerous product launches including weapon lights, suppressors, and the SureFire component of the 6ARC magazine collaboration with Magpul.

He’s always a fountain of knowledge on SureFire products and a friendly face in the booth at major tradeshows.

It’s a well deserved promotion.

Posted in Advertiser, Industry | 3 Comments »

FirstSpear and Recon K9 Enter Exclusive Licensing Agreement

Tuesday, March 17th, 2026

FENTON, Mo. (March 16, 2026) – FirstSpear®, the industry leader in load-bearing technology and personal protective equipment, has entered into an exclusive, ten-year license with Recon K9® LLC (“Recon K9”). Under this agreement, FirstSpear will assume responsibility for the sales, marketing, manufacturing, distribution, and logistics of the Recon K9 brand, effectively integrating Recon K9’s operations into FirstSpear’s infrastructure.

This strategic agreement grants FirstSpear exclusive use of all intellectual property owned or developed by Recon K9, including trademarks, product designs, internet domains, and social media accounts.

By leveraging FirstSpear’s market presence and established manufacturing and distribution capabilities, the partnership ensures that Recon K9 products will be manufactured and delivered with the quality and professionalism expected from FirstSpear. Additionally, FirstSpear will manage all warehousing, order fulfillment, and e-commerce operations, streamlining the customer experience.

“In the SOF community, the K9 is not merely an asset; they are a fellow operator,” said Jon Laplume, FirstSpear co-founder and vice president of SOF Strategy and Product Development. “Our integration of Recon K9 is forged in the spirit of Canes Belli, the Dogs of War. By applying FirstSpear’s material science and manufacturing precision to these products, we are making a strategic commitment to the safety and lethality of the entire team, ensuring that when the dogs of war are let slip, they are equipped to win.”

As part of the transition, Recon K9 founder Jason Watson will join the FirstSpear team. Watson will continue to drive the brand’s vision, including participating in product research and development, attending trade shows, and conducting customer visits.

The transition of functional responsibility, including the website, marketing, and inventory management, is scheduled to take place within 30 to 60 days.

About FirstSpear

Founded in 2010, FirstSpear® equips elite military and law enforcement professionals with uncompromising equipment for those bound for “The X.” Guided by its “Built for The X™” ethos, FirstSpear produces lightweight, mission-focused equipment engineered for the most demanding operational environments.

About Recon K9

Recon K9 is the premier global provider of mission-specific tactical gear for military, law enforcement, and federal agency working dogs. Born from the direct requirements of U.S. Army Special Operations Command (USASOC), Recon K9 delivers “excuse-free” equipment designed to enhance the lethality and survivability of the K9 team.

Posted in Advertiser, Industry, K9, Press Release | Comments Off on FirstSpear and Recon K9 Enter Exclusive Licensing Agreement

BFG Monday: Ranger Green vs. OD Green – What’s the Difference?

Monday, March 16th, 2026

While there are many shades of green that occupy the military space (Foliage Green, Sage Green, and Army Green to name a few), Ranger Green and OD Green seem to be the most sought after and widely recognized. These two greens look similar, with muted tones that pair well with a variety of colors like gray, black, coyote brown, and Multicam or other camouflage patterns. So, what’s the difference in the two shades?

OD Green, short for Olive Drab Green, has been a staple of military equipment and uniforms since World War II. It’s a warm, medium-toned green with yellow-brown undertones and is described as “earthy” or “organic.” Ranger Green, by contrast, is a newer development born out of Army SOF requirements in the early 2000s. It is cooler with gray undertones that push it away from the olive family and closer to a subdued, slate-influenced green. For a deeper look at where Ranger Green came from and the history behind its development, check out BFG’s original article on the subject.

The gray component in Ranger Green is the key to understanding why it was developed as a distinct color. OD Green performs well in a broad range of vegetated environments, particularly in temperate zones with lush, mid-toned foliage. Ranger Green, however, was designed with darker, denser environments in mind. Its cooler tones allow it to blend more naturally into shadowed terrain and low-light conditions, where OD Green’s warmer hues can appear slightly bright by comparison. This also makes Ranger Green a strong performer at dusk and dawn during transitional lighting conditions.

The easiest way to distinguish the two is to look at them in indirect or overcast light. OD Green will read warmer and slightly more saturated, with that characteristic olive quality. Ranger Green will appear flatter and grayer, almost as if the green has been dialed back and cooled down. In direct sunlight, the gap between the two can narrow, which is one reason they’re occasionally mistaken for each other in photos.

So, which color is your favorite? Now’s your chance to find out because in honor of St. Patrick’s Day, BFG is offering OD and Ranger Green Vickers Slings at a discounted price! They will only be available while supplies last. Shop the sale today!

About Blue Force Gear®

Widely known for supplying the world’s best weapon slings, Blue Force Gear also leads the lightweight load carriage equipment revolution with Ten-Speed multi-use pouches, MOLLEminus platforms, and their patented Helium Whisper attachment system. Their proprietary ULTRACOMP high-performance coated fabric laminate material, unrivaled innovation, attention to detail, and obsession with reducing weight sets Blue Force Gear apart from others in the tactical equipment industry. Blue Force Gear is a Great Place to Work Certified Company. For more information on products, proprietary technologies, or how BFG continues to reduce weight for the warfighter, visit their website: www.blueforcegear.com

Posted in Advertiser, Guest Post, Materials | Comments Off on BFG Monday: Ranger Green vs. OD Green – What’s the Difference?

FirstSpear Introduces Vanguard Program with Prime Hall

Monday, March 16th, 2026

FENTON, Mo. (March 13, 2026) – FirstSpear®, the industry leader in load-bearing technology and personal protective equipment, announced the launch of its Vanguard Program, a strategic initiative designed to formalize the feedback loop between the engineering lab and the operational field. Coinciding with this launch, FirstSpear has named former Marine Raider and water survival expert Prime Hall as its lead maritime Vanguard.

The Vanguard Program represents a distinct departure from the “influencer” models common in the industry. Instead, FirstSpear Vanguards are selected strictly for their operational pedigree, subject matter expertise, and ability to validate equipment in non-permissive environments.

“The Vanguard Program is our commitment to the end user: we prioritize lethality and safety over likes,” said Lynn Twiss, vice president of marketing for FS Holdings and FirstSpear. “We aren’t interested in ‘influencers’; we are partnering with first-line subject matter experts who understand the gravity of the environments our end users operate in. Prime Hall is the embodiment of a Vanguard. He knows that when you are in the water, gear is survival. His role is to articulate why systems like the AAC Frog Kit have been the quiet professionals’ choice, not because it’s trendy, but because it works when nothing else will.”

Prime Hall: Lead Maritime Vanguard

As the inaugural lead maritime Vanguard, Prime Hall brings extensive special operations experience to the FirstSpear team. A former U.S. Marine Raider and water survival instructor, Hall is a recognized authority on aquatic safety and high-performance mindset training.

In this role, Hall will focus on operational validation and education. He will demonstrate the critical capabilities of the AAC Frog Kit (Assaulter Armor Carrier Frog Kit), and the Adaptive Cummerbund featuring CTAF bladders that FirstSpear-pioneered. Hall will highlight how these specific technologies have quietly set the benchmark for safety and performance in USSOCOM, the U.S. Air Force, and the U.S. Coast Guard.

“To perform at the highest level, you have to access a flow state, that mental zone where everything slows down and execution is automatic. But the water is a chaos agent; it introduces massive physical and mental ‘drag’ that kicks you out of flow,” said Prime Hall. “You can’t maintain high processing power if you’re fighting your equipment. That’s why FirstSpear is the standard for the elite. The AAC Frog Kit and Adaptive Cummerbund don’t just float you, they eliminate the drag. They allow you to ‘close the tabs’ on the environment and stay locked in the flow. I’m here to validate why this kit is the cheat code for maritime operations.”

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Blast From The Past – The Mojave Travel Shirt from Beyond Clothing

Saturday, March 14th, 2026

We are reach by way back into the SSD archives for this one. In May of 2010 we first wrote about a “Travel Shirt” whipped up by Beyond Clothing founder Scott Jones in 2009.

This “Travel Shirt” was originally a one-off that he made for himself. It is a waist length design with mandarin collar, chest and sleeve pockets made from a lightweight material. It almost has a Star Wars vibe.

I harangued him about it and eventually he added it to the line up at Beyond. Now you have to remember, at that time, everything was made to order, including their custom size “Big &Tall” version of the USSOCOM Protective Combat Uniform.

When Beyond sold to 5.11 Tactical not long after, the Mojave Travel Shirt as it became known was dropped from the line as they retooled their offerings. Unfortunately, I never bought one.

I wonder if the patterns are still around and Beyond could reintroduce this cool adventure wear jacket. It would be great in a NEXTEC fabric as a 3-season Softshell.

Posted in Advertiser, Clothing | 7 Comments »

Tekto Knives – A3 Delta Mini

Friday, March 13th, 2026

The new A3 Delta Mini from Tekto Knives is a more compact version of their popular A3 Delta automatic opener.

It features a Drop Point Titanium-Coated D2 Steel blade and G10 scales. To actuate, there’s a button lock with a safety switch. It also incorporates a an ambi pocket clip and something I think is critical for an EDC knife, a glass breaker.

Measurements:

Blade Length: 1.90” (48mm)

Handle Length: 4.00″ (103mm)

Open Length: 6.13″ (155mm)

Handle Width: 0.44″ (11.19mm)

Weight: 2.54oz (72g)

www.tektoknives.com/products/a3-delta-mini

Posted in Advertiser, EDC, Knives | Comments Off on Tekto Knives – A3 Delta Mini

FirstSpear Friday Focus: HOODLUM HOODIE – ACM MID 400

Friday, March 13th, 2026

The FirstSpear HOODLUM HOODIE™ – ACM™ MID 400 is built from ACM-MID 400, a dual-layer knit designed for performance in demanding environments. The interior layer is 100% polyester and pulls moisture away from the skin, while the exterior layer is 100% merino wool that absorbs and disperses that moisture. This system helps regulate temperature and keep you dry during movement or extended wear. The 7.7 oz fabric offers a balance of warmth, breathability, and durability without adding unnecessary bulk.

Designed for operational use, the HOODLUM HOODIE™ – ACM™ MID 400 provides a comfortable, flexible fit with enough stretch to move freely during activity. A full-length front zipper allows for quick ventilation and easy layering. The form-fitting hood adds protection from the elements while maintaining a streamlined profile.

Two zippered front handwarmer pockets provide secure storage and added warmth when needed. Thumbholes integrated into the cuffs help keep sleeves in place and offer additional coverage in cold conditions.

The Hoodlum Hoodie can be worn standalone or integrated into a larger clothing system. Built for reliability in the field, it delivers practical performance with a low-profile design. Made in the USA, the HOODLUM HOODIE™ – ACM™ MID 400 reflects FirstSpear’s commitment to mission-focused gear.

To request an estimate click image above or visit First-Spear.com/Request-For-Estimate. FirstSpear is the premier source for cutting-edge tactical gear for military, law enforcement and those who train. For more information visit First-Spear.com.

Posted in Advertiser, Clothing, FS Friday Focus, Guest Post | 1 Comment »