G24 Mount from Wilcox Ind

Archive for the ‘Advertiser’ Category

Streamlight Launches Special-Edition Lights for a Cause

Tuesday, April 15th, 2025

Portion of Proceeds From Nano Light® II and Wedge®XT Lights to Support Breast Cancer Research Foundation and Concerns of Police Survivors

EAGLEVILLE, PA, April 14, 2025 – Streamlight® Inc., a leading provider of high-performance lighting tools, announced the launch of four new “Lights for a Cause” models to support two major non-profit organizations. The new lights, including the BCRF Pink Nano Light® II, BCRF Pink Wedge® XT, C.O.P.S. Blue Nano Light® II, and C.O.P.S. Blue Wedge® XT, are designed to raise awareness of and funding for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) and Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.) 

“As a long-time corporate supporter of these two critically important organizations, Streamlight is proud to introduce these new Lights for a Cause, which offer customers dependable tools while also funding vital work,” said Michael F. Dineen, Streamlight President. “Whether supporting the families and co-workers of fallen officers or advancing life-saving cancer research, these special edition lights give back in a meaningful way.” 

The Nano Light® II is an ultra-compact keychain light that delivers 20 lumens of brightness and one hour of run time, powered by a single AAAA alkaline battery. Lightweight and durable, it’s made of machined aluminum and includes a non-rotating snap hook for quick, one-handed use.

The Wedge® XT is a USB-C rechargeable everyday carry light that provides 500 lumens of bright white light, with a slim, flat profile for comfortable pocket carry. It features a tactical push-button tail switch, deep pocket clip, and an 11-hour run time on low, making it ideal for users who rely on a powerful yet easily portable lighting solution.

Streamlight is donating $1 from the purchase of the Pink Nano Light® II and $3 from the purchase of the Pink Wedge® XT to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation; both lights are marked with the BCRF logo. BCRF’s mission is to advance the world’s most promising research to eradicate breast cancer. For more information about BCRF, visit www.bcrf.org.

The company is also donating $1 from the purchase of the Blue Nano Light® II and $3 from the purchase of the Blue Wedge® XT, both marked with the C.O.P.S. logo, to Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.). C.O.P.S.’s mission is rebuilding the shattered lives of surviving family members and co-workers affected by a line-of-duty death. For more information about C.O.P.S., visit www.concernsofpolicesurvivors.org.

All four models are available now through Streamlight’s network of authorized dealers. The Nano Light® II has an MSRP of $19.50, and the Wedge® XT is priced at $159.65. The lights include Streamlight’s Limited Lifetime Warranty.

For more information, visit www.streamlight.com.

MATBOCK Monday – Most Advanced Indirect Firing System

Monday, April 14th, 2025

The Multi-Weapon Aiming Device (MWAD) is a multi-platform capable ballistic computer that digitally displays range and azimuth for indirect fire weapon systems. The MWAD provides real-time ballistic solutions accounting for environmental conditions, round type, platform, and lot deviations, allowing the user to put rounds on target more accurately and in less time than legacy aiming systems. Full integration into ATAK architecture allows receipt of call for fire missions, informs team leaders of aim point for entire teams, and enables accurate engagement of moving targets. The MWAD is compatible with 40mm and 60mm and has various crew-served weapon platforms. Software modifications can be made on request to include any direct fire weapons system.

NSN: 1240-01-718-6292

www.matbock.com

ITAR Controlled: Multi-Weapon Aiming Device, MWAD Version 1, Part Number MB-MWAD, is subject to its jurisdiction in accordance with the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) (22 CFR parts 120-130). It is designated a defense article under Category XII(c)(2)(iii) of the U.S. Munitions List. Pursuant to the ITAR, a license or other approval is required prior to any export from, or temporary import into, the United States.

Did AFSOC Field A New Helmet? Well, Sort Of….

Saturday, April 12th, 2025

A buddy recently sent me this photo and asked me about this new helmet being worn by AFSOC, inquiring what it was.

I hadn’t seen it before and was intrigued. I put out some feelers and then I tracked the photo down to the Air Force Special Operations Command website, showcasing the Special Operations Forces Medical Skills Development program last October at Hurlburt Field, Florida. There was a whole photo story with these helmets peppered throughout.

It didn’t look like any helmet I had ever seen. Here I am thinking it might be some Air Force Research Lab project, but the truth, it would turn out, reminds me of that old Eddie Murphy comedy sketch, “We’ve got McDonald’s at home.*”

After further investigation, I found that this airsoft helmet (yes, I said airsoft) costs around $150 and goes by several names online, but seems to be manufactured by Avengers Airsoft. Avengers calls it the “Ark” Helmet w/ Integrated Cooling System & Headset. Granted, once you look at more of the photos you realize that they are training with paintball guns and that’s likely why they were purchased. They sort of look like issue helmets and are meant for airsoft. Even the website claims that the helmet is “Designed for Foam Blaster, Nerf, Gel Blaster, Battle Blaster, and low power Airsoft Gaming. ANSI rated full face mask recommended for close quarter / high power Airsoft Gaming.”

However, not only is this helmet not safety certified or approved for use as a ballistic, or even bump helmet, it’s also not Berry compliant. Sure, you can hide behind the micro-purchase exemption for Berry but I’d only use that defense if it were some uber cool European ballistic helmet like the NFM Hjelm, not some ABS bucket. What’s more, they aren’t using the face mask, despite using paintball guns, which kind of defeats the purpose of buying these helmets.

I’m not going to cast aspersions on the person who actually bought these things. I am sure they were well intended and bought what they were told to buy. They look sort of like an approved high cut helmet, but not much. Manufacturers Galvion, Gentex, and Team Wendy all make both ballistic and bump helmet models which are approved for wear and have been procured by the Air Force, and they can be used for sim training and have the appropriate mandibles.

Hopefully, AFSOC will procure some proper helmets for these Airmen soon which are actually certified for sim training. These toys should be crushed and put in the dumpster.

As for the rest of you, this is a cautionary tale. If you’re tasking a GPC holder to buy something for you, be very specific about what you want, even down to manufacturer and model preferences. Include specifications in order to further avoid confusion. If you don’t know, I suggest you have your GPC holder, or supply, get ahold of one of the Special Operations TLS vendors like Darley or Noble. There are several contract holders and they have in-house experts who can go over options. You can also do some research each here on SSD.

AFSOC Photos by Airman 1st Class Raul Mercado.

*Language warning, it’s Eddie after all…

Limited Edition VCAS Desert Tiger Stripe Sling from Blue Force Gear

Saturday, April 12th, 2025

The latest in Blue Force Gear’s limited edition VCAS slings is in Desert Tiger Stripe Camouflage.

Made in the USA, the Vickers Combat Assault Sling has become an industry icon, featuring DuPont Zytel nylon slider and triglides along with printed 1″ webbing.

BFG offers two versions – the Base Model with triglides on the front and rear for attaching directly to sling swivels or combined with other hardware such as Uloops, and the Vickers 221 Sling version with Dual Push Button comes with push button sling swivesl and a Burnsed Socket on the rear that allows for single-point carry.

Get yours before they sell out.

www.blueforcegear.com/desert-tiger-stripe-sling

FirstSpear Friday Focus: Multi-Purpose Pack

Friday, April 11th, 2025

The FIRSTSPEAR MULTI-PURPOSE PACK is a highly versatile and durable pack originally developed as a medical bag for a U.S. Special Operations Forces element. It has since proven adaptable for a variety of uses such as a range bag, escape and evasion (E&E) pack, or a compact day-pack.

One of its standout features is the inclusion of five external pockets, offering ample organization and quick access to essential gear. A large hydration compartment ensures users remain mission-ready and hydrated during intense activity. The low-profile padded shoulder straps provide comfort during extended wear without adding bulk.

This pack’s design emphasizes discretion and utility, making it an exceptional choice for those needing low-visibility gear. Exterior compression straps help to stabilize the load and reduce the overall footprint of the bag, which is ideal for tactical or high-mobility scenarios.

The MULTI-PURPOSE PACK is especially valued for its ability to seamlessly transition between roles, catering to users who need flexibility in their gear. For those seeking a compact, low-profile pack with elite origins, the FIRSTSPEAR MULTI-PURPOSE PACK is a standout option.

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.

Find Noble Supply & Logistics on GSA & AbilityOne Commercial Platforms

Thursday, April 10th, 2025

There are many ways for government to procure the various equipment and supplies it needs to accomplish the mission. With the launch of the Government Service Administration Commercial Platform, ordering has come to the Internet making it is as convenient as doing your shopping at home. In fact, they’ll deliver your order, right to your unit or agency’s door.

The Commercial Platforms program was established in response to Section 846 of the fiscal year 2018 National Defense Authorization Act. Since March 27, 2024, Noble Supply & Logistics has been a part of the GSA web-based commercial platform which is built specifically to support government purchasing rules and leverage the ease-of-use of the Government Purchase Card.

As a certified small business, Noble participates on this platform to offer access to commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) items in the commodity areas of Food Sevice, Furniture, Industrial (including MRO), Janitorial & Sanitation, Office Supplies, and Technology (including 899 compliance). The GSA platform also opens access to AbilityOne products.

According to GSA there are several advantages to using this platform:

– Access to commercial product catalogs

– B2B pricing benefits like volume discounts, tiered pricing, and more

– No minimum order quantities

– Automatic tax exemption

– Product availability, speedy delivery, and clear ordering tracking

– Order history reports and printable invoices to aid credit card reconciliation

Noble leverages a supply chain of over 15,000 suppliers and millions of products, but if you don’t see what you need, they’ll get it for you.

If you’re looking for a convenient way to purchase equipment and supplies for your unit or agency without the lengthy and cumbersome solicitation process, but with full GSA approval and oversight, check this program out.

Visit gsacp.noble.com to set up your account and learn more.

Darley Partners with National Fallen Firefighters Association for the 2025 Fire Service Thought Leadership Essay Competition

Wednesday, April 9th, 2025

Darley Partners with National Fallen Firefighters Association for the 2025 Fire Service Thought Leadership Essay Competition

Itasca, IL, April 9, 2025 – Darley, in partnership with the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF), is proud to announce the launch of the 2025 Fire Service Thought Leadership Essay Contest –Understanding the “Why” Behind Mental Health in the Fire Service. Now in its fourth year, this initiative challenges firefighters nationwide to explore the critical yet often overlooked mental health issues within their ranks.

The competition seeks to uncover the deeper reasons behind firefighters’ persistent mental health challenges, beyond the daily high-stakes stress of their lifesaving roles. “Understanding the ‘why’ behind the mental health crisis is crucial,” said Garry Briese, a member of the Darley Board of Directors. “This competition provides a unique platform for firefighters to voice their experiences and insights, fostering a broader understanding and paving the way for effective solutions.”

With a focus on introspection and analysis, participants are encouraged to examine various factors contributing to mental health issues, including job stress, firehouse culture, and broader societal impacts that uniquely affect firefighters. The aim is to identify why these challenges not only exist but continue to escalate, especially in the context of rising rates of PTSD, divorce, and suicide within the fire service community.

How to Participate:

Eligibility: Open to active and retired firefighters, both career and volunteer

Essay Requirements: Submit a three- to four-page essay in PDF format, using 12-point Times New Roman font, double-spaced.

Submission Period: March 24 – June 2.

“We often hear firefighters say, ‘I’m OK,’ masking the true emotional toll of their duties,” said Victor Stagnaro, Chief Executive Officer of the NFFF. “This competition is a call to action for firefighters to express themselves openly and contribute to a crucial dialogue that can lead to real and lasting change.”

Submissions will be peer-reviewed by a panel of fire service and mental health experts, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of the insights presented.

For more details on the competition and submission guidelines, please visit darley.com/essay-contest.

UF PRO and Lindnerhof to Exhibit at SOF Week 2025

Wednesday, April 9th, 2025

KOMENDA, SLOVENIA and LENGGRIES, GERMANY (08.04.2025)

UF PRO and Lindnerhof, both part of Mehler Systems, will participate in SOF Week 2025, taking place from 5–8 May in Tampa, Florida. Hosted by USSOCOM, SOF Week serves as a central platform for the global special operations community to engage with leading-edge technologies and mission-critical solutions.

At the East Mezzanine Lounge, UF PRO and Lindnerhof will jointly showcase advanced systems developed to support modern-day operators across all operational environments.

UF PRO will present a selection of its latest performance garments designed for extreme conditions and mission-specific applications. These include the Delta OL 4.0 Winter Jacket and Pants, offering advanced cold-weather protection through high thermal insulation and weather resistance. The Striker TT Combat Shirt and Pants are optimised for hot and humid environments, providing breathable comfort and reliable functionality during high-intensity operations. The AcE Gen.2 Winter Combat Shirt is engineered for cold-weather missions that involve constant movement, balancing insulation with breathability. The Striker X Gen.2 Combat Pants, rugged and ergonomic, are built to deliver reliability and comfort in the harshest conditions faced by military professionals.

Lindnerhof will highlight its latest developments in modular load-carrying and mission equipment. This includes the Shikari/Abseiling Quick Drop Set-up with Belt, a configuration tailored for vertical access and rapid deployment. The versatile Set-up with Belt supports a wide range of mission profiles through its lightweight, scalable design. Also on display will be The Beast—Lindnerhof’s heavy load-carrying system—engineered for extreme loads and extended missions, offering excellent weight distribution, stability, and comfort where endurance is critical.

Together, UF PRO and Lindnerhof reflect Mehler Systems’ commitment to developing mission-focused solutions that support the operational needs of today’s special forces.

More information available at: mehler-systems.com/event/sof-week-2025