Here is a sneak peak of the Multicam variant of the new Kiowa boot from Belleville’s Tactical Research.
I have seen the Multicam Kiowa in person and in sunlight the suede actually color matches the Olive in the Multicam pattern.
Available in the near future from Tactical Research.
It seems someone clued Congress in on the fact that the Universal Camouflage Pattern issued to troops fighting in Afghanistan is far from the ideal. So Congress has told the Army to issue something better. Well, the first word in UCP is after all “Universal” and that makes it a compromise since it has to blend in everywhere. Oddly, Afghanistan is not monochrome and there are a variety of environments to blend in with so ultimately a “Universal” camouflage is what is called for after all. Maybe it just needs to be tuned a bit.
Here is the wording from the Conference Committee Report.
“The conferees understand that soldiers deployed to Afghanistan have serious concerns about the current combat uniform which they indicate provides ineffective camouflage given the environment in Afghanistan. Accordingly, the conferees direct that within funding made available the Department of Defense take immediate action to provide combat uniforms to personnel deployed to Afghanistan with a camouflage pattern that is suited to the environment of Afghanistan.
The conferees further direct the Secretary of the Army to provide a report on the program plans and budgetary adjustments necessary to provide appropriate uniforms to deployed and deploying troops to Afghanistan. The report shall be submitted to the congressional defense committees by the end of fiscal year 2009.”
So Congress wants the Army to reprogram money “immediately” to provide an alternative camo pattern for forces in Afghanistan and report to the Armed Services Committees before the end of the fiscal year on it will be accomplished. Can you imagine how this went over when word reached PEO-Soldier? “The jig is up, they’re on to us”.
Now please remember, that this still isn’t law. The President hasn’t signed it YET but is expected to soon.
So how will this play out? Interesting question, considering when asked just weeks ago at the Soldier Systems APBI about the possibility of alternative camouflage patterns, PEO-Soldier officials gave a curt, “No”. However, it has come to our attention that the 173d Airborne Brigade has been granted approval to wear Multicam during their OEF rotation. So that option seems open…maybe. Alternatively, it is highly unlikely that any new SOCOM patterns will be used by general purpose forces. 3-color desert pattern is still available but was replaced by the “superior” UCP so institutional momentum may veto its use. Desert MARPAT is a possibility, if the Army can wade through the interservice rivalry issues. And finally, what about an entirely new pattern, or old for that matter? Several promising designs were tested by Natick in the 2003-2004 time frame before UCP was adopted virtually out of nowhere.
Ultimately, it is going to be about cost. It isn’t just uniforms. There are a variety of other equipage and accouterments that must also be produced in an alternative pattern. And all of this while the Army is still in the throes of a complete roll out of the UCP pattern. Who will foot the bill? Congress has essentially issued budgetary guidance to the Army to reprogram funds.
American pack maker Kifaru recently discussed the issues that surround offering printed webbing on their web forum. Due to the cost involved with stocking additional materials in various sizes to manufacture packs with both printed Multicam and UCP webbing, combined with low market demand, they have decided to delay altering their line. However, they announced that they will now accommodate special orders, with a slight catch. You will have to provide the webbing.
Anyone interested in this option will need to contact Janice at the shop to get the correct Bill of Materials and be prepared to pay a 10% surcharge for a custom pack. This is the same procedure for other custom pack options they have offered in the past.
To order any of the Kifaru line of packs visit www.kifaru.net.
We would also like to take this opportunity to welcome Kifaru International as a new sponsor of Soldier Systems Daily.
Last Fall we wrote an article about the new lightweight boonie hat from London Bridge. After fulfilling contracts the hats are now available through Tactical Distributors.
The Ghillie-style Boonie Hat features a ragged leaf/mesh crown with an Elasticized Soft Head Band for Comfort. This means you don’t need a chin strap. The One Size Fits all hat can be easily stowed in a cargo pocket and is ultra light weight, weighing in at a mere 1.05 Oz! Ample stocks of the hat are available and discounts are available for retailers. The part number is TNT-BOONIE-WD (woodland), –MC (multicam), -DD (Desert Digital), and -UC (UCP).
Beginning today Mystery Ranch is discounting several packs. Quantities are limited and the sale ends when they are sold out.
Foliage NICE Frame and ACU Crew Cab $420.00
Normal retail is $490
CBMR Cerberus $259.00
Normal retail is $479.00
To order, head on over to MysteryRanch.com.
Please note that Mystery Ranch refers to Universal Camouflage pattern as ACU.
The Canadian War Museum is hosting a new exhibition featuring a history of camouflage. Interestingly, they are looking at it from all aspects including the fashion angle which leads to the exhibition including this stunning Jean Paul Gautier creation.
At any rate, they have a whole summer of camo goodness planned so if you are in Ottawa check it out and let us know what you think. For more information visit the Canadian War Museum online.
Tactical Grilling has been around for several years but has never failed to capture our attention each summer as we pull the grill out to get it ready for another season.
They currently offer three products; the Tactical Grilling Apron, the Tactical Spatula Sheath , and the Tactical Beer Shingle. The full length Tactical Grilling Apron is manufactured from 1000D Cordura and features three rows of MOLLE webbing across the waist and two rows across the chest. The Tactical Beer Shingle keeps three cold brews right at your fingertips. This accessory naturally attaches to other tactical platforms. Finally, the Tactical Spatula Sheath is a loop that easily accepts your grilling implements of destruction. No more misplaced tongs or spatulas.
All of Tactical Grilling’s products are made in the USA and are available individually or as a kit. They are available now in UCP but Tactical Grilling is accepting pre-orders for Multicam.
The IMag Interlocking Mag Pouch System from Granite Gear we introduced you to at SHOT Show are apparently becoming quite popular with the Army Sniper community. In addition to 30 5.56 magazines, they also fit the magazine for the M110 Semi-Automatic Sniper System (SASS) offering a universal ammunition pouch for the Sniper. Snipers also like the pouch’s locking locking closure that won’t open during a stalk.
Granite Tactical Gear products are offered by MMI and this is, in conjunction with the new Sniper Ghillie Hut are just a taste of the products they have coming for the Sniper community.
Granite Gear Tactical products are made in the USA and available in Khaki, UCP, and Multicam from www.granitetacticalgear.com.
