Sniper Dynamics has increased their range of StalkLand camouflage with the printing of the Void pattern for alpine and arctic environments.
This and other products shown at Rampart Range Day are available for unit and agency orders in Canada and the US through Rampart.
At last week’s Modern Day Marine, FibroTex USA showed me their T1 Thermal Mitigation Combat Uniform. As the name implies, it provides thermal as well as visual camouflage. Essentially, they’ve taken their successful ULCANS technologies and implemented them into a BDU to address thermal signature and other bandwidths.
The uniforms can be custom printed for visual camouflage and are cut in a combat style complete with built-in knee pad pockets and bicep pockets. They can replicate any camouflage as well as offer custom options, including alpine/snow patterns. You’d think that something with these types of multi-spectral properties would be uncomfortable but one end-user said that they had a pajama-like feel during his post-evaluation debrief.
I’ve handled one of the uniforms but not worn it. The shirt I examined had a knit torso but they also offer one made completely from woven fabric if that’s what the user wants. The woven fabric is a four-way stretch so between this and the ergonomic cut, you’re not losing much in the way of mobility by going this route.
They also offer a helmet cover to conceal both helmet and face without the need to wear a face mask.
As far as thermal mitigation, FibroTex has conducted multiple tests to validate their performance.
For more information, contact FibroTex USA.
Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va. —
The global security situation is rapidly changing, and the international order established by the United States and its allies following the fall of the Iron Curtain is presently being challenged by adversaries who seek to shift the long-established balance of power.
The Pentagon has called on the joint forces to shift their strategic focus from the land wars in the Middle East to the growing challenges along the global littorals, while at the same time, experts have warned that the next global conflict will be fought and won—in large part– on the electromagnetic spectrum– the electromagnetic frequencies used for military communications, intelligence, and combat operations.
On this rapidly evolving battlefield—naked to the invisible eye– securing the electromagnetic spectrum extends beyond merely keeping the warfighter safe; it is about defending the very capabilities that render them lethal. This encompasses protecting both the warfighter and the advanced technologies and systems that amplify their effectiveness and lethality in combat. Ultimately, this helps protect lives and ensure the survivability of systems under observation and attack.
“Due to advances in peer competitor technologies, operating securely in the electromagnetic spectrum is foundational to contested logistics operations. It ensures our ability to sustain forces in adversarial environments, enhancing both our resilience and tactical flexibility,” said Col Paul Gillikin, Program Manager for Combat Support Systems, or PM CSS.
ULCANS: an Invisibility Cloak?
Within this challenging geopolitical context, Marine Corps Systems Command’s PM CSS’ efforts to enhance our forces’ ability to operate undetected in contested spaces—namely thru the modernization of the Corps’ netted camouflage capability—are rendered pivotal.
Recognizing the mounting threat posed by our stated adversaries, the 2018 National Defense Strategy laid the foundation for the Department of Defense’s 2020 Electromagnetic Spectrum, or EMS, Superiority Strategy—a document that emphasizes the EMS as a critical battleground where invisible waves and frequencies become pivotal in modern warfare.
Adapting to this strategy, PM CSS is dedicated to advancing mobile camouflage solutions through the development of the Ultra-Lightweight Camouflage Net System Increment I, or ULCANS INC I, of the Corps’ revolutionary netting capability. This initiative focuses on enhancing visual and electromagnetic concealment across a broad spectrum, including Ultraviolet, Visual, Near-IR, Shortwave-IR, Thermal-IR, and radar, ensuring forces (and their gear) remain undetected in diverse environments.
With the inclusion of both scattering and non-scattering variants, ULCANS offers adaptable stealth solutions to meet diverse operational demands. This system, initially aimed at camouflaging artillery, is exceptionally effective in blending into various terrains, rendering it virtually undetectable. With the new nets weighing about 20 percent less than their predecessors, this bleeding-edge capability enhances both deployment ease and mobility.
Another notable enhancement is the companion mobile application, provided by the vendor, which gives Marines instant access to critical information via their smartphones, further augmenting the system’s utility and ensuring that vital data is always at their fingertips.
Furthermore, in the present security environment—one defined by renewed great power competition– integrating ULCANS is pivotal for enhancing the efficacy of Force Design and operations in contested logistics, particularly within the Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations, or EABO, framework.
“This enhancement significantly improves upon our existing capabilities, offering superior infrared concealment and color matching to operational environments,” said Eric Brown, Deputy Product Manager for Maintenance Support Systems . “It supports the Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations (EABO) concept through ease of deployment and transport.”
Ultimately, this advanced netting system is crucial for concealing and protecting forward-deployed forces and assets in both littoral and broader operational environments, thereby reducing vulnerability to enemy surveillance and strikes. With lightweight sets—weighing between 35 to 40 pounds each—artillery systems, tactical vehicles and trucks, and other key capabilities (including mobile command posts) can be concealed by a small team in less than 30 minutes.
“This fielding is a leap in camouflage technology, providing nets that conceal equipment and personnel from enemy detection across multiple spectrums, including visible and infrared, and reduce radar visibility,” said Theodore Roach, Senior Program Analyst for Shelters, Combat Field Feeding , and Containers Programs . “These innovations not only improve terrain blending but are also lighter and easier to deploy, enhancing operational efficiency and stealth capabilities in diverse environments.”
Force Design and the Joint Force
Force Design—the Corps blueprint for modernization– reconfigures the Marine Corps into a “stand-in force” composed of “compact yet potent units, tailored to engage across the spectrum of competition within contested zones, serving as the vanguard of comprehensive maritime defense.”
One key pillar of this transformative strategy emphasizes the enhancement of joint force and ally interoperability. In this regard, PM CSS has exemplified an intelligent acquisition approach by capitalizing on existing Army relationships to streamline costs and shorten acquisition timelines—ultimately fielding a capability that is easily used across sister services.
According to Roach, “We aligned our purchasing with the Army’s requirements, finding a perfect match with the Marine Corps’ needs. This ensures that whether it’s EABO, supplies, or equipment sharing, it’s seamlessly integrated. Furthermore, when opportunities allow the USMC to sync delivery orders with the Army’s, we will realize reduced procurement through stepladder pricing discounts.”
The collaboration on ULCANS between the Marine Corps and the Army exemplifies a successful joint force endeavor, highlighting the alignment of requirements between the two services. This synergy has facilitated the expedited acquisition of materials, significantly reducing the timeline from requirements definition to material receipt to within a year.
By leveraging existing Army contracts and the groundwork laid in testing and evaluation, the process was streamlined, allowing PM CSS to rapidly access and deploy the camouflage nets. The review of the Army’s test reports, instead of conducting separate tests, sped up the validation process. Consequently, once a fielding decision was made, the nets were quickly delivered, demonstrating an efficient model for future joint acquisitions and interoperability efforts.
Initial fielding of ULCANS began in October 2023 and concluded on 23 December, with training by the New Equipment Training Team already completed. The focus now shifts to expanding the Area of Operations over the next five years, aiming for full operational capability by 2030.
Conclusion
The advent of ULCANS marks a pivotal advancement in the realm of military camouflage, setting new standards for operational stealth and efficiency as the future fight continues to move into the electromagnetic spectrum. By melding cutting-edge technology with strategic interoperability, this system not only enhances the survivability of forward-deployed forces but also fortifies the broader framework of expeditionary logistics. As the geopolitical landscape continues to shift, the integration of innovations like ULCANS will be crucial in maintaining tactical supremacy and shaping the future force—allowing the warfighter to fight and win whenever our nation calls.
By Johannes Schmidt, MCSC Office of Public Affairs and Communication, Marine Corps Systems Command
Safariland®, a brand of The Safariland Group®, has announced the availability of a “Chocolate Chip” pattern camo holster. This addition to Safariland’s holster line offers the best possible retention holster options in an iconic camo pattern from years past.
The limited edition pattern is available in the following styles of holster:
Holsters are available for a variety of Glock, Shadow Systems, Sig Sauer, Springfield Armory, Staccato, and Wilson Combat handguns.
Chocolate Chip, more formally referred to as the Desert Battle Dress Uniform (DBDU), is a camouflage pattern designed for arid environments. Also known as the Six-Color Desert Pattern, it is probably best recognized for its service in the Persian Gulf War (Desert Shield/Desert Storm).
The pattern was originally developed in the 1960s, went into limited service in 1980, and was officially issued in 1981. It remained in service until the early 1990s and is now available on a Safariland holster. Models are available for pistols equipped with a variety of RDS options, a weapon light (WML), or both.
About The Safariland Group
The Safariland Group offers a number of recognized brand names in these markets, including Safariland® Armor, Duty Gear and Communications, Bianchi®, Break Free®, Hatch®, Med-Eng®, Identicator® and NIK®. The Safariland Group’s mission, “Together, We Save Lives®”, is inherent in the lifesaving and protective products it delivers. The Safariland Group is headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida. The Safariland Group is a trade name of Safariland, LLC.
For more information about The Safariland Group and these products, please visit www.safariland.com.
For media resources and information, please visit the www.safariland.com/media-center.
During a meeting over coffee with Varusteleka, they showed me the Särmä TST L5 Thermal Patrol Coverall.
It is an update to a popular Finnish Army issue item which was designed in the mid-80s and used when in static positions like guard duty and lying up in an OP.
It features dual front zippers and two side leg zips for easy donning and doffing. The front zippers also allow venting and integration with plate carriers and chest rigs.
It is made from 100% polyamide ripstop (70g/m2) with a non-fluorinated water-repellent treatment in the Finnish M05 winter camo print. The coverall is also insulated with 67g/m2 Climashield Apex which allows you to remain comfortable in temperatures as low as -35°C / -31°F.
Features:
• Helmet-compatible hood with a short visor
? Adjustable face opening and head circumference
? Hanging loop
? Removable neck flap
? The entire coverall can be packed into the hood
• Two front zippers
? Wind flaps with hook-and-loop closure
? The wind flap can be closed out of the way with its own hook-and-loop
? Wind flaps have loops for various attachment methods (see usage methods)
• 2-way ventilation zippers in the armpits
• Adjustable waist with elastic band
• Internal suspender loops
• Separate zippered fly for field relief
• NIR-compliant, M05 Snow Pattern color
This coverall is made in Slovakia by Koutny and comes in three sizes.
www.varusteleka.com/en/product/sarma-tst-l5-thermal-patrol-coverall
Sniper Dynamics had Beyond Clothing crate a parka in their StalkLand VOID Snow Pattern.
What do you think?
Finland has begun fielding Combat Uniform System M23 for the Jaeger Brigade, Lapland Air Command and Lapland Border Guard as a replacement for the M05 ensemble.
Developed in conjunction with Norway, Denmark, and Sweden under the Nordic Combat Uniform program, it is supplied by Norwegian system integrator Oskar Pedersen AS. The system does not include headgear, gloves, footwear, or PPE.
The system components are common across the program’s participants with outer layers printed in national camouflage patterns as seen here with the M05 pattern.
According to a release by the Finnish Defence Forces Logistics Command, initial fielding is with the Jaeger Brigade in Sodankylä and Rovaniemi, the Lapland Air Command in Rovaniemi and the Lapland Border Guard’s Border Jaeger Company in Ivalo with underwear, and insulation layers. In addition, the camouflage suit, rainsuit and combat shirt included in the m system will be issued later. As holiday and deployment equipment, conscripts still wear the current M05 camouflage uniform.
Now available for pre-order, the Bravo Six Boonie from Canada’s Carcajou Tactical combines the beloved Boonie hat with a night vision device skull crusher.
The Boonie is often used by snipers as a base for their ghillie head covering due to its wide-brimmed coverage.
Features:
– Multiple pass through for the head harness.
– Eyelet holes to secure the NVG Shroud
– Oversized fit to accommodate Head Harness by Tracer Tactical
– Durable 2 layer crown construction (3/4” netting, Nyco)
– Pre worn brim to eliminate straight lines
– Neck adjustment paracord
Offered in ATACS-iX, Ranger Green, and MultiCam.
Made in Canade from US materials.
carcajoutactical.com/products/bravo-six-boonie-hat
The pre-order is for the Boonie itself, the harness and shroud are available through Tracer Tactical.
