Our friends at Varusteleka have done it again. This is their Särmä Jacket Liner.
Yep, it looks an awful lot like the old M-65 Field Jacket Liner and that’s ok, because basically, it is. The Field Jacket Liner was a versatile piece of insulation, and so is this. It’s a simple, button-in quilted polyester insulation jacket liner.
Offered in any color as long as its Black in sizes X-small through XX-large with several long lengths as well.
www.varusteleka.com/en/product/sarma-jacket-liner/63730
Just in time for hunting season, Eagle Industries introduces a new color for their Hand Warmer Sleeve, Orange. Keep your hands warm and toasty while you sit in your hide.
Made from stretchable Tweave 520E, it includes a waist strap with side release buckle for easy donning and doffing, a zippered pocket for chemical handwarmer or items you want to keep handy, and expandable bottom.
Also available in Black, MultiCam, Coyote Brown, and Gray.
eagleindustries.com/hand-warmer-sleeve
Sen Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) has introduced a bill called the Clear Visual Distinction Between Military and Law Enforcement Act, from her position on the Senate Armed Services Committee, which restrict federal law enforcement officers from wearing camouflage patterns.
Above, FBI HRT members wear MultiCam pattern uniforms as part of their duties. Photo: FBI
This comes after calls by the Department of Defense for better differentiation between military and law enforcement personnel in the wake of the summer’s riot across the United States. In particular, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, GEN Mark Milley testified before Congress that he was particularly concerned over uniform colors and not equipment.
Sen Duckworth’s Office issued a statement which states, “The Trump Administration’s decision to deploy federal law enforcement officers outfitted in camouflage uniforms in response to those protesting the death of George Floyd and other Black Americans blurred the lines between military servicemembers and law enforcement officers while causing even more fear and division. We must prevent this from happening again.”
According to the bill, the restriction on camouflage use isn’t just military patterns, but all camouflage.
While the bill includes the following exception, “shall not apply to the wearing of a uniform that includes a camouflage pattern that matches the surrounding environment during a period during which a covered Federal law enforcement officer is engaged in a discreet tactical operation where the ability to blend into the surroundings is judged to be necessary for the success of the operation,” it also requires a biannual report to Congress, including dates, operation name and justification for invoking the exception.
In late summer, both DoJ and DHS publicly mentioned their intention to transition many of their personnel to solid colors. This will most likely be Green which those agencies have used in the past, before transitioning to MultiCam several years ago. At the time they wore OD. Now, based upon supply chain availability of materials, it will probably be Ranger Green. Although, in some instances we could see a return to Black clothing and equipment.
For uniform suppliers, this would be a boon. However, there is still no requirement that non-DoD federal entities buy American made clothing and individual equipment.
Look, Crossfire Australia calls it a GP jacket, but it’s a smock. It features eight pockets and is made from Nextex’s encapsulated material technology. That’s the same stuff used in SOCOM’s Protective Combat Uniform. It also features a removable thermal liner and pit zips.
Small – XXXLarge in Coyote
Visit www.crossfire.com.au
The US Space is only a year old so it hasn’t gotten around to issuing much in the form of regulations or guidance yet, but it has issued guidance on how to wear the Operational Camouflage Pattern uniform, aka the ACU.
Space Force Guidance Memorandum 2020-36-01 published late last month spells it out. Although there aren’t many enlisted in the fledgling service yet, they’ve already started deploying space support teams to ongoing operations, taking over the role long filled by USAF Space Professionals.
As far as insignia goes, the minimum configuration consists of a full-color US flag patch, grade insignia, occupational badge, and name and service tapes with space blue embroidery on three-color OCP background. Insignia can be sewn on or Velcro, but it all must be the same.
USSF occupational badges are mandatory, but sister revive badges are optional. However, only two can be worn at a time.
The full-color US flag will be worn on the left sleeve, “centered at the top of the velcro, and worn unless deployed to a contingency operation that aligns under separate/independent OCP wear guidance.”
A higher headquarters patch is required to be worn centered below the flag patch on the left. Spice brown subdued patches are authorized until space blue patches are available. The assigned unit patch is required to be worn centered on the velcro patch of the right sleeve.
Space Professionals will wear velcro or sewn-on space blue name tapes on the back of their patrol caps, and officers will also wear rank insignia on the front.
No word on the configuration of enlisted ranks yet, as the service is waiting to see whether they’ll be forced to use naval ranks. But my money is on USAF-style stripes with the star replaced with the Space Force Delta like CMSgt Roger A Towberman is wearing in his official photo as Senior Enlisted Advisor of the United States Space Force.
Regardless, there’s a grace period until April 1, 2021, for members to update their uniforms to the Space Force-specific configuration. Former Airmen may also continue to wear ABUs until 1 April.
Cincinnati, Ohio – Vertx®, a leading manufacturer of low-profile tactical apparel and accessories, is excited to announce their collaboration with Point6® on two new VaporCore™ Crew Socks. Constructed using a unique blend of 37.5® Nylon and Merino wool, the VaporCore™ Crew Socks provide unmatched moisture and temperature management. Offered in both 5” and 10” cuts, the socks are now available online at vertx.com and in-store. Customers can find their nearest dealer using the Vertx® store locator at vertx.com/store-locator.
“Socks are new territory for Vertx®, so we knew we needed a strong partner to bring our vision to life,” said Denny Bogard, GM/VP of Vertx. “Collaborating with Point6® was an absolute no-brainer. Their products are known as some of the best in the industry and are used by the world’s most elite operators. We couldn’t be happier with how the VaporCore™ Crew Socks fit and perform.”
Part of the expanding line of VaporeCore™ products, the Crew Socks are designed to maximize the benefits of both Merino wool and 37.5® fabric technology. A natural temperature-regulator, Merino’s structure both traps moisture and expands/contracts based on the weather. On top of that, 37.5® particles attract sweat vapor away from the skin and absorb the body’s natural infrared (IR) light, either sending it back when you’re cold or releasing it when you’re hot. Together, Merino and 37.5® Technology are actively working with you, your activity level and your environment to keep you comfortable, dry and odor-free. And unlike standard ring spun yarns, Point6® uses compact spun yarns that are 25% more durable and have fewer loose ends. Leaving you with an ultra-soft, ultra-tough sock with reduced pilling and itch. Learn more about the VaporCore™ Crew Socks and the rest of the Vertx® line of VaporCore™ products at vertx.com
This Friday we are getting a look at the popular all season Wind Cheater now available in 3XL! 100% Berry Compliant constructed from 330D ambush the Wind Cheater is a unique garment very light in weight, breathes like a t-shirt yet still sheds wind and light precipitation thanks to a DWR coating.
The Wind Cheater features a long tail great for colder days with just the right height on the front for easy access to belt mounted accessories. Oversized hood works well with hats or helmets with a wide range of bungee adjustment for user defined fit. Two large bicep pockets, pit zips and torso pockets allow for exceptional ventilation when required.
Offered in Multicam, Manatee Grey, Coyote, Black and Ranger Green. 100% American Made.
www.first-spear.com/wind-cheater
Mt. Airy, North Carolina (September 15, 2020)— Farm to Feet, makers of 100% American socks, announced today that it has been awarded a significant order from the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) for its US merino wool Kodiak and Fayetteville styles. This order is in support of the U.S. Army’s need for technically advanced socks for the warfighter.
“We design, develop, and manufacture the very best socks using only U.S. sourced materials,” said Kelly Nester, Farm to Feet CEO. “Those who serve in the armed services require socks that support their mission without fail. As a result, servicemembers are some of the most discerning critics, as they require socks that can stand up to the rigors of deployment. Receiving this contract further solidifies our belief in our products and Farm to Feet is honored to support our soldiers’ need for American-made socks.”
Named after the home of the Naval Special Warfare Cold Weather Detachment Kodiak, the Kodiak is a heavy weight sock knit with the traditional sock construction that produces classic heather textures with nylon plaiting and stretch yarns in the outer layers and U.S. merino wool body yarns on the inside. The nylon reinforcing yarns knit into the stretch shell increase durability, while the wool fibers that sit closer to the skin provide maximum comfort and insulation.
The Fayetteville is adapted from Farm to Feet’s most technically advanced hiking sock, the Damascus. Made with ultra-soft 19.5 micron U.S. merino wool on an advanced 200 needle knitting machine, the Fayetteville provides the comfort of a thicker sock in a lightweight package. The Fayetteville also feature micro-channel circumferential ventilation, targeted hexagonal reinforcement, and an improved comfort compression with LYCRA® fiber for reduced fatigue and added comfort.
To assist with the development of its military business, Farm to Feet recently engaged Rising Tide Associates, a boutique public affairs firm specializing in government affairs based in Marblehead, MA.
“At a time when there is an increasing focus on the need to support manufacturing in the United States, Rising Tide Associates is delighted to work with Farm to Feet on their strategic effort to grow business with the federal government,” said David Costello, Principal of Rising Tide Associates. “Farm to Feet offers a compelling proposition for the armed services – every pair of socks manufactured by Farm to Feet is Berry Compliant, using a completely domestic supply chain to ensure that from the sheep in the field to the sock on the foot, all materials and manufacturing are 100% domestic – offering a array of top performing socks that meets the needs of any military application.”
To learn more about Farm to Feet and its 100% American and Berry Compliant socks visit www.farmtofeet.com.
