SIG MMG 338 Program Series

Archive for the ‘Clothing’ Category

Which Retro Blues Would You Want The Air Force To Adopt?

Monday, November 9th, 2020

The Air Force has toyed a couple of times in the recent past with going back to the future with its service dress. But now that the Army has settled on a modernized version of the World War Two-era optional “Pinks and Greens” Officer’s uniform, perhaps it’s time for the Air Force to take another look.

Interestingly, the Army has adopted two distinctly Air Force affectations with this latest uniform reset.

First, is the service cap complete with crush, an unintentional feature created when Air Corps rated officers wore headphones over their caps while in flight.

Second, is a proposed optional wear leather flight jacket that is laughable referred to by the Army as a “bomber jacket.”

The Air Force has come up with a few throwback ideas of their own which borrow from its Army origins. Anyone remember the Billy Mitchell Heritage Coat trotted out awhile back? It harkens back to the early days of the Army Air Corps, and by early, I mean World War One and the inter-war years.

You may recognize a similar uniform being worn by the Air Force Band.

Another variant on this theme lives on as a rarely seen special ceremonial uniform reserved solely for the Air Force Chief of Staff and the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force.

Then, came the Hap Arnold, with its more World War Two feel, but still quite Army in style.

Here’s a montage of the USAF dress uniform going back to its first days as a stand alone service. Initially, the Air Force wore the same green Army Air Forces uniform it shared with its ground counterparts. Actual Air Force Blues weren’t a thing until 1949 and even then, weren’t initially seen in great numbers.

The current Service Dress has long been the target of ire amongst Airmen with it initially being referred to as an airline uniform, complete with sleeve braid for the Officer ranks. Former CSAF Gen Merrill “Tony” McPeak designed it himself.

Eventually, the service dropped the sleeve rank, reinstated name tags as well as US insignia, and started wearing ribbons again, but the stigma lives on, almost 30 years later.

This is Gen Charles Q Brown Jr, the current CSAF wearing the latest version of Blues.

So, if you could adopt a “new,” retro-style service dress for the United States Air Force, which one would you pick?

Arktis – M81 Woodland

Sunday, November 8th, 2020

Arktis has introduced M81 Woodland as a color option for several styles including the B211 Mountain Smock seen here.

FirstSpear Friday Focus – Lightweight Vest & Mid Shirt 

Friday, November 6th, 2020

As temperatures take a dive layering becomes crucial. Enter FirstSpear’s ACM400 Merino Wool line. The FirstSpear Lightweight Vest (LWV) is low bulk, high warmth garment. Additional features include the quarter-zip closure in the front. Along with the external and hidden internal chest pockets which are lined with a lightweight comfort mesh. In the back, there is a hem scoop into a tailcoat style to cover your waistband when active or bending over. The LWV is designed with a closer fit to take advantage of the natural stretch feature of FS400 and be comfortable under a shell or additional layer.

What makes this merino package so unique is that it is a bi-ply material, not a blend. Using a super-fine polyester on the interior and merino wool layer on the exterior, this material combo does some very incredible things. When the user sweats or gets wet the poly layer will quickly wick away moisture from the body and transfer it to the absorbent wool layer. Once the moisture permeates into the wool layer it allows the poly to dry very quickly which helps avoid the typical stink you find with other synthetic layers, additionally wool is naturally antimicrobial which makes it incredibly difficult for the garment to produce bacteria that causes odors in all synthetic base layers. Furthermore, once the moisture is absorbed into the wool layer it will keep the user insulated and warm even when wet.

Another garment in the ACM400 lineup to consider is the Mid Shirt. The Mid Shirt is durable and ultra-soft with a 2/3 length front zipper that allows extra ventilation when you really warm up. The high collar keeps your neck covered and is great for when you are working with a sling.

“Excellent mid layer, insanely comfortable. I’ve been a cotton thermal guy for decades, saving the expensive wool layers only for those coldest hunts/trips. This ACM MID 400 though, has now changed all that. The ability of this shirt to wick sweat/moisture from the body to keep that chill away is awesome. Sizing is accurate and the extra length to stay tucked in is welcomed on this 6’2″ frame. The 2/3 zip allows you to regulate venting and is stellar at keeping wind chill at bay combined with one of the neckie’s. Quit reading reviews, invest in your base layer and thank First-Spear later.” — Online Reviewer

The Mid Shirt and LWV are Berry Compliant (100% American Made with 100% American Materials) and are available in Black, Charcoal, Commando, Manatee Grey and Sand. The composition and fabrication of the FS ACM 400 is exclusive to First Spear!

To check out FirstSpear Merino wool products, click here. For more information, check out First-Spear.com. To discover more about FirstSpear’s technology, check out First-Spear.tech.

Beyond Introduces TAA Compliant Gloves

Thursday, November 5th, 2020

Beyond has introduced a line of Trade Act (TAA) Compliant gloves. Seen here are three of the five styles which are all built for cold weather. Depending on the option, they will protect you down to -17 C / 0 F.

Touch screen compatible, they are available now, in stock, and ready to ship.

beyondclothing.com

US Navy Approves Full Color Alternate Rank Tabs for Type III Work Uniform

Tuesday, November 3rd, 2020

The Navy has authorized Sailors the option to wear the black Cold Weather Parka (CWP) sleeve-style rank insignia with the Navy Working Uniform Type III (NWU Type III) in non-tactical environments.

The Navy has authorized Sailors the option to wear the black Cold Weather Parka (CWP) sleeve-style rank insignia with the Navy Working Uniform Type III (NWU Type III) in non-tactical environments. 

Effective immediately, the change was announced Oct. 29 in NAVADMIN 292/20. It allows wearing of the black CWP rank insignia with the NWU Type III parka and shirt as well as with the black fleece liner for all ranks, E-4 through O-10.

The black tab is not authorized in tactical environments, or where training requires complete camouflage protection, the message said.

“This policy change is based on the feedback received from the fleet via the rank insignia wear evaluation, Question of the Day video responses regarding insignia options, and ongoing complaints regarding the limited visibility of the camouflage pattern NWU Type III rank insignia,” Vice Adm. John B. Nowell, the Navy’s chief of personnel, wrote in the message.

Opting for the solid black parka tab was the best decision because fleet feedback showed it provides quick and easy identification of the wearers rank at the greatest possible distance with just a glance.

In addition, the items are already approved, in production and available at the Navy Exchanges, both in select uniform stores and can be ordered online at the Navy Exchange website.

Though metal insignia are authorized for wear with the cold-weather parka, the authorization is only for the sleeve-style rank insignia.  The message describes the insignia as being of “solid black fabric with color thread (gold, silver, scarlet) denoting the wearers rank,” the message states. 

“The back of the insignia is sewn together in the center to form a loop which facilitates placement on the NWU Type III rank tab.”

Feedback and recommendations regarding uniform policy, uniform components and uniform availability are welcome and can be provided via MyNavy Portal at www.mnp.navy.mil. Select Professional Resources, U.S. Navy Uniforms and *Ask The Chiefs.*  Feedback can also be provided via the MyNavy UNIFORMS Mobile App.

By MC1 Mark D. Faram, Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs

ThruDark – Phalanx Fleece

Friday, October 30th, 2020

The SF Thrudark Phalanx Fleece is a mid-layer designed to provide essential warmth for layering up in mid-low temperature environments. The body’s natural warmth is contained in thermal air pockets constructed from precision knit, napped, and sheared polyester. HIGHLOFT consists of hydrophobic yarns that repel moisture and speed dry times. This symmetrical design is not only soft, but also reduces surface friction for versatile layering options. External hand and chest pockets provide stowage for mission essential items.

Features:
-POLARTEC HIGH LOFT insulation
-POLARTEC POWERGRID tech
-Mid-low Warmth, Breathable
-Elastic thumb loops
-2 YKK zip chest pockets
-2 YKK zip hand pockets
-Internal dump pockets
-ThruDark Insignia patches compatible

thrudark.com/product/sf-phalanx-fleece

FirstSpear Friday Focus—Centurion Pants

Friday, October 30th, 2020

Completely made in America with U.S. sourced materials, the FirstSpear Centurion pants are made to be a workhorse. The Centurion pants are made from nylon ripstop comb cotton material, these pants will withstand long hours on the range, but are casual enough to wear out on the town. Additionally, they feature nano-glide stretch mesh pockets with breathable materials, these pockets are extra deep, the mesh material is smooth and comfortable against your leg.

The integrated low-profile belt system uses a customized BioThane webbing and jam lock buckle, for a secure fit. Diamond pattern crotch for extreme mobility and all day long comfort with enhanced patterning through the thighs and calves. Standard with every Centurion pant is a removable padded insert for each hip to provide comfort when wearing a gun belt and molded holster. These inserts are held in place with the same low volume Nano-Glide stretch mesh as the front pockets.

“No complaints about these whatsoever. Fit is spot on, the relaxed cut allows for freedom of movement. Although other reviewers felt there is too much material around the ankle, I actually appreciate that these pants do not taper, which seems to be the fad currently. If you wear a 14 like I do, you’ll appreciate that the cuff can fit over a good-sized boot. Material feels quality, stitching is perfect–I’d put it up against anything the other top manufacturers are putting out.”
— CMB online review

The belt loops have been spaced to accommodate outside-the-waistband holsters. The side bridge pockets are constructed of 520 stretch fabric that will easily fit folding knives, common pistol magazines and other small tools or a flashlight.

For more information, check out First-Spear.com. To discover more about FirstSpear’s technology, check out First-Spear.tech.

Timmy Hat Gets an Upgrade & a New Friend!

Friday, October 30th, 2020

The original Timmy Hat from TRC Outdoors has had an overhaul…

Introducing the MK3 Timmy Hat!

Due to the popularity of the Timmy Hat, and the hard use it is being put to TRC Outdoors has upgraded the design.

The Mesh on the crown has been upgraded to a more heavy-duty fabric, but maintains the same soft hand and high ventilation.

The fabric on the peak has also been upgraded to a robust rip-stop fabric, to make sure the hat stays looking good no matter how it is abused.

Popular demand has also lead to the introduction of a new colourway. This camouflage pattern is compatible with the wide array of multiple-terrain camouflage patterns on duty clothing.

Our Night Camo colourway has also had the same upgrade to the MK3 pattern, with the Day Camo version to follow next year.

The new Timmy Hat joins our already popular Day and Night Camo hats.

The hats are currently being manufactured and are available for pre-order now for a 10% discount at:

trcoutdoors.com/product/mk3-timmy-hat

They will be dispatched mid to late November.

You can still order the original Timmy Hats…

trcoutdoors.com/product/timmy-hat

If you order both, they will be dispatched with the new hats to save postage.