About 30 years ago, the military diving community realized that commercial diving technology was moving at a much faster rate than the equipment in the standard stock system. As a result, the Navy Experimental Diving Unit began evaluating and approving commercial equipment as well as items developed or adapted for military use. In order to avoid stockpiling outdated gear, they turned to the Defense Logistics Agency which used their “preferred vendor” program as a procurement vehicle to quickly purchase commercial items directly from the vendor. As many of the diving units within the Department of Defense have special operations missions, they realized that they could use this program to buy other specialized equipment.

Over time, DLA adapted the program and renamed it the Special Operational Equipment Tailored Logistic Support Program and awarded contracts to several companies to provide a wide breadth of emerging specialized individual and unit equipment.

Many don’t understand that this program is a standing contract from DLA and that unit purchases are actually through DLA and can be accomplished using multiple payment means including Government Purchase Cards, Military Standard Requisitioning and Issue Procedures (MILSTRIP), and Military Interdepartmental Purchase Request (MIPR). Even through the contract is fulfilled by a commercial contract holder, the transaction remains within DoD.

The Special Operational Equipment tailored logistics support program enables customers to order commercial, off-the-shelf part numbered items within the scope of the contract. Since multiple vendors are solicited for prices, customers benefit from a competitive business model that will ensure best value for the customer.

– DLA

The advantages to using TLS are many. For example, the unit can acquire commercially available items not offered through the stock system. Additionally, a unit can submit a laundry list of multiple items and have everything fulfilled by a single supplier who will work with vendors to assemble the items required and even kit them, if required.

As an example, let’s take a look at the needs of a unit requiring various equipment for an upcoming training event. These are just some of the types of equipment Noble can provide.

Dynamic Lethality Training: TOAST

Noble offers the Tactically Offensive Automated Systems Target or TOAST, a lightweight and portable system built to boost warfighter lethality. At under 30 pounds, TOAST mimics human motion with variable speeds and 20 preprogrammed patterns to replicate real combat scenarios like ambushes and close quarters battle. Battery powered for 3 to 4 hours, remote controlled via tablet, and weather resistant, it includes hit detection for over 1000 high caliber rounds and thermal integration for realistic optic training. Developed with combat veterans, TOAST drives rapid skill progression for special operations and conventional forces.

Arctic Edge: OSM-COMBAT-ASSAULT Skis for Tactical Mobility

For Arctic operations, Noble provides the OSM-COMBAT-ASSAULT skis, made in the USA by DPS for fast and efficient dismounted mobility over flat to rolling terrain. Designed for special operations, conventional forces, and recon units, these short and maneuverable skis excel in tight quarters, brush, and forests. With a fishscale base and permanent PHANTOM Glide, they outperform snowshoes and require minimal ski experience. Available in 153 and 163 centimeter sizes, they pair with standard cold weather or Vapor Barrier boots and for mission ready performance.

Signature Management: Precision Stealth for Any Battlefield

Signature management is vital to evade detection across thermal, visual, and digital spectra in modern combat zones. Noble’s team, with decades of operational experience, thoroughly validates cutting edge solutions for environments from urban to arctic. They focus on multispectral camouflage and counter surveillance gear, ensuring Berry and TAA compliance while tailoring solutions to specific mission profiles, whether special operations insertions or conventional patrols. From low observable fabrics to advanced thermal suppression, Noble delivers gear that keeps operators concealed and mission ready. Contact Noble for customized recommendations.

Seamless Procurement for Any Mission

As a prime vendor on TLS for special operations and FED SLED, with over 150 BPA, IDIQ, and other contract vehicles, Noble simplifies acquisition. No mission is too small and no project is too complex. They make it Mission Possible.

Noble’s Tactical Team offers over 60 years of combined experience in global tactical operations. They stay sharp through constant collaboration with end users and program officials, focusing on mission ready solutions for lethality, Arctic and Jungle operations, SIGnature MANagement, SuBT/ HTD , Human Performance, Remote Controlled and Autonomous Vehicles, and Training and Simulation.

Contact:

Roger Knight, VP, Rknight@noble.com

Orin Brown – Army, Air Force, Obrown@noble.com

Tom Kerr – SOCOM, Marine Corps, tkerr@noble.com

Drew Turner – Strategic Partners & Vendor Management, Dturner@Noble.com