SIG SAUER - Never Settle

Archive for the ‘COVID-19 Pandemic’ Category

Mystery Ranch Offers Two Mask Styles – Traditional & Street

Thursday, June 4th, 2020

In addition to their ongoing contract work for military and fire service packs, Mystery Ranch has also delivered over 10,000 masks. Their distribution centers, production team, and warranty services at MR remain fully operational and shipping while adhering to safety measures because of their time-critical commitment to customers on the Mission side of its organization. Sales, Customer Service and Marketing are continuing to work fulltime from home. Deliveries haven’t stopped.

You can argue the efficacy of the wear of cloth masks to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Even the medical profession has different opinions. But this really isn’t the place for that. Regardless of how you feel about it, the reality is that the wear of masks has been mandated by both government and industry for those in certain jobs and locations. So if you’ve got to wear one, you might as well make the most of it.

Over the past two months I’ve tried probably 10 different mask styles. They’ve featured different strap systems, different fits and different fabrics. It’s great to have so many options, because there isn’t a one-size face and head. I wear glasses so I need something that will prevent my exhale from fogging them up. Different brands have attacked this issue with varying degrees of success.

I like several of the mask designs I’ve tried, but Mystery Ranch really got it right with their Traditional and Street Masks. There’s obviously a lot of design in these masks.

To be clear, these are not PPE. Also, they do not provide filtration. Several brands are offering either built-in or removable filters included. However, the design is based off of consultation with health care providers and the masks feature a sleeve for removable filters. You just have to supply your own.

According to Mystery Ranch, the Traditional Mask was originally designed to support Bozeman-area healthcare professionals fighting COVID-19 and refined with their feedback. If you look at it, it kind of reminds you of a surgical mask. They’ve donate about 8,500 so far if these masks to Montana Hospitals for use by those who don’t need full N95 masks. However, they’ve also made them available for public purchase.

The Traditional Mask is made to be laundered and boasts a filter sleeve, adjustable 3D bendable nose piece that shapes to the contour of the nose for a comfortable, all-day fit as well as a stretch TPU headband that won’t pull hair and a cord lock adjustment that allows the mask to hang from the neck when not in use.

The Street mask shares many attributes of the Traditional style but was tailored to minimize contact with the lips and mouth to avoid chaffing. It also has non-woven, tight-cell structured liner for better filtration. It has that same adjustable 3D bendable nose piece that shapes to the contour of the nose, and stretch TPU headband and cord lock adjustment that allows the mask to hang from the neck when not in use. It comes in two sizes and multiple colors.

I like both versions because of the one-handed adjustability of their strap system and the ability to seal it off at the nose. The Street Mask has a larger volume which will be nice now that the humidity is starting to kick in here in Virginia.

Hendrick Motorsports’ STEED Supporting Rapid Recovery Efforts

Wednesday, June 3rd, 2020

The last trip I was able to take before the nation started to lockdown over COVID-19 was to the ADS Warfighter Expo at Ft Bragg in mid-March. While there I had the chance to catch up with Rhegan Flanagan of Hendricks Motorsports who was exhibiting the Silent Tactical Energy Enhanced Dismount or STEED.

As a quick reminder, STEED is a lightweight, all-terrain wheeled platform which carries 500 pounds and have a range of 15 to 30 miles on one battery pack. This unit is manually operated by a thumb-controlled throttle at speeds up to 6.5 miles per hour in both forward and reverse. It has a zero degree turn radius, is tactically silent, has zero emissions and is completely submersible.

That’s the textbook answer. But what STEED really is, is a force multiplier enabling one to carry the load of many. Think about it; up to 500 lbs at 6.5 miles per hour, over varied terrain for up to 30 miles. What’s more, it’s electric, so it’s silent and has a zero turn radius for tight spaces.

By that time COVID-19 was definitely with us and it was a matter of time before the nation began to fully mobilize its medical infrastructure to deal with the task at hand. We discussed the many uses of the STEED in possible scenarios from mass casualty events to civil unrest. To be sure, moving casualties and equipment around while wearing full PPE or MOPP gear can be taxing and the STEED’s power assist would sure help. Fortunately, we didn’t see such extreme measures, but the sick certainly needed to be moved at a great than normal rate in the hit zones.

Three months later it turns out, the STEED looks like a great option for the riots currently underway around the US. Bring supplies to the line and evacuate casualties. Hendrick Motorsports has also teamed with TYR Tactical to armor the STEED.

For full details, visit adsinc.com/steed-supporting-rapid-recovery-efforts.

10th SFG(A) Adapts In Order To Continue Training

Sunday, May 31st, 2020

10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) recently shared these photos.

Adaptation and the ability to thrive in ambiguity are hallmarks of the Green Beret mindset. Training cannot and will not stop. With logical precautions, social firebreaks between teams and any outsiders allows ODAs to continue training uninterrupted.

USAF Holds Basic Military Training at Second Location, Keesler AFB

Friday, May 29th, 2020

The US Air Force has extended Basic Military Training at a secondary location until the end of COVID-19 surge operations after a successful proof-of-concept trial run at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, which began April 7.

Beginning June 2, the next Keesler BMT class will be held there under Detachment 5 of the 37th Training Wing at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas.

USAF BMT also supports the US Space Force with basic training for its new enlisted recruits in addition to those from the active USAF, Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard.

Until the end of the surge, 60 new recruits from across the total force will undertake six weeks of BMT. The shortened requirement, down from 8 1/2 weeks, is due to the physical layout of the BMT area, the small number of recruits and a surge schedule, which trains Airmen 10 hours per day, six days a week, versus the notmal eight hours per day.

“This capability was a deliberately-developed option to disperse the delivery of BMT during contingencies to provide surge capacity and introduce agility in the training pipeline construct,” said Maj Gen Andrea Tullos, 2nd Air Force commander. “This move also helps ensure the health and safety of our trainees and instructors by allowing proper safety controls, like physical distancing and deep cleaning.”

The location was chosen because Keesler AFB is home to the 81st Training Wing where so many technical training schools exist. Newly accessed AF trainees won’t be exposed to potential infection during travel from BMT to tech school. Consequently, most of those attending BMT at Keesler will be those who will remain at the base for further training.

Although Keesler AFB BMT is a contingency option and is not designed to be implemented longer than 180 days, it may be kept in place for longer periods, if required.

5.11 Begins Reopening of Retail Nationwide

Tuesday, May 26th, 2020

5.11 Reopens Retail Stores as COVID-19 Restrictions Subside

Irvine, Calif. (May 26, 2020) – 5.11, Inc. the global innovator of purpose-built apparel, footwear and gear, announced it is gradually reopening its United States-based retail stores in light of the restriction lifts surrounding Coronavirus (COVID-19). Each of 5.11’s 66 company-owned stores will be opening on a case-by-case basis in accordance with all federal, state and local health and safety protocols.

Nearly all of 5.11’s retail stores have remained open throughout the COVID-19 lockdowns, but with limited operations serving First Responders and other members of our country’s critical infrastructure. All safety protocols put into place previously will be maintained, with several additional efforts including making hand sanitizer easily accessible for customers and employees, increasing cleaning throughout of the store of high traffic touchpoints, adding plexiglass partitions at checkout areas, and marking areas on floors to ensure proper social distancing. Continued health and safety precautions include:

• Conducting employee health screenings at the beginning of every shift
• Increasing cleaning and sanitization
• Providing face coverings for all employees
• Enforcing six feet or more of social distancing
• Limiting the number of employees and customers in the store at one time
• Maintaining reduced hours of store operations: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday – Sunday

“Character is most often shown in the most difficult times,” said 5.11’s CEO, Francisco J. Morales. “My pride for the character of the 5.11 team has never been greater. We are honored to have been able to serve our frontline workers throughout the difficult past several weeks and are happy to be providing safe shopping environments for all consumers to enjoy once again. Our Always Be Ready mantra has never had greater meaning, and we look forward to bringing our innovative, purpose-built products back to all of our retail patrons in the weeks ahead.”

To find a 5.11 retail store near you, please visit the store locator. Shop 5.11 anytime at www.511Tactical.com. Follow 5.11 on social @511Tactical.

Air Force Research Labs – Grand Challenges for Biotechnology

Tuesday, May 26th, 2020

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio – The Air Force Research Laboratory announced its three Biotechnology Grand Challenges last month in efforts to spearhead innovation among small businesses for the specific needs of the Department of Defense.

These three challenges, which were chosen by AFRL’s team of biotechnology experts, seek advancements in the following: biosynthesis of monomers for aerospace thermosets, biosynthesis of high-density endothermic fuels, and human performance-enhancing probiotics.

“When AFRL’s team decided on these challenges, we were looking for ways to make big strides quickly in the area of biotechnology,” said Jill McQuade, AFRL’s biotechnology program manager. “Biotechnology is one of AFRL’s big bets, and is also one of the twelve Office of the Secretary of Defense’s modernization priority area.”

McQuade explained that the AFRL Small Business office put forth $3 million to fund this initiative, which will be divided equally across the challenges. Participants can then compete in two phases of initial evaluation, and then in a Pitch Day.

In the first phase of this competition, small business participants will submit white papers with their concepts, said McQuade. During the second phase, a panel of experts will select which white papers will move forward in the competition. Then, those selected to continue in the competition will be given two weeks to enter into an agreement with a company of their choice that can scale up production and manufacturing. Finally, these teams will participate in a Pitch Day, presenting a one-hour pitch of their concept and scale up strategy with their manufacturing partner to the AFRL team. The winners of the competition will be funded in various layers by accomplishing certain milestones over the course of one year from each Pitch Day.

Pitch Days will be in July, August and September for each of the challenges, and could potentially be virtual due to social distancing guidelines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Not only will these challenges expedite innovation, but they help small businesses by narrowing down specific needs, McQuade explained. “These challenges can show the broader science and technology community as well as the research and development community how biotechnology can successfully be used as a tool to develop innovative solutions to current hard problems.”

For more information about the three Biotechnology Grand Challenges, visit innovatedefense.net/dod/afrl-challenge-1.

Gina Marie Giardina, Air Force Research Laboratory

Wash Your Hands!

Sunday, May 24th, 2020

7th SFG(A) shared this the other day on IG. It’s a great reminder to wash your hands and if you’re in a situation where you need to wear a mask, be sure to wear it.

Remember to wash your hands regularly, social distance, and report symptoms to your medical provider. Maintain wearing a mask at required locations and continue to be Quiet Professionals!

The Made in America PPE Movement – The Time is NOW

Wednesday, May 20th, 2020

It’s time to answer to the medical voices of our healthcare frontline workers and provide a solid supply chain in the U.S. to deliver the necessary protection equipment required for our country in times of pandemics. We should not be relying on Asia or EU to supply our much-needed supplies and ensure we are providing the safety measures necessary for today and our future.  SEAMS.org member companies have the capacity to turn on PPE equipment to support our country. 

SSD is proud to be a part of the SEAMS Made in America PPE movement and ask you support those companies keeping Americans safe and the lights in here at home.