First the Israelis are criticized for being too heavy handed in their enforcement of the embargo on the Gaza Strip. Now, a squad of Israeli Soldiers on patrol in Hebron decided to cut loose and entertain the locals. Unfortunately for them, the stunt raised the ire of their superiors. With the recent rash of military prank videos one thing is for sure, they aren’t going away.
In a recent article in the Daily Mail, the British Army revealed details of the latest iteration of their Future Integrated Soldier Technology (FIST) Program.
The photo shows (in reverse order) three British Soldiers outfitted in legacy Desert DPM, the new Multi Terrain Pattern and helmet and armor ensemble entering service and, also the latest iteration of the FIST equipment with L129 sharpshooter rifle. Interestingly, the FIST helmet closely resembles work being done by Revision Eyewear who recently acquired the Headborne Systems Division of Pacific Safety Products.
If you find yourself in Brussels, Belguim between 13 and 15 October, 2010 then you might consider attending the “Camouflage Takes Centre Stage” symposium sponsored by the International Council of Museums (ICOM) and the Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and of Military History (RMM).
For more info visit the symposium’s website.
Lots of units are beginning to the M50/53 Joint Services Protective Mask. Canadian firm CON-SPACE has developed a new and alternative communication system for the M50 as well as the AVON C50. This new electret mic and quick disconnect have been developed to be used with virtually any handheld two-way portable radio and CON-SPACE Radio Gear. The E-Mic plugs into the masks built-in pass through connector and mates with their A5 connector on the exterior of the mask. Once connected to the mask, the CON-SPACE quick disconnect interfaces to three CON-SPACE Radio Gear products:
1. SRVA Voice Amplification Radio Accessory PTT – Allows user to amplify voice and the ability to communicate through a portable radio
2. CSVA Voice Amplifier – Allows user to amplify voice only
3. SR65M Radio Accessory PTT – Allows user to communicate via portable radio
All three devices can be easily interchanged when used with the E-Mic system which can also be connected to any MSA Sordin Supreme Mil and Supreme Pro Active Noise/Noise Canceling Headsets as well as Peltor ComTac products.
There are currently two mounted voice projection units available and the E-Mic and CON-SPACE Radio Gear combination gives the user yet another alternative choice.
Please contact Matt Fiddes, Sales Manager at mfiddes@con-space.com.
The new Mk 4 Osprey body armor is a huge evolutionary step for the British Soldier and will make its combat debut this Fall in Afghanistan on the backs of the 16th Air Assault Brigade.
In addition to better protection, some of the improvements over the current version include non-skid shoulders, the plate is now carried in a pocket inside the vest making it less bulky, and has a new ribbed material lining to improve breathability.
The Osprey Mk 4 also integrates even more PALS webbing than its predecessor and will be issued with 23 pouches which include:
* 3 x SA80 single magazine
* 4 x SA80 double magazine
* 3 x single SA80 magazine with elastic pull-cord
* 2 x smoke grenade
* 2 x anti-personnel grenade
* sharpshooter magazine
* utility
* water bottle
* light machine gun magazine – 100 round
* first aid kit
* 2 x 9mm pistol magazine
* underslung grenade launcher – 8 round
* commander’s pouch
The photo is a great comparison shot from the Osprey Mk 3 and desert DPM to the new Mk 4 and Crye Precision developed Multi Terrain Pattern combat uniform. Armor that is actually fielded will also be in MTP.
This may prove to be the most entertaining 8:46 of your life, or the most terrifying if you consider the Chinese hoard all armed to the teeth with these shovels. It slices, it dices, it juliennes. Truth be told, a couple of the features such as the “scissor” and nail puller are pretty cool, but music and effects make this one worth the price of admission. Make sure you stay long enough to see the entrenching tool museum.
