VANCOUVER, B.C. – Mission Ready Services Inc. (TSX-V: MRS) – Mission Ready Services Inc. (“Mission Ready” or “MRSI”) is pleased to announce that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Protect The Force, Inc. (“PTF” or “Protect The Force” or the “Company”), has been awarded a 14 month, $97,500 subcontract through prime contractor, North Carolina State University – Textile Protection and Comfort Center (“NC State-TPACC”), to develop an Advanced Multipurpose Base ensemble for Emergency Responders (“AMBER”) for the Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”).
Through a Cooperative Agreement from DHS’s Science and Technology Directorate to NC State’s Textile Protection and Comfort Center (“T-PACC”), PTF will collaborate with T-PACC and leverage its vast commercial textile industry network and cutting-edge technology portfolio to provide subject matter expertise in advanced protective materials selection including the identification of materials as they relate to functional design, prototyping, end-user functionality requirements, desired performance attributes, material availability, and manufacturer competence and readiness.
PTF’s team of product development experts based in the innovation district of Boston, MA, will support NC State-TPACC in the development of concepts for review and selection by DHS to be prototyped and then manufactured for limited user evaluations. The team is also exploring the integration of the No-Contact technology for further user evaluations.
PTF’s Chief Technology Officer, Francisco J. Martinez states, “We are critically involved in the innovation and development of next-generation body armor for the Marines, United States Army and, now, the development of next generation uniforms for the Department of Homeland Security. It is an honor to contribute at this level and provide support in an industry that is poised to be revolutionized by the ever-growing leaps in technology in advanced textiles as they relate to personal protective clothing and individual equipment. Working with the T-PACC team of experts is a dream come true and being selected to receive this funding is a compliment to the excellent team of product development experts within PTF and the reputation we have developed within the industry.”
A common misconception is that all Special Operations guys are gun gurus: that they are students of caliber, ballistics, barrel length, gas systems, etc. The reality is quite different. As an 18 Bravo(US Army Special Forces Weapon Sergeant), of course I had to possess the skills to effectively employ my personal weapon systems (carbines, pistols and crew served) in combat as well as the ability to maintain and repair them.
But that is maybe, 5% of the job.
Just as important were the skills needed to lay mortars, be familiar with foreign weapon systems used by indigenous allied and enemy forces, conduct helicopter and airborne operations, perform tactical combat casualty care, use communications systems to call for medevac or close air support, plan actions on an objective, employ small unit tactics under fire, be proficient in hand-to-hand combat, speak a foreign language, maintain a high level of physical fitness and drive everything from cars and HMMWVs to off road vehicles, to name a few.
Over time, those who were personally interested in any of those topics had a great laboratory to work in. So when I look back at how I ran my kit, I see it was driven by considerations for many tasks, but above everything, my combat set-up was most influenced by my time as an athlete.
I spent a good part of my life playing football, from Pop Warner to high school and ultimately college ball. Everything from diet, to work outs to hobbies was driven by becoming bigger, stronger and faster than the day before. In the game, speed kills. If you can see the field and understand the game, you can put yourself in the right space, at the right time, with total control of your body, to deliver a devastating hit to your opponent.
I saw it no differently in combat.
Where the battlespace diverges from a playing field, is that the environment is not set. It can be an interior, where you are moving to a point of domination, or a killing field, where rapid maneuver allows you to destroy the enemy. This makes being quicker on the uptake in assessing the battlespace and finding those sweet spots vital because, in the end, it all comes down to fire superiority and flanking. When I set up my kit and my weapon systems, it was driven by what was going to make me as fast as possible at that fundamental principle of combat.
My unit was tasked with a Direct Action mission. The vast majority of our infils were conducted with vehicles. The targets were almost always compounds. That meant that our realistic threats were typically within a 100 meter radius. It also meant we were never more than 200 meters from our gun trucks with crew served weapons (.50 cals and MK19 grenade launchers).
We started with 14.5″ SOPMOD M4s. As issued, an M4 carbine is expected to deliver a sub three inch group at 100 yards with issued ammunition(62-grain Green Tip). It was a light, reliable and, at sub three minutes at 100 yards, delivered a reasonable degree of accuracy. Was it possible to shoot these weapon systems and get sub one inch groups at 100 yards? Absolutely. But it is a combination of skill, ammunition and platform that delivers that capability.
Given that our mission set rarely required we engage with our M4’s out past a 150 meter radius, when we received MK18 upper receivers many, including myself, switched to the more compact and maneuverable platform. With the issued ammunition and our skills, it matched the accuracy of the SOPMOD and was faster in the tight spaces we encountered on all of our missions.
Given that we ran a large number of missions at night, every carbine had a PEQ-15 on it allowing for accurate shooting out to 200 meters with our night vision goggles. I personally went with a rubberized Hogue AR pistol grip, because it was far more “grippy” especially when using gloves. I also used a Surefire M900A as it gave me a vertical grip, a pressure pad and a weapon light in one package. I ran a Arredondo Oversized Mag Well to give me a slight edge on speed reloads and finally, I topped it off with an EOTech 511 because not only was it the fastest combat proven weapon optic for our mission, but it was compact and allowed for more rail to mount the PEQ and rear iron sight.
That carbine was built around my mission. It performed it exactly how I needed it to. When I was putting together this article I had to look back through old emails to see what half of the items were even called, but each component either helped me go faster or made my task of shooting easier and was reliable enough to let me focus on the big picture.
In the end, that is the ultimate goal of any piece of kit.
LAPD purchases 2,700 first aid pouch kits from S.O.TECH and Green Vets LA
The goal is to help at-risk veterans to rejoin the society they once served, and they are doing it by bonding with those who wear the uniform to protect our streets. Veteran members of Vets Corps / Green Vets LA were subcontracted by S.O.Tech to assemble 2,700 individual first aid kits (IFAKs) that were delivered to the Los Angeles Police Department. These kits include tourniquets, pressure dressings and clotting agents that have been proven to save lives after gunshot and knife wounds.
Vets Corps searches for projects that provide work therapy that will inspire its Veterans to rejoin society. The knowledge that this product may save the life of a law enforcement officer builds a mental bond between this marginalized population of the street and the uniform wearing symbols of authority in our society. Their product will be supplied to both the Los Angeles Police Department and the Los Angeles Sheriffs Department, two of the world’s premier law enforcement agencies. And while this population of formerly homeless and at-risk Veterans have lived a hard life on the streets, their therapy draws from their experiences of service while in uniform, a common point they share with these law enforcement officers. As an additional benefit to the community, providing a job for this population not only reduces homelessness, but it can also reduce the resultant crime.
S.O.TECH Special Operations Technologies Inc. located in Carson, California manufactures in house and has established a small sewing, assembly and printing shop located inside the West Los Angeles Veterans Administration Hospital. S.O.TECH has sponsored Vets Corps since 2010, providing projects such as sewn reusable cloth shopping bags and Challenge Bear stuffed animals. The Veterans earn a paycheck from the program as well as receiving job training.
S.O.TECH’s Speed Clip System was chosen by LAPD and LASD for its revolutionary quick attachment capability for officers to grab and mount a rig to their thigh, belt or vest during rapidly developing scenarios rather than permanently carrying items on cluttered belts. S.O.TECH’s Speed Clip mounts medical pouches, Taser holsters, police rifle magazine pouches, radio pouches and riot control pepper dispenser carriers. The Speed Clip system is protected by multiple U.S. patents.
S.O.TECH is also supplying an equally large number of Taser Holsters to both LAPD and LASD from the Speed Clip line. The members of Vets Corps also worked on this production effort, taking pride in being part of an effort to provide less lethal options to officers confronting dangerous situations. Vets Corps is a 501c3 non-profit.
The SEAMS Association is the National Association for the Sewn Products Industry. It’s a not-for-profit organization composed of sewn products manufacturing and contract manufacturing companies and their suppliers. SEAMS supplier member companies provide valuable products, services and support to the sewn products industry.
SEAMS is excited to announce a new committee creating more communication and networking opportunities for members with a military focus. Whether you package and ship product, supply raw materials or produce end items to go directly into the field, SEAMS wants to be sure everyone that may need a hand completing these tasks knows what our members do.
The committee will aim to bring more US Manufacturers and end users to the SEAMS organization and expand its members knowledge in obtaining and maintaining government contracts. By working more efficiently within our network SEAMS members will be able to expand their production capabilities.
Current Committee members:
Jeff Papalia of NIB,
Mary Reardon of Tweave
Jack Foster of Sterling Wear of Boston”
Geoff Senko of MMI Textiles – Committee Chairperson
McMillan Merchant Solutions will transition to Merchant Services LTD for established accounts and new accounts will be set up by Delta Payment Systems.
Quebec, March 3, 2015 – B-TEMIA Inc., a leader in the growing market of human augmentation, announces the appointment of Mr Steven Smith as Vice President Business Development. Mr Smith has extensive industry experience in the home medical equipment market and, in particular, in the commercialization of mobility devices that will be very valuable for the commercialization of Keeogo.
Mr Smith previously worked for the Canadian home medical equipment market leader Shoppers Home Healthcare. Mr Smith joined Shoppers in 1996 and was instrumental in the growth of their business. “I am pleased to join B-TEMIA’s team and to be part of the commercialization of Keeogo. It is an exciting moment for me to have the chance to share my knowledge with this highly talented team”, stated Mr Smith.
In addition, B-TEMIA has appointed Mr. Marc-André Côté as Senior Director, Regulatory Affairs & Quality Management. As a senior regulatory affairs professional, and a former government regulator, Mr. Côté has brought numerous medical devices to regulatory approval. Mr. Côté will be a critical asset for B-TEMIA in the pursuit of its regulatory obligations with the FDA, Health Canada and regulatory bodies around the globe.
“I am convinced that the addition of these pivotal resources to the company’s corporate structure will help us to maintain our leadership position, expand our competencies and reinforce our team spirit which is our most valuable asset”, comments Mr. Stéphane Bédard, President and CEO of BTEMIA.
Ares Armor has recently announced their acquisition by Lake House Capital Management. The full release can be read below.
In the United States of America, you can mix business with pleasure. Here is living proof.
Lake House Capital Management, LLC, a Hinsdale, Illinois-based holding company is pleased and proud to announce it has acquired all the assets of Lycurgan, Inc., (doing business as Ares Armor). Specific terms of the deal were not disclosed at this time.
U.S. Marine, Dimitri Karras, who served tours in both Iraq and Afghanistan, founded Ares Armor in 2010. Headquartered in Oceanside, California, Ares Armor is the leading supplier of 80 percent lower receivers, and develops and manufactures high quality American-made firearm parts to legally build your own weapons. The business also proudly develops, manufactures, and sells innovative tactical gear, combat body armor, and more.
“We thank and respect Dimitri Karras for his patriotism, service, and defense of our country and its Constitution,” says new Ares Armor CEO, Bryce Stirlen. “We value his vision and efforts with Ares Armor, and truly wish him all the best in his future roles in the company.”
Ares Armor customers can expect to experience no disruption in quality or service during the management transition. But like when anyone buys a house, Lake House Capital Management has much it loves about Ares Armor, but also has some areas where it wants to make changes and add its own touches.
“Great people and great products have built Ares Armor into the successful business it is today,” adds Stirlen, a gun enthusiast, husband, and father. “Our main focus is to now build a better foundation to support the explosive growth the Company is experiencing.
That said, to be clear, one area where we will not waver is in loyal defense of the 2nd Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, and protecting the rights of all Americans to bear arms.
We are very excited about an even brighter future for Ares Armor, and believe our customers will be excited about it, too.”
Amended: New Ares Armor CEO, Bryce Stirlen. “In response to feedback about our Veteran heritage, we maintain and stand strong unwavering from our Veteran status. Of Veterans, by Veterans, and for Veterans.”
Warrior Protection and Readiness Coalition Builds on Recent Success by Expanding Board of Directors and Welcoming Five New Member Companies
MARBLEHEAD, MA (March 2, 2015) – The Warrior Protection and Readiness Coalition (WPRC) is pleased to announce the latest additions to its membership and has added a new director to its Board of Directors. The new members include several leading companies in the warfighter equipment and clothing industry.
New company members of the WPRC include: Bernard Cap Company, GENTEX Corporation, Massif, Safariland, and Source One Distributors. The added voices of these industry leaders will be critical to advancing the WPRC mission to support the equipment and advanced clothing needs of the Armed Services and Department of Homeland Security.
Bernard Cap Company – Bernard Cap is the largest Class A dress uniform headwear supplier to the United States government and its various agencies. They specialize in the manufacture of fine quality uniform headwear for U.S. and foreign military forces, service academies, airlines, police, security, and other organizations. www.bernardcap.com.
GENTEX Corporation – GENTEX is a leading provider of innovative solutions that enhance personal protection and situational awareness for global defense and security personnel operating in high performance environments. The company’s Gentex® and Ops-Core™ family of products and systems include helmets for both ground and air applications, aircrew life support systems, advanced optics, ground soldier protective equipment, high performance textiles, respiratory protection and communications equipment. www.gentexcorp.com.
Massif – Founded in 1999, Massif has provided hot weather flame resistant (FR) combat shirts, cold weather fire resistant fleece and softshell garments for the U.S. military since 2005. They are a world leader in supplying FR and high performance outdoor apparel to the military, law enforcement, search and rescue professionals, and the wildland firefighting community. www.massif.com.
Safariland – The Safariland Group is a leading global provider of a diverse range of safety and survivability products designed for the public safety, military, professional and outdoor markets. The Safariland Group offers a number of recognized brand names in these markets including Safariland®, ABA®, Second Chance®, Bianchi®, Break Free®, Protech® Tactical, Hatch®, Monadnock®,Identicator®, NIK®, Mustang Survival® and Med-Eng®. The Safariland Group’s mission, “Together, We Save Lives”, is inherent in the lifesaving and protective products it delivers. They are committed to providing quality, technologically advanced products that serve the ever-changing needs of the warfighter and peacekeeper. www.safariland.com.
Source One Distributors – Source One Distributors supports a broad array of clients in the defense industry, national security, law enforcement, search and rescue, fire and private security sectors by providing mission critical equipment, product sourcing, acquisition solutions, contracting expertise and a variety of support services. www.buysourceone.com.
Mr. Greg Maguire of Revision Military is the new industry representative who has joined the WPRC Board of Directors. The WPRC Board of Directors represents a cross-section of the personal protective equipment industry, providing organizational governance and setting the strategic direction of the WPRC. Mr. Maguire joins current WPRC Board Chairman Luke Hillier, WPRC Secretary David Bohannon, and WPRC Treasurer Don Vavala as well as Board Members Frank Montie, Brookwood Companies and Nate Smith, Oakley/ESS as leaders of this not-for-profit industry association.
“I welcome our newest members to the WPRC and appreciate their support for our initiatives,” said Chairman Luke Hillier. “Companies who have chosen to join our efforts are those that are committed to maintaining a healthy industrial base that is prepared to meet evolving threats in a dangerous world. As an industry, it is crucial for our advocacy to be focused on supporting the essential American manufacturing capability that supports the needs of our Armed Services.”
Regarding these positive developments, WPRC Executive Director David Costello commented,
“The WPRC serves as the voice of the personal protective equipment (PPE) and Organizational Clothing and Individual Equipment (OCIE) industry. These five new members of the WPRC bring their industry expertise and experience to our mutual efforts. This year alone we have achieved several critical successes, including the elimination of the use of reverse auctions by the Defense Logistics Agency for our product categories. This will ensure that our soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines and operators are receiving the best available equipment at the best possible cost to the taxpayer. We look forward to continuing our momentum this year with active leadership and with the added help of these additional industry partners.”
The WPRC supports the readiness of the United States by providing a unified industry voice to the U.S. Congress, the Department of Defense (DOD), Department of Homeland Security and other stakeholders. We work at the intersection of the Personal Protective Equipment and Organizational Clothing/Individual Equipment industry, the federal legislative policy process, and the Departments of Defense and Homeland Security. Our membership includes companies throughout the equipment and clothing industry and with companies at every point in the industrial supply chain who represent the best in American manufacturing.
