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James Gilliland Joins Digital Concealment Systems, LLC

Monday, September 17th, 2012

Industry Pro James Gilliland has joined Digital Concealment Systems, LLC the creators of the A-TACS family of camouflage.

Jim will serve as Director of Special Projects with primary responsibilities including interfacing with new and existing manufacturing partners to bring new and innovative products to market utilizing both the A-TACS AU and A-TACS FG Camo patterns. Additionally, Jim will assist the DCS Marketing team with content creation and with the development of specialized media projects. Jim will also coordinate with various Government Agencies with respect to utilizing the A-TACS Camo platform.

Jim brings over 15 years of practical military experience to the A-TACS Camo team. He Joined the Army in 1996 where he served in the 3rd Batallion of the 75th Ranger Regiment as an Indirect Fire Infantryman (Mortar Gunner), Forward Observer, Sniper, Spotter, RTO, Team Leader, and a Squad Leader. He later deployed twice to Afghanistan with C company 3/75 as a Squad Leader where he participated in the highly televised night combat Airborne Assault in the Helmand providence on 19 Oct 2001.

Jim went on to instruct at the NCO academy for 18 months before being assigned to the 3rd Infantry Division. While there, Jim selected and trained a Sniper Section from scratch in 2004 and deployed for one year as a Sniper Section Leader. Jim’s sniper section was recognized as the best Sniper Section in Iraq in 2005 by the Joint Chief Counter IED Task Force. Jim is accredited with taking a record successful single shot engagement with a 7.62 rifle.

Jim was later assigned as a Ranger Instructor at Mountain Phase of the Army’s Ranger school for three years as both tactics and mountaineering instructor. Following that, Jim returned to the 3rd ID and completed his second tour in Iraq as a Platoon Sergeant leading a quick Reaction Force and counter IED/Post blast section Leader finishing his time in the 3d ID as a First Sergeant.

Jim was assigned to Fort Benning in the summer of 2011 to serve in the Soldier Requirement Division, Small Arms Branch as the Senior Enlisted Adviser and Branch NCOIC. In this role Jim was directly involved in the selection, refinement and development of all future Army small arms. Jim is currently assigned to Cco 2-29 IN as the Rifle Marksmanship Proponent where he is tasked with the update and rewrite of the Rifle Marksmanship Manual.

Jim also founded and runs Shadow 6 Consulting. Through Shadow 6, he focuses on individual and group firearms training with emphasis on Weapons Handling, Marksmanship Training, Tactical Maneuver scenarios, Home Defense Training, Equipment Selection and Use, and Industry Consulting. Jim can be contacted at: jim@a-tacs.com.

Jim is going to be a great addition to the A-TACS team. Congrats to all!

www.A-TACS.com

Tags: A-TACS, Digital Concealment Systems, James Gilliland
Posted in Camo, Industry | Comments Off on James Gilliland Joins Digital Concealment Systems, LLC

DBT Announces New DoD Program Director and National Sales Director

Friday, September 14th, 2012

Diamondback Tactical has hired Mike Jewell as Director of DoD Programs,. They’ve also promoted Norm MacLeod to the position of National Sales Director for State and Local Law Enforcement.

“We are excited about the value that Mike and Norm bring to our sales team,” says Roland VanSkiver, Vice President of Global Sales for Diamondback Tactical. “They bring a wealth of knowledge, and have a strong passion for serving this industry with hard work and integrity.”

As Director of DoD, Mike Jewell will be responsible for the development and maintenance of new business within the defense and military sectors. Jewell served 11 years in the United States Air Force Security Forces as a military working K-9 handler. He has served in Operation Southern Watch, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and an assignment to the USMC 1st FAST and 13th MEU (SOC) in support of Operation Resolute Response. Jewell has also worked as a part of the protective security detachment team for DynCorp in support of the U.S. State Department CIVPOL program in Baghdad, Iraq. Jewell was instrumental in the initial development of Diamondback Tactical’s DoD program as the Military Special Operations Program Manager.

As National Sales Director Norm MacLeod will be instrumental in strengthening Diamondback Tactical’s state and local distribution network for domestic sales, and for providing day-to-day guidance for the state and local sales force. Prior to his promotion as National Sales Director, MacLeod served as the Northeast region account manager for Diamondback Tactical. MacLeod has more than 32 years of experience holding various positions throughout the body armor industry and law enforcement field. Most notable were his contributions as Director of Law Enforcement Sales with Tri-Tech, Inc., special operations for the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office, and a highly decorated Petty Officer in the U.S. Coast Guard. Macleod served in the Persian, Gulf Desert Shield and Desert Storm operations.

www.diamondbacktactical.com

Tags: Diamondback Tactical
Posted in Armor, Industry | Comments Off on DBT Announces New DoD Program Director and National Sales Director

SureFire Revamps Website

Friday, September 14th, 2012

SureFire has not only given their website a makeover but they’ve also added lots of new videos.

www.SureFire.com

Tags: Surefire
Posted in Industry, Lights | 4 Comments »

Jerry Tsai Steps Down as Editor of “Recoil” Magazine

Thursday, September 13th, 2012

Just minutes ago, “Recoil” Editor Jerry Tsai announced his resignation. While this doesn’t end the controversy surrounding the magazine’s most recent issue, it is certainly a move towards reconciliation with its readership. They must still find a new Editor as well as writers and work to gain back readers and advertisers alike.

It is with deep sorrow that I announce I am stepping down as editor of Recoil, effective immediately.

It is very difficult for me to walk away from something I helped create, something that I loved doing, and something I firmly believed would appeal to a fresh new generation of gun enthusiasts, but I accept that the comments in my story in the current issue have made my position as editor of Recoil untenable.

With that said, Recoil is bigger than any one person, and if my departure will allow Recoil to continue to grow and engage gun enthusiasts, then stepping down as editor is clearly the right thing for me to do.

I accept I made mistakes, and I apologize unreservedly for calling Recoil’s support for Second Amendment rights into question.

While I understand the passions aroused over this incident, the deeply hurtful words from some of my fellow gun enthusiasts have been painful to endure. I hope now we can all move on.

Finally, I would like to thank all those who have supported me over the past few days. These are the people who know me to be at heart a passionate gun enthusiast whose dream was to make something bold and new in firearms media.

Jerry Tsai

Tags: Recoil
Posted in Industry | 50 Comments »

Companies Who Have Dropped Advertising With ‘Recoil’ Magazine – Updated

Wednesday, September 12th, 2012

Silencerco
SWR Manufacturing
Panteao Productions
ITS Tactical
Haley Strategic Partners
Truly Tactical
Magpul Industries
Bravo Company USA
Surefire
DSG Arms
TNVC, Inc
Vortex Optics
Advanced Armament Corp
ITW Military Products
Mission First Tactical
Ares Armor
Tactical Tailor
Daniel Defense

Please support them in their support of the Second Amendment.

Tags: Advanced Armament Corp, Ares Armor, Bravo Company USA, Daniel Defense, DSG Arms, Haley Strategic Partners, ITS Tactical, ITW Military Products, Magpul, Mission First Tactical, Panteao Productions, Recoil, Silencerco, Surefire, SWR Manufacturing, Tactical Night Vision Company, Tactical Tailor, Truly Tactical, Vortex Optics
Posted in Industry | 38 Comments »

Michael Alvis Joins B.E. Meyers & Company as Vice President of Business Development

Wednesday, September 12th, 2012

BE Meyers & Company, Inc, manufacturers of the IZLID series of laser designators as well as countless other optics and target designation devices announces the appointment of Michael Alvis as Vice President of Business Development. In his new position, Mr. Alvis will be broadly responsible for strategies and execution leading to market expansion and revenue growth.

Mike was previously with ITT Corporation, where he most recently served as Executive Vice President of ITT Defense International and Vice President for International Development at ITT Exelis. In these positions he led planning and execution of international business development activities, while working with the Exelis divisions to pursue opportunities in emerging markets.

“During his eight years at ITT, Mike engineered a remarkable record of growth in both U.S. and international markets. He has demonstrated strong leadership in developing and implementing innovative strategies and approaches, and an uncompromising commitment to outstanding customer service. His experience will be invaluable in driving our continued growth and success,” said Dr. Gregory Quarles, CEO of B.E. Meyers & Company, Inc.

Before that, Mike served as Vice President of Strategy and Business Development for ITT Night Vision, where he was responsible for worldwide strategy, sales, and marketing. He also brings extensive military experience to the brand. He is a retired US Army Colonel whose 26-year career included command of infantry, cavalry and combat aviation units. He also served three tours in the Pentagon, the last as Chief of Congressional Activities in the Office of Chief of Staff for the Army, and has been awarded the Army Distinguished Service Medal and holds the Master Army Aviator designator.

“I am delighted with the opportunity to help lead this industry innovator to a higher level of success, here at home and around the world,” said Mr. Alvis. “B.E. Meyers is well known in this market, so I am very familiar with their outstanding product portfolio and commitment to quality and technological leadership. I look forward to the challenges and satisfactions of this position.”

Prior to joining ITT, Mr. Alvis held positions with Thales North America, which specializes in tactical communications, night vision and advanced weaponry; and with L3 Communications, where he directed the Army Strategic Leadership Program. He is a graduate of Tulane University, and holds a master’s degree in public administration from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, and a master’s degree in management from Central Michigan University.

www.bemeyers.com

Tags: BE Meyers and Company
Posted in Industry | 1 Comment »

In Memoriam – Dave Ruiz

Wednesday, September 12th, 2012

Over the weekend industry lost a visionary and I lost a friend. In fact, a lot of us lost a friend when Dave Ruiz passed away. There isn’t enough room on SSD for me to say all of the good things that need to be said about Dave. In an effort to do him justice I’ve asked his business partner Brian Abrams to prepare a eulogy. In the comments I invite you all to share your memories of Dave. We are truly diminished by his loss.

David L Ruiz

Sorrow fills our hearts this sad moment, a pain that cuts deep and personal. Dave has silently closed the door of life and has been deployed on yet another mission, somewhere where I know he will continue to make a difference. Our lives will surely be empty in the areas that he had brightened for us.

In one word, Dave is a man who gave. He gave so much to his family, friends, work and his country. Here was a life that demanded notice-a life that burned so that others’ paths were lit.

I have known Dave for twenty years…he was my business partner, but more importantly, he was my friend, a great one at that. He was a strategic thinker, a visionary who was smart, innovative and creative. He generously gave us his knowledge, his expertise, his skills and yes, his sarcastic humor which always kept things light.

Dave was deeply concerned as a Marine with improving the quality of their gear to enhance comfort and increase survivability and he was very keen to pursue innovation and look for solutions outside the box. He initiated and implemented much in this field during his tour of duty that can be still seen today.

Dave was living proof of how fine a person can be. He was a good boss to the people in his charge, a loving husband to his wife, and a devoted father and grandfather. He was also a good friend and colleague to many of us. He was sincere, earnest, humble and loyal. He had a great sense of humor and a gentle way about him. Dave was bright, logical(most of the time) and could converse on so many topics…business, technology, sports, family and religion.

In his career he worked with passion, integrity and energy. By his death, all that knew him will miss a highly intelligent and vibrant guy with a special charm of personality. Our sadness is lessened slightly with the comforting thought that we had the privilege to know him. Dave was my best friend and I’ll miss him dearly.

brian abrams

Tags: Dave Ruiz
Posted in Industry, Multicam | 44 Comments »

Mayflower Integrating QuietLoop into Products

Monday, September 10th, 2012

This is an example of a Mayflower Assault Plate Carrier (APC) using MultiCam QuietLoop from Propel. They are starting to implement this into their production over the next several weeks. However, there are still items with standard hook and loop tape in inventory and they will fill orders with those until it is exhausted.

www.mayflower-rc.org

Tags: Mayflower Research and Consulting LLC, QuietLoop
Posted in Industry, Materials | Comments Off on Mayflower Integrating QuietLoop into Products