Just before SHOT Show ATS Tactical Gear announced that it purchased the Woolrich Elite brand. During SHOT SHow, we gave you a little taste of how that was progressing at ATS Elite. Now, they’ve landed another coup with the announcement of a partnership with Vickers Tactical. This also means that the clothing will be worn by cast and crew of the newly launched Youtube channel home of TAC-TV.
Be sure to watch this video announcement by LAV and look for a discount code.
You may have heard that DoD is going to finally apply the Berry Amendment to athletic footwear. Many have been working behind the scenes for years to help make this happen and it’s a significant win for those who believe in helping maintain a domestic industrial base. In addition to the troops who will wear this footwear, the change will affect the footwear manufacturers, primarily Wolverine (Saucony brand running shoes) and New Balance, but also the fabric makers, sole maker Vibram, leather providers, and even the shoelace makers in the US who depend on domestic production. This is great news for our domestic supply chain and will help drive innovation in our space.
As I see it, this is just an initial step. The deal is only for initial entry trainees using their voucher, and does not apply to currently serving personnel, so you don’t have to worry that you’ll be required to purchase a Berry compliant shoe. And, for those of you complaining that there won’t be many choices and that you need something special to fit your particular foot, consider this; a few years ago, DoD went to a common last (footbed shape) for combat footwear. In reality, you already don’t have different fits available for your feet.
Rockford, Michigan, April 28, 2014 — Wolverine Worldwide (NYSE: WWW) today commends the Department of Defense for updating the policy regarding the acquisition of athletic shoes for military recruits. In a letter to members of the Armed Services Committees, the Deputy Secretary of Defense confirmed a policy change that requires new recruits to use their footwear allowance to purchase U.S.-made athletic footwear that is compliant with the Berry Amendment, once they are available in the marketplace.
For the past several years, Wolverine Worldwide has urged the Pentagon to procure athletic footwear manufactured in the United States, rather than purchasing foreign-made products. This policy change will ensure that the Armed Services are not dependent on foreign sources for essential basic training needs and will significantly help support the U.S. supply chain for American-made shoes.
This policy correction will help strengthen and support the domestic industrial base and the thousands of manufacturing jobs that provide the necessary equipment for the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Special Forces, with no additional cost to the taxpayer. It also strengthens the ability of industry to provide the full spectrum of footwear needs of the Armed Services, from combat boots to athletic shoes.
“I am grateful that the Department of Defense has recognized the importance of providing the Armed Services with athletic footwear made in the United States,” said Blake Krueger, Wolverine Worldwide Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “Our Saucony, Merrell and Bates brands have partnered together to advance this effort and we are well into the process of producing state-of-the art athletic shoes at our manufacturing plant in Michigan. Wolverine Worldwide is committed to utilizing the full research and development capabilities of our entire corporation to support the training needs of those who serve our country.”
You’re already familiar with the MBUS Pro backup sight but you may not have seen Magpul’s latest creations, the MBUS Pro bus.
Created from a 1952 Flxible Sightseer bus, it was customized by Timeless Travel Trailers. According to Magpul, it includes a mahogany armory by Azar’s Woodcraft and Phil Ramos Upholstery for vintage guns, a Gallow Technologies armory for modern guns, a well stocked wet bar, and two tap kegerator, a built in humidor full of Perdomo Cigars, and a few other special touches.
looks like a great time was had by all.
Earlier this week Magpul announced their new M-LOK attachment system for mounting accessories to rails. The list of manufacturers adopting the system has really taken off, thanks in part to the ongoing NRA Annual Meeting in Indianapolis, Indiana. I’m happy to see several of my favorites on the list.
April 24, 2014 – W.S. Darley & Co. is pleased to announce the addition of Vice Admiral Joe Maguire to the Board of Directors.
Admiral Maguire was a career Naval Special Warfare Officer (SEAL) and retired from the United States Navy in 2010, having served 36 years in uniform. Prior to retiring from active duty, he was the Deputy Director for Strategic Operational Planning at National Counterterrorism Center in Washington, DC. . Previously, Vice Admiral Maguire was Commander, Naval Special Warfare Command. He is highly revered as a leader in the US Navy SEAL Community. His awards include The National Intelligence Distinguished Service Medal, the United States Intelligence Community’s highest personal award.
He is currently the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Special Operations Warrior Foundation (SOWF), a foundation which provides scholarship grants as well as educational counseling to the children of fallen Special Operations troops. The foundation also provides immediate financial assistance to severely wounded warriors and their families. The Darley Family Foundation has supported the SOWF for many years. A Darley family member Ted Fitzhenry who served as a Navy SEAL lost his life during service to our country in 2004 and the SOWF helped his family during this difficult time. Admiral Maguire personally attended the funeral services.
According to Paul C. Darley, Chairman of the W.S. Darley & Co. Board of Directors, “We are honored to have Admiral Maguire serve on our board. His insights into the special operations community will help us immensely as we grow and continue to serve this important market.”
Admiral Maguire commented, “Darley has a proven track record and strong reputation built up over the last 100 years in the fire service. They are taking their passion for quality, service and reliability to serve our Military and establish a trusted brand in the defense market. My personal core values and the company’s core values are aligned. I’m extremely proud and honored to serve on this board.”
Joe presently resides with his wife Kathy in Tampa, Florida where he serves on the Advisory Board of Operation Helping Hands, whose mission is to help the families of the wounded and injured Warriors during their hospital stay in Tampa Bay. Additionally, he is a military advisor to the Board of Directors of Athlete’s Performance Institute which honored him by establishing a scholarship in his name for wounded Special Operations Forces at The Eagle Fund of the Andrew’s Institute Foundation. The Eagle Fund’s mission is to provide our Wounded Warriors with the highest quality care possible.
Walking the show floor at Warrior West, I came upon the S&S Precision booth.
I saw an old friend in a new job. Angela Thompson is well known in our industry and I’m happy to say that she is now with S&S Precision. Expect to see lots of her during the upcoming trade show season.
Congrats!
John McPhee, the Sheriff of Baghdad is launching a new website, May 1st.
Sign up now to enter a chance to win one of a series of prizes he will be giving away from his sponsors each of the first 10 days of May.
Uber Group has recently announced a new partnership with Ares Gear. Uber Group will now be handling all Unit and Agency purchases of Ares Gear products, while Ares Gear and any dealers carrying their products will continue to handle individual orders. This arrangement was made in response to Ares Gear’s growth as a company – sales of the brand are being outsourced to a trusted partner while Ares can focus on new products and design.
Unit/Agency orders and prospective dealers should email dealersales@aresgear.com, where an Uber Group rep will read it and get back to you as quickly as possible.
Additionally, Uber Group will be holding a Biz Dev day at Academi on Thursday, May 1st.
