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Carl Fulmore Joins Armorsource, LLC as Vice President of Business Development

Wednesday, March 13th, 2013

This is very exciting news. I’ve known Carl for years and he’s a very knowledgeable and all around great guy. As for ArmorSource, I visited their factory in Ohio recently and am extremely impressed with their capabilities as well as their employees. ArmorSource is definitely a company to keep an eye on.

Here is the ArmorSource press release:

ArmorSource, LLC announced today that defense industry executive and decorated Army veteran Carl Fulmore will join the company as Vice President of Business Development. Fulmore is currently a Director of Business Development at BAE Systems, Inc. Mr. Fulmore comes to ArmorSource, the world’s leading ballistic helmet manufacturer, with an in-depth knowledge of the industry and the experience of a more than 20 year, distinguished career in
the military where he served in the Infantry, the Special Forces and the Acquisition Corps.

In his new role with the company, Fulmore will oversee ArmorSource’s domestic business development efforts with the military, which spans the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and the Special Operations Command. Fulmore will capture new business opportunities for ArmorSource, focusing on innovative products such as the Lightweight Advanced Combat Helmet (LWACH), the Ultra Lightweight Advanced Combat Helmet (ULWACH), and the new generation of mission-specific configurations with the ability to suppress 7.62mm ballistic threats.

“At ArmorSource, we are fully committed to equipping U.S. troops with the best head protection available. We make sure that our products do everything possible to help our warfighters be more effective, more efficient and safer,” said Yoav Kapah, President and CEO of ArmorSource. “Carl has excellent experience and he knows ballistic helmets from his days using them in the Army and Special Forces, and from his time overseeing their acquisition as an Assistant Program Manager for the Program Executive Office (PEO) Soldier. His great private sector experience within the protective equipment industry is just one more reason that I am honored to have Carl as a part of our team at
ArmorSource.

“ArmorSource is leading innovation in the ballistic head protection market in every way. I am thrilled to be working with a team that is bringing to the warfighter the lightest and strongest helmets available, and I look forward to expanding ArmorSource’s presence within the U.S. Armed Forces and law enforcement agencies,” said Fulmore. “Beyond having exceptional technology, I know from my prior work that ArmorSource has a great record of quality and on time delivery. That matters to program staff and end users. They are consistent, honest and great at what they do. I am proud to be part of the team and look forward to working with Mr. Kapah to continue growing the company.”

Fulmore begins his role as ArmorSource’s Vice President of Business Development on March 18, 2013.

Look for more ArmorSource news soon from SSD.

Tags: ArmorSource, Carl Fulmore
Posted in Armor, Helmets, Industry | 1 Comment »

MagPul Just Got a Little More Interesting

Wednesday, March 13th, 2013

Unfortunately, the fat lady has all but sung in MagPul’s native state’s Second Amendment struggle. Having passed both the Colorado House and Senate, a ban on magazines with capacities greater than 15 rounds awaits the Governor’s signature to become law. As manufacturers of the famous PMAG, MagPul (and several of their subcontractors and suppliers) have understandably vowed to leave their home if the law is enacted.

One thing MagPul founder Rich Fitzpatrick (and his partners) will surely leave in Boulder, Colorado is a new restaurant called Drake’s Haus. Opening in Mid-May, Drake’s Haus specializes in burgers. Specifically, the Merlot burger.

According the the Westword blog, “the concept is the brainchild of co-owner and chef Kimber Hollar, who devised the idea at a backyard barbecue, where she and her co-owners, Richard Fitzpatrick…and Jamie Hanson, discovered it was a hit with the burger-craving crowd.”

“By injecting the burger patty with merlot from different wine growing regions, Kimber has created five juicy and deliciously rich burgers,” says Sullivan, noting that the patties are smaller than a traditional hamburger. Those who order them, however, will get a duo, which, adds Sullivan, “allows our guests to mix and match different styles.”

I think Drake’s Haus sounds like a great restaurant. Interestingly, because of the impending launch of Drake’s Haus, the Boulder Weekly thinks that MagPul is bluffing about leaving Colorado. They can’t seem to fathom that a guy who runs an $85 million a year company would move if he has a restaurant opening in May. Hopefully, Fitzpatrick will open another one wherever MagPul ends up. I’d love to try a Merlot burger.

Tags: Magpul, Richard Fitzpatrick
Posted in Industry | 33 Comments »

A Quick Tour of IWA – Take 2

Tuesday, March 12th, 2013

Thanks JJ for this second set of photos of last week’s IWA.

Tags: IWA
Posted in Industry, International | 5 Comments »

BCM Gunfighters

Tuesday, March 12th, 2013

John Chapman, Kyle Defoor, Ken Hackathorn, Travis Haley, Dave Harrington, Pat McNamara, John McPhee, Mike Pannone, Pat Rogers and Larry Vickers. All legendary names in the tactical firearms training business. And, all use Bravo Company guns. BCM wanted to honor these men and showcase their input regarding their products, so they created the BCM Gunfighter Program.

BCM Gunfighters by solsys

To learn more visit www.bravocompanymfg.com/gunfighters

Tags: Alias Training and Security Services, Bravo Company Mfg, Bravo Company USA, Dave Harrington, John Chapman, John McPhee, Ken Hackathorn, Kyle Defoor, Mike Pannone, Pat McNamara, Pat Rogers, Travis Haley
Posted in Industry, Training | Comments Off on BCM Gunfighters

A Quick Tour of IWA

Tuesday, March 12th, 2013

While we missed IWA again this year, SSD reader JJ sent us these photos.

Tags: IWA
Posted in Industry, International | Comments Off on A Quick Tour of IWA

Blue Force Gear Licenses Helium Whisper to STRATAGEM

Monday, March 11th, 2013

Blue Force Gear has licensed the Helium Whisper pouch attachment system to STRATAGEM which becomes the first international brand to integrate the technology into their product line.

“We at STRATAGEM are proud to be working with Blue Force Gear and use Helium Whisper as a component of our products,” said Markus Jahn, STRATAGEM’s CEO. “Helium Whisper allows us to grant our customers access to an outstanding technology, giving them the benefit of lighter and more efficient equipment by reducing the weight of our pouches dramatically. It enables us to raise the level of our pouches and to fulfill our aspiration of providing cutting edge products to today’s warfighter.”

“STRATAGEM is a top quality German company who services the elite with quality gear. We’re proud they’ve chosen Helium Whisper to help lighten the load of their customers,” said Doug Duggan, Blue Force Gear’s International Business Development Manager.

Helium Whisper allows modular pouch backs to be constructed from a single piece of high-performance laminate versus the multiple straps and snaps of outdated designs. This amazing breakthrough increases strength and durability of pouches while eliminating failure points and reducing weight by up to 60 percent. Helium Whisper licensing allows OEM customers to reduce sewing costs, minimize alignment errors, maintain or increase durability, and stay relevant to today’s weight-conscious military customers.

Tags: Blue Force Gear, Helium Whisper, Stratagem
Posted in Industry, International, Materials | Comments Off on Blue Force Gear Licenses Helium Whisper to STRATAGEM

US Patriot Provides Clothing and Equipment for New Animal Planet Show “Battleground: Rhino Wars”

Sunday, March 10th, 2013

The new Animal Planet 3 part miniseries, “Battleground: Rhino Wars” reveals the conflict between bloodthirsty poachers and one of South Africa’s anti-poaching units. To combat the ever-increasing rhino poaching epidemic, which is wiping out the rhino population, four U.S. Special Operations veterans have been recruited to prevent poachers from continuing this deadly destruction against these endangered species.

US Patriot outfitted these heroes with various uniforms and gear to help them pursue this very important mission. These “soldiers of extinction” are led by Craig “Saw,” team leader, Navy SEAL (fmr.), and includes Jeff “Biggs,” sniper, Navy SEAL (fmr.); Rob, intel, Navy SEAL (ret.); and “Oz,” medic, Green Beret.

Airdates: Thursday, March 7th at 9pm, Thursday, March 14th at 9pm, Thursday, March 21st at 9pm.

Tags: Animal Planets, US Patriot
Posted in Industry | 3 Comments »

What’s Congress Doing To Help The Industry?

Friday, March 8th, 2013

Lets face it, the tactical bubble has burst. As the war winds down, things have slowed up quite a bit, but sequestration has put an end to not only training but the purchase of commercial soldier systems commodities.

Tactical Tailor’s Casey Ingels is in Washington this week to meet with members of Congress. One remedy that has been mentioned is to introduce legislation that would require the Department of Homeland Security to fall under the Berry Amendment. Here’s the problem with that approach. It’s been done. In 2009 the Kissel Amendment (Berry Amendment Extension Act) required DHS to adopt Berry Amendment buying policies which require all textile based commodities to be manufactured in the US from US raw goods. Berry dates back to WWII and was intended to protect both the industrial base as well as the military. Unfortunately, the Kissel Amendment turned out to be a failure. In 2009, DHS decided that it didn’t really apply to them becuase of this statement in the law, “applied in a manner consistent with United States obligations under international agreements.” It gave them an out that they needed in order to continue to purchase foreign goods. Can you imagine anything more ridiculous? Border Patrol agents are issued foreign manufactured uniforms. It’s almost insulting.

Recently, the federal government agreed on new terms for TSA agents that would raise their annual clothing allowance to over $500. Currently, the contract for these uniforms is with fashion house VF. Agents have an account and order their uniform items online through VF’s website. Unfortunately, those uniforms are no made here in the US.

Two immediate things could happen that would breathe some life into the US tactical industry that has made possible the amazing modernization of the US service member’s clothing and individual equipment over the past 10 years.

First, the Army needs to stop messing around and announce their new camouflage pattern. Second, Congress needs enact tough legislation that places not only DHS but the entire federal government under Berry, requiring them to purchase their clothing and individual equipment from US sources. There are enough loopholes that foreign produced specialty items can be procured and if the demand is there, US based manufacturing will be established. Additionally, Congress needs to pressure the Obama administration to issue an executive order requiring DHS to comply with the spirit of the already existing Kissel amendment.

Posted in Congress, Industry | 31 Comments »