This video gives you an inside look at the manufacture of SmartWool socks at their factory in the US. It’s a cool video that shows you the machinery at work and gives you a good idea of how the socks are made.
However, please remember, not all SmartWool products are manufactured here and although there are Merino sheep here in the US, Merino Wool is a product of New Zealand.
In an Op-Ed published in last Friday’s Wall Street Journal Rep Buck McKeon discusses looming cuts to the US Defense budget. You may recall the worst case scenario document prepared for his use by committee staffers which we recently published.
In the piece written for WSJ, he makes the case that DoD has already made a great deal of cuts and that in fielding the professional force we currently have, we take on a moral obligation to provide quality training and equipment for our troops. What he doesn’t come out and say, but hints at, is that deep cuts may well mean the end of the volunteer force. It’s a viable argument and it’s about time that this country had a serious discussion about alternatives. I’ve long felt that the US military no longer resembles the country it defends. Perhaps those that oppose a strong US military would reconsider their position if they thought that they and theirs might have to participate in the process rather than just criticize it. And, the American taxpayer might not feel so bad about the costs associated with the military if the quality of training and equipment was tied directly to the well being of their sons and daughters.
Ironically, the real budget crisis will come next month if the so-called super committee will be unable to agree on equitable spending cuts. The debt ceiling compromise that was reached during this summer’s kabuki theater created a looming situation which will result in $500 Billion in automatic cuts to defense if they cannot work out a deal. Gridlock is now the norm. If you have an opinion one way or another, let your elected representatives know how you feel and why.
Here is a preview of the Op-ed. Ironically, you have to be a subscriber to read the piece written by a US Congressman.
Buck McKeon (R-CA) is the Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee and a champion of the US service member.
UK-based Intelligent Armour has informed us that they have launched a new French language website to better serve their Franophone customers. In a statement, Intelligent Armour CEO Alex Bomberg told us, “I am very happy that the website launch has gone very well with no technical issues. It has taken nine months of planning and work and over 9000 technical translations to be able to provide our French speaking clients with their own website.” He went on to add, “Having been selling to mainland Europe for the past number of years, and although we have French nationals as part of our sales and management team, this new website enables us to provide a far higher level of service.”
The Norwegian Ministry of Defence has selected Thales to provide their commercialized version of the NORMANS Soldier Digitization effort. Over the next five years Thales will lead a team to produce the systems which are built to the specifications produced by the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (FFI) and and tested by the Telemark Battalion (TmBn).
The 2 NORMANS devices provide blue force tracking, navigation, target hand-off, and text messaging. NORMANS Light is worn by the individual Soldier member of a Dismounted Close Combat (DCC) squad and NORMANS Advanced is used by small unit leaders. As you can see NORMANS Advanced offers a full color display and will deliver more data rich information.
“NORMANS digitised soldier system will provide Norwegian soldiers with improved situational awareness, improved ability to navigate and will provide effective mission planning. As a result of this soldiers will have increased effectiveness and safety in operationsâ€, says Secretary of State in the MoD, Roger Ingebrigtsen.
McNett has announced the promotion of Liz Mathias to Vice President of Sales. Prior to her promotion, Mathias worked as sales manager where she guided business development and directed domestic and international distribution across McNett’s many brands including OutGo and GearAid. Mathias was also responsible for implementing effective sales systems and achieved significant account growth across numerous industries including outdoor, sporting goods, dive and travel.
“Liz’s promotion is a result of her significant contributions to the Company on many levels. She has earned a high level of respect from the McNett staff, her peers, customers and partners within our industries,†said Karen Robins, HR manager at McNett. “We are excited for Liz to move forward in her new role as she continues to provide outstanding leadership both in sales and at a management level.â€
In her new position, Mathias will focus on coordinating the outdoor, sporting goods and dive divisions of the sales team, forging strategic partnerships with retailers and aligning the company for global growth.
“I could not be more thrilled and excited about where this shift will take us,†said Mathias. “We are stepping our game up in the international arena on both the business to business and business to consumer levels. This should translate to more opportunities with retailers, distributors and OEMs so that McNett can one day dominate the entire gear care and repair world.â€
Source One Distributors, Inc., announced that it has spun off its Source One Tactical division into a new and separate company, Source One Tactical, Inc. (SOT). It is Source One’s intent to provide a seamless transition of the operations of the division into its own separate entity.
Source One Tactical, Inc. will focus its effort towards developing product designs for the Military and Law enforcement communities that address essential mission critical needs and solve unique problems in an innovative fashion. Another key strategy for Source One Tactical will be consistent investments into research and development initiatives and cultivating a line of products and services that improve the overall safety, precision, speed and quality of Military and Law enforcement operations. SOT will also manufacture a variety of end items with a primary focus on Military and Law enforcement products, as well as some products that will carry-over into the commercial outdoor sportsman markets.
In a statement regarding the evolution of Source One Tactical, Inc., E&Y Entrepreneur of the Year and Source One President & CEO, Mark Llano said:
“The growth of Source One Tactical over the past few years has been a direct result of everyone on the Source One Distributors Team being 100% ‘Committed to the Mission….®’ of supporting our troops. By listening to professionals in the field, working with the best in class strategic partners, and utilizing cutting edge technology we were able to grow the Source One Tactical division into a brand that has come to represent quality, innovation and durability to our customers. This move is a step forward that will allow the SOT line to expand and continue to provide state-of-the-art, mission critical products and services to help assist today’s war fighter and law enforcement professional keep America safe and secure.â€
Source One has developed several products over the years so this is a great move for them. Furthermore, we know they’ve added some great folks to the team and can’t wait to see what they come up with.
For more information regarding Source One Tactical, contact: jhenkemeyer@sourceonetactical.com or visit www.sourceonetactical.com.
