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Gen II IOTV in OCP

Friday, September 3rd, 2010

PEO-Soldier announced earlier this week that it had begun fielding the Gen II Improved Outer Tactical Vest (IOTV) in the Operation Enduring Freedom Camouflage Pattern (OCP). The pictures associated with the article are awesome and give you a great look at the new pattern. The photo below also shows a mounted TAP.

There are 17 improvements in the Gen II IOTV. Ultimately, the biggest improvement is probably the new sideplate pocket that is adjustable to the wearer. Many Soldiers found wearing sideplates almost unbearable. While the Army’s copy makes it sound like this is a whole new vest that is modular and scalable, ultimately, nothing is really that new. This is the same IOTV they have been issuing since earlier this year but what is important is that Soldiers deploying to OEF will be getting the latest in everything.

Having said that, it’s still an IOTV. Is it effective? Yes. Does it hinder mobility? Sometimes, like say if you are walking or climbing. Is it scalable? Sort of. If the IOTV were truly “all that”, the Army wouldn’t have fielded the Soldier Plate Carrier System and there would be no reason to undertake Soldier Protection Demonstration (SPD) 8 which is currently assessing Scalable, Modular armor vests from four different vendors including BAE, Point Blank, Armor Works, and PPI. These vests allow a Soldier to go from a concealable set up all the way out to full IOTV protection with all of the add-ons. The catch is that it has to be accomplished with one set up and must shave at least 10% off the weight of a fully jocked up IOTV.

Unfortunately, PEO-Soldier is staying mum on the subject of SPD 8 so we will wait to reveal more until they are ready.

Posted in Armor, Industry, Multicam, PEO-Soldier | Comments Off on Gen II IOTV in OCP

Vertx Gunfighter Shirt Officially Released

Friday, September 3rd, 2010

There has been a lot of buzz about Vertx’s new Gunfighter shirt and it is finally available, for pre-order at least.

Available in two weights; a durable nylon cotton ripstop blend and the water-resistant Storm variant, incorporates technical materials and finishes critical for use in harsh weather conditions. Its simple, clean design and articulated shoulders and arm allow for full range of motion. Durable, yet lightweight and breathable, the shirt is ergonomically designed for any situation and does not compromise freedom of movement.

While both versions are currently offered in MultiCam®, Vertx is developing Gunfighter models with solid color shells.

Like all Vertx products, the Gunfighter is designed for the operator who wants the combination of low visual profile and function of a battle garment. It was designed in cooperation with SWAT and military operators interested in a clean, functional approach to high incident tactical wear.

“The Operational Athlete of today has to be highly adaptable, always prepared for a number of situations,” said Vertx President & CEO, Bob Getto. “We work closely with law enforcement and military contacts to understand these unique needs and create wearable performance clothing that can match the versatility required for the job.”

“Vertx offers a modern take on the battle dress uniform,” said David Walsh, Brand Manager for Vertx. “A low profile, business casual appearance can be maintained without restricting any movement or comfort. This approach enables operators to perform at the highest level needed in an instant without calling direct attention to the individual wearing it.”

“The gunfighter shirt provides for such a great range of motion without the excess fabric and features associated with other tops that you don’t even know that you are wearing it,” said a SWAT officer wear evaluator. “The Shoulder pocket design is clean, you can slide your arm in and out of jackets or protective equipment and the pocket does not get snagged on the inside of the sleeve.”

Additional Storm Features
– Stand up collar protects neck from weapon slings and flying hot brass
– Low visual profile zippered bicep pockets provide fluent access to contents
– Loop Velcroâ„¢ patch on both upper arms for Unit patch
– Clean comms wire side seam pass through with Velcro closure
– Intuitive Velcroâ„¢ wrist closures to ensure snag free fit
– Anti-Microbial
– Schoeller Nanosphere® durable water repellant finish
– 100% Made in the USA and Berry Amendment compliant

The Gunfighter Shirt is available now for pre-order with deliveries beginning October 2010 from www.wearvertx.com.

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Posted in Clothing, Multicam | Comments Off on Vertx Gunfighter Shirt Officially Released

Not Just a Container Manufacturer Anymore

Tuesday, August 31st, 2010

GCS Incorporated has released its’ first full-line tactical equipment catalog. Their 2010 – 2011 catalog showcases the many items GCS makes and a multitude of items from other popular brands such as Pelican, Streamlight, Blackhawk and Safariland. The new catalog includes individual equipment items, MWD supplies, deployment kits, kennels and aluminum shipping containers. GCS has also made most bags, backpacks hydration and nylon available in Multicam as well.

GCS Tactical Guide 2010

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Name That Pack Contest

Monday, August 30th, 2010

After suffering for several months with awkward part number based names for their new line of military and discrete packs, Blue Force Gear has decided to run a contest on Soldier Systems Daily to help them name 4 different packs. The contest will run from now until the 10th of September. If your pack name is selected you will receive a free pack of that style! In the event multiple entries are received with the same suggested name, only the first submission received by Blue Force Gear will be awarded a free pack so get them in as quickly as possible! Send your ideas to namethatpack@blueforcegear.com.

Here’s what you’ve got to work with:


Medium Pack – Military (02)
The 02 Pack is a super light-weight three day style pack that is covered in MOLLE compatible webbing. It has a removable beavertail on the front for carrying quick access items like a helmet, jacket, or even one of our original Micro Packs. The inside surface of the beavertail is lined with Loop Velcro to attach any of the Dapper accessory pouches. The inside of the pack is also lined with loop so that the pack can be configured in an infinite number of storage options. The bottom of the pack is made of High Abrasion Neoprene for long term durability. There is a sheet of HDPE sewn into the back panel so that you’re not forced to buy a frame sheet for improved load carriage capability. The pack weighs 43oz and the main compartment is ~2000 cubic inches. Made in the USA!

Medium Pack – Discrete (03)
The 03 Pack is built on the same production line as our military version, but with a more discrete, stylized appearance for everyday use. It has some of the same features like the removable beavertail on the front. The inside surface of the beavertail is lined with Loop Velcro to attach any of the Dapper accessory pouches. The inside of the pack is also lined with loop so that the pack can be configured in an infinite number of storage options. There are also two accessory pouches on either side of the pack designed to fit a 1L Nalgene style bottom. The bottom of the pack is made of High Abrasion Neoprene for long term durability. There is a sheet of HDPE sewn into the back panel so that you’re not forced to buy a frame sheet for improved load carriage capability. The pack weighs 49oz and the main compartment is ~2000 cubic inches. Made in the USA!

Small Pack – Military (04)
The Small Military is based loosely off the original Micro Pack. There is a little more depth in the main compartment and on the military version the face of the pack is covered with MOLLE compatible webbing. The shoulder straps are lightly padded and the interior of the pack is lined with Loop Velcro so that it is compatible with the full line of Blue Force Gear accessory Dappers. There is a sheet of HDPE sewn into the back panel so that you’re not forced to buy a frame sheet for improved load carriage capability. The pack weighs 28oz and the main compartment is ~1000 cubic inches. Made in the USA!

Small Pack – Discrete (05)
The Small Discrete is very similar to the original Micro Pack. There is a little more depth in the main compartment and the face of the pack is stylized to appear more like a high end commercial pack. The shoulder straps are lightly padded and the interior of the pack is lined with Loop Velcro so that it is compatible with the full line of Blue Force Gear accessory Dappers. There is a sheet of HDPE sewn into the back panel so that you’re not forced to buy a frame sheet for improved load carriage capability. The pack weighs 28oz and the main compartment is ~1000 cubic inches. Made in the USA!

All Blue Force gear products are proudly Made in the USA! so Berry compliance is never at question. Be sure to check out the product pages at www.BlueForceGear.com as they offer a wide variety of color schemes depending on teh product and its intended use.

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Posted in Contest, MOLLE, Multicam, Packs, PALS | Comments Off on Name That Pack Contest

Air Force to Adopt OCP?

Friday, August 27th, 2010

According to a recent press release from the Office of the Secretary of the Air Force, this may very well be the case.

“We are committed to equipping Airmen with the most advanced capabilities available at the earliest time possible,” Air Force officials said Aug. 24. “Based on feedback from Airmen, we believe the Operation Enduring Freedom Camouflage Pattern (OCP) provides advanced protection to servicemembers while operating outside the wire in Afghanistan. Army (officials), while beginning an aggressive fielding schedule, (are) working with Air Force (officials) to support developing a long-term joint fielding strategy later this year.”

This is great news for Afghanistan-bound Airmen. Maybe the Air Force will just say what the heck and issue all deploying Airmen MultiCam clothing and equipment.

Posted in Air Force, Multicam | Comments Off on Air Force to Adopt OCP?

SwiftClip from Velocity Systems

Friday, August 20th, 2010

Velocity Systems was well represented at the recent TREXPO in Chantilly, Virginia. One of their most interesting new innovations is the SwiftClip attachment system which eliminates the need to wear yet another harness over your armor. Working with Mayflower to develop a way to more rapidly integrate chest rigs as well as other specialty items on to an armor vest or plate carrier, they wanted something system and adaptable to a wide variety of gear and was simple to use. They found it with the SwiftClip which is not only simple, but also provides a stable mounting solution.

The SwiftClip is designed to accept any chest rig or other item with an ITW 1″ male side release buckle. Both Velocity Systems and Mayflower products are Berry Compliant and available in a variety of colors and patterns including the US Army’s new OCP (MultiCam).

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Agilite Tactical Gear Goes International

Sunday, August 15th, 2010

Agilite, an Israeli-American producer of tactical gear, has launched their new website and formally entered the international. Sales of their products began in Israel in early 2010 and many Israel Defense Forces troopers have already proven Agilite vests in real-world conflict scenarios. Now those same vests are available in American camouflage patterns, including MultiCam pattern from Crye Precision which was recently adopted as the US Army’s OEF Camouflage Pattern.

“The last few years combat in both Iraq and Afghanistan has bred an unprecedented need for tactical gear designed specifically for Middle Eastern combat. Having decades of experience in counter-terrorism ops and tactical design teams inside each of its elite units, Israel has become a world leader in tactical gear design,” says Agilite Founder Elie Isaacson, a former IDF Paratrooper and English-language spokesman for the Israeli Army.

Prior to Agilite’s launch, however, such Israeli-designed vests had never been adapted for a global market nor produced in American patterns. “It’s a great feeling to be able to offer our products internationally. Seeing Israeli vests in US Camo patterns sums up what we are all about” says Steve Hoodjer, Agilite’s co-founder and a former sergeant in the US Army National Guard with two Middle Eastern deployments to his credit. The two founders met in 2005 at Israel’s prestigious Institute for Counter-Terrorism.

Agilite’s product range includes their signature product, The Tactical Hi-Vest, an all-in-one tactical load bearing system that incorporates a detachable modular assault pack. The modular assault pack eliminates the need for soldiers to procure an extra assault pack or butt pack for mission essential items, yet allows for removal when operating from a vehicle or when carrying a rucksack on longer missions. The Tactical Hi-Vest fits “high and tight” on the body allowing for a more comfortable weight distribution than standard issue vests. All products are made in Israel from a combination of American and Israeli materials.

www.AgiliteGear.com

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OCP Update

Wednesday, August 11th, 2010

Yesterday, SSD participated in a teleconference with PEO Soldier’s LTC Mike Sloane and CSM Bernard McPherson. Also on hand was SMA Kenneth Preston along with several Subject Matter Experts from PEO Soldier. The press event was in conjunction with the Army’s initial fielding to a Brigade of 19 items in the new OEF Camouflage Pattern (OCP) at Camp Shelby, MS. Up to 3600 Soldiers will be equipped with the new gear over the remainder of the week before shipping off to Afghanistan. From here out, all OEF bound forces Brigades will be fielded Organizational Clothing and Individual Equipment in OCP before deploying from CONUS. Beginning in November, units with more than 120 days left in theater will also receive the kit. PEO Soldier is poised to conduct limited early fielding for deployed Battalion and smaller units who require the enhanced camouflage based on their mission. They are also developing plans to ensure that Individual Augmentees are taken care of. Additionally, Army SOF will be issued gear in the new pattern.

The ambitious fielding schedule would not have been possible without the dedicated work of two communities; the contracting office at Natick and industry. LTC Sloane commented, “The American Industrial Base is leaning forward, flying items in and driving them here.” The other side of this coin is the Army’s contracting strategy. In three months, the contracting office at Natick issued 11 contracts with another six to eight pending. Very impressive.

This fielding marks the implementation of phase III of the Army’s Congressionally directed search for enhanced camouflage for troops in Operation Enduring Freedom. Within less than a year, the Army conducted an extensive down select of 57 to five patterns that included an in-theater data collection effort and a comprehensive photo simulation study and wear test. This culminated in the selection of the Crye Precision developed MultiCam pattern as the new OCP.

When asked if he felt that, based on his experience if Soldiers were better protected with the new OCP, SMA Preston commented, “Based on testing…Yes, I believe they are safer.”

So what’s next for OCP? In February 2011, Tier II items including the Aircrew Advanced Combat Uniform, Improved Combat Vehicle Crewman Coverall, Aviation Life Support Equipment, and Fire Resistant Environmental Ensemble items will be introduced in the MultiCam pattern.

Finally, LTC Sloane announced that the Army’s Phase IV of the Global Camouflage effort will not be as short term as initially described. Instead, the TRADOC-led project will not be ready for the Army leadership to make a decision until the end of FY13. This three year effort sounds now to be more of a science project than focused on presenting a near-term warfighting enhancement. On the plus side, the Air Force is participating, and both the Navy and Marine Corps are monitoring the program so there is a slight possibility that the project may deliver a true joint solution. The down side is that for at least the next three years Soldiers must continue to rely on the limited capability of the so-called Universal Camouflage Pattern that caused this whole program in the first place. Perhaps commanders in other theaters will begin to insist that their troops also require enhanced camouflage and we will see increased fielding of MultiCam.

Posted in Camo, Clothing, Multicam, PEO-Soldier | Comments Off on OCP Update

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