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Texas Man Pleads Guilty to Selling Chinese-Made Military Helmets and Body Armor to Federal Agencies

Monday, November 22nd, 2021

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A Celeste, Texas, man pleaded guilty today to a wire fraud scheme involving the selling of Chinese-made military helmets, body armor, and other products to the United States Department of State and other federal agencies while falsely claiming that his company manufactured the goods in Texas.

According to court documents, from approximately June 2017 through approximately December 2020, Tanner Jackson, 32, operated Top Body Armor, LLC USA, and a related entity, Bullet Proof Armor LLC, from his residence in a rural part of Texas. Jackson was the lowest bidder on contracts to supply the Department of State with helmets and body armor, including to personnel guarding the United States Embassy in Baghdad, Iraq, and to foreign law enforcement partners in Latin America. The equipment was removed from service after concerns about its quality came to light.

As part of the scheme, Jackson altered or falsified ballistics laboratory test reports that he provided to the government. On one occasion, after his products failed testing at a legitimate laboratory, Jackson created his own fake ballistics laboratory— “Texas Ballistics LLC” —and simply produced fake reports giving himself passing scores. To conceal the Chinese origin of the products and associated delays in shipping the products to the government, Jackson created and controlled numerous email accounts in the names of supposed shipping company employees. Jackson would author email exchanges between himself and the bogus employees, while copying government contracting officers, to explain away shipping delays from China with cover stories such as truck accidents and COVID outbreaks at the warehouse. Jackson also won similar contracts with the Department of the Air Force and various national guard units.

Jackson is scheduled to be sentenced on February 22, 2022. He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office Criminal Division; and Diana Shaw, Acting Inspector General for the Department of State, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Leonie M. Brinkema accepted the plea.

The U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division provided significant assistance in this case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Russell L. Carlberg is prosecuting the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:21-cr-238.

Released Tuesday, November 16, 2021 by:

Department of Justice

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Eastern District of Virginia

Posted in Industry, LE, Press Release | 6 Comments »

MasterPiece Arms Adds the DS9 Commander to its Line of World-Class DS Pistols

Sunday, November 21st, 2021

Comer, Ga. (November 2021) – MasterPiece Arms (MPA), manufacturer of precision Pistol, BA Rifles and Chassis Systems, announces today it has added the MPA DS9 Commander to its wide-body, double-stack 1911 pistol line. This everyday carry pistol provides incredible accuracy and reliability, and comes with MPA’s lifetime warranty.

All parts of the 9mm DS9 Commander Pistol are machined in the USA from Barstock and Billet and include no MIM, castings, or forgings. The components machined by MPA include the classic length light rail frame, TriTop slide, 4.25” MPA 416R stainless bull barrel, stainless steel beavertail/grip safety, stainless steel ambidextrous safety, stainless steel slide stop, firing pin stop, ejector, carry magwell, and 7075 black anodized aluminum grip.

The DS9 Commander Pistol also includes a Koenig hammer, sear, and disconnect, Wolff Springs, custom machined aluminum trigger shoe, a true one-piece stainless guide rod, and a 3.5 lb. trigger pull. . The FGW-style slide serrations with stepped inset create additional gripping texture. Each pistol is hand-built, including hand lapping the frame to slide fit, and comes in a custom MPA single pistol case with two 126mm MBX magazines.

Please allow approximately six – 10 weeks for delivery from the time of order. MSRP is $2,999.99.

For any custom builds, colors, race guns, or other inquiries, please contact phil@masterpiecearms.com. For more information on MasterPiece Arms and their product line of pistols, rifles, chassis systems, and accessories, visit www.masterpiecearms.com.

Posted in Press Release, weapons | Comments Off on MasterPiece Arms Adds the DS9 Commander to its Line of World-Class DS Pistols

Carry More with Tasmanian Tiger Bladder Pouch Extended

Friday, November 19th, 2021

The volume adjustable bag for hydration systems is designed for a 1 to 1.5-liter hydration bladder, but can be adjusted to fit up to a 3-liter bladder or make space for other gear.

Knoxville, Tenn. (November 2021) – Tasmanian Tiger®, a tactical nylon line of products distributed exclusively for the US market by Proforce Equipment, Inc., introduces the TT Bladder Pouch Extended. This volume adjustable bag for hydration systems is designed for a 1 to 1.5-liter hydration bladder. A zipper on the bottom can be used to adjust the volume for up to 3-liter bladders or to make space for other gear.

This low-profile bag is specially designed to be used with all TT Plate Carriers and features a MOLLE reverse system. The front side of the bag features a laser-cut MOLLE system and a hook-and-loop closure patch on the front side (loop) to attach name patches to. Needs four MOLLE loops.

Made from Cordura® 700 den (Multicam 500 den), the TT Bladder Pouch Extended weighs 10 oz. (280 g.). When not extended, it measures 13 x 6.5 x 5 in. (33 x 17 x 5 cm.). When fully extended, the bag measures 17.7 x 6.5 x 5 in. (45 x 17 x 5 cm.). Available in Black, Olive, Coyote, and Multicam. MSRP $64.95 and $69.95 for the Multicam.

Click to see Vol. 3 of the Tasmanian Tiger digital catalog here. Find a local dealer here for any of the exciting Tasmanian Tiger products.

All sales inquiries can be directed to tt@tasmaniantigerusa.com.

Posted in Load Carrying, Press Release | Comments Off on Carry More with Tasmanian Tiger Bladder Pouch Extended

SENTRY Tactical Expands Options in New EDC Holsters

Friday, November 19th, 2021

SENTRY’s new line of Every Day Carry holsters offers a super sleek design with adjustable settings for a comfortable, all-day fit.

Virginia Beach, Va. (November 2021) – SENTRY Tactical expands their new line of EDC holsters to include a stylish Comfort Carry holster in microfiber suede, a “leather-look” Variable Fit holster, and an optimal solution for a pocket carry holster, the IWB/Pocket holster.

The Comfort Carry Inside the Pant/Tuckable Holster is covered with an anti-slip microfiber suede and features edge stitching for a casual look that is comfortable for all-day wear, easy to clean and good looking. Just like the Inside the Pant/Tuckable holster, this microfiber suede version with the unique angle adjust clip attachment system allows the user to tuck a shirt over the firearm for the ultimate in concealability and accessibility. This Level 1 retention holster is also adjustable for height and holster inclination and has a sight channel for a smooth draw and reholstering. Available in a grey-suede look for GLOCK Models G17, 19, 43, S&W Shield 9/40, and SIG 238 with an MSRP of $65.99.

SENTRY’s Variable Fit Inside the Pants Holster is a thin, lightweight concealed carry holster featuring a “leather-look” reinforced microfiber body with an interior lining of suede microfiber. The holster is internally reinforced with a non-deformable material with a differentiated polymer reinforcement at the top insert area of the holster, for easy drawing and reholstering. The multi-position Rubber-Tech hook-and-loop fastener, allow the Easy-Fit to be worn in a variety of cants on the belt, and inside the pants. Available in black and four sizes for a sub-compact, medium semi-auto, large auto (G19), and large auto with longer barrel (G17) with an MSRP of $62.99.

The ideal pocket holster is SENTRY’s IWB/Pocket Holster, a comfortable concealed carry holster with a non-slip exterior and a closed-cell foam interior that conforms to the shape of the firearm. The soft interior liner protects and reduces friction and wear on the firearm. Ambidextrous design available in black for GLOCK Models (G26, G27, G29), (G19, G23, G25), (G17, G20, G22), .380 semi-autos to 2.75” barrel, 2” – 3” small revolvers (except for 5-shot), 3” – 4” medium barrels (.32/.380) and 2” small revolver/5-shot and small frame .380 with Crimson Trace. MSRP is $18.99.

To learn more about SENTRY Tactical, contact us at info@sentryltp.com or visit sentrytactical.com.

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Draper Tapped by US Department of Defense to Provide Services and Support for Tactical Assault Kit

Friday, November 19th, 2021

Engineering company awarded DTRA contract to expand its role from R&D to maintenance and operation of the TAK communications platform

CAMBRIDGE, MA—Draper, one of the nation’s leading technology developers for national security, will build on its support for the warfighter under a new contract to operate and maintain the Tactical Assault Kit, or TAK, a widely used communications system for the military. The company recently received a sole-source contract with the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) of the U.S. Department of Defense.

TAK is a mobile computing solution which gives users a map-based common operating picture on a shared network and provides enhanced situational awareness for command and control. The app is designed for installation on tablets and other lightweight handheld devices, and employs a plug-in structure, which allows users to design applications specific to their mission needs. TAK has been used through years of real-world situations, including the U.S. presidential inauguration, by more than 10,000 active warfighters.

The $415,000 contract calls for Draper to provide maintenance support, technical services, testing, evaluation and training for TAK. The TAK application supports the Nuclear Enterprise Contingency Operations Department’s (NE-COs) various chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) detector systems.

Draper has developed software for every version of TAK since it was first developed by the Department of Defense. The software is available as ATAK for Android devices, WinTAK for Windows and WebTAK for the web. The company’s long experience with the application and with warfighter systems overall were major reasons Draper will expand its role from research and development to operation and maintenance of the TAK platform, according to Brian Alligood, Draper’s program manager for TAK.

“Draper is building stronger ties with our government customer and demonstrating the value we bring as an engineering innovation company which can integrate technology development with global maintenance and deployment,” Alligood said. “Our goal with this contract is to ensure TAK continues to deliver situational awareness at the tactical edge.”

TAK’s versatility means it can accommodate military personnel on the battlefield, homeland security officers working along the border and first responders during rescue-and-recovery operations. The map-based interface enables users to share information and maintain constant situational awareness, by allowing the addition of context to raw video feeds, such as labelling buildings as schools or hospitals to protect them against strikes, or designation of pickup points for evacuation. Fire and rescue crews have been trained to use the app for location tracking of fire equipment, establishing fire perimeters from aircraft and building fire model forecasts.

The contract is expected to last five years and will be performed primarily at Draper’s offices in Cambridge, Mass. and St. Petersburg, Fla., with additional support from the company’s regional offices.

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Milrem Robotics Opens Its Central European Office And Introduces Upgraded THeMIS UGV

Thursday, November 18th, 2021

The European leading robotics and autonomous systems provider Milrem Robotics opened its office in the Netherlands today making the first step towards creating a Central European Robotics Center. Simultaneously the company introduced its upgraded THeMIS unmanned ground vehicle (UGV).

One of the reasons the city of Best near Eindhoven was chosen as the location for Milrem Robotics’ Dutch office is to be closer to one of the company’s key customers – the Royal Dutch Army – and other relevant markets.

“The main reason, however, is our goal to establish a Central European Robotics Center where R&D, simulations, training, system integration and technical support are under one roof and where end-users can visit, but more importantly come to acquire knowledge for their own Robotics and Autonomous Systems development,” explained Kuldar Väärsi, CEO of Milrem Robotics.

“Our office is situated in the middle of the Brainport Eindhoven technology region and is well connected by a large European Airport, and by a broad road network to access the rest of Europe. This allows us to efficiently provide training and coaching to officers and NCOs in tactical basic operations with unmanned systems,” said Julien den Ouden, Managing Director of Milrem Robotics Netherlands. “We will offer the “Milrem experience” in a comprehensive package where the UGV is integrated with various other third-party systems,” den Ouden added.

At the opening ceremony, Milrem Robotics also introduced their upgraded THeMIS UGV that was specifically designed to accommodate all hardware, software and the flawless operation of MIFIK – Milrem’ Intelligent Functions Integration Kit. MIFIK features wired and wireless follow-me, waypoint navigation and obstacle detection and avoidance. Considerable upgrades were also done to THeMIS’ camera system and overall user experience.

Milrem Robotics Netherlands is the company’s fifth office in Europe. The company has two offices in Estonia, one in Sweden and one in Finland.

Milrem Robotics is the leading European robotics and autonomous systems developer and systems integrator. The company is known for its THeMIS and Multiscope Unmanned Ground Vehicles and the Type-X Robotic Combat Vehicle. The THeMIS supports dismounted troops while the Multiscope is intended for civilian use such as forestry and firefighting. The Type-X Robotic Combat Vehicle is a wingman for mechanized units.

Milrem Robotics is the leader of a consortium that was awarded 30.6 MEUR from the European Commission’s European Defence Industrial Development Programme (EDIDP) to develop a European standardized unmanned ground system (UGS).

During the project, titled iMUGS, modular and scalable architecture for hybrid manned-unmanned systems will be developed to standardize a European wide ecosystem.

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Blackhawk Adds Todd Jarrett as Brand Ambassador

Thursday, November 18th, 2021

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – November 18, 2021 – Blackhawk®, a leader in law enforcement and military equipment for over 20 years, has announced the addition of competitive shooter Todd Jarrett as a brand ambassador.

With 38 years of competitive shooting experience under his belt, Todd Jarrett is a 16-time U.S. National Champion, 4-time World Champion, and holds hundreds of regional, state and area championships in USPSA, 3-Gun, Steel Challenge and IDPA. He is also the only USPSA Triple Crown Winner to have won the Open Nationals, Limited Nationals and World Championship in the same year.

Outside of competition, Jarrett is passionate about firearms education and he’s been actively involved in not only training law enforcement, military and civilian shooters, but consulting for numerous companies to improve their firearms, ammunition, holsters, optics, gear and more. Throughout Jarrett’s years of experience, he has been involved in television, sales, marketing, and training of dealers and distributors worldwide.

With his new role on the Blackhawk Tactical team, Jarrett will be working closely with law enforcement and other agencies in the use and development of Blackhawk’s duty lines of holsters and other tactical equipment.

“I really enjoy working with the team at Blackhawk because of our common mission,” Jarrett said. “They’re dedicated to maximizing the capability of the modern warrior with dependable holsters and gear, and they don’t look at failure as an option.”

Jarrett recently attended the SWAT Roundup in Orlando, and in the coming months he will travel to other law enforcement events with Blackhawk, including to Philadelphia, Denver and Washington D.C. Jarrett will also be competing at the USPSA PCC Nationals, Open Nationals and Fort Benning Multi-gun Challenge.

To learn more about Blackhawk and to see their full lineup of holsters and tactical gear, visit Blackhawk.com.

Posted in Advertiser, Industry, Press Release | 1 Comment »

Introducing Agilite AG Pouches

Thursday, November 18th, 2021

Agilite say they don’t believe in “normal” and just because something has been industry-standard for a long time doesn’t mean it can’t evolve and be done better. Today they launch their line of Proprietary AG Pouches™-See the video explanation below:

Both the AG3™ and AG1™ are available from today at agilitegear.com/collections/pouches and more AG variants are planned for release in 2022.

Posted in Load Carrying, Press Release | Comments Off on Introducing Agilite AG Pouches