Troop Performance

Archive for the ‘Press Release’ Category

United States Customs & Border Protection Identifies Leupold Mark 5HD Riflescope for Future Use

Wednesday, August 29th, 2018

United States Customs & Border Protection (CBP) has identified and cleared the new-for-2108 Leupold Mark 5HD riflescope for future use by U.S. Border Patrol officers.

The award-winning Mark 5HD from Leupold & Stevens, Inc., launched in early 2018 and combines elite optical performance, rugged reliability, and user-friendly features in a package that could only be produced by leveraging the 70 years of optics manufacturing Leupold possesses. It has wowed end-users throughout the industry.

The U.S. Border Patrol, which has worked with Leupold in the past, has deemed the Mark 5HD worthy of potential use by its officers and agents across the nation.

“We’re dedicated to building optics that deliver game-changing optical performance and unquestioned reliability,” Bruce Pettet, president and chief executive officer for Leupold & Stevens, Inc., said. “The men and women of the U.S. Border Patrol deserve to have the best tools available, and we’re happy to be able to provide them a top-of-the-line optical solution that’s designed, machined, and assembled here in the United States.”

Two Mark 5HD models are currently available: A 5-25×56 model is ideal for those seeking maximum usable magnification and a 3.6-18×44 edition that balances compactness with big-time optical performance. Both feature 35mm maintubes for increased adjustment travel. Elite professional and top level competition shooters were consulted during the designing of the Mark 5HD, and the end result is an optic that provides everything necessary – in both quality and features. Both models deliver superior edge-to-edge clarity and extreme low-light performance. The Twilight Max® HD Light Management System delivers the perfect balance of image color and contrast, light transmission, and glare management.

“The Mark 5HD has been built from the ground up to deliver the unparalleled performance that law enforcement agents require,” said Sam Horstman, Director of Military Sales for Leupold & Stevens, Inc. “And, like all of our optics, the Mark 5HD has been strenuously tested for durability, and fully meets the extremely high standards that CBP demands. Border Patrol officers need their optics to perform, and we’re glad to be able to offer a solution that’s built to deliver on those expectations.”

Team Wendy Exfil Rail 3.0 Is Host For New Tool-Free Accessories

Wednesday, August 29th, 2018

Introducing EXFIL® Ballistic Ear Covers, EXFIL® Ballistic Visor and EXFIL® Face Shield

CLEVELAND, OH (August 29, 2018) – Cleveland-based Team Wendy® announced the launch of three new accessories today, all of which are compatible with the new EXFIL Rail 3.0 system: EXFIL Ballistic Ear Covers, the EXFIL Ballistic Visor and the EXFIL Face Shield. These new products allow the user to quickly and easily interchange mission-essential headborne equipment on one platform.

“We are constantly challenging ourselves to produce products that are not only protective and light-weight, but also scalable for the mission requirement,” said Jose Rizo-Patron, CEO of Team Wendy. “The EXFIL Rail 3.0 allows the operator more efficient use of the accessory rail, while the ear covers, visor and face shield provide additional protection without impeding functionality of the shroud; and they do so all within a single helmet, eliminating the need to carry different helmets for different missions.”

EXFIL Ballistic Ear Covers provide scalable ballistic protection, increasing the total coverage area of a high-cut ballistic helmet by 21.1 in2 (136 cm2). An EXFIL Ballistic helmet with attached ear covers offers comparable or greater ballistic coverage area (size one: 180 in2, size two: 191.8 in2) when compared to the standard issued U.S. Military helmet – the ACH (Advanced Combat Helmet) or MICH 2000 (size large: 178.8 in2). Composed of a proprietary composite mix with a carbon fiber frame, the ear covers meet NIJ Level III-A (according to NIJ STD 0106.01/0108.01) and weigh only 0.38 lbs. (172 g) for the set. The EXFIL Ballistic Ear Covers attach easily and tool-free to both the EXFIL Rail 2.0 and the new EXFIL Rail 3.0. A set retails at $399.95 and is one-size-fits-all.

F1959FEB-5011-4053-9C36-F9737BF84587

The EXFIL Ballistic Visor provides low-profile, lightweight ballistic eye protection that attaches tool-free to the built-in picatinny rail at the front of the EXFIL Rail 3.0 system. It can be easily adjusted into three preset positions (down, up and stowed) and features a polycarbonate lens produced by Eye Safety Systems, a subsidiary of Oakley, Inc. With a generous coverage area of 28.9 in2 (186.1 cm2), the operator can still comfortably and effectively shoulder his/her weapon with proper sight alignment while wearing the visor. The EXFIL Ballistic Visor exceeds the impact, fragmentation and optical requirements of Military Combat Eye Protection (MCEP) in accordance with MIL-PRF-32432(GL), 09 Jan 2013 and retails for $290.

5F81097C-6EA5-4B70-8106-E447C49B878D

The EXFIL Face Shield enables law enforcement officers and military personnel to carry just one helmet, eliminating the need to carry both a standard issue ballistic helmet and a dedicated riot helmet. Like the EXFIL Ballistic Visor, the EXFIL Face Shield is low profile, lightweight and attaches in the same manner to the front section of the EXFIL Rail 3.0. The face shield is similarly adjustable into three positions (down, up and stowed), allowing the wearer to fully utilize the Wilcox W shroud for headlamps, cameras, night vision or thermal imaging devices while also running the face shield. The EXFIL Face Shield meets the requirements of EN166 and retails at $279.95.

63BA2D0A-63A6-4692-ABD3-8B8BF873509D

The EXFIL Ballistic Visor and EXFIL Face Shield both come standard with a flexible upper flange that prevents debris and liquid from seeping into the wearer’s eyes from the brim of the helmet.

The EXFIL Ballistic Visor and EXFIL Face Shield come in two sizes (size one and size two), which should correspond with the operator’s EXFIL Ballistic helmet size. The EXFIL Rail 3.0 Retrofit Kit, EXFIL Ballistic Ear Covers, EXFIL Ballistic Visor and EXFIL Face Shield are each available in three colors: Black, Coyote Brown and Ranger Green.

Customers who already own an EXFIL Ballistic with the Rail 2.0 system can purchase an EXFIL Rail 3.0 Retrofit Kit for $34.95 to make the EXFIL Ballistic Visor or EXFIL Face Shield compatible. New buyers of the EXFIL Ballistic will be able to select their preferred rail at time of purchase.

The EXFIL Rail 3.0 Retrofit Kit, EXFIL Ballistic Ear Covers and EXFIL Ballistic Visor are now available for purchase on TeamWendy.com and through authorized Team Wendy dealers. The EXFIL Face Shield is currently available for pre-sale; orders received will start shipping in October.

AeroVironment MacCready Works Donates Quantix Systems to West Point Military Academy to Support Its Robotics Research Center

Tuesday, August 28th, 2018

Automated, integrated and easy to use, the highly automated Quantix drone allows West Point cadets to focus on data analytics

Builds on AeroVironment’s ongoing collaboration with universities nationwide to support student development and product enhancement

5B063D66-3785-45CA-AED1-D3ADD449DD12

SIMI VALLEY, Calif. –  AeroVironment, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVAV), a global leader in unmanned aircraft systems for both defense and commercial applications, today announced its MacCready Works lab has donated automated Quantix™ hybrid drones, spare parts and AeroVironment’s Decision Support System (AV DSS™) analytics software to West Point to support the military academy’s Center for Innovation and Engineering and Geography and Environmental Engineering Department.

“MacCready Works is a focal point for AeroVironment’s continuous innovation, focusing on relentless problem solving and doing what has never been done before,” said Kirk Flittie, AeroVironment vice president and general manager of its Unmanned Aircraft Systems business segment.  “We are fortunate to have the opportunity to collaborate with and support the prestigious West Point Military Academy as we work together to advance unique and innovative solutions using the Quantix system.”

West Point cadets will deploy two Quantix systems as part of the collaboration.  The Quantix system is a fully integrated drone, sensor and software information solution for collecting and using aerial imagery that is as easy to use as an app.

The drone’s robust hybrid VTOL technology allows Quantix to operate effectively in a variety of conditions so cadets can collect data and create actionable intelligence when and where they need to.

This donation is part of AeroVironment’s ongoing support for West Point cadets and the company’s commitment to supporting those who defend freedom.  The company also hosts West Point cadets as interns at AeroVironment’s California facilities and hopes to collaborate on future projects with West Point.

Further supporting American troops and first responders, AeroVironment offers a rebate on the purchase of a new Quantix and AVDSS ecosystem bundle to active and veteran United States military personnel and active and retired law enforcement and fire fighters and their immediate families. Visit https://www.avdroneanalytics.com/veterans-rebate/ to learn more.

No Federal endorsement implied.

American Defense Mfg Launches improved Gen III QD Auto Lock Lever Assembly

Monday, August 27th, 2018

New Berlin, WI.  August 2018 – American Defense Mfg® is proud to announce the launch of our third generation, patented QD Auto Lock™ locking lever. This locking lever is included on all optical, illumination, and target acquisition device mounting solutions.

The Gen III lever assembly features a more robust lock and bolt engagement, a larger diameter lock pin, and a more pronounced textured lock to make it easier to press to release the lock.  In addition, a finer nut and bolt thread (8-40 2A) was incorporated to achieve better resolution when clamping.

“American Defense Mfg® always strives to make technology driven products and continuous improvements to its product line.  These improvements make what we feel is the best adjustable, locking lever on the market even better.” Said William Phebus, Director of Sales.

The Gen III lever was phased into the product line starting in May 2018.

There are some visual differences.

Here is what to look for:
• American Defense Mfg® Eagle logo on QD Auto Lock™ lever arm instead of ADM web address.
• A more pronounced lock that angles outward.
• Vertical knurling on lock for better user engagement.

DD0D57B5-80D3-4195-A284-956D828F9E78

For more information on American Defense Mfg® optical, illumination, target acquisition device mounting solutions, and premium ambidextrous firearms, please visit our website at www.admmfg.com.

Media Inquiries: John Bailey – Director of Marketing jbailey@admmfg.com

Sales Inquiries: William Phebus – Director of Sales William@admmfg.com

Viasat’s AN/PRC-161 BATS-D Handheld Link 16 Radio Receives NSA Authorization for Use by International Military Forces

Monday, August 27th, 2018

AN/PRC-161 BATS-D Radio Can Significantly Strengthen Coordination and Communications between U.S., Five Eyes Partners and Coalition Forces Operating at the Tactical Edge
CARLSBAD, Calif., Aug. 22, 2018 — Viasat Inc. (NASDAQ : VSAT), a global communications company, today announced its Battlefield Awareness and Targeting System – Dismounted (BATS-D) device, known to the United States Department of Defense as the AN/PRC-161, is now authorized by the National Security Agency (NSA) for immediate use by Five Eyes (FVEY) partners and coalition forces, worldwide. The Viasat BATS-D radio bridges a critical gap between air and ground forces by providing real-time fused air/ground situational awareness to coordinate and direct forces instantaneously via machine-to-machine interface.

The terminal offers warfighters at the tactical edge secure, reliable access to integrated air and ground data for improved situational awareness capabilities and enhanced close air support communications. Empowered with better communications, warfighters can more rapidly engage enemy targets and reduce the risk of fratricide incidents.

“Viasat has a deep and enduring commitment to working with allies and coalition partners to improve warfighter safety by enhancing mission effectiveness and communications,” said Ken Peterman, president, Government Systems, Viasat. “Viasat’s AN/PRC-161 BATS-D is the world’s first and only handheld Link 16 radio. It is designed to solve the military’s urgent need for a small, secure Link 16 device capable of being employed by a dismounted operator that can seamlessly interoperate between air and ground forces. With NSA authorization we can speed the time to market for how U.S., FVEY and coalition militaries securely communicate and deter threats on the battlefield.”

The patented AN/PRC-161 BATS-D handheld radio is ideal for bringing full Link 16 network access to FVEY Special Operations and Expeditionary Forces. Security innovations in the AN/PRC-161 BATS-D handheld Link 16 radio, including Type 1 encryption, allow for seamless interoperability with other Link 16 radios such as the Multifunctional Information Distribution System Low Volume Terminal (MIDS-LVT), MIDS Joint Tactical Radio System (MIDS JTRS) and KOR-24A Small Tactical Terminal (STT).

Introducing Rescue Craft by Tactical Medical Solutions

Monday, August 27th, 2018

Tactical Medical Solutions® in Anderson, South Carolina, is a global leading developer and manufacturer of pre-hospital medical gear for both the tactical and civilian world. TacMed is the manufacturer of well-known products including the SOF®T-Wide Tourniquet and OLAES® Modular Bandage and is a medical supplier to DoD, US government agencies, law enforcement, fire, and EMS agencies, private institutions and individual purchasers. TacMed provides everything from individual kit components to stocked kits of all sizes that can be customized to best fit your needs.

6B424F1A-F80F-4BCD-B2D4-9EC2212554E0

In 2016, TacMed created its training arm and rescue brand Rescue CraftTM. Rescue CraftTM team members have backgrounds in Special Operations, law enforcement, and fire rescue as they relate to rescue and vertical rope access.

The primary course that Rescue CraftTM teaches is the Operational Vertical Specialist (OVS). OVS is the overarching name of a variety of courses that teach the same principles to targeted audiences. For the California Association of Tactical Officers (CATO), it is a 3-day Tactical Rope Access Course for SWAT team members. For tactical medics, it is the 4-day Tactical Rescue Technician Course, which includes more medical capabilities. There are also courses geared for SOF climbing teams and USASOC medics. Rescue CraftTM has the ability to customize any training to an organization’s specifications. The end state certification is consistent with the relevant job performance requirements found within NFPA 1006 (2017) Rope Rescue Technician.

DDD15390-E81B-498E-A9C6-D8B8D1B299D0

The purpose of OVS is to provide special operations team members and medics a common baseline of rigging, rescue, and vertical access that is applicable to a full spectrum of variable environments (urban through mountain) and variable operational constraints.

79958719-206F-49B9-86DB-AC77D4A3F79E

The OVS technique and equipment selection takes into account that many end users are not full time “rope handlers,” where “technical rescue” may not be their primary, secondary, or even tertiary team function. But when it is needed, it is needed without second thought and must be executed innately in less than optimal circumstances. Difficulty in the execution of rescue should arise from the emergence of outlier tactical variables, not from the techniques and equipment utilized. It is for these reasons we deemphasize many hallmarks of traditional courses, such as memorizes numerous and complicated knots. We prefer to teach various wraps and hitches due to their inherent ease to recall, execute, and utilize under the stress of the operational rescue environment.

One of the primary requirements within the OVS curriculum is to de-mystify complicated rescue systems. Our technique selection is designed with redundant fail-safes, dynamic adaptation, and universal foundations that can be applied to multiple areas of operation. Specificity of techniques and gear is de-emphasized due to the dynamic nature of SOF personnel.

Most commercial and many military training and education programs exist for the purpose of encoding a specific response to a specific problem, which effectively teaches the student “what to think” instead of “how to think.” We believe that a program of instruction should always focus on encoding principles, requiring performance under unpredictable and varied conditions, resulting in giving the student operational skills that are the result of being shown “how to think” in an asset-depleted dynamic environment.

The world is dynamic and ever changing. Training for the modern domain of friction and violence must incorporate exercises that require participants to think, engage chaos, rapidly problem solve, and perform under varied conditions with varied assets.

Rescue CraftTM is available for unit level evaluation and training. Individuals seeking training should look at the below announcements. Contact for training opportunities will be Dana@tacmedsolutions.com and Ryan@tacmedsolutions.com.

Black Rifle Coffee Company Opens Tennessee Roasting Facility

Friday, August 24th, 2018

For Immediate Release – SAN ANTONIO – Veteran-owned and operated Black Rifle Coffee Company is proud to announce the opening of its Manchester, Tennessee, roasting facility as part of the company’s $6 million investment in that state. Combined with their Utah facility, the Tennessee plant will ensure that consumers all over America receive the freshest coffee available, roasted to order and delivered right to their door.

“As our company grows, so does our need to be close to our customers,” said Evan Hafer, the CEO and founder of Black Rifle Coffee Company. “Opening the roasting facility in Tennessee gives us the ability to deliver the highest-quality product to the entire eastern half of the United States in the most cost-efficient and timely manner possible.”

The Manchester facility is expected to create 52 jobs over the next five years, and since Black Rifle Coffee Company is committed to hiring 10,000 veterans as the business expands, qualified veterans living in Tennessee will have first consideration for any open positions. As a further commitment to former service members, the company will give preference to veteran-owned businesses as they bring on new vendors and suppliers.

“Our commitment to veterans is one of the cornerstones this company was built on,” said Mat Best, the vice president of Black Rifle Coffee Company. “Whether it’s supporting veteran and first responder causes, funding the Veteran Entrepreneur Investment Program, or giving veterans and veteran-owned companies priority in our hiring process and vendor programs, our company will always stand with those who protect our country and the communities we live in.”

Black Rifle Coffee Company is hosting a grand opening event on August 22 from noon to 3 p.m. at the new facility located at 621 Park Tower Road in Manchester. This event is open to the public and will include a ribbon cutting with words from Evan Hafer, Mat Best, and Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bob Rolfe; a tour, food, entertainment, and lots of fresh-roasted coffee will follow!

ZEV Technologies – The Longshot Slide for G34

Friday, August 24th, 2018

9722522B-F16B-4259-91ED-75CE3FEEC2CF

A BLAST FROM THE PAST!

56776428-D09B-4FF9-A71D-82487F0F29B1

ZEV Technologies has unlocked the archives, and brought back their popular slide cut “The Longshot” for an extremely limited run of just 25 slides. This special small batch is limited to the Glock® 34 Gen3 model with a DPP cut in black DLC coating. Included is the DPP adapter plate for those wishing to run iron sites.

The classic styling of the Longshot laid the foundation for ZEV’s current Dragonfly slide. The addition of the front serrations makes this slide easy to grip and manipulate. This special release is only available for purchase on ZEV’s website.  Don’t miss your opportunity to grab this popular and very rare find.

To purchase the Longshot, visit:
www.zevtechnologies.com/zev-special-edition-longshot-slide