Sustainment | Soldier Systems Daily Soldier Systems Daily

Archive for the ‘Sustainment’ Category

B-Safe Industries Zipcuff

Tuesday, September 16th, 2008

Improvised Zip-Tie cuffs are a commonplace restraint device for general police use, riot/crowd control, and SSE applications. The benefits are clear as an effective restraint as they are lightweight, especially when multiple restraints are required.

B-Safe introduces a patented new reusable law enforcement restraint, enabling the user to cuff both of the detainee’s wrists in 1.5 seconds as well control him with one hand via teh T-grip handle. The Zipcuff uses a standard handcuff key for release or loosening thereby saving money as the Zipcuff can be reused over and over.

Simultaneously restraining both wrists of a detainee is an important element of control as it leverages the element of surprise, leading to a (hopefully) more docile suspect. To employ the Zipcuff, simply grasp the Zipcuff body, slip over the wrists and pull the T-grip handle.

http://www.swatools.com/

All photos courtesy of B-Safe Industries.

Tags: Zipcuff
Posted in Sustainment | Comments Off on B-Safe Industries Zipcuff

Pak Straps

Monday, September 15th, 2008

There is currently a dearth of bungees on the market that are well suited for military use. At the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market, I found a small company named Rok Straps. They have a really cool line of elastic cargo straps and three models in particular are well suited for military use.

The two below, the Camo Rok and Camo Sport are both often used for vehicle applications. Note the heavy duty hooks. Additionally, the Sport features a side release buckle to allow handier access to equipment that has been tied down.

They also make a specialty strap that is smaller and designed for use with individual equipment. The Camo Adjustable is specifically designed to attach to back packs and secure smaller items without damaging waterproof materials. Quick release buckles ensure fast and quiet access to gear.

All of the camo straps are available in Black as well as a Green-based camo.

Tags: Bungee, Rok Straps
Posted in Camo, Outdoor Retailer, Sustainment | Comments Off on Pak Straps

Russ Innovations Incorporated – Flak Vest Hangers

Sunday, September 14th, 2008

I have seen a lot of guys building Rube Goldberg contraptions to air out their armor after a mission. I recently ran across Russ Innovations’ design. They offer a hanger designed to not only dry the vest between uses but provides a handy way to store it or configure it for use.

The hanger on the right is slightly larger and designed for full military armor.

As you can see from the side view, the design allows for ample air circulation and the hanger can be hung up or opened like an easel.

The price is reasonable and it is warrantied for 25 years from the date of purchase. Available from Flakvesthangers.com.

Photos property of Russ Innovations Incorporated.

Tags: Armor Hangers, Interceptor, IOTV, MTV, OTV
Posted in Armor, Sustainment | Comments Off on Russ Innovations Incorporated – Flak Vest Hangers

Gerber Graspâ„¢ now in AUSCAM

Monday, September 8th, 2008

Available exclusively from Platypus Outdoors in Sydney Australia, the Gerber Graspâ„¢ is finally available in AUSCAM. During development of the Graspâ„¢, Gerber conducted a great deal of research asking military personnel what features they would like to see in a modular on-the-move drinking system. Armed with this information they developed the Grasp. A truly modular system, it includes: an Adjustable Load Deck (ALD) and two removable compartments, 150 oz. Graspâ„¢ external fill reservoir, 2760 CI total cargo capacity, IR 1000D nylon CorduraÂ® fabric, webbing, trims, antennae and communication cable ports, internal radio sling, MRE pockets, MOLLE webbing, ergonomic back padding and lumbar support, padded, adjustable, removable shoulder straps, removable waist belt, and spare field repairable buckle.

The Graspâ„¢ can be used in seven different configurations:
1. Reservoir Carrier without Shoulder Straps
2. Reservoir Carrier Closed
3. Reservoir Carrier Open
4. Reservoir Carrier + Large Gear Pack
5. Reservoir Carrier Closed + Small Gear Pack
6. Reservoir Carrier + Small Gear Pack + Waist Belt
7. Reservoir Carrier + Large Gear Pack + Small Gear Pack

The Graspâ„¢ is also available in Coyote, Black, and from other vendors in UCP.

To order contact Plat a tac.

Tags: Gerber, GRASP, Plat a tac
Posted in Camo, Packs, Sustainment | Comments Off on Gerber Graspâ„¢ now in AUSCAM

Wrap Yourself in a Cocoon

Wednesday, September 3rd, 2008

For years I used a flannel travel sheet from Design Salt. Talk about comfort. Design Salt’s unique product line is just as appropriate for vacation as on deployment. My favorite is the Flannel TravelSheet. You’d think that it would be hot in summer but not so. It is very comfortable and convenient in that you don’t have to wash your entire sleep system, you just pull out the liner and wash it. It dries quickly and can also be used for instances where you have to spend the night in dubious sleeping quarters. Like the name, it provides a cocoon.

At the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market Design Salt announced that they too would incorporate the Insect Shield technology.

The entire Cocoon line is available from Design Salt.

Photo is courtesy of Design Salt.

Tags: Cocoon, Design Salt, Insect Shield
Posted in Off-Duty, Sustainment | Comments Off on Wrap Yourself in a Cocoon

Esbit Cookers

Thursday, August 28th, 2008

I don’t know how I would have made it through my tour in Germany without my trusty Esbit Cooker. Issued as part of the German Ration Pack (EPA), Esbit fuel was readily available all over Germany. The tablets burn for between 7 and 12 minutes depending on the size and should boil half a liter in about 7 minutes. What I really liked about them was lack of smell or smoke.

The cooker itself is a simple design. Its stamped galvanized steel with riveted folding legs that once folded flat, carried its own solid fuel bars. They come in three sizes: small, medium, and large. The legs are adjustable by detents stamped into the legs. The larger the cooker, the more settings. For example, the small cooker’s legs can be set at 90 degrees, 45 degrees, or closed. You can see in the picture the indentations in the legs for the settings. I tossed mine years ago but the only place it ever showed the slightest sign of rust was at the rivets. I never thought I would be able to find another one, until now.

And now they have mugs!

Esbit products can be found here on the web but I purchased mine at Eddie Bauer.

Photos from Esbit GMbH.

Tags: Esbit
Posted in Gadgets, Sustainment | Comments Off on Esbit Cookers

Brunton BrewFire Dual Fuel Coffee Maker

Wednesday, August 27th, 2008

Brunton always seems to come up with the coolest gadgets.
The BrewFire is the first coffee maker to be fueled by either propane or butane fuel. This is fantastic for occasions when electricity isn’t available.

It brews 8 cups of coffee in 10-12 minutes and comes with a stainless steel carafe. It’s compact size (10″x14″x10″) makes it perfect for the deployment box. It won’t be available until February of 2009 but this is a great time to start saving up for the perfect Valentine’s Day present for the First Sergeant.

You can pre-order here.

Tags: Brunton, Coffee
Posted in Gadgets, Outdoor Retailer, Sustainment | Comments Off on Brunton BrewFire Dual Fuel Coffee Maker

Off-Duty: LeoAdventures

Sunday, August 24th, 2008

When I was still served in the military I joined an interesting organization named LeoAdventures. They are a service organization designed to honor and serve those in Government, they are essentially a buying club but with a very exclusive membership. Membership is reserved for Government employees. They collect an annual membership fee of $19.99. This and LeoAdventures negotiating discounts for their members allows Public Servants to avoid receiving special gifts or gratuities which would violate ethics regulations.

Although I was familiar with the program I spoke with President Leslie Mellott at the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market. She is there every show looking for new vendors to add the the program. A wife of a long-serving Government employee, Leslie knows not only the risks her husband takes but also the sacrifices the entire family makes for their life of service. I really appreciate what she does.

One important point about this program is that it is for serving Public Safety and Military members. I feel that it is important to recognize these individuals whenever we can and I can remember how hard it was to raise a family and give them those extras on a military salary. The discounts provided through LeoAdventures membership do both. They honor our heroes and help them provide a better quality of life for themselves and their families. If you serve your community or nation I recommend you join. If you are like me and are a retiree or a supporter of our Nation’s finest then I urge to contact LeoAdventures and purchase a gift membership for someone you know.

The Brands LeoAdventures has agreements with:
Arc’teryx
Blue Seventy
Brooks Running
Carey & Company
Dell Computer
ExOfficio
Flyfishing Benefactors
GU
Highgear
Horny Toad
IBEX
ISIS for Women
Jetboil
Kelty
Larabar
MH Bertucci
Mountainsmith
MSR
Nuun Hydration
Otterbox
Platypus
Probar
Purefit
Rudy Project
Railriders
Ruffwear
SealLine
Sherpani alpina
SOG Specialty Knives
Suunto
Therm-A-Rest
Tracks
Working Advantage
Zamberlan
Zeal Optics

They can be reached at LeoAdventures.

Tags: LeoAdventures
Posted in Clothing, Gadgets, Off-Duty, Outdoor Retailer, Sustainment | Comments Off on Off-Duty: LeoAdventures