This is a great upgrade for your Juggernaut.Case. The Grip.Kit is a self adhesive sticker set to keep your device from sliding around.
ORSM 21 – Grip.Kit
August 11th, 2021ORSM 21 – Squatch Survival Gear
August 11th, 2021Specializing in packs, Squatch Survival Gear was founded by an Army Veteran.
This is their Yowie Ruck Sack. It features an astonishing 10 external pockets along with a large main compartment with smaller interior storage.
The Army Yowie sits atop the DownEast 1606 Paratrooper Frame and their own closed cell foam straps.
ORSM 21 – Mustang Survival Khimera Dual Flotation PFD
August 11th, 2021
The Khimera Dual Flotation PFD offers 20.5 lbs of buoyancy (7.5 lbs of foam keep most bodies neutrally buoyant, 13 lbs additional buoyancy available when cells inflated via CO2 cylinder). Designed for paddling, it features wide arm slots.
There’s also a military version called the Rescue Swimmer Vest which incorporates PALs webbing and offers 9 lbs of inherent foam buoyancy, 26 lbs total buoyancy when manually inflated with CO2.
ORSM 21 – OTTE Gear Sneak Peek
August 11th, 2021Coming this fall from OTTE Gear is this limited edition of their LV Insulated Hoody in an ultra-rare camouflage pattern recreated by artist Andrew Bawidamann.
The LV Insulated Hoody combines 100G Primaloft Gold Insulation with weather-resistant DWR coated Patriot Lite fabric. Inside, they’ve applied 200D MultiCam reinforcement patches to protect against sidearm (OWB/IWB) abrasions. Topped off with fleece-lined hand pockets, invisible Napoleon-style chest pocket and large internal pouch.
Arbor Arms – Grenadier Package
August 11th, 2021I was surfing around the Internet the other day and ran across the Arbor Arms Grenadier Package.
The Arbor Arms Grenadier Package consists of:
• 4 vertical 5x40mm MOLLE pouches (ideal for HEDP)
• 1 horizontal 5x40mm MOLLE pouch (ideal for HEDP)
• 10x40mm insert for top pouch of the Tradesmen multi-role assault pack
That’s a lot of rounds.
It can be had in MultiCam, Coyote, Black, Grey and Ranger Green.
Get yours at arborarmsusa.com/shop/tradesmen-pack-accessories/grenadier-package.
Air Force Releases Additional Dress and Appearance Changes
August 11th, 2021WASHINGTON (AFNS) —
New dress and appearance updates will soon be released following feedback, testing from Airmen and reviews conducted as a part of the 2020 Air Force Uniform Board.
“We remain committed to maintaining an iterative approach with our dress and appearance standards,” said Lt. Gen. Brian Kelly, Air Force deputy chief of staff for manpower, personnel and services. “During this most recent review we approved several updates fully aligned with our Air Force standards and culture that maintain our focus on warfighting while providing options to meet many of the needs of our Airmen.”
2020 Air Force Uniform Board initiatives
Uniform Board changes will be effective upon publication in Air Force Instruction 36-2903, Dress and Appearance of Air Force Personnel, which is expected to publish in early October 2021. Below are examples of a few changes to the updated AFI:
– Male bulk hair standards increase from 2 inches to 2.5 inches
– Cosmetic tattooing on the scalp is authorized for men
– The size of hair accessories increases from 1 inch to 2 inches for females
– Hosiery is optional for females with any combination of the dress uniform
– Transparent piercing spacers are authorized
– Wing commanders may authorize the local wear of approved OCP morale patches on Fridays or during special events
Furthermore, the board conducted a review of several policy items that previously mandated specific behavior based on restrictions. In some cases, the board recommended removing the restrictive language to entrust commanders and Airmen to understand and adopt proper behavior based on their situation and circumstances.
“We trust our Airmen, (noncommissioned officers) and commanders with incredible resources and significant responsibilities and we’ll need to do so even more as we prepare for future conflicts,” Kelly said. “We likewise trust they can figure out what it takes and means to maintain standards without specifying exact behavior in every situation.”
Examples of guidance removed in the future AFI release:
– When walking in uniform, members may not use a cell phone or drink water
– Members may not place hands in their pockets when walking or standing in uniform
Specific details about the initiatives listed above, as well as additional changes, will be available upon AFI publication. In total, more than 30 recommendations from the Air Force Uniform Board were approved for implementation to the field.
Additional Uniform Item Improvements
The following uniform item improvements were made considering feedback from the field and multiple uniform fit tests. These items will be released for issue and/or purchase as the design and development process is completed.
Men’s Blue Shirt and Women’s Blouse
The improved men’s blue shirt and women’s blouse will utilize a new stain-resistant, wrinkle-resistant and moisture-wicking fabric with a herringbone weave in the current Air Force blue shade.
The men’s shirt improvements include a tapered and lengthened shirt body with a reengineered armhole and shoulder. The women’s tuck-in style blouse and semi-form-fitting blouse improvements include a lengthened shirt body, realigned buttons, a reengineered armhole, and a redesign of the neckline and collar.
In addition, the updated maternity blouse will include a redesigned neckline and collar for improved fit and comfort. The back pleat of the previously-designed blouse was replaced with darts for better shape and fit. It has realigned buttons and a lengthened shirt body for accommodation through all trimesters.
The improved men’s long-sleeve blue shirt is expected to be available August 2021. The improved men’s short-sleeve blue shirt and women’s tuck-in style blouse (long and short-sleeve) are expected to be available at the end of October 2021. The improved maternity blouse is expected to be available October 2021 and the updated semi-form fitting blouse is expected to be available in January 2022.
Improved Hot Weather Combat Uniform
The improved hot weather combat uniform is a variant of the operational camouflage pattern uniform aimed at reducing layers of fabric in order to be lighter in weight, more breathable and quick drying, providing safer flame protection that does not melt or drip. It was designed to improve performance, survivability, lethality and safety in extreme hot and wet-weather environments. The improved hot weather combat uniform is expected to be available to Airmen in October 2021.
Extreme Cold Weather Parka
Generation III Level 7 parkas, commonly referred to as extreme cold weather parkas, are expected to be available for personal purchase through AAFES online and in select AAFES stores this winter season. Previously, the parka was not available for personal purchase and was primarily distributed as organization clothing and equipment at northern tier or extreme cold weather base locations.
Men’s Blue Trousers and Women’s Blue Slacks
Men’s blue trouser improvements include an adjustment to the pocket design to enhance the fit of the trousers and reduce additional alterations.
The women’s blue slacks improvement includes a redesigned and lower waistband, removal of the front darts to create a flat front, and a shortened rise to address fit concerns. Additionally, the pant legs will be straight cut as opposed to the previously tapered fit.
The updated trousers and slacks are expected to be available in May 2022.
Women’s Mess Dress Slacks
The new women’s mess dress slacks will provide Air Force women an option in addition to the current mess dress skirt and men’s mess dress trousers. The slacks will be a female-fit version of the male mess dress trousers with design adjustments required to fit female measurements. Slacks can be worn with the current mess dress jacket. Women’s mess dress slacks are expected to be available in August 2022.
Physical Training Gear
Modernized physical training gear will feature a revised fit and look with updated materials and fabric. The fabric includes soft, quick drying, antimicrobial technology that helps with moisture and odor control. The jacket, pants, and men’s and women’s t-shirts will be available along with new running and all-purpose shorts. The physical training gear is expected to be available in October 2022 with a four-year transition period for mandatory wear.
Space Force Guardians will follow the updates above except where Space Force specific guidance already exists. For example, in accordance with SPFGM2020-36-01, USSF personnel are not authorized to wear morale patches. The Space Force held its inaugural uniform board in March and is currently developing comprehensive service-specific grooming and uniform policies with a targeted release late 2021.
Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs
U.S. Air Force graphics by SSgt Elora J. McCutcheon
USAF EOD Tests New Imaging Technology
August 11th, 2021EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. (AFNS) —
Local explosive ordnance disposal units received and were trained on a new and upgraded portable imaging X-ray system at Eglin Air Force Base July 22.
The Vidisco Guardian 12 Digital Radiographic X-ray system enhances EOD’s capabilities by making it easier to view the internal contents of suspicious, improvised explosive devices and unexploded ordnance.
The Air Force Civil Engineer Center recently delivered the first systems to Hill AFB, Utah and will distribute the remaining systems in conjunction with training events over the next five years. EOD flights from Eglin AFB, Hurlburt Field and Tyndall AFB received the new systems and attended the training.
“The digital X-ray technology will make a world of difference for our EOD forces,” said Tech. Sgt. Quentin Tubbs, 436th Civil Engineer Squadron EOD technician at Dover AFB, Delaware. “It will increase the reliability of capturing clear and concise images and reduce the amount of time we spend next to hazardous devices.”
The Guardian 12 replaces three commercial off-the-shelf systems serving as interim solutions until the new system is fully deployed. This includes a large system weighing over 99 pounds, that primarily serves as base support and requires a wired connection to operate; an X-ray that serves as the wireless mobility system; and a third system that has been obsolete for several years.
“The new system essentially consolidates all the capabilities of previous systems,” said Dave Hodgson, AFCEC EOD logistics lead. “It meets all of the requirements necessary to support the mission.”
Compared to the analog technology of the previous systems, the digital X-ray technology provides a much sharper and clearer image, making it easier to detect explosives such as IEDs or unexploded ordnance, Tubbs said.
Featuring both wired and wireless technology, the new technology combines the capabilities of the off-the-shelf systems currently in use. The wireless capabilities enable remote image capture and can reduce the amount of time Airmen spend going down range, Tubbs said.
“With the older systems, every time we took an image, we had to go downrange and retrieve a panel, bring it back and run it through a machine to verify if the X-ray worked. Many times, we thought a good image was captured only to realize later there was something dense in the way blocking the image.”
The new digital radiographic X-ray system also includes features to improve resiliency. It is lightweight, weighing less than 22 pounds and housed in a compact carrying case for easy mobilization for fly-away missions. The system is also designed to work in extreme temperatures, ranging from minus 14 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
Obtaining the new systems was a collaborative effort between AFCEC and the Air Force Installation Contracting Center’s 772nd Enterprise Sourcing Squadron—both part of the Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center enterprise. The $30 million acquisition will put 331 new systems in the hands of EOD Airmen by 2026.
“We’re committed to ensuring our EOD forces have the training, equipment and resources required to accomplish their duties in garrison and downrange,” Hodgson said. “The new systems will allow Airmen to conduct missions safely, rapidly and effectively.”
Story by Emily Mifsud
Photos by Samuel King Jr
Rheinmetall and Escribano Demonstrate New Modules for the Mission Master SP A-UGV
August 10th, 2021Rheinmetall and Escribano Mechanical & Engineering (EM&E) have collaborated in recent months in order to demonstrate two new Rheinmetall Mission Master SP modules carrying EM&E sensors and weapons systems. A series of demonstrations took place at EM&E’s new facilities in San Juan del Viso in the presence of Spanish government officials, including the Army chief of staff and international delegations. A demonstration for His Majesty King Felipe VI was also held at Viator in the Province Almería in southern Spain.
The demonstrations involved two Mission Master SP Autonomous Unmanned Ground Vehicles (A-UGVs). For these activities, a Mission Master SP – Fire Support was equipped with the Escribano Guardian 2.0 Remote Weapon Station (RWS), while a Mission Master SP – Surveillance carried the Escribano OTEOS sensor package. Thanks to the mast-mounted OTEOS, the Mission Master SP – Surveillance successfully detected a threat and automatically shared its location with the Mission Master SP – Fire support, triggering a slew-to-cue. Various Mission Master control modes were showcased, including follow-me, autonomous navigation, and convoy modes.
Live firing with the Mission Master SP – Fire Support equipped with the Escribano Guardian 2.0 RWS in the Dillon Aero M134D configuration was conducted using UGV/RWS portable controllers integrated with a safety board architecture, allowing safe wireless firing. As with all Mission Master operations, targets are never engaged automatically. A human in the loop is always required for all kinetic decisions.
For Rheinmetall Canada, this series of demonstrations in Spain marks the first integration of an EM&E payload on its Mission Master SP A-UGV and its first collaboration with a Spanish company. This success underscores Rheinmetall’s mastery of system integration and the growing capabilities of its Mission Master family.
