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New Cierzo Suit Colours from TRC Outdoors

May 28th, 2021

Due to popular demand, we are now stocking Cierzo Suits in Black and Night Camo!

Originally produced as an Urgent Operational Requirement for a UKSF Unit, we are excited to add Cierzo Suits to our Core Product Range.

Consisting of our popular Cierzo Shirt, the new Cierzo Trousers and a matching Dry Bag.

The Cierzo Suit is a one-stop product to get you ready for Wet & Dry Drills in the Jungle; sitting, glassing for game; or hiking & camping.

Lightweight and compact, you can throw a Cierzo Suit into your bag ready for when you need it.

Offered here for a discounted price, compared to buying the component parts separately.

Long Size for you 6 foot and up Lurch Types

Waist size range is 24?- 48? (60cm – 121cm)

trcoutdoors.com/product/cierzo-suit

Posted in Clothing, International, Press Release | 1 Comment »

NP Aerospace Sets UK Challenge to Run Fastest Mile in a Bomb Suit

May 28th, 2021

Si Hannaford will be attempting to run the fastest mile in a bomb suit as he sets off on his 756 mile run from John O’Groats to Bicester as part of a 26 day triathlon.

NP Aerospace has challenged WO2 Si Hannaford, Bomb Disposal Operator for the British Army, to run the fastest mile in its new Bomb Suit during his Tri26 triathlon charity challenge.

Si Hannaford will be running, cycling and swimming 1777 miles in 26 days to raise £100,000 for charities, the Felix Fund and the Hummingbird Centre, starting in Portsmouth on 1st June and ending in Bicester on 26th June.

06:00, 12 June, John O’Groats, ScotlandOn 12th June he will run the first of 756 miles in a 4030 ELITE Bomb Disposal Suit – weighing 35.8kg – in an attempt to beat the fastest mile in a bomb disposal suit record of 7-minutes 24-seconds which was set by a British Army Soldier in 2017.

Si, who has served in the British Army for 10 years and has done tours of Afghanistan, Bosnia, Kosovo and Northern Ireland, was keen to take on the challenge to support the charities for which he has a strong connection. The Felix Fund provide welfare and financial support to military and police personnel working in bomb disposal and search. The Hummingbird Centre is a cancer support center based in Launton, near his home town of Bicester.

Simon Hannaford, the hero of the day, commented: “My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer two years ago, so this cause is extremely important to me. I feel that I can suffer 26 days to help people who may be suffering their whole lives. It’s great to have the support of NP Aerospace. I have worn their bomb suits on operation for many years so I am keen to put the new suit to the test. It will be a gruelling challenge but worth every hour of training.”

James Kempston, CEO of NP Aerospace, said: “Si Hannaford’s courage and tenacity are undoubtedly essential to the success of a challenge like this and we are committed to supporting him every step of the way. Running the fastest mile in a bomb suit is extremely tough in normal circumstances let alone during a 26 day triathlon! As supporters of Felix Fund and other charity causes we are keen to lend our support. It will be great to see how 4030 ELITE suit stands up to the fastest mile challenge.”

Si is urging people to sign-up and follow his YouTube channel- he needs 1000 followers so he can broadcast it live from his mobile phone.

The Tri26 challenge is to swim 21miles – the length of the English channel – then cycle 1000 miles from Land’s End to John O’Groats and finally run 756 miles from John O’Groats back to Bicester. The first mile of the run will be wearing the NP Aerospace 4030 ELITE Bomb Suit.

To sign-up to Si’s YouTube page view www.youtube.com/c/SiHannaford

To sponsor Si view uk.virginmoneygiving.com/SiHannaford/1 Or www.justgiving.com/fundraising/simonhannaford

Posted in EOD, International, Press Release | Comments Off on NP Aerospace Sets UK Challenge to Run Fastest Mile in a Bomb Suit

Buck Knives to Attend Blade Show

May 28th, 2021

Company Returns to Exhibit at 40th Annual Show

Post Falls, ID – (May 25, 2021) – Buck Knives, leader in sports cutlery, will be exhibiting at Blade Show in Atlanta, Georgia, June 4-6, 2021.

In a return to in-person events, Buck Knives will be attending the 40th annual Blade Show with an emphasis on its new product range, its engagement with the award winning BCCI (Buck Collectors Club), and the debut of a new mid-year release set for availability in August. “Blade Show is the perfect venue to introduce the newest member of our premium everyday carry class, it’s a continuation of the direction many have noticed from Buck utilizing elite materials, technical features, and our iconic American craftsmanship,” said Chris Bourassa, Director of Marketing and Product Development.

Bourassa will be in attendance with CJ Buck, CEO and Chairman; Connor Slepikas, Eastern Regional Sales Manager and Lane Tobiassen, President of Buck Knives to discuss the company, the product line, and engage with Buck’s loyal fan base. CJ Buck will also be available to meet and sign knives for those carrying at the show.

“Blade Show is the place to see new designs, new materials, and receive the customer feedback that drives our innovation and approach to market. Our organization believes the face to face engagement with customers, collectors, key dealers and vendors all found at Blade is an invaluable opportunity to continue our success and momentum,” said Bourassa.

Visit Buck Knives booth, #1634 to see new products and more.

For more information on Blade Show visit: bladeshow.com

Posted in Blade Show, Industry, Knives, Press Release | Comments Off on Buck Knives to Attend Blade Show

Silent Warrior Foundation Honors Those Who Gave Their Lives During Operation Eagle Claw

May 28th, 2021

This memorial day weekend, the Silent Warrior Foundation is paying special remembrance to the eight U.S. Servicemen from Operation Eagle Claw who paid the ultimate sacrifice for the freedom of their fellow Americans. This hostage rescue mission’s heroism and commitment will never be forgotten.

The Silent Warrior Foundation is hosting its 6th Annual Whiskey & War Stories ™ fundraising event on August 21, 2021 in Scottsdale, Arizona. Former hostages and participants of Operation Eagle Claw will honor these men and tell their stories.

The Silent Warrior Foundation is a 501 (c) 3 charity serving active and former U.S. military veterans and their families since 2010.

Posted in Charity, Fundraising, Memorial, Press Release | Comments Off on Silent Warrior Foundation Honors Those Who Gave Their Lives During Operation Eagle Claw

Comp-Tac Revisits CTAC…the Original CT Holster

May 28th, 2021

HOUSTON, May 26, 2021 – Comp-Tac® released its updated and enhanced CTAC™ V2 Holster May 26.

The original CTAC™ is an inside-the-waistband (IWB) holster first introduced at the beginning of Comp-Tac in 1999. Since then, it has been a favorite among customers because of its thin design and resistance to sweat in hot and humid climates.

The CTAC V2 is an updated version that takes the knowledge and technology Comp-Tac has gained in the last 22 years to become even better. The CTAC V2 maintains the same functionality but now incorporates some new features, including a narrower overall design with the two mounting clips brought in closer to the body of the holster. Additionally, the holster body has been updated to accommodate micro-red dot optics and the color options have been expanded from only black to include coyote brown, OD green and wolf gray.

“When we first started making holsters, it was a thrill to see our products loved and used by so many,” said Gordon Carrell Comp-Tac general manager. “After 22 years of learned experience, bringing on new technology and staying current with the changes in firearm design, we knew we needed to show our original holster some love. The CTAC V2 is a fresh take on a popular holster that doesn’t lose any of the draw of the original.”

For more information about the CTAC V2, visit www.comp-tac.com/ctac-v2

Posted in Advertiser, Holsters, Press Release | Comments Off on Comp-Tac Revisits CTAC…the Original CT Holster

FirstSpear Friday Focus: OEM Spotlight Shaw Concepts

May 28th, 2021

It’s Friday and this week is our third installment of our OEM Partner Series. We’ll take a look at an OEM company that FS has partnered with and the equipment they produce. Check out all American company, Shaw Concepts.

How did Shaw Concepts originate?

Shaw Concepts, LLC. started after emailing a custom gear maker (before the boom in gear markers this past year) to get a quote for a carrier I designed only to find out they wanted a thousand dollars to do it. I talked with one of the riggers at the paraloft who mentioned I could just get a sewing machine for that much and do it myself, so I did just that. I made my own carry and some other equipment and that generated interest around the barracks. So I made some gear for people around the barracks and sewed name tapes to cammies. Eventually I decided to make an Instagram page to showcase some of the work. On April 16, 2019, I started the IG page and that’s when it really started took off.

Why was the ARC series created?

The ARC Series of equipment started due to dissatisfaction with gear on the market and a belief that I could improve it. The ARC Carrier was the first product and was born from identifying some issues and missing features in other plate carriers. I created a carrier that featured solutions to the previous carriers challenges. Some of those issues were comfort, a lack of placard acceptability, maritime ditch capability, expanding plate bags and aftermarket adaptability. Other items joined the ARC suite that resolved other issues and bridged gaps in the market. The ARC Suite continues to grow today.

There are many options for private label manufacturing all around the world, how did you select FirstSpear?

I knew of FirstSpear already having used some of their equipment and during my search for a manufacturer was pleasantly surprised to discover they also offered OEM manufacturing. I was familiar with the quality of the equipment and wanted to find an OEM that would be able to offer consistent quality sewing. It also was great that FirstSpear has the FirstSpear Tubes™ as I am a fan of them and I use them in a good number of my products.

Why was made in the USA important to Shaw Concepts?

American Manufacturing is important for several reasons. The first is Berry Compliance to meet military regulations. Some may view it as an obstacle, but we believe the military should utilize American made goods as this is a supply security issue and a matter of national integrity. The second is the providing of good paying American jobs. This ties into the third reason, which is American Self Reliance. The world and especially the global market is extremely interconnected, which has left America extremely dependent on foreign goods and labor, which is a glaring security issue. This leaves us vulnerable to sabotage or simple bad luck as Shaw Concepts holds an “America First” belief and approach.

Why did you select Tubes™ as your fastener of choice for your carrier?

There are a decent amount of hardware options on the market and most of them are great at certain tasks. FirstSpear Tubes are another great option that are also unique in how they are designed and how they can be implemented. The key difference we’ve noticed is how minimal the distance is between the two items the Tube marries up. This can best be seen on cummerbunds and our RAID Pouch. Other buckles would leave a much larger gap and when it comes to gear the more real estate you can open up to be used the better.

Another aspect is the ease AND intentionality of connecting and disconnecting. Other buckles exist that can be easily disconnected but are difficult to reconnect. The impressive thing about FirstSpear Tubes is that they are designed in a way that requires intentional directional disconnection that is also easy to perform while also making it simple to reconnect one handed. There are some alternatives to FirstSpear Tubes that are more economically attractive but lack this functionality.

What sets your product apart from others on the market?

What sets Shaw Concepts products apart is a mix of personal investment in the quality of the equipment as well as unique designs introduced. Some ideas are based on a wishlist of items I wish I had at different points in Force Reconnaissance and other ideas are based on trying to make certain items more comfortable to wear or easier to use. We were the first to introduce the Tubed Hanger Pouch and have since been copied by other companies. The same goes for a good number of our other designs as well.

For more information about Shaw Concepts, check out: shaw-concepts.com

For more information about FirstSpear and OEMs, contact sales@first-spear.com.

Posted in Advertiser, FS Friday Focus, Guest Post, Load Carrying | 3 Comments »

Air Force Releases Updated Fitness Test Score Breakdown

May 28th, 2021

WASHINGTON (AFNS) —

The Air Force will resume physical fitness testing July 1 with only three components: push-ups, sit-ups and the 1.5-mile run.

Without the waist measurement as a scored component, push-ups and sit-ups will increase from 10 to 20 points each, while the 1.5-mile run will remain at 60 points. Scoring will fall into five-year age groups, as opposed to the previous 10. Updated charts can be found here.

The waist measurement will no longer be required as part of the physical fitness test but a separate assessment of body composition, as required by DoD Instruction 1308.3, will continue starting in October. Testing for body composition may continue to use some form of waist measurement and may be administered during PT testing to reduce scheduling and administrative burdens, but body composition will not be a component of the PT test itself. Further details on the body composition program will be released at a later date.

The Air Force has also worked on alternative strength and cardiovascular testing exercise options with plans to announce them in the coming weeks. Once announced, members and fitness monitors will have approximately six months to familiarize themselves with use and execution of the alternative testing options prior to having them available in January 2022. Members will have a choice of which testing options they choose for their physical fitness assessment components. The six-month timeline will help ensure fitness assessment cells are prepared to train physical training leaders to administer tests using the new options.

“We are moving away from a one-size-fits-all model,” said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. “More testing options will put flexibility in the hands of our Airmen – where it belongs. We know not all Airmen maintain their fitness the same way and may excel in different areas. Alternate components provide choices while still providing a mechanism to determine overall fitness.”

These changes align under the Air Force’s Action Order Airmen, people-first approach.

“Physical fitness is an important part of our everyday lives, it’s more than just a test – it’s a way of life, our readiness and ultimately our future success,” said Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass. “July 1st is a chance to refocus on building a lifestyle of fitness and health, and I know our Airmen will be ready.”

For additional information, Airmen can visit myPers or the Air Force’s Personnel Center’s fitness program page.

The Space Force will follow these policies until service-specific fitness policies are developed and fielded.

Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

Posted in Air Force, Guest Post, Profession of Arms, Training | 5 Comments »

High Speed Gear Extends Cost Savings to Customers for Lightweight Pouches

May 27th, 2021

SWANSBORO, N.C. – May 26, 2021 – High Speed Gear® recently reduced the price of its entire lightweight LT line of TACO® magazine pouches.

The company decided to pass on the savings to its customers after manufacturing and technological advancements reduced the cost to make these pouches. The change in price brings the LTs down to nearly the same price as the originals. The TACO LTs are constructed from proprietary materials to decrease their weight by 25 percent compared to their counterparts without sacrificing any of the functionality or versatility of the originals.

The TACO LTs were designed for users who need to save weight wherever possible. This family of products includes the TACO LT, Double Decker® TACO LT, Pistol TACO LT and Extended Pistol TACO LT.

“These pouches are meant for anyone who believes in the ‘ounces equal pain’ axiom and we’re very pleased to make them even more accessible to our customers,” explained Bill Babboni, HSGI® vice president of sales and operations. “The LTs have been a phenomenal seller for us for years and it means a lot that we can give back in this way. We pride ourselves on serving those who serve and passing on the savings on products like these is a great, if small, way to do exactly that.”

You can watch the official product video for the LT family at vimeo.com/highspeedgear/tacolt.

Posted in Advertiser, Load Carrying, Press Release | Comments Off on High Speed Gear Extends Cost Savings to Customers for Lightweight Pouches