Defense Mechanisms has launched five different sleep systems.
They range from the Conundrum DM on the high end, a mummy design rated all the way down to -10 deg F to the Revelation APEX DM, a quilt rated for 40 deg F. It all depends on the options you select.
Bags are available in Black, Coyote, Ranger Green and MultiCam.
defensemechanisms.com/frontl-line-provisions/sleep-systems
Made from Polartech Power Stretch Pro, Kitanica’s Nightwatch sweater is a modern take on the classic GI 5-button sweater. In addition to the performance fabric, they’ve also added thumb loops at the cuff.
Offered in Black, sizes Small through XXX-Large.
Made in the USA.
Generally, works of fiction about the future are considered science fiction and allow us to look at current issues by placing our minds in a “what-if?” environment. In some cases, science fiction is also used as a wargaming tool to consider what might be.
Army University Press sponsors a Future Warfare Writing Program – program which is worth checking out.
They offer both Fiction and Nonfiction versions of the program where would-be futurists take a look at trends in Warfighting.
Complex [environment] is defined as an environment that is not only unknown, but unknowable and constantly changing. The Army cannot predict who it will fight, where it will fight, and with what coalition it will fight.
TRADOC Pamphlet 525-3-1; The U.S. Army Operating Concept: Win in a Complex World 2020-2040, 31 October 2014
Although it’s a few years old, the U.S. Army TRADOC Mad Scientist Initiative is my favorite.
Everything is available at www.armyupress.army.mil/Special-Topics/Future-Warfare-Writing-Program.
The U.S. Army Medical Materiel Development Activity has teamed with one of its commercial partners in the development of a novel medical device that may prove to be a “game-changer” in the frontline treatment of wounded Warfighters. Created by TDA Research, Inc., and funded through the Defense Health Agency’s Small Business Innovation Research program, the Lactated Ringer’s Solution Generator is a lightweight, portable unit that can produce sterile LR solution in austere locations from locally available freshwater sources. The device utilizes proprietary technology to produce one liter-size intravenous bags from a concentrated LR salt solution.
Composed of sodium, chloride, potassium, calcium and lactate, LR solution is used primarily to treat dehydration, deliver medication and restore fluid balance following bodily injury. It is also used to treat moderate hemorrhagic shock, as it has been shown to increase initial survival rates among patients and decrease the chances of organ damage.
Austin Langdon serves as assistant product manager for the LR Solution Generator program within USAMMDA’s Warfighter Deployed Medical Systems Project Management Office. He believes the device will help to save lives on the battlefield, and recently he demonstrated the unit for Army Brig. Gen. Michael J. Talley, Commanding General of the U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command and Fort Detrick.
“Without question, this small device will dramatically reduce the Army’s logistical footprint of having to ship and store lactated Ringer’s solution, which is the fluid of choice for resuscitation if blood is not available on the battlefield,” said Langdon. “This unit can make LR solution from practically any water source, including ditch water.”
“I truly believe in this device and its application for military use in the near future, although it will probably find its way into civilian medicine as well,” he continued. “For the Army, the LR Solution Generator will increase our life-saving capabilities by helping to reduce our logistical supply chain demands — our ability to make LR solution in the field will also help ensure we’re able to use these critical bags before they expire.”
As a former Army flight medic, Langdon praised the unique qualities of the device, highlighting its size, weight and portability. The unit weighs less than 11 pounds and is stored in a hard-shell case that is approximately 10 inches wide by 18 inches long, and only 6 inches deep. The purification device runs on a rechargeable lithium-ion cell that can produce more than 30 bags of LR solution per single charge.
“Army leadership is continually seeking ways to reduce the logistical strain of getting much-needed resources to the frontline and far forward in Multi-Domain Operations,” said Langdon. “Products such as the LR Solution Generator are far-forward-leaning solutions that can help us think outside of our normal parameters of operation. This device, and others like it, will bring forth new innovation that will change our standard of operation and secure our valuable resources.”
By Jeffrey Soares, USAMMDA public affairs
Inspired by classic aviator glasses, the Stark is the latest from Gatorz Eyewear. The Stark features an aluminum frame with adjustable Frame and Nosepiece.
There are several lens colors offered. ANSI Z87+ certified styles are available.
Made in USA.
If you wear Vans but are looking for aomwtuing a bit more outdoorsy, check out the SK8-Hi MTE 2.0 DX. Yeah, it seems like a mouthful, but what you’re getting is a mid-height shoe with MTE 360 technology featuring water-resistant leather and suede uppers, warm linings, and a heat retention layer.
Other features include UltraCush drop-in molded sockliner, Achilles cushion, rubber toe cap, tongue and heel pulls, and an all-new MTE 2.0 boot lug.
They’re offered in a few colors but the Black Woodland variant is the way to go.
These come recommended by longtime SSD reader JF.
www.vans.com/shop/mte-designed-for-the-elements/sk8-hi-mte-20-dx-woodland-camo-black
The LBT x TD Tiger Camo Day Pack is Tactical Distributor’s last colab of the year to celebrate their 10th Anniversary.
Manufactured by LBT, this 14 liter limited edition pack features a laptop sleeve, exterior water bottle holder, 2 exterior zip pockets, and a roomy main compartment.
Black and Tigerstripe.
www.tacticaldistributors.com/products/lbt-x-td-10-yr-anniv-tiger-stripe-14l-day-pack
The new Emdom Gemini Outer Belt is part of a two component modular system consisting of a rigid belt sleeve and an internal web belt.
The Gemini Outer Belt sleeve is made from paser cut laminate at 2” wide and has two rows of PALS slots end to end, offers structural support for load-bearing, and has a backside Velcro hook surface to mate with the Flex Inner Belt.
The internal web belt is made to fit the sleeve and offers security and core strength during high-speed maneuvers and under critical situations. Sandwiched inside the sleeve is a layer of HDPE plastic for rigidity.
The internal web belt has a patented CNC Machined AustriAlpin D-ring COBRA ProStyle buckle. However, it is not intended to be used with equipment for climbing/rappelling/extraction, nor as a replacement of proper restraint / safety harness or strap utilized on boats, vehicles, or aircrafts.
Offered in sizes Small, Medium, Large and X-Large in MultiCam, Black, Coyote, SDU Grey and Ranger Green.
www.emdomusa.com/Emdom-Gemini-Outer-Belt
