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US Navy Approves Full Color Alternate Rank Tabs for Type III Work Uniform

November 3rd, 2020

The Navy has authorized Sailors the option to wear the black Cold Weather Parka (CWP) sleeve-style rank insignia with the Navy Working Uniform Type III (NWU Type III) in non-tactical environments.

The Navy has authorized Sailors the option to wear the black Cold Weather Parka (CWP) sleeve-style rank insignia with the Navy Working Uniform Type III (NWU Type III) in non-tactical environments.

Effective immediately, the change was announced Oct. 29 in NAVADMIN 292/20. It allows wearing of the black CWP rank insignia with the NWU Type III parka and shirt as well as with the black fleece liner for all ranks, E-4 through O-10.

The black tab is not authorized in tactical environments, or where training requires complete camouflage protection, the message said.

“This policy change is based on the feedback received from the fleet via the rank insignia wear evaluation, Question of the Day video responses regarding insignia options, and ongoing complaints regarding the limited visibility of the camouflage pattern NWU Type III rank insignia,” Vice Adm. John B. Nowell, the Navy’s chief of personnel, wrote in the message.

Opting for the solid black parka tab was the best decision because fleet feedback showed it provides quick and easy identification of the wearers rank at the greatest possible distance with just a glance.

In addition, the items are already approved, in production and available at the Navy Exchanges, both in select uniform stores and can be ordered online at the Navy Exchange website.

Though metal insignia are authorized for wear with the cold-weather parka, the authorization is only for the sleeve-style rank insignia. The message describes the insignia as being of “solid black fabric with color thread (gold, silver, scarlet) denoting the wearers rank,” the message states.

“The back of the insignia is sewn together in the center to form a loop which facilitates placement on the NWU Type III rank tab.”

Feedback and recommendations regarding uniform policy, uniform components and uniform availability are welcome and can be provided via MyNavy Portal at www.mnp.navy.mil. Select Professional Resources, U.S. Navy Uniforms and *Ask The Chiefs.* Feedback can also be provided via the MyNavy UNIFORMS Mobile App.

By MC1 Mark D. Faram, Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs

Posted in Clothing, Guest Post, Navy, Profession of Arms | 3 Comments »

Acquisition of Team Wendy by Avon Rubber PLC Now Closed

November 3rd, 2020

$130 million transaction creates global leader in head protection systems for the military and first responder markets

CLEVELAND, OH (Nov. 3, 2020) – Further to the announcement made on Sept. 9, 2020, the acquisition of Team Wendy, LLC (“Team Wendy”) by Avon Rubber p.l.c. (“Avon”) (LON: AVON) is now closed.

Team Wendy, a leading U.S. supplier of exceptional head protection systems for military, law enforcement, search and rescue, and adventure markets, now operates as a subsidiary of Avon Protection from the Company’s current headquarters in Cleveland, Ohio. Team Wendy continues to be led by its President Jose Rizo-Patron and its six department directors, who all remain in their positions.

Together, Avon Protection and Team Wendy are a global leader in head protection systems for the military and first responder markets, following Avon Protection’s acquisition of 3M’s ballistic protection business and the Ceradyne brand earlier this year.

“Today we start an exciting new chapter for Team Wendy that will usher in new opportunities for our employees, our customers and our business partners,” said Jose Rizo-Patron, president of Team Wendy. “We remain focused on our vision to save lives by providing the best for anyone wearing a helmet.”

“The acquisition of Team Wendy is another important strategic step in the transformation of Avon Rubber into a leading provider of life critical personal protection systems,” said Paul McDonald, chief executive officer of Avon. “Bringing Team Wendy into the same family with our existing Helmets & Armor business establishes Avon Protection as a global leader in military and first responder helmets, with an enhanced and broader product portfolio with stronger capabilities and routes to market.”

Posted in Advertiser, Helmets, Industry, Press Release | 1 Comment »

Power Bank from Exocharge

November 3rd, 2020

Exocharge sent me one of their power banks to check out.

You can charge multiple devices at once with integrated USB-A and USB-C ports (newer models that he one I use). It incorporates a 10,000 mAh battery that delivers up to 18W Power Delivery (PD) from the USB-C port. The USB-A port delivers up to 12W of power.

Exocharge boasts that you can get up to three charges for iPhone (iPhone 11 Pro) before you have to recharge the Exilage power bank. They didn’t lie. I used it quite a bit over several months and got consistent charging performance.

One of the features I really like is the LED read out which shows you the power level left in the device, from 0-100.

I use the Elixage USB to USB-C cable along with a USB-C to Lightning cable from my iPhone, depending on what I am doing.

It measures 6.25″ x 3″ x .5″ so for storage, I am using a Lochby Quattro pouch which fits everything like it was made for it. Made from waxed cotton, it is a zippered pouch normally used to corral your pocket notebook and pens. It’s available in Brown and Black.

Posted in Advertiser, Power | 3 Comments »

TYR Tactical Tuesday: Armor Manufacturing Facility | Phase One |

November 3rd, 2020

Construction is well on its way at TYR Tactical® HQ in Peoria, AZ. Their $14M New Armor Manufacturing Facility will house state-of-the-art presses and autoclaves to support hard armor production. This much needed expansion, along with their current in-house Ballistic Test Range, will give them unmatched armor development capability.

Watch Phase One Now:

So why now?

Owner & CEO Jason Beck had this to say about the driving force behind the Armor Facility Expansion: “As one of the few remaining family owned businesses in our industry I feel a responsibility to always be the guy making everyone else strive to get better. I felt the armor industry had grown stagnate, become too reactionary, and too contract focused. The industry stopped innovating and the end user community simply deserved better. We have had a very productive year in spite of the ongoing pandemic. Investing back into the company and our people seemed like the right thing to do. We are building a world class armor production facility and adding next generation equipment, to continue to push our industry and build kit for the Next Generation Warrior®. Innovate or Die®!”

www.tyrtactical.com

Posted in Advertiser, Armor, Guest Post | 1 Comment »

Construction of New Army Mountain Warfare School Facility Begins

November 3rd, 2020

Jericho, Vt. – The Vermont National Guard will break ground on a new $27 million facility for the Army Mountain Warfare School on Thursday, Nov. 5 at Ethan Allen Firing Range in Jericho.

The socially-distanced ground-breaking ceremony is scheduled for 10:00 a.m.

“In my many conversations with the Secretary and the Chief of Staff of the Army, the Chief of the National Guard Bureau, and the Director of the Army National Guard, it was clear to me that replacing the facilities of the Army Mountain Warfare School allowed the Army to greatly expand and improve its capabilities,” said Vermont Senator Patrick Leahy. “As Appropriations Vice Chairman I was glad to be in a position to be able to ensure that it was funded, when the Army told me that despite the need it had not been included in the budget submission. I’m proud of the opportunity ahead of us for Vermonters to expand our ability to teach Soldiers and other members of our Armed Services how to not only survive, but to master and make the most of difficult terrain and cold climates.”

The 82,668 square foot facility will include educational space, billeting for 174 personnel, and a dining facility. The new schoolhouse will also offer students a unique four-story indoor climbing wall and will use a geothermal ground source system to provide heating and cooling. Space for the installation of photovoltaic panels will also be incorporated. Project completion is expected near April 2022.

“The Army Mountain Warfare School cadre are among the best and brightest in the field; this school is where students learn to become competent mountaineering professionals,” said Maj. Gen. Greg Knight, Vermont adjutant general. “This new facility is a testament to those Soldiers, and the thousands of graduates and cadre that have come through the school for nearly four decades.”

The Vermont National Guard has operated the only Army Mountain Warfare School in the country since 1983. They now instruct courses in basic, advanced, and specialty mountain warfare. They also provide additional mission specific training to United States and foreign military forces in a variety of countries.

“This new facility ensures the continuation of excellence in mountain warfare operations, and the lasting value this school brings to Vermont and the U.S. Army. Sincere thanks to Senator Leahy for his efforts in making this a reality,” said Knight.

Joint Force Headquarters, Vermont National Guard Public Affairs

Posted in Army, Guest Post, Mountaineering, Training | 12 Comments »

Spectra Group Launches New SlingShot Tactical Operations Centre System (STOCS)

November 3rd, 2020

Spectra Group (UK) Ltd, world-leading provider of high-grade information security and communication capabilities, has announced the addition of a new product to their portfolio: the SlingShot Tactical Operations Centre System (STOCS). Spectra’s STOCS adds additional capability and operability to the already hugely successful SlingShot tactical satellite communications system.

STOCS is a specially designed and modified version of SlingShot that allows the user to communicate beyond line of sight (BLOS) while being up to 35 meters from the antenna. Because it operates on L-Band, the current configuration limits the current SlingShot system to being operated at a remote distance of up to 10 meters (depending on system type) from the antenna, which in most operational scenarios is sufficient, for example, in a vehicle or when dismounted. However, in response to customer requests, the new STOCS variant of SlingShot enables the user to now operate in more enclosed locations such as a command HQ, a tactical operations room, any type of building, a protected bunker or when dug in. In all scenarios, by placing the antenna away from the operator they can remain in cover whilst still effectively communicating via the satellite. The STOCS hardware has been ruggedized and weatherproofed (IP67) to enable the user to leave it in a more exposed position, such as a rooftop, without any risk to the electronics.

In April 2019, Spectra’s SlingShot was awarded the prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise for Innovation. SlingShot is a unique, lightweight system that enables existing, in-service tactical military and commercial VHF/UHF radios to utilise commercial L-band satellite coverage (COMSATCOM). The technology delivers Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS) Comms on the Move (COTM) with low-latency voice and data connectivity to radio networks for ground, vehicle, maritime and airborne platforms. SlingShot’s unique capability provides reliable, secure communications between widely dispersed military forces and/or civilian agencies operating in austere and hostile environments, without the cost, delay or logistical challenges of deploying additional infrastructure. Over 3500 SlingShot systems are in operation worldwide in the Manpack, Vehicle, Maritime and Aviation variants. Spectra Group’s new STOCS now adds further capability for existing and future users of the wider SlingShot system.

Simon Davies, CEO of Spectra Group said: “the launch of the new STOCS product enhances our offering and adds significant additional capability to the user. Effective communication is a fundamental part of command and control centre operations so being able to use SlingShot in these scenarios is a game changer for global special forces and other defence and security units or organisations”. He added: “here at Spectra Group we’re very focused on innovation and we’re constantly working to evolve and enhance our product and service offering. The addition of STOCS to our product line is a great example of that. We’ve listened to what our customers need and developed STOCS to deliver the required capability enhancements”.

www.spectra-group.co.uk

Posted in Comms, International, Press Release | Comments Off on Spectra Group Launches New SlingShot Tactical Operations Centre System (STOCS)

Kitanica Fire Retardant Apron

November 2nd, 2020

The Kitanica Fire Retardant Apron is 100% U.S. MADE and constructed of a 6.5 oz. 60/40 Kevlar/Nomex ripstop fabric, sewn with Nomex thread and has features that include: chest pocket with thermometer/pen tube, Velcro loop patch on the bib, left and right hanging utensil/tool loops (dual) and 2 large front pockets. It is designed for the shop, the kitchen, and the grill. It has an adjustable neck strap with a pass through for the loose end and extra long waist ties that can be cut to length, but are also designed with the ability to tie off in the front. The Apron is also specifically designed to be worn folded over without the top half of the bib showing below the hem.

Offered in Black.

www.kitanica.net/FR-APRON-p

Posted in Advertiser, FR | 1 Comment »

SIG SAUER Academy to Offer Classes in Florida at Volusia County Gun & Hunt Club

November 2nd, 2020

NEWINGTON, N.H., (November 2, 2020) – SIG SAUER Academy, the leading provider of the highest quality firearms instruction and tactical training in the world, is pleased to announce that Volusia County Gun & Hunt Club in New Smyrna Beach, Florida will be hosting on-location SIG SAUER Academy courses.

Beginning in December 2020 through February 2021 exclusive SIG SAUER Academy course offerings will be taught by the world-renowned SIG SAUER Academy instructors onsite at the Volusia County Gun & Hunt Club. The course offerings are as follows:

• Handgun 102: This is step 2 in the SIG SAUER Academy foundational handgun series. Utilizing the principles of training in Handgun 101, this course takes students through the efficient and safe use of a handgun. Working from the holster, performing reloads, clearing stoppages, and correctly manipulating a trigger to maximize accuracy are all thoroughly taught in a relaxed, hands-on environment.

• Handgun 103: This intensive one-day class is designed to take your skills to the next level. Handgun 103 builds upon and refines the skill sets previously established in Handgun 102 while also introducing shooters to new drills, cutting edge concepts, and core shooting principles.

• Mission: Red Dot: Leave the Iron Age behind. Proven on the battlefield and in competition, there is no longer any debate that a red dot makes for faster, more accurate shots over iron sights. Take your shooting to the next level with the course built specifically around this major advancement in firearm technology and learn to shoot and engage targets with a pistol mounted red dot.

• Bullets and Bandages: This course teaches students how to keep themselves and their team members alive and fighting in critical injury situations. Students will master basic lifesaving emergency medical skills using equipment available under field conditions. Training scenarios presented also include basic weapon manipulation and live fire, while simulating high risk situations. Other topics covered include suppressive fire techniques, evasive action, and preparing wounded team members for evacuation and advanced medical care.

• Basic Trauma Management: An 8-hour class designed to provide the end-user with the basic knowledge necessary to “Be the difference” in a life-threatening trauma situation. The student will learn basic human anatomy and physiology, injuries to the various systems of the body and how best to treat them as well as medical kit training, mass casualty principles and 911 communication. The day will end with various hands-on practical applications and rapid patient assessment drills. The time chooses you. Will you be ready?”

To register and review the in-depth course outlines, pre-requisites, and equipment requirements for the SIG SAUER Academy courses at the Volusia County Gun & Hunt Club visit sigsaueracademy.com.

Posted in Advertiser, Press Release, Training | Comments Off on SIG SAUER Academy to Offer Classes in Florida at Volusia County Gun & Hunt Club