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Vertx Combines Utility and Style with the New Vaporcore Shirt

January 26th, 2021

Capitol Dress Shirt Newest Addition to the Prepared Professional’s™ Arsenal

Cincinnati, Ohio – Vertx®, a leading manufacturer of low-profile tactical apparel and accessories, announces the launch of the Capitol Dress Shirt; a classic, professional button down with 37.5® active particle technology. Offered in White Noise, a crisp white, and Jettison Blue, a classic blue, the shirts are now available online at vertx.com and in-store. Customers can find their nearest dealer using the Vertx® store locator at vertx.com/store-locator.

“At Vertx® we serve many professionals working in both public and private security where they are often required to dress for casual and formal environments,” said Denny Bogard, GM/VP of Vertx. “A full day in suit and tie gets uncomfortable pretty quickly and especially on the job. We’ve designed the Capitol Shirt to combat the challenges our customers face when it comes to the mobility and comfort of professional attire.”

Part of the expanding line of VaporeCore™ products, the Capitol Dress Shirt is built using 37.5® active particle technology fabrics. 37.5® particles attract sweat vapor away from the skin and absorb the body’s natural infrared (IR) light, releasing it when hot. This means that under layers and during strenuous activity, the Capitol Shirt is working with the wearer to keep them cool, dry and odor-free. In addition to its temperature-regulating fabric, the Capitol is constructed to provide the utmost in mobility. Its tapered athletic fit and extended tail eliminates interference with holsters and when drawing. Even when worn under a jacket or sport coat, the Capitol’s underarm articulation allows for unrestricted range of motion. The Capitol proves that tactical advantage and professional appearance aren’t mutually exclusive. Learn more about the Vertx® Capitol Dress Shirt and the rest of the VaporCore™ line at vertx.com.

Posted in Advertiser, Clothing, Press Release | 2 Comments »

US Army Updates Grooming Standards

January 26th, 2021

Revised Army regulation and grooming standards support diversity, equity and inclusion and people first priority

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Army has announced major revisions to Army Regulation 670-1, Wear and Appearance of Army Uniforms and Insignia, which will include guidance on wearing the new Army Green Service Uniform and several other key changes. In addition, the Army is also revising its grooming standards to support its People First priority and diversity and inclusion efforts.

“The Army must continue to put people first by fostering a culture of trust that accepts the experiences and backgrounds of every Soldier and civilian,” said Lt. Gen. Gary Brito, Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel. “Our diverse workforce is a competitive advantage, and the Army must continue to offer fair treatment, access and opportunity across the force.”

The new version of AR 670-1 will go into effect Feb. 24. Major changes include implementation of the AGSU, clarified policy on breastfeeding or pumping in uniform, authorization for breastfeeding/pumping Soldiers to wear an optional undershirt, implementation of the Improved Hot Weather Combat Uniform, and full transition to the Operational Camouflage Pattern — removing references to the Universal Camouflage Pattern.

“The Army has maintained a longstanding tradition of Soldiers presenting a clean and professional appearance,” said Sgt. Maj. Mark Anthony Clark from the Army’s Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel (G-1). “A professional appearance is an outward manifestation of the pride they have in themselves and in service to our country.”

New grooming standards, which will be reflected in a forthcoming memo (ALARACT), will also go into effect in February. Approved revisions include optional wear of earrings, lipstick and nail colors for women and clear nail polish for men. Earrings will remain unauthorized in field environments, combat-related deployments or locations where access to normal hygiene is not available.

Approved hairstyle changes include no minimum hair length for female Soldiers, allowing multiple hairstyles at once (i.e. braiding, twists or locs). Soldiers will be able to wear ponytails if unable to form a bun, and may wear long ponytails while conducting physical training, in the combat uniform or when female Soldiers wear equipment such as, but not limited to, combat helmets.

“In an effort to stop hair damage and loss stemming from hairstyles like the bun, the Army approved healthier hairstyle options that are more inclusive of various natural styles,” said Clark.

Soldiers will also be allowed to have a uniform hair color blend (also known as highlights) as long as it presents a natural appearance. However, purple, blue, pink, green, orange, bright red, fluorescent or neon colors, and some others will be prohibited.

In addition, the revised regulation will not contain potentially offensive language used to describe several hairstyles – for example, “Mohawk, eccentric, faddish, Fu Manchu, dreadlock” – which will be replaced with alternative verbiage.

“We are continuously assessing our policies to identify areas for improvement, then implementing policies that demonstrate our commitment to ensuring all Soldiers feel as though they are valued members of the Army team,” said Brito. “We know that actions speak louder than words when it comes to inclusivity and equity within our ranks, and we believe that the changes we announced today are one example of policies that put our people first.”

By U.S. Army Public Affairs

Editor’s note: Here is the link to the updated DA PAM 670-1

Posted in Army, Guest Post, Profession of Arms | 16 Comments »

Terrain 365 Invictus-ATC

January 26th, 2021

Compact Edition, Rustproof, Non-Magnetic, Edge Holding Folder

Tuesday January 26, 2021 Terrain 365™ releases the Invictus-ATC. A compact version of its big brother featuring their super alloy Terravantium™ in a 3” blade. This technical framelock folder is engineered for use in any environment on land, in and even under water, without ever rusting, pitting or staining. The Invictus-ATC is made with advanced and state of the art materials which are all 100% non-ferrous, non-magnetic, and rustproof. Terrain 365’s “AT” (A.ll T.errain) designated folders are required meet the trifecta of apex folding knife performance criteria; rustproof, non-magnetic and edge holding. The dendritic cobalt composition and annealing process of Terravantium™ achieves all three.

The Invictus-ATC is a collaboration between Terrain 365 and Prometheus Design Werx.

Creative Director and Co-Founder Patrick Ma of Terrain 365 states,

“This is the compact version of our most popular model the Invictus-AT. With a 3” Terravantium™ blade and an OAL of 7” open, this framelock features all the properties and characteristics of its bigger brother, but in a more compact size. Perfect for EDC around town and in the backcountry. As with our other AT designated folder models, this folder is built with 100% non-ferrous materials, non-magnetic, and rust proof. A pivot with ceramic bearings creates a smooth action and the dive watch grade glow-in-the-dark cabochons inlaid in the dual thumbstuds round out the finer details.”

The Invictus-ATC will be available in 3 different handle options all with a titanium frame locking side, on their website at 12:00pm Pacific, January 26th, 2021.

Posted in Knives, Press Release | 1 Comment »

SENTRY Products Group CEO, Mike Noell, Talks to The Mentors Radio

January 26th, 2021

Former Navy SEAL and successful serial entrepreneur, Mike Noell, chats with host and entrepreneurial CEO Tom Loarie on life, business, and lessons learned.

Virginia Beach, Va. (January 2021) – Founder and CEO of SENTRY Products Group, LLC™, Mike Noell, spent some time with The Mentors Radio host and fellow entrepreneur, Tom Loarie, on a podcast on Jan. 6, 2021.

The Mentors Radio features three entrepreneurial CEOs hosting top-performing innovators, advisors, entrepreneurs, and CEOs from around the globe. The podcasts provide listeners with the backgrounds and stories behind some of the most successful brands and companies. Digging into their guests’ life stories, The Mentors Radio hosts reveal the business practices, life lessons, and sometimes, difficult decisions leaders make every day.

On Jan. 6, 2021, The Mentors Radio host, Tom Loarie, spoke with Mike Noell, former Navy SEAL, former founder and CEO of BLACKHAWK!, and current founder and CEO of SENTRY Products Group, LLC, based in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Host Tom started right off by asking Mike about his “Aha!” business moment. Mike’s moment came while as a Navy SEAL during the first Gulf War in 1991. His SEAL unit was teamed up with Marines on a mission of deep reconnaissance and to provide the Kurdish people with humanitarian relief at the southern border of Turkey during the no-fly initiative established by the US. Wearing loaded packs weighing over 100 lbs., he and his team inserted via helicopters 60 kilometers into Northern Iraq. As fate would have it, the strap on Mike’s backpack broke and took him down with the fallout. A Bouncing Betty mine greeted him, just inches from where he fell. What could have been a catastrophe to him and his team, became Mike’s “come to Jesus” moment where he decided that if he got out of there alive, he would create gear that would never fail a warfighter. This would be the birth of BLACKHAWK!

For many in the military, and specifically the special operations groups, the BLACKHAWK! brand was the epitome tactical gear brand in the world for over a decade and was synonymous with superior mission-designed products. In April of 2010, the company was purchased by ATK. The resounding success of the BLACKHAWK! brand and eventual sale, left many in the industry assuming Mike Noell had successfully retired from the highly competitive world of designing and manufacturing gear.

Mike’s history as a competitive athlete (swimming) and competitive sailor, combined with his service as a Navy SEAL prepared him for a high-octane life, so retirement was not an option. This year marks the fifth year of SENTRY Products Group and the year Mike believes the brand will show significant growth in the marketplace, through their combined efforts of product launches, marketing, and sales. SENTRY Products Group is just the latest entrepreneurial passion of Mike and his team of former BLACKHAWK! executives to showcase and bring a variety of products to the market for law enforcement, military, security, and outdoor communities.

His years as a Navy SEAL had provided Mike with some of the critical skills he would take into the business world, such as to never quit, that failure is not an option, and to not try, but do. Combined with his father’s experience as a problem solver and entrepreneur, Mike’s initial endeavor into the cut and sew business for his military pals was not easy. “We started in a garage. All the gear that our guys were using was old and out of date with all the new electronics that they started to carry in the field. They needed new pouches and load-bearing systems. It was a time of transitioning out of the Vietnam era and into today where our special operators and specifically the Navy SEALS needed to accomplish their missions better and faster, and gear was critical to their success.”

BLACKHAWK! grew and over the years, Mike brought on a team of experts in their chosen fields that took the brand to the very top of its category in brand awareness, customer loyalty, and sales figures. After over a decade, Mike realized that to continue the rapid growth and technologies required to keep the company at the top spot, a financial partner was essential. Instead of a partner, the company was sold and Mike quietly went into a semi-retirement state.

“I didn’t have a good work-life balance and running a company like BLACKHAWK! was a 24/7 job. I took some time with my family and to regroup,” Mike reflected when asked by the host how he brought balance into his life. “My passion is in helping those on the line by providing them with the tools they need to make their missions successful, so after some time for reflection, I jumped back into the business world with SENTRY Products Group. At SENTRY, I now have the A-team from BLACKHAWK!, and over the past five years we have made four acquisitions, brought back our production facilities, and have some great new and innovative products lined up for release.”

Mike wrapped up his hour-long interview by telling listeners that what drives him is his customer base and what he and his team can do to make their jobs and lives more successful. “Find your passion and pursue it.”

To hear the full podcast and SENTRY Products Group CEO Mike Noell talk about what he learned from his time with the Navy SEALS and as a founder of two highly innovative companies, visit www.thementorsradio.com.

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

Safariland Debuts Enhanced Liberator HP 2.0 Hearing Protection

January 26th, 2021

Safariland®, a brand of The Safariland Group, a leading global provider of safety products designed for the public safety, military, professional and outdoor markets, is excited to announce the release of the latest evolution of their Liberator HP Advanced Hearing Protection Headset. Liberator HP systems compress and reduce hazardous sound to safe levels inside the headset without muting other ambient sounds or audio.

“The new Liberator HP headset is the clear choice for hearing protection in environments with impulse/gunfire noise and high-decibel, constant background audio,” stated James Imhoff, VP & GM of Diversified Products at Safariland. “Safariland has built a headset that delivers unparalleled capabilities, performance and comfort. The Liberator HPs combat distracting sound with active noise cancelation while simultaneously enhancing atmospheric sounds that are crucial for effective communication and situational awareness.”

Safariland’s Liberator HP include active noise cancelation and the ability to provide a full spectrum of environmental sounds simultaneously. The multi-mode dual processor also protects against steady state noise. With up to 29 dBa of attenuation, the headset compresses harmful sound levels to approximately 82 dBa.

Liberator HP headsets provide 360 degrees ambient sound reproduction for accurate environmental sound replication, threat identification and threat localization. In speech isolation mode, end users can easily communicate face to face without the need for an intercom. Liberator HP headsets support operator concentration, safety, mission completion and help prevent user fatigue. The ability to maintain peripheral hearing and amplify potential danger signs and audio clues from the environment are unique features of Liberator HP systems and necessary for tactical missions.

Liberator HP Advanced Hearing Protection Headset System

• First of its kind, multi-mode adjustability providing Active Noise Reduction (ANR), Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and both simultaneously
• Digital Threat Compression Technology, Advanced Digital Processor, and Digital Situational Awareness Enhancement
• 160 – 300 Hour Run Time
• Firmware Updateable Electronics
• Black with red buttons (TAN499 Earcup and OD Green with black buttons also available)
• Dual Fuel Battery Compartment (either two AAA batteries or one CR123 battery)
• Adaptive Headset Suspension, easily adjustable to be worn Over-The-Head, Behind-The-Head or Rail-Mounted.
• Designed, Engineered, and Made in California, USA

Safariland’s Liberator HP Hearing Protection (Starting at $299.99) cuts up to 33dB.

Posted in Comms, Press Release | 2 Comments »

5.11 Tactical Updates Rush Pack Series

January 26th, 2021

Earlier this month 5.11 Tactical released an update to their flagship pack, the Rush series, introducing the new 2.0 configuration. Their tag line, “a million missions and counting,” shows how ubiquitous this pack has become and how welcome these changes will be to their users.

Recently, we spoke with Sharon Park, the Senior Category Manager for Gear at 5.11 Tactical where she oversees Load Bearing, Tools and EDC accessories. The Rush 2.0 series is right in her wheelhouse and she told us of her job, “I love gear.” After taking a look at what they’ve done, the results back up her claim.

For the update, Park’s marching orders were straight forward, keep the appearance familiar, add features, but maintain the price. A simple, yet challenging, list of demands.

5.11 Tactical endeavors to offer value to their customers, balancing quality and affordability. They seem to be doing a good job, considering how much 5.11 gear you see out in the field. Not only is it standard issue for agency after agency, but end users gravitate 5.11’s way and it was those same end users Park’s team listened to for this project.

Offered in three sizes, 5.11 Tactical sees the Rush series as their ultimate every day pack. According to Park it offers, “modularity and versatility to our duty customers as well as the tactical enthusiast, student and outdoor adventurer.” That’s a lot of different user groups to satisfy.

They keep a running list of customer wish lists for all of their products and referenced the Rush list before they commenced on the upgrades.

Available in 12, 24, 72 and 100 sizes, the numerical naming convention equates to hours rather than size in liters. However, the 2.0 upgrades were only applied to the three smaller sizes of the Rush as the 100 is a more recent design. The mid-sized Rush24 is the most popular in the lineup, offering 37 liters of load carriage space whereas the Rush12 comes in at 24 liters and the Rush72 at 75 liters. The line is rounded out with the Rush100 which i mentioned earlier and it’s much more like a traditional hiking pack with 60 liters of carrying capacity.

The packs have always featured quick access to the contents, and the upgrades, which have been classified by the design team as major and minor, concentrate on access to gear.

On the major side, they’ve added a padded laptop compartment which was their most requested feature addition. They also added a concealed carry compartment similar to the one on the MOAB 6 and 10 sling packs, and enlarged the eyewear pouch within the top zippered pouch.

Minor improvements include an updated admin pocket, relocated hydration port and they’ve also revised the interior organization.

As far as construction, the 2.0 models continue to be made from 5.11’s proprietary 1050D nylon along with YKK zippers.

They also kept their basic colors and added a couple of new ones, Kangaroo which replaces Sandstone and Ranger Green which replaces Tac OD. These color changes also cane from that end user wish list. Overall, pack color choices vary slightly by size model, but yes, MultiCam is an option.

Speaking of overall appearance, she also told us an interesting item we’d never heard before. The Rush pack series features the “5.11 signature centerline design” which they have registered as trade dress. There are loads of knock-off packs on the market and the Rush is no stranger to being copied. One of the ways you can tell a genuine 5.11 Tactical pack is by that seam flap that resembles a vertical line down the center of the pack.

The Rush 2.0 series is available now at www.511tactical.com/rush-packs.

Posted in Advertiser, Packs | 1 Comment »

Whiskey 5 – Legend Compression Tactical

January 26th, 2021

Who:
LEGEND® Compression Tactical is a North Carolina company located in the heart of the textile mill industry. LEGEND® offers a full line of Tactical, Sport, & Every-Day compression socks to improve performance and promote healthier feet and legs. Our mission is to “Extend the life of your legs” through the use of graduated compression technology. All of our socks are made in the USA and are Berry Amendment Compliant. We manufacture our program under stringent ISO Certified, quality standards. Our focus is on our customers and their comfort, through the reduction of aches, pain, fatigue, and recovery time. These socks were created for LEGENDARY performance and durability.

What:
The LEGEND® Compression Tactical Boot Sock program was developed with the input and assistance from the war fighter. A custom foot bed, a wide compression arch with the addition of mild, all over compression, a custom stable foot bed, and use of innovative yarns make this boot sock a go to sock for our war fighters, law enforcement, fire, and other government agencies.

LEGEND® Program (For All Temperatures and Weather Conditions):

• LEGEND® (All Weather) Compression Merino Wool Tactical Boot Sock, Mid-Calf, Unisex, Flame Resistant; Colors: Coyote Brown, Black, Olive Green, Foliage Green

• LEGEND® (Cold Weather) Compression Merino Wool Tactical Boot Sock, Mid-Calf, Unisex, Flame Resistant; Color: Coyote Brown

• LEGEND® (Warm Weather) Compression Moisture Wicking Nylon Tactical Boot Sock, Unisex, Colors: Coyote Brown, Black

Where:

Our office is located in Denton North Carolina close to the knitting mill.
All of our socks are packaged and shipped by Winston Salem Industries for the Blind and are SKILCRAFT® labeled. LEGEND® is proud to support jobs for the blind.

Sold directly to the Military Installations, Exchanges, Base Supply Centers, Law Enforcement, and Tactical Retail Stores nationally. We are proud suppliers on all branches of the Military. We have been field-testes and are a preferred boot sock by US Special Operations.

Why:

Our company founder/President has over 30 years working in the medical device and compression hosiery industries. Our commitment is to prolonging the life of your legs through the use of graduated compression technology. We use the highest quality merino wool and innovative moisture wicking nylon. Comfort, durability, and performance are critical attributes in all our LEGEND® socks.

LEGEND® Compression Tactical Boot Socks help to reduce aches, pain, fatigue, provide additional needed arch support, help to reduce blisters and hot spots, provide additional cushioning and seamless, no friction toe comfort, with greater durability, and minimal or no shrinkage.

Visit us at www.legendcompressiontactical.com and www.legendcompressionwear.com
For ordering in formation call 336-859-0226 or email John@legendcompressionwear.com

Posted in Clothing, Whiskey 5 | 1 Comment »

Armageddon Gear Announces Deliveries of Soft Goods Products in Support of M110A1 CSASS Program

January 26th, 2021

Buena Vista, Georgia – 25Jan2021 –The Army began receiving deliveries of the M110A1 Compact Semi-Automatic Sniper System in 2020. This updated platform is lighter in weight, more compact, and more versatile than the previous-generation M110 rifles. Manufactured in Germany, the rifles will then be kitted with optics and accessories by HK-USA at their Columbus, Georgia facility.

Armageddon Gear will deliver approximately 6,300 units of their SASS rifle case (available for purchase at www.armageddongear.com), the CSASS suppressor mirage cover, based on the highly successful Armageddon Gear Hi-Temp Suppressor Cover, and an accessory pouch that can hold cleaning supplies, batteries, laser rangefinders, anemometers, or other accessories.

“These deliveries reflect Armageddon Gear’s commitment to military readiness and continue our tradition of supporting every recent fielding of precision rifle systems by the US Military. We’ve been selected to supply the soft goods for programs such as the M2010, SASS, PSR, ASR, CSASS and others. This support of military programs is a core part of Armageddon Gear and we’re proud to partner with Hecker & Koch on the CSASS program.” said Tom Fuller, Armageddon Gear CEO.

Key Features of Armageddon Gear Products

• All products manufactured by Armageddon Gear are made in the USA

• First-quality Milspec materials are used for reliable performance

• Innovative incorporation of proprietary and unconventional materials based on application

• New and patented technology and partnerships have led to disruptive new products that enhance shooter performance

Armageddon Gear products can be found at selected dealers nationwide or purchased online direct from Armageddon Gear. For more information on all products from Armageddon Gear or to shop online, visit www.armageddongear.com.

Posted in Contracts, Press Release, Suppressors, Weapon Accessories | 1 Comment »