The FAST XR High Cut Helmet is the latest addition to the Ops-Core line. All of the FAST High Cut Helmets look pretty much alike. What makes this one different is that it is intended to defeat Rifle threats.
It resists penetration of up to a 7.62x39mm lead core round and protects against Level IIIA / HG2 Handgun projectiles and frag, at a weight of 2.81lbs (Large).
XGO has introduced a Watch Cap and Balaclava made from Polartec Wind Pro fabric. Offered in Black and Coyote, the Watch Cap is available in sizes Small/Medium and Large/XLarge and the Balaclava is available in sizes Small-Large.
We’ve previously mentioned Blackbridge Defense’s weapon mounts during our AUSA coverage. They’ve expanded their offerings with the Blast Proof Soft Cooler which was designed to prevent water bottles from exploding during IED blasts. In addition to up to 30 water bottles, it will also accept MREs, 5 Gallon Jerry Cans and the High Stress Collapsible Water Bag 5 Gallon bladder.
It’s designed to keep ice for up to 56 hours. I took this photo at about 3PM on the last day of SHOT Show in a room that was around 70 Deg F. The ice was still whole and the bag had been opened numerous times during the day to show the interior. Its going to keep your stuff cool. Unfortunately, I didn’t get the opportunity to blow it up.
Blackbridge Defense products are available for agency and unit purchase through ADS, Inc.
TNVC is the exclusive commercial distributor for the Ops-Core FAST SF Ballistic Helmet in Woodland Camo.
More products are coming in Woodland as well, like an OTTE Gear Helmet Bag with a distinctive, high-vis TNVC green lining.
To learn more, be sure to tune into vSHOTT, February 8-10.
Geissele Automatics launched their GFR in 6mm ARC. Barrel lengths will be 14.5″, 16″, 18″, and 20″ Stratomatch.
They’ve also introduced two muzzle devices.
Above is now their standard muzzle device and below is the Swavvy Muzzle Brake.
ATLANTA — Soldiers from the 3rd Infantry Division participated in the first Marne Innovation Workshop at the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, Jan. 6-9, 2022. The workshop is a collaborative event that included participants from the Army ROTC program at Georgia Tech, the United States Military Academy and the 75th Innovation Command.
“The Marne Innovation Workshop is the first opportunity for 3rd ID to partner with the Georgia Institute of Technology, and its intent is to solve today’s problems with today’s technology,” said Capt. Ben McFarlin, deputy innovations officer for 3rd ID.
Recently, 3rd ID Soldiers generated a list of challenges which were curated from feedback and survey results received from across the Division. Georgia Tech students and USMA cadets then selected a set of challenges from this list.
Groups of cadets and students worked with Soldiers during the four-day workshop to begin developing ideas and prototypes to solve the challenges brought forward by 3rd ID. The teams will continue to work together over the next six months to further hone their ideas.
The 3rd ID is currently on a modernization path that includes new equipment, weapons and vehicles across the division. The Marne Innovation Workshop complements this modernization push by focusing on enhancing and broadening its Soldiers intellectually through new industry and academic partnerships, and in new directions for problems.
“The investments that we make in people will pay off in the long run,” said Brig. Gen. Jasper Jeffers, the deputy commanding general of maneuver for 3rd ID. “I hope our Soldiers realize that they don’t have to accept barriers to their good ideas; if they have a good idea, there is a way and a path to put together a team and work on it.”
Innovation fosters a culture of development for Soldiers by giving them technical skills learned through education. It also makes their units more efficient and lethal by giving time back to warfighters to devote to readiness. Those benefits contribute to any mission the Marne Division receives, whether it’s deploying, conducting garrison operations, or modernizing the force.
Although the cadets, students and Soldiers who met during the Marne Innovation Workshop are geographically dispersed, they will remain in contact over as they collaborate to develop solutions to problems faced by 3rd ID Soldiers.
By SPC Daniel Thompson
The Fire Lite Fuel Free Lighter from Survive Outdoors Longer is a weatherproof electric lighter.
This Dual Arc Plasma Lighter can be charged via USB and includes a 100 lumen LED out the other end. It offers about 45 seven second uses per charge. The LED also includes strobe function.
Mesh Gear Bags are handy when it comes to carrying wet gear. They can be used to take everything from masks and fins to wet and sanding wetsuits or cammies. A mesh bag can hold all of your wet gear and allows you to raise them quickly. You can rinse and dry your gear without taking it out of the bag because mesh bags allow water to drain rapidly and air to flow thru. Mesh bags are an excellent choice for transporting your gear to and from the dive site, as well as carrying it when there is limited room. SCUBAPRO makes a few different mess bags. I am going to start with the big one and work my way down.
The SCUBAPRO MESH ‘N ROLL takes the mesh bag concept to the next level by adding a top pull handle and heavy-duty off-road style wheels, so now you can roll your gear down to the dive site. The MESH ‘N ROLL is built with heavy-duty coated mesh fabric that is lightweight and very durable. The main compartment holds a lot of gear and closes with a YKK saltwater-resistant double slider zipper which is U-shaped, allowing the bag to open wide for easy packing. The mesh weave allows for lots of air circulation, which helps eliminate odors and control mildew when storing gear between trips. This bag is also great for putting your dirty gear and letting it dry out. So, if you are working with a partner force, you can lock the bag and help keep honest people honest. Lastly, it can be rolled up for smaller storage.
The SCUBAPRO Mesh Sack is a lightweight nylon mesh backpack. Able to hold a complete gear set, this backpack is the perfect carryall for your dive gear. The bag opening is secured with a top rope fitted with a sliding, spring-loaded button closure. It has a main compartment and a front exterior pocket. The main compartment is used to handle the larger gear, while the outer pocket can stow your smaller accessories. The bag also features backpack straps for easy transport or carriage of the bag while on the go.
Carry your weight safely and with ease by loading them into the Weight 7 Bag. Built with double webbing encircles the entire bag for added strength and joins to form a padded top grab handle. It also makes a great toiletry/ shower bag. It includes an additional coated mesh for quick drying. YKK double-slider zipper U-shaped opening makes it easy to access the main compartment.
This high-quality, padded Mask bag has a robust nylon-polyester material. The tough fabric protects the mask from damage when traveling and keeps it safe and clean for your next dive trip. It is designed to hold your essentials and includes two Velcro straps on the back for attaching your snorkel.
The SCUBAPRO Duffel Mesh Bag is a perfect duffel-style dive bag made from durable nylon mesh that lets water drain easily. Roomy enough and strong enough for a complete gear set, it is still lightweight and folds easily for storage. It is an ideal gear-hauler for liveaboard use or for carrying dive suits separately. Top-loading U-shaped opening makes it easy to load gear. This bag is great because it can be used for more than just diving. It makes a great laundry bag for use when deployed or to leave in your locker at the team. It is great for putting all your gear in so you can raise it all at once. It is designed to allow for optimum packing flexibility. When you’re ready to rinse your equipment after a day of diving or a day where all your equipment is sandy and muddy, drop the entire bag in the rinse tank and hang up to dry
