Soldier Systems Daily Soldier Systems Daily

National Safety Apparel (NSA) Acquires Wild Things

August 21st, 2020

Cleveland, Ohio – August 20, 2020: The parent company of DRIFIRE®, National Safety Apparel continues to expand their USA-based safety and military clothing brands with the acquisition of Virginia Beach based Wild Things.

The acquisition of Wild Things adds another market leader to National Safety Apparel’s already established “House of Brands”. Wild Things is a premium cold weather military clothing brand that perfectly complements National Safety Apparel’s existing DRIFIRE brand of high-performance flame resistant base layers, combat uniforms, and flight suits.

“We’re committed to providing our military personnel with the gear they need and growing our manufacturing footprint in the USA”, states National Safety Apparel President and CEO, Chuck Grossman. “Wild Things aligns with our mission to provide high quality, innovative products, and expand our offering for the U.S. Armed Forces.”

Wild Things started as a manufacturer of lightweight, superior gear for elite mountaineers and grew its offerings to include gear and apparel for U.S. Special Forces. The company has a manufacturing facility in Gorham, New Hampshire, and the brand is supported by a team in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Known for its technical and durable outerwear, Wild Things products are currently in the field with every branch of the U.S. Armed Forces.

National Safety Apparel is a market leader in the design and manufacture of high-quality industrial safety and military apparel. A fourth generation, family owned company, NSA’s Cleveland and Chicago-based facilities employ nearly 500 NSA team members. The company and its brands serve a wide variety of industries such as electrical and gas utilities, steel mills and aluminum foundries, glass plants, construction, and manufacturing in addition to military personnel.

See the companies online at www.thinknsa.com and www.wildthingsgear.com.

Posted in Advertiser, Industry, Press Release | Comments Off on National Safety Apparel (NSA) Acquires Wild Things

ASGARD Partners & Co Sells Wild Things, LLC to National Safety Apparel, Inc

August 21st, 2020

NEW YORK, August 20, 2020 – ASGARD Partners & Co. (“ASGARD”), an investment firm based in New York, announced today that it has sold Wild Things, LLC (“Wild Things” or the “Company”) to National Safety Apparel, Inc. (“NSA”).

Wild Things is a leader in the design and manufacture of highly technical outdoor apparel and gear for the military and law enforcement communities across the globe.

When ASGARD acquired Wild Things in 2018, the Company was struggling with limited liquidity and had suffered years of underinvestment in both the brand and the infrastructure of the business. Immediately post close ASGARD brought on an industry leading management team, led by CEO Amy Coyne, to drive the Wild Things transformation, through the revival of its highly respected legacy brand and the renewal of its reputation for exceptional design, quality, and performance.

Under ASGARD’s ownership, the Company reinvigorated customer relationships with key industry distribution leaders, diversified its customer base, introduced new sales channels, re-established relations with key military agencies and influential end user groups, expanded sales infrastructure and new sales representation, and recruited top industry talent. Wild Things also went through training in ASGARD’s frameworks of operational excellence, centered around both culture and execution.

Karan Rai, Managing Partner of ASGARD, stated, “Wild Things exemplifies ASGARD’s operationally focused investment strategy and intention to be in service of great companies through true partnership. We congratulate Amy and the entire Wild Things team for their passion for excellence and impressive execution. Additionally, we’d like to congratulate NSA on the acquisition of a great company.”

“We are proud of the extraordinary transformation of Wild Things under our ownership. Our goals of stabilizing the Company, re-establishing the Wild Things brand in the marketplace and end-user community, and achieving material growth metrics were incredibly successful. We are excited for the Company’s next stage of growth under NSA’s ownership,” said Christian Cantalupo, Partner at ASGARD.

“Working in partnership with ASGARD, Wild Things has become a business with a clear strategic vision and a focus on execution. NSA is now the perfect steward and strategic partner to help advance the Company’s strategic objectives and maximize its growth potential. This acquisition will enable Wild Things to tap into a world class organization where it can leverage existing manufacturing resources and supply chain partnerships, expand its capabilities, and achieve long term growth. I am truly excited for the team and the future that lies ahead for Wild Things. We thank our customers, suppliers and employees for their contributions to our success,” added Amy Coyne, CEO of Wild Things.

Posted in Advertiser, Industry, Press Release | 6 Comments »

FirstSpear Friday Focus – HuntRedi Limited Color Run

August 21st, 2020

Today we are getting the first look at FirstSpear OEM Partner HuntRedi’s limited time run of Deviate Upland Hunting Vests in a sharp Ranger Green / Coyote colorway. Highly configurable with FirstSpear laser fused 6/12 platform, backwards compatible with standard MOLLE /PALS accessories. Hill People Gear inspired shoulder harness with attachment points to accommodate GPS, e-collar and other accessories. 6/12 padded belt comes standard and offers more pocket attachment area as well as additional lumbar support for even weight distribution. Large game pouch allows for one handed insertion of bag limits as well as a built in storage mesh security pouch for keys, wallet, etc. The Deviate Upland vest and pocket series is designed to meet the expectations of the most passionate bird hunters and the unique challenges they encounter.

The Ranger Green / Coyote color way is here only for a limited time and only available while supplies last. Also available in coyote/ blaze orange. 100% American Made with US Materials by FirstSpear, LLC.

www.huntredi.com/collections/flush-redi-series/products/deviate-upland-vest

Posted in Advertiser, FS Friday Focus, Guest Post | Comments Off on FirstSpear Friday Focus – HuntRedi Limited Color Run

Avon Protection Awarded Contract to Supply Respiratory Protection for NATO

August 21st, 2020

The NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) has awarded Avon Protection a 10 years contract to supply a complete CBRN personal respirator system. This procurement was led by Finland and Norway to establish technical requirements and demanding end user testing. The framework contract will enable NATO countries and partners to purchase Avon Protection’s market leading respirator system, based around FM50, full suite of filters, MP-PAPR, (Powered Air Purifying Respirator), ST53 (Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus) and accessories.

Understanding the operational flexibility required by NATO forces, Avon Protection have designed a unique modular respirator system to protect NATO troops in the most demanding environments.

The FM50 respirator and a suite of filters are at the core of the respirator protection system selected by NSPA. Developed in conjunction with the United States Department of Defense to counter the multiple CBRN threats met in modern war fighting, anti-terrorist and peace-keeping operations, the FM50 is the most operationally proven and widely deployed battlefield respirator in the World.

Commenting, James Wilcox, President, Military at Avon Protection, said:

“We are proud to be awarded this strategically important contract from NSPA and we look forward to working with NATO and their partners to continue to support world leading military capability. This contract demonstrates NATO‘s continued confidence and reliance on Avon Protection to supply product of the highest quality and performance to protect its troops for the forseeable future.”

Posted in Contracts, COVID-19 Pandemic, International, Press Release | Comments Off on Avon Protection Awarded Contract to Supply Respiratory Protection for NATO

Digital Concept Engineering Wins UK Map the Gap Competition

August 20th, 2020

Hinckley, 13 August 2020 – Digital Concepts Engineering Ltd (DCE) has won a contract in the UK government’s Defence and Security Accelerator’s (DASA) Map the Gap competition to develop a semi- autonomous reconnaissance and survey system that will help troops safely and stealthily advance into enemy territory over water.

DCE will lead its part of the Map the Gap industry team with a vehicle based on their rugged X series of remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), which incorporates DCE’s Marionette robotic vehicle architecture, the heart of the Map the Gap solution. Other organisations and technologies supporting DCE’s bid are Jacobs’ 6th Sense data analytics, drones & autonomous routing provided by Frazer-Nash Consultancy and Eijkelkamp Geopoint SoilSolutions’ ground sampling expertise. Map the Gap ground surveys will be carried out using a submersible ROV carrying data sensors, soil sampling tools and sonar equipment, while the surrounding area will be scanned from the air by drone.

The Map the Gap competition was run by DASA on behalf of the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory. The programme covers two phases for the development and demonstration of a number of system demonstrators able to tackle the key issues of gap crossing survey. The total funding for Phase 1 of the Map the Gap programme is approximately £1.2m, with a further £2.5m anticipated for Phase 2 activities.

Robert Hammond-Smith, DASA Delivery Manager for Map the Gap, said:

“Our vision is to ultimately remove personnel from these dangerous tasks with a remote system that allows more crossing locations to be surveyed, increasing the choices available to commanders and giving an opportunity to surprise the enemy.”

Lionel Nierop, DCE’S Business Development and Operations Director, commented:

“We are delighted to have won a contract on DASA’s prestigious and technically demanding Map the Gap competition. DCE’s successful bid with our X-4 ROV and our Marionette universal control system builds on our previous work in defence and nuclear applications.”

“This win demonstrates the opportunities presented by long-term collaboration between a wide range of innovative companies, working alongside the government, and we are looking forward to successfully meeting the Map the Gap challenge together.”

www.dconcepts.co.uk

Image credit: UK MOD © Crown copyright

Posted in Industry, International, Press Release | Comments Off on Digital Concept Engineering Wins UK Map the Gap Competition

“Gunsmith Tools, Cutters & Gauges – A Primer” is Now Available

August 20th, 2020

The fourth book in the Gunsmithing Student Handbook series, containing over 100 years of knowledge, is now available in paperback or eBook for all students of gunsmithing.

Kalispell, Mont. (August 2020) – Fred Zeglin, gunsmith, teacher, and writer, worked with the makers of gunsmithing tools, reamers, headspace gauges, and much more to create “Gunsmith Tools, Cutters & Gauges – A Primer,” the fourth book in the Gunsmithing Student Handbook Series. It contains a wealth of knowledge about how and why gunsmithing tools are designed and manufactured as they are. Many folks getting into gunsmithing, either professionally or as a hobby, need this jump start about the available tooling and the basics of its use. The book is out now and available on Amazon or from www.4drentals.com.

Consider that the information in this primer is assembled from the writings of people who best know these tools, including the manufacturers who make them. The school of hard knocks takes a long time to teach valuable lessons and this book can save you years and introduce you to some tools and concepts you were unaware of. Even old timers will pick up some valuable information; don’t continue through life believing “Wives’ Tales” when you can have facts.

Each book in the series provides a highly detailed and technical explanation of the subject at hand in a way that any gun lover will be able to understand. Other titles in the series include “Chambering Rifles for Accuracy,” “Chambering for Ackley Cartridges,” and “Understanding Headspace for Firearms.” These titles dovetail nicely with the new book as the subjects are all connected.

This is an old-fashioned primer filled with modern information about gunsmithing tools. Merriam-Webster defines a primer as “a small introductory book or a short informative piece of writing.” Teaching you how these tools are designed and made will make you more efficient and profitable as a gunsmith.

Zeglin commented, “People who have decades of experience with a job and it’s tools have a ‘curse of knowledge.’ In short, they have no idea how much of what they know needs to be explained to people with less experience. Even the terminology that we use requires defining. I think this book is a huge step toward breaking that curse.”

“Gunsmith Tools, Cutters & Gauges – A Primer” is ISBN-13: 978-0-9831598-6-5. The price of the book is $12.95 for paperback. The softcover measure 5.50” x 8.5” and contains 75 Pages. The eBook version is available on Amazon. eBook Version is ISBN-13: 978-0-9831598-7-2.

Posted in DIY, Press Release | Comments Off on “Gunsmith Tools, Cutters & Gauges – A Primer” is Now Available

5.11 Partners with Offensive Marketing Group on RUSH – Alpha Team

August 20th, 2020

Irvine, CA (August 19, 2020) – – 5.11, Inc., the global innovator of purpose-built apparel, footwear and gear, released a video collaboration this week in partnership with Offensive Marketing Group. The video, RUSH – Alpha Team is an action-packed, science fiction cinematic experience comprised of a joint effort with some of the most noteworthy brands within the tactical industry.

The premise of the video is the presence of hostile creatures beneath the Earth’s crust revealed after a series of earthquakes across the globe and the Special Forces teams engaged to eliminate the threat. Rush – Alpha Team is the video portrayal of the Alpha Team, dispatched to the North Atlantic ‘Hot-Zone’ to battle the first emergence of hostiles. This video highlights OPERATION RUSH.

OMG worked alongside 5.11 to carefully select key pieces of apparel and gear – including 5.11’s GEO7 Camo, RUSH100 Backpack and Field 2.0 Watch – that fit the film’s narrative and would also be mission-specific to the characters in the story.

“When OMG approached us about this project, we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to work with such a passionate group of individuals and like-minded brands,” said 5.11’s Vice President of Marketing, Jennifer Glover. “It was OMG’s cutting edge cinematography, visual effects and highly credentialed personnel that were able to showcase our purpose-built apparel and gear in an exciting, entertaining, technically accurate, and innovative way.”

The Offensive Marketing Group was equally excited about the final product, cohesiveness of the project, and overall synchrony of the brand partnerships throughout the process. “Pushing boundaries and leading the charge into a new era of content creation and storytelling with kindred spirits and collaborators is what it’s all about for us. Like 5.11, we are always innovating and riding along the bleeding-edge of craftsmanship in all that we produce.”

In addition to 5.11, OMG engaged several other brands to build authenticity and create a unique viewer experience. Additional partners include Eotech, OpsCore, Arisaka Defense, Heckler and Koch, Geissele, Silencerco, Core Survival, AMG Global Vision, Revision Military, LAG Tactical.

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

FORCE CENTER Hosts Open House at Tactical Training Complex in Florida

August 20th, 2020

Immokalee, Florida – August 19, 2020

Immokalee, FL August 19th. FORCE CENTER announced today that it will be hosting its first ever, 2-day open house event on Friday August 28th and Saturday August 29th. The training center, branded FORCE CENTER, formerly served as the location of the Hendry Correctional Institute Complex. The 1200 acre center offers various structures and property available to rent for a variety of training scenarios including active shooter response, cell extractions, shoot house, and 360 range. In-house trainers are also available to provide advanced training to law enforcement, military, security professionals, fire and EMS first responders and responsibly armed civilians.

“Our doors are open to any and all customers who need an all-inclusive, first class training facility in South Florida.” said John Szkolnik, CFO of FORCE CENTER. “We are here to not only provide the best in class facility but one that that breeds a strong community of like-minded individuals who care about training and wish to sharpen their skills across the board.”

Friday August 28th is reserved for Law Enforcement personnel only, and they can rsvp via this link: forcecenterusa.com/law-enforcement-rsvp

Saturday August 29th is open to the general public, and they can rsvp with the link below:

forcecenterusa.com/open-house-rsvp

The open house will include helicopter fast-rope demo’s, explosive breaching, free lunch for attendees and much more! We invite you to come attend this exciting opportunity and get a tour of a former maximum-security prison. 31101 Nafi Drive, Immokalee, FL 34142 from 10AM – 4PM both days. (Attendees must RSVP).

The FORCE CENTER is located in a remote area in Immokalee, Florida, just 40 minutes east of Naples, Florida. Force Center encompasses 1200 acres of secured land and includes multi-operational training venues, furnished scenario buildings, an off-road tactical driving range, 360 firing range, a 1-mile precision rifle range with a 4 story sniper tower, FAA certified unrestricted airspace 3721(Class G), a 3,500ft runway, and multiple landing zones for helicopters. The center is designed to serve Military, Fire/EMS first responder, K9, Law Enforcement and civilians in all their training needs. The Center offers unique training facilities that can train your team for reality-based active shooter scenarios, prison riots, IED overviews, explosives training, and first aid. Additionally, Force Center can provide tactical flight training services in conjunction with Airborne Tactical Training.

FORCE CENTER also offers on-site housing accommodations consisting of a five-acre housing village with six duplexes and a larger open barracks area capable of sleeping up to 50+ personnel. Each Duplex has 3 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, full kitchens, living rooms and covered parking for one vehicle.

For more information on FORCE Center, its services, and its facilities, visit www.forcecenterusa.com

Posted in Press Release, Training | Comments Off on FORCE CENTER Hosts Open House at Tactical Training Complex in Florida