FirstSpear TV

5.11 Debuts “Call to Service” Podcast

September 18th, 2020

Irvine, CA (September 17, 2020) – 5.11, Inc., the global innovator of purpose-built apparel, footwear and gear, has debuted a weekly podcast, “Call to Service” – Presented by 5.11. The mission of the podcast is to provide an inside look into the lives of public safety personnel and provide dialogue between professionals. Guests vary from an array of backgrounds including tactical operators, law enforcement, fire, emergency services, and active and veteran military personnel.

5.11 as a company was built on servicing the professional community through producing end-user-tested apparel and gear that meets the needs of life’s most demanding missions. Over the years, 5.11 has introduced several other initiatives to bridge the professional and civilian communities including programs like Quiet Warrior, Everyday Hero, and in-store ABR (Always Be Ready) Academies where 5.11 provides cost-free clinics for store patrons instructed by professionals in an effort to educate guests on areas of expertise such as trauma/first aid, fitness, and concealed carry.

“In trying to figure out a way to truly honor our first responders and frontline workers, we came to the conclusion as a team that telling their stories was the first step to doing that,” said 5.11’s Chief Marketing Officer, Debra Radcliff. “Our hope for “Call to Service” is that in learning about the professional community and what they endure on a daily basis.”

“Call to Service” has the opportunity to act as a platform to dive into current day trends from a larger collective of individuals,” said 5.11’s Director of Professional Marketing, Chris Skahill. “This process of sharing information between a strong mix of guests from a variety of assignments and backgrounds across regions will give visibility to different practices and comparisons allowing for opportunities for growth.”

“Call to Service” will be hosted by 5.11’s Director of Southwest Sales, Will Ayres. Ayres has been with 5.11 for 9 years. Working across the globe for 5.11 during his tenure, Ayres has spoken with countless public safety workers and understands the hardships these individuals face on a daily basis as well as the importance that dependable gear, like 5.11’s, carries for these men and women.

The first “Call to Service” podcast featured an interview with former US Navy SEAL and Tident Concepts, LLC President, Jeff Gonzalez, followed by ShivWorks founder and former law enforcement and SWAT officer, Craig Douglas. In the coming weeks, “Call to Service” will feature interviews with Mike Pannone, former operational member of U.S. Marine Reconnaissance, Army Special Forces (Green Beret) and 1st SFOD-D (Delta); Larry Zanoff, Israeli army combat veteran; a SWAT department from Southern California; Rick Hogg, 29-year US Army Special Operation Combat Veteran and owner of War HOGG Tactical; Ryan Starling, active San Bernardino County Firefighter and SWAT Engineer Paramedic.

“Call to Service” episodes will be available each Thursday, and can be found on a variety of platforms, including iTunes, Google, Spotify, Podcast Addict, Podchaser, Pocket Casts, Deezer, Castbox, Amazon and iHeart.

HSGI Boosts Manufacturing and Footprint to Increase Production & Decrease Lead Times

September 18th, 2020

SWANSBORO, N.C., Sept. 18, 2020 – High Speed Gear® kicked off a second manufacturing shift at its Swansboro, N.C., headquarters on Sept. 8 to increase production and meet the growing demand for its American-made gear.

Within the facility, HSGI® increased its overall headcount, as well as continued to invest in equipment and new technology. The company is also working with multiple county officials to stand up another facility to further expand production.

“The High Speed Gear brand has grown substantially over the last six years and we have experienced a significantly higher level of demand since July of last year”, explained Bill Babboni, HSGI Vice President of Sales and Operations. “Though we’ve increased our manpower and capabilities, we’ve also faced the same challenges this year as the rest of the industry, and we will continue to stride forward each day.”

High Speed Gear has a history of producing some of the most versatile tactical pouches & platforms in the industry. A proven performer, HSGI continues to show tremendous popularity in the law enforcement, military & shooting sports markets worldwide. HSGI’s lengthy list of top tier operators includes U.S. & allied special forces, state & local tactical units, & federal agencies. All HSGI products are Berry Compliant.

www.highspeedgear.com

Persistent Systems Launches Rugged Display and Controller for MPU5

September 18th, 2020

The warfighter’s interface to the networked battlefield

New York, NY. – Persistent Systems, LLC (“Persistent”) announced today that it has unveiled the new Rugged Display and Controller (RDC) for the MPU5 mobile ad hoc networking (MANET) device. An alternative to third-party consumer Android™ phones used with the MPU5, Persistent’s purpose built RDC offers improved ruggedness, ergonomics, and enterprise-class management in one of the few Android™ End User Devices (EUD) made in America.

“When you plug in the RDC, you instantly have a complete situational awareness capability,” said Brian Soles, Persistent’s Vice President of Business Development. “The MPU5 is a computer that runs the Android™ operating system, and every MPU5 comes preinstalled with the Tactical Assault Kit (TAK), which is a full-fledged situational awareness Android™ app.”

The RDC’s 5.7-inch multi-touch screen, combined with the Dual PTT and MPU5, comprise a complete kit for the tactical operator, allowing that operator to receive voice, video, and situational awareness data directly from every user, unmanned systems, and sensor on the network.

Designed for tactical users who wear gloves, the RDC has physical buttons for ease and speed of use, including the Android™ standard Home, Back, and App Overview buttons. When connected, the RDC appears to Android™ as a Gamepad Input Device, with two (2) joysticks, rocker-switches, A-B-X-Y buttons, and an emulated D-Pad. Tactical users can now navigate their applications faster, using joysticks to zoom in and hotkeys to quickly switch between functions.

Eight integrated high-precision sensors (accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer, thermometer, pressure, light sensors, and rear-facing camera) feed data into the Android™ Sensor Framework, enabling applications to incorporate motion, orientation, and environmental data.

“We designed the RDC to match the chest-worn formfactor that users were already accustomed to with commercial EUDs, while delivering increased ruggedness and capability,” Soles added. “We contracted Juggernaut.Case to design the chest mount, to provide a unified experience to the end-user.”

Wave Relay® Ecosystem partners and third parties have developed Android™ applications to drive unmanned ground robots, fly unmanned aerial vehicles, and steer EO/IR cameras. The RDC helps achieve Persistent’s vision to deliver those capabilities to every soldier through the networked battlefield.

The RDC is available for purchase. For more information, visit: www.persistentsystems.com/rugged-display-controller

FirstSpear Friday Focus – Wind Cheater Available in 3XL

September 18th, 2020

This Friday we are getting a look at the popular all season Wind Cheater now available in 3XL! 100% Berry Compliant constructed from 330D ambush the Wind Cheater is a unique garment very light in weight, breathes like a t-shirt yet still sheds wind and light precipitation thanks to a DWR coating.

The Wind Cheater features a long tail great for colder days with just the right height on the front for easy access to belt mounted accessories. Oversized hood works well with hats or helmets with a wide range of bungee adjustment for user defined fit. Two large bicep pockets, pit zips and torso pockets allow for exceptional ventilation when required.

Offered in Multicam, Manatee Grey, Coyote, Black and Ranger Green. 100% American Made.

www.first-spear.com/wind-cheater

Happy Birthday US Air Force!

September 18th, 2020

Please enjoy this recruiting song from the 1950s.

Rob Leatham Wins with Atlanta Arms Ammo at the 2020 Single Stack Nationals

September 17th, 2020

[ Covington, Georgia — September 17, 2020 ]
Atlanta Arms is proud to announce another prestigious win with our Elite line of ammunition at the 2020 Safariland / USPSA Single Stack Classic held in Talladega, AL. Rob claimed the National Championship in both the Single Stack Classic and Single Stack Classic Senior using Atlanta Arms’ .40 S&W Elite 200 Grain Long Major, a major power factor round that consistently produces sub-2-inch grouping at 50 yards.


Photo Credit: Scott Carnahan

“I’ve found that in order to shoot my best and be competitive at the upper levels, I cannot leave anything to chance. Nor use anything but the absolute best products. Ammunition is a huge factor in this and I am certain much of my success is due to my use of Atlanta Arms’ ammo. Consistency of velocity, the highest level of accuracy, and the absolute lowest recoil possible can only be achieved through non-stop testing, endless experimentation, and rigorous quality control. When I win, it is because I have better equipment than the next guy. Atlanta Arms ammunition is a key ingredient and gives me the edge I need to perform at my best. ” – Rob Leatham

Learn more about Rob Leatham at www.robleatham.com

MasterPiece Arms Introduces the MPA Grenade

September 17th, 2020

When creating a MasterPiece, sometimes things can get a little messy. MPA Grenades are chassis that pass MPA’s inspection in every way except cosmetically.

Comer, Ga. (September 2020) – MasterPiece Arms (MPA), manufacturers of the MPA BA Rifles and Chassis Systems, is pleased to introduce the MasterPiece Arms Grenade. Sometimes when creating a MasterPiece, things can get a little messy. MPA strives for absolute perfection in every chassis but occasionally, one comes down the line that does not meet MPA’s strict quality control standards. Enter: the MPA Grenade.

MPA Grenades are chassis that pass MPA’s inspection in every way except cosmetically. Whether it be a small ding in the paint, a run-in with a laser that was having a slightly off day, or some other minor cosmetic blemish, these chassis will still function with the same flawless perfection you expect from MPA, but with their own special flair.

The blemishes will all be considered mild and, in most cases, are difficult to identify without very close inspection. The small grenades lasered on them will mark them as the unique MasterPieces that they are. The MPA Grenades launched Monday, Sept. 14, 2020, at 9 am. EST with an exclusive social media only flash sale and will continue each day until the first batch of Grenades has been sold.

MPA makes every effort to get the product to the customer as quickly as possible. These are hand-built precision instruments and not production components. To see MPA’s latest delivery and lead times for all Bolt Action Rifles and Chassis, visit masterpiecearms.com/bolt-action-rifle-and-chassis-current-delivery-times.

For more information on MasterPiece Arms and their product line of rifles, chassis systems, and accessories, visit www.masterpiecearms.com.

JJ Racaza and Jamey Caldwell Join The CCW Safe and FTA Team

September 17th, 2020

CCW Safe is proud to announce Industry Partnerships with some of the greatest subject matter experts in the firearms world, Jamey Caldwell and JJ Racaza. These gentlemen join Larry Vickers to partner with the Industry’s unquestioned leader in providing legal service plans to concealed carriers through CCW Safe and providing professional liability benefits to trainers through Firearms Trainers Association. With Jamey and JJ, CCW Safe and FTA are able to leverage the knowledge and experience these gentlemen have accumulated in their long careers and pass it along to our members through content collaboration and consultation. We welcome Jamey and JJ! Stay tuned for more!

Sergeant Major (R) Jamey Caldwell, spent more than 21 years in the United States Army, serving his entire career in Special Operations. SGM Caldwell served 7 years with the 75th Ranger Regiment then spent the following 14 years in a Special Missions Unit that maintained a high operational tempo in Bosnia, Iraq, Afghanistan, and numerous other countries in the world. He has deployed to combat 14 times and has conducted well over 500 missions. SGM Caldwell has been awarded three medals for valorous actions in combat while under direct fire from the enemy. During his career SGM Caldwell has consistently dedicated himself to the success of the mission and put the unit’s goals in front of his own. He has been sought after for his leadership skills, planning, leading combat operations, teaching marksmanship skills and CQB, culminating from years of adaptive thinking in combat situations.

JJ Racaza is a highly accomplished trainer, world-class competition shooter, and former Federal Agent. JJ is a 3-time world speed shooting champion and he has broken and held multiple world speed shooting records. As a 3-time US Gold Team Member for the World Shooting Championships, JJ led the US Team in 2011 and 2014 to a Gold Medal. JJ is a Triple Grand Master in the USPSA and he was also a high-ranking competitor on the History Channel’s Top Shot television program.  JJ’s instructor and professional credentials are equally impressive. He is a former Federal Law Enforcement Officer with the Department of Homeland Security. During his government service, among other aspects of his job, he served as a Lead Firearms Instructor, Field Training Officer, and law enforcement academy instructor. JJ is certified from the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) as an instructor in firearms, non-lethal training, and defensive tactics.

Visit Jamey Caldwell at: 
Website: 1minuteout.ecwid.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/1minuteout

Visit JJ Racaza at:
Website: jjracazatraining.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/jjracaza