Wilcox BOSS Xe

SOFWERX & USSOCOM To Conduct Combat Evaluation for Challenge for Portable Welder

August 8th, 2020

A Portable Welder? Absolutely. Special Operations Forces operate in austere environments and often have to construct facilities and conduct repairs of their own, as well as allies’, equipment. This is generally done by specialized enablers, assigned or attached to SOF. To do this, they need specialized equipment which is compact, robust and often able to accept different power sources.

To this end, SOFWERX, in concert with USSOCOM PM-ES, will conduct a Combat Evaluation (CV) Challenge for the USSOCOM Mobile Technology & Repair Complex (MTRC) to address known operational deficiencies with current welding technologies employed in support of Overseas Contingency Operations.

The command currently employs the following commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) welding equipment: Miller 212, Miller 252, Miller 255, Millermatic 200, Millermatic 220, CST 280, and various ‘stand-alone’ TIG welders. They all have limitations.

USSOCOM is looking for relatively mature welding systems and capabilities to reduce the overall number and types of welding systems from over 5 systems to less than 3 systems per each MTRC Team location, while concurrently reducing the logistics footprint and supporting the existing operational requirements.

This $200,000 Challenge will be conducted 20-22 October 2020 and interested companies must throw their hat in the ring by 03 September 11:59 PM EDT.

For full details, visit events.sofwerx.org/welder.

Sneak Peek – Finnish M04 Desert Camo Clothing from Varusteleka Oy

August 8th, 2020

Our friends in Finland, Varusteleka Oy, are expanding their Särmä TST clothing system by adding the M04 desert / arid pattern option starting 14 August.

According to Jari Lane, the pattern was developed based on Finnish M05 geometry but color matched to the desert / arid environment. The pattern was initially fielded to Finnish troops serving in UN and other international missions in 2003 as a test run and has evolved to its current form and is part of Finnish field gear.

The Products launched on August 14th:

Särmä TST L4 Field Jacket

Särmä TST L4 Field Trousers

Särmä TST L4 Combat Shirt

Särmä TST Boonie

Särmä TST Field Cap

USAF Removes Uniform Barrier for Women, Authorizes Pants Option for Mess Dress

August 8th, 2020

WASHINGTON (AFNS) — Based on overwhelming feedback from the field, Department of the Air Force officials announced today women may elect to wear pants or a skirt with their mess dress uniform.

The changes, which are effective immediately, are outlined in an exception-to-policy memorandum addressed to all Air Force personnel.

“It’s our responsibility to provide flexible uniform options that are functional and comfortable for all Air and Space Professionals,” said Lt. Gen. Brian Kelly, deputy chief of staff for manpower, personnel and services. “We have a lot of people working really hard to review our existing policies to make sure there are no unintended barriers or unfair practices that may be impacting specific groups of people on our team. We still have our work cut out for us, but this is a step in the right direction in creating an inclusive culture.”

Previously, women were required to wear a floor-length skirt with the mess dress uniform. As an interim solution, until women’s mess dress slacks are available for purchase in approximately 18-24 months, women are authorized to immediately purchase and alter men’s mess dress trousers.

Alterations for women opting to wear the men’s mess dress trousers will be provided by the Army and Air Force Exchange Service at no cost to the member.

“We hear you,” said Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Kaleth Wright. “This is a bit of good news for some of our teammates who’ve wanted this change for a while now. A small thing, but one that I hope can go a long way to helping Airmen realize that we listen, we hear and we care.”

Changes will be incorporated in the next update of Air Force Instruction 36-2903, Dress and Personal Appearance of Air Force Personnel. In the interim, for more information, the exception to policy memorandum and frequently asked questions are available on the public website of the Air Force’s Personnel Center at www.afpc.af.mil/Career-Management/Dress-and-Appearance.

CCI Introduces a New Line of MeatEater Series Rimfire Ammunition

August 7th, 2020

LEWISTON, Idaho – July 30, 2020 – MeatEater’s Steven Rinella relies on high-quality rimfire ammunition to put small game on his plate. That’s why CCI partnered with this renowned conservationist, author and hunter on an exclusive new line of ammunition, featuring CCI’s proven Copper-22, Mini-Mag and Maxi-Mag loads. Shipments of these new products have begun to arrive at dealers.

Copper-22 is constructed from a unique mix of copper particles and polymer compressed into an accurate, potent, 21-grain hollow-point bullet. The time-tested and proven Mini-Mag 22 LR offers peak velocities, and a proven, accurate copper-plated hollow point bullet design. CCI Maxi-Mag is one of the most accurate and fastest 22 WMR cartridges on the market. Its jacketed hollow-point bullet design transfers tremendous energy to the target on impact. All loads feature clean-burning propellants and reliable CCI priming to ensure the most consistent ballistics.

“These three loads are what fills Steven Rinella’s freezer with small game,” said CCI Rimfire Product Director Rick Stoeckel. “His field-to-table lifestyle has made him a household name among hunters from all walks of life. We are very proud and excited to release this new line of special-edition rimfire ammunition to our customers and his fans.”

Features & Benefits
• The official rimfire ammunition of MeatEater
• Copper-22, Mini-Mag and Maxi-Mag loads with new packaging highlighting the partnership
• Accurate, reliable performance on small game and varmints
• Clean-burning propellants
• Reliable cycling
• Surefire CCI priming

Part No. / Description / MSRP / LINK

925CC / Copper-22 MeatEater 22 LR, 21-grain copper HP, 1,850 fps, 50-count / $10.99

www.cci-ammunition.com/rimfire/cci/copper-22/6-925CC 

962ME / Mini-Mag MeatEater 22 LR, 36-grain CPHP, 1,260 fps, 300-count / $28.99

www.cci-ammunition.com/rimfire/cci/meateater_series_mini-mag/6-962ME

958ME / Maxi-Mag MeatEater 22 WMR, 40-grain JHP, 1,875 fps, 200-count / $59.99

www.cci-ammunition.com/rimfire/cci/meateater_series_mini-mag/6-962ME

CCI recently launched a new website which includes a fresh look and design, and a mobile-first approach to meet the needs of today’s consumer. Plus, the new site offers customers the ability to purchase select loads of CCI rimfire ammunition, Blazer handgun ammunition, branded merchandise and more direct from CCI. CCI’s online shopping cart features free shipping on orders of $99 or more. For full details, go to www.cci-ammunition.com.

Federal Launches Virtual Shows for Its Buy Group Partners and Distributors

August 7th, 2020

ANOKA, Minnesota – August 7, 2020 – Federal developed a series of virtual sales shows to support its Buy Group customers. This effort is due to many of the industry’s sales shows being cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Starting on August 10, and running throughout the month, Federal will launch four virtual Buy Group shows for its business partners. Each Buy Group will receive its own dedicated week to review the digital content through an online portal. At the end of the week, attendees will get their questions answered by Federal’s sales staff and product teams through live chats.

“Our distributors and retailers are hungry for information and product news. They need to hear from us and since we cannot be there in person we created our own virtual experience,” said Federal SVP Hunting & Shooting Sales Jim Bruno. “As a result, our efforts will benefit the end consumer because we will provide the latest and greatest products and information to be made available from our distribution customers who attend these virtual shows.”

New product videos with detailed information on features and benefits will be the focus of the shows. Other digital content that will be provided include: messages from Federal Ammunition President Jason Vanderbrink and Senior Vice President of Sales Jim Bruno; examples of upcoming product advertising; trade marketing tools and displays; plus, pricing, terms and hot show specials for Buy Group members.

“We want attendees of our virtual shows to get the same access to assets that they would if they attended our booth at a physical show,” said Federal Events Director Michael Kinn. “During this challenging time, we needed to change our approach to how we do business, while still delivering everything our retail customers need to get our products in the hands of the end consumer. We know these virtual sales shows will deliver on that effort.”

New-for-2020 ammunition from Federal’s sister companies Speer and CCI will also be featured. Highlights include:

Federal Premium Terminal Ascent – Bonded construction penetrates deep, while the patented Slipstream polymer tip initiates expansion even at lower velocities and long range. AccuChannel groove technology improves accuracy and minimizes drag. Available in eleven of the most popular hunting cartridges and as component bullets.

Federal Premium Force X2 – Nine copper-plated 00 FX2 buckshot pellets split into two equal-size pieces on impact. Double the wound channels, improved energy transfer to the target, and less potential for over-penetration.

Speer Gold Dot Carry Gun – Speer has built upon the law-enforcement proven Gold Dot G2 bullet, optimizing the design and loading to provide superior feeding, ballistics and terminal performance through compact concealed handguns. Available in 9mm Luger 135-grain, 40 S&W 165-grain and 45 Auto +P 200-grain.

CCI MeatEater Series – CCI has partnered with MeatEater’s Steven Rinella on this exclusive new series of ammunition. CCI’s rimfire products available in this series includes Copper-22 22 LR 21-grain HP, Mini-Mag 22 LR, 36-grain CPHP and Maxi-Mag 22 WMR, 40-grain JHP.

Business customers and Buy Group members interested in more information on Federal’s virtual Buy Group shows should contact their Federal sales representative.

Federal ammunition can be found at dealers nationwide or purchased online direct from Federal. For more information on all products from Federal or to shop online, visit www.federalpremium.com.

2nd Skull Protective Skull Cap

August 7th, 2020

Available from ADS Inc, the 2nd Skull Protective Skull Cap is a great choice for times when you need to protect your head from impact but a helmet is too much.

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It is designed to fit comfortably under any helmet or as a stand-alone in non-helmet activities. The material is flexible at rest but can instantaneously harden under sudden pressure, helping to mitigate the effects of sudden impacts.

Streamlight – Stinger 2020

August 7th, 2020

Powered by a Li-Ion battery pack, Streamlight’s Stinger 2020 is a handheld light boasting up to 2,000 lumens.

There are three modes which are easily selected via a switch:

High: 2,000 lumens, 315m beam distance, 2 hour run time

Medium: 850 lumens, 200m beam distance, 4 hour run time

Low: 100 lumens, 70m beam distance, 24 hour run time

Additionally, there is a tail switch for thumb activation.

www.streamlight.com/products/detail/index/stinger-2020

MTHD by Tactical Distributors

August 7th, 2020

Last year, Tactical Distributirs introduced their MTHD clothing line. MTHD – pronounced either by the initials or as the word “Method”, stands for “Mountain|Tundra|H20|Desert”. It’s a tactical-inspired outdoor brand and their goal is to cover you, no matter what environment you find yourself in.

MTHD is made from some of the finest materials on the market and sold direct-to-consumer to help keep prices down.

The launch of their second run of products introduces clothing for training. There’s the Mesa Wind Jacket, Habitat Tech tee, Allivium Tee, Climate Polo, and Traverse Trail Run Short along with the Talus Performance Trail Short and Pant.

Let’s take a closer look at the Mesa Wind Jacket. One thing you’ll notice is that MTHD pieces are labeled by level in order to give you an idea of how to fit them into your clothing system. In this case, the Mesa is a Level 4/5. It’s made from from DWR-treated CORDURA UltraLite 20D stretch and is meant for trail runners.

Next, we’ll check out the Talus Trail Short. It is made from a water resistant lightweight 20D nylon micro ripstop fabrication with 4-way stretch performance. This level 2 garment features a 10″ inseam for off-trail wear.


Check out the full line at www.tacticaldistributors.com/collections/mthd.