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Marine Corps Soliciting Proposals for New Hearing Enhancement Device

April 30th, 2020

MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. —

The Marine Corps is asking for industry’s help in providing enhanced hearing protection to Marines.

On April 22, Marine Corps Systems Command released a Request for Proposals for a suite of hearing enhancement devices that interoperate with the Enhanced Combat Helmet and Marine Corps tactical radios. The technology will increase Marines’ situational awareness in a variety of training and combat environments.

“The program manager for Infantry Combat Equipment intends to purchase Hearing Enhancement Devices for every infantry and infantry-like Marine,” said Lt. Col. Bryan Leahy, MCSC’s Individual Armor team lead.

In fiscal year 2020, MCSC received $10 million Operation and Maintenance, Marine Corps funding to purchase hearing enhancement devices.

Per the RFP, the hearing enhancement devices must be rugged and adaptable to various environments, from cold weather to extreme heat. The system would allow Marines to wear hearing protection, yet still enable them to communicate and understand their surroundings.

PM ICE will assess the submissions to ensure compatibility with Marine Corps radios and the Marine Corps ECH. The systems must include versions that are both communication-enabled and non-communications enabled.

MCSC estimates the new hearing protection will be fielded to infantry units in fiscal year 2021. PM ICE will conduct New Equipment Training with each unit receiving the technology.

Provides added hearing protection

In addition to improving Marines’ situational awareness, the hearing enhancement devices will also offer additional hearing protection.

The hearing enhancement devices will complement the Combat Arms Earplug Generation IV—the Marine Corps’ current hearing protection system—by offering a secondary level of protection to further avoid hearing damage.

“The hearing enhancement devices and current earplugs provide double hearing protection, giving Marines more protection from extremely loud noises,” Leahy said.

Leahy believes the Hearing Enhancement Devices will serve as an important asset for Marines on the battlefield.

“Purchasing these devices is a clear indication of how the Marine Corps is investing into the warfighter and giving Marines an edge on the battlefield and in training,” said Leahy.

Story by Matt Gonzales, MCSC Office of Public Affairs and Communication | Marine Corps Systems Command

Photo by Staff Sgt. Ezekiel Kitandwe

Posted in Comms, Contracts, Guest Post, MARCORSYSCOM, USMC | 7 Comments »

Pre-order for the the Second Edition of Vickers Guide: AR-15 (Volume 1)

April 30th, 2020

Whether or not you missed out on the first edition of Vickers Guide: AR-15 (Volume 1), you’ll want to pick up this new, expanded second edition.

Rather than just reprint the premier edition, they’ve added 300 pages of content, making it almost twice the size of all other Vickers Guide books, with 70% more firearms and three times the photographs.

They also also added lots of new commentary. The team brought in Chris Bartocci and Daniel Watters as co-authors for their insight and expertise. Additionally, Col. Lutz contributed lots of photos and commentary on the A2 program; Alex Young assisted with a massive 22 page section on the evolution of the AR-15 magazine and he also contributed photos from the estate of Colt Engineer Rob Roy; Curtis Debord advised on the “CAR-15” variants; and John Meyer, MACV-SOG veteran, contributed images and commentary on experiences in Southeast Asia with the XM177E2.

Don’t miss this. Signed and personalized versions are available.

Shipping October 2020, pre-order yours now at www.vickersguide.com/ar15-2ed.

Posted in Black Rifle, History | 2 Comments »

FN America and Colt Awarded M16A4 Foreign Military Sales Contract by DoD

April 30th, 2020

Yesterday, the Department of Defense made the following announcement.

FN America LLC, Columbia, South Carolina (W56HZV-20-D-0024); and Colt’s Manufacturing Co. LLC, West Hartford, Connecticut (W56HZV-20-D-0025), will compete for each order of the $383,311,941 firm-fixed-price contract to provide M16A4 rifles for Foreign Military Sales (Afghanistan, Grenada, Iraq, Lebanon and Nepal). Bids were solicited via the internet with three received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of April 28, 2025. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Detroit Arsenal, Michigan, is the contracting activity.

Posted in Advertiser, Contracts, weapons | 2 Comments »

Blackhawk Adds New Basketweave Holster to T-Series Duty Line

April 30th, 2020

New Level 3 Duty Holster Available for Glock 17

VIRGINIA BEACH, Virginia – April 29, 2020 – Blackhawk, a leader in the law enforcement and military equipment realm for over 20 years, announced today that it has added a new Level 3 Duty (L3D) holster to its popular T-Series line. Available in a basketweave finish, the new T-Series L3D holster has been designed to better serve the needs of on-duty law enforcement officers and is compatible with the Glock 17 pistol.

The basketweave design is a staple finish in the law enforcement community as the pattern is quite common on active duty holsters and belts. The black leather design offers an enhanced look and feel, increasing the command presence of on-duty officers. The L3D holster was designed to match frequently used belts, pouches and other accessories and continues Blackhawk’s long-standing legacy of duty-rated holsters.

The Blackhawk T-Series line is the world’s first dual-injected molded holster. The holster combines the company’s proven outer body strength made possible with a glass reinforced nylon along with a soft touch inner layer that is both super slick and sound-dampening. This durable and efficient, low-friction design translates into a smooth, quiet draw or when re-holstering the sidearm. Designed to follow Blackhawk’s Master Grip Principle, all T-Series holsters have been specifically developed to allow the user’s hand to land naturally where it should in order to deploy the sidearm.

The T-Series line is available in Level 2 and Level 3 configurations, including options for both compact and light bearing holsters. All models are duty-rated and with their shared functionality, Blackhawk has helped solve the commonality of training with the same draw for every model holster. Whether going from concealment, Level 2 or Level 3, the draw stroke remains the same even with the holster changes making the T-Series the ideal holster to meet the needs of law enforcement and military professionals.

The non-light bearing holster will have a MSRP of $149.95. The light-bearing model will be $169.95.

For more information on the new L3D basketweave holster for the Glock 17/19/22/23/31/32/45/47 or to view the complete line of T-Series holsters be sure to visit www.blackhawk.com/holsters/.

Posted in Holsters, Press Release | Comments Off on Blackhawk Adds New Basketweave Holster to T-Series Duty Line

Alternate Care Site Solutions for Pandemic Response from ADS Inc

April 30th, 2020

A facility that is temporarily converted for healthcare use during a public health emergency is an Alternate Care Site (ACS). The primary function of ACSs is to reduce the burden on hospitals and established medical facilities.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is evaluating hotel and arena facilities to convert them into alternate care facilities in response of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The process to create Alternate Care Sites includes:

Identify and obtain sites

Build and convert the space

Supply and equip units

Staff

ADS, Inc has a variety of solutions to facilitate the rapid establishment of these sites such as their mobile ICU.

To learn more, visit adsinc.com/alternate-care-site-solutions-for-pandemic-response.

Posted in ADS, COVID-19 Pandemic | Comments Off on Alternate Care Site Solutions for Pandemic Response from ADS Inc

Enforce Tac and U.T.SEC Cancelled for 2020

April 30th, 2020

Against the background of the ongoing corona pandemic and its global repercussions, NürnbergMesse has now also decided not to hold Enforce Tac and U.T.SEC in September 2020. The industry is facing hitherto unknown challenges, including declining sales and production stops, as a result of public health measures and the associated economic situation. At the same time, trade fair participants in many places are finding it difficult to plan and prepare their involvement in events due to business activity being curtailed by official order as well as international travel restrictions.

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank the many representatives of the sector for the frank and constructive discussions we have had with them in recent days. These exchanges were very helpful to us in making our decision. Our objective with Enforce Tac and U.T.SEC, like all our other events, is to create a special experience for exhibitors and visitors that helps them to establish and develop business relationships in a number of different ways. Unfortunately, the impact of the corona crisis means that we cannot do this to our usual high quality standard,” says Thomas Preutenborbeck from the NürnbergMesse management board.

Save the date: Enforce Tac and U.T.SEC in March 2021

The next Enforce Tac and U.T.SEC will take place from 10 to 11 March 2021, marking a return to the event’s usual springtime schedule in the run- up to the IWA OutdoorClassics. “This also accommodates the preferences of many exhibitors and visitors and will allow the synergies of these three high-calibre trade fairs to be exploited once again. After this crisis is over, the need for information and dialogue will be greater than ever,” says Frank Venjakob, Exhibition Director Enforce Tac and U.T.SEC. “This is why we are now looking to the future and setting the course for next year.”

Posted in Enforce Tac, Press Release | Comments Off on Enforce Tac and U.T.SEC Cancelled for 2020

Sicario III – RE Factor Tactical x Toor Knives Collaboration

April 30th, 2020

Based on the popularity of the first two versions, Toor Knives has created this latest variant of the Sicario blade, exclusively for RE Factor Tactical.

The CPM154 steel blade measures 3.25″ with an overall length of 6.5″. Made in the USA.

FYI – AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER UNTIL MAY 4TH. KNIVES SHIP 8-1

Get yours at www.refactortactical.com/products/sicario-iii.

Posted in Advertiser, Knives | Comments Off on Sicario III – RE Factor Tactical x Toor Knives Collaboration

Buck Knives Offers Discount to Healthcare Workers

April 29th, 2020

Post Falls, ID — Tuesday, April 28, 2020– Buck Knives is extending its online discount program to all the heroes that are working the frontlines to keep our communities safe during the COVID-19 crisis.

Buck Knives is proud to extend the industry partner discount program to men and women in the healthcare industry. This discount applies to doctors, nurses, CNA’s, technicians, technologists, health administrators, EMS, and support staff. The discount offers up to 50% off a full range of products. For full eligibility information, visit Buck Knives Healthcare Discount.

“It is with great gratitude that Buck Knives thanks all of the medical personnel, law enforcement, military, and first responders as they continue to work tirelessly to protect our communities,” said Chris Brooks, Director of Brand Management of Buck Knives.

Buck Knives also offers discounts to military, law enforcement, and first responders through the Service Pro Discount.

Posted in COVID-19 Pandemic, Knives, Press Release | Comments Off on Buck Knives Offers Discount to Healthcare Workers