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Cutting the Risk of Traumatic Brain Injury on the Battlefield

April 8th, 2020

From Special Operations Forces under fire to SWAT teams responding to an incident on the street, defense and law enforcement operators need to have complete confidence in their personal protective equipment (PPE). As well as being rugged, reliable, and deploying the most advanced technology available, an operator’s PPE must also be as comfortable, mobile, and lightweight as possible. This is particularly true of the ballistic helmet; which operators may be required to wear for extended periods in challenging environments.

The helmet system is comprised of an external hard shell; an internal liner and suspension system to achieve a customized fit and minimize head acceleration and deceleration. Internal pads provide impact protection and comfort, and the retention device (such as a chinstrap) keeps it all in the correct position. The helmet’s purpose is to protect against a range of ballistic threats and also to help reduce the risk of suffering a traumatic brain injury (TBI).

EQUIPPED TO PERFORM

The average U.S. warfighter carries at least 60 pounds of gear, with an extended patrol often double that weight. Every component and accessory increases the load, which is particularly felt when added to the helmet. “We often hear the old adage that ounces equal pounds, and pounds equal pain,” says Bill VanMullekom, Executive Vice President of D3O, LLC. “Hence the critical need to drive weight out of every element of the helmet system.”

Every component of a helmet is optimized to enhance the safety of its wearers. Understanding the end user’s environment enables those involved in the supply chain, such as 3M, to push the technology envelope on design and manufacturing. They then work with their industry partners, such as D3O, to explore enhanced impact protection.

“The geometry and mass of a helmet’s accoutrements can affect its blunt impact protection and comfort,” adds David Jackson, U.S. Defense Program Manager at D3O, who has more than 25 years of defense experience. “Also, impact energies are increasing. As we move from the requirement for a helmet to resist an object with an impact speed of 10 feet per second to 14 feet per second and beyond, it’s vital that the helmet shell and suspension pads work together.”

MAXIMUM PROTECTION, LOWEST WEIGHT

Current and future defense and law enforcement personnel will benefit from innovations in materials, geometries and design, combined with new manufacturing equipment and methodologies.

“We have found ways to lay the suspension pads in the helmet to increase the number of contact points with the head, thus maximizing comfort,” says Bill VanMullekom of D3O.

The outcome, believes Jackson, will be helmets offering maximum protection at the lowest weight and with the greatest possible comfort: “D3O has the proven capability to adapt products to end user needs so they can focus on the task at hand, enhancing survivability and enabling the successful completion of the mission.”

HEAD PROTECTION IN THE FIELD

Curt Caruso, a 25-year veteran of the USMC, knows first-hand the importance of head protection while in the field. “Being in the military, protection is vital for us. Having confidence in the protection we have, whether it’s a helmet, plate carrier, protection in the elbows and knees, everything like that does help enhance our motivation, our confidence to go in. As technology advances, it is saving more and more lives. All it does is build confidence in you and make you do your job a lot better.”

Hear more of Caruso’s story in D3O’s InsideOut video:

D3O TRUST HELMET PAD SYSTEMS

As of 2020, the General Services Administration (GSA) has approved three D3O TRUST (Trauma Reduction Unrivaled Shock Technology) solutions to be sold through its online shopping and ordering system, GSA Advantage. Valid for 23 years, the contract via D3O partner TSSi enables federal, state, and local government entities to easily and conveniently purchase D3O TRUST products amongst others at pre-negotiated terms and conditions.

D3O TRUST solutions for defense, law enforcement, and tactical gear are tested and trusted in some of the world’s harshest environments. Available in seven and nine pad configurations, the TRUST Nimbus and TRUST Stealth helmet pad systems are designed to comfortably fit the wearer’s head shape while providing high-performance deceleration under blunt impact. TRUST Nimbus is the most recent and lightweight helmet pad system from D3O, exceeding the required level of protection at 10ft/sec by 50% in a polyethylene shell and 39% in an aramid shell.

Posted in Guest Post, Helmets | Comments Off on Cutting the Risk of Traumatic Brain Injury on the Battlefield

Brigantes Issue Essentials – Bolle Tactical Combat Ballistic Glasses

April 8th, 2020

Each week we bring you products that should be on all military standard issue kit lists. This week it’s Bolle Tactical Comat Ballistic Glasses.

Bollé delivers the highest quality sunglasses and goggles for performance and protection.

Their latest generation of Combat hybrid ballistic glasses complies with STANAG 4296 and EN172 goggles with a unique modular system thanks to the continuous, easily replaceable lens in the versions clear, smoked glass and CSP and the combined headband / headband system (with or without foam).

Each pair of Bolle’s ballistic glasses have had their signature platinum treatment. This permanent coating applied on both surfaces makes then highly scratch resistant (1.4 cd/m²) , gives them high resistance to the most aggressive chemicals and slows the appearance of fogging. In any circumstances and at every moment, Platinum provides the highest safety for eyes.

The combat glasses’ revolutionary B-Flex technology offers unique flexibility. The B-FLEX nose bridge is light, flexible & adaptable in all directions. Due to the shape memory material, it fits in all directions and to all face shapes.

In addition to this, the combat glasses are 99.9% UVA and UVB protection.

Bolle’s CSP (comfort sensitivity perception) coating, like ESP, is an effective solution for all activities that alternate exposure to bright light and low light, while also being suitable for extreme temperature environments. Ideal for cold and hot countries, from the Far East to Siberia. CSP technology to filter blue light is combined with the exclusive Platinum coating, to sustainably combat fogging and provide permanent visual comfort from a single pair of glasses.

Bolle Tactical’s combat glasses are a perfect fit for all elements of military exercise and deployment. Combining patented technology with comfort and durability means that they are the perfect solution for the military user in any weather condition or terrain.

For more information contact international@brigantes.com

For UK sales contact warrior@brigantes.com

Posted in Eyepro, Guest Post, International | Comments Off on Brigantes Issue Essentials – Bolle Tactical Combat Ballistic Glasses

7th SFG(A) Conducts High Angle Rescue Training

April 8th, 2020

Members of 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) conduct high angle rescue training on February 27, 2020, in Panama. The Soldiers were practicing how to tie knots and lift a litter up a cliff.

US Army photos by SGT Sean Hall and SPC Aaron Schaeper

Posted in Mountaineering, SOF, Training | Comments Off on 7th SFG(A) Conducts High Angle Rescue Training

Colt Signs Sisters Jalise Williams and Justine Williams to Team Colt

April 7th, 2020

WEST HARTFORD, CONN., (April 7, 2020) — Colt’s Manufacturing Company (“Colt”) proudly announces the addition of two members to its professional shooting team – Jalise Williams and Justine Williams. The Utah-based sisters join Team Captain Mark Redl and Wyatt Gibson on Team Colt. Jalise and Justine bring exceptional young talent to the sport and will represent Colt at shooting competitions and industry events.

Jalise Williams, 17, competes in USPSA, IPSC, 3-Gun, and Steel Challenge. She became the youngest Single Stack Lady National Champion in USPSA history at the age of 15 and holds more than 100 titles. Her 2019 titles include:

– Limited Lady National Champion

– Single Stack Lady National Champion

– L-10 Lady National Champion

– L-10 A-Class National Champion

– IPSC Classic Lady National Champion

“My whole world revolves around my love for the shooting sports,” said Jalise Williams. “Colt is a legendary company and I never imagined that I would have the opportunity to represent the brand. I am beyond excited to be a part of Team Colt.”

Justine Williams, 15, has competed in a variety of shooting disciplines for six years. At age 13 she became the youngest-ever Production Grandmaster and at age 15 earned the PCC Grandmaster title. Justine is the first and only female to become a two-time USPSA Grandmaster.

On joining Team Colt, Justine says, “Having Colt gear that I trust 100% will allow me to focus on the road to winning. Colt is not just a name; it is a legacy of American-made, quality firearms.”

Justine won five national titles in 2019:

– USPSA High Lady in the Open, Carry Optics, and Productions Divisions

– USPSA High Junior National Production Champion

– IPSC High Lady Production Division

Jalise Williams recently took home the High Lady and High Junior titles at the Western States Single Stack Championship. Justine Williams recently shot the Mesquite Mayhem Steel Challenge Match, taking home the 1st Overall Match title and 1st Overall PCC title. Both women continue into 2020 with full competition schedules, including Safariland Single Stack Classic Nationals, IPSC Nationals, and IPSC World Shoot XIX in Pattaya, Thailand.

www.colt.com

Posted in Press Release, Shooting Sports | Comments Off on Colt Signs Sisters Jalise Williams and Justine Williams to Team Colt

SOFWERX Target Location Device Assessment Event

April 7th, 2020

SOFWERX, in collaboration with USSOCOM PEO-SOF Warrior (PEO-SW), is conducting a Target Location Device Assessment Event designed to acquire and/or develop a device that can be used to effectively observe potential targets at distance, accurately determine the potential target(s) location, and be interoperable with ATAK.

Ground forces require an improved capability to precisely fix-finish known enemies in an operationally relevant scenario. Currently, forces use map data, which is hard to get, or lengthy talk-ons for fixed and rotary wing close air support (CAS). Map data, while useful, is not always updated and cannot be used for personnel or moving targets. Ground systems have precision munitions and ground forces require coordinates with enough fidelity to maximize effectiveness of these precision munitions.

Target Location Device (TLD) is an acquisition project with the objective to streamline developmental efforts and field high accuracy target location technology in a rapid acquisition environment.

Select individuals will be allotted a one-on-one virtual session with USSOCOM to pitch, demonstrate, and/or discuss solutions.

The TLD event will be held on 28 May 2020

Submission Deadline: 04 May 11:59 PM EST

For full details on how to participate, visit events.sofwerx.org/tld.

Posted in Comms, Digitization | Comments Off on SOFWERX Target Location Device Assessment Event

NDIA, SOCOM Announce Virtual SOFIC

April 7th, 2020

NDIA, SOCOM to host virtual SOFIC in May

ARLINGTON, VA –The National Defense Industrial Association and U.S. Special Operations Command will host a virtual Special Operations Forces Industry Conference (vSOFIC) online, May 11-15, they announce today.

After canceling this year’s annual SOFIC event in Tampa, Florida, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, NDIA and SOCOM developed a new online platform to enable special operations professionals and industry partners to learn, network and collaborate on the initiatives and capabilities needed in the future.

“We understand the importance of the collaboration among industry, the government and academia to solve those most difficult challenges our warfighters face,” said Hawk Carlisle, NDIA’s president and CEO. “We look forward to bringing together, virtually, special operations throughout the country for this significant event that continues our collaboration with SOCOM.”

The virtual conference will include remarks, presentations and Q&A sessions with SOCOM leaders and acquisition, science, technology and logistics professionals. This year’s conference theme is “Expanding the Competitive Space.”

“During this time, having an opportunity to explain our capability needs and give industry leaders a chance to tell us what they have to offer may be more important than ever,” said SOCOM Acquisition Executive Jim Smith. “We’re especially excited that an online format will not only meet the needs of our current, valued industry partners but may also attract new teammates from the digital and cyber tech base.”

SOCOM has opportunities for industry innovation in many areas, including next-generation intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, next-generation mobility, precision fires and effects, hyper-enabling the operator, and biotechnologies. Additionally, innovation opportunities in data and networks exist for emerging requirements in software, artificial intelligence, machine learning and data analytics in web-based information operations, mission command systems and more.

SOCOM also has opportunities to collaborate in a new Digital Engineering Lab unveiled in September 2019. The lab facilitates development, testing and employment of new technical approaches to modernizing warfighting decision-making.

For additional information on the virtual conference and registration instructions, visit www.vSOFIC.org. Registration is required for all vSOFIC participants.

Posted in Press Release, SOF, SOFIC | Comments Off on NDIA, SOCOM Announce Virtual SOFIC

USMC Begins Fielding Plate Carrier Gen III

April 7th, 2020

MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. —

The Marine Corps has begun fielding a next-generation protective vest that provides improved fit, form and function for Marines.

The Plate Carrier Generation III is a lightweight plate carrying system that guards against bullets and fragmentation when coupled with protective plates.

“This system protects Marines on the battlefield,” said Lt. Col. Andrew Konicki, the Program Manager for Infantry Combat Equipment at Marine Corps Systems Command. “The PC Gen. III is important because it is nearly 25-percent lighter than the legacy technology.”

The Marine Corps constantly looks for ways to lighten the load for Marines. PM ICE worked with industry to remove excess bulk from the legacy Plate Carrier, which was fielded in 2011. The elimination of excess material reduces the overall weight of the system and increases maneuverability, said Konicki.

“When you lighten the load, Marines can get to their destinations faster and they’re going to have more endurance, which increases their lethality,” said Konicki.

In 2016, MCSC conducted a study to analyze the components and effectiveness of a prototype version of the PC Gen. III. Marines tested both the legacy and prototype systems during various obstacle courses, including a 15-kilometer hike at a fixed pace.

The results of the study showed that participants completed the courses faster and appeared better conditioned when using the newer technology. Marines’ mobility and ability to handle a weapon improved when using the PC Gen. III prototype, said Konicki.

“The PC Gen. III improves the Marines’ ability to shoot and move by eliminating excess bulk from the design, and cutting out the shoulders for a better rifle stock weld,” added Lt. Col. Bryan Leahy, Individual Armor Team lead in PM ICE.

Fits men and women

Another advantage of the PC Gen. III lies in its fit. MCSC increased the variation of sizes, enabling nearly 15,000 more Marines—both male and female—to fit into the system when compared with the legacy technology, said Konicki. The newer system fits closer to the body, increasing protection and decreasing the risk of injury due to improper fit.

The next-generation system is designed to fit individuals of all sizes and statures—from the 2nd percentile female Marine to the 98th percentile male Marine. A curvature in the associated protective plates accommodates chest and abdomen size without compromising protection.

“I think there’s a misconception that all females are small, and that’s not always true” said Konicki. “We conducted a study that found the smallest Marine is actually male.”

According to Konicki, during multiple user evaluations female Marines have said they prefer the newer technology to the legacy system because of its fit and mobility.

Infantry and infantry-like Marines will be the first to receive the PC Gen. III. The new vest body armor will then be fielded to supporting units. The program office expects the PC Gen III to reach Full Operational Capability by fiscal year 2023.

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

Posted in Armor, Guest Post, MARCORSYSCOM, USMC | Comments Off on USMC Begins Fielding Plate Carrier Gen III

PDW Odyssey Cargo Pant NYCO+

April 7th, 2020

Expedition Grade, Made in USA, Utility, Cargo Pant

Prometheus Design Werx’s best selling Odyssey Cargo Pant returns this Spring 2020 with their tried and true, field ready NYCO ripstop fabric newly updated with stretch for improved mobility and additional comfort. These utility field pants feature purpose driven design at its core with carefully considered pockets for today’s EDC, and functional features to excel during extended use in the field. The PDW Odyssey Cargo Pant uses industrial grade sewing construction, double reinforced seat, double knees with pad inserts and extra bar-tacks throughout. A field favorite with overlanders, field professionals, and explorers worldwide. Expertly built in the USA.

The Design and R&D Team at PDW states:

“The classic cargo style pant is a long running, legacy design area for our Founder and Chief Designer. It is a style that started over 70 years ago and born from necessity to address the field needs of Allied airborne troopers. The Odyssey Cargo Pant for PDW is a pure purpose driven design for those who spent a lot of their time in the field. They are intended to perform in a wide variety of environments and conditions, carry extra personal kit, and be as capable as their user. We’ve been working on updating our tried and true NYCO ripstop the last couple of years and were able to come up with just the right percentage of stretch fibers to add to our NYCO blend and enhance this very versatile fabric. This is the best ripstop fabric we could custom mill to use in our pants. Like all of our goods, we constantly take a hard look each season at areas of improvement and arrive at an outcome that is the best it can be per iteration. Details make the design. The Odyssey Pant is still stitched right here in the USA using a skilled labor force and industrial work wear grade construction for an unparalleled quality of make.”

The Odyssey Cargo Pant NYCO+ is available in Transitional Field Green, Universal Field Gray, and All Terrain Brown.

The Odyssey Cargo Pant NYCO+ will be available for purchase on Wednesday, April 8th, 2020 at 12:00pm PT via their website, prometheusdesignwerx.com.

Posted in Clothing, Press Release | Comments Off on PDW Odyssey Cargo Pant NYCO+