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FirstSpear Friday Focus: Fast Rope Mitt

May 7th, 2021

You’ve waited and it’s finally arrived, the Fast Rope Mitt (FRM) is designed to be a minimalist, lightweight tool that can easily be transported on the Professional User and available for Fast Rope Insertion, the FRM can be used with or without the FirstSpear – Operator Glove (OG) and is constructed using the best in abrasion resistant, heat mitigating materials.

It’s cut and assembled to fold flat for transport in a typical Uniform Pocket; the FRM is low bulk and supports Short, Medium or Extended Fast Rope Insertions up to 90 Feet (27.4 Meters). Additionally, the FRM has an advanced two finger pattern that allows the User to rapidly expose his trigger finger to engage a firearm, this method is far faster than actually taking off a glove during extreme situations, the FRM can be pulled partially off and retained around the wrist by the second elastic strap across the back until time has become available to secure in through the reinforced retention loop at the cuff.

This glove is 100% Berry Compliant featuring all American “roper” cow leather and ultra-high performance Kovenex providing greatly enhanced cut, tear, and thermal resistance for Fast Rope Insertions. It’s ultra soft on the hand and double layered in key points with a firmer grain and texture on the exterior of the palm. Reinforced button holes allow for quick and easy carabiner or snap hook attachment.

As you would expect, FS used overbuilt construction techniques with highly advanced materials, all balanced for weight and performance for the most demanding end users. 100% American Made with USA materials. Currently available in S, M, L and XL with more options forthcoming.

For more information check out, www.first-spear.com/frm

Posted in Advertiser, FS Friday Focus, Guest Post, Handwear | 4 Comments »

‘Service. Strength. Sacrifice’: Special Tactics Training Complex Dedicated to Fallen STO

May 7th, 2021

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla.— In a split second while on a mission in 2015, U.S. Air Force Capt. Matthew Roland made the last leadership decision he would he would ever make. Without hesitation, he chose to protect his team and give them the best shot at overcoming an insider attack in Afghanistan, sacrificing his life in the process.

To honor the fallen Special Tactics Officer’s actions and courageous leadership, the 24th Special Operations Wing along with friends and family hosted a dedication ceremony in Roland’s honor May 6, 2021 at Hurlburt Field, Florida.

“Today I have the privilege of dedicating the Roland Field Leadership Training Complex,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Matthew Allen, commander of the 24th SOW. “It’s particularly meaningful to dedicate this training site to Matt as he spent years of his life honing his leadership expertise.”

The wing chose to dedicate one of the Special Tactics Training Squadron facilities used for training and assessing Special Tactics Officers just like Roland.

“It means everything to be a part of his legacy,” said one of the young STOs attending the ceremony and finishing the training pipeline. “I think he embodies a lot of what a lot of people in our position are trying to do and why we joined. Guys like him paved the way for us and have shown us an example of who we should strive to be like. We’re honored to be walking in his footsteps and everyone who came before us.”

In the audience were also several distinguished guests, friends and family members of Matthew Roland including his sister, nieces, fiancé, mother and his father, U.S. Air Force, retired, Col. Mark Roland.

“Matthew was a patriot, he believed in his nation and was dedicated to service,” said Mark. “He loved serving as a STO and leading his team. This complex is a testament that he was good at what he did and respected for how he did it.”

Matthew Roland graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 2010 and then entered the rigorous Special Tactics Officer training pipeline to earn the coveted red beret. His last assignment was at the 23rd Special Tactics Squadron at Hurlburt Field, Florida.

Members of the fallen Airman’s former squadron watched as the Roland family unveiled the new sign to the Roland Field Leadership Training Complex followed by the Special Tactics tradition of memorial pushups.

“He never quit, he never gave up. Be strong in the face of adversity,” said Mark. “To us, this complex dedicated to selecting and training Special Tactics Officers represents three things that Matthew valued…service, strength and sacrifice.”

As a Special Tactics Officer, Roland was a qualified battlefield commander prepared to lead reconnaissance, strike and recovery missions, as well as a military static-line and free fall jumper, an Air Force combat scuba diver, and a joint terminal attack controller. For his actions during his deployment, Roland was posthumously awarded the nation’s third highest honor for valor, the Silver Star medal, in June of 2016.

“At his core, [Matthew] was concerned with loving and protecting his family, being a leader in our Air Force and living out his warrior ethos,” said Allen. “If there was a hardship, he’d endure it. If there was a burden, he’d help lift it. If there was a challenge…he’d meet it.”

For future Special Tactics leaders, the complex will forever stand as inspiration to the selfless leadership and determination Roland displayed throughout his time in service.

Special Tactics is the Air Force’s most highly decorated community since the Vietnam War specializing in global access, precision strike, personnel recovery and battlefield surgery. Since 9/11, Special Tactics Airmen have received one Medal of Honor, 12 Air Force Crosses and 50 Silver Star Medals.

Photos by SrA Miranda Mahoney and A1C Amanda Flower-Raschella, 1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs

Posted in AFSW, Air Force, Guest Post, SOF, Training | Comments Off on ‘Service. Strength. Sacrifice’: Special Tactics Training Complex Dedicated to Fallen STO

Birdwell Beach Britches Tac Short 2.0 in Frogskin Camo

May 6th, 2021

Birdwell’s Tac Short 2.0 is made from their proprietary SurfStretch fabric which dries quickly and is super comfortable.

These are back in stock and now is the time to jump on a pair if you want them. They only offer them about once a year. They feature a button fly, take up tabs at the waist, reinforced seat, a button flapped patch pocket at the right thigh, handwarmer pockets and interior mesh pocket.

Also offered in Black, Blue and Army Green, sizes Small through XXLarge.

Wish they’d make them in Tigerstripe. Are you listening Birdwell?

Made in Santa Ana, California.

www.birdwell.com/collections/mens/products/tac-short-2-0-frog-skin-camo

Posted in Camo, Clothing | 7 Comments »

Serket USA Introduces Berry Compliant Graduated Compression Socks

May 6th, 2021

JUPITER, FL, APRIL 22, 2021 — Serket, builders of intelligent clothing and equipment systems for the military and law enforcement communities, today introduced their Berry Compliant Merino Wool Graduated Compression Socks.

The new socks are part of a full-scale collection that includes PT/athletic, lightweight, mid-weight, and heavy weight offerings. The addition of the Compression Liner makes for a fully customizable layered system that can adapt to a variety of climatic and mission conditions. The Cushioned Graduated Compressions can be worn as a standalone sock in temperate to hot conditions and high-dewpoint environments where quick drying is a must.

Unlike most traditional compression socks with compression ranges of 8-15 mmHG, Serket’s compression socks feature a compression range of 15-20 mmHG, while still maintaining a high percentage of US Merino wool content (averaging 62%), bringing into harmony the benefits of high quality cushioned wool socks and moderate level compression technology.

In addition to the well documented benefits of high quality Merino Wool Socks, Graduated Compression Socks have a variety of benefits for the wearer, including:

* Supporting Muscles and Joints: Serket US Merino Wool Graduated Compression (MWGC) Socks can greatly help support the various muscles and joints.

* Aids in Recovery: Serket MWGC Socks increase circulation, carrying tired, nutrient-and oxygen-depleted blood cells away from overworked legs and feet and moving nutrient- and oxygen-rich blood cells towards the lower limbs. This works to repair muscles quicker and make them feel more refreshed.

* Increases Stamina: Serket MWGC Socks allow for more oxygen to be brought to limbs during strenuous activity, which reduces the need for the body to use lactate as a source of energy.

* Boosts Circulation: Serket MWGC Socks boost circulation throughout the body. Although the functionality may focus on the legs, the entire circulatory system is signaled to facilitate better circulation.

Serket’s line of Over-the-Calf US Merino Wool Compression Socks are available in the following models:

* Over-the-Calf Merino Wool Graduated Compression Liner – 15-20 mmHG
* Over-the Calf Merino Wool Cushioned Graduated Compression – 15-20 mmHG

The new Graduated Compression socks are 100% developed, sourced and made in the United States (Berry Compliant) and are available in Coyote Brown with sizes from small through extra-large.

For more information, contact sales@serketusa.com or visit www.serketusa.com.

Posted in Clothing, Press Release | 1 Comment »

Mike Pannone Discusses the Benefits of a Pistol Caliber Short Rifle (PCSR)

May 6th, 2021

Mike Pannone, Director of Training, B&T USA examines the features and advantages of a Pistol Caliber Short Rifle (PCSR), or submachine gun based system, such as B&T’s APC9 PRO, for law enforcement and military applications occurring within confined spaces, or within spaces where size savings are important.

About Mike Pannone/CTT Solutions

Mike is a former operational member of U.S. Marine Reconnaissance, Army Special Forces (Green Beret), 1st SFOD-D (Delta) and the Asymmetric Warfare Group. He is an active USPSA pistol shooter holding a Master class ranking in Limited, Limited-10 and Production divisions. Mike has participated in stabilization, combat and high-risk protection operations in support of U.S. policies throughout the world as both an active duty military member, and a civilian contractor. Mike also worked as the primary firearms instructor for the Federal Air Marshal program in Atlantic City, as well as the head in-service instructor for the Seattle field office. He has spent countless hours on the range and in the classroom with military units, LEO and operational personnel sharing his vast combat and practical experience to increase proficiency and organizational success.

Posted in Guest Post, Training, weapons | 5 Comments »

Crye Day Part 2 Presented by Tactical Distributors

May 6th, 2021

5/7/21 @ 12 noon eastern

TD is Dropping a 2nd round of Crye G3 Combat Pants and Shirts & G3 Field Shirts and Pants in DTS.

www.tacticaldistributors.com/collections/crye-precision

Posted in Advertiser, Clothing | Comments Off on Crye Day Part 2 Presented by Tactical Distributors

Limited Run – MultiCam Black Velocity Systems Boss Rugby

May 6th, 2021

The Velocity Systems Men’s Boss Rugby Shirt is made from a durable stretch material that wicks away moisture, dries quickly and provides built-in UV protection. The Boss Rugby Shirt was developed to be utilized as a range shirt, or moisture managing base layer under armor. A high collar was built in to keep a sling off the user’s neck and pockets were included for patches and additional storage. Short and long sleeve MultiCam Black Boss Rugby Shirts are available now at www.velsyst.com/collections/apparel/products/boss-rugby.

Features:

Built-in UV Protection – UVA: 97.98%, UVB: 89.84%

Two (2) Velcro® shoulder pockets for patches and storage

Modern rugby style collar

Highly breathable with enhanced wicking chemistry

Soil release treatment

Dynamic Stretch and Recovery

Odorexx™ Antimicrobial

Non-chafing Heat Seal Tagless Label

100% Made in the USA

Posted in Advertiser, Clothing, Press Release | Comments Off on Limited Run – MultiCam Black Velocity Systems Boss Rugby

Sitka Arrowhead Equipment – Wet Weather Protection

May 6th, 2021

When you think Sitka, you think heavy duty wet weather protection and Arrowhead will definitely deliver on that front. In fact, it’s the brand’s approach of purpose-built design and efficiency of movement through the environment that has drawn military users to its unique WWP solutions, notably the Cloudburst and Dewpoint Jackets.

With Arrowhead, you’re going to be able to get full featured, Berry compliant wet weather garments made from GORE-TEX and designed for use by SOF.

Arrowhead tell us the design team has selected GTX 3L 40d Nylon Ripstop with DWR, for the WWP jacket and pant which is a highly durable, lightweight, tear resistant fabric. Resistant to contaminates including petroleum, oils and lubricants make it a best-in-class solution for the Special Operations Forces end-user.

Not only is the material waterproof/breathable, but the finished garment was taken into the lab and environmental chamber to ensure the integrity of the entire design. Additionally, Arrowhead has had garments on the backs of SOF operators to make sure it’s what they want.

From a fabrics, insulation and trims perspective, Arrowhead Equipment is focused on sourcing and developing best-in-class materials within the USA.

The long game will also see Arrowhead Equipment committed to investing and up-levelling domestic manufacturing. Developing new levels of competency, capability, and competitiveness that result in the production of premium technical apparel solutions for the USSOCOM consumer.

The WWP Jacket and Pant feature:

Jacket
– Fixed Adjustable Hood allowing for the option of a hood when static
– Internal Left Chest Zip Pocket allowing for the secure carriage of mission essential items
– Upper Torso Zip Pockets allowing for the secure and convenient carriage of mission essential items
– Upper Arm Zip Pockets allowing for the convenient carriage of mission essential items
– Underarm Zip Vents enhancing ventilation when worn with Personal Protective Eqpt. and/or Load Carriage Eqpt.
– Upper Arm Loop (4”x4.5”) allowing for the application of IR reflective and electronic IFF devices
– Adjustable Hem Closure allowing jacket to be cinched up when static during cold weather conditions
– Internal ID Label mitigating confusion when issued as a uniform item

Pant
– Adjustable Nylon Web Waist allowing for waist sizing flexibility
7/8 Side Zips allowing for the ease of donning and doffing when wearing boots
– Front Facing Thigh Cargo Pockets allowing for the carriage of gloves & accessories and dump pocket capability
– Reinforced Instep allowing for increased pant durability when conducting mobility-based platform operations
– Suspender Attachment Loops allowing for the attachment of QAD suspenders (included with this MPN)
– QAD Suspender System allowing for adjustable pant suspension if required
– Internal Waterproof Label mitigating confusion when issued as a uniform item

Be sure to check out US Elite’s blog post on WWP and tune into one of their IG or FB Live broadcasts at 1430 EDT for a giveaway.

WWP Jacket and Pant inventory will be available from Sitka Arrohead Equipment dealers beginning June 2021. They’ll be offered in MultiCam, Lead and Black in sizes Small – XXLarge for the Jacket with Short, Regular and Tall lengths on the pants with certain sizes Small – XXLarge.

Find an Arrowhead dealer here.

Posted in Advertiser, Clothing | 6 Comments »