FirstSpear

MMI Textiles to Expand Operations with New 30,000 SF Production Facility in North Carolina

December 15th, 2020

Leading industrial textile supplier will shift manufacturing of narrow fabrics – including webbing and binding tape – inhouse to improve quality and lead times.

WESTLAKE, OH – December 15, 2020 – MMI Textiles Inc., a global diversified supplier of industrial and custom fabrics and textile components with military, tactical, medical, commercial and apparel expertise, has announced a major expansion of its operations. MMI will open a 30,000-square-foot production facility in North Carolina to begin producing select narrow fabrics during the first quarter of 2021.

The new facility in Lenoir, NC will be focused on manufacturing and printing narrow fabrics, including a full line of mil-spec webbing and binding tape products. The main driver behind the new operation is MMI’s CTEdge® Printed Narrow Fabrics that use patented technology to give the border of webbing and binding tape a more concealed edge, because it is woven with different color threads that allow it to blend into the materials behind it. This product line has seen momentous growth over the last few years with sales on a global scale and multiple international distributors.

“Our new facility reflects MMI’s commitment to deliver the best quality products within the best possible lead times,” explains MMI President and Founder Amy Bircher. “In addition to the investment in a new manufacturing facility, new equipment and new personnel, we have aligned with Mikan Printing, our existing print partner, to ensure quality control and timely delivery.”

MMI will hire new staff and acquire new equipment in Lenoir to ensure better control of the manufacturing process for this line. The new facility will house both MMI Textiles’ new manufacturing facility and Mikan’s print facility under one roof. Mikan is one of the country’s most respected and innovative leaders in the textile printing industry. 

“We believe this significant investment – especially at a time when businesses around the globe are being challenged as never before – demonstrates our agility as an always-on, end-to-end provider and producer of innovative customer solutions,” says Bircher.

The new MMI Textiles manufacturing and print facility will be integrated under one roof to ensure efficiencies and consistencies that are better aligned with the MMI Textile brand promise of unmatched service and innovation. All sales and customer service transactions will continue to be handled through existing channels.

SOFWERX – Tech Tuesday

December 15th, 2020

SOFWERX Tech Tuesday is searching for groundbreaking and transformational capabilities.

Submit yours today at www.sofwerx.org/techtuesday.

Beez Combat Systems SIDEWING

December 15th, 2020

The Beez Combat Systems SIDEWING was designed to convert the most popular micro chest rigs on the market into larger chest rigs allowing the wearer increased real estate for load bearing essentials. This includes the Spiritus Systems MK/4, Haley Strategic D3CRM and the Modular Chest Pack (MCP) by RDR Gear. Each SIDEWING is available in a two or three laser cut column option and includes a top lock-down flap and two bungees which secure the chest rig into place.

SIDEWING H2/H3 (Haley Strategic D3CRM)

SIDEWING R2/R3 (RDR Gear MCP)

SIDEWING S2/S3 (Spiritus Systems Mk4)

Each Beez Combat Systems SIDEWING includes laser cut GRID on the forward face of the chest rig allowing the operator to attach essential items such as a tourniquet pouch, radio pouch and even additional magazine pouches. The Beez Combat Systems SIDEWING can also be utilized with the Beez Combat Systems Chest Rig MOLLE Belt (CRMB) and is available in a variety of color options. 

Sidewings – www.beezcombatsystems.com/Sidewings

Space Force Unveils New Insignia

December 15th, 2020

Last week, Chief Master Sergeant Roger A. Towberman, Senior Enlisted Advisor of the United States Space Force showed off new collar insignia created for USSF members to wear on their service dress.

In a video address Towberman said, “This is how we’re going to space up the Air Force uniform while we’re wearing it.” However, he clarified that, “It doesn’t mean we’ll carry this onto a Space Force uniform when it’s designed.”

He also displayed his the new Space Staff Badge for those who have served on the Space Staff.

Here are some other examples of Space Force insignia. It includes the Space Force SEA rank insignia. The Space Delta plays a significant role in every example of their new insignia.

Stuff I Like – Remix Raglan Tech L/S from Anetik

December 15th, 2020

During a recent visit to Phoenix I stopped by a local outdoor store, which I generally do while on the road. Invariably, I run across a hidden gem and this trip was no different.

Just Roughin’ It is located in Scottsdale and caters to the local outdoor enthusiast. Being a small outdoor shop is tough these days and no one who stays in business can afford to stock their store with stuff people aren’t going to buy. They know their customer and they know the local environment. They also host seminars. If you’re in the area, stop by and check them out.

Quite a few things caught my eye as I browsed the aisles, but then I saw something that looked like a combat shirt with lizard pattern sleeves and a grey body.

Appropriately enough, the manufacturer Anetik promises, “comfort in chaos.” Meet the REMIX Tech L/S.

There’s lots to love. The knit fabric offers UPF30+ protection and incorporates what Anetik refers to as VINT Cooling Technology for airflow. It also features Raglan sleeves so there are no seams on top of your shoulders when wearing a pack. Yeah, it’s a lot like a combat shirt and it’s very comfortable. However, it’s nylon so don’t think it’s FR. Great for summers out in the sun. You won’t overheat and it will protect you from UV.

There’s an extra in the layout as well, a quick stash back zipper pocket at the right hem which can be used to stow items when running.

I haven’t had it pill or pull yet, but if there’s a weak link so far in the design, it’s the collar which is narrow and made from the same fabric as the rest of the shirt.

Offered in XS – 3XL. The fabric has some mechanical stretch but get your normal size, unless you want it to fit loose.

anetik.com/collections/mens-collection-2019/products/mens-remix-raglan-tech-l-s-master-style

Canada Fields C20 Sniper Rifle

December 15th, 2020

Manufactured by Colt Canada, the new C20 weapon is the Intermediate Sniper Weapon for CAF sniper teams.

It features Colt Canada’s Modular Railed Rifle (MRR-L) Integrated Upper Receiver.

The C20 achieved an average of .66 MOA over 144 five round groups, collected throughout endurance testing. All groups were shot first round cold with suppressor, using 175gr Federal Gold Medal Match ammunition.

Final deliveries are expected in early 2021.

New Cap Badge for UK Special Forces Communicators

December 15th, 2020

According to the latest issue of the Royal Signals magazine, “The Wire” the new SFC cap badge was endorsed on 18 Aug 20 and was marked by a small ceremony in the church on Stirling Lines by the Unit Padre, with the Master of Signals Lieutenant General Nick Pope KCB CBE and HQ 1 (UK) Signal Brigade Commander Brigadier John Collyer in attendance.

Male members of all the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, British Army and the Royal Air Force are eligible to become Special Forces Communicators. They, along with Royal Signals soldiers in trade, are assigned to Hereford based 18 (UKSF) Signal Regiment and provide close support to the SAS, the SBS and the SRR.

The Regiments consists of:

• SBS Signal Squadron

• 264 (SAS) Signal Squadron

• 267 (SRR) Signal Squadron

• 268 (UKSF) Signal Squadron

• 63 (UKSF) Signal Squadron

18 (UKSF) Signal Regiment fulfils several roles:

•Provides highly secure communications for UKSF operations

•Provides electronic warfare and signals intelligence for special forces operations

•Intercepts and monitors enemy communications at short range in difficult circumstances for strategic purposes

Assessment, Selection and Training is quite comprehensive. Candidates must successfully complete a five day Briefing Course. Next, is an optional SFC Preparation Course.

The Special Forces Communicator Course itself consists of six phases:

• Technical Trade Assessment (one week)

• General Support Comms (six weeks)

• Physical Aptitude (five weeks)

• Close Support Comms (five weeks)

• Conduct After Capture (two weeks)

• Military Training (three weeks)

• SF Parachute Training (three weeks)

Candidates must also complete SERE training.

Once qualified, SFCs are eligible for specialty pays.

“WILDCraft: West of Somewhere” Now Streaming on Amazon Prime

December 15th, 2020

(COLUMBIA, SC, December 14, 2020) WILDCraft Entertainment is excited to announce the release of Season Two of the WILDCraft Series, WILDCraft: West of Somewhere, on Amazon Prime Instant Video.

Season One, WILDCraft: South Africa, chronicled the adventures of four outdoor writers hunting free-range Kudu in South Africa’s Northern Cape. The epic four-episode series took the viewer on a real-life, unscripted, multi-character, tent-camp adventure. The series debuted on Amazon Prime Video in October of 2019.

Season Two follows four writers on their adventure across Texas. Gun Digest Editor-in-Chief Luke Hartle joins up with outdoor writers Richard Mann and Len Waldron and the legendary outdoor writer and hunter Ron Spomer. The cast prepare for their adventure at the FTW Ranch where they receive training and dial in their gear for the hunt. From there they start their overland journey, driving across Texas loaded with their gear to their hunting destination. Once they arrive, they explore the rugged and picturesque terrain of West Texas with off-road vehicles and test their skills on a poor-man’s sheep hunt in pursuit of free-range aoudad—Barbary sheep. Special guest appearance by Sheriff Jim Wilson.

Presented by SIG Sauer, the eight-part series is filmed in 6K and 4K UltraHD bringing the hunting and campfire settings to your home as if you are actually there. Episode eight is a behind the scenes special showing just what it takes to produce this type of hunting and adventure series.

“Bringing a large film crew to the rough countryside of West Texas was a challenge,” said Fernando Coelho, Executive Producer of WILDCraft. Fernando continued, “A production like this becomes easier when you have sponsors like SIG Sauer, Remington, Sportsman’s Guide, FTW Ranch and many others supporting the project. With the help of Sony we were able to film this series with cameras normally used on full blown high budget motion pictures. But with that brought about new challenges for our crew. In the end, I feel we came away with footage that the viewer is going to truly enjoy watching.”

Episodes 1 through 7 of WILDCraft: West of Somewhere are now available streaming direct from Amazon Prime Instant video.