Soldier Systems Daily Soldier Systems Daily

Arc’teryx LEAF Brand Update Q&A With Director Stephen Church

June 25th, 2019

Since its inception in 2004, Arc’teryx LEAF has earned a flood of recognition cementing it as the best gear in the world for the specialized military, government and law enforcement end-users. Recently, the program changed leadership.

To get an in-depth look into what the future holds for Arc’teryx LEAF, SSD spoke to Stephen Church, Arc’teryx LEAF’s new Business Unit Director.

SSD: Stephen congratulations on your new role. I understand you’ve been with the LEAF for some time. Can you tell us a little bit about the journey?

SC: Thank you. Yes, it’s been over six years now. I started on the operations side of the business in late 2012. Initially, I worked on developing capabilities to produce modified inline products for LEAF. A lot of effort was put into working with our partners and end-users to build our processes around their needs.

After some notable successes on larger complex contracts, I moved over to the commercial side of the business to work on developing capabilities that better support our global dealer network; especially on multiple-year contract opportunities. Now, as the Business Unit Director, I am excited to leverage this experience to build on our successes and grow our market even further.

SSD: Tell us a little bit about your work before LEAF?

SC: Early in my career, I was pretty focused on marketing technology with a special interest in operational development. I was privileged to have worked on some high-value projects for marquee brands like CIBC, Ford, GM, Xerox and Diageo. In about 2006, I decided to move to Vancouver, BC and took on a marketing and sale role with a firm that developed crime analysis software for law enforcement and military. For me, the market was a natural fit, so when a position opened up at Arc’teryx LEAF, that also included opportunities to build new operational capabilities, I was all-in.

SSD: There’s been some press about the Mascot Bidco Oy investor consortium acquiring Amer Sports. Would you be able to provide some insight into the new ownership structure?

SC: The Mascot Bidco investor consortium includes ANTA Sports, FountainVest PE, Tencent, and Anamered Investments. Anamered is owned by Chip Wilson, the founder of Lululemon.

Under the terms of the acquisition, Amer Sports remains an independent company based in Finland with a separate board of directors.

SSD: Does this change anything for Arc’teryx LEAF?

SC: There’s no change. LEAF continues to operate as an independent business unit with its own core leadership team, and we remain focused on the same markets and strategy.

SSD: Any changes in your sales and distribution?

SC: On the commercial side of the business, we’re focused on developing stronger partnerships with our existing Accounts; to grow the brand in their communities.

We see our accounts as an extension of our LEAF family, so we’re investing in new systems and capabilities that will help deliver the right products to their consumers on time and in full.

SSD: Will there be any changes in terms of manufacturing and sourcing?

SC: LEAF remains committed to developing our products in Vancouver and manufacturing in Trade Act Compliant countries; with a heavy reliance on our factory here in Canada. We also remain focused on sourcing materials that are Berry compliant.

SSD: Are there any changes to LEAF’s guiding principles?

SC: Our mission and values are unwavering. We’re committed to providing best-in-class apparel and equipment solutions to specialized military, law enforcement, and government end-users. Our entire value chain has to be aligned with our consumer’s needs.

This mindset has developed into a strong sense of purpose within our team. Everyone in the program is committed to delivering solutions that enable mission success.

Our designer said it best the other week: “We don’t know how to build cheap shit.” I think it says a lot about the culture we have. We demand the best from each other, in everything we do, and there is no chance of lowering that bar.

SSD: Can you share any news on product?

SC: In the immediate future, we’re expanding our Combat Uniform category and making some updates to our Cold Weather styles.

We also have a couple limited of edition projects in the works. We’ll be sure to keep you posted. 😉

Posted in Advertiser, Arc'teryx | 12 Comments »

Patrolling Is Better When You’re…

June 25th, 2019

According to 75th Ranger Regiment Recruiting, patrolling is better when you’re…

1. Wearing a Patagonia uniform

2. Carrying a Mystery Ranch pack

3. Wearing an Ops-Core helmet

4. Communicating via Peltor

5. Shooting thru a Daniel Defense upper

6. Seeing thru Oakley SI eye pro

7. Walking in Nonstandard boots

8. Wearing Outdoor Research gloves

9. Wearing a Crye Precision plate carrier

Wanna join? If you’re in the Army, send your SRB to 75recruit@socom.mil from your .mil email.

Not in the Army? Go tell your local Active Duty Army Recruiter that you want to serve in the 75th Ranger Regiment.

Posted in Profession of Arms, SOF | 13 Comments »

Ask SSD – What’s This Antenna?

June 25th, 2019

A friend sent me this photo and asked me to identify the two X shaped antennas in the rear. I am unfamiliar with them. But perhaps an SSD reader will know what they are.

If they turn out to be sensitive, go ahead and shoot me an email. The requester is legit.

Posted in Ask SSD, Comms | 6 Comments »

SIG SAUER Takes Home Pistol Caliber Carbine and Optic of the Year at 2019 Industry Choice Awards

June 24th, 2019

NEWINGTON, N.H., (June 21, 2019) –SIG SAUER, Inc. is pleased to announce that it has been recognized with two 2019 Industry Choice Awards. The Industry Choice Awards are awarded to manufacturers based upon a comprehensive independent evaluation by industry experts including competitive shooters, trainers, enthusiasts, law enforcement personnel, and retail associates for fit, form, finish, and functionality.

SIG SAUER was the recipient of the following 2019 Industry Choice Awards:

2019 Industry Choice Award – Pistol Caliber Carbine of the Year: SIG SAUER MPX PCC: The SIG SAUER MPX PCC is a 9mm pistol caliber carbine with a 30-round magazine capacity that’s competition ready right out of the box. The rifle features a Timney MPX trigger, slim M-LOK™ handguard, folding telescoping stock, 3-chamber recoil reducing compensator, ambidextrous controls, and comes optics ready. Throughout testing the MPX PCC was recognized for its “innovative” features, the reliability to “work flawlessly with all ammo tested,” the ability to “run it very fast at a close range,” and living up to the expectation that it comes, “match ready.”

“Recently we redesigned and enhanced the SIG SAUER MPX PCC reducing the overall weight by a pound, along with upgrading the features for performance shooting sports with the input of Team SIG professional shooter Lena Miculek, while maintaining the price point,” began Tom Taylor, Chief Marketing Officer and Executive Vice President, Commercial Sales, SIG SAUER, Inc. “We are especially honored to have the MPX PCC recognized with the 2019 Industry Choice Award Pistol Caliber Carbine of the year and have the quality and value of this rifle recognized by our peers.”

2019 Industry Choice Award – Optic of the Year: SIG SAUER Electro-Optics KILO3000BDX Rangefinding Binoculars: The SIG SAUER Electro-Optics KILO3000BDX is the world’s most advanced laser rangefinder binocular, they can be used on their own or be paired with a Ballistic Data Xchange (BDX) Riflescope and SIG BDX app. The BDX system allows input of ballistics data and environmental conditions to calculate the exact holdover solution to target. This information is displayed in the KILO3000BDX and can be transmitted to any BDX riflescope to display the exact holdover dot. The KILO3000BDX Features the revolutionary LightWave DSP™ rangefinder engine for extreme speed and distance capabilities, HyperScan™ technology providing 4 range updates per second, and the Lumatic™ display that automatically calibrates display brightness to ambient light conditions.. Industry experts noted in their testing the features of the KILO3000BDX Rangefinding Binoculars including, “the glass is clear and performs well in multiple lighting conditions,” and “the technology to pair with the rangefinder makes this optic phenomenal.”

“At SIG SAUER Electro-Optics we strive to combine the latest innovations in technology with traditional equipment that sportsmen are accustomed to. The KILO3000BDX Rangefinder Binoculars achieve this balance and we are excited to have this innovation recognized by experts across multiple disciplines in the industry,” concluded Andy York, President, SIG SAUER Electro-Optics.

The 2019 Industry Choice Awards was hosted by Rockcastle Shooting Center in Park City, KY, June 14-15, 2019.

Posted in Advertiser, Optics, Press Release | 3 Comments »

Tactical Products Group Executives Sentenced for Selling Faulty Armor To US Government

June 24th, 2019

In February of this year, Tactical Products Group, LLC (TPG) CEO Dan Thomas Lounsbury, Jr and Vice President for Sales and Federal Contracting Andres Lopez-Munoz we’re found guilty in the Eastern District of Virginia on charges of conspiracy, making false claims on the United States government, and wire fraud.

In 2012 the two relabeled hard armor plates certified for a different threat or were out of their service life in order to fulfill a contract.

The supplied plates were provided to Triple Canopy to fulfill a contract. Reportedly, the plates supplied were known to delaminate. Furthermore, four of the 10 plates supplied were six years out of warranty. Amazingly, the value of the contract is said to be just $3,500.

Last week they were sentenced. Although they both were facing a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and federal prosecutors requested three year sentences, the judge sentenced Lounsbury, aged 50, to 10 months in prison and Lopez-Munoz, aged 35, to four months.

They have also agreed to repay the government for the faulty plates.

Posted in Armor, Industry | 4 Comments »

TacJobs – Sr Manager, Sales – Military/Tactical at Under Armour

June 24th, 2019

This is a fantastic opportunity with Under Armour. The position offers a pivotal role in the brand and supervises three Regional Account Managers and five Independent Sales Agencies.

Under Armour is looking for a qualified, driven Senior Manager to lead our tactical sales team.This is an opportunity to be part of a great success story, as Under Armour continues to impact the business like no other company has.

What does this opportunity give me?
• Chance to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
• Ownership. Own your job and be accountable to a direct team of Regional Managers and outside Sales Agencies.
• Exposure. The ability to partner with business units across the organization.
• Growth. Potential for career growth is a company initiative.
• Pride. Work for a brand that delivers a consistent message every day.

What will I do at UA?
• Responsible for managing teams of (3) Regional Account Managers and (5) Independent Sales Agencies who sell to our Tactical channel and driving profitable revenue growth.
• Evaluate and build Sales Plans, Go-to-Market strategy, winning seasonal assortments and forecasts to drive sell through at retail with wholesale partners.
• Develop, maintain, and manage account relationships at all levels.
• Partner with Director – Outdoor Sales to manage P&L for the area and revise business models as necessary to drive contribution margin.
• Partner cross-functionally to drive the authenticity and connecting of Under Armour to consumer “athletes” across the US. (Planning, Merchandising, Marketing, Finance)
• Lead sales team to optimize performance through training, coaching, feedback and development.

What does UA need from me?
• Bachelor’s Degree and 10-15 years sales experience in the tactical/military field.
• Highly skilled in Outlook, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
• High-level skills with database/spreadsheet programs, SAP and MS Office.
• Proficiency in Retail Math.
• Passion and Energy to manage a team and own your business to push the brand beyond sales plans.
• Prior experience leading and influencing a team in sales within Tactical channels and with national/key accounts preferred.

What else do I get?
• Comprehensive benefits program
• Amazing company culture and team environment
• Guard rails to work between, not a box
• Ownership in the brand with our Employee Stock Purchase Program

For full details, and to apply, visit careers.underarmour.com/job/baltimore/sr-manager-sales-tactical.

Posted in TacJobs | 2 Comments »

Max Talk 27 – GEAR: Getting your Guerrilla on: Fight Light!

June 24th, 2019

This is the twenty seventh installment of ‘Max Talk Monday’ which shares select episodes from a series of instructional videos. Max Velocity Tactical (MVT) has established a reputation on the leading edge of tactical live fire and force on force training. MVT is dedicated to developing and training tactical excellence at the individual and team level.

A slight change of direction from tactical videos, this is a look at running light kit without a plate carrier / ballistic plates. Utilizing a battle belt with chest rig, adding a suitable backpack as necessary for patrols. It’s certainly a reality that in any kind of collapse or disaster situation, many citizens will not, for many reasons, wear plate carriers. Reasons may include cost, long-term duration of the crisis, temperature and environment, duration of missions, fitness levels, lack of food, general exhaustion.

Detailed explanations can be found in the MVT Tactical Manual: Small Unit Tactics.

Max is a tactical trainer and author, a lifelong professional soldier with extensive military experience. He served with British Special Operations Forces, both enlisted and as a commissioned officer; a graduate of the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. Max served on numerous operational deployments, and also served as a recruit instructor. Max spent five years serving as a paramilitary contractor in both Iraq and Afghanistan; the latter two years working for the British Government in Helmand Province, Afghanistan.

Website: Max Velocity Tactical

YouTube: Max Velocity Tactical

Excellence in Tactical Training.

Posted in Guest Post | 8 Comments »

Q & A – Mustang Survival & SSD

June 24th, 2019

Marine focused brands join forces to create complete maritime and over-water aviation solutions business

Today Canadian based Mustang Survival announces its merger with California based, WING Group, and we sat down with the company’s president, Jason Leggatt to get up to speed on the news and what it will mean for both brands moving forward.

Some background – Jason has been with the brand for 19+ years, starting out as an engineering co-op student he worked on NASA programs and aircrew flight equipment programs for the NAVAIR, USAF & RCAF. In his time with the company they developed and advanced a suite of aircrew technologies culminating in teaming with TIAX & Survitec to win the USAF Integrated Aircrew Ensemble Program, which will replace all legacy USAF equipment across the fleet.

SSD: Quick introduction for those who aren’t as familiar with your Brand – who is Mustang Survival?

Jason: Mustang Survival is a highly recognized leader in the field of personal flotation, dry solutions & marine accessories, not only with military and maritime professionals, but with recreational users alike.

Since our inception in 1967 we have been focused on creating confidence and trust with our end users that is unparalleled. We have some of the most talented engineers and designers in the industry at our Waterlife Studio in British Columbia, Canada and their focus in on creating flotation and life-preserving components for real-world superheroes.

Previously as part of the Safariland family, we have been focused on bringing the company back to its core strengths of product innovation and concentrated our efforts on programs with proprietary solutions developed through close intimacy with elite users. This strategy has created a winning solution for the MASS/L-MASS dry suit contract, a new RATIS life preserver for Special Operations, and several other “future innovations” which are in various stages of development. In parallel we created a vision to leverage the authenticity of our professional/military hero business into the outdoor recreation arena. We launched the EP Ocean Race series in 2017 and will continue to roll out more paddle, sailing and fishing focused technical outerwear.

SSD: And now you are embarking on a new chapter, tell us more about the newly announced merger.

Jason: As of today, we can officially announce that Mustang Survival has merged with the WING group. For those maybe not familiar with them, the WING group comprises of Wing Inflatables, Henshaw Inflatables, the Patten Company, and FabTek Industries.

For over 30 years, WING’s first in the field innovative use of polyurethane and pioneering new technology, have led to the development of sponsons and boats that are lighter, last longer, look better and outperform the competition. They have built an unparalleled reputation for providing professional inflatable solutions for both recreational and military use. Whether it’s a river guide company requiring the most durable white water rafts, a private yacht management company requiring an expeditionary craft or a military detachment operating a fixed-wing airframe required automatically deployed personnel life rafts, to a Special Operations unit that depends on the best performing combat rubber raiding craft in the world. We are excited to become part of the family.

SSD: This really brings Mustang back into the fold of Maritime focused family and a significant pillar in the new portfolio. What does that mean for the brand?

Jason: The merger will fuel opportunities for market share gain in rescue & military. WING Inflatables is the leader in combat raiding rubber craft (CRRC) / tactical & rescue boats. We will leverage WING Group tactical and rescue boat programs to offer complete small team solutions within these kinds of user communities. WING also has a global sales and distribution strategy that will enable us to go-to-market Internationally with our innovative product solutions such as maritime assault suit systems & the RATIS SOF flotation system, which several SOCOM and Navy users are in the process of adopting. We will also exploit new developmental opportunities that leverage the combined strengths of our companies.

SSD: Will you be relocating any of your office, manufacturing or distribution locations?

Jason: No, Mustang Survival will continue to operate out of its current locations with headquarters and Canadian warehouse and logistics in Burnaby, BC; Customer Operations in Bellingham, WA; U.S. distribution & logistics in Spencer, WV; and Berry-compliant manufacturing in Jacksonville, FL.

As a side note, Mustang & WING are both part of the Army’s FOBAM program that is supplied by ADS. We supply ADS with the MRV151 Universal Military Vests that are included with every WING CRRC ADS supplies.

The WING Group is privately owned by an investment group led by President & CEO Andrew Branagh, they have their head office is in Lafayette, California, and the various company operations are located in Arcata, California; Wincanton, UK, Lake Worth, Florida; and Seattle, WA.

For more company information please go to: www.inflatablesolutions.com.

Posted in Industry, Maritime | 3 Comments »