Salomon Forces Genesis MID GTX

Friday Focus: Beanies, Neckies & Wool Socks

January 1st, 2021

As the temperatures dive and the new year kicks off, check out FirstSpear all American wool Beanies, Neckies and wool socks. FS Neckies and Beanies are constructed from FirstSpear ACM BASE 100, a merino, poly, and modal blend. Featuring flat seams for maximum comfort under helmets and just enough material to double up over the ears when temperatures drop. Neckies are available in charcoal, FS sand, FS commando and heather grey. Beanies are available in black, charcoal, FS commando, FS sand and heather grey.



Unlike cotton, wool is the ultimate insulator and it absorbs a high amount of moisture all while maintaining its insulating properties when wet. The FirstSpear Boot Super Sock and Every Day Sock are 100% American made with USA materials. Both the EDS and BSS are constructed from a tubular knit for enhanced support and all day comfort.




The EDS features a reinforced heel and toe box, support ribbing through the arch, as well as light and thin across the top to help dissipate heat. Exceptional moisture wicking and antimicrobial properties will keep your feet dry and comfortable throughout the day.

EDS: 82% Merino Wool, 12% Nylon, 6% Lycra

BSS: 86% Merino Wool, 8% Nylon, 6% Spandex blend

Available and shipping now in sizes small through XL.

If you want to see out more FirstSpear gear in action, check out FirstSpear TV’s X-RAY Team.

www.first-spear.com/every-day-sock-eds

www.first-spear.com/boot-super-sock-bss

www.first-spear.com/neckie-acm-base-100

www.first-spear.com/beanie-acm-base-100

Army Researchers Acquire Two New Supercomputers

January 1st, 2021

ADELPHI, Md. — Army researchers are upgrading their computing capabilities with the acquisition of two new supercomputers.

The U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command, now known as DEVCOM, Army Research Laboratory is home to the Department of Defense Supercomputing Resource Center, where computer scientists are welcoming the bi-annual technology refresh as part of the DOD High Performance Computing Modernization Program.

The two supercomputers, named Jean and Kay, recognize the remarkable achievements and enduring legacies of Jean Jennings Bartik and Kathleen “Kay” McNulty Mauchly, key contributors and computing pioneers as part of the original team of programmers of the Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer, or ENIAC, the world’s first general purpose computer.

These systems will join the Betty system in the center’s production high-performance computing infrastructure. The Betty system is named in honor of Frances Elizabeth “Betty” (Snyder) Holberton, another key member of the original ENIAC programmer’s team.

The two systems are both Liqid Computing platforms containing 48 core Intel XEON (Cascade Lake Advanced Performance) processors integrated with the largest solid state file systems the DOD has deployed to date.

The systems are expected to enter production service in the mid-fiscal 2021 timeframe, and will join the center’s Centennial and Hellfire systems towards establishing a cumulative computational capability of 23.3petaflops.

“Jean and Kay will allow ARL to support many of DOD’s most significant modernization challenges to include digital engineering and other emerging workloads,” said ARL DSRC Director Matt Goss. “By adding specialized technology to augment traditional high performance computing with data analytics, these machines will serve as a spring board on which DOD scientists can make game changing discoveries.”

According to ARL computer scientist Bob Sheroke, these systems significantly enhance the program’s ability to support the DOD’s most demanding data-intensive computational challenges, and include emerging technologies and tools for artificial intelligence, data analytics and machine learning.

The systems include embedded capabilities to support persistent services in additional to traditional batch-oriented processing.

“The DOD High Performance Computing Modernization Program, established in 1992, has invested over $1.2 billion at the ARL DSRC, which has maintained the center’s posture as one of the program’s primary HPC centers and one of the top supercomputer sites in the national supercomputing infrastructure,” Sheroke said.

Visit www.arl.hpc.mil to learn more about center’s computational capabilities and support services.

By U.S. Army DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory Public Affairs

We’ve Relaunched Soldier Systems Digest, Our Weekly Newsletter

January 1st, 2021

If you’re a subscriber, you’ll be receiving the relaunch issue of Soldier Systems Digest in your inbox.

If you’re not a subscriber, you can sign up on the home page below the advertiser banners. And while you’re at it, support some of those great folks who support us here at SSD.

Happy New Year!

January 1st, 2021

Nonprofits Forge Partnership to Advocate for Special Education Awareness, Improved Initiatives for Military-Connected Families

December 31st, 2020

HARKER HEIGHTS, Texas — The Military Child Education Coalition® announced today a partnership with fellow nonprofit Partners in PROMISE to collaborate on an issue paper to address improvements and standardization practices for military-connected families with a child with special needs.

“We are thrilled to be working alongside Partners in PROMISE to offer recommendations for enhanced awareness and streamlined support that we feel will have an immediate, lasting impact for all military-connected children with special needs,” said MCEC President and CEO Dr. Becky Porter.

This just released issue paper highlights expected changes to be put into action as spelled out in the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act.  In addition to the provisions expected in the 2021 NDAA, MCEC and Partners in PROMISE make the following recommendations for inclusion in future policy, practice and legislation:

• Ensure remote school enrollment for all military families.

• Allow families to maintain IEPs at a new the duty station after a PCS for up to six months.

• Require parental consent to all IEP changes before changes can be implemented.

• Instruct State Education Agencies and the U.S. Department of Education to gather and provide data on special education disputes involving military children, utilizing the existing Military Student Identifier.

“Partners in PROMISE has already become such a strong champion for raising awareness to Protect the Rights Of Military children In Special Education,” added Dr. Porter. “MCEC shares their passion, commitment, and advocacy, and we are proud to work with them to make a positive difference in the lives of all military-connected children with special needs.”

MCEC® used data obtained from its 2020 Military Kids NOW Education Survey, as part of the issue paper, which reflected responses from across all 50 states, two U.S. territories, and 21 countries, to help bolster recommendations for changes to mitigate the stressors for military children with special needs.

Learn more about the role MCEC plays globally at MilitaryChild.org.

Now on Kickstarter – CIZOR, a Tungsten Carbide Cutting Tool for Every Day Use

December 31st, 2020

CIZOR is made from pulverized, recycled tungsten carbide cutting tools. It features a cutting end and a conical end which can be used to break glass. Tungsten carbide is an extremely strong material and the CIZOR is sharpened to a razor edge.

Developed as a utility tool, CIZOR can be used with an included aluminum stand.

It is offered in two sizes. The larger variant is the same length as a disposable Bic pen.

Below are both sizes as kits.

Note that only the small CIZOR comes with a silicon cap. Inside the silicon cap is an aluminum cup which prevents the blade from cutting right through the silicon.

For more information, visit www.kickstarter.com/projects/sanderbakker/cizor-a-tungsten-carbide-cutting-tool-for-every-day-use.

INVISIO Acquires Racal Acoustics, a World-Leading UK-based Supplier of Communication and Hearing Protection Solutions

December 31st, 2020

INVISIO has signed an agreement to acquire all the shares in Racal Acoustics, a UK-based supplier of communication and hearing protection systems for high noise environments, with annual sales of approximately SEK 130 million.

Racal Acoustics Ltd, a subsidiary of TransDigm Group Inc. prior to INVISIO’s acquisition, is a world-leading brand with a history of more than 100 years in the design, develop­ment and manufacture of communication and hearing protection systems, focused on audio ancillary equipment for the military, first responder and aviation sectors. The London-based business has 55 highly skilled employees and a global footprint.

The acquisition is aligned with INVISIO’s growth strategy and the ambition to further strengthen its global market-leading position within communication and hearing protection systems. 

The acquisition means that INVISIO will broaden its offer with a complementary new product category, consisting of advanced and rugged hearing protection and communications headsets for environments with constant high noise, often found in larger military vehicles and around aircraft.

The acquisition will provide INVISIO with access to customers and prospects in the attractive market niche for communication and hearing protection in vehicles, which is a highly relevant area for the new INVISIO Intercom System.

The purchase price to be paid by INVISIO is approximately SEK 170 million and is expected to be cash and debt-financed. Racal Acoustics has recently completed a successful restructuring. The acquisition is expected to contribute to INVISIO’s revenue for 2021 with more than SEK 130 million and with a positive result. No material integration costs are anticipated.

Under the terms of the acquisition, INVISIO will also acquire Racal Acoustics Inc, a US based sales company through which Racal Acoustics markets and sells its products to the US market. The acquisition, which is expected to close during the first quarter of 2021, is subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.

“We are very excited to welcome Racal Acoustics into the INVISIO-family. The deal is a perfect fit as the two companies are largely complementary. Over many years Racal Acoustics has built a strong position for communication and hearing protection in high noise environments such as military vehicles, while INVISIO has built a strong position for users in the field. Our combined product offerings and market footprints will strengthen our world leading position as the communication and hearing protection expert for users within military, first responder and aviation markets, whether in the field or in a vehicle,” says Lars Højgård Hansen, CEO of INVISIO.

“Joining INVISIO is the perfect next step to fully explore the potential in Racal Acoustics. As the companies to a large extent share the same business-DNA but target different market segments and sales channels, we have all the elements for a strong growth story and future together,” says James Ewing, Managing Director at Racal Acoustics.

S.O.Tech Reaches a 300,000 Mask Milestone While Incurring a Sad Loss

December 31st, 2020

It was with great pride that this week the S.O.Tech team delivered our 300,000th cloth facecover, but that news turned somber when we learned that a dear friend to the company, Deputy Tim Tellez, died battling COVID-19. So we dedicate our accomplishment to Tim’s memory, and we will continue the effort for Tim and other fallen first responders.

If you’ve seen a picture of police gear on SOTECH’s website, it was probably strapped onto Tim, we just cut his face out and blurred his name badge. He took gear design to heart and was always there to give thoughts and feedback on patrol officer gear because he cared about his fellow LEOs.  He was a 20 year veteran of LASD. We will be making a donation in his honor.

Not only was S.O.Tech able to deliver the 300,000 masks, but we have been able to fill major military, aerospace and law enforcement contracts in the face of a pandemic strained supply line.  We are proud of the teamwork exhibited by our staff.