TYR Tactical

Warrior EAST 19 – Benchmade Mini SOCP

July 10th, 2019

Debuting today is the Mini SOCP. designed by Special Operations Combatives Program founder Greg Thompson and profuced by Benchmade, this is a more compact version of thr popular dagger.

The 440C stainless blade on the Mini is 2.22″ for enhanced concealability.

Greg showed me another grip for using the knife. Despite the shorter blade, it can still be inserted up to 5″ and pulled out via the ring. If you twist while doing this, it opens the wound channel even more.

On the sheath, they’ve modified the clip to lock into PALS webbing, pockets and belts and added a leather sweat pad to combat abrasion caused by the ring. This sweat pad can be retrofitted to existing SOCPs.

www.benchmade.com

2019 Warrior East Keynote Address by ADM James Stavridis, USN (Ret)

July 10th, 2019

ADM James Stavridis, USN (Ret) was the keynote speaker at the 2019 Warrior EAST Expo.

The subject was 21st Century Leadership, with particular emphasis on challenges.

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He began by saying that challenges will be unexpected, move with gravity, emphasis and change. He demonstrated that by discussing the 9/11 attacks. On that day, he was a brand new One-Star in the Pentagon. He looked out his window and watched the aircraft fly into the building, striking it not far from his office. He was in one of the safest places on earth and yet, it was attacked. The world is still feeling the consequences of that day with the challenge of countering Islamic extremism.

ADM Stavridis went on to discuss current and future challenges in the Middle East which include Iranian expansionism and the Syrian humanitarian crisis. This latter conflict ties into Russian manipulation and its incursion into the Ukraine.

The next challenge he discussed is drug trafficking. While he feels that drug use is a personal decision, his concern is the proceeds of that trafficking and its effect on fragile democracies. He should know, as the Commander of US Southern Command he saw how drug trafficking undermined the government of Colombia.

ADM Stavridis went on to mention pandemics. Based on his story, we are due another. A century ago, Spanish influenza affected 40% of the world’s population.

He feels we can negotiate with China to deal with the issues of trade and intellectual property. Interestingly, he believes the US and China will work together to deal with North Korea.

Cyber security keeps him awake at night. Multiple countries have been victims of significant cyber attacks. Our power grid is particularly vulnerable, as is our personal information.

Here at home, he believes political gridlock is a major concern. Our political parties and even branches of governments rent working well together.

ADM Stavridis went over tools for the 21st century leader. He believes that the most significant tool for a 21st century leader is the ability to listen, to both subordinates and adversaries.

Second is education, with reading as a means of self-education. Books and reading matter deeply. He suggested everyone read, “LikeWar: The Weaponization of Social Media” by Peter Singer.

Next is innovation. One form of innovation he used at SOUTHCOM was engagement. In particular, he used sports outreach across Central America and the Caribbean, with military team members. In Afghanistan, his technique was literacy programs for the ANA, with a goal of bringing basic trainees to a third grade reading level. His experience is that only one in four innovations works, but it’s imperative to reward innovators and to share the stories of success.

Good leaders are also good communicators. He sees communication as a bridge, with information going both directions. What he refers to as alignment is key; how the information will be received by the audience. Communication is most of all, personal.

He moved on to collaboration. It’s complicated and hard. It might be with current partners. It might involve non-traditional partners. It might be a form of outreach.

Finally, he mentioned values. Leaders must uphold values. He suggested we all list our heroes and next to their name, put the reason why. Then, conduct a self-assessment of how we are doing compared to those we look up to.

Good leaders believe in hope. Napoleon said, “A leader is a dealer in hope.” The Admiral said, “that sums up a leader.”

No matter the attribute he listed, across the board, all of his points were intertwined.

Admiral James Stavridis served as the 12th dean of The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University since its founding in 1933. A retired 4-star admiral in the U.S. Navy, he led the NATO Alliance in global operations from 2009 to 2013 as Supreme Allied Commander with responsibility for Afghanistan, Libya, the Balkans, Syria, piracy, and cybersecurity. He also served as Commander of U.S. Southern Command, with responsibility for all military operations in Latin America from 2006-2009. He holds more than 50 medals, including 28 from foreign nations. In 2016, Admiral Stavridis was vetted as a Vice Presidential candidate by the Hilary Clinton campaign, and after the election was invited to meet with President-Elect Trump to discuss a cabinet-level position in the Trump Administration.

Earlier in his military career, he commanded the top ship in the Atlantic Fleet, winning the Battenberg Cup, as well as a squadron of destroyers and a carrier strike group – all in combat. Admiral Stavridis earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree in International Relations and has published six books and over two hundred articles in leading journals around the world. His 2012 TED talk has over 700K hits, and he speaks Spanish and French. Admiral Stavridis is a monthly columnist for TIME magazine and Chief International Security Analyst for NBC News. He also joined The Carlyle Group as an Operating Executive and serves as the Chair of the Board of Counselors of McLarty Global Associates. His focus is on innovation, strategic communication and planning, and creating security through international, interagency, and public/private partnerships in this turbulent 21st Century.

2019 Warrior EAST

July 10th, 2019

We’re kicking off our coverage of the 2019 Warrior EAST Expo, presented by ADS, Inc.

The Atlas Man

July 10th, 2019

Atlas Standard continues to roll out teasers.

Ocean State Innovations Appoints Bryan Boulis as President

July 10th, 2019

PORTSMOUTH, R.I. –- Ocean State Innovations, a leading textile solutions provider, announced the appointment of Bryan Boulis as President.

Mr. Boulis has many years of diverse textile experience. Most recently, he served as Managing Director at 1947 LLC, a textile and brand management firm. Prior to that, he was Senior Vice President of Sales at Duro Textiles, a textile dye and finishing company, and the President of Fairhaven Textiles, a textile converting firm. Mr. Boulis is a 1979 Graduate of Stonehill College.

“We look forward to continuing our commitment to our customers and our employees by offering textile solutions and a great place to work. Bryan’s experience developing unique solutions for our customers, combined with developing talent for our team, are critical parts of our future.” said Edward Ricci, Ocean State Innovations, CEO.

Ocean State Innovations’ continued strategic growth has received enthusiastic support from Praesidian Capital, which initially invested both first lien debt and equity in B&O/OSI. “Since our initial investment, B&O/OSI has continued to provide premiere textile products and customer service,” said Jason Drattell, the founding partner of Praesidian. “We are pleased with Bryan’s appointment as President, and we anticipate continued success in the coming years as management executes on their strategic vision.”

For more information, please visit www.osinnovate.com.

Brigantes Presents – High Angled Solutions – Optimus Polaris Optifuel versus MSR Whisperlite Universal

July 10th, 2019

With a dramatic increase in military interest in the polar regions there has been a huge drive to reinvest and update the equipment that our militaries use to survive and fight in these incredibly harsh environments.  Arguably one of the most important pieces of equipment is your stove.  It is critical to keeping you fed and watered.

 

On the market at the moment are a small number of truly flexible and adaptable stoves. Of these the MSR Whisperlite Universal and the Optimus Polaris Optifuel offer the ability to burn all liquid and cannister fuel types. Although it must be pointed out that both the fuel jet and regulator have to be changed, to switch between certain fuels, on the MSR.

They both follow a similar construction with three wide legs and a central burner head.  The MSR has a wider burner which could possibly reduce boil times but could also increase fuel consumption.  The control arm on the Optimus provides excellent and delicate control of the flame making it much easier to avoid flares. The pump on the Optimus is completely metal and therefore more robust than the MSR.

The lighting process for both is very similar and once it has been practiced a couple of times you can get exceptionally proficient in not accidently adding a sunroof to your tent.  Cooking in tents is necessary in the extreme cold but does have its risks, including fire and CO poisoning.

Whilst burning the MSR is noticeably quieter. There is a “silencer” available for the Optimus but this is not yet manufacturer approved.  Whether the noise difference is significant for the end user is debatable.

Shutting the stoves down is where there is a key difference.  The way in which you flip the bottle over on the Optimus does leave a completely dry system which is excellent at preventing fuel leaking into your equipment.

Cost wise the Optimus is more expensive but it does come with some very useful additional features and the ability to burn all fuels without modification.  Overall both are well recognised around the world and have had extensive use in the arctic environment.  The way that light forces operate in these environments does bring a number of specific challenges that these stoves manage to work around.

For more information get in touch by email on international@brigantes.com or for UK customers tribe@brigantes.com.  

www.brigantes.com

TacJobs – O P Tactical Inc Retail Store Manager / Operations Officer and Sales Staff

July 10th, 2019

BOTTOM LINE UP FRONT: OPT is building a team of core professionals to further define, enhance, and expand our existing business model.

RETAIL STORE MANAGER / OPERATIONS OFFICER brick and mortar tactical gear store, Raleigh, NC.

Major Responsibilities:
• Manages the overall operation of the walk-in sales staff
• Develops and implements strategies to increase store sales, profits, and service levels
• Interacts knowledgeably with customer base in a friendly and professional manner
• Provides customer service to ensure customers have a positive and educated shopping experience
• Responds to customer inquiries and complaints
• Monitors store expenses and ensures that expense targets are met
• Identifies operational inefficiencies to help minimize risk and protect the stores assets
• Manages the display inventory including: merchandising, pricing, assist in ordering, and clearance
• Oversees the stocking, receiving, and discontinuation of items
• Meets with key vendors to ensure that up to date products are being carried
• Achieves targeted sales goals
• Manages and mentors employees to provide exceptional customer service
• Trains and manages brick and mortar store staff
• Works closely with marketing, inventory, and sales to coordinate events, and day to day operations
• Analyzes, interprets, and acts on data to achieve desired business objectives
• Maintains a clean, organized and stocked retail store
• Maintains the stability and reputation of the store by complying with legal requirements
• Ensures overall safety practices are followed

Educational Requirements:
• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Sales, or related field, preferred

Previous Experience:
• A minimum of 6 years of retail store, merchandising, and sales management experience preferably within the tactical gear industry
• Must have new store start up experience
• Must have strong understanding of sales and customer service
• Must have demonstrated ability to work within a budget
• Must be available to work varying shifts and days of the week (may include evenings, weekends, early morning or late shifts.
• Must have ability to stand for long periods of time
• Must be able to occasionally lift up to 75 lbs

Competencies and Skills:
• Excellent communication skills
• High energy with proven track record of results
• Proficient in Microsoft Office
• Demonstrated team player
• Must possess organization skills
• Self-motivated
• Strong leadership skills
• Must be client relationship builder

SALES STAFF POSITIONS
We are seeking a Retail Store Sales Staff to be responsible for retail sales in our brick and mortar tactical gear store in Raleigh, NC.

Major Responsibilities:
• Interacts with a knowledgeable customer base in a friendly and professional manner
• Provides customer service to ensure customers have a positive and educated shopping experience
• Responds to customer inquiries and complaints
• Achieves targeted sales goals
• Maintains a clean, organized and stocked retail store
• Maintains the stability and reputation of the store by complying with legal requirements

Previous Experience:
• A minimum of 2 years of retail store, merchandising, and sales within the tactical gear industry
• Must have understanding of sales and customer service
• Preferred has 3-4 years experience in military combat arms, law enforcement, or private security firm
• Must be available to work varying shifts and days of the week (may include evenings, weekends, early morning or late shifts.
• Must have ability to stand for long periods of time
• Must be able to occasionally lift up to 75 lbs

Competencies and Skills:
• Excellent communication skills
• High energy with proven track record of results
• Proficient in Microsoft
• Demonstrated team player
• Must possess organization skills
• Self-motivated

Please submit cover letter and resume to optactical@yahoo.com

OPT is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

O P Tactical Inc. (OPT) is a 100% disabled Veteran owned retailer of the highest quality tactical gear, apparel, and footwear.

Black Aces Tactical Announces the Release of a $569 Side by Side Shotgun with Both Full Stock and Bear Claw Grip

July 9th, 2019

Black Aces Tactical (BAT), a veteran owned American manufacturer, is very proud to announce the release of a very special line of shotguns.  

Said Black Aces Tactical, “Black Aces Tactical has been working quietly yet diligently to bring to the waiting public a quality side by side. One of the most requested items from our valued customers and dealers was a well built side by side 12 gauge that is offered as a good price. This is why we include many features and options customers might not expect. For instance we include free of charge a small bear claw grip along with the full stock.  So the shooter can use the side by side with the full stock as normal, and then utilize the bear claw grip when he or she wants something more compact.  With the bear claw grip, the side by side is 26.5” overall length, or the length of a standard Shockwave.”

Side by Side specs are:

• 12 Gauge shotgun with chokes

• 26.5” Overall length with bear claw grip

• 18.5″ Barrel

• 35.5″ Overall Length

• Choice of Black finished Walnut or Walnut Furniture

• Choice of Black receiver or Nickel plated receiver

• 2 ¾ and 3 inch chamber

• Extractors

• Gold trigger

• Barrel Selectors

The Side by Side features the most options available in a price point weapon.  Black Aces Tactical is proving itself focused on value, quality, and affordability by offering options like a full set of chokes, gold trigger, barrel selectors, and the all important short bear claw grip as standard.  Moreover, we are offering receiver and furniture options that will suit virtually every shooter.  The Side by Side shotguns are shipping now from Black Aces Tactical.

For more information about Black Aces Tactical, contact Eric Lemoine at 407-630-9359, email sales@blackacestactical.com, or visit www.blackacestactical.com