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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

Posted in Guest Post, Mountaineering | 3 Comments »

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.

Posted in Advertiser, TacJobs | 3 Comments »

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

Posted in Firearms, Press Release | 1 Comment »

Saber Solutions LLC – AVS JPC Tubes Cummerbund Conversion Kit

July 9th, 2019

The Tubes Cummeberbund Conversion Kit brings quick donn and doff capabilites, elimination of noise and wear from Velcro® panels, and consistent cummerbund placement to the AVS™ and JPC™ series of plate carriers.

Through the use of our conversion kit, all modifications can be completed by the end-user without the lead-time associated with a custom shop. This allows for minimum down-time and the ability for the operator to fine-tune the system to their liking with varying placement and configurations.

Additional benefits include reduced gap between cummerbund and front plate pocket for ideal pouch placement, retaining side plate pouch compatibility, and a low-profile, seamless form factor.

Lead time of 10 to 12 weeks apply.

www.sabersolutionsllc.net/collections/pouches/products/tubes-conversion-kit

Posted in Load Carrying, Press Release | 2 Comments »

TNVC Night Fighter Series: Episode 3 – Don Edwards

July 9th, 2019

Episode 3 of the TNVC Night Fighter Series features Don Edwards of Greenline Tactical.

In his own words, Don discusses the role of night vision operations and the importance it has with today’s law enforcement professionals.

Don Edwards is a retired 20+ year veteran of US Army Special Operations. He began his career in 3rd Bn, 75th Ranger Regiment where he was a participant in Operation Just Cause. Retired from 20th Special Forces Group where he served as a Team Sergeant, a Weapons Sergeant and Intelligence Sergeant during combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. He has served for five years as the Use of Force training manager and primary instructor at the ATF National Academy in Glynco, GA instructing in tactics and firearms as well. Don has worked as tactical advisor to the Department of Defense since 2008 serving in both Iraq and Afghanistan and is a FLETC certified firearms instructor.

This video was produced by Basecamp Creative Group.

Posted in Advertiser, Training | Comments Off on TNVC Night Fighter Series: Episode 3 – Don Edwards

SIG SAUER Modular Handgun System Receives Full-Material Release from US Army

July 9th, 2019

NEWINGTON, N.H., (July 9, 2019) – SIG SAUER, Inc. in conjunction with Winchester Ammunition, is proud to announce the SIG SAUER Modular Handgun System (MHS) has officially received notification of Full-Material Release (FMR) from the U.S. Army Program Executive Office Soldier, Picatinny Arsenal, NJ. MHS is collectively comprised of the SIG SAUER M17 Full-Size, and M18 Compact handguns, and Winchester Ammunition M1152 Ball, M1153 Special Purpose, and M1156 Drilled Dummy Inert.

Full-Material Release is a significant milestone for the MHS program and is the official determination that the U.S. Army has rigorously tested and evaluated the M17 and M18 handguns, and associated ammunition, to determine it as safe for use when operated within its stated parameters. The official FMR notification received by SIG SAUER on June 27, 2019 states that MHS has been fully tested, meets all operational performance requirements, and is logistically supportable within the environment it is intended to operate.

Ron Cohen, President & CEO, SIG SAUER, Inc. began, “the Army’s announcement of Full Material Release is the final stamp of approval for the MHS Program, and a true testament to the successful collaboration of the U.S. Army, SIG SAUER, and Winchester Ammunition to deliver the highest quality MHS program to our soldiers in the field. The FMR notification really highlights the safety and quality of the M17 and M18 handguns, and the success of the MHS program in its entirety.”

To date, over 59,000 Modular Handguns have been delivered by SIG SAUER, and over 44,000,000 rounds of ammunition delivered by Winchester Ammunition to the Government for MHS; in the next 5-7 years an additional 350,000 handguns and 100,000,000 rounds of ammunition are scheduled for delivery.

“We are enthused by this announcement, and honored to have all the branches of the U.S. Military participating in the MHS program. These are both important and significant steps to ensuring that MHS, the M17 and M18 handguns, and Winchester Ammunition will serve the U.S. Military well into the future,” concluded Cohen.

The M17 and M18 handguns are 9mm, striker-fired handguns featuring coyote-tan PVD coated stainless steel slides with black controls and utilize both 17-round and 21-round magazines. The handguns are equipped with SIGLITE front night sights, removable night sight rear plates, and manual safeties.

Posted in Advertiser, Press Release, weapons | 6 Comments »

Warfighter Countdown – Warrior EAST Keynote Speaker, ADM James Stavridis, USN (Ret)

July 9th, 2019

Warrior EAST kicks off tomorrow morning (10-11 July, 2019 at the Va Beach Convention Center) with keynote speaker ADM James Stavridis, USN (Ret) at 9:00 AM.

A distinguished leader and longest-serving global combatant commander in recent American military history, James Stavridis provides answers and strategies to address the most pressing global affairs challenges.

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.

Posted in ADS, Advertiser, Warrior Expo | 4 Comments »

19th SFG(A) Conducts Exercise Ridge Runner with Polish, Latvian Allies in West Virginia

July 9th, 2019

CHARLESTON, W. Va. — West Virginia Army National Guard (WVARNG) Special Forces Soldiers with the 2nd Battalion, 19th Special Forces Group (Airborne) recently completed the first irregular and unconventional warfare training iteration for members of the Polish Territorial Defense Forces and Latvian Zemmessardze as a part of the Ridge Runner program in West Virginia.

Ridge Runner is a WVARNG training program that provides various National Guard, active duty, and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) ally nation armed forces training and experience to in irregular and asymmetrical warfare tactics and operations.

Both nations have newly established national guard-type forces for their militaries, the Territorial Defense Forces for Poland and the Zemmesardze for Latvia, that are focused on the defense of their homeland and resistance against an aggressor.

“The conclusion of this Ridge Runner training is an exceptionally important milestone for both West Virginia and our allies in Poland and Latvia, who we have a longstanding relationship within our State through the State Partnership Programs with the Illinois and Michigan National Guards,” said Maj. Gen. James Hoyer, Adjutant General of the West Virginia National Guard. “West Virginia is the perfect venue for our highly trained special forces to help these two nations’ military forces develop the skills vital to their mission at home, which is extraordinarily important in this era of geo-political uncertainty.”

“This exercise provides us a unique set of skills needed in developing our unconventional warfare skill sets,” said Marek Zaluski, acting public information officer for the Polish Territorial Defense Forces. “Our primary role is similar to that of the National, which is to support the local communities. In addition, we serve as a reserve base for conventional forces. Here at Ridge Runner, we developed skills beyond that. We’ve learned how to work with Special Forces, serve as liaisons, how to speak the same language, have the interoperability and cooperation.”

He continued, “We greatly appreciate the opportunity to train with the West Virginia National Guard, through Ridge Runner and the State Partnership Program. All those skills being developed go right along with what we learn at home. The soldiers who came with us for this exercise were specifically handpicked from a larger group because they represent the skills needed to operate with the Special Forces community as liaisons, pathfinders, and as people who are the points of contact in case of an unconventional warfare situation.”

Ridge Runner’s mission is to develop and execute irregular warfare training across the State of West Virginia that contributes to the development of Special Operations Forces’ (SOF) and General-Purpose Forces’ (GPF) irregular warfare understanding and capabilities, in order to support national security.

The Ridge Runner program operates in different parts of the state because of its diverse training needs and the terrain the State of West Virginia offers. Ridge Runner is held numerous times per year to train forces in both the United States and around the world.

The State Partnership Program (SPP) is a National Guard Bureau initiative that links states and territories with partner countries around the world to foster mutual interests, establish long-term relations, enhance U.S. national security interests, and promote political stability. Through the SPP program, the Illinois National Guard is partnered with Poland and the Michigan National Guard is partnered with Latvia.

Story by CPT Holli Nelson, West Virginia National Guard

Photos by Edwin Wriston

Posted in Guest Post, International, SOF, Training | Comments Off on 19th SFG(A) Conducts Exercise Ridge Runner with Polish, Latvian Allies in West Virginia