I can assure you, we’re still here.
Army Times Gets It Wrong Again
February 21st, 2019The First Step Is A Doozy
February 21st, 2019
I’m looking at this and wondering how long the Army course would be.
TD Apparel Performance Polo
February 20th, 2019
Tactical Distributors has introduced a new, price conscious performance polo.
Features:
Breathable
Stretch
Moisture wicking
Lightweight
Easy Iron
Self-fabric collar
Standard fit
Easy to embellish with Embroidery or Screenprint
www.tacticaldistributors.com/products/td-active-polo
MDT Hires Matt Hornback for Public Relations
February 20th, 2019Everson, WA – February 19th, 2019
Modular Driven Technologies is proud to announce the addition of industry veteran Matt Hornback to the position of Public Relations Manager.
“Matt Hornback comes from a diverse background of military and industry experience that adds to the stellar team here at MDT.” says CEO Maarten Van Ruitenburg. “We look forward to his contributions to help us lead the industry in innovative products that allow our customers to ‘Shoot Better’.”
In the new role of Public Relations Manager Matt Hornback will provide marketing and public/media relations strategy and manage trade shows and event sponsorships. He will also coordinate MDT’s sponsored shooting team and document their performances as they compete at matches across the country. “Matt’s experience with photography and video will contribute as a valuable resource for MDT’s social media channels.” adds Van Ruitenburg
Prior to joining Modular Driven Technologies, Matt held the positions of Marketing Communications as well as Director of Product Development for Legacy Sports International. He also earned his commission in the Nevada Army National Guard as a Combat Engineer officer where he still serves. Matt is an avid hunter as well as national level competitor in several disciplines including, precision rifle, multi gun and USPSA/IPSC.
Eagles and Angels Ltd – Andy Stumpf Limited Edition Notebook Cover
February 20th, 2019A veteran owned business, Eagles and Angels takes uniforms from other Combat vets and creates cool items like this notebook cover. It’s made from heavy-duty leather, with two pockets for business cards as well as a pen holder. Additionally, it comes with a notebook.
in this case, the fabric inlay of the American flag cane from Andy Stumpf. Andy began his SEAL career attached to SEAL Team Five, in Coronado California. In 2002 he screened for and joined the most elite counter-terrorism unit in the military, SEAL Team Six. This unit is tasked with conducting the nation’s most critical missions, many of which have become the focus of Hollywood movies and books. While on a combat deployment an Iraqi insurgent shot Andy at close range with an AK-47.
Connect with Navy SEAL Combat Veteran, Andy Stumpf, on his Instagram page: HERE
A portion of the proceeds from sales will be donated to the Navy SEAL Foundation.
eaglesandangelsltd.com/shop/stumpf-fnc
Enforce Tac 2019 – Outdoor Breaching Area
February 20th, 2019Check out the latest breaching tools from renowned manufacturers at Enforce Tac 2019.
Discuss the newest tools, techniques and methods of mechanical opening procedures with experts and gain hands-on experience.
More information at www.EnforceTac.com.
Gear Craft – “Atom” Combat Specialist’s Platform (CSP) – Modular Body Armor and Equipment Mounting Complex
February 20th, 2019We have received this press release from Russian company Gear Craft. It offers an authentic and fascinating look into their latest commercial offerings.
War is dynamic. If you want to function efficiently in a rapidly changing environment, you have to be able to rapidly adjust yourself to it; this includes your gear. This statement is especially true for the reality of Russia’s modern war on terror, where an urban assault can quickly turn into a mountain trail pursuit.
That is why, we, Gear Craft, a young Russian company, in cooperation with the operatives of the FSB Special Operation Centre (Directorate “A” of the FSB Special Purpose Center (TsSN FSB) have developed a unique modular body armor and equipment mounting complex, called “Atom”.
“Atom” is a highly modular combat platform, which can be tailored perfectly to its user’s needs, converting from a JPC-style minimalist plate carrier to an assault armor vest in a matter of minutes.
Gear space is always limited. Especially when you are on a deployment. No one would have a supply truck packed with your stuff following you on the battlefield, unless you are some batman-type superhero, or navy. “Atom” is designed to be an extremely versatile platform, allowing its user to assemble a personalized multi-functional kit using a minimum number of modules, hence saving the precious space in a deployment pack. So yeah, we took care of the supply truck.
Regarding the platform itself, “Atom” packs several front and back panels, made to fit different Russian and foreign plate formats, including “Granit” (similar to “swimmer cut”), E-SAPI and Stand Alone. The versatility of the platform allows the combination of different type back and front panels, making it possible to, for example, have a full size front panel and a compact back panel.
One type of panels in particular, a multi-functional model called “Strelets” is capable of quick front plate extraction, allowing its user better and more comfortable prone body positioning and rifle shouldering; a feature, many high precision shooters will appreciate. Also, that same panel, due to its original shoulder strap design, can be easily adjusted to accommodate a change in clothes thickness, which allows its user to quickly swap layers without the need to readjust the shoulder straps entirely.
But it isn’t always about sniping or ambushes. Sometimes you need to knock right on the bad guy’s door. For this reason, all Elite Russian SF units fighting the war against terrorism use NIJ IV 6a class full height ballistic shields during their close quarters assaults. No one would run marathons with 61,7 lbs. ballistic shields of course, but nonetheless, the operator has to carry the shield the entire duration of the assault, and be mobile with it. For this purpose, all “Atom” back panels are equipped with a series of universal mounting points, which are made to accommodate the shield bearing modules. These modules help evenly distribute the shield weight across the entire upper-body, unlike traditional harnesses, which put the bulk of the weight on the user’s shoulders. Additionally, a front MOLLE section can be mounted over the front of the harness, allowing for extra gear and ammo space.
A fire fight in an enclosed space is almost always accompanied by high velocity shrapnel ricocheting off of any hard surface there is around. In such a fragmentation rich environment, the two body plates are just not enough. That’s why “Atom” accommodates numerous soft armor modules, designed to cover most of the upper body and protect its user from the deadly ricochets. These modules include anti-ricochet collars, shoulder sections and paddings, as well as quick-detach, camerband-mounted side inserts and groin flaps. All the modules can be mounted either individually to reinforce the weak spots, or as a complex, to significantly expand the body armor coverage.
As previously mentioned, “Atom” can include camerbands. And it does: a total of 5 different versions of camerbands, each made with a specific purpose in mind, and all of them compatible with any of the front/back panels. There are the light versions, which include standard and skeletonized camerbands, both of which are available in standard Velcro or quick detach “ROC” buckle versions. Additionally, there is a corset-type camerband, which overlaps with both the front and back panels. It’s intended use is urban assault, as it packs extra gear-mounting space and provides the best side protection of all the versions.
As you already know, the reality of Russian combat operations forces a rapid change of tasks and specializations. A shield bearer, operating from an MRAP in a local village today can be a heavy weapons specialist on a recon mission away from base tomorrow. That’s why it is crucial to have an ability to dynamically alter your load-out, adjusting your gear and armor setups for the current tasks. This is where the unprecedented versatility of the “Atom” comes handy.
Such versatility is achieved by standardizing all the attachment points and links. This means, that all the Velcros, Fastexes and quick-detach buckles used in the “Atom” are compatible and interchangeable among all the modules. Such standardization allows for roughly 60 basic setups, and over a thousand possible combinations of all modules. To make it easier for you, we have singled out our 4 main packages: “Standard”, “Strelets”, “Expanded” and “Ratnik”.
But all the features are nothing without reliability: battle operating conditions set very high standards for equipment quality and durability: everything an operative wears has to withstand rough handling, resist the elements and an occasional shrapnel volley. In manufacturing of the “Atom”, only the best quality materials from top Russian, European and US manufacturers are used. This guarantees high level performance and a long service life. And there aren’t just words: with the help of the “A” FSB detachment, we have conducted extensive combat testing of all the “Atom” modules: all the gear showed itself to be durable and easy to handle, earning the praise and trust of Russia’s elite terrorist fighters.
Brigantes Presents – High Angles Solutions – Black Crows Orb Freebird Militairi Review: (with a Touring binding set up)
February 20th, 2019The Militairi ski is a great Intermediate/advanced touring ski. Within the Touring category it is an ‘all-rounder’; at 91mm underfoot it is light and manoeuvrable both up and downhill and the surface area gives enough float in soft snow. At 179cm long it is a good compromise of manoeuvrability and speed. With a turn radius of 18m it is turns quicker than your average stiffer ski.
The main differences (other than the colour) between the Militairi and standard Orb Freebird is the full titanial plate and thicker edges. The full-length plate makes the ski 5% stiffer which gives it more strength and helps military users who are carrying more weight on their backs; it should prevent bindings being ripped out of the ski. It also helps the ski punch through in changeable snow conditions. The thicker edges make the ski tougher preventing less edges being popped and gives the ski more edge tuning and longevity.
When skied the Militairi ski has slightly more grunt than the civilian Orb Freebird, it needs to be pushed to get the most out of it; passenger skiers should treat with care.
The stiffer titanial plate on the Militairi gives it more torsional rigidity which allows it to perform well when carved on piste and gives it more pop in fresh snow. The stiffer tails should be respected, back seated skiers may find that the ski propels them forward, which can be a positive for advanced skiers but not so much for nervous beginners. The stiffer plate does make the ski more responsive on short terms and there is no chatter at high speeds like on the standard Orb Freebird.
In summary, a ski that will please a lot of people as it punches well above its weight category in terms of downhill performance and yet is light and nimble on the uphill.
Reviewed by Ben Shephard – BASI ski instructor and ex Army Alpine Ski Racer.
