Just in time for the Australian Land Forces Conference, Platatac has released their lookbook.
Download it here
Platatac Lookbook
September 5th, 2018Air Force Battlefield Airmen To Be Renamed Special Warfare
September 5th, 2018While there are lots of changes coming to the US Air Force’s ground forces, known for the past 15 years as “Battlefield Airmen”, the most recognizable, is a name change. They will soon be referred to as “Special Warfare”.
Yes, it’s going to be confusing in the joint arena. However, don’t forget that the Army has run the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School (SWCS) since 1956, so confusion may have ensued on occasion even before referring to two operational SOF elements (Navy and Air Force) by the same moniker.
The Air Staff has yet to issue definitive guidance on the renaming, but the training pipeline has already begun to refer to components of the program as Special Warfare rather than BA.
There are still questions about which career fields will be included in the new community. Currently, it includes Combat Controllers, Pararescue, Special Operations Weather and Tactical Air Control Party. However, due to additional physical fitness and medical standards, SERE and EOD candidates are recruited and groomed before enlistment along with the SW candidates (more on this below).
Also, there’s discussion Special Tactics Officers may become Specal Warfare Officers (once again, adding to confusion over Staff Weather Officers and Surface Warfare Officers, so context is everything). This also makes one wonder if the term “Special Tactics” will go away altogether, as major moves are afoot to reamalgamate CROs (who will become STOs/SWOs) and PJs into Air Force Special Operations Command, creating new Special Tactics Squadrons.
Another big change, and major improvement, which began a little over a year ago, is how Special Warfare recruits are prepared for their enlistments. While in the Delayed Entry Program, Recruits must participate in Special Warfare Development conducted by contractor T3I Services. Developers are retired Special Warfare Airmen who bring “been-there, done-that” experience to their charges, encouraging them through mentorship, instruction, challenging workout schedules and administration of the Physical Ability and Stamina Test.
In addition to the creation of a Prepatory Course between Basic Military Training School and their current selection courses, there is also discussion that how SW candidates are selected will change to a system more in common with the US Army’s 18X SF candidate program. Under this concept, SW candidates would be assessed and then assigned one of four Air Force Specialty Code training pipelines (CCT, PJ, SOWT and TACP) rather than choosing a careerfield on their own.
While there are numerous other moves underway, these are the most pressing. Already, the ST community is far and away larger and different than it was pre-GWOT. It’s grown up. But within five years, it will be something altogether different.
Wild Things Offers Gear For EOY Expenditures
September 5th, 2018Wild Things offers multiple niche products for your consideration as you prioritize your end of fiscal spending plan.
Middletown, RI: Team Wild Things is standing by and at the ready, to take care of all of your last minute buying needs. The last day for 2018 TLS requirements to be sent to DLA is looming and ends on Friday, September 7th. Contact our sales team to get all of you last minute cold weather needs. We have on the shelf inventory of wind layers, hard shells, base layers, extreme cold weather gear, FR and much more….in both Multicam® and Coyote. In stock and ready to ship!
High Angle Solutions – Brigantes Presents – UK issue Bergan compared to Snigel Designs Rucksack
September 5th, 2018
All light role troops understand the pain and discomfort associated with carrying your own body weight on your back. It is something that you just have to get used to. However, with recent high injury rates from nerve damage due to carrying heavy loads we wanted to look at what we choose to carry on our backs.
The UK issue Personal Load Carrying Equipment (PLCE) Bergan has been around for decades in various forms. Originally derived from the Berghaus Cyclops Roc it has moved further and further away from its high-quality ancestor. The current version follows the same design format and uses 1000 denier MTP fabric. The back system is simple, in the extreme, and has more in common with what you would find on a daysack not something that you would use to carry 100+lbs. It is functional from the point of view of its pockets and layout and has become integrated into the way that the UK troops operate in the field.
The Snigel 90Ltr shows many similarities with its pocket structure and style. Other than that they could not be further apart. Now used by a number of specialist units the pack has a full modern back system that you would expect to see on the best civilian rucksacks. The foam used in the shoulder straps is of the highest possible standard and addresses the nerve damage issue associated with the issue Bergan. This is also helped by a very substantial waist belt. The rucksack uses a 500 denier Multicam fabric which is lighter and more flexible than the 1000 denier but does not compromise on robustness.
If you are required to carry all your kit on your back, then it is absolutely paramount that the piece of equipment you use to hold it is comfortable and reliable. The issue Bergan falls well short of what can now be achieved. Time for a change we feel. What do you think?
For more information get in touch by email on international@brigantes.com or for UK customers warrior@brigantes.com.
ACUs In Issue Scorpion W2 OCP Now Available For Pre-Order From TacticalGear
September 5th, 2018
The US Army recently licensed the commercial printing and sale of the Scorpion W2 Operational Camouflage Pattern.
The US Army has been wearing the pattern for several years, but it hasn’t been available from commercial sources. The US Air Force is poised to make the transition to the Army Combat Uniform in OCP as well.
Pre-order yours at tacticalgear.com/ocp-uniform.
SIG SAUER Academy to Host Instructional Handgun and Rifle Courses in Texas at Reveille Peak Ranch in October
September 4th, 2018Newington, N.H. (September 4, 2018) – SIG SAUER Academy, the leading provider of the highest quality firearms instruction and tactical training in the world, is pleased to announce a series of foundational handgun and rifle course offerings at Reveille Peak Ranch in Burnet, Texas for October 2018.
The Reveille Peak Ranch courses will be taught by the elite SIG SAUER Academy Instructors that have years of experience in firearms instruction, training, and defensive tactics gained from military, law enforcement, and government agencies.
The Handgun series will run from October 10th – 14th:
• Handgun 101: A foundational, entry-level course focusing on gun safety for gun owners seeking familiarity and comfort with handguns.
• Handgun 102: Learn to shoot in Step 2 of the SIG SAUER Academy foundational handgun series.
• Handgun 103: An intensive course that will build upon and refine the skillsets established in Handgun 101 and 102.
• Handgun 104: A fast-paced course with one common objective: surviving a deadly force encounter armed with a handgun.
The Rifle series will run from October 25th – 28th:
• Rifle 101: An entry-level course geared toward the popular modern semi-automatic rifle or carbine.
• Rifle 102: A rifle tune-up course designed to review and/or gain the basics of foundational semi-automatic rifle training prior to advanced rifle training.
• Defensive Rifle: Learn to use a semi-automatic rifle or carbine for self-defense from near or far.
To register or learn more about the SIG SAUER Academy course series visit sigsaueracademy.com.
10% of Proceeds from Gerbergear.com Donated to Team Rubicon during #NationalPrepardnessMonth
September 4th, 2018PORTLAND, OREGON (September 1st, 2018) – GERBER, a leading direct supplier of mission-essential knives, tools, and equipment to the US Military, is proud to support Team Rubicon by donating 10% of all proceeds made during the month of September through www.gerbergear.com in acknowledgment of National Preparedness Month.
Team Rubicon is a non-profit organization whose primary mission is to provide disaster relief in underserved communities. This is done by uniting the skills and experiences of military veterans with first responders to rapidly deploy emergency response teams domestically and internationally.
At the root of Gerber’s on-going partnership with Team Rubicon is a mutual dedication to the veteran community, a hunger to solve problems, and an Unstoppable spirit. Gerber equips deploying teams with knives, multi-tools, and gear that are immediately put to work in Mother Nature’s wake, working tirelessly to rebuild a sense of home and hope.
As Team Rubicon puts it: “Disasters are our business. Veterans are our passion.”
[Team Rubicon Rebuild Site – Houston, Texas]
Gerber’s partnership with Team Rubicon extends several years, offering support through product donations for member kits, event attendance, and new this month: a portion of website sales. Gerber products deploy alongside the Greyshirts to serve worldwide in disaster zones – see which products have earned their place in the toolbelt.
“We believe the unwavering strength and determination of our service members continues well beyond their time in active duty.” said Andrew Gritzbaugh, General Manager of Gerber. “Team Rubicon confirms this belief and leverages the American veteran’s unique skill set in remarkable ways. We are honored to stand behind Team Rubicon and provide support to their members and mission whenever we can.”
To learn more about who Team Rubicon is and how you can help, visit www.TeamRubicon.com.
KDH Defense Systems Awarded Nearly $85.0 Million in Contract Extensions from the U.S. Army to Deliver the Next-Generation Modular Scalable Vest and Blast Pelvic Protection
September 4th, 2018Eden, NC, September 4, 2018 – KDH Defense Systems, Inc. (“KDH”), a leading manufacturer of American-made, high-performance protective solutions, today announced it has received close to $85.0 million in contract extensions on previously awarded contracts from the U.S. Army. Production will be done at the Company’s Eden, North Carolina manufacturing facility.
The first award is a $61.0 million shared Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (“ID/IQ”) contract extension from the Army Contracting Command for the Modular Scalable Vest (MSV) Generation II. Under the terms of the contract (W91CRB-15-D-0021, modification P00019), KDH will produce the MSV Gen II, with an estimated completion date of August 20, 2019. KDH, along with two other companies, was initially awarded a $49.0 million shared firm-fixed-price contract for the Soldier Protection System, Modular Scalable Vest in July 2015.
The second award is a shared ID/IQ contract extension from the Army Contracting Command for Soldier Protection System Torso and Extremity Protection Blast Pelvic Protectors (“BPP”) under contract W91CRB-15-D-0032. The modification issued by the U.S. Army increases the contract ceiling by $23.8 million and extends the ordering period by two years through September 2020. As a result, the Government may place additional delivery orders for a grand total of up to $37.3 million under the terms of this extended contract. KDH was one of three companies to win the initial award in September 2015.
“KDH prides itself on producing and consistently delivering some of the most advanced body armor systems for the U.S. Armed Forces, and protecting the brave men and women serving in the world’s finest military,” stated Dave Herbener, President of KDH. “We are honored by the Government’s trust in us and stand ready to exceed their force protection requirements. Further, we want to thank all of the industry partners that have supported us and look forward to working more closely together to drive innovation and value for all of our customers.”
KDH Defense and Armor Express officially merged in January 2018, creating one of the largest manufacturers and distributors of body armor and protective solutions in the industry. With these latest contract extensions and other awards received post-merger, the Company has grown, and equally important, has leveraged research & development, supply chain relationships and industry know-how to advance its production capabilities and vast product offerings.
“Since the merger, we have focused on leveraging resources, decades of industry knowledge and relationships between our companies,” stated Jim Henderson, Chief Executive Officer of the holding company that owns both KDH Defense Systems and Armor Express. “These synergies have certainly strengthened our competitive position and provide us with significantly more opportunities to enhance our foundation and grow with our partners. That is key to our future – driving long-term collaboration with the supply chain, technology leaders, distributors, and the end-customers who rely on our solutions. Central to our vision and to be the best, we must continuously advance innovation and ensure we exceed customer requirements through unmatched delivery and service.”
