First Tactical Operator Short
April 1st, 2019Mission Spec Changes The Armor Game
April 1st, 2019Mission Spec has just released the first look at their new LOMOP™ (Large Or Multiple Operator Platecarrier). At first it appears to be just another large plate carrier but when you see it to scale against a ‘normal’ carrier you will come to one of two conclusions. Either Mission Spec is gearing up for a genetically engineered super soldier program or someone has been thinking outside of the box.
When asked, the project leader cleared things up. “Other companies are producing stand-alone armor solutions to protect multiple team members at once. We are attacking the problem from another angle. From scale, really. Why invent a new solution when you can simply scale up what you already have?”
While it looks as if it was designed for one huge shooter, “Which is always an option if the world ever gets it’s genetic engineering priorities right.” Added the same project leader, the LOMOP is designed to house two operators at once. One shooter supports a single oversized shoulder strap with another shooter doing the same on the opposite side. At anytime the LOMOP can be rested on the floor and utilized as a fighting position.
Dignitary protection will also find the LOMOP useful. Imagine a scenario where a VIP has just been recovered from hostile force. The LOMOP can completely envelope the principle while an operator on either side (still under cover) can fight and move to egress.
Currently there is no level 4 armor insert available to fit the LOMOP but Mission Spec is working on that problem now. “We have contacted many armor producers, but they all seem to think it is a joke and hang up laughing before we can explain the benefits. Some people in this industry have no ability to look forward to the future.” The project leader remarked.
Look for the LOMOP to start deploying to teams in Q3 of 2019. This will be an ITAR item.
CROPS ‘COS’ Tripod system
April 1st, 2019
The ‘COS’ Tripod system is a low volume, ultra lightweight sniper and close observer platform.
What I really like is how compact it becomes when stowed for transport, thanks to the roll up carbon fiber legs.
Strategie & Technik – German Navy Awards Boarding Specialist Qualification Badge
March 31st, 2019
According to our friends at the German language blog, “Strategie & Technik” the Seebataillon der Deutschen Marine has awarded the Boarding Specialist (Bordeinsatzsoldat) Qualification Badge for the first time since its creation in 2015. It is meant to designate fully qualified boarding team leaders.
Read the full details here.
Petzl Tactical Helmets
March 31st, 2019
Petzl’s Vertex line of climbing helmets is available in Grey and Black. The Vertex Best has no venting, while the Vertex Vent, like its name, has vents. Both features a six-point textile suspension and CenterFit adjustment system to keep the helmet centered on the head. Additionally, the Vertex helmets will accept the Petzl ULTRA VARIO headlamp in front and back slots.
The Vertex Best is certified CE*, ANSI Z89.1-2009 type I classe E, while the Vertex Vent is certified CE EN 12492 *, ANSI Z89.1-2009 type I classe C, EAC.
petzl.com/US/en/Tactical/Helmets
SCUBAPRO Sunday Chaffing
March 31st, 2019Chafing is normally not a common issue when it comes to diving but throw in a long boat ride or running around on the beach after you have swam to shore and have to do a recon and you have not or don’t plan to change out of your wetsuits. Add in some sand from swimming thru the surf and this is when chafing can occur. Generally, you will not notice it until you are a couple hours in. Chafing causes an uncomfortable, sensitive patch of skin or a rash in areas where sand has gotten into your wetsuit or where seams/ edges are in continuous contact with the skin. 
To help prevent this you should try and get thru the surf as fast as posable. I know that is easier said than done, but the longer you are in the surf the better change you have of sand getting where you don’t want it. A dive skin or rash guard will help but it is not the end all answer you can do all this and still get chaffing. I have heard of people wearing pantyhose (you can also use them on your gun to help keep sand out) for this. Make sure your wetsuit, has good seams on the inside of the suit and the edges of the neck, arms, and legs. Many wetsuit manufacturers employ methods such as taping or blind-stitching that prevent the rough edges from coming into contact with your skin. I know most anyone that has had to run after being wet and sandy know how to stop chaffing. You can also use some of the anti-chaffing stuff that is out there for runners and surfers. Both can used together to help fight this.
It is important to take off your wetsuit as soon as possible after you get out of the water. Also don not pee in your suit. Be sure to always rinse your wetsuit in freshwater right after the dive as this will help get the salt out of it and the help avoid bacteria buildup that can lead to skin irritations down the road. If you are diving or swimming in water that is really bad (like say a cove in the Hampton roads area) you will want to soak your wetsuit in a betadine solution to help kill whatever might grow in there.
If you are already suffering from chafing there are a number of topical solutions that can help reduce the discomfort, like anti-Monkey butt( for the long zodiac rides), Butt-paste, and body glide to name a few. Be careful not to leave some of the paste on it you have to go back thru the surf as it will just help sand stick to it or even products designed for infant diaper rash.
Presented by SSD Sponsor SCUBAPRO.
Federal Resources Adds CounterDrug Training Course to Training Capabilities Profile
March 31st, 2019
Stevensville, MD (March 20, 2019) – Federal Resources, a leading government solutions provider, announced today that they have expanded their training portfolio with the creation of a new initiative specifically designed to address the growing drug crisis in the United States. The Federal Resources CounterDrug Training Team leverages Federal Resources’ arsenal of the latest, innovative equipment and training solutions to support federal, state and local law enforcement efforts against the war on illegal drugs.
Established in 2019, the CounterDrug training program’s mission is to educate law enforcement teams about the evolving threat climate by utilizing a multi-layered approach; instructors will demonstrate the most innovative technologies, best practice policies and procedures to equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to respond effectively to a drug related incident, then test new skills in hands-on, actual agent detection skill stations. Federal Resources has combined the best in-class instructors, with our manufacturer partners fielding the most modern equipment available, to deliver a scientifically validated curriculum that is reinforced with realistic hands-on training.
“We want our students to be not only competent, but also confident. Federal Resources’ focus is on expanding our support of federal, state, and local teams through this new training program. Topics covered in this course enable the personnel on the front lines and in government agencies to not only receive critical information regarding the use, spread, and effects of drugs, but also give them a hands-on experience so that they’ll be fully prepared for whatever drug related call comes in next. This course gives officers a huge boost of confidence in their equipment and procedures; they learn to safely field test these substances in the classroom and then take what they’ve learned to safely mitigate hazardous situations and save lives” said Gary Sharp, Director of Training at Federal Resources.
Federal Resources Training division offers 10 other courses, each with a unique focus and objective, that are relevant to the most pressing concerns that responders face today. With courses that extend from radiological response training to HazMat/WMD exposure and synthetic opioids, each course teaches students how to respond to a number of threat scenarios safely and efficiently.
For more information on Federal Resources Training course offerings, please visit us at www.federalresources.com/training-expertise.
EXOTAC ripSPOOL
March 31st, 2019
The EXOTAC ripSPOOL is a lightweight field repair kit that can also be used for multiple survival and bushcraft tasks, such as first aid, fire starting, fishing and navigation.
It incorporates 60ft of 30lb Test Braided Line, 50in of Heavy Duty Repair Tape, #16 Sail Needle and is Attached via 550 Firecord Lanyard.
