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Marine Corps to Deliver Reinforced Pack Frames as Early as 2018

August 3rd, 2017

MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Virginia —
Grunts know a good ruck frame has got to last. That’s why a project team at Marine Corps Systems Command has developed a more durable pack frame; one that will better support the U.S. Marine Corps Pack that has been fielded to the operating forces since 2011.

The operational force will soon begin receiving a stronger, more durable pack frame designed to endure extreme temperatures, as well as wear and tear. The reinforced U.S. Marine Corps Pack Frame provides the same form, fit and function as the current frame, with stronger materials for both horizontal and vertical load-bearing support. These improvements were made in response to feedback from Marines who reported pack frame failures in extreme cold weather environment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Bryan Nygaard)

The reinforced U.S. Marine Corps Pack Frame provides the same form, fit and function as the legacy frame, but with stronger materials for both horizontal and vertical load-bearing support.

“At Marine Corps Systems Command we continually monitor progress and work to identify new ways to increase performance and durability of the pack system,” said Capt. Jolanta Krempin, a project officer for Infantry Combat Equipment. “The Marine is at the center of everything we do and their feedback is always considered with acute interest regarding acquisition programs and capabilities.”

The acquisition command first learned of pack frames issues back in 2013, when Marines from School of Infantry-West noted a small number of frames were breaking. The program office proactively began rigorous laboratory testing on a reinforced pack frame, and then tested it with Recon units to assess its durability during airborne operations. Results were positive, said a program official.

Additional legacy pack frame breakages were reported during the winter of 2015 and 2016, as Marines participated in cold weather training at the Mountain Warfare Training Center in California, and coalition exercises in Norway. According to feedback from Marines, there were issues with legacy pack frames becoming brittle and snapping.

To assess the reinforced frame’s durability in arctic environments, MCSC flew in a half a dozen program officials last winter, who handed out dozens of reinforced frame prototypes to members of a unit deployed to Norway.

“We took the feedback we got and used it to inform how we could best reinforce the pack frame, while avoiding substantial weight increase or changes in fit and form,” said Mackie Jordan, ICE engineer.

Currently, MCSC is conducting additional environmental and field testing for a more comprehensive evaluation of the reinforced frame’s performance in extreme-cold temperatures. Testing will also investigate other causes of the legacy frame’s failures to mitigate potential issues with the reinforced frame.

“The reinforced frame is being tested in both constant cold temperature environments, as well as changing temperature environments,” said Jordan. “Future testing may include hot-to-cold/cold-to-hot testing to simulate rapid temperature changes during jump operations.”

During testing, frames will be subjected to an extreme cold temperature of 0° +/- 2° Fahrenheit for a period of one week. For each test, the frame will, at a minimum, be assessed for cracking, fatigue, or stress marks and cracking noises during flexibility testing.

Fielding of the reinforced frames is planned to begin in fiscal year 2018. Over time, as legacy frames meet a to-be-determined “expiration date,” they will be replaced with the reinforced frames, eliminating issues related to aging.

By Emily Greene, MCSC Office of Public Affairs and Communication | Marine Corps Systems Command

Posted in MARCORSYSCOM, Packs, Press Release | 14 Comments »

Here’s Your Chance To Be A Part Of The TD x RE Factor Cover Shirt Beta Test

August 3rd, 2017

The Jedburg Cover shirt is the first shirt design for those who carry, by those who carry. Tactical Distributors and RE Factor Tactical are setting out to make the perfect cover shirt with the design help of customers and professionals. This initial, limited run is being offered at a deep discount, getting the shirt into your hands so you can provide them with much-needed feedback on how to make it the perfect fit.

The Jedburg's appearance is designed to allow you to blend into everyday life. It offers an athletic cut that allows for enough room for your pistol but still gives a nice appearance for everyday wear. The pearl button snaps give you quick access to your pistol and the reinforced inner walls of the shirt help you clear the pistol for your draw. In addition, they placed pockets at the bottom of the shirt that said in swinging the shirt when conducting a draw. Finally, the stretch fabric allows you to easily present your pistol as well of plenty of mobility.

When you purchase this shirt you will be given a link to provide feedback on the shirt. In addition to purchasing this shirt, you will also receive a discount code for the final design when it becomes available.

-Designed by shooters for shooters
-Athletic Fit w/Air-wicking material
-Easy access pearl snaps
-Passport sized breast pocket 3 total interior pockets for concealing
-Lower pockets aid in pistol draw
-Inner reinforced areas reduce pistol "printing" and offer easy draw access
-Stretch material offer the ability to present the pistol with or without concealed body armor
-Fabric- 60% Cotton 35% Nylon 5% Elastan

Available in Blue Shadow or Bark Urban Grey, sizes Small – 3XLarge.

Get yours from Tactical Distributors or RE Factor Tactical.

Tags: RE Factor Tactical, Tactical Distributors
Posted in Advertiser, Clothing | 5 Comments »

Gunfighter History Pt 5 CSR – Concealable Sniper Rifle

August 3rd, 2017

The M24 Remington Bolt Action Rifle has been the standard in accuracy and reliability for the US Army since 1998. Consistently delivering sub MOA performance on demand, the M24 is 43″ overall length is very much, a traditional sniper rifle.

Today, more than half the world’s population lives in urban spaces. Drawn by economic opportunities, social connectivity, infrastructure and better standards of living, the useable landmass of these metro areas can only support so many people giving rise to a sprawl of smaller cities, suburbs and slums, often built directly adjacent to the primary area. Built specifically around zero fail missions in these settings, we needed a sniper rifle that was maneuverable and could be end user carries with a reduced signature.

At first, we explored gas guns. While making excellent battle rifles, a gas gun, no matter the tolerances, cannot predictably deliver the pronounced accuracy of a bolt gun.

From the ground up, the receiver on AR10 pattern rifles simply does not have the mass to retain a heavy contour precision barrel in a predictable position after it settles from a shot. Also, while tight chambers improved accuracy on manually fed bolt guns, in practice, they caused reliability issues when magazine fed by a gas or piston weapon system because, even 95% performance is not 100% of the time.

Built for the M118LR round, we started with the Surgeon 591 SA(Short Action) and a 16″ 308 barrel. This “short” barrel would make the weapon system easier to maneuver and could be removed to further reduce the end user’s profile. The barrel could then replaced with zero effect to the 1/2 inch groups the CSR consistently delivered, thanks to the tolerances Surgeon used/uses in manufacturing their barrels.

Housing the Surgeon action and barrel, is a Remington Accessory Chassis System (RACS). Not only the lighter than other rifle chassis, it is one of the fastest to break down and set up, with only 3 bolts needed to remove the handguard. The free float handguard is modular, allowing user configuration to keep the weapon as light as possible and features wire channels and plugs to route and manage cables.

The RACS also features a skeletonized folding stock with adjustment in the recoil pad and cheek height to support a range of scopes with bells and objective lenses of varying size. Stock folded, it can be fit into a normal sized bag, something seen in every day life, and still be immediately accessible to the end user if the situation dictated. That put a 800 meter gun in a day pack. A capability unlike any other at that point in time.

Fully loaded, the CSR is about the size of a M4. It can be maneuvered quickly through doors, windows, alleys, ladders, and hallways without encumbering the end user. It can live alongside of a carbine in a vehicle, meaning it can go everywhere and be deployed at the same speed as a carbine.

Today, the CSR is employed by law enforcement and security professionals in the exact settings and mission it was designed for. It is second to none.

Assorted contributors to include
Tyler Payne
Shawn Wiseman

www.bravocompanyusa.com

Tags: BCM, Bravo Company
Posted in Advertiser, weapons | 8 Comments »

You Never Know Where They’ll Show Up

August 3rd, 2017

Tags: Nightforce Optics
Posted in KCRF | 1 Comment »

Pinkerton Launches Executive Protection Training Program

August 2nd, 2017

Certification program will give attendees the knowledge and skills to conduct executive protection details

ANN ARBOR, Mich., July 31, 2017 – Pinkerton, a global provider of corporate risk management services and solutions, is offering individuals interested in pursuing a career in executive protection with the unique opportunity to gain knowledge of how to successfully plan, implement and execute executive protection details during its Executive Protection Training Program this fall.

This program is perfect for individuals with current or former experience in law enforcement, armed services and/or security who are looking for a new challenge, new career opportunities, or to build on their existing skillset. The training program will take place at the Homeland Security Training Institute at the College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, from November 1 – 5. This first-class facility offers features not available anywhere else in the world, including a 50-yard indoor range to conduct tactical exercises, a street scene complete with storefronts and obstacles to practice formations, and simulated restaurants, emergency rooms and even a hotel on campus utilized to provide realistic training.

“Pinkerton’s Executive Protection Training Program will provide an immersive experience that will challenge participants, test their skills and hone their abilities to think critically in fast-paced, constantly changing environments,” said Jack Zahran, president of Pinkerton. “In a world where threats can take a number of different shapes, it’s increasingly important that we have people with street smarts who are dependable, driven and can think on their feet to provide protection to Fortune 500 executive, celebrities and high net-worth individuals in an executive protection capacity.”

Attendees of the five-day program will receive more than 50 hours of classroom instruction and practical hands-on experience, with courses of study, including:

· Human Rights/Use of Force

· Walking Formation/Attack on Protectee Responses

· Emergency Casualty Care Fundamentals

· Protectee Recovery Extraction

· Motorcade Operations/Attack on Protectee Responses

Space is limited, so early registration is highly encouraged. For more information about the program or to sign up, visit training.pinkerton.com.

Tags: Pinkerton
Posted in Press Release, Training | 6 Comments »

Polymule – A New Take On The Handcart, Now On Kickstarter

August 2nd, 2017

Prepare for the coming apocalypse, or any other adventure life throws your way with the Polymule. This handcart will support up to 350 lbs and 15 cu ft of cargo. It can also be broken down, with all components in the body, for storage or transportation. Toolless assembly can be accomplished in less than five minutes.

The side rails are not only for pulling or pushing the Polymule, but also serve as a kickstand.

Additionally, there is an optional cover.

www.kickstarter.com

Tags: Kickstarter
Posted in Mobility | 16 Comments »

Brownells Adventurers “Yeti & Yolo” To Compete in 36 Hours of Uwharrie

August 2nd, 2017

GRINNELL, Iowa (August 1, 2017) – Precision off-road driving, vehicle recovery, physical challenges, marksmanship, canoeing, overlanding; 48 missions in total. 36 Hours. No rest. That’s what competitors in the 36 Hours of Uwharrie will face on a course designed to test man, woman and machine deep in the Uwharrie National Forest on August 10-12, 2017.

Brownells will sponsor a 36 Hour of Uhwarrie Pro-Class Team made up of full-time adventurers Holly “Yolo” Freeman and Jonathan “Yeti” Norvell. The duo will compete out of their highly-customized Yeti-Built Jeep, a vehicle Jonathan built from the ground up. The rock-crawler Norvell and Freeman refer to as “The Yeti” began life as a 1997 TJ Jeep. Today, the gas gauge and grill are two of the six remaining original Jeep parts.

Not only do Norvell and Freeman compete in “The Yeti,” but the window-less, open-air quasi-Jeep is their full-time home.

“We both yearn to experience everything life has to offer,” said Freeman. “About one year ago, we sold everything but my Jeep and ‘The Yeti’. Literally everything – including our homes. Our life is on the road, camping in national forests where people haven’t likely been in years.”

“We’re used to the rugged lifestyle,” added Norvell. “Camping, hiking, shooting, and putting the Jeep in crazy situations is what we do frequently. We’re hoping that’ll give us a slight edge in the 36 Hours of Uhwarrie.”

Brownells’ relationship with Freeman and Norvell dates back nearly two years. In addition to being full-time adventurers, the pair has acted as brand ambassadors for Brownells, testing products, making appearances and advocating on behalf of the brand.

“Yeti and Yolo embody Brownells’ corporate vision,” said Brownells CEO Pete Brownell. “Brownells hopes to inspire the spirt of freedom and independence. While we understand that not everyone will take it to the extremes that Yeti and Yolo do, their lifestyle is symbolic. They inspire others to live life everyday – don’t take the gift of time for granted. They’re bold and fearless wherever they go.”

Brownells, in cooperation with Freeman and Norvell, have produced a video that highlights their lives and the motivation behind it.

Stay up to date on their “36 Hours of Uhwarrie” adventure and their unscripted life on and off the road by following Norvell (@thejeepcalledyeti) and Freeman (@thewildyolo) on Instagram.

Brownells.com

Tags: Brownells
Posted in Industry, Press Release | 5 Comments »

Operational Use Of Russian K2 Exoskeleton

August 2nd, 2017

Over the past few weeks we've shown you the Mawashi UPRISE Tactical Exoskeleton as well as a model under development by the US Army, called the Warrior Web physical augmentation suit. Both are unpowered with the commercially developed Mawashi product much closer to operationalization. We suggested during our coverage of the Army program that our troops may well face foes equipped with unpowered Exoskeletons long before the Army version was ready for use. As we now have evidence of Russian Sappers using the K-2 unpowered Exoskeleton during mine clearing operations in Syria, the probably Of that prediction just went up.

Weight 2 kg, the K-2 will support up to 50 kg, and like the UPRISE, the load is transferred down the spine, into the lower extremities and to the ground through a plate in the footwear.

Here are some demonstration videos.

Posted in Disruptive Tech, International | 9 Comments »