This is a sneak peek at Triple Aught Design’s upcoming Spectre Carry System configured for Fly Fishing.
Look for it in two weeks.
Ronin Tactics X OXCART – V2X Denim Jeans
June 7th, 2017OXCART, the company behind those awesome low-visibility jeans, has teamed up with Tu Lam of Ronin Tactics to produce the V2X Denim Jeans. This particular variant of the V2 Jeans features a slimmed down leg opening, along with Woodland camo on the inside waistband, in leu of the standard MultiCam. The V2X jeans are currently available on OXCART’s site.
Marine Corps Systems Command Aligns Portfolios to MAGTF
June 7th, 2017MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Virginia— Marine Corps Systems Command is realigning its organizational structure to rapidly equip the Marine Air Ground Task Force with the tools needed to adapt and overcome in any clime and place.
Marine Corps Commandant Gen. Robert B. Neller’s 2016 Fragmentary Order #1, “Advance to Contact,” ordered a comprehensive review of the Corps’ force structure and organization no later than the end of fiscal year 2017. Giving Combat Development and Integration the
office of primary responsibility with Manpower and Reserve Affairs in support, he said, “We will be willing to accept risk in the size and organization of our units in order to create the capabilities we need for the future.”
To that end, MCSC concurrently conducted its own force structure review, according to MCSC Commander Brig. Gen. Joseph Shrader. The last force structure review was conducted in 2001.
“We looked at MCSC’s nine program offices, supporting staff elements, and subordinate command Marine Corps Tactical Systems Support Activity to determine if the command was optimally aligned around the nature of the products it provides to the MAGTF,” Shrader said.
U.S. Marines patrol during a live-fire raid training event, part of Mission Rehearsal Exercise, in southern Jordan Sept. 12, 2016. The MRX is a collective training event where the Marine Air Ground Task Force elements collaborate to refine individual and cooperative capabilities. Marine Corps Systems Command, the acquisition command of the Marine Corps, is realigning its organizational structure to more rapidly equip the MAGTF with information technology and ground weapon systems and equipment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Trever Statz/Released)
“Equipping the MAGTF is what makes Marine Corps acquisition unique,” he said. “It’s what makes us relevant.”
Everything MCSC does supports the MAGTF: command and control; force protection; maneuver; fires; logistics and intelligence. The command’s mission is to develop capability, provide equipment and integrate them throughout and beyond the MAGTF.
On June 1, MCSC reached initial operational capability—a
sea change in the command’s organization that is intended
to enhance MAGTF alignment across product lines. This change means the command will shift away from its former structure of nine program offices, with 32 product managers and 87 teams. The new MAGTF-aligned structure will feature four portfolios that are aligned across the MAGTF elements—with the exception of the Air Combat Element. This new structure will have 14 program managers, including two direct-report program managers.
The command is now realigned under the following portfolio managers: PfM Command Element Systems, PfM Ground Combat Element Systems, PfM Logistics Combat Element Systems and PfM Support Establishment Systems. Twelve of the 14 program managers are aligned under the portfolio managers, and the program managers for Training Systems and Light Armored Vehicles will continue to report directly to the MCSC commander.
Complete integration of the new structure is planned for Oct. 1. It will include refining and defining command relationships; aligning operations and customer interfaces with existing processes for prioritizing, resourcing and assessing work; and documenting and comprehensively supporting the organizational design.
“The future of Marine Corps ground weapons and information technology systems will continue to involve identifying and defeating complex and increasingly sophisticated threats,” said Shrader. “MCSC is prepping the battlefield with an eye on the future. Through our realignment, I am confident we will be better positioned to field the most advanced, affordable and relevant technologies; and increase the speed at which we deliver those capabilities to the MAGTF.”
Don’t Forget, ADS Federal Range Day Is This Friday
June 7th, 2017
When:
9 June, 2017 from 9am – 2pm
Where:
Crucible Training Facility
60 Jack Ellington Road
Fredericksburg, VA 22406
What:
105 vendors, 45 the range building, others spread out throughout grounds, offering an interactive environment
StarChase Car Chase – taking place throughout the day
Unmanned Aircraft Systems enclosed in a 20×20 area of netting – drone and counterdrone measures
TYR Tactical mobile showroom
Four ranges to try out the latest hardware
*Bring eyewear. Ear plugs are provided
Special Events:
Trijicon RMR Training Course “Miniature Reflex Sights on Service Handguns”
– 09:30 – 11:30 at Range 1
Participants will learn:
-Presentation on concept, evolution and considerations when selecting a miniature reflex sight
-Zeroing sights
-Presentation drills (15 yards)
-Known distance drills (25, 50, 75, and 100 yards)
-Shooting from dynamic positions (rollover prone, supine, fetal)
-Shooting while moving forward (forward, back, and lateral)
Dress: Long trousers with belt, hat with a bill, appropriate shoes.
Eye/ear pro, weapons/ammo, holster and magazines all provided!
Shooting Contest – 11:30 – 12:30
Located at Trijicon Range 1
Pistol Plate Competition
The win goes to whomever can knock the plates down the fastest.
Lunch:
11:00
Raffle:
12:30
A New 7.62 Round?
June 7th, 2017Last month, Chief of Staff of the Army, GRN Mark Milley gave testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee regarding an unspecified, new 7.62 round which can defeat threat body armor. The Program Manager, Maneuver Ammunition Systems recently gave a presentation on the capabilities of the Army’s current small arms ammunition at Ft Bragg. This target coupon was shown as an example of 5.56mm and 7.62mm rounds being shot at 3/8″ mild steel from a distance of 300m.
Long story short, the ammunition is better than ever. The 5.56mm ammunition is optimized to offer the desired effect on target. Its 7.62mm equivalent, M80A1, went through that steel like a hot knife through butter.
Even the 5.56mm M855A1 makes quick work of threats, as long as it hits the target. The Army has excellent ammunition; now it needs to work on improving its combat marksmanship.
Photos via 82nd Airborne Division Master Gunner page on Facebook.
Sorry Marines, You Are NOT Getting Suppressors
June 7th, 2017In May, we posted an article about developments surrounding the US Marine Corps’ M27 IAR and offered an update on their ongoing suppressor experimentation. The information in the article came from a briefing at the NDIA Armaments Symposium by Mr Chris Woodburn, Deputy, Maneuver Branch of the Marine Corps Capabilities Development Directorate who said that while squad experimentation was ongoing, the Marine Corps’ current priority was for Machine Gun Suppressors and not rifles.
Not long after, the Marine Corps posted a video starring Gunner Christian Wade, the 2nd Marine Division’s Gunner, called “Gunner’s Fact or Fiction”, about how suppressors work and busting a myth or two in the process. It is very well done, but Gunner Wade, who has a commanding presence, said something right at the close of the video, causing it to go viral. Gunner Wade said, “And you’re gonna get one pretty soon,” referring to suppressors. Understandably, Marines and suppressor fans everywhere went nuts.
As great as Gunner Wade’s assertion sounds, this went completely against what had been put out just weeks before at the NDIA event. Consequently, we reached out to MARCORSYSCOM for clarification. In conjunction with MCCDD, they provided us with this statment.
“The information Mr. Woodburn provided at the NDIA Armaments Symposium in Fredericksburg, VA, is correct.”
If Mr Woodburn was correct, that means that Gunner Wade misspoke. We don’t think he did it intentionally, but it did result in a whole lot of misinformation.
They went on to clarify:
“Suppressors are an existing capability within the Marine Corps, currently used by Scout Snipers and Reconnaissance Marines; we are experimenting with suppressors for the infantry squads. Gunner Wade’s work in 2nd Marine Division is part of that experimentation. We do not have an active acquisition program in place; we are gathering information to feed the requirements and development process. At this time, we are not resourced to provide infantry squads with suppressors beyond the current experimentation.”
This makes it pretty clear. Never say never, but don’t hold your breath either. Marines aren’t getting suppressors, at least, anytime soon.
Dear SSD – Can You ID This Pack?
June 7th, 2017An SSD reader, who also happens to be an Aggie, sent us this photo and wanted to know the make and model.
He thinks it might be a variant of the Proper Medic pack, but this member of the US Army’s The Old Guard seems to be using it for K9 purposes. Interstingly, there’s a tag on the side, but unfortunately, the photo isn’t high enough resolution to read it.
Since we have the greatest readership the world over, we thought one of you might know the exact model.
Photo shared under Fair Use.
JM4 Tactical Releases New High-Ride Holster Line
June 6th, 2017
Abilene, TX – June 2017 JM4 Tactical, the leading innovators of magnetic tension holsters, recently deputed the launch of two new outstanding products: The High-Ride QCC and The High-Ride Tuckable. Customers inquired about a higher shooter’s grip for holsters and JM4 Tactical answered. Both the High-Ride QCC and the High-Ride Tuckable holsters were specifically designed to set up higher on the hip for easier access while remaining concealed. The High-Ride holster options are great new additions to the JM4 Tactical product line by allowing their customers the ability to choose a holster that better fits their individual lifestyle.
Consistent with the rest of JM4’s products, the High-Ride QCC and the High-Ride Tuckable are manufactured in the United States with top of the line Hermann Grade “A” steer hide leather. The premium leather allows the holsters to be durable and flexible for a long-lasting comfortable fit. The new additions will be available in tan, brown and black.
For more information about JM4 Tactical and their products visit jm4tactical.com.
