IWA – Never Noticed The 5.11 Boonie Hat Before
March 5th, 2017IWA – Major League Viking
March 5th, 2017IW Company is a relatively new Danish company offering private purchase MultiCam clothing under the brand Major League Viking. They currently have three offerings, a Waterproof Combat Smock, Field Shirt and Combat Pants as well as a line of graphic t-shirt featuring iconic Norse imagery such as a ship, helmet, and hammer.
The Smock is made from ripstop 50/50 NYCO and features a zip-in waterproof membrane. Additionally, the detachable hood features a wide brim along with Velcro adjustments. It’s also jam-packed with pockets, just like a Smock should be. The Smock was designed specifically to wear with armor systems. Additionally, there is PALS webbing along the skirt.
IWA – Hilleberg Nammatj GT Tent
March 5th, 2017
Offered in two and three person versions, the Nammatj GT from Hilleberg is based on one of their commercial tents and made from 75D fabric. The tent and fly are connected so it is easier to pitch and strike. This military version features a blackout fabric fly, white guy lines (black for Green version of tent), and a slightly more durable material.
The tent has an integrated bathtub floor as well as a large vestibule for gear storage. Both doors are made from no-see-um mesh along with a standard tent fabric door. Inside are two integrated pockets as well as vents. The 2-person model weighs 4.1 kg and the 3-person model weighs 4.5 kg.
IWA – Karrimor SF Manufacturing Danish Army Packs
March 5th, 2017British pack company Karrimor SF displayed three packs they are building for the Danish Army. While the samples were in various colors, the issue items are all MultiCam. Additionally, all three are PALS compatible and the Odin features a removable hibpbelt and interface to work with TYR Tactical’s Brokos Belt and Pico carrier which are both issued to Danish forces.
Odin is a 75 liter pack with a single main compartment accessible via a 3/4 zip. The main compartment can be sectioned off for carriage of a sleeping bag and there is a half moon sleeping bag compartment opening to access it. Additionally, the Odin offers a beavertail panel for the external carriage of helmets or jackets. There is also internal PALs webbing to attach radios.
Thor is a 40 liter patrol pack with a 3/4 zip access to its main compartment. There is an additional pocket with zipper access in the lid. Internal PALs allows radio carriage.
Loki works as a load hauler for items such as water jugs or Pelican cases. Additionally, a wide range of equipmeng can be attached via the large PALs field.
IWA – Sluban Army Brick Toys
March 5th, 2017
If you’re a big kid like me, you probably like brick-style building toys. Sluban offers a full range of militray themed building block sets, incluidng land, air and sea forces.
Available through Van Os Imports, BV
IWA – Coolest T-shirt In The Joint
March 5th, 2017
PEO Soldier Presents – More Than A Momento
March 4th, 2017Fort Belvoir, Virginia (Feb. 23, 2017) – Program Executive Office Soldier’s Project Manager Soldier Protection and Individual Equipment (PM SPIE) seeks to return life-saving personal protective equipment to Soldiers.
The program has been successful, not so much for its outreach, but for the closure it brings the recipients who are reunited with the equipment that saved their lives, according to Project Manager COL Dean Hoffman, who said the program has a lasting impact.
“These are more than mementos, and the recipients we return this equipment to are living testimonials that our stuff works,” Colonel Hoffman said Feb. 23.
The most recent recipient of an armored plate return was a Soldier from one of our elite forces whose name and unit cannot be published.
The colonel oversees PM SPIE at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. He noted there are several partners in the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Lifecycle Team who deserve credit and makes a day like this possible.
“The scientist, the engineers, research labs, acquisition personnel and countless people down the line just doing their job play a key role in making these moments happen,” Colonel Hoffman said.
The most recent recipient of an armored plate return, said that when faced with almost certain death all Soldiers can rely on is their training and their equipment.
The Soldier told his story. It was March 2007, and Soldiers were on a night mission in Iraq. It was dark and the young Sergeant, a squad leader took the initiative and kicked down a door, as part of clearing procedures.
“When I kicked in the door there was a guy with an AK-47 maybe eight to 10 feet in front of me, and he just opened fire,” the Soldier said. “The impact knocked me to the ground. With only muzzle fire as a reference, I kept firing.
“When the shooting had stopped I realized the attacker was deceased, and I thought I was dying as well because I took so many rounds,” the Soldier said. “When the medics arrived and ripped everything open I was bruised on the chest but that was about it.” That night’s actions led to the Soldier being awarded the Silver Star.
Stories like this are common within the PPE Return program. Many Soldiers complain about wearing the armor because of the weight. After an incident where it saves their life, they become an instant advocate.
“I’ve always been taught to not profile yourself when entering a room but to present the body armor,” the Soldier said. “I teach younger Soldiers that today. It worked once; it will work again.”
PEO Soldier’s PPE Return program helps bring closure to Soldiers who faced down their fears. It also instills confidence in that the equipment they deploy with is up to the task.
IWA – Leo Köhler
March 4th, 2017German brand, Leo Köhler has been manufacturing military clothing since 1927 and offers a wide range of garments in a wide variety of colors and patterns.
This year, they showed this Anorak with dual from zippers to access equipment worn underneath. The design isn’t new, but it’s interesting to see it catching on.
