SSD: Gentlemen’s Edition
Location: Amsterdam
Shot by Lawless_truth.
You Never Know Where They’ll Show Up
July 1st, 2017TacProGear – TPG Whiskey
June 30th, 2017
TacProGear has expanded their product offerings to include branded whiskey, Cinnamon Honey Flavored whiskey to be precise. TPG Whiskey is 100% corn whiskey, aged for 27 months in White American Oak Barrels. 80 proof, 750 ML a bottle.
tpgblack.passionspirits.com/tpgblack/whiskey
Corps Completes Final JPADS Delivery to Marines
June 30th, 2017MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Virginia— Marine Corps Systems Command fielded the last of 162 Joint Precision Airdrop Systems to the fleet in April, turning the page from acquisition to sustainment of the system for the Corps.
Marine parachute riggers with 1st Marine Logistics Group and a crew chief with Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron-22 (VMX-22) prepare to deploy a palletized load from above 10,000 feet during the Joint Precision Airdrop System testing Aug. 1, at the U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground. The JPADS systems use GPS, a modular autonomous guidance unit, or MAGU, a parachute and electric motors to guide cargo within 150 meters of their target points. Marine Corps Systems Command fielded the last of 162 JPADS to the fleet in April, turning the page from acquisition to sustainment of the system for the Corps. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Reba James)
When the JPADS 2K was introduced to the Marine Corps in 2008, it opened the door to a potentially life- saving capability for Marines on the ground and in the air. In 2013, the Corps upgraded to the 2K-Modular which included an improved modular autonomous guidance unit called the MAGU. JPADS 2K-M improved accuracy over traditional airdrops while simultaneously enabling aircraft to conduct drops at higher altitudes and longer distances from the drop zone.
“JPADS brings an important capability to Marines,” said Capt. Keith Rudolf, Aerial Delivery project officer with Marine Corps Systems Command’s Ground Combat Element Systems. “It’s not the answer for every situation, but the main goal is to keep people off the roads in an [improvised explosive device] environment or when small units are in locations that are not easily accessible by traditional logistic means.”
JPADS is ideal for cases where it is easier and safer to deliver equipment and supplies to ground units from the air versus using a convoy, Rudolf said.
“An average combat logistics patrol in Afghanistan that’s running behind a route clearance platoon may travel at only five to six miles an hour,” he said. “Depending on how much supply you have on there, you may have a mile worth of trucks that are slow-moving targets. [JPADS] negates a lot of that.”
The system also helps keep aircrews out of harm’s way.
“From the aircraft perspective, [JPADS] can be dropped from up to 25 kilometers away from the intended target, while still landing within 150 meters of the programed impact point,” Rudolf said. “Throughout testing, the systems often averaged much greater accuracy. That means the aircraft does not have to fly directly over a danger zone where they could be engaged with small arms or enemy threats on the ground. They can fly outside of that and because the system is autonomous, it will fly its best path down to where it needs to go.”
Protonex – SPM-622 Special Forces Roll Kit
June 30th, 2017Today’s Special Operations Forces often operate beyond the reach of established supply lines, and often cannot build fixed infrastructure due to the nature or length of their deployment. The PTX SPM-622 Special Forces Roll Kit was developed by Protonex specifically to provide a solution to this challenge and it has been proven in multiple deployments with US and International SOF units.
The PTX Special Forces Roll Kit combines an SPM-622 Squad Power Manager with cables and accessories for electronic equipment commonly used by US and Allied Special Operations Forces. Each kit includes an SPM-622, a lightweight solar blanket, connectors for civilian and military batteries and vehicles power outlets; as well as smart cables for NATO military radios, satellite communication systems, smart phones, tablets and laptop computers.
The SPM-622 Squad Power Manager enables the operator to maintain constant operability of critical systems by “scavenging” power from any available source and automatically converting that power as required by the connected device or battery. Thanks to its intelligent power management system, the SPM-622 can also simultaneously charge military and COTS batteries. It operates efficiently at temperatures ranging from -20° to +60° C, and will even function when totally submerged.
The SPM-622 Special Forces Roll Kit enables units to maintain constant operational effectiveness, while greatly reducing their battery burden – even the most undeveloped and austere environments.
The kit can be purchased on the Class IX NSN schedule, under GSA contract, from authorized Distributors and Systems Integrators; and directly from Protonex Technology Corporation.
The SPM-622 Special Forces Roll Kit will be on display at next month’s Warrior East.
NSN 6150-01-625-1021
For further product and application information visit www.PTXnomad.com
1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) SOF Integration
June 30th, 2017
Green Berets of the 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) train with Soldiers from 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division during Exercise Bayonet Focus 2017 at Yakima training center, WA, June 19, 2017. ( U.S Army photo by Sgt. Brandon Welsh.)
Green Berets have a vast amount of knowledge and experience on and off the battlefield. Because of their mission set they are able to think outside the box and operate in a way that most conventional units cannot. Special Forces, have a broader mission set other than just direct action that include unconventional warfare, special reconnaissance, counter-terrorism, humanitarian assistance, and peacekeeping. They have been through years of rigorous training to be experts in these missions. One could imagine the impact they can have while working side by side with a conventional Army unit. Private 1st Class Brennan Stubb, an infantryman assigned to C Company, 3rd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Battalion, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, said working with Special Forces “make us more prepared, and it changes things up from conventional Army training to get a different perspective.” The 2nd Infantry Divison soldiers received advanced medical training in first aid and self-aid and were shown better techniques to put the injured on litters and the use of a sked (a stretcher that can be drug on the ground) that will help them in future training and deployed environments. It is important for Special Forces to train their conventional counterparts in the unconventional techniques that they go by so they can better understand each other on the battlefield, according to Stubb.
Members of the 1st Special Forces Group (A) cunducted a Key Leader Engagement during training exercise Bayonet focus 2017 at Yakima training center, WA, June 17, 2017. The KLE was conducted to enhance training with 1 SFG(A) and 7th infantry divsion. ( U.S Army photo Sgt. Codie Mendenhall.)
The conventional units show their support to Special Forces by providing them with support from the ground and air. During this training exercise Green Berets were supported by soldiers in Strykers from 2-2 SBCT as they drove around in their all-terrain vehicles conducting their operations throughout YTC. Having the ability to go out to YTC and conduct operations together has a huge advantage for both units. While speaking with Scott a team leader with 1st SFG (A) said, “It’s a good training venue for both organizations and because we both use it, it makes sense that we co-utilize the same area.” According to Scott YTC has all the good qualities of going to either Joint Readiness Training Center in Louisiana or National Training Center in California without the long travel that also resembles the type of environment that they might encounter overseas makes the training that they do that much more effective. Both units can accomplish the training they need all while saving time and money as they can convoy out to YTC in their Strykers or be bused out. Working side by side with the soldiers from 2-2 gives them experience that can carry over during a deployment either to the Pacific Region or Southeast Asia. “They have a better idea of how we are organized and what our mission is and specifically in a deployed environment there’s so many lessons learned, command relationships, who’s responsible for what, how to battle track each other and how to communicate very basic things that can have a big impact down range,” said Scott.
YAKIMA TRAINING CENTER, WA, UNITED STATES
06.17.2017
Story by Sgt. Brandon Welsh
1st Special Forces Group (Airborne)
Merrell Launches Tactical Line
June 30th, 2017For decades folks have been wearing Merrell boots for duty as service members, LEOs, First Responders and contractors. Sawtooths, Chameleons and Moabs have been seen around the globe.
Late last year, Merrell set about creating a dedicated line which recently they launched with the Moab 2 in high, mid and low styles. The high and mid versions are waterproof.
SSD readers will love this. Look for sizes 7-15! Plus, the mid and low variants are also offered on wide sizes.
FirstSpear Friday Focus – Wind Cheater In Manatee Grey
June 30th, 2017
Back in stock in Manatee Grey the all-season FirstSpear Wind Cheater is constructed from an ultra light brushed 330D Ambush that breathes like a t-shirt and still sheds wind and light moisture with a DWR coating. Don’t expect a water proof rain jacket but rather a very light and fast drying garment that works exceptionally well as a layering component or stand alone item you can keep packed away in a small pack or pocket for year round use. Extra large hood with several points of adjustment works great with a hat or bump lid.
Orders over $150 ship with a free 32oz water bottle, seen below.
UF PRO’s Successful Online Shop Joined by Walk-in Store Where Customers Can Now “Try Before Buying,” Says Company
June 30th, 2017The brand new retail outlet is now open for business in the heart of Trzin, Slovenia. UF PRO has designed it as a showcase for popular lines of cutting-edge tactical clothing and as preview house for innovative products working their way through the development pipeline.
TRZIN, SLOVENIA (JUNE 29, 2017) – It used to be that shoppers’ only option for procuring merchandise direct from innovative tactical clothing maker UF PRO was to go online and “buy before trying”, but as of now they can also “try before buying” thanks to the company’s decision to open a walk-in retail store in the heart of Trzin, Slovenia, UF PRO today announced.
The 140-square-meter retail space serves as a showcase of UF PRO’s most in-demand tactical clothing lines. On the ground floor, shoppers can browse the full collections of Striker Combat gear, Monsoon Waterproof garments, Delta Cold Weather gear and more, according to the company.
One floor up, displays of the company’s newest offerings await. Among them are the newly introduced Frost Grey range, Striker XT BDU in SloCam, and 3-Farben Flecktarn, UF PRO said.
Adds Exciting Dimension to UF PRO “The physical store will add an exciting dimension to the UF PRO shopping experience,” added Nejc Zavrl, who heads the company’s marketing department.
“We’ve been very successfully offering our products through our web shop and through our partners all over the world for the past several years, so creating a walk-in environment where clients could experience UF PRO gear up close and personal like this was the next logical step for us,” Zavrl explained.
The sleek, upscale, high-energy interior of the store is brightly lit and, on its main wall, features a map of the world with the names of various nations’ special-forces units stretched into the shape of each continent, Zavrl indicated.
“It took us a considerable investment of time and effort to pull together the concepts for this store, but we believe we now have a physical site worthy of the name UF PRO – a place where people can fully took us a considerable investment of time and effort to pull together the concepts for this store, but experience the vibe of UF PRO,” said Zavrl.
UF PRO Store Hours
UF PRO the retail store is open from 0930 until 1700 hours, Tuesday through Friday, according to the company. The store is located at Planjava 6 in Trzin.
Meanwhile, the UF PRO retail store’s online counterpart remains open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Visit the online store here.
