Project Diane is a United States Army Special Operations Command initiative which looks at ways to expand women’s roles within the command. It takes its name from Office of Strategic Services member Virginia Hall, codename ‘Diane.’
Project Diane
November 24th, 2015FBI HRT Adopts Aimpoint T-2
November 24th, 2015The FBI’s Hostage Rescue Team and Defensive Systems Unit are now being issued the Aimpoint Micro T-2 and Micro H-2, respectively. This seems to be a direct result of the recent fallout regarding the issues with EOTech optics.
Chantilly, VA – November 24, 2015 – Aimpoint, the originator and worldwide leader in electronic red-dot sighting technology, has announced that the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is now issuing Aimpoing Micro Series Sights to agents in the Hostage Rescue Team (HRT) and Defensive Systems Unit (DSU).
The FBI conducted rigorous testing on optics from a wide variety of manufacturers. Following this selection process, the Aimpoint Micro T-2 and Micro H-2 were authorized as issued optics. The Micro T-2 was chosen for use by the HRT, and the Micro H-2 was selected by the DSU.
Contracts were awarded via competitive bidding process, and Aimpoint Dealers began shipments to the FBI in July, 2015.
For more information on Aimpoint or the Aimpoint Micro T-2 or Micro H-2, visit the company’s webpage at: www.aimpoint.com.
B-TEMIA Initiates Pivotal Clinical Trial To Support Commercial Launch Of Keeogo In The U.S.
November 24th, 2015Quebec, November 23, 2015 – B-TEMIA Inc., the market leader in human augmentation, today announced that it has initiated a multi-centre pivotal clinical trial, aimed at demonstrating the superior clinical benefits and safety for home use of its powered assistive DemoskeletonTM technology, called Keeogo, for patients suffering from reduced mobility due to their medical conditions. Led by Principal Investigator, Dr. Chris A. McGibbon, PhD, from the University of New Brunswick’s, Faculty of Kinesiology and Institute of Biomedical Engineering, the study is expected to generate the required data to support the submission of a 510(k) pre-market notification to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2016, a prerequisite to start commercialization in the United States.
“This is the first international clinical trial involving the DermoskeletonTM technology that aims at demonstrating the efficacy and safety of Keeogo™ during everyday community and home mobility use, something that has not been possible in the past with other exoskeleton technologies that were developed principally for use in a clinical rehabilitation setting,” stated Dr. Chris A. McGibbon.
As part of the trial, B-TEMIA has partnered with three of the most reputable rehabilitation institutions in North America: the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, the Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital Boston, and the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute–UHN.
“This pivotal clinical trial will be key in supporting the commercial launch of KeeogoTM in the U.S. market. Based on earlier very positive pilot studies, we are confident that it will demonstrate how Keeogo™ could significantly improve the daily activities of those who suffer from disabilities that impact their mobility,” said Mr. Stéphane Bédard, President & CEO of B-TEMIA.
TYR Tactical – MBAV-PICO Assaulters Plate Carrier
November 24th, 2015
TYR Tactical has revealed their new MBAV-PICO Assaulters Plate Carrier. The MBAV is engineered with TYR’s PV material, offering significant weight reduction with 7 to 10 times higher abrasion resistance than standard MilSpec nylon. The carrier also utilizes antimicrobial/FR treated padded spacer mesh, which is used internally for comfort. Three different kits for the MBAV are available, which are detailed down below.
FEATURES:
o PALS webbing for MOLLE attachment
o Ballistic Vein increases load carriage performance, provides a rigid platform, reduces fatigue, stabilizes and enhances soft armor inserts.
o Removable Side Buckle Kit
o Hard Sewn Zippers which accept our complete line of Assaulters Zip-On Panels
o Attachment points for a Lower Ab or Groin Protector
o 1.5” Low Profile Shoulders
o Sizes: SM/MD & LG/XL
o MultiCam
FEATURES:
o PALS webbing for MOLLE attachment
o Ballistic Vein increases load carriage performance, provides a rigid platform, reduces fatigue, stabilizes and enhances soft armor inserts.
o Removable Side Buckle Kit
o Hard Sewn Zippers which accept our complete line of Assaulters Zip-On Panels
o Attachment points for a Lower Ab or Groin Protector
o 1.5” Low Profile Shoulders
o FREE CLOSEOUT Ballistic Accessory – Lower Abdomen Platform with Soft Armor which meets IOTV Specifications, 9mm & Frag
o Front and Back Certified T52/SP MBAV Soft Armor Level II NIJ0101.06 Specifications with 5 Year Warranty
o Sizes: SM/MD & LG/XL
o MultiCam
FEATURES:
o PALS webbing for MOLLE attachment
o Ballistic Vein increases load carriage performance, provides a rigid platform, reduces fatigue, stabilizes and enhances soft armor inserts.
o Removable Side Buckle Kit
o Hard Sewn Zippers which accept our complete line of Assaulters Zip-On Panels
o Attachment points for a Lower Ab or Groin Protector
o 1.5” Low Profile Shoulders
o Qty.2 Hard Armor Level 3+ I/C Plates – TYR-HA3/7
o FREE CLOSEOUT Ballistic Accessory – Lower Abdomen Platform with Soft Armor which meets IOTV Specifications, 9mm & Frag
o FREE Lace Adjustable Cummerbund, MBAV
o Front and Back Certified T52/SP MBAV Soft Armor Level II NIJ0101.06 Specifications with 5 Year Warranty
o Sizes: SM/MD & LG/XL
o MultiCam
PEO Soldier Announces Three Key PM Changes of Charter
November 24th, 2015PEO Soldier has recently announced several leadership changes at the PM level, which occurred over the summer months. Information from these announcements is included below.
First up is COL Dean M. Hoffman IV, replacing COL Robert Mortlock as PM Soldier Clothing and Individual Equipment on June 26th at Fort Belvoir, Virginia in a ceremony presided over by BG Brian P. Cummings, Program Executive Office Soldier.
COL Dean M. Hoffman IV, foreground, prepares to assume responsibility of Program Manager Soldier Protection and Individual Equipment during a June 26 change-of-responsibility ceremony at the Belvoir Officers’ Club. BG Brian P. Cummings, center, presided over the ceremony. COL Robert Mortlock, outgoing PM SPIE, is on the right.
COL Hoffman is from Pennsylvania and graduated in 1991 from Lycoming College, with degrees in both Business Economics and Business Administration. He served in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Korea and in the 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne).
In 2001, COL Hoffman joined the Army Acquisitions Corps and obtained a Master of Science in System Acquisition Management from the Naval Postgraduate School. He then served as a Dismounted Warrior Branch Chief and Military Deputy for Human Factors and Integration Division in the Army Research Laboratory’s Human Research and Engineering Directorate.
After completing the Command and General Staff College in September 2004, COL Hoffman served as Program Manager Communication Intelligence and Sensor Systems under Program Executive Office Intelligence, Electronic Warfare & Sensors. Additionally, he served as the Assistant Program Manager Airborne Signals Collection Systems working in direct support of Special Operational Forces Special Mission Units.
In 2007, COL Hoffman was assigned as the Rapid Equipping Force APM for Operation and Test. He deployed in support of the Asymmetric Warfare Group during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Upon promotion to lieutenant colonel, COL Hoffman served in a variety of positions at the REF to include Product Manager Rapid Improvement Initiatives, Operations Support Team Chief-Afghanistan and REF Chief of Contracting. He returned to PEO IEWS where he served as Product Manager Manned Aerial Reconnaissance and Surveillance Systems, and Chief of Staff.
Next up, COL Brian C. Stehle whose change-of-charter ceremony of PM Soldier Weapons was on August 3rd from retiring COL Scott C. Armstrong. The ceremony was officiated by PEO Soldier, BG Brian P. Cummings atP Picatinny Arsenal.
COL Brian C. Stehle addresses the audience after assuming responsibility of PM Soldier Weapons.
A Sandusky, Ohio, native, COL Stehle is a career Army aviator who most recently served as Product Manager for the Apache Block 3/Apache Development and Modernization under the Program Executive Office Aviation at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama.
Finally, on September 30th, COL Ed Barker assumed responsibility for PM Soldier Warrior from COL Gordon T. Wallace in a ceremony at Fort Belvior’s Officer’s Club.
The Honorable Heidi Shyu, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology, was present to congratulate her former executive officer, a position COL Barker had before assuming the position of PM SWAR.
COL Barker hails from Minford, Ohio, and studied at Marshall University and received a bachelor’s degree in business administration before receiving a master’s of science in management from Florida Institute of Technology. He recently graduated from the National Defense University’s Eisenhower School where he earned a master’s of science in national resource strategy.
Congratulations to all of the new leadership at PEO Soldier.
Milipol – A.R.E.S.
November 24th, 2015
Milipol is a camouflage collectors paradise and this Softshell jacket from ARES is an excellent find. You’ll notice the snow camouflage pattern. It’s so new, it won’t be offered until February of 2016 but is very similar to the one in this link. Intended for military issue, it will be available in sizes XXS-XXXXL.
Milipol – Crispi Boots
November 24th, 2015 
Crispi is well known for their Italian boots. Seen here is their SWAT HTG (L) and a Flyer’s boot (R) with lace-in zippers.
Milipol – Gallet Accessory Rail Combat Helmet
November 24th, 2015I took a few shots of the Gallet Accessory Rail Combat Helmet originally released at Milipol 2013. The designations are official designations of this line of helmets are the Gallet TC 800 series and Gallet TC 500 series. Some readers may not know this but the MICH was originally a Gallet design and the French company was purchased by MSA.
The rails feature proprietary 360° rotating buckles on the front and lower back (three slots on each rail). Additionally, the removable “V” shaped, ratchet-style shroud clamps under the front brim of the shell, and bolts unto each of the upper portions of the side rails in the back. On top of the actual NVG interface (USGI/Wilcox compatible), between the two “V” branches, they’ve added bungee ties that go all the way to the top, in order to secure strobes and other non-railed accessories.
In these photos you can see how the oxygen mask attaches to the rail. The Minie Night Vision Device is from Thales Angenieux.
Specifically, the helmet models are 800/801/802 (first digit is shell thickness in millimeters, last is cut style), the fourth model released is the 501 (same naming convention applies). The 501 is the thinnest Gallet helmet available that still retains a frag rating. Interestingly, there is only one shell size and different head sizes are accommodated via pads.
The line of ARCH is offered in NATO Green, Black, Tan.
