This documentary covers a rather interesting subject, the Royal Air Force Bomber Force which for several decades centered around the Vulcan and served as a Nuclear deterrent during the Cold War.
SSD Saturday Night At The Movies – RAF Cold War Nuclear Bomber Force
November 20th, 2016Corps Strength – “Get it done.”
November 19th, 2016It was one of those perfect Southern California winter days; Sunny, warm and crystal clear. Dec of 1981 and I was just another young Marine PVT in the 2nd or 3rd week of Infantry Training School (ITS). My platoon was busy digging into some C Rats after a fast ten mile hump out to one of the many training areas on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. Our main instructor was a young Cpl, a sadistic prick (who later retired as a Sgt Major), but at the time was only a year or two older than most of those in his charge. We were there that morning to participate in one of the many live fire exercises that we would do during our month long course. I was just about to break open my own can of “Beef and Rocks” when I heard our Cpl’s familiar bark. “Where’s my Donkeys at?” This was a signal to me, my best friend and a couple of others (that he had singled out early in the training cycle), to come forward and “volunteer”. In most cases this meant we were going to have to carry, or go get something for him; like his folding chair, coffee thermos or ice cooler. In any case it wasn’t something that was going to be fun, but honestly the “Donkeys” were kept off the real shit details and every time we humped his cooler of beer, we always got one.
Anyhow, this was going to be different. In front of us were about 50 new, sealed ammo cans of 5.56. “We got the duty” He laid out, as he spit some tobacco juice on the ground. “We (meaning us) need to get that ammo to the top of that hill.” He pointed to a very steep, sandy and rocky hill that was about 200 yards to the top. When I looked up at the summit, I could see some other instructors up there already. I figured we would be shooting from one hill to another as another platoon ran below us to get to an assault position. In those days our training consisted mainly of just three things: (not counting the nonstop field day of the squad bay), humping, running and shooting, most of the time in combination (it was great). There were four of us assigned this task. We looked at the pile of cans, the steep hill and the rest of the platoon enjoying their chow. Sensing what we were thinking, our fearless leader dropped into his folding chair and added: “Donkeys eat when they get done working, get it done.” We each grabbed two cans and started up. It was hard work and took about 4-5 trips each. I was in outstanding condition having recently maxed the Marine Corps PFT and was pretty well used to those hills at that point, I could hump a heavy pack all day, but I never had to do this particular task before. I didn’t have a real problem, certainly not as hard a time as some of the others. But I never forgot how hard that hour was lugging those heavy ammo cans up that hill. I was also surprised how tired I was afterward and sore the next day? It was a real introduction to what they call now: Functional Fitness. Or should I say a lack of it. It made an lasting impression on me that being in top shape was more than just running, or doing pull-ups.
From that point on I almost always included some type of training with ammo cans. Mostly with two .50 cans. Fill them with sand they are about 30lbs, with rocks almost 40. Funny thing is that now many years later, this is standard training for Marines and part of the Combat Fitness Test, (CFT). However, I’ve been using them for over thirty years and still do. I use them and train my international students with them. They are an inexpensive, versatile and effective training tool. You can get them used for about ten bucks each at any military surplus store and if you don’t dump them on concrete they will last though many years of hard use. In my book Corps Strength, I lay out several ways to use ammo cans in training. They can be used by themselves or in combination with other types of functional training (like with a weight vest) for a real ass kicker. This type of training isn’t bodybuilding, or sports conditioning, but for toughening and conditioning your whole body to handle real world stuff, especially your back, legs, grip and shoulders. Plus, there is just something motivating about throwing around some ammo cans for PT, at least to me. So if you want to add something different and effective to your workout, without spending a lot of money. “Get it done” with a couple of (filled) ammo cans. You’ll find them to be a great training tool and always will be.
Till next month,
“Be safe always, good when you can.”
Semper Fi
MGunz
BCM Gunfighter Moment : Warrior’s Heart
November 19th, 2016
MISSION 22
Wars do not end for Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Air Men because they have returned home. For the people who have fought our wars, their fight does not end when they step off a plane onto the tarmac outside a war zone.
Today, twenty American veterans kill themselves, everyday, in the United States. Making this singular truth known to all Americans is our purpose. From this truth, Mission 22 inspires others to take up the cause of Veteran’s Suicide by creating or supporting efforts in their communities that can insure the people entrusted with fighting our wars, have the support at home that they need to come home in both their hearts and minds.
Founded by US Army Special Operations Combat Veterans, Mission 22 was started by warriors facing personal battles with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Post Traumatic Stress (PTSD) during and after their service with the military. When Mission 22 started, twenty two veterans were committing suicide every day. Mission 22 has reached millions of Americans with their message and as Americans learn the truth, they are taking action.
WARRIOR’S HEART
Co-founded by Mission 22 co-founder, Tom Spooner, Warrior’s Heart is a facility built specifically to treat Post Traumatic Stress and substance abuse issues facing veterans today. Built on the former site of the Purple Sage Ranch, northwest of San Antonio, Texas; Warriors Heart is a private facility with on-premises lodging, private therapy suites, group therapy spaces, fitness areas, recreational spaces, dining, and over 543 acres of Hill Country for exploration and private reflection.
With so much under one roof, Warriors Heart is able to provide physical, emotional, spiritual and cognitive healing for our veterans and first responders in one place. With their official opening on October 15, Warriors Heart is working to heal dozens of Veterans and First Responders who have come to the facility seeking a way to come home and connect with who they are.
ART THERAPY
From its beginnings, Mission 22 created public and private art pieces that both raised awareness of Veteran suicide as well as helped the creators, combat veterans, on their path to healing. These pieces were designed to live in the everyday, where Americans worked and lived. These pieces were put in place to remind everyone who saw them, that there was a human cost to protecting our nation.
At the Warrior’s Heart facility, Mission 22 maintains a creative workshop space where “clients” can express their experiences and themselves through art. Providing raw materials and the tools to craft them, warriors have crafted personal works that they take with them at the end of their journey or leave on the campus to be displayed throughout the grounds of Warrior’s Heart.
SERVICE DOGS
Operation Overwatch works with the clinicians at Warriors Heart to train service dogs specifically to what is needed in the treatment process for a veteran or first responder actively in the healing process. Post traumatic stress can be cued by smells, sounds or even the weather. Service dogs can be trained to recognize these triggers and intervene to help their person before an event can occur or to stop an event in progress. Additionally, these Service Dogs can be trained for mobility assistance and as companion dogs. To date, all dogs have either been rescues or “owner surrenders”, and often times clients can relate their personal struggles with that of one of the hand-picked shelter dogs. Group classes and private sessions are offered where clients learn training, husbandry, structure and communication skills vital to not only personal healing, but relationship building as well.
THE WAR AT HOME MEMORIAL
Conceived of and built by Mission 22, the War at Home Memorial features twenty Coreten steel plates, each with water jet cut silhouettes and dog tags of real American veterans that lost their battle, here at home. Arranged in a phalanx, these are the silhouettes of fathers, brothers, sisters and friends; killed by shots fired from the other side of the planet, in battles that ended long ago.
Debuting to the public at the Warriors Heart Opening, this memorial is unlike others, built in place and seen only by those who go out of their way to pay their respects. The War At Home Memorial has been designed to travel, so that it can find it’s way into the population centers of the United States where it can be seen by everyone and that they can know the truth about Veteran suicide in America today.
To arrange for the War at Home Memorial to come to your city, contact Mission 22 at www.mission22.com/ contact-us-1
Learn more about Warriors Heart and see how you can help here www.warriorsheart.com.
Learn more about Operation Overwatch and service dogs here www.operationoverwatch.org.
Private SNAFU
November 19th, 2016It was a different time.
Flying Circle Introduces the Pecos Tactical Backpack
November 18th, 2016Flying Circle, a key supplier of field, tactical, and travel bags to the U.S. Military, adds the Pecos Tactical Backpack to its line of Concealed Carry Backpacks.
Boerne, TX, November 16, 2016 – Flying Circle announces the latest addition to its military-grade concealed carry backpacks with the Pecos Tactical Backpack.
The Concealed Carry Backpack series is designed for those who want an all-in-one backpack that can weather the gamut of military, everyday carry, and outdoor recreational use.
Constructed from durable water resistant 900 denier polyester fabric, the Pecos Backpack provides functionality and comfort in a sturdy, streamlined design that is tough enough to withstand demanding field use and rugged weekend excursions.
“This pack is the result of almost a decade of customer feedback,” said Flying Circle president, Jimmy Chittim. “Based on our top-selling Stryker pack, the Pecos combines all the cool features people have been asking for. Lightweight, comfortable, and customizable, the Pecos is ready for adventure.”
The Pecos features a large zippered front pocket and two spacious large center compartments to hold a range of items of varying sizes.
The main cargo compartment boasts several convenient features. The zipper extends to the bottom of backpack for convenient packing and access to gear. The interior organizer panel has multiple pockets for small items as well as a large pocket with a divider that can hold a tablet and laptop.
The hydration sleeve located in the main center compartment can accommodate hydration systems up to 3 liters and has dual exit ports for tubes.
Two secret back pockets on each side provide secure concealed carry access for handguns up to full-size pistols like the 1911. The pockets can also be used to quickly access everyday carry items like wallet, keys, and pocket knives.
For even more storage options, MOLLE webbing on the front, sides, bottom, and backpack straps can be used to attach compatible packs and gear.
Comfort features include padded backpack straps and padded back with mesh lining for ventilation. The adjustable sternum & waist straps offer maximum support when carrying heavy loads. Top and side grab handles allow for the bag to be easily grabbed or pulled.
The Pecos Backpack is available in black or coyote brown and is backed by Flying Circle’s Lifetime Guarantee.
Learn more about the Pecos Backpack online at www.flyingcirclegear.com/PECOS-BACKPACK-BLACK.
US Elite – OG Invitational After Action Review
November 18th, 2016U.S. Elite is proud and honored to have hosted the first OG Invitational on Nov. 12th. The OG Invitational raised funds for an amazing contribution to our friends at SOC-F (Special Operations Care Fund). SOC-F is an exceptional resource for Special Operations Forces and their families, providing services such as counseling and financial assistance. The Invitational was a great opportunity to connect our friends and community to this unique and meaningful cause. Over a dozen of our favorite gear brands sent prizes for a raffle, from which all proceeds were donated entirely to SOC-F.
Our partners and vendors–including Arc’teryx, Salomon, Benchmade, Outdoor Research, Velocity Systems, Suunto and many more–flew in from all over the country to showcase their gear and services. These elite tactical brands, along with local organizations, showed up to educate, engage and give back to our growing community of veterans, service men and women, law enforcement, first responders and tactical enthusiasts.
This year’s OG Invitational was only the first of a new annual tradition. U.S. Elite’s mission is to connect like-minded patriotic patrons and give back to those brave individuals who serve and sacrifice to protect our great country. The OG Invitational gives us all a chance to have fun while giving back to our finest.
Looking forward to seeing you at our 2017 OG invitational!
WL Gore & Associates, Inc – ECWCS Prototype
November 18th, 2016
I’ve seen Extreme Cold Weather Clothing System prototypes. Hell, I was issued one while assigned to 3ID LRS in the late 80s, but the ones I’m familiar with were all made by Raven Industries in South Dakota. During my visit to the WL Gore & Associates, Inc mothership in Maryland, I spied this garment on display.
It shares many of the traits of the ECWCS parka prototype I wore, although the face fabric was a better print, with true Woodland pattern coloring instead of the bright Green and light Brown of the prototypes we used at 3ID LRS. Interestingly, the hung liner is Green, rather than Brown, but the front closures are Velcro and the shoulder pocket is on the right side rather than the left like other developmental variants. While the rank tab has an exposed snap rather than the covered ones in later variants, the pocket layout was also true to the issue garment with handwarmer pockets and internal Napoleon pockets.
What’s really interesting about this garment, dating from 1983-84, is who made it.
Marmot did quite a bit of work early in this war, but I had never seen any of their work for the military dating back that far. Has anyone else run across one of these?
Update: This jacket was owned by Marine Nick Allen, formerly on the Gore military team and currently with Camelbak. It’s a Marmot jacket, referenced in the comments. Love the seam sealing.
Triple Aught Design – Gemini Shirt
November 18th, 2016When I saw a prototype of the new Triple Aught Design Gemini Shirt during a recent visit to their design facility in San Francisco’s Dogpatch, I knew it was something I would want to share with my readers once it came out. The design is subtle, yet functional. The shirt doesn’t quite look like anything else out there and is made from a technical fabric. TAD also does a great job of building a few surprises into the garment.
Again, it seems to be a bit of a retro design, inspired by the clothing worn by those involved in our early space program. I love seeing classic designs updated with more modern fabrics and construction techniques.
Features:
Performance on Demand: Built to excel across multiple environments, the Gemini Shirt is crafted from a technical blend of cotton and polyester. Resisting wrinkles and stains, this material drapes cleanly and helps conceal carried items. Lightweight, packable, and easy to care for, the Gemini Shirt is ideal for long term assignments.
Subtle Details: Two clean welt pockets on the chest and a hidden envelope pocket are perfect for small E&E items. The buttons are safely secured along bartacked webbing and include a slotted button that rotates onto the webbing for quick field repair.
The Gemini Shirt is offered in three colors: Siege, Gunmetal, Black and sizes XS – 3XL. The shirt features a standard fit and is Made in USA!
The price is very nice, at $80.
tripleaughtdesign.com/Gemini-Shirt
*Due to Triple Aught Design moving to a new bigger warehouse over the weekend, orders will start shipping 11/28*
