SIG MMG 338 Program Series

PEO Soldier Announces Three Key PM Changes of Charter

November 24th, 2015

PEO 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.

www.promodis.net

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.

 

www.crispi.it

Milipol – Gallet Accessory Rail Combat Helmet

November 24th, 2015

I 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.

10% Off Mayflower/Hodge Defense Universal Rifle Case

November 24th, 2015

  
Check out the Mayflower R&C-Hodge Defense Universal Case shown with a Hodge Defense Systems AU-MOD 1 Carbine, 12″ barrel and SureFire Suppressor.

 

The case was designed with a 16″ or shorter barreled carbine in mind but by incorporating ends that open, longer rifles or accessories can be carried. When fully opened, the case provides a clean, padded work station while at the range or extended urban observation positions. A single row of PALS webbing is provided on the interior of the case to mount multiple ITW Nexus QASM Picatinny RAMP pieces (two included) allowing picatinny compatible accessories to be carried securely. The case contains one small pocket to carry a suppressor or 5.56 magazine sized accessories.

  

Use discount code “MRC-HD” between today and 31 Dec to receive 10% off.

Available in any color as long as it’s Grey.

www.mayflower-rc.org/store/7015/35/MRC-Hodge-Defense-Universal-Case

Tacprogear – TPG Black VALIANT Series Level IIIA Soft Armor Package

November 23rd, 2015

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TPG Black, Tacprogear’s American made tactical gear and equipment line made specifically for State & Local Law Enforcement, Federal Law Enforcement, and DoD clients, now includes VALIANT Series Level IIIA Soft Armor. Spawned from a one year research and development collaboration with Hyosung Corporation, VALIANT armor is made from Hyosung ALKEX 840D unidirectional material with BLACKSEAL construction – Brookwood 70D with laminiated polyurethane protective cover, which is sealed with a Sonobond Ultrasonic Bond. VALIANT armor has an areal density of 1.15 psf and a thickness of only .30″, yet complies with NIJ Standard-0101.06. VALIANT is available in all TPG vest patterns and OEM armor specifications, in NIJ C-1 through NIJ C-5 template sizes.

www.tpgblack.com/product=valiant-series-level-iiia-soft-armor

Magpul Now Shipping The PMAG D-60

November 23rd, 2015

MAG576- PMAG D-60 BLK

After its initial showing at SHOT 2015 and months of refinement, Magpul is now shipping the PMAG D-60. The D-60 is a 60-round 5.56/.223 polymer drum magazine for AR15/M4 compatible weapons. Despite its increased capacity, the height of the D-60 is still manageable for prone firing and storage. The D-60 features an easy-to-use loading lever, paint pen dot matrix, and a rear window for capacity indication.

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Features

  • Next-generation impact and crush resistant polymer construction
  • Wide compatibility with most ‘STANAG 4179’ platforms such as the AR15, M4, M16, SCAR MK16/16S, HK416, MR556, M27 IAR, and others
  • Loading Lever to take tension off the spring for easy loading by hand
  • Feed Tower compatible with most loading devices, including USGI stripper clips and guides, the StripLULA, and others
  • Designed to be left loaded for long term storage without any loss of function or degradation
  • All components used are corrosion resistant
  • Easy to disassemble for cleaning with only a flat-bladed screwdriver or similar
  • Anti-glare translucent window on rear of drum allows for easy determination of rounds remaining
  • Paint pen dot matrix panel on back of body to allow for identification marking
  • Slip-on, semi-rigid Dust Cover prevents grit and debris intrusion during storage and transport
  • MAG576- PMAG D-60 Mood-2

    www.magpul.com/products/pmag-d60-ar-m4

    Wild Things – Knuckle Roaster Handwarmer

    November 23rd, 2015

    Although it’s been around for several years, it’s still a cold weather favorite. The Knuckle Roaster features a zip front pocket, hand warmer pockets, interior Polartec Power Stretch barrier, and slots for hand warmers for when it’s really cold. It also incorporates a reinforced web belt with an easy-to-use buckle, so it can be worn below your vest as well as an exterior zippered storage pocket.

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    TECH SPECS
    -Hand warmer with convenient, adjustable waist strap
    -One-size-fits-most
    -Exterior zippered storage pocket
    -Available for commercial sale in both Coyote Genuine MultiCam
    -Available for commercial sale in FR and non-FR versions
    -Made in USA!

    Also, don’t forget, Wild Things is in the midst of their 7 day Wild Sale, offering 25% off everything on the website to Military and Law Enforcement personnel.

    The Wild Sale runs until Friday, November 27th. Everything will be 25% off upon entering the code WILDSEASON15 at checkout. A key feature is that every day at 4 pm the Company will hold a drawing from all orders placed that day and one lucky winner will be credited for their entire order. Winners are announced on Soldier Systems and the Wild Things website.

    www.wildthingsgear.com