This photo is awesome. Let’s see how much of the kit in this photo you can identify.
Spot The Kit
February 7th, 2016TNVC – GoPro Adapters Now Shipping
February 7th, 2016 
The NVG Adapter will attach any HERO model to a night vision goggle with a PVS-14 Eyepiece Assembly. While the TNVC NVG Adapter for GoPro HERO will technically interface with all standard HERO models, it is optimized for the HERO4 Black and Silver as well as HERO3 and HERO3+. A translucent Wilcox Industries amber beam-splitter attaches to the rear of the goggle, bouncing the night vision image 90° into a perpendicular-mounted GoPro HERO camera. The camera mounts snugly against the goggle to minimize profile, via a clamp arm that attaches around the NVG Eyepiece Locking Ring. The user sees through the beam-splitter eyepiece normally while the first person POV is recording.
tnvc.com/shop/nvg-adapter-for-gopro-hero-cameras
Misty Mountain Integrated Stealth Harness (ISH) Selected By Australian Defence Forces
February 7th, 2016
February 5, 2016 – North Carolina based small manufacturer Misty Mountain Threadworks, Inc. announced that it has entered into a partnership with Australian based military and tactical distributor Southern Cross Equipment PTY LTD of New South Wales, Australia to supply the Australian Department of Defence with Misty Mountain’s ISH harness.
Misty Mountain and Southern Cross have been working together for three years to develop the market for ISH and other Misty Mountain harnesses in Australia and New Zealand. Their first meeting was at the biannual Outdoor Retailer Trade Show in held in Salt Lake City, UT. Spencer McDonald of Southern Cross stopped at the Misty Mountain booth manned by Operations Manager Mike Lavarnway and President Goose Kearse. Spencer’s eye was caught by the Integrated Stealth Harness, a scalable personal protection system with belt, leg loops, and chest harness. ISH was designed and developed in conjunction with retired USAF PJ Ish Antonio and is the harness solution for USSOCOM’s TCCC CASEVAC Kit.
Spencer seeded key operators in the ADF with Misty Mountain harnesses and gear. He took in their feedback and helped Misty Mountain develop custom solutions as needed to best meet the Australian requirements. As a result of the Australian commandos’ evaluation of the ISH system they have selected the ISH Original Belt, Leg Loops, and Chest Harness for their personal protective harness. The ISH Sit Kit formed by the ISH Original Belt and Leg Loops and the ISH Chest harness all carry the UIAA Safety Label. For more information about ISH or any other of Misty Mountain’s climbing gear please visit www.mistymountain.com. Misty Mountain’s military and tactical gear is made in the USA and Berry Amendment Compliant. In Australia and New Zealand, Southern Cross is the exclusive distributor of Misty Mountain gear. Please find them at www.southerncross.net.au.
16,000 Articles
February 7th, 2016We posted our 16,000th article this week.
Break’s over. Back on your heads!
Combat Flip Flops Makes Deal with Three Sharks on ABC’s Shark Tank
February 6th, 2016Issaquah, WA – After four years of failing and succeeding, creating new roadmaps for manufacturing in war zones, employing former drug runners, educating women, clearing land mines, and supporting veterans, Combat Flip Flops has succeeded in winning the hearts and minds of three of today’s most prominent investors and Shark Tank’s self-made millionaires. Mark Cuban, Daymond John and Lori Greiner made a deal of $300,000 for 30% equity in Combat Flip Flops, spread equally between the three investors.
“Having our mission of ‘Business, Not Bullets’ validated by the Sharks is powerful,’ said Matthew ‘Griff’ Griffin. “It’s not just a good idea, it’s a legitimate course of action now backed by dominant players in the fashion, retail, and tech sectors.”
The $300,000 investment from the Sharks will be used for inventory and to build up Combat Flip Flops’ staff. The three co-founders have, for the majority of their time in business, been working side jobs. Investment will allow them to focus 100% on the business and add staff when needed.
“Combat Flip Flops will be able to book solid, consistent orders with our manufacturers. This will enable those manufacturers to hire more staff and have a larger impact in their communities. For the charities, we will be able to provide steady, substantial support. More Afghan girls in school, swaths of land cleared of mines, and supporting positive transitions for SOF veterans,” said Griff.
When asked what, besides the deal, was the most exciting part of being on Shark Tank, Donald Lee joked, “We’ve heard Kevin talk about his money being soldiers, going to war, and other military analogies. When he dropped out, handing him the red chem light was the only logical thing to do.”
In 2015, Combat Flip Flops’ sales increased 150% over 2014 while the company donated over 60 years of school to Afghan girls and cleared 1533 square meters of land mines in Laos, keeping kids and villagers safe. Through its Unarmed Forces, the brand has spread stoke and empowered mindful consumers to make a difference.
To keep up with Combat Flip Flops and learn more, please visit www.combatflipflops.com. For sales inquiries, please contact Matthew Griffin, griff@combatflipflops.com.
Gunfighter Moment – Ken Hackathorn 
February 6th, 2016
A common thread I hear concerning skill at arms is that in the event of a life threatening event, our hero will claim “I would rather be lucky than good.”
Really.
The next time you hear some moron make this statement, take a quarter out of your pocket, flip it and catch it, then cover it on your hand. Ask this ‘gambler’ to call it. What are his odds? 50/50.
Do you want to stake your life or that of your family on those odds. Personally, I’ll take skill over luck any day. Through training, being aware, avoiding danger areas, and being prepared is the best way to insure your own ‘good luck’.
– Ken Hackathorn
Ken Hackathorn has served as a US Army Special Forces Small Arms Instructor, Gunsite Instructor, and NRA Police Firearms Instructor. He is currently an FBI Certified Firearms Instructor, Certified Deputy Sheriff with Washington County SO, Ohio, and a SRT member and Special Response Team trainer. Ken has trained US Military Special Operations forces, Marine FAST and SOTG units and is a contract small arms trainer to FBI SWAT and HRT.
Ken has provided training to Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies and been active in small arms training for the past 25 years. He has written firearms related material for Guns & Ammo, Combat Handguns, Soldier Of Fortune, and currently American Handgunner and contributed to at least six other gun/shooting journals. Ken was also a founding member of IPSC and IDPA.
To see Ken’s Training Class Schedule visit aliastraining.com.
Gunfighter Moment is a weekly feature brought to you by Alias Training & Security Services. Each week Alias brings us a different Trainer and in turn they offer SSD readers hard earned words of wisdom.
JIDA Moves Under DTRA, Becomes JIDO
February 6th, 2016In 2006, DoD created the Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Organization (JIEDDO) to do exactly what its title suggested. As the war dwindled down to its current level, JIEDDO was transformed to the Joint Improvised-Threat Defeat Agency (JIDA). Both budget and size shrank, but the focus was expanded to include other types of unconvetional terrorist threats.
This year, JIDA will find a new home as part of the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) which traditionally focuses on CBRNE threats. JIDA will also receive a new name, Joint Improvised-Threat Defeat Organization (JIDO). Somce the organization’s focus is a bit more broad than when it was when founded in 2006, DTRA seems like a good fit.
However, the reason for the move is politically driven. The 2016 National Defense Authorization Act forbid JIDA from becoming a stand alone agency under DoD and directed it be moved to a military department or agency.
Propper Grows Industry-Leading Polo Line
February 5th, 2016St. Charles, MO – Propper is recognized as the industry leader in performance polos. Now they are introducing new colors in their best seller and launching a value polo to insure an option for every customer.
PROPPER I.C.E.® PERFORMANCE POLO
The I.C.E. (Integrated Cooling Effect) Performance Polo is designed to keep wearers cool, dry and comfortable on the job. Innovative wicking technology is built directly into the fabric, helping it dry 125% faster than cotton and 30% faster than polyester. Breathable mesh underarms help maintain a professional appearance in warmer weather. It’s now available in six new men’s and three new women’s colors along with a new long sleeve version for women.
UNIFORM POLO
New for spring 2016 is the Propper Uniform Polo. At $19.99 retail this amazing value can’t be beat. Its high-quality performance polyester pique fabric dries quickly and is fade-, shrink-, and wrinkle-resistant. Plus, it keeps all of the tactical features (mic loop and pen pockets) professionals demand.
In addition to these great new polos, Propper is launching new boots, pants, armor, and more in 2016. Visit Propper.com or one of their authorized dealers to learn more.
