We continue our series of classic movies with 1964’s ‘ZULU’ with its epic depiction of the Battle of Rorke’s Drift and starring one of my favorite actors, Sir Michael Caine.
SSD Saturday Night At The Movies Presents ZULU
July 24th, 2016Corps Strength – It Is What It Is
July 23rd, 2016Recently the Marine Corps announced some big changes to their physical readiness program. There are some sweeping changes to the standards for the Physical Fitness Test (PFT), Combat Fitness Test (CFT) and the to the Body Composition Program (BCP). After reading the new order, I saw some things in there that I think are good and some things that aren’t so good. I won’t comment here on every detail, if you’re interested you can read it all for yourself at: USMC Fitness.
Over my 28 years on active duty, I heard a lot of complaining about the PFT and how it didn’t measure basic fitness (BS) and listened to even more whining about the Hgt/Wgt standards being too strict (more BS). However to try and improve things the Marine Corps added body fat % measurements to take in account different body types, and a few years back the CFT came out in an attempt to better evaluate “Combat” Fitness vs. just Physical fitness. IMO any “Combat” test that doesn’t include a timed forced march with full gear isn’t a real test of combat fitness, but that’s another story.
The real story here is the (under the radar) overall lowering of standards in the new order. I’m sure the Marine Corps would push back hard on that one, but if you read the details (like I’m prone to do), you find a very reveling statement in the Marine Times article on this by Brian McGuire, deputy of fitness branch for TECOM’s standards division. When asked why even have the addition of a new push-up vs. pull-ups option? McGuire said it was because the Marine Corps didn’t “want to create a manpower problem by having some female Marines failing.” If that isn’t a lowering of standards to allow you to keep people in that can’t meet a standard, I don’t know what is? I knew when they started talking about a pull-up requirement for female Marines, something like this was coming. IMO you were never going to be able to enforce a minimum pull-up standard for females. Those of us that were in the ranks knew it wouldn’t work. But since the order came out to open all combat MOS’s to females, you had to now come up with a way to make easier for them to get there. So here you go.
The other bad part of this is, that once you lower a standard for one group (females), to be fair you have to lower it for the guys, who can now also opt out of pull-ups, for the much easier push-ups. Now to be fair, they have put in an incentive that you can’t gain a max score unless you choose pull-ups, but that’s on the high end. The more important part of any test is what the minimum standard is, as not many people will ever achieve the max score, never did and never will.
It just may be the old Master Gunny in me, but my thoughts on this are simple; to maintain a superior fighting force you need high physical fitness standards, that’s high minimum standards. If you do some fancy adjustments to make things look better, but in the end you make it easier for those on the lower end to pass, it’s just a lowering of standards, to me it’s just that simple.
Recently I took a class of International Students up to MCB Quantico, VA for a tour of the base and several of the training units there. TBS, OCS, SNCOA and the Martial Arts Center. My students were impressed by everything they saw, (Especially the Marines themselves). As were leaving the Martial Arts Center there was some discussion about fitness standards and one (older) student made a remark that he didn’t think that it was fair that we would expect older Marines to maintain a high fitness standard, as they wouldn’t be able to do it? As we were passing a set of pull-up bars, I felt I needed to make a point about standards.
I took off my suit coat and challenged the group to a pull-up contest right there (in the 90 degree heat). When it what was over, the score was; old Marine in the tie – 18, next best student; Nigeria – 16. The point was this, either you can do it, or you can’t. If you can’t, then you don’t make the team and age or gender isn’t an excuse, sorry.
This week I’m off to climb some mountains on some well earned leave. Till next month, be safe always, good when you can.
Semper Fi
MGunz
Gunfighter Moment – Larry Vickers
July 23rd, 2016
After a brief hiatus, we are pleased to announce that Gunfighter Moment is back, with a new sponsor, Bravo Company USA. It’s a great fit, and an excellent group of guys.
I get questions all the time from students asking if they should run a red dot sight or a variable power optic on their carbine. My answer is simple; how do you expect to use the rifle in the real world? If you honestly believe any realistic shot will be within 100 meters then a good red dot sight will most likely do fine. If you expect to take shots beyond 100 meters and those shots are morally and legally justifiable then a 1-4 or 1-6 magnified optic has real merit. On my primary BCM training carbine I use an Aimpoint Micro instead of a magnified optic. I have BCM rifles setup with variable power optics but I have weighed the pros and cons and for me a red dot makes more sense. Give this topic serious thought before you decide which direction to go in. As always be safe and see you at the range!
Larry Vickers
Vickers Tactical Inc.
Host of TacTV
Larry Vickers of Vickers Tactical is a retired US Army 1st SFOD-Delta combat veteran with years of experience in the firearms industry as a combat marksmanship instructor and industry consultant. In recent years he has hosted tactical firearms related TV shows on the Sportsman Channel with the latest being TacTV of which Bravo Company is a presenting sponsor. Larry Vickers special operations background is one of the most unique in the industry today; he has been directly or indirectly involved in the some of the most significant special operations missions of the last quarter century. During Operation Just Cause he participated in Operation Acid Gambit – the rescue of Kurt Muse from Modelo Prison in Panama City, Panama. As a tactics and marksmanship instructor on active duty he helped train special operations personnel that later captured Saddam Hussein and eliminated his sons Uday and Qusay Hussein. In addition he was directly involved in the design and development of the HK416 for Tier One SOF use which was used by Naval Special Warfare personnel to kill Osama Bin Laden. Larry Vickers has developed various small arms accessories with the most notable being his signature sling manufactured by Blue Force Gear and Glock accessories made by Tangodown. In addition he has maintained strong relationships with premium companies within the tactical firearms industry such as BCM, Aimpoint, Black Hills Ammunition, Wilson Combat and Schmidt & Bender.
With over 300,000 subscribers, his Youtube channel features a new firearms video every Friday.
Larry Vickers travels the country conducting combat marksmanship classes for law abiding civilians, law enforcement and military and works with Aztec Training Services to coordinate classes to best meet the needs of the students attending the class.
Gunfighter Moment is a weekly feature brought to you by Bravo Company USA. Bravo Company is home of the Gunfighters, and each week they bring us a different trainer to offer some words of wisdom.
Ray Dennis Group Acquires Horus Vision
July 23rd, 2016Lewiston, ID – 07/19/2016 – The Ray Dennis Group of Companies today announces that it has acquired the business of Horus Vision. Dr. Dennis is delighted to add the legendary product offerings of the Horus Vision portfolio under a new business known as Horus Vision Reticle Technologies. This company joins his Group of Companies also encompassing Nightforce Optics, Lightforce Performance Lighting, Ace Precision Rifle Systems, ForceOutdoors and Paroo Pastoral Company.
“The addition of Horus Visions’ technical achievements and revolutionary reticle patterns to our portfolio of companies opens up a new level of opportunity in the development of advanced ballistic programming” said Dr. Dennis. “The acquisition comes at an exciting time for the group and we look forward to the future global opportunities offered by this acquisition” added Group General Manager Monika Leniger-Sherratt. The Ray Dennis Group continues to innovate and deliver high quality precision products serving the military, government, law enforcement, competition, hunting and sporting markets.
Yankee Air Pirates
July 23rd, 2016
Prometheus Design Werx – S.H.A.D.O. Pack 28L
July 22nd, 2016
Prometheus Design Werx has been launching some launching some great products but they’ve outdone themselves this time. The S.H.A.D.O. (S.uspension H.aul A.ccess D.urable O.rganize) Pack is a 28l panel loader.
Constructed of 500D Cordura, the pack features a Hi-visibility orange 70D nylon ripstop liner to allow for easy visualization into the pack in any lighting condition. This lining can also serve as an emergency signaling option in emergency situations.
The pack features an industry first, two fully zippered clamshell opening panels into the two primary compartments that allow for unobstructed access into the pack.
The primary compartment of the pack features a top exterior zippered accessory pocket, an interior full length zippered mesh pocket, and a multi use padded laptop divider/bladder pocket with clip (padded pocket insulates bladder from a user’s body) to ensure total organization that can meet the changing needs of the user. The secondary full-size clamshell compartment can features a frame sheet pocket (K-Frame Sheet sold separately) and a ladder buckle mount for the optional PDW EDCO Panel. This secondary clamshell compartment allows the user to store and organize their EDC items into a dedicated area and segregated from the main compartment. These two full zip clamshell compartments are unique in their approach in an effort to deliver a seamless and uncluttered experience while loading or accessing the interior of the pack.
The refined exterior of the pack features several additional pockets and carry options such an integratable and removable optional Gear Trap beaver tail to quickly stow bulky items on the pack exterior. This beavertail style component includes a zipper pocket on the reverse that can provide quick access to many styles of tablets, maps, or notebook without entry into the main clamshell compartments of the pack. Dual, custom made 330D 90/10 nylon/elastane stretch fabric water bottle side pockets are designed to fit up to a standard 1L Nalgene bottle with additional admin organizer pockets underneath. Additional exterior details include center-line daisy loops, dual hydration ports, top and bottom carry/haul handles, cinching shock cord grid, a performance, wicking, padded back made of Dri-Lex® and a removable, adjustable 2” webbing belt with PALs overlay allow for further customization of the pack. An optional, integratable, fully padded, low profile, load bearing ToF (Trail or Fight) Belt is also available. The ToF Belt™ is a stand alone accessory, which is fully MOLLE compatible and can be used as a 1st Line or utility belt. MILSPEC elastic and Velcro One-Wrap strap keepers neaten up the appearance of the pack and ensures that the webbing cinch strap tails are policed and out of the way.
Talk about versatile; the S.H.A.D.O. Pack 28L can be used for a wide variety of adventures.
The Design and R&D Team at PDW states:
“The PDW S.H.A.D.O. Pack 28L is designed to be an extension of its user in their everyday carry needs to any number of adventures into the field and back country. With an inherent purpose-driven design this pack represents a lifelong, yet constantly evolving core design ethos and aesthetic seen throughout all of our PDW products. The DNA of S.H.A.D.O. Pack 28L is born from the classic design and engineering lineage of the core outdoor and alpine sports tradition. Fused with modern capability, ergonomics, practical usability, and ruggedized materials this day pack delivers intelligent and carefully considered versatile performance for today’s discerning user. The S.H.A.D.O. Pack 28L is designed and built for those whose have chosen to live a life less ordinary and require a class of products that speaks to that calling. From the spontaneous wilderness overnighter, an urban weekend of food trucking in a new city, exploring ancient ruins in a distant land, skinning up and carving down a hidden backcountry bowl, to confidently carrying your EDC essentials to and from work or the range. This day pack is as adventurous and versatile as you want to be.”
PDW will also offer accessories such as the PDW Gear Trap, the ToF (Trail or Fight) Belt, K-Frame Sheet, and an array of MOLLE compatible pouches, hook & loop 6×6 Tiles.
Designed and made in the USA.
Combat Flip Flops – The Amputee Retrofit Strap
July 22nd, 2016The Amputee Retrofit Strap (ARS) is a new product from Combat Flip Flops, an accessory strap which secures their new Floperator model flip flop to a prosthetic leg. It was manufactured in association with Tactical Tailor, and is intended to give Veteran amputees the ability to wear the Floperator model flip flops.
Currently, the Amptee Retrofit Strap is available as a free accessory with the Floperator. No word yet on whether the ARS will be offered as a stand-alone product, but stay tuned for further news.
www.combatflipflops.com/products/the-floperator
Morgan Advanced Materials – LASA Ballistic Shield
July 22nd, 2016Morgan Advanced Materials, a global leader in the field of materials and advanced lightweight ballistic shield systems technologies, has launched a new range of high-specification ballistic shields as part of its Lightweight Armored Soldier Architecture (LASA) range.
Complementing Morgan’s existing range of hybrid composite helmets and ballistic inserts, LASA Ballistic Shields deliver outstanding multi-hit protective performance despite weighing 20% less than existing in-service solutions, at a thickness of just16mm (0.6inch).
Utilizing Morgan’s world-leading ballistics expertise and pioneering research and development into composite materials, the LASA ballistic shields offer protection to NIJ 0101.06 Level III and the following special threats: 7.62 x 51mm 149gr M80 FMJ; 5.56 x 45mm 55gr Ball (M193); and 7.62 x 39mm 123gr PS Ball (Mild Steel Core).
Available in four standard sizes to suit a broad spectrum of operational requirements in both military and law enforcement situations, designs can also be customized to meet specific customer needs, as required.
Smaller variants in the range have been specially designed to offer full mobility to end users, enabling the user to move at speed while remaining protected. The larger variants are available for environments where a more comprehensive level of protection is required.
Duncan Eldridge, President of Morgan Advanced Materials – Composites & Defense Systems, commented: “Our goal with the LASA range is to provide a range of solutions which offer proven, premium protection at the lowest possible weight, for both military and law enforcement applications. Lower weight means greater mobility and reduced fatigue – a key benefit for those operating on the front line. Our world-leading expertise in composite research and development for ballistics, coupled with extensive testing, enables us to meet the varied needs of elite military and law enforcement personnel around the world.”
For further information please visit: www.morgandefencesystems.com/LASA-shields
