Aquaterro

SOTech To Launch New Versions Of Viper Flat IFAK

December 14th, 2015

 

SOTECH will be debuting new versions of its Viper Flat IFAK with new belt configurations and a Hypalon version. The popular lower back sleeve IFAK carrier has been adopted by US SOF units and international SOF units, as well as a federal law enforcement agency. SOTECH will also display the Speed Clip Patrol Officer IFAK and Patrol Speed Clip Belt Tourniquet Carrier that was just selected as standard issue to LA Sheriffs Department. SOTECH will display its SOF Medical Equipment Set, the official issue medical nylon gear for Special Forces Medics (18D). SOMA will take place in San Marcos, Texas on December 15 and 16 this year.

5th Group Is Bringing Back The Viet Nam-Era Flash

December 14th, 2015

In March, 2016 the US Army’s 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) will hold a ceremony at their home on Fort Campbell, Kentucky to formally transition their beret flash from the current Black version to a type initially adopted during the Viet Nam war. The flash they will begin using again features a Yellow Band with three Scarlet Bands. The 5th Group Flash has always featured a Black background, going back to 1961 when the unit was stood up. In 1962 a White border was added and remains today. In 1964 the flash was redesigned, adding the bands. In December 1984, 5th Group commander COL Jim Guest, requested the Group revert to the older variant in order to disassociate the unit with Viet Nam. Specifically, Guest wrote, “The colors of a foreign flag should not be incorporated into a US Army beret flash.” In his request he went on, “The Republic of Viet Nam and the original purpose for having the Vietnamese colors in the flash no longer exist.” That request was approved on 16 January, 1985 by the Director, Institute of Heradlry although I recall still seeing 5th Group members wearing the “Viet Nam” flash into 1987 while TDY away from Fort Bragg.

 

While the official story is that these Yellow and Red affectations represent the 1st and 7th Groups which provided augmentation to 5th Group in Viet Nam, it’s impossible to deny that these colors are also from the flag of the Republic of Viet Nam. Isn’t it odd that the color bands perfectly replicate the RVN flag? If they were simply meant to honor the other groups, as in the case of the 3rd Group flash, wouldn’t there just be two stripes?

Naturally, like the decision that switched the flash during the mid-1980s, the move back is not popular with everyone. Reportedly, some Veterans of the “Legion” as it is known, don’t feel a connection to the Group’s Viet Nam roots and have questioned the change. The same thing probably came up in 1964 when they added the bands to the Black flash. No doubt, we’ll see 5th Group members continuing to wear the “war on terror” flash for many years to come.

U.S. Tactical Supply – 2016 Catalog

December 14th, 2015

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Click to view .pdf

U.S. Tactical Supply has just released the digital version of their 2016 catalog. You can download it for free by clicking the above image, or the link below. The hard copy will start mailing out in about 2 weeks.

ustacticalsupply.com/usts_catalog

S&S Precision Maker Monday – LiftR Series Modular Flotation

December 14th, 2015

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The LiftR is intended to be used in surface and subsurface operations, it is attached to existing combat equipment by slipping it on and over the shoulder straps and cummerbund of the operator’s plate carrier.

The LiftR is self-packing and modular to fit most brand’s plate carriers, while providing the appropriate amount of lift necessary to bring a diver/swimmer to the surface and float them in a face-up orientation.

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www.sandsprecision.com

This Is A Proper Short Length

December 14th, 2015

We’ve often debated the perfect length for shorts here in SSD. I’d say, these are just right.

 

New .30 Caliber Suppressors From SureFire

December 13th, 2015

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The Genesis 762 is the first in the new SureFire Genesis series of sound suppressors. SureFire claims the Genesis is the quietest .30 cal thread-on suppressor ever built, with a listed sound report as low as 120 dB (when used with .300 BLK subsonic ammunition). It is constructed of stainless steel and Inconel, and features a front hex-head design, which allows for installation & removal even when mounted under an encompassing handguard. The Genesis 762 is designed for use with .300 BLK, .308, and 300 Win Mag, but also works well with 5.56mm.

Available in Black and Flat Dark Earth.

www.surefire.com/genesis-762

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SureFire’s SOCOM300 SPS Fast-Attach suppressor is, according to SureFire, capable of a sound report as low as 120 dB with the use of .300 BLK Subsonic ammunition. The SOCOM300 SPS is manufactured from Stainless Steel and Inconel, and features highly-specialized v-shaped baffles. Designed for use with .300 BLK subsonic and supersonic ammo, and is also effective for use with .308. 300 Win Mag, and 5.56mm.

www.surefire.com/socom300-sps-2

Serious Question – Infantrist?

December 13th, 2015

In light of DoD’s decision to open every career field to women, how will we transform former male-only jobs like Infantryman into gender neutral titles? Canada has had female Combat Arms personnel for years.  They refer to theirs as Infantry Soldiers.  On the other hand, the Australian Army still refers to their Infantry as Riflemen despite the integration of a handful of females.  In both cases, females have preferred Armor, Artillery and Engineer fields over the Infantry.  

  

Captain Anne Pham is an Artillery Officer in the Canadian Armed Forces (Photo: DND)

Talk amongst yourselves.

Magpul CORE Blog

December 13th, 2015

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The mission of Magpul CORE is “to project the founding principles of Magpul Industries Corporation to the customer, and to be the nexus of design and employment when developing new products.” To this end, Magpul has established the Magpul CORE blog, which is designed to inform readers about the various products and happenings through which Magpul continues to embody the CORE mission.

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Gear: Hard use and real feedback. Critical evaluation of the details drives constant improvement.

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Adventure: The good, bad, and ugly moments of life away from the comforts of home.

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Fitness: Fitness is a vital and often ignored part of all things related to life. Whether you’re a military or law enforcement professional, firearms enthusiast, hunter, or a concerned citizen you’ll find information on optimizing physical performance.

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Event and Competition Coverage: Challenging skills, equipment, and people in a realistic environment, competition is the proving ground for readiness.

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The first post will cover the 2015 Recon Challenge. Read about a group of elite Marines who test themselves mentally and physically in honor of their fallen comrades.

Expect weekly articles covering a broad range of topics spanning across the four different categories. Visit www.magpul.com/propaganda